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In this episode, Sarah interviews Stella Bolam, who has switched from a long-term career in communications and writing to join the wonderful world of tree care and science, working in Community Forestry. Stella shares why she began reflecting on what to do with the rest of her career, how she found the courage to explore a new path, and what life has been like since she started taking the first steps.  Here’s the full list of questions that Sarah asked Stella: Why did you start reflecting on what you want to do with the rest of your career? Questions from https://twitter.com/MillyMossTweets (Milly on twitter) - What gave you the courage to make the final step out of your previous career? Was it a gentle bit by bit shift or was it a down tools and step completely into the unknown? What does your work involve as a volunteer street warden? What are the sorts of issues that you look out for? Through talking to people, what did you find out about their relationships with the trees? How would you best describe your personal connection with trees and how has that evolved over time? Is there a type of tree or woodland that you particularly like? Were there any aspects of your previous work that you found difficult to let go of? How did you find out that you were really drawn to this work? Did anything make the decision really clear in your mind? Is the certificate you’ve got an expensive course to pursue? Are you still spending a lot of time at your desk? Do you feel like it is an accessible sector for people to enter? Is there anything that you’ve learnt or experienced so far that has really amazed you? Has this change in career had an impact on other areas of your life? Do you feel like there’s been any shift in your identity? How has it felt to reconnect with your interest in trees and nature? How has it been for you to learn new skills? Have you noticed a change in your energy and motivation?  Do you feel like your work now is more meaningful? What’s the experience you can get from touching nature? Do you have a particular approach that you want to take with this new career path? Do you have an idea about when you’re going to finish your diploma? What question would you ask people that might help them get beyond the block of thinking it’s too late for a career change? How can people start to explore outside of their current world? This episode was recorded while sitting in the beautiful Bolehill Wood in Grindleford, by Sarah Lister on 14th March 2022, and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can follow Stella's journey on https://www.linkedin.com/in/stellabolam/ (LinkedIn), https://www.instagram.com/cosmosoftrees/ (Instagram), and https://twitter.com/cosmosoftrees (Twitter). Read her https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-i-chose-arboriculture-career-stella-bolam-copywriting-services/ (article): 'Why I chose arboriculture as a career' which was submitted to the Arboricultural Association's Student Book Prize Award 2021 and won first place in the written category in March 2021.  References https://www.trees.org.uk/ (Arboricultural Association) https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/people/view/81120-boddy-lynne (Professor Lynne Boddy) - Professor of Fungal Ecology at Cardiff University UK https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/home (Sheffield City Council) https://www.amey.co.uk/ (Amey) https://friendsofecclesallwoods.org.uk/ (Ecclesall Woods) https://www.visitsherwood.co.uk/ (Sherwood Forest) https://thefoodworks.org/ (Foodworks) https://sheffood.org.uk/ (Sheffield Food Partnership) About The Adventure has a https://www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure (patreon community) where you can support this podcast and receive support with your own career change through a Facebook group and outdoor events in the Peak District. Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's...

In this episode, Sarah interviews her friend Jon Hyde about his leather goods business based in Sheffield. Prior to this he was a photographer and ran a queer film programme at a cinema in Brighton. Jon shares why he started making leather goods, how earlier aspects of his life and career have played a part in running his business, and what it's been like moving up north. He also talks about his love of nature and learning about geography, and some of the challenges that he has faced throughout his life. Please note that he briefly talks about death and grief. Here’s the full list of questions that Sarah asked Jon: Why did you start making things from leather? How do you get through the challenges of picking up a new craft? How have you learned this craft? Do you think it requires a certain level of patience? How long did it take you to start selling your goods? Have you had customers from all over the world? What’s the process that you go through from designing to selling a product? Do you have help with any parts of the business? What lifestyle does this work facilitate for you? How did you arrive at the point where you feel comfortable with what you’re earning? Do you feel like you value money in a different way now? Where do you think that your love of the outdoors is rooted? What prompted you to move to