In this episode, Donna interviews Catherine Wasley, a former orthoptist who transitioned into childminding and now works as a holistic infant sleep coach. Catherine shares her journey from her early days in the NHS, where she specialised in eye health, to navigating the challenges of balancing work and family life after having children. She discusses the limitations she faced in the NHS, including budget constraints and the need for flexibility, which ultimately led her to leave her orthoptic career.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• After working as an orthoptist for several years, the decision to leave the NHS was influenced by the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly after having children. The lack of flexibility in scheduling and the demands of the job made it difficult to manage childcare responsibilities.

• Transitioning to childminding provided a fulfilling and flexible career that allowed for better work-life balance. The experience of caring for children and the support from a local network of childminders helped develop a passion for this line of work.

• The idea of providing childcare services at weddings emerged from personal experiences. This business model aimed to create a fun and engaging environment for children while allowing parents to enjoy the event, highlighting the importance of tailored activities based on children's interests.

• The current focus is on providing holistic infant sleep coaching, which emphasises understanding the root causes of sleep issues rather than traditional sleep training methods. This approach aims to reassure parents and normalise their experiences while offering practical solutions.

• There are plans to expand the business into the online space, including the development of a membership program that will provide resources and support for parents navigating the early years of child-rearing. This initiative aims to make expert advice more accessible and affordable for families.

BEST MOMENTS

"An orthoptist quite often might be the first person to actually go, hang on a minute, there's something else going on here."

"I think being a childminder just opened my eyes to the flexibility of life and how you can have more children and still earn an income."

"I wanted to get the right program, the right training for me. And so I trained as a holistic infant sleep coach."

"It's one of those things, so many people desire having a family, and obviously, when the baby arrives, the reality and that dream, there's often a bit of a mismatch."

"I do wonder whether I would have had four children if I had stayed in the NHS."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Sharon Birch, a former police officer with a rich history in public service. Sharon shares her journey from growing up in Hartlepool to joining the Metropolitan Police in London during the 1980s, where she faced the challenges of being one of the few female officers at the time. She discusses her experiences in various roles, including her work in domestic violence and child protection units, and reflects on the cultural changes within the police force over the years. After a medical retirement due to health issues, Sharon transitioned into running a children's nursery and eventually pursued her passion for writing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sharon Birch grew up in Hartlepool and was influenced by her family's military background, which inspired her to pursue a career in public service, specifically in the police force.

• Joining the police in the mid-1980s, Sharon faced a male-dominated environment with limited female representation. She navigated challenges such as sexism and the expectation to perform certain tasks based on her gender, but she found fulfilment in her work and developed resilience.

• Sharon's career in the police progressed from working in the East End of London to the West End, where she took on roles in crime squads and child protection units. She played a pivotal role in establishing the first domestic violence unit in the Metropolitan Police.

• After medically retiring from the police due to health issues, Sharon pursued her passion for writing. She began by writing short stories and eventually published books under pseudonyms, including "Confessions of an Undercover Cop" and novels like "She's Not There" and "Mamon."

• Sharon is actively working on new writing projects, including a collection of criminal poetry set to be published. She aims to secure a literary agent to help her navigate the publishing landscape and potentially adapt her stories for television.

BEST MOMENTS

"I loved my job. Absolutely loved it. And it was very much sink or swim. There weren't very many women when I joined."

"I think it is in everybody to be a criminal. We can all teeter on that balance and it's in with everybody."

"I didn't want to do business, didn't want to employ anybody. Anyway, long story short, I obviously did it."

"You mentioned Enid Blyton, which is obviously sort of mystery stories. So tell us about your writing career."

"I didn't like the title Undercover Cop because all of us worked in plainclothes... But it wasn't written for cops. It's written just for the general public to read."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Liz Sharpe, a former public servant with extensive experience in mental health and community services. Liz shares her journey from growing up in Essex and studying psychology to becoming a support worker and eventually a counsellor and hypnotherapist. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, including the impact of personal loss on her decision to transition to private practice with her business, Live Your Life Therapies.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Liz has had a long-standing fascination with psychology, which began in her childhood and influenced her career path, leading her to work in mental health and community services.

• Her initial experience as a volunteer with community services provided her with a strong foundation in understanding and supporting individuals with various mental health challenges.

