What if you don’t know exactly what comes next?

Maybe that’s okay.

Jane Scott didn’t follow a carefully planned career path. She stayed curious. She kept learning. And she paid attention when new opportunities came her way.

Jane is Director of Marketing Communications at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her career has taken her from publishing to teaching English in Japan, marketing, communications and higher education leadership.

In our conversation, Jane talks about the experiences that shaped her along the way—and why she believes it’s important not to get so focused on one destination that you miss another opportunity.

We also talk about emotional intelligence and what she learned from living and working in another country. Those experiences helped shape the way she communicates and leads today.

One thing that stayed with me from our conversation: Jane doesn’t point to one big turning point that changed everything. Her career was built step by step.

I think there’s a lesson in that for all of us.

You don’t always need to have the whole path figured out. Sometimes you just need to stay curious, keep learning and be open to what comes next.

In this episode:

• How curiosity can lead to unexpected opportunities
• What Jane learned from living and working in Japan
• Why emotional intelligence matters
• How experience shapes the way we communicate and lead
• Why staying open can help you find your next step

A question to think about:
What opportunity might you notice if you stopped worrying about having everything figured out?

Stories of Change: Helping You Navigate What’s Next
with Judy Oskam

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Life doesn't come with a roadmap.

On Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with entrepreneurs, leaders, artists, educators and students about moments that changed the direction of their lives. We talk about the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and what they learn along the way.

Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

What if one trip could help you discover what you’re capable of?

Three Texas State University students traveled to Scotland for a three-week education abroad program at Queen Margaret University. They arrived without knowing one another or exactly what to expect.

In this episode, I pass the microphone to three Texas State University students studying in Scotland. Libby Sanchez, Sarah Hervey, and Kinbe Perez share what they are learning—not only in class, but about themselves.

Libby, Sarah, and Kinbe arrived in Scotland without knowing anyone else on the 3-week trip. They didn't know what to expect. The time abroad challenged them to navigate a new country, try unfamiliar things, and become more confident. Libby discovered a more adventurous side of herself. Sarah found that studying abroad offered something a vacation could not: time to learn, grow, and form real connections. Kinbe gained confidence traveling independently and talking with new people—skills she will carry into her career.

Lessons Learned

• Take initiative, even when you are unsure.
• Fear could lead to growth.
• New environments can bring out strengths you did not know you had.
• Studying abroad is about more than academics. It builds confidence, independence, and connection.
• Meaningful learning happens outside the classroom.

About the Students

Libby Sanchez is a Digital Media Innovation major at Texas State University. She is a talented photographer who thrives in a new environment.

Sarah Hervey is a psychology major with a minor in religious studies. Her lifelong interest in travel and the outdoors led her to Scotland.

Kinbe Perez is a journalism major with a concentration in sports media. As she prepares for graduation, she is taking home greater confidence and new friendships.

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Life doesn't come with a roadmap.

On Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with entrepreneurs, leaders, artists, educators and students about moments that changed the direction of their lives. We talk about the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and what they learn along the way.

Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

At 20 years old, Queen Margaret University student Laura Stevenson traveled from Scotland to Martha's Vineyard for a six-month study abroad internship. At the time, it felt like nothing more than a graduation requirement.

She had no idea she was living through a defining moment.

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, Laura reflects on the experience that changed her life. And she didn't recognize it until years later. Together, we explore how defining moments sometimes reveal their true value - in the rear view mirror.

Laura shares how living and working in the United States helped build her confidence and independence. It wasn't until she began helping students prepare for their own international experiences that she realized the greatest value of study abroad wasn't the work itself—it was the personal growth that came from stepping outside her comfort zone.

So far, Laura has traveled to nearly 50 countries and serves as an International Officer at Queen Margaret University. In this role, she helps students recognize the life-changing value of international education while they're still living it.

As I listened to Laura's story, I was reminded that defining moments rarely jump up and grab us. Sometimes we only understand their significance when we look back and connect the dots. I certainly can relate.

In This Episode

• Why Laura almost overlooked one of the most important experiences of her life
• How a study abroad internship became a defining moment
• Why reflection is essential to personal growth
• How international experiences prepare us for life—not just careers
• Laura's passion for travel, including why Paris captured her heart

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Life doesn't come with a roadmap.

On Stories of Change, Judy Oskam talks with entrepreneurs, leaders, artists, educators and students about moments that changed the direction of their lives. We talk about the decisions they make, the challenges they face, and what they learn along the way.

Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.