No Plan, No Problem: How to Switch Careers and Still Succeed
In this episode of Work It Like a Mum, I’m joined by Nicola Stevenson, Branch Manager at Jewson Orkney. Her career path is anything but traditional — from banking, to whisky distilling, to running a builders’ merchant — all while raising a family in the remote but stunning Orkney Islands.
We chat about:
What it’s really like to live and work on a remote Scottish islandNicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each oneHow she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industryIsland-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visitsThe truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch offIt’s a refreshingly honest chat about figuring it out as you go, backing yourself, and saying “yes” — even when you're not 100% sure how it’ll pan out.
Key Takeaways:
🚀 You don’t need a plan — just the guts to say yes and figure it out.
🌴 Island life is magical and messy — close-knit, remote, and full of surprises.
💬 Imposter syndrome? Totally normal. Feel it, but don’t let it stop you.
🤝 Lead by doing. Get stuck in, stay hands-on, and back your team.
🌿 Switching off is a skill. Sometimes you need to physically leave to truly rest.
If you’ve ever thought about changing careers, chasing a slower pace of life, or wondered whether you’re just winging it — this one’s for you.
Show Links:
Connect with Nicola on LinkedIn here
Connect with our host, Elizabeth Willetts here
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Work It Like A Mum
How do I know if I'm ready to return to work after maternity leave? Can I *really* make all the pick-ups, drop-offs AND get to work on time? Am I ready for that promotion? How do I balance managing a large team and demanding kids? Is now the right time to start my own business? Can I flourish in a part-time job? And the biggest question of all, can I *really* have it all? Whether you're returning to work after your first maternity leave or juggling a high-flying career with teenagers that won't do their homework, this is the show for you.Work It Like A Mum is a new podcast giving you a weekly dose of inspiration, confidence, and step-by-step tips (plus lots of comradery) to help you flourish in your career after kids. Hosted by the Founder of Investing in Women, Elizabeth Willetts, we chat with remarkable women redefining our working world. They'll share their secrets on how they've achieved extraordinary things after children, set boundaries and balance, challenges they've faced (and how they've overcome them) to define their own versions of success. Every episode is brimming with ideas, tools, hints and tips you can put straight into practice so you, too, can have a career you adore. We cover it all - with raw honesty and a few laughs to ensure you are seen, heard, promoted and hired - whilst keeping your sanity at home! Listen now to get all the inspiration you need to Work It Like A Mum.
- No. of episodes: 141
- Latest episode: 2025-05-08
- Business Kids & Family Careers Parenting
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