Career Congregation: Stories of Reinvention

Meghan Fitzpatrick
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Career Congregation: Stories of Reinvention is your weekly space for inspiration and change. Weekly conversations featuring real stories, practical tools and insights to help you navigate career transitions, relocation, uncertainty, and major life transitions. Hosted by Therapist and Coach Meghan Fitzpatrick, expect mindset shifts, insights, and inspiration for navigating change. Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone. Book a discovery call with Meghan: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/166602

  1. 5 days ago

    Ep. 57 - Creativity, Career Change and Finding Your Way with Karin Lauvdal

    Career decisions can be heavily influenced by what we think we are supposed to do. What counts as a "real" career, what looks sensible on paper, and what other people seem to have figured out can all make it harder to recognise what actually suits us. This week, Meghan is joined by Karin Lauvdal, a creative producer and animator from Norway. Her career has moved through creative work, anthropology, teaching, animation, and production, with each experience contributing something to the work she does today. The episode explores the tension between creativity and practicality, and the confidence it can take to pursue work that does not always fit on a conventional career path. There is also a look at how skills from jobs that do not feel like the right fit can still become incredibly valuable later on. Karin discusses the importance of being willing to learn, ask questions, experiment, and eventually trust your own ideas. Confidence does not necessarily arrive before you take the leap. Sometimes it develops through experience, through putting yourself in unfamiliar situations, and through realising that you have more to contribute than you initially thought. There is also a reflection on what makes work feel meaningful, the relationship between creativity and communication, and the value of finding ways to bring different interests together rather than forcing yourself into one fixed professional identity. Travel and cultural awareness are another important part of Karin's story. Her experiences travelling in Africa, including time spent in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Zanzibar, shaped how she thinks about cultural differences and the importance of understanding the places we visit. The conversation also considers the very different experience of being a tourist compared with actually living somewhere, and why travelling responsibly means taking the time to learn about local cultures, respect local customs, and recognise that we are guests when we visit another country. Outside of her creative career, Karin has also developed a serious passion for cycling, which has become another important source of challenge, community, learning, and enjoyment in her life. For anyone considering a career change, questioning whether a creative career is realistic, trying to build confidence at work, or wondering how seemingly unrelated experiences can eventually come together, Karin's story offers plenty to consider. CONNECT WITH KARIN: Instagram: @lauvdalftw WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan one-to-one for therapy or career coaching, you can book an introductory session here: ⁠⁠https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223411 ⁠⁠GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: ⁠⁠hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com ⁠⁠SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you'd like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: ⁠⁠https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick⁠⁠ Keywords: Career, Career change, Career transition, Creative career, Creativity, Animation, Animator, Creative producer, Creative industries, Career confidence, Career development, Career coaching, Coaching, Entrepreneurship, Freelancing, Self-employment, Teaching, Transferable skills, Career resilience, Finding your path, Professional confidence, Work-life balance, Mental health, Therapy, Burnout, Burnout recovery, Overwhelm, Stress, Personal development, Cycling, Women in cycling, Travel, Tourism, Tourist, Cultural awareness, Cultural differences, Local culture, Respecting local cultures, Responsible tourism, Travel experiences, Living abroad, Expat, Norway, Portugal, Expats, Relocation, Summer © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  2. 21 Aug

    Ep. 56 - How to Build a Business That People Actually Want to Buy From with Michael Michelle Reynolds

