Finding Your Direction

Hosted by Emma Lynch

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Aug 2024

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Welcome to the Finding Your Direction podcast with your host Emma Lynch This podcast is for people who are on a career transition journey. We have some amazing guests lined up for this season Make sure you hit the like and subscribe so you don't miss the first episode coming soon! Helpful Links: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com

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25 recent

August 13, 2024Episode 629 min

Navigating career change: from climbing ladders to finding work that brings joy with Andrew Clohessy

In this episode of Finding Your Direction, Emma speaks with Andrew Clohessy, who shares his extensive and transformative career journey. Andrew recounts his humble beginnings in Limerick, his rapid rise in the electronics manufacturing industry, and his subsequent shift to people-focused roles. He details the challenges and lessons learned from global project management, including the impact of extensive travel on family life, his bout with burnout, and eventual transition to consulting. Andrew emphasizes the importance of balance, self-care, and the value of meaningful work. He also shares his reflections on leadership, career evolution, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment which provide profound insights for listeners navigating their own career paths. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 Andrew's Early Life and Career Beginnings 02:03 Transition to Leadership and Career Growth 06:04 Challenges and Realizations 09:18 Career Shift and Consulting 20:08 Reflections and Future Directions 32:36 Advice and Closing Remarks Things that you will learn more about in this episode: - The importance of reflection in career development. - How to navigate career transitions and find your true path. - How to balance professional ambitions with personal well-being. - How to overcome career burnout. - How to transition from multinationals to the SME sector. - Finding joy and meaning in work. - The power of pausing during your career journey. Connect with Andrew Clohessy Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-clohessy/ Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

August 6, 2024Episode 118 min

Overcoming an unexpected career change due to injury: Dr. Áine O'Dea's Journey

In this episode of Finding Your Direction, Emma welcomes Dr. Áine O'Dea, who shares her dynamic career journey from being an occupational therapist in the UK and Ireland, focusing on mental and children's health, to facing a life-changing car accident. Áine discusses the impact of her injury, her struggle with chronic pain and fatigue, and how she pivoted to a new role. She recounts her decision to pursue a master's and PhD, the challenges during COVID-19, her venture into academia, and finally establishing a business offering clinical supervision and training for health professionals and coaching. Áine's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability in the face of career adversity. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:15 Áine's Career Journey in Occupational Therapy 02:34 A Major Career Shift Due to an Accident 04:05 Coping with Career-Ending Injury 07:03 Pursuing Further Education and New Opportunities 12:52 Starting a Business and Adapting to COVID-19 16:23 Advice for Career Transitions 19:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Things that you will learn more about in this episode: 1) How to identify alternative career options when something out of your control forces a change. 2) The challenge of separating your identity from your career. 3) The importance of the first step in career change, even when you are not sure of the end goal. 4) The importance of resilience in career change. 5) What to do if you have invested time and money in studying for a qualification and you realise that is not what you want to do. 6) How you can use a PHD outside of academia. Connect with Dr Aine O'Dea Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draineodea/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aineodea/ Website: https://radianceconsultinghub.com/ Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

July 30, 2024Episode 439 min

Creating legacies: An Inspiring career conversation with Jennifer McConnell

In this episode, host Emma interviews Jennifer McConnell, who shares her diverse and extensive career journey. Originating from HR and secretarial roles. Jennifer's career spans various industries, including film, PR, and business network management. Her roles took her across the globe, managing HR in sectors as diverse as telecoms in the Caribbean and nonprofit community work in Papua New Guinea. Jennifer discusses the importance of career transitions, succession planning, and the insights she's gained from working in high-pressure global environments, and how she combines the knowledge from her studies in HR and anthropology. She also highlights her new venture, Living Legacy, which focuses on helping individuals and organizations with succession planning, end-of-life plans, and creating meaningful legacies. 00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Jennifer McConnell 00:13 Jennifer's Early Career and Education 01:09 Diverse Industry Experiences 02:33 Challenges and Redundancies 04:50 International Adventures and HR Roles 09:02 Burnout and Career Break 09:47 Return to Education and Nonprofit Work 35:02 Living Legacy and Future Plans 43:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Things that you will learn more about in this episode: 1) Knowing when its time to make a change in your career. 2) Taking the time to step back and think about the legacy that you want to create in the world. 3) How trying out or prototyping your career can support a career change. 4) Ideas for approaching career change. 5) The different resources that can support career change. Connect with Jennifer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifermcconnell/ https://www.livinglegacy.ie/ Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

July 23, 2024Episode 325 min

Barry Loftus: From Pharmaceutical Sales to Fitness Entrepreneur and Published Author