• After years in the public sector, Liz transitioned to self-employment, driven by a desire to escape bureaucracy and focus on providing personalised therapy through her business, Live Your Life Therapies.

• Liz specialises in helping individuals dealing with heart disease and addiction, recognising the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany these health issues.

• There is an increasing openness in society regarding mental health discussions, particularly among younger generations, which is expected to lead to a greater demand for counselling and therapeutic services in the future.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think back to sort of early days of mental health, there's always the watching somebody recover and move into independent living."

"Life is too short for a commute. Life is too short to be stuck in an office. I wanted to make different choices."

"People generally do have a reason for the drink to be in their hand. Bereavement or stress or work pressures can all come into a reason why somebody picks up a drink."

"The most important thing for anybody with any sort of illness is: how they can integrate into their social circumstances and not allow that illness to prevent them from living a good life."

"I think the days of people needing to be in therapy on a couch for many, many years, I don't think that's what it's like."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Merrisha Gordon, a leadership coach with a rich background in the NHS. Merrisha shares her inspiring journey from growing up in inner-city Birmingham to navigating her way through a challenging career in healthcare management. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her, including her experiences with workplace bullying, the pressures of leadership, and her eventual transition into coaching.

www.merrishagordoncoaching.com

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The journey from aspiring doctor to a successful leadership coach highlights the importance of adaptability and the willingness to pursue new paths, even when initial plans do not materialise.

• Building strong relationships and seeking mentorship can significantly impact career progression, as demonstrated by the early support received from a manager that led to rapid advancement in the NHS.

• Experiencing workplace bullying underscored the need for a supportive and respectful work environment. Confronting toxic behaviour and advocating for oneself can lead to empowerment and positive change.

• The transition to motherhood and the challenges of managing a demanding career during the pandemic emphasised the importance of self-care and the need to reassess priorities in life.

• The shift from a secure job in the NHS to a coaching business illustrates the significance of following one's passion and the fulfilment that comes from helping others, reinforcing the idea that it’s never too late to change direction and seek joy in work.

BEST MOMENTS

"I knew that I wanted more. I wasn't sure what more looked like, but I knew that I absolutely wanted more."

"I was working ridiculous hours. I had a lot to prove because there were lots of people around me that didn't think I could do the job."

"I confronted them individually. It was incredibly empowering, because actually speaking to them one-on-one, I didn't have this collective of consultants."

"There are a proportion of individuals in their public service roles who are stuck, looking for something different."

"I want to just remind people it doesn't have to be this way. We can have a life of joy, regardless of where you have started."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Kevin Poneskis, a former military serviceman turned successful property investor and entrepreneur. Kevin shares his journey from a military background, inspired by his father's legacy, to building a thriving property portfolio while serving in the army. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian life, the importance of core values such as family and financial freedom, and the lessons learned from his experiences in both realms.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kevin's desire to join the military was heavily influenced by his father's military background, highlighting how parental figures can shape career choices and aspirations.

• The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging, as the military environment is structured and disciplined, while civilian life often lacks that same level of support and routine.

• Kevin emphasises the importance of having a positive mindset about money, viewing it as a tool for good rather than a source of evil. He advocates for creating passive income through property investment to achieve financial freedom.

• Investing in training and mentorship is crucial for success in property investment. Kevin shares his own experiences of learning from both good and bad mentors, underscoring the need to choose reputable sources for guidance.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think being able to create income from property allows you to do what you want, when you want, with whom you want."

"There's a right way to do property and a wrong way to do property."

"I do feel that the Taliban were normally very uneducated people who were just brainwashed themselves."

"If you want to be a skint, miserable bastard, take advice from one."

"I think we get indoctrinated from birth to have a negative mindset around money."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

In this inspiring episode, Donna interviews Kathleen Cameron, a former nurse turned seven-figure mentor and coach. Kathleen shares her transformative journey from a demanding healthcare administration role to a thriving career in coaching and manifestation. She discusses the emotional challenges faced during her nursing career, the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for helping others, and the powerful impact of mindset and manifestation in her life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Transitioning from a public service role, such as nursing, can lead to fulfilling and impactful careers outside traditional paths. The journey can be magical and transformative, as demonstrated by the shift from nursing to coaching and mentoring.

• The emotional and empathetic experiences gained from nursing can shape one's passion for helping others. The skills and insights developed in healthcare can be leveraged to create a broader impact in different fields, such as coaching and personal development.