Sheffield? How has it been moving into a new city and away from a place where you had friends and you felt quite established? What’s gone on behind the scenes? Why do you think it can feel so hard to step out of societal norms and pressures? Do you have particular values that you stand by and hold close within your business as well? What question would you ask someone who is thinking about designing, making, and selling their craft, but they are perhaps feeling overwhelmed by all the different aspects of setting up a small business? This episode was recorded while sitting on a hillside of Kinder Scout in Edale, by Sarah Lister on 16th December 2021, and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can visit Jon's website https://www.hydewares.com/ (Hyde Wares), visit his https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HydeWares (Etsy shop), and follow him on https://www.instagram.com/hydewares/ (Instagram). Find out more about his work in this beautiful short https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRq555tKAoU (documentary) by Sam Binstead which celebrates small makers. Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's https://abouttheadventure.substack.com/ (newsletter) to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions. If you enjoy my podcast I'd really appreciate it if you could please write a quick review on https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/about-the-adventure/id1518310347 (Apple podcasts) or https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/about-the-adventure-1270952 (Podchaser), this will help more people to find the show. Podcast music is by https://www.tsarzi.com/ (Tsarzi) and artwork by https://tiffanyfrancisbaker.com/ (Tiffany-Francis Baker). Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Sarah interviews Karen Weir, who changed career from working as a management consultant in London to becoming a running and triathlon coach and personal trainer. Karen shares how running has made a difference to her life, why her approach to work hasn’t changed since she left her job in London, what learning curves she has noted along the way, and about her involvement with parkrun and RunWell. She also tells us about how her Masters in Coaching Science is going, the proposed topic for her dissertation, and about the transition from city life to living in the Peak District. Here’s the full list of questions that Sarah asked Karen: How has running made a difference to your life? What transformations do you see in the people that you coach and train? How has your approach to work changed since you left your job in London? What do you think have been the biggest learning curves for you since you started offering your coaching and training services? Where did you discover your passion for running? How do you separate your own training and running from working with other people? What’s your experience of being involved with Park Run? Why did you set up RunWell and what’s your involvement with it now? Where do you hope that your Masters in Coaching Science will lead? What are you enjoying and finding challenging about the course? Do you feel a sense of adventure living here in the Peak District? How would you approach working with somebody who wants to run but worries it’s too late in life to make a start? What question would you ask someone who is thinking about a career change into sport coaching or training? This episode was recorded at The Bothy, https://cargocollective.com/cafeadventure (Cafe Adventure) in Hope by Sarah Lister on 26th August 2021 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can visit Karen’s https://www.runwithkaren.com/ (website) and follow her on https://www.facebook.com/runwithkaren (Facebook), https://www.instagram.com/runwithkaren/ (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/runwithkaren (Twitter). References during this episode include: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ (Parkrun) https://www.runwellfeelwell.com/ (RunWell Club) About The Adventure has ahttps://www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure ( patreon community) where you can support this podcast and receive support with your own career change. By getting involved with the community you can put forward your own questions for guests, suggest the types of work that you'd like to hear more about, and get invited to events. With your contributions I can make episodes more regularly and create a community that focuses on values, creativity and connection as a more inspiring approach to career change. I hope to see you there! Visithttps://www.abouttheadventure.com/ ( About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's https://abouttheadventure.substack.com/ (newsletter) to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions. If you enjoy my podcast I'd really appreciate it if you could please write a quick review onhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/about-the-adventure/id1518310347 ( Apple podcasts) orhttps://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/about-the-adventure-1270952 ( Podchaser), this will help more people to find the show. Podcast music is byhttps://www.tsarzi.com/ ( Tsarzi) and artwork byhttps://tiffanyfrancisbaker.com/ ( Tiffany-Francis Baker). Thanks for listening!