In this episode of Finding Your Direction, we welcome Barry Loftus as he shares his inspiring career journey. Barry begins by sharing his early role in pharmaceutical sales which he found himself struggling in this type of environment during the economic downturn in 2007-2008. He discusses his struggles with job satisfaction, anxiety, and how the anxiety led to a loss of confidence and the resulting impact when he tried to change organisations on his performance in job interviews. A pivotal moment comes when Barry's father introduces him to an NLP coach, which leads to improved interview performance and also ultimately towards negotiating a redundancy package from a job that was no longer for him. Barry then finds himself pivoting his career, fueled by a rekindled love for sports and fitness, starting his fitness business in Mayo. Despite early financial struggles, Barry's perseverance and desire to continue learning and developing helped him to succeed in the challenging times. Finally Barry shares his unexpected path to becoming a published author, using writing as a coping mechanism and eventually publishing a book. Barry emphasizes the importance of support from friends and family and the value of seeking help in overcoming personal and professional challenges. 00:00 Introduction to Barry Loftus 00:14 Barry's Early Career Journey 01:07 Challenges and Turning Points 05:28 A New Direction: Fitness and Personal Growth 07:51 Building a Business from Scratch 17:07 The Writing Journey 22:38 Reflections and Advice 25:29 Support Systems and Final Thoughts Things that you will learn more about in this episode: 1) How to change careers when you are feeling really stuck. 2) Tools for helping rebuild confidence. 3) How to manage anxiety during career change. 4) How to pivot your career. 5) How to build a portfolio career that includes writing. Connect with Barry: https://www.instagram.com/strandfitness.ie/ https://www.strandfitness.ie/ Read Barry’s book: Baby Dara and the Sahara Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

July 16, 202414 min

Liam O’Flaherty’s career leap from Electrical Apprentice to AI Entrepreneur

In this episode, Liam O'Flaherty shares his inspiring journey from pursuing an electrical apprenticeship to diving into the world of AI and starting his own company, Prellis. Liam discusses his initial lack of interest in college, the influence of his father, the moment he decided to pivot his career, and the challenges and triumphs of his entrepreneurial path. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and asking for help, providing valuable advice for anyone considering a major career change. 00:16 Liam's Early Career Journey 02:00 Discovering AI and a big career change at 19 03:59 Starting the AI Business 07:38 Upskilling and Continuous Learning 12:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Things that you will learn more about in this episode: 1) How to make the decision to change your career. 2) What practicalities are involved with changing your career. 3) How to upskill yourself to change career. 4) Who can support you if you want to change career. Connect with Liam: https://www.prellus.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamoflaherty0/ Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

July 9, 202421 min

Balancing Passion and Profession: Muireann O'Connell’s unique journey to building a portfolio career as a Vet and Personal Trainer

In this episode, Emma introduces Muireann O'Connell, a 24-year-old mixed animal vet and online fitness coach and personal trainer based in Cork. Muireann shares her fascinating career journey and how she has balanced her veterinary career with her passion for fitness. Through her story, Muireann highlights the importance of managing stress through physical activity, the challenges of juggling two careers, and the fulfillment she derives from both. She discusses the motivations and strategies that helped her sustain her dual career path and offers advice for anyone looking to build a portfolio career. The conversation underscores the evolving definition of careers and the possibility of integrating multiple passions into one’s professional life. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:27 Muireann’s Career Journey 04:01 Balancing Two Careers 06:59 Managing Stress and Motivation 16:02 Future career Plans and Advice 22:02 Conclusion and Thanks Things you will learn more about in this episode: 1) How to develop your career. 2) How to manage more than one career. 3) How to create a portfolio career. 4) How to combine a passion and profession. You can find out more about Muireann by following her Instagram Page @notanotherfitnesspage_ Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Sign up to our bi-monthly newsletter here Book a short chemistry call to find out more here

