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No Plan, No Problem: How to Switch Careers and Still Succeed
Manage episode 480016400 series 3402064
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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 island
- Nicola’s bold career pivots — and what she’s learned from each one
- How she landed a management role with zero prior experience in the industry
- Island-life perks (and quirks): from Navy boat rides to surprise royal visits
- The truth about imposter syndrome, leading a 17-person team, and learning to switch off
It’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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Chapters
1. Introduction to Work it Like A Mum (00:00:00)
2. Life on the Orkney Islands (00:01:54)
3. Nicola's Varied Career Journey (00:05:56)
4. Starting at Juicen During Lockdown (00:09:52)
5. Branch Manager's Day-to-Day Role (00:15:16)
6. Why Juicen is a Great Employer (00:23:16)
7. Career Advice and Episode Closing (00:29:47)
140 episodes
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