In this episode of the Mid-Career Change Podcast, I’m joined by Helen Hanison, award-winning leadership coach, narrative therapist, and author of the Amazon bestseller Unstuck: A Smart Guide to Purposeful Career Redesign. Helen shares her journey from a successful PR career to helping mid-career professionals and C-suite leaders navigate career crossroads. We dive into her practical 3 A.C.T. formula, the challenges of career transformation, and the importance of aligning work with what matters most.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Helen’s career journey, including her transition from PR director to leadership coach.

• Insights from her book Unstuck, including:

  • The 3 A.C.T. formula: Alignment, Action, and Transformation.

  • How to create a personal career compass using strengths, values, and purpose.

  • The "dark power of perseverance" and how it can hold professionals back.

• Practical strategies for redesigning your career, including:

  • The importance of small, meaningful steps in making big changes.

  • How to identify patterns in your energy and engagement to inform career decisions.

  • Creating a “dream job description” to clarify your aspirations and goals.

• The value of mindset mastery in overcoming obstacles and sustaining career transformation.

Key Quotes:

• “Life is too short to stay feeling disconnected or worse, struggling in work that’s wrong for you.” – Helen Hanison

• “Strengths are the fuel, but values are the direction setters.” – Helen Hanison

Practical Tips for Listeners:

• Track your energy levels and engagement at work for 1-2 weeks to identify patterns and areas for change.

• Use a career compass to filter decisions through your strengths, values, and purpose.

• Take small, actionable steps toward exploring new possibilities rather than aiming for a complete transformation all at once.

• Challenge the idea of a “one true path” and create at least three potential career redesign options.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• Helen’s book: https://helenhanisonbook.com

• Connect with Helen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-hanison-com/

• Visit Helen’s website for resources: www.helenhanison.com

• Take the quiz: https://helenhanison.typeform.com/to/ow6QP1X8

Connect with Me:

• Download my free guide: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

• Visit the podcast page: www.bravocoaching.co.uk/podcast

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcrossfieldbravo/

If You Enjoyed the Episode:
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find it helpful.