    A quick note: The video quality is impacted during the first 10 minutes of this episode, but the audio is clear throughout. Thank you for your understanding! Career paths rarely stay as straightforward as they look from the outside. Sometimes the skills that seem unrelated at first become the foundation for the work that eventually fits. This week, Meghan is joined by Michael Michelle Reynolds, a visibility strategist who works with female founders on marketing, branding, social media, and becoming more visible in their businesses. Michael's approach is rooted in something much more fundamental than algorithms or content strategy: understanding people. A big part of the discussion centres on the relationship between visibility and trust. In an online world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and polished content, there is still enormous value in people being able to see the person behind a business. Community, connection, personality, and the willingness to be visible can be just as important to building a successful business as having a good product or service. There is also a broader exploration of entrepreneurship and what happens when the safety net of employment disappears. Building something for yourself comes with a different set of pressures, from finding your own customers and managing your finances to figuring out what actually makes a business work. Michael reflects on what he learned from experiencing that reality firsthand and how an unexpected interest in early social media eventually became the catalyst for a completely different direction in his career. The episode also touches on the psychology behind marketing, the importance of understanding how people experience your brand, and why helping someone create a meaningful change in their life or business can be more rewarding than the numbers alone. For anyone considering self-employment, building a personal brand, starting a business, navigating a career change, or struggling with the pressure and uncertainty that comes with entrepreneurship, there is plenty here to think about. It is also a useful reminder that your previous experience is rarely wasted. The things you learn in one career can become exactly what you need for the next one. CONNECT WITH MICHAEL: Instagram: @showupasyou Chapters: 00:00 Michael's early influences and growing up around business06:00 From hairdressing to business and management20:30 Moving into marketing, branding and entrepreneurship27:00 The reality of starting your own business33:00 Social media, human behaviour and understanding your audience40:20 Visibility, community and building a business people connect with44:00 Career highlights and what makes the work meaningful47:00 Don't deepen it: advice from a career rock bottom WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan one-to-one for therapy or career coaching, you can book an introductory session here: ⁠https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223411⁠ GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: ⁠hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com⁠ SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you'd like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick⁠ Keywords: Career, Career change, Career transition, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, Business ownership, Self-employment, Small business, Female founders, Women in business, Personal branding, Visibility, Marketing, Social media marketing, Branding, Digital marketing, Content creation, Community building, Human connection, Customer psychology, Business strategy, Career coaching, Coaching, Therapy, Burnout, Burnout recovery, Overwhelm, Stress, Work-life balance, Mental health, Expats, Relocation, Summer © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  3. 7 Aug

    Ep. 55 - Why Everyone Should Go to Therapy (Even for a Little While), solo episode with Meghan

    The experiences that shape us don't stay in the past. They continue to influence how we think, feel, and relate to others until we take the time to understand them. Just as we look after our physical health through movement, nutrition, and regular check-ups, our emotional wellbeing deserves the same care and attention. Drawing on her experience as both a therapist and a client, Meghan reflects on why she believes everyone can benefit from therapy, even if it's only for a short period. Self-awareness, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and greater self-understanding rarely happen by accident. They develop through curiosity, reflection, and having the space to examine the experiences that have shaped us. The episode explores the role that therapy can play in recognising long-standing patterns, understanding the impact of our past, and building stronger relationships with ourselves and the people around us. Meghan also discusses why the relationship between therapist and client matters far more than finding the "perfect" therapeutic approach, and why different types of therapy may be helpful at different stages of life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating burnout, considering career coaching alongside therapy, working through a major life transition, relocating abroad, or simply curious about what therapy is actually like, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on why investing in your mental health is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and the people you love. Chapters: 00:00 Summer sessions and why this topic matters04:20 Why self-reflection matters15:10 Understanding patterns, wounds, and self-awareness29:45 Finding the right therapist and why the relationship matters46:30 Different types of therapy and when they can help59:00 Therapy as an investment in yourself and your relationships WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan one-to-one for therapy or career coaching, you can book an introductory session here: ⁠https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223411⁠ GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: ⁠hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com⁠ SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you'd like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick⁠ Keywords: Therapy, Therapist, Mental health, Counselling, EMDR, Talking therapy, Coaching, Career coaching, Self-awareness, Emotional wellbeing, Personal development, Burnout, Burnout recovery, Overwhelm, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma, Healing, Relationships, Attachment, Work-life balance, Career change, Career development, Portugal, Porto, Expats, Relocation, Summer, Self-reflection, Emotional resilience © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  4. 24 Jul

