Former RAF officer Rachel Haith shares her journey from military burnout to empowerment coach, discovering her true calling through accidental reinvention.

Guest Bio

Rachel Haith - Empowerment coach and founder of Inspired Life Group. After 17 years in the RAF, she now helps heart-led leaders empower themselves and live a life of choice.

Key Story Points

The Breakdown

As a fighter controller, Rachel managed 16 aircraft when her brain "snapped" under pressure. She collapsed in tears at her console, then immediately declared she'd never control aircraft again. She pivoted to logistics.

Crisis of Self-Belief

Facing promotion barriers, Rachel asked herself "Am I just crap?" Her epiphany: "I'd been waiting for the Air Force to validate me. When I realized I validate me first and anything else is just a bonus, everything changed."

Accidental Reinvention

Left RAF in 2017 planning to focus on network marketing. Took a coaching diploma in 2019 for personal development. Within one month, knew coaching was her calling. COVID forced her online, leading to current success.

The Challenge

Launched her business while solo parenting (husband posted away for 6 years). Struggled transitioning from military structure to self-employment. Never doubted her coaching ability, but doubted her business skills.

Core Message

"There is always a choice. It doesn't mean it's easy, quick, or without consequences, but there is always a choice." Rachel helps people peel back layers of external voices to discover who they truly are and what they want.

Key Takeaways

1. Validate yourself first - don't wait for external approval
2. Burnout can catalyze breakthrough
3. Your expected future may change unexpectedly
4. Empowerment is your responsibility
5. Running a business requires skills beyond your craft

Words of the Year

• Rachel: Alignment + Traction
• Michelle: Consolidation
• Nicola: Focus

Connect

Website: www.inspiredlife.co.uk Podcast: The Renny Show Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (Rachel Haith)

About The Reinvention Diaries

Hosts Michelle and Nicola talk to women about reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence.

Contact: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk Instagram: @thereinventpodcast

Michelle www.mrsstylewright.com

Nicola www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Michelle and Nicola kick off Season 2 of The Reinvention Diaries with a candid conversation about New Year's resolutions, holiday reflections, and their plans for 2026. They discuss the pressure of "new year, new me" culture, the concept of "wintering," and why they're opting for small, achievable goals instead of grand resolutions. The hosts share their Christmas experiences, favourite TV shows, and explore the idea of choosing a word for the year. They also announce exciting plans for Season 2, including more guest interviews focused on reinvention, rediscovery, and confidence.

Key Topics Discussed

Holiday Reflections

• Michelle's Christmas: Extremely social with 7 days of events and hosting 20+ people
• Nicola's Christmas: Hibernation mode - lazy, restful, and productive only with tax prep

TV Recommendations

• Nicola's picks: Plebs (Ancient Rome comedy) and Ted Lasso (finally!)
• Michelle's picks: The Night Manager (2016 series recap before Season 2)

New Year Philosophy

• Rejecting "new year, new me" pressure
• The concept of "wintering"
• New Year's resolutions feel outdated and demotivating

Michelle's 2026 Goals

1. Writing:
2. Voice Confident Course:
3. Taking more photos
4. Success Networking
5. Instagram Strategy
6. Weekly Routine:

Nicola's Reflections

• Celebrating 2 years alcohol-free
• Starting a "win wall" to celebrate achievements
• Avoiding massive goals to prevent demotivation
• Focusing on small, achievable changes

Style & Perception

• Discussion about how clothing communicates without words
• The importance of dressing authentically while being mindful of context
• Michelle's shift from "Personal Stylist" to "Style Coach"
• The difference between dressing for yourself vs. others' perceptions

Word of the Year

• Michelle's potential word
• Nicola's initial thoughts
• Challenge to listeners: What's your word for 2026?

Season 2 Announcements

• More guest interviews featuring women's stories of reinvention and rediscovery
• Focus on inspiring confidence and reassurance
• Reminder that listeners are not alone in their journeys
• Weekly episodes continue!

Connect with The Reinvention Diaries

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Nicola: www.nicolaaucklanphotograpy.co.uk
• Michelle: www.mrsstylewright.com

Memorable Quotes

• "It might be the new year, but it's still the same me." - Nicola
• "New year, save me - just a little bit reinvented." - Nicola
• "I'm just gonna start the year with good intentions." - Michelle
• "It doesn't matter what I think about your outfit. It's what you think about your outfit that's important." - Michelle

Reinvention Diaries: The Christmas Episode – Shownotes

Hosts: Michelle & Nicola

Episode Highlights:

• Welcoming listeners to the Christmas Eve special and sharing personal Christmas traditions.
• Funny stories about Santa tracking apps, Christmas jumpers, and festive home decorations.
• Comparing Christmas Day plans: hosting big family meals vs. visiting friends and family.
• Debating the best Christmas treats: Quality Street, Celebrations, Heroes, Matchmakers, After Eights, Twiglets, and more.
• Group snack etiquette and funny anecdotes about party food, birthday cakes, and the five-second rule.
• The "shoes off" debate at holiday gatherings and festive outfit choices.
• Navigating the "Twixmas" period (between Christmas and New Year): TV traditions, Radio Times nostalgia, and must-watch Christmas movies (The Holiday, Elf, The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, Die Hard, etc.).
• Board games, card games, and family game night stories (including Linky, The Wheel, and the 1% Club).
• Reflections on the past year: achievements, things not done (no marathons, no TikTok dancing, no hangovers), and embracing self-acceptance.
• Discussing the importance of not caring about others' opinions and celebrating personal growth.
• Looking ahead to the New Year: planning, goal setting, and excitement for Season 2 of the podcast.
• Encouraging listeners to share the podcast, get in touch, and join the community.

Contact & Socials:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk
• www.mrsstylewright.com

Season 2 Launch: January 7th

Wishing all listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!