“If I ever feel overwhelmed by the world, I do this thing where I just zoom out.” In this episode, Sarah interviews Rachael Shaw, a self-employed Business Consultant who previously worked in a high level job in the travel industry. Rachael shares the personal experiences that led towards her career change, how working with a coach helped, why running has an important role in her life, what things have changed since she left her full-time job, and how she enjoys spending time in nature. Here is the full list of questions that Sarah asked Rachael: What personal experiences led you towards your career change? How did you start to open up other options for yourself? What was it that made you go towards the business consultancy work rather than pursuing the trail running coach route? What approaches did you try when you started looking for a new job and did any of these work for you? How has coaching helped you along the way? How did you come across the coach that you worked with? Are there any tools or experiences that you took away from your experience of being coached? Why does business consultancy appeal to you? Is there anything that you’ve brought from your previous work working in the travel industry into the self-employed work that you’re doing now? Is it mainly small businesses and startups that you want to work with? How did you discover your values and match these up with the work that you do now? How have things changed since you left your job? Why do you think it was that you were so focused on work? Do you think you lost any parts of yourself while working in the travel industry? How do people you work with usually discover you?  Have there been any resources that have helped you to create your business and to guide you on how much to charge? Is there anything that you’ve struggled to adjust to? Why do you think it’s so hard for people to give themselves the permission to have a bit more freedom with how they spend their time? How have your family, friends and husband responded to your career change? Where would you like your work and lifestyle to move towards from here? How did you get into trailrunning? What are you like when you’re out running compared to when you’re sitting in front of your laptop? What do you think it was that gave you the motivation to start running? How do you enjoy spending time in nature, and why is this important to you? Do you think that there is anything that stops people from spending more time outside? What powerful question would you ask somebody who is thinking about changing their career, but concerned about leaving a secure and well-regarded position - that might help them in taking a step towards a new decision? This episode was recorded outdoors in the Peak District by Sarah Lister on 26th July 2021 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. We were sat in the sunshine, with the slopes of Mam Tor towering above us and bees buzzing around us. After the interview we enjoyed a trailrun together, picked up some litter along the way, and cooled off for a quick dip in Grindsbrook. Since recording this interview, Rachael has decided to pause her consultancy work and has started a part-time job at Mind, a mental healthy charity. Mind is an organisation where she was keeping an eye on roles for around 5 years and this felt like the right place, right time, and right role for her. She still isn't quite over the burnout that she's been going through, and running a consultancy was too much too soon. You can visit Rachael's website https://rachaelshawconsulting.co.uk/ (here) and connect with her on https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-shaw-57256751/ (LinkedIn). References during this episode include: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mODY2YjJjL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz (The Little Chapters Podcast) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-sebastian-955297123/ (Rachael’s Professional Development Coach) https://www.oprah.com/app/super-soul-sunday.html

“When it’s your true passion it’s not hard to do it.” In this episode, Sarah interviews Simon Maillet, a French knifemaker in Sheffield. Before taking up his current craft, his background was in urban ecology and landscape design. Simon shares some stories about his bike trip from France to Iran, some insight into the challenges he faces with speaking English and living away from his family in France, and his thoughts on how he found what had been missing from his life. Here is the full list of questions that Sarah asked Simon: Who inspired you to take a different path? Was there a particular turning point that made you realise that you could make a change? What made you go on the cycling trip from France to Iran? How important is it to you now to travel? Do you think meeting the blacksmith had a big influence on you? What were the first steps that you took towards making significant changes? What were the other jobs you were doing in the early stages to support your craft? Do you have moments when you worry and think you need to look for other work? Have there been any bumps in the road along the way? Where did you learn your skills as a bladesmith? How have you developed your technique since you started making knives? How do you feel when you go into your workshop? What is your approach to finding locally-sourced materials? Who buys the knives that you make and are they the people that you’re aiming for? How do you sell your knives? Is photography a skill that you’ve taught yourself? Does anyone else support you with your business? What’s it like living and working in Sheffield for you? Do people take the opportunity to visit your workshop? What standard of living are you working towards? Do you still have an appetite for travel? Is there anywhere in particular that you would love to go to? Do you still feel a connection with your background in urban ecology and landscape design? How do you most like to spend your time when you’re not working? Is it important to you to take a break from thinking about your craft? What question would you like to ask our listeners, who are perhaps considering a career change into work as a craftsperson, that might help them to make a start? This episode was recorded outdoors in the Peak District by Sarah Lister on 2nd June 2021 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. There was a brief interruption when a helicopter flew right over us. We were sat in a woodland surrounded by bluebells during the interview, and then went for a walk together. During the walk he taught me how to identify some trees which was really interesting, and he gave me a wonderful gift of homemade pear jam which is absolutely delicious! You can visit Simon's website https://www.simonmaillet.com/ (here) and follow him on https://www.instagram.com/simonchefknife/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/simonchefknife (Facebook). References during this episode include: Freeman College: https://www.rmt.org/freeman/ (https://www.rmt.org/freeman/) Sheffield Knife Sharpening: https://www.sheffieldknifesharpening.com/ (https://www.sheffieldknifesharpening.com/) About The Adventure now has a https://www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure (patreon community) where you can support this podcast and receive support with your own career change. By getting involved with the community you can put forward your own questions for guests, suggest the types of work that you'd like to hear more about, and get invited to exclusive events. With your contributions I can make episodes more regularly and create a community that focuses on values, creativity and connection as a more inspiring approach to career change. I hope to see you there! Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, the podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's https://abouttheadventure.substack.com/ (newsletter) to receive episodes in your inbox,...