    Ep. 54 - Moving to Portugal, Career Change and Starting Over with James Dowsett

    Many people dream about packing up their lives and moving abroad. What often gets left out are the practical realities that come afterwards. The paperwork, the uncertainty, the culture shock, the unexpected setbacks, and the resilience it takes to build a life somewhere new.This week, Meghan is joined by James Dowsett, Analytics Consultant at WPP, who shares the story of a career that has taken some unexpected turns. From beginning his career in the UK Civil Service to navigating redundancy during the pandemic, and eventually relocating to Lisbon, James reflects on the moments that challenged him most and the decisions that ultimately shaped his life today.What emerges throughout the episode is a broader discussion about trusting your instincts when your career takes an unexpected direction. Some of our biggest opportunities arrive disguised as disappointments, and while setbacks rarely feel meaningful in the moment, they often become the experiences that teach us resilience, confidence, and the importance of making decisions that align with our values rather than fear.Meghan and James also explore the realities of relocating to Portugal as an expat. They discuss navigating visas, residency, bureaucracy, building community in a new country, and adjusting to a different pace of life. While moving abroad is often romanticised, they reflect on the challenges that come with leaving familiar routines behind, alongside the rewards of creating a life that feels more aligned with your priorities.Whether you're considering a career change, relocating overseas, recovering from redundancy, navigating uncertainty, or wondering whether to trust your intuition when life doesn't go to plan, James's story is a reminder that careers are rarely linear. Sometimes the path that makes the least sense at the beginning becomes the one you're most grateful you took.CONNECT WITH JAMES:Instagram: @jmdowsettChapters:00:00 Introducing James and reconnecting after Fuller's05:15 From government to the graduate programme at Fuller's22:00 Redundancy, resilience and transferable skills35:00 Relocating to Portugal and starting over abroad46:00 Visas, bureaucracy and life as an expat57:00 Trusting your instincts when life changes directionWORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan one-to-one for therapy or career coaching, you can book an introductory session here: ⁠https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223411⁠GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: ⁠hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com⁠SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you'd like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: ⁠https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick⁠Keywords: Career change, Career transition, Relocation, Moving to Portugal, Portugal, Lisbon, Expats, Expat life, Living abroad, Visa process, Residency, Immigration, Career coaching, Therapy, Coaching, Redundancy, Career resilience, Transferable skills, Burnout, Burnout recovery, Work-life balance, Mental health, Overwhelm, Stress, Personal development, Trusting your intuition, Starting over, Remote work© Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  5. 10 Jul

    Ep. 53 - On Burnout and Slowing Down, solo episode with Meghan

    Burnout rarely arrives all at once. More often, it creeps in gradually, disguised as being busy, responsible, productive, or simply doing what needs to be done. Before long, working late becomes normal, rest feels uncomfortable, and slowing down starts to feel like something that has to be earned.Drawing on her experience as both a therapist and career coach, Meghan explores why so many people are reaching their limits without recognising it until they're already exhausted. Rising living costs, heavier workloads, constant digital connection, and the pressure to keep pushing have left many people functioning in survival mode for far longer than they realise.The episode explores why burnout can be so difficult to spot in ourselves, how chronic stress quietly becomes our baseline, and why creating space before we reach breaking point is one of the most valuable things we can do for both our careers and our wellbeing.Recording from Porto, where she is spending the summer, Meghan also reflects on the impact a slower pace of life can have on mental health. Time outdoors, proper sleep, meaningful connection, and moments away from our phones are often the first things to disappear when life becomes overwhelming, yet they are also some of the foundations that help us recover.Whether you're navigating burnout, feeling overwhelmed at work, considering therapy or coaching, relocating abroad, building a more sustainable career, or simply wondering why everything feels harder than it used to, this episode is an invitation to pause, reassess what matters, and remember that slowing down is not the same as falling behind.Chapters:00:00 Summer in Porto and embracing a slower pace07:35 Why burnout often goes unnoticed18:40 Recognising chronic stress before breaking point32:15 Phones, overwhelm, and creating space to think46:30 Therapy, coaching, and protecting your wellbeingWORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan one-to-one for therapy or career coaching, book an intro session or learn more here: ⁠https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/pa...GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: ⁠hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com⁠SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you'd like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrickKeywords: Burnout, Burnout recovery, Burnout prevention, Overwhelm, Chronic stress, Therapy, Therapist, Coaching, Career coaching, Career change, Career development, Work-life balance, Mental health, Wellbeing, Rest, Productivity, Nervous system, Sleep, Stress management, Portugal, Porto, Expats, Relocation, Living abroad, Summer, Personal development, Highly sensitive people© Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  6. 24 Jun

