When redundancy wipes out the plan, some people pause - Kathryn Wharton builds a new one. From archaeology and museums to tech marketing, accidental business ownership, and co-founding Women in Tech North East with no funding and no blueprint, this conversation is a masterclass in turning disruption into direction. Kathryn Wharton spent over a decade making complicated ideas easy to understand in museums before carrying that storytelling skill into marketing inside tech firms. Then liquidation forced a pivot she never expected, and what followed was the launch of KLW Marketing, the creation of a thriving community, and a career built on autonomy, resilience, and saying yes before she felt ready. You'll discover:

• Why storytelling is the through-line between museums, marketing, and leadership
• How to spot the transferable skills hiding inside a "squiggly career"
• What it really takes to start a business after redundancy
• The practical mindset that helps Kathryn keep showing up, even when the next step feels uncomfortable
• How Women in Tech North East grew from a coffee-and-cake launch into a 1,700-plus member community

We break down the strategy behind visibility, public speaking, and building credibility without burning time on tactics that don't move the needle. Kathryn also shares the systems that now keep her business lean, including AI, automation, and a real human virtual assistant, plus the lessons she learned about when to push, when to wait, and how to build support around you. This episode matters if you've been hit by a career curveball, feel stuck between employed and self-employed, or need proof that a non-linear path can still lead to purpose and growth. Kathryn's story is a reminder that control, confidence, and momentum can be rebuilt one decision at a time. Perfect for marketers, career changers, founders, and anyone standing at an unexpected fork in the road. If you need a practical dose of courage and a fresh way to think about reinvention, hit play.

If anyone is looking for senior marketing support for their business then Kathryn's Strategy Sprint is a fantastic way to get started > https://www.klwmarketing.co.uk/strategy-sprint

Sarah's journey from a stable job in London to a life of global exploration and storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. In our latest conversation, she opens up about her bold decision to leap into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar to pursue her passion for writing.

Sarah started her career at a non-profit organization, working her way up from administrator to head of projects. Yet, after having her daughter, she and her husband found themselves yearning for a different life.

This pivotal moment led to a year of planning, culminating in the decision to cut the safety net and embark on a traveling adventure with their young daughter. The fears were palpable, but so was the wisdom in taking that leap.

Initially, Sarah felt overwhelmed by the prospect of writing. With no formal training and doubts about her abilities, she found inspiration in unexpected places.

This led Sarah to write her first novel, inspired by her desire to create something powerful and engaging. Her naivety became a strength, pushing her to pursue her dreams without being hindered by self-doubt.

The journey was not without challenges. Sarah faced numerous rejections and the harsh realities of the publishing world, yet she persevered. Her resilience became her greatest asset, helping her navigate the ups and downs of being a writer.

Despite the setbacks, Sarah found success in screenwriting and continued to write novels, cultivating a backlist of over twenty books.

Today, Sarah reflects on her unique path with gratitude. The leap into the unknown transformed her life in ways she could never have anticipated.

As Sarah continues to craft stories, she reminds us all of the importance of following our passions, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.

For a deeper dive into Sarah's story and insights on navigating life's uncertainties, listen to the full episode.

****Sarah's latest novel "The Edge of the Woods" is available now from major retailers****

Two years ago, Alexi Sfaltos was earning fifteen hundred pounds a month in a nine-to-five job. Today he's twenty-three years old, running a digital marketing business from Dubai with a team of four, generating seven figures in revenue for his clients — and sometimes making more in a week than he used to earn in a year. But behind those numbers is a story most people never hear. Alexi experienced self-doubt, anxiety and fear every day — before, during and after leaving his job. Moving to Dubai alone at twenty-two amplified everything but he's hit every single goal he set.

In this episode, Alexi shares what it really took to bet on himself, how he overcame the fear that nearly stopped him, and why understanding his purpose was the thing that changed everything. Whether you're twenty-three or sixty-three, if you've ever been paralysed by the gap between where you are and where you want to be — this one's for you.