“The outdoors is a good analogy for business because you realise you’re capable of more than you think.” In this episode Sarah interviews Simon Stokes, a qualified Mountain Leader & Rock Climbing Instructor for his business https://www.peak-outdoor.co.uk/ (Peak Outdoor), based in the Peak District. He changed career from CEO of a fire and security company to the work he does now as an outdoor instructor. Simon also does some freelance outdoors work and volunteers with Edale Mountain Rescue. He has climbed and trekked in all mountainous areas in the UK, The Alps, Borneo & The Himalayas. Each year he leads a https://www.peak-outdoor.co.uk/torridon-adventure/ (Torridon Adventure) in Scotland which is a 5-day trip that includes walking, scrambling, and accommodation at a bunkhouse. During this episode, Sarah asks Simon: Question from Suzanne Hill: At what point did you decide to take the leap to create Peak Outdoor, and how did you combat the fear? Question from Charlotte Holroyd: How did such a radical change feel and how did you know when you were experienced enough to make the leap? What are the biggest challenges that you’ve encountered along the way? Have you made any changes to the way that you run Peak Outdoor as a result of any challenges that you’ve faced? Did you ever struggle with the change in status? Who joins your activities? What do you spend most of your time doing? How does your business stand out from others that offer similar types of activities? What is your technique when somebody is really nervous about taking part in the activities that you offer?  Is there anything new that you are learning or working towards at the moment? Which direction do you expect Peak Outdoor to move towards?  What do you think is the best way to reach people and encourage them to join your activities and courses?  How much money have you invested in learning, qualifications, and in your business since you started out? What’s valuable to you, in life and business? What do you say to people who might say that you have a lucky life? Would you say that you’re a natural leader? Question from Jennie at Intuitive Wellbeing: where did you start with courses?  Why is it important to you to spend time outdoors on trails, boulders, mountains and rocks? What question would you like to ask our listeners who are considering a career change into providing outdoor activities, but they perhaps feel overwhelmed to make a start or unsure if they can make a living from this type of work? This episode was recorded outdoors in the Peak District by Sarah Lister on 11th May 2021 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. Simon suggested Stanage Edge as our location for the interview, which was a beautiful setting. We scrambled up to a cave, and after the interview we walked to High Neb and looped back round to scramble down. It was great to experience his coaching skills first-hand during the scrambles and I really appreciated his encouragement and patience. You can visit Simon's website Peak Outdoor to see what activities he has coming up, and follow him on https://www.instagram.com/peak_outdoor/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/PeakOutdoorLtd/ (Facebook) for useful outdoors tips. References during this episode include: Mountain Training - https://www.mountain-training.org/ (https://www.mountain-training.org/) Alpkit - https://alpkit.com/ (https://alpkit.com/) Edale Mountain Rescue - https://edalemrt.co.uk/ (https://edalemrt.co.uk/) Dan McKinlay - http://www.mckinlaymountaineering.com/ (http://www.mckinlaymountaineering.com/) Mountains for the mind - https://www.mountainsforthemind.co.uk/ (https://www.mountainsforthemind.co.uk/) Graham Uney - https://www.grahamuneymountaineering.co.uk/ (https://www.grahamuneymountaineering.co.uk/) About The Adventure now has a https://www.patreon.com/abouttheadventure (patreon community) where you can support this podcast and receive support with your own...

