Hello everybody, welcome to episode 110 of the Mid-Career Change podcast. I’m your host, Mark Crossfield, and today I’m joined by Simone Sweeney.

Simone is an executive coach who helps professionals overcome challenges like burnout and career stagnation to create fulfilling, values-driven careers.

With over 25 years in senior roles at global brands like LEGO and Apple, Simone brings incredible insights into leadership, emotional intelligence, and career transformation.

We’ll be talking about her journey, her coaching approach, and how she helps mid-career professionals thrive.

Simone, welcome to the podcast!

Career Background and Reflections

1.    Simone, you’ve had an impressive career working with global brands like LEGO, Apple, and Motorola. Could you start by sharing an overview of your journey and what drew you to these roles?

2.    Looking back over your corporate career, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?

3.    With all the experience you’ve gained, what advice would you give your younger self about career development? Are there specific lessons you wish you’d known earlier?

Transition from Corporate to Coaching

4.    After decades in senior leadership roles, you transitioned into coaching and founded your coaching practice. What motivated this shift, and how did you prepare yourself for such a significant change?

5.    What were some of the challenges you encountered as you moved from the corporate world to starting your own business, and how did you overcome them?

6.    How does your corporate experience shape your coaching philosophy and the way you work with clients today?

Podcast Hosting and Emotional Intelligence

7.    You’ve also hosted a podcast series for the Association for Coaching, speaking with thought leaders like Daniel Goleman. (That’s where we first met). What insights did you take away from those conversations, particularly about emotional intelligence and leadership?

Supporting Mid-Career Professionals

8.    Your work now focuses on helping professionals thrive in both their careers and personal lives. What common challenges do you see mid-career professionals facing, and how do you help them tackle these issues?

9.    Many people find mid-career change daunting. What practical steps or mindset shifts would you recommend for someone considering a leap into something new?

Personal Insights and Inspiration

10.     Resilience often plays a key role in navigating career transitions. How do you help clients build resilience and prepare for the ups and downs of change?

Call to Action for Listeners

11.     For listeners who might feel stuck or uncertain about their careers, what are the first steps they can take to explore a career that truly aligns with their values and aspirations?

12.     Finally, how can listeners connect with you or learn more about the work you’re doing through Arise Coaching & Consulting?

So, a huge thank you to Simone for sharing her insights and inspiring us with her journey from corporate leadership to coaching.

If you’re feeling stuck or stretched in your career, I hope this conversation has given you some valuable ideas and encouragement to take the next step toward a career that truly aligns with your values and aspirations.

As always, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and why not share it with someone who might find it helpful.

I’ll see you in the next episode of Mid-Career Change.

Take care and thanks for listening!

 Bye for now.