When I grow up I want to be. The career podcast

Hosted by Lynsey Hyslop

Business Careers

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Aug 2025

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About the show

Have you ever heard what someone's job title is, and you've thought 'how on earth do you get into that?'. Are you sometimes surprised that people actually get paid for their fun and exciting jobs? This career podcast explores jobs and career journeys that may not be mainstream but that may be your perfect fit, if only you knew how to get into them. Hear insights from women in roles such as an illustrator, a sports events manager, a Scuba Diving instructor, a dairy farmer, a tech start up founder and many more. Every job is a possibility if you just know how to get there.

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30 recent

August 13, 2025Episode 2845 min

#28 Women's Operations Manager - England Rugby

Inside the role that keeps England Women’s rugby runningThis week, I sit down with Harriet Martin, the Women’s Operations Manager at England Rugby, to give a unique insight in to one of the most vital yet often unseen roles in elite sport.We talk about:How she removes “off-field noise” so players and coaches can perform at their best.The hidden logistics behind training camps, away games, and international tours.Why success in sport isn’t just about talent — but about the team behind the team.Her career journey, lessons learned, and the surprising parallels between her role and mine in personal development.If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to keep an elite sports team running smoothly, or how transferable skills power careers behind the scenes, this episode is for you.You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynsey-hyslop/

June 11, 2025Episode 271 hr 4 min

#27 Hypercar mechanic

From building multi-million pound hypercars to restoring classics on TV, Hannah Gordon's career is anything but conventional. In this episode, she shares how her childhood love of cars led her to become a mechanic, her unexpected turn into the fire service after football, and how she built a portfolio career across mechanics, TV and beyond. We talk about how she navigated leaving the fire brigade, the loneliness of starting a business, and what it’s really like to build some of the world’s fastest, most bespoke cars. This one’s for anyone who loves variety, challenges, and following your passions and interests —even when the path isn’t linear and you're not 100% sure where it will lead.You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedInYou can follow Hannah on Instagram Hannah Gordon (@_femalemechanic) • Instagram photos and videos

November 27, 202459 min

#26 Business and Leadership Coach

In this episode, Lynsey sit's down with Jess Wiggins, who spent over a decade pursuing her dream career in law. From trainee to Deputy Head of a law firm, Jess had it all—on paper. But at just 33, the pressure of long hours, a demanding job, and raising two young children took its toll, leaving her burned out and questioning everything. A chance offer of coaching from a friend gave Jess clarity she didn’t know she needed. What followed was a life-changing decision to step away from law and start a new chapter as a business and leadership coach founding Impact Coaching International. Now, Jess helps purpose-led businesses, working with clients ranging from international cosmetics companies to law firms, fashion designers, and football training academy managers. Jess shares how coaching not only helped her discover a new path but also ignited a passion that transformed her career. She discusses the importance of stepping back, re-evaluating, and reinventing yourself, and how every personal and professional challenge—even the toughest—can shape and strengthen your future. Whether you're considering a career change or exploring ways to align your work with purpose, Jess's story is an inspiring example of resilience, reflection, and reinvention. This episode contains inspiration and actionable advice on navigating life’s pivotal moments. You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here (3) Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can connect with Jess here (3) Jessica Wiggins | LinkedIn If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights

November 13, 202453 min

#25 Fashion Brand Founder & Creative Director

In this episode, Lynsey chats with Jade Robertson, founder and creative director of the fashion brand Little Lies. From her first job front of house at a theatre to having her designs worn by stars like Taylor Swift, Jade’s career story is a fascinating reminder that you don’t need a set path to make an impact. Their conversation covers the importance of embracing new opportunities, sticking to your core values, and the power of knowing your “why” as well as many other interesting areas. Jade shares how she discovered that the right environment can transform your experience of any job and how that’s helped shape her brand’s journey. It’s a conversation packed with insights for anyone looking to carve out their own unique path and she also testifies that even those who may be deemed as successful, don't always know what they are doing! You can connect with your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find Jade's fashion brand Little Lies here Little Lies | Rock n' Roll Fashion Clothing, Homeware & Accessories If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here

October 30, 202449 min

#24 Flower farmer and pedigree duck breeder

In this inspiring episode, Lynsey sits down with Ellen, who once dreamed of becoming a vet but found herself taking an entirely different path. Living in rural North Wales, Ellen used her ingenuity to transform her small piece of land into a flourishing business. She grows flowers, breeds pedigree ducks, and even uses wool from her sheep to help her flowers thrive. Ellen opens up about her struggles in school following a diagnosis of autism and how stepping away from education left her feeling lost and without a clear plan for the future. A self-confessed introvert, Ellen shares her experience of battling imposter syndrome while navigating the world of farming and flower growing. But through sheer resilience and passion, she’s found her place, even achieving a major milestone by being featured in Farmers Guardian—a publication she once admired from afar. This episode is a brilliant example of how life doesn’t have to follow a set path to be successful. Ellen’s story shows that even if you’re struggling, like she did at school, there’s so much to gain from stepping out of your comfort zone and pursuing what really drives you. She’s an incredibly inspiring young woman, and anyone facing challenges, especially in education, will take away a lot from her journey. You can find out more about your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Ellen's business here Ruthin | Firth Flock Flowers And you can read the article Ellen refers to in the Farmers Guardian here A blossoming floristry business at a farm in Denbighshire | Farm News | Farmers Guardian If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights

October 16, 202455 min

#23 Clinical Negligence Solicitor

This week I sit down with Elizabeth, a recently appointed Partner at her firm and an experienced Clinical Negligence Solicitor. Elizabeth takes us through her journey from an initial interest in becoming a Vet to thriving in the world of Law. A lover of reading and crime novels, her passion for solving mysteries by her favourite authors has translated into a career where her analytical skills truly shine. She shares how a desire to challenge herself led her into clinical negligence and offers insight into the importance of giving your all while maintaining clear professional boundaries. Whether you're exploring career changes or curious about the intricacies of clinical negligence law, this conversation is packed with insights from someone who's truly mastered her craft.....all whilst not having a defined career plan. This episode is a fantastic story of resilience, dedication, and career discovery. You can find out more about your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn For more information on Elizabeth, you can connect with her here Elizabeth Larner | LinkedIn And you can find out more about her Law firm here Elizabeth Larner - Wollens If you're curious about career change or you just want to read insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights (whenigrowup-career.com)

October 2, 202458 min

#22 Sport & Exercise Medicine Consultant

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Jo Larkin, a consultant in sport and exercise medicine. Jo discusses her unique journey, from wanting to become a doctor at a young age to working with elite athletes and serving as a medical consultant across various sports, including rugby and sailing. Jo shares insights on injury management, rehabilitation, and optimising performance for athletes ranging from children to seniors. Her role involves a mix of treating injuries and offering preventative care. She emphasises the importance of adaptability, sharing anecdotes from her experiences with the England rugby team and as Global Medical Director for SailGP. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse pathways in sports medicine and how Jo’s passion, determination, and willingness to step outside of conventional roles have shaped her impressive career. Tune in to hear more about Jo’s journey, her career highlights, and her advice for those looking to enter sports medicine including the significance of learning from both positive and negative experiences to shape your career. P.S. This episode was recorded a few months back, so some details might have changed, but the insights are timeless and the conversation is still as valuable and inspiring as ever. Enjoy listening! You can find out more about your host Lynsey Hyslop here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Dr Jo Larkin and Fortius Clinic here https://www.fortiusclinic.com/specialists/dr-jo-larkin If you’re curious about a career change or you just want to read key insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here https://inspire.whenigrowup-career.com/5-key-inspiring-insights

September 18, 2024Episode 2156 min

#21 CEO & Founder of Global reforestation non-profit

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2, and we're kicking things off with a truly inspiring guest! Join your host, Lynsey Hyslop, as she dives into the incredible career journey of Amanda Bronkhorst, CEO and Founder of Just One Tree. Amanda spent 20 years as a freelance producer in TV commercial production before founding a global reforestation non-profit that has now planted over 4 million trees worldwide. Recognised by the United Nations as part of the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Amanda shares how she’s on a mission to change the world—one tree at a time—and it all began with a simple cup of tea. You can connect with your host on LinkedIn here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Amanda and Just One Tree here JUST ONE Tree - £1 plants 1 Tree. Combat Climate Change through reforestation. You can find out more about Just One Tree day and the education and resources available to schools here Schools Sustainability - get involved / JUST ONE Tree - JUST ONE Tree If you're curious about a career change or you just want to read key insights from inspiring women, then download my free resource here 5 career change insights (whenigrowup-career.com)

April 24, 2024Episode 2051 min

#20 Trademark Attorney

In this week's episode, join Lynsey as she sits down with Trademark Attorney Rachel Wilkinson-Duffy. Rachel shares her journey from aspiring ballerina during homeschooling days to her current role as a Partner at Baker McKenzie. Through insightful conversation, she provides a glimpse into the diverse responsibilities of a Trademark Attorney, from courtroom representation for brands to witnessing the fruition of her work in marketing campaigns. Tune in to hear Rachel's passion and enthusiasm for her profession as she sheds light on the dynamic world of trademark law and brand protection. You can find out more about your host here: http://linkedin.com/in/lynsey-hyslop You can find out more about Rachel and Baker McKenzie here: https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/people/w/wilkinsonduffy-rachel

April 10, 20241 hr 7 min

#19 Award Winning Executive Assistant

In this weeks episode Lynsey is joined by Emma Kernan-Staines, an award-winning Executive Assistant renowned for her exceptional support of leaders in the world of sports. With a career trajectory that defies convention, Emma has carved out a unique niche as the power behind the throne, providing invaluable support and guidance to top sport executives. If you've ever wondered how to step into the pivotal role of a personal or executive assistant within the dynamic field of sports leadership, join us to hear Emma's journey. From her humble beginnings starting work in the banking sector to navigating retail training programs and PR, Emma shares invaluable insights into her diverse career path. Emma openly shares her experiences and lessons learned along the way, offering invaluable advice for aspiring professionals seeking to carve their own path in the world of PA. This episode is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom, with some great behind the scenes info too. You can connect with your host here Lynsey Hyslop | LinkedIn You can find out more about Emma here Emma (Kernan) Kernan-Staines | LinkedIn