February 13, 2024Episode 628 min

Positive Psychology and Career Shifts: A Conversation with Claudia and Clara

In this episode of "Finding Your Direction," Emma discusses career transitions with Claudia Geratz, a former tech professional turned positive psychologist and career coach, and Dr. Clara O'Byrne, a coaching psychologist and educator. They explore the gradual nature of their career changes, influenced by pivotal moments like the pandemic and personal values. Key takeaways: Claudia unfolds her remarkable journey from a two-decade-long tech career to embracing positive psychology. Despite meeting what many would describe as traditional markers of success, she felt unfulfilled and discovered her passion for learning about the human mind and heart. Claudia delves into her academic pursuit, acquiring an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's in positive psychology and coaching psychology. Her transition during the pandemic led her to focus on climate change and climate anxiety in her coaching practice. Dr. Clara O'Byrne shares her story of transitioning from teaching to coaching psychology. A love of learning has been a constant in her various roles, from teaching history to supporting teachers and eventually pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology. Clara highlights her dedication to positive psychology and coaching psychology, especially in supporting caregivers and neurodivergent individuals. The pandemic became a catalyst for her decision to become self-employed, aligning her life with her values. Don't forget to leave a rating and hit subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Recommended Resources: Positive Psychology Coaches Ireland Connect with Claudia: Website: www.claudiageratz.com Connect with Clara: Website: www.claraobyrne.ie Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Email: emma@theoptimalperformancecoach.com\ Sign up for the newsletter here:

February 6, 2024Episode 521 min

Transforming Passions: Rob's Garda Journey from Photographer and passion for Human Rights to Law Enforcement

In this episode of "Finding Your Direction," Emma is joined by Rob Grace, who shares his fascinating career journey, beginning with his childhood dream of becoming a press photographer. However, life took unexpected turns, leading him to study fine art photography and later delve into politics and sociology during his academic pursuits. Passionate about human rights and working with youth, Rob's path evolved as he volunteered with the IPCC in Dublin and other youth advocacy groups. In this episode, Emma and Rob talk about the following: Rob shares his journey from aspiring press photographer to joining the Gardai at 32, driven by a passion for human rights. Emphasizes the significance of support from friends and family during Rob's transformative career journey. The challenges Rob encountered while reshaping his career path. Robs shares his future career aspiration to transition to mental health and youth advocacy. If you enjoy today's episode, please don't forget to leave a rating and hit subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoachingWebsite: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Email: emma@theoptimalperformancecoach.com Sign up for the newsletter here:

January 30, 2024Episode 428 min

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Terri Sue Cosgrove's Inspiring Career Transformation

In today's episode, I'm joined by Terri Sue Cosgrove, the founder and Managing Director of The HR Head. Terri Sue shares her inspiring career transition story from climbing the corporate ladder to overcoming burnout and establishing a business that aligns with her passion. We delve into her journey, challenges, and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. In this episode, Emma and Terri Sue talk about the following: Terri Sue Cosgrove shares her career transition story, from sales to HR and healthcare management. Her experience working in various roles, including sales manager, hospital sales rep, and head of operations management in the Middle East. The challenges she faced, burnout experiences, and the turning points that led her to reconsider her career path. Terri Sue's decision to pursue education, including a master's degree in healthcare management and leadership. Transitioning to HR roles and facing setbacks in job searches upon returning to Ireland. Joining Google and later transitioning to a role in a hospital during the challenging times of COVID-19. The realization that she needed a change and the process of self-discovery using the Career Stories Method. Establishing her own business, The HR Head, specializing in crisis HR support for companies and HR managers. Overcoming fears, embracing change, and finding joy in her work. If you enjoy today's episode, please don't forget to leave a rating and hit subscribe so that you never miss an episode. Recommended Resources Career Stories Method: A valuable resource for self-reflection and gaining clarity on your career path. Playing Big by Tara Moore: An insightful book that encourages women to overcome fears and play big in their careers. Connect with Terri Sue: Website: www.thehrhead.com LinkedIn: Terri Sue Cosgrove Connect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoaching Website: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Email: emma@theoptimalperformancecoach.com

January 23, 2024Episode 327 min

Navigating Six Decades of Career Transitions with John Loftus

Welcome to another episode of "Finding Your Direction," the podcast that encourages you to embark on a fulfilling career journey. In this episode, your host, Emma Lynch, sits down with John Loftus, Founder of Midwest Mentoring, for an insightful conversation spanning over six decades of diverse career experiences. In this episode, Emma and John talk about the following: John reflects on a career that traversed roles at Aer Lingus, the music industry, Life Insurance, and contributions to Limerick GAA. John highlights his early career adventures from his time in London and experiences working with Aer Lingus. John shares his entrepreneurial ventures into the nightclub scene, managing popular clubs, combining his passion for music with aviation expertise & his involvement with Limerick GAA. Midwest Mentoring and Career Wisdom: The evolution of Midwest Mentoring, emphasizing the value of networking, adaptability, and seeking guidance in career transitions. John, at 76, continues to inspire and contribute actively, emphasizing the value of belief in oneself, adaptability, and surrounding oneself with a supportive network. If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to leave a rating and subscribe for future episodes. Connect with John: Website: www.midwestmentoring.ieConnect with Emma: Instagram: @emmalynchcoachingWebsite: www.emmalynchcoaching.com Email: emma@theoptimalperformancecoach.com