Shifted: Career.Mind.Life. Get inspired to navigate change and create YOUR ideal career and life

Yvonne Davidis, Career Transitions Coach at Space to Shift Your Career

This is a podcast about the shifts and turns in people's careers and lives. Stories of real people, who have actually SHIFTED, so gone through some sort of career/life transition: changed jobs, roles, organisations, cities or countries. It's a mix of: 🎙️ Conversations with guests: real people you can actually relate to, sharing their stories, insights and lessons learned based on their lived experience 🎙️ Solo episodes, where Yvonne shares a resource, framework or tool that she picked up during her training and professional life, and that she has seen working for her clients

Episodes

  1. 9: Ute Wilde Kraatz - From 'Switzerland is calling' to answering her own call

    05/10/2025

    9: Ute Wilde Kraatz - From 'Switzerland is calling' to answering her own call

    Summary In this episode, host Yvonne Davidis speaks with Ute Wilde Kraatz about her career in the diplomatic service of Switzerland, and her decision to retire early. Ute reflects on her shifts in mindset, the importance of personal growth, and the lessons learned from her extensive international experience. Have a listen and find out: what made Ute join the Foreign Service, what she means by 'Switzerland is calling' and how she answered her own call how Ute sought out opportunities to learn on the job, held up her hand when computers were introduced, and started a degree at 50 how Ute navigated her professional responsibilities and personal life on her last diplomatic posting in Moscow, amidst a global pandemic and the escalation of geopolitical tensions. Keywords career change, career transitions, mindset shifts, foreign affairs, personal growth, life changes, decision making, retirement, work-life balance, international experiences, personal reflections Chapters 0:55 Introduction 1:45 Quick fire questions 5:00 Ute's career change journey within the Swiss Department for