"Different people work in different ways, but for me, I have to really inhabit that world to get the most out of it." In this episode Sarah interviews https://www.cumbriansongs.co.uk/ (Steve Wharton), a Lake District performer, presenter and media producer with a passion for his native Cumbria. Steve put himself forward as a guest on the show to tell us about why he decided to train as an early years teacher at the age of 43. You might recognise Steve’s voice from https://terryabrahamlakedistrictvideo.wordpress.com/ (Terry Abraham)’s film that was aired on the BBC “https://www.stridingedge.com/life-of-a-mountain-helvellyn-dvd-492-p.asp (A Year on Helvellyn)” which I highly recommend watching if you haven’t already, or perhaps you’ll recognise him from his collaborative podcast “https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZfmqjPiDz7Sw3qFH2cnl3 (28 Dales Later)” in which he tells fascinating stories about the landscapes and heritage of northern England. During this episode, Sarah asks Steve: Why did you decide to arrange a place on an Early Years Initial Teacher Training course? What commitment does the course involve? Has the course placement had much of an impact on your family life and creative projects? Which direction would you like to see your career move towards from this point? What sort of performing were you doing previously and can you imagine going back to that? How do you make time for your creative work as a storyteller, musician and podcast host?  What is it that inspires your creative imagination? Can you see these continuing and developing alongside your work as a teacher? How did it come about that you featured in Terry Abraham’s documentary film? What role does storytelling play in your life? What place do you think it should hold in society, and to what extent do you think this is happening at the moment? Is it a skill you are using in your teacher training course? How did you become a storyteller? How did you get your first gigs? How has your confidence developed throughout your career? Can you transfer that confidence over to your teacher training? Have there been any particularly notable challenges that you’ve come across as a performer? What changes would you like to see for performers, or for artists in general? Can you share with us some of the projects that you’re working on at the moment? Who do you want to reach and inspire through these projects? How have the places you’ve lived and travelled influenced your work? Where feels like home to you? What is important to you when choosing a place to live and work? Where do you spend time for creative thinking? What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about a change in direction with their career, but is perhaps concerned about their creative talents getting left behind? This episode was recorded online by Sarah Lister on 11th March 2021 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. Visit Steve's website: https://www.cumbriansongs.co.uk/ (Cumbrian Songs) Check out the https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/28-dales-later-exploring-northern-england/id1516759678 (28 Dales Later) and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lyre-lyre/id1511989367 (Lyre Lyre) podcasts as well as his latest https://www.cumbriansongs.co.uk/shop (album), which features songs written in 5 different countries. ​In 2021, Steve is directing At Home In The Steep Places, a biography of Maryport-born miner, climber and artist Bill Peascod. The film will feature landscapes of the English Lake District and Wollongong in Australia. This is a 28 Dales Later production for The Settlement at Castle Hill, Maryport. Visit the 28 Dales Later https://www.facebook.com/28DalesLater (Facebook) page. Follow Steve on Twitter: https://twitter.com/28Dales (@28Dales) and https://twitter.com/lakestoryteller (@lakestoryteller). Please note that this episode was recorded remotely so may sound different to other episodes. Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The...

"Having my own business has given me that massive flexibility to reimagine a working day." In this episode, Sarah interviews Charlotte Holroyd, the founder of https://www.creativewilderness.co.uk/ (Creative Wilderness), an ethical branding design agency in Greater Manchester. Charlotte provides intuitive creative design, brand identity, web design and print to independent businesses across Stockport, Cheshire, Manchester, and around the world. In addition to this she has created https://www.creativewilderness.co.uk/ethical-sustainable-branding-courses/ (The Brand Builder) online branding course for soulful business owners or designers who want to learn how to build a brand that has purpose, WOW and positive impact. Charlotte also co-hosts a monthly "https://www.instagram.com/consciousmcr/ (Conscious Entrepreneurs)" meet-up that brings people together in a small group to talk about business ideas, to share wisdom and to help each other. Charlotte has over 10 years of experience in the design industry working at big agencies on brands. Her first job was at an advertising agency after setting up an indie online zine called ‘Geeek’ which focused on Manchester culture and bought together illustrators and writers around the city. Before jumping into design she dreamed of being a musician and studied music at Paul McCartneys music school ‘The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts’. She spent a few years as a pro musician, and still loves to play the saxophone. All of Charlotte's work is guided by her values which are all about nature, calmness and an organic style. She draws inspiration from her walks, wildswims and campervan adventures. During this episode, Sarah asks Charlotte: How has setting up your own company enabled you to create more time to spend outside? Why has that become a priority in your life? How has your appreciation of nature and outdoor experiences inspired your graphic branding design agency? Has it also guided who you choose to work with? Has ethical branding and sustainability always been important to you, or was there a particular turning point? What have you noticed happens if you don’t make time to get out? What led you to create your brand builder course? What’s the journey that you take people on with your course? Can you give us an idea of what went on behind the scenes? (the highs, lows, frustrations, challenges etc) How are you reaching the people who you want to share your knowledge with? Who has helped or supported you along the way? How important do you think it is to feel part of a community when you’re freelancing or working alone from home? What steps have you taken to create a sense of community for yourself and for others? How do your Conscious Entrepreneurs meet-ups work? Reflecting back on your career, how have you found your way through some of the main challenges? Question from https://www.theintrepidcreative.co.uk/ (The Intrepid Creative): How did you attract clients to work with you when you started freelancing as a graphic designer? They also ask: Is it difficult to push away the doubts about success and financial stability and did you prepare financially prior to starting your business? How does your lifestyle now compare to your previous work experiences? Have you had any moments where you’ve thought that you can’t run your own business any more? What’s helped you to get through the difficult times? What helped your decisions towards creating a unique branding agency that is grounded in your values? Is there one thing that has really helped you to define your brand? How do you know what your values are? We have another couple of questions that have been sent in by https://jessicapoetart.com/ (Jessica Sinclair), a creative designer and illustrator. Firstly: Where do you look for clients that are in line with your values? Has there been a particular platform that you’ve found to be organic in attracting people to work with you? Secondly from Jessica:

“I have so much to learn and so many new friends to make and that’s not something I ever want to stop doing." In this episode, Sarah interviews Sam Devito - photographer, filmmaker and co-owner of Edale General Store. After six weeks of lockdown and losing a lot of pre-booked work, Sam and his partner Laurel were out on a limb and without any real purpose. They agreed they needed a project, and Edale village, where they live, needed a shop - so they decided to give it a go. By July 2020, Edale General Store opened its doors as soon as the first lockdown in England lifted. Sarah asked Sam to be a guest on the show because of the inspirational way that he adapted to his circumstances during a pandemic, and because of his approach towards taking an idea and making it happen. Sarah wanted to capture how they got everything together in such a short amount of time, who helped them along the way, and what it is that they want people to experience by entering a village shop that serves both locals and visitors. It was also a great opportunity to find out about his future career plans, and how moving from London to a Peak District village has made an impact on his perspective towards life. During the show, Sarah asks Sam: Why did you decide to open your own shop here in Edale? How did you bring your idea to life? How did you decide on your first steps & did you receive any guidance? What creative skills and experience have really helped you to make it happen? What steps do you think have been integral to your business? Who comes into your shop? What experience do you want people to have when they enter? Has it worked out how you imagined it to be? How do you integrate your values into your business? Who has helped you along the way? What are you working towards at the moment? What’s the most challenging aspect of your work? When do you stop to take a break? What do you notice happens if you don’t take time out? Does it impact other areas of your life as well as work? Why do you care about your work so much that you dedicate so much time and energy towards it?  Which direction would you most like your career to move towards from here? How has your perspective on life changed since you moved to Edale from London? What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about trying out a new project during this pandemic, but have concerns about going off-track from their longer-term career? This episode was recorded outdoors by Sarah Lister in the Peak District on 19th November 2020 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can see some of Sam's photography and short films on his https://www.samdevito.com/ (website). Follow what's happening at Edale General Store on https://www.instagram.com/edalegeneralstore/ (Instagram) or drop in before/after your Peak District adventures. The runner mentioned during the show is http://www.damianhall.info/ (Damian Hall) who has completed a hat trick of record-breaking trail running rounds during 2020. Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, your podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions for future guests. Subscribe to Sarah's https://abouttheadventure.substack.com/ (newsletter) to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions. Podcast music is by https://www.tsarzi.com/ (Tsarzi) and podcast artwork by https://tiffanyfrancisbaker.com/ (Tiffany-Francis Baker).

"Something inside me was saying it's the right time and the right opportunity to move on to something else." In this episode, Sarah interviews "polar girl" Helen Turton - http://newland.no/ (Newland Expeditions) manager, specialising in guided ski expeditions. Helen's passion is for taking part and guiding on expeditions, including skiing over Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, many locations in Norway, and to both the North and South Poles. On return, she loves to share her experiences, delivering presentations and workshops, inspiring other people to believe in their dreams.  Sarah invited Helen to be a guest on the show because of her dynamic personality, inspiring stories, and positive outlook towards life. She really lives by her company motto "Life is happening now....live it!" Even through a pandemic, she continues to work, stay connected with colleagues and clients, and to prepare for future trips. During the show, Sarah asks Helen: Why do you choose to manage an expedition company and lead expeditions as your main source of work? As an adventurer, what's it been like spending the last few months in the Peak District? How did you make the transition from working for Nottingham County Council to becoming an expedition leader? Did any initial worries or concerns about making a career change actually happen during your experience? Which of your qualifications have been the most useful to you throughout your career so far? How did you feel before you took on the courses that you've done? What have you pushed yourself to do as a way of pursuing your career path? Do you think that what you're doing now connects with what you imagined you would go on to do when you were really young? What would you say to people who haven't discovered their true passion yet? Have you had to make any sacrifices in your life because of work and travel? What’s your approach to solving problems and handling tricky situations? Who do you work with at Newland Expeditions? How have you been staying in touch with your colleagues and clients this year? How do you take time out for yourself? Where do you think that your appetite for adventure comes from? What powerful question would ask somebody who is thinking about planning a new adventure challenge or becoming an expedition leader? What trips are you planning for 2021? This episode was recorded outdoors by Sarah Lister in the Peak District on 4th November 2020 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can follow Newland Expeditions on https://www.instagram.com/newland.no/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/Newland-323751475486/ (Facebook), or visit their http://newland.no/ (website) for more information and to get in touch. Visit https://www.abouttheadventure.com/ (About The Adventure) website to email Sarah, your podcast host, with your comments, questions or suggestions. Subscribe to Sarah's https://abouttheadventure.substack.com/ (newsletter) to receive episodes in your inbox, along with career change interviews and career coaching questions. Podcast music is by https://www.tsarzi.com/ (Tsarzi) and podcast artwork by https://tiffanyfrancisbaker.com/ (Tiffany-Francis Baker).