    Ep. 52 - Career Change, Entrepreneurship & Finding Work That Fits, feat. Jeff Shafritz, Strategic Franchise Advisor

    In this week’s episode, Meghan is joined by Jeff Shafritz, Strategic Franchise Advisor, founder of Franchise Guidance, and franchise consultant with FranChoice. With more than thirty years of experience in franchising, Jeff has worked across multiple sides of the industry, leading franchise development for major brands, owning and successfully exiting a top-performing fitness franchise, and advising hundreds of executives, investors, and career changers exploring business ownership. What emerges throughout the conversation is a broader discussion about how people define success and the assumptions many of us carry about work. For some, success means financial freedom. For others, it means flexibility, autonomy, family time, or the opportunity to build something of their own. Jeff argues that many career decisions go wrong when people chase status, prestige, or someone else's definition of success instead of understanding what genuinely matters to them. The discussion challenges the common belief that passion alone should determine career choices. Sometimes the activities we love most are better left as hobbies, while the most fulfilling careers emerge from understanding our strengths, preferred lifestyle, and the way we want to spend our days. Rather than asking what industry sounds exciting, Jeff encourages people to think carefully about how they actually want to work and live. There is also a thoughtful exploration of career reinvention. Jeff reflects on the unexpected twists that shaped his own path, including a major setback following the economic disruption of 9/11, when he found himself unemployed, raising a young family, and forced to reconsider his future. What initially appeared to be a professional crisis ultimately became the turning point that led him to the work he still does today. The conversation also looks at entrepreneurship through a more realistic lens. Rather than glamourising business ownership, Meghan and Jeff discuss the trade-offs involved, the importance of understanding your motivations, and why self-awareness often matters more than the business model itself. Whether someone is considering a franchise, a side business, or an entirely new career path, the principles remain remarkably similar: know yourself, understand your priorities, and build around the life you actually want. This episode explores career change, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, self-employment, family priorities, resilience, and the practical realities of building a career that aligns with your values rather than external expectations. It is a reminder that fulfilling work rarely arrives through a perfect plan. More often, it develops through curiosity, experimentation, and the willingness to follow opportunities that initially make very little sense. CONNECT WITH JEFF:Website: franchiseguidance.comEmail: jeff@franchiseguidance.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/franchiseguidance Chapters:00:00 Following unexpected career paths12:00 Passion versus practicality in career decisions28:00 Entrepreneurship, franchises and work-life balance51:00 Career rock bottoms and rebuilding after setbacks01:00:00 Lessons from the pandemic and adapting to change WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan 1:1, you can book an intro call with her here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/223411 GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest, email Meghan at: hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: If you’d like to support the show and the work of Career Congregation, you can do so here: https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick Keywords: Career, Career change, Career transition, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, Business ownership, Franchising, Franchise business, Self-employment, Work-life balance, Purpose, Fulfilling work, Coaching, Mentor, Personal development, Motivation, Authentic career paths, Money, Resilience, Small business, Side hustles © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  7. 8 Jun

    Endings are beginnings. Starting over. Season 3 opener with Meghan.

