Article by Caroline Whaley, Co-founder, Shine for Women
Whichever prospect applies to you, there’s no doubting it’s a daunting, life-changing decision. Despite this, a recent study by Aviva revealed that more than half of UK workers (60%) are considering this change.
Changing careers is certainly an unnerving prospect, and not a decision to be taken lightly – yet it has the potential to change your life for the better.
Having been there myself, I understand the turmoil and self-confidence it takes to make this change. When I decided to take the plunge and leave my job, I was based in Africa working for the Nike Foundation. This was a hugely rewarding role that I loved. My decision to pursue a change of path was sparked when my boss decided I should be relocated back to the US. Having been working for Nike for 17 years, and with a milestone 50th birthday fast approaching, I knew if I wanted to make a career move, now was the time to do it.
So I decided to leave, and to the surprise of colleagues around me, I left without securing another job, uncertain what the future would hold, or what career path I would follow next. I was keen to begin this new chapter by stopping – for the first time in my life – and carving out time to take stock and reflect, mostly to see what would happen. I also decided I would say yes to every opportunity that came my way.
Shifting from a full-on role in a major corporation to undefined days without a clear structure was tough, but vital in determining my next steps. It was from this time out that I discovered where my strengths lie and what motivates me. In my case, I need challenge and I need to achieve.
Saying yes to every opportunity that came my way helped me decipher what my value in the world was. Although I had never practised professionally, I was a trained coach. After leaving Nike, ex-colleagues started asking for 1-2-1 coaching. It wasn’t until a friend rang me needing my help with a business idea – Shine for Women – that my future fell firmly into place. I hadn’t contemplated a standalone role focusing on women’s leadership but when I reflected, I knew it was the perfect chance for me to use all the skills I’d developed throughout my career. I took the leap and haven’t looked back.
Changing careers is a huge learning curve for anyone, and I certainly learned a great deal from the experience. Some of my key takeaways? Remember your experience is invaluable. Everything you’ve done before can be reused, reinvented and recycled. Your life lessons, be it in business or relationships, can be re-applied.
I also learned the importance of staying in touch with my former colleagues and allies, because they can still be that for me in my new life. Don’t underestimate their importance. In your next chapter, they’re likely to be even more valuable for the fresh perspective they provide.
It takes time to switch careers or build a business. Try to limit other pressures in your life and be practical and honest with yourself. It’s really important to assess how long you can last financially before you must earn again. If in doubt, seek advice. It’s added pressure you don’t need.
The Aviva report highlighted that a fifth of UK adults are now hoping to generate a steady stream of income from a hobby that they’ve had more time to develop thanks to many months of working remotely during the pandemic.
If, like me, you’re planning to set up your own business, you will likely find the freedom that goes with it incredible. But with this comes great responsibility and it requires unwavering confidence and self-belief because every decision, challenge and direction you choose is yours, which is wonderful and, at times, terrifying.
It is so important to look for a business partner who is aligned with your vision and values. Sharing the highs and lows with someone makes it far more enjoyable. Finding the right person can be hard, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend hastily securing a formal business partnership with someone you don’t know well. I’m one of the lucky ones, but more partnerships fail than succeed.
Ultimately, there’s no one rule fits all guide for making this step and switching careers. By far the hardest step is making the decision. After this, you have no choice but to fully embrace the change.
Believe in yourself and your abilities. Change is daunting, but it also has the potential to be life-changing. Something interesting will always come when you make a change. So be brave, embrace the fear and accept that until you take the plunge and try, you won’t know the outcome.
Of course, there is always a chance that things may not turn out as you thought they might. The question I asked myself to overcome this hurdle was: if there is no right or wrong, which way would I go? Your heart and your gut will give you your answer.
One final note – I know, it is far easier said than done – but relax into the change and trust it will be ok because honestly, it really will turn out alright in the end!
Caroline built her career in the adventure travel industry before joining Nike where she spent 14 years in senior global marketing and General Management roles. Three years with the Nike Foundation then followed where she helped inspire, empower and shift social norms for teenage girls living in Africa, as the fastest route to eradicating global poverty.