"Just try and do your best, whatever it means that day." In this episode, Sarah interviews Gabby Wolstenholme - a filmmaker, theatremaker, musician, collective owner and a director. Her passion lies in creating and this has always been the case for her. She graduated from York St John University in 2020 with a 1st class degree in drama and theatre. Now living back in Edale in the Peak District where she grew up, Gabby has a variety of work in the village which includes serving customers at https://www.edalegeneralstore.com/ (Edale General Store), supporting outdoor lifestyle brand https://www.jam-cycling.com/ (Jam Cycling), and editing this podcast!  Sarah asked Gabby to be a guest on the show because of her unconventional route to finding new work opportunities. Rather than spending months sending off job applications and curating a CV, she has been offered new opportunities by meeting people and being open to work. As a recent graduate, Sarah also wanted to capture her perspective on University life and how important she thinks it is to get a degree. During the show, Sarah asks Gabby: How has living here had an impact on your creativity? Why did you decide to study drama and theatre at York St John University?  Was your experience of University how you expected it to be? Do you think that going to University is important for your career? Do you think it’s important for any other reasons? What valuable things did you learn about yourself throughout your three years at Uni? How do you approach finding new work opportunities? What is it that makes you say yes to a new job or project? When have you been challenged to do something that you’d usually shy away from? How do you handle the challenges that you face? What question would you ask somebody who is thinking about going to University? What question would you ask somebody who is looking for a new approach to thinking about their career?  This episode was recorded outdoors by Sarah Lister in the Peak District on 7th October 2020 and edited by Gabby Wolstenholme. You can follow Gabby on https://www.instagram.com/gabby.wolstenholme/ (Instagram) and check out her artist portfolio https://blog.yorksj.ac.uk/gabriellewolstenh/ (here).

“There’s no better place to think and see the world clearly than on a really good walk with a friend.” Sarah interviews Anna Caig who has worked in communications for 17 years, specialising in media relations, reputation management and strategic marketing campaigns. She has trained media spokespeople to deliver information in the most challenging and high pressure situations. She began her training business to help writers to build their brand and reach more readers. Anna now works with traditionally, indie and self-published writers, as well as helping creatives in any discipline.  She tutors on the MA Journalism course at The University of Sheffield and writes crime fiction. Her current work in progress has been shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger prize. Sarah asks Anna: After 17 years of working in communications, what made you decide to start your own business? What steps did you take to move from full-time employment towards doing freelance work? How did you imagine it would be to start your own business and how close is it to your experience so far? What are the biggest challenges you’ve come across that you didn’t expect? Where does your interest in communications stem from? What gap can you fill for writers and other creatives? Who do you most enjoy working with when you’re training people? Why do you think some people find it challenging to promote their own work? How do you make time for reading, blogging, and writing novels around your new business? Where do you go for creative inspiration? What question would you like to ask our listeners? This episode was recorded by Joe Willis online via zoom on 3rd July 2020. You can say hello to Anna on twitter https://twitter.com/AnnaCaig (@AnnaCaig) or on her website http://www.annacaigcomms.co.uk/ (www.annacaigcomms.co.uk) and read her book reviews here: https://murderundergroundbrokethecamel.wordpress.com/ (https://murderundergroundbrokethecamel.wordpress.com/) During the show Anna mentions crime writers https://claremackintosh.com/ (Clare Mackintosh) and Katherine Stansfield.

“I knew if I didn’t do it I’d regret it.” Sarah interviews her friend & previous mentee Rachel Fletcher who has just completed her second year studying an AfN accredited BSc Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle degree at https://www.shu.ac.uk/ (Sheffield Hallam University). Sarah asks Rachel: What are you feeling really positive about this year? How has your outlook on life changed since you started your degree? Are there any skills or experiences from working in the police that you think are valuable in your life now? Have you made any changes in your lifestyle since you started to study your degree in Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle? Do you feel now that you’re not working full time that you have more balance in your life? Is there anything that you miss from working in the police? Was it something that you always wanted to do when you were a child? When did you make the decision to leave your job as a Detective Inspector and to start your degree? How did you actually make the decision? Did you talk to people? How did your friends and family react to your change of career? (Question from Joe on Twitter) Did it matter to you what other people thought? What fears, worries or challenges have you faced along your path so far? How do you handle those fears when they come up? How are you supporting yourself financially while you’re studying? What’s it like living in Derby? Why is it that you’ve chosen to study Nutrition, Diet and Lifetsyle? Are there any modules that you’ve learnt something completely new, or that you’ve been surprised by? Do you find it challenging to choose the modules that you take for the year? What work would you most like to do after you’ve graduated? Do you know what sort of people you would like to work with? Do you know where you might like to set up your business? Where do you think people can find reliable information about Nutrition, Diet and Lifestyle? What makes you feel really healthy? How do you make time for your other interests? What are some of your interests that you would like to have more time to explore? How does starting your own business sound to you now, when you’re half way through your degree? When do you completely relax? What would you like to ask people who are considering a career change? This episode was recorded in Sheffield at Kurious Arts podcast studio on 25th February 2020. The best place to find Rachel is on https://www.instagram.com/fletcherfoodandnutrition/ (Instagram) where she posts tempting recipes and nutrition information along with her lovely photography. You can also read an https://www.abouttheadventure.com/post/interview-rachel-fletcher (interview with Rachel) on my website.

"I feel like going on adventures myself has led me to be more adventurous within the business world as well." Sarah interviews her friend Jon Maiden, Co-founder & CEO of https://panjango.com/ (Panjango). Sarah asks Jon: Why did you decide to change your career? Have there been any fears that you've pushed yourself to face? What's it like running your own business? How do you think that careers education, information and advice can be better for people? How do you define your life and your purpose? Who do you think can have the greatest influence on helping people to find careers with meaning and purpose? Is there anyone in your life who really inspires or influences you? When do you feel that your work is really making a difference? Do you think that there's an ideal age to start thinking about careers? What happens behind the scenes of running your business? Where are you spending your time when you're not working? How has your passion for adventure influenced your career path and decisions in life? Where does your adventurous spirit come from? Why do think it's important to spend time in wild places? How do you find time for that now you're running a business? What happens to you and your work if you don't get away from it all? Is there a particular environment that you need to be in to come up with new ideas for your business? At the end of the episode Jon asks you a question to take away and think about, as well as offering some advice and adventure inspiration! This episode was recorded in Sheffield at Kurious Arts podcast studio on 13th February 2020. Please see link below to find out more about Panjango. https://panjango.com/ (Panjango website)

"It's about pushing yourself a bit and getting out of your comfort zone and the more you do that, the wider that comfort zone becomes." Sarah interviews her friend and navigation teacher Clare Kelly who started her own women's walking company, Her on a Hill, in Spring 2019. Sarah asks Clare: How has walking impacted your life and career? How do you think that walking can change people's lives? What happens to you if you don't get out for a walk? Why have you created a women's walking company? Why do you choose to create events that combine creativity, history, and learning while walking? What challenges have you come across during your first year of running Her on a Hill? How can you help people to get outside more and detach from busy lifestyles? Who is your support network? What do you want to happen with Her on a Hill? What question would you ask people who want to explore a new career path? This episode was recorded in Sheffield at Kurious Arts podcast studio on 21st January 2020. Please check to see if the information discussed is still up to date when you listen. Please see links below to find out more about Her on a Hill. https://www.heronahill.com/ (Her on a Hill) https://www.instagram.com/heronahill/ (Instagram), https://twitter.com/HeronaHill (Twitter), https://www.facebook.com/heronahill/ (Facebook)