    Welcome to season 3 of Career Congregation! In this opening episode, Meghan looks at the power of starting over, and how it's never too late to change course. Reflecting on the previous 2 seasons, Meghan draws on the theme of reinvention and how inner child work can help you reconnect with your true passions – in life and career. Meghan looks at her own personal journey, especially over the past year, and reflecting on the guests stories over the past 50 episodes. How major setbacks—whether losing a job, relocating, or hitting a personal low—often unlocks the door to a more authentic and joy-filled life. In this episode, Meghan uncovers the hidden opportunities behind these pivotal moments. She shares her own journey of transformation—moving (again), being in nature, shedding layers of doubt and more. All the stories reinforcing that it’s never too late to start again. She emphasises: your ‘end’ is almost always the beginning of something extraordinary and new. Key Insights: How reconnecting with childhood passions and inner joy can guide your new pathThe common patterns behind reinventions—from heartbreak to relocation—and how to leverage themReconnecting with your inner child to unlock clarity and confidenceEmbracing change in a world that rewards stabilityWhy fear and skepticism are just signs you’re on the verge of your next big chapterWhether you're contemplating a career switch, navigating a personal crisis, or looking for some inspiration, this season will offer many stories of reinvention to inspire you. Meghan’s insights equip you to see setbacks not as failures, but as ground for growth. WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan 1:1, book an intro call with her here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/166602 GUEST SUBMISSIONS: email Meghan at hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick Reinvention, inner child, career transformation, personal growth, starting over, authentic life, overcoming setbacks, embracing change, new beginnings, and life journey. © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

  8. 14 May

    50. Career Congregation feat. Tori DaCosta, Business Owner & Bestselling Author: From Identity Shocks to Empowerment

    This week guest Tori DaCosta joins host Meghan Fitzpatrick for episode 50 of Career Congregation, the season two finale. Tori is the bestselling author of No Name Bastard: How Our Lives Teach Us What We Can Control, Manage and Influence; she is also a Fortune 50 business leader, executive coach, and founder of Journey Stone LLC. Meghan and Tori look at identity, purpose-driven work, and what alignment actually feels like in practice. They also explore trust and stillness in decision making, processing emotions versus bottling them up, and what it takes to write the kind of book that changes how people see their own lives. Main Topics Covered: Personal development, how life's hardest moments can serve as the biggest catalysts for growth and purpose, the emotional process of letting go of pain, listening to life's "whispers", mental health, emotional processing, self-awareness, the power of storytelling and writing as a method of healing, and the significance of alignment and pursuing what energises you. CONNECT WITH TORI: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toridacosta/ Instagram & Facebook: @ToriDaCostaLeadership Website: www.journeystone.com BUY HER BOOK: Hardcover: https://a.co/d/05gcgbCL Kindle: https://a.co/d/0e0FdEwE Audiobook: Audible | Spotify | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Libro.fm | Chirp WORK WITH MEGHAN: If you are interested in working with Meghan 1:1, you can book an intro call with her here: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/166602 GUEST SUBMISSIONS: If you think you know someone who would make a great guest on the show, feel free to email Meghan at hello@meghanfitzpatrick.com SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://ko-fi.com/meghanfitzpatrick KEYWORDS: Career, career change, career transition, personal development, mental health, purpose, fulfilling work, motivation, entrepreneurship, coaching, mentor, authentic career paths, rock bottom, personal narrative, building a brand, long-term growth, success stories, inspiring careers, burnout, therapy, identity, forgiveness, self-awareness, emotional resilience, executive coaching, work-life balance Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro to Tori da Costa and her book's significance (01:38) - How the podcast became an anchor and reflection space (04:33) - Cultural background and early influences (06:36) - Hardships shaping personal growth (07:16) - The story behind her unexpected name reveal (09:50) - Discovering her father’s last name and identity shock (11:16) - Emotional response to identity revelations (16:36) - Moving from pain to forgiveness and letting go (26:19) - The healing power of sharing vulnerable stories (32:43) - The first "whisper" to write her book (57:04) - Embracing challenges and growth through adversity (58:35) - The importance of living aligned with your purpose (61:10) - How to connect with Tori and purchase the book © Copyright Meghan Fitzpatrick 2026

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Career Congregation: Stories of Reinvention is your weekly space for inspiration and change. Weekly conversations featuring real stories, practical tools and insights to help you navigate career transitions, relocation, uncertainty, and major life transitions. Hosted by Therapist and Coach Meghan Fitzpatrick, expect mindset shifts, insights, and inspiration for navigating change. Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone. Book a discovery call with Meghan: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/166602

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