With this experience leading, coaching and developing culturally diverse teams in highly competitive corporate and non-profit environments, Caroline founded Shine in 2013 at the age of 50 to express her passion for the power of human potential, whether on the field of play, the workplace or in making the world a better place. She’s now bringing that experience to other individuals, teams and organisations such as WPP, Snap, William Grant & Sons and Channel 4.
July
19julAll DayPop-Ups for Women Entrepreneurs
19/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
The Wellness Centre Croydon
The Whitgift shopping centre #1st Croydon CR0 1LP
Support Local. Empower Women. Discover Something New. Join us for an inspiring pop-up event celebrating women entrepreneurs!
Support Local. Empower Women. Discover Something New.
Join us for an inspiring pop-up event celebrating women entrepreneurs and their incredible businesses! From handmade goods and fashion to skincare, art, wellness products, and more—this event is all about community, creativity, and connection.
Meet the amazing women behind your favorite local brands, enjoy one-of-a-kind finds, and support small businesses that make a big impact. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or grabbing gifts for others, your support helps fuel dreams and build a more inclusive economy.
What to Expect:
Let’s show up, shop small, and lift each other up.
Every purchase you make is a powerful act of support.
RSVP now—let’s make this a celebration to remember!
24/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Heston Hyde Hotel
N Hyde Ln, Hounslow TW5 0EP
International Conference on Leadership Entrepreneurship and Business Management (ICLEBM – 2025) will be held in London,UK during 24th Jul 2025
ICLEBM will provide an excellent international forum for sharing knowledge and a result in International Conference on Leadership Entrepreneurship and Business Management. The aim of the Conference is to provide a platform to the researchers and practitioners from both academia as well as industry to share cutting-edge development in the field.
. The Proceeding will be archived in the Digital Library.
. Each Paper will be assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) from CROSSREF.
. The Proceeding will be submitted to ISI Thomson for review and indexing.
. Proceedings will be published in International Journals with ISSN Numbers.
26julAll DayTessy's Brunches Presents: Engage HER
26/07/2025 All Day(GMT+00:00)
Stanley Stephenson Lounge
Crystal Palace Football Club, Holmesdale Road, London, SE25 6PU
Engage Her – July 26, 2025 Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive
Event Summary: Engage Her is a dynamic event focused on fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community of women. Through interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions, attendees will have the chance to share experiences, learn from one another, and grow together. This event aims to create a welcoming environment where women can support each other in their personal and professional journeys.
Highlights:
• Engaging workshops and interactive sessions encouraging active participation.
• Networking opportunities to expand personal and professional connections.
• Panel discussions with industry leaders sharing insights and experiences.
• Community-building activities to foster lasting relationships.
Mark your calendars for Engage Her on July 26, 2025, a vibrant event designed to connect and inspire women. Participate in interactive workshops, network with like-minded individuals, and join discussions with industry leaders. Build meaningful relationships and grow within a supportive community. Engage Her is your opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive together. Don’t miss out—register now!
Indulge in a sumptuous spread of delicious treats crafted to tantalize your taste buds.
Tickets are available for £50 and the event is open to all women. Let’s come together and support each other as we navigate the challenges of life. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tessy’s Brunches (www.tessysbrunches) is dedicated to creating a platform where unseen women become visible through networking and mentoring opportunities. Our mission is not only about recognising women but understanding and addressing their unique challenges.
Our aims are rooted in three core principles: Empower, Engage, and Elevate. We seek to empower women by inspiring personal growth and self-discovery. We aim to engage by fostering meaningful connections and building a supportive community. Finally, we strive to elevate by enhancing professional development and personal fulfilment. Through these pillars, we are dedicated to helping women overcome barriers, realize their potential, and achieve both personal and professional success.
#TessysBrunches #WomenPower #CelebrateWomen #InspiringChange #EmpowerHER #EngageHER #ElevateHER