• Believing in the power of manifestation can lead to significant life changes. Small manifestations, like a simple coffee request, can build confidence and reinforce the belief in one's ability to create desired outcomes.

• Moving between a human lens (focused on limitations and external circumstances) and a higher spiritual perspective (focused on possibilities and creation) can enhance creativity and overcome doubts. This shift allows for a more empowered approach to challenges and aspirations.

• Elevating individual consciousness contributes to a greater collective consciousness. By fostering love, peace, and joy within oneself, individuals can create a ripple effect that positively impacts society, reducing conflict and promoting harmony.

BEST MOMENTS

"I believe that what I do keeps people from needing direct nursing care. I believe that the work I do keeps people healthy, wealthy, and over all it keeps people younger and more energetic."

"I now believe on purpose that this is the most impactful work that will ever be done in this world and that it is even more important than direct nursing care."

"A lot of people feel guilty leaving that [public service role]."

"When I started thinking from the idea of having the world's most successful people, I wanted to hear from them. Let's hear from them these real-life stories that we look up to and trust."

"It's the dreamers that change the world. It's the ones that are willing to think outside of the box, to think bigger."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

Today, Donna interviews Kathryn Dunn, a former civil servant with 15 years of experience at the Electoral Commission. Kathryn shares her journey from supporting electoral administrators to becoming a cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist after taking on the role of caregiver for her mother. She discusses the challenges she faced in her previous role, including the complexities of electoral legislation and the importance of making electoral services accessible to the public.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kathryn worked for 15 years in the civil service, specifically with the Electoral Commission, where she supported electoral administrators and provided guidance on electoral law.

• A significant challenge in her role was the interpretation of electoral legislation, which often varied among individuals. Additionally, making electoral services accessible to the public, especially to harder-to-reach groups, was a key concern.

• After becoming a carer for her mother, Kathryn transitioned from her public service role to training as a cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist, driven by a desire for a career that could accommodate her caregiving responsibilities.

• Hypnotherapy can address a wide range of issues, including phobias, anxiety, stress, confidence, and habits like nail-biting or smoking. Kathryn emphasises the importance of assessing clients to determine the appropriate approach.

• The hypnotherapy process begins with an assessment to understand the client's issues and may include homework assignments. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, with some clients requiring only a few sessions while others may need more extensive work to address layered experiences.

BEST MOMENTS

"I worked for the Electoral Commission and my job was to support electoral administrators in running their elections."

"Electoral legislation is very archaic in a lot of ways, because it's been developed over time."

"I decided to try training to be a cognitive behavioral hypnotherapist, because a friend of mine said, oh, you've got the voice for it."

"It's great because you can get change to happen really quickly."

"There are lots and lots of alternative therapies out there, but hypnosis has really started to grow, hasn't it, in terms of popularity?"

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

Donna takes a closer look at the recurring patterns in the experiences of public service workers in this episode. She explores the motivations that draw individuals to public service roles, such as the desire to make a difference and contribute to society, as well as the job security and development opportunities often associated with these positions. However, Donna also addresses the challenges faced by public servants, including low morale due to stagnant pay, increasing workloads, and negative media portrayals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many individuals are drawn to public service roles due to a desire to make a difference and contribute positively to society, often viewing their work as a vocation rather than just a job.

• Public sector positions typically offer greater job security, stability, and benefits such as pensions and holiday enhancements, which can be appealing compared to private sector roles.

• Public service workers often face issues such as pay freezes, increasing workloads, and a lack of recognition, which can lead to low morale and burnout.

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected public service workers, increasing their workloads and stress levels, while also highlighting weaknesses in support systems and mental health services.

• The pandemic prompted many individuals to reassess their priorities and consider whether their public service roles were fulfilling their needs, leading some to explore opportunities in other sectors or roles.

BEST MOMENTS

"They want to make a difference. They're drawn to public service because they want to contribute to society and improve the lives of others."

"Pay rises that haven't been in line with inflation over many, many years has resulted in a decline in living standards for these individuals."

"We have been so successful over the years at treating individuals, curing individuals and managing symptoms that people are living longer."

"The pandemic will have massive long term effects. I still think there are people that haven't been fully debriefed."

"Life is too short and if their public sector role wasn't fully giving them joy, they might have chosen to do something different."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: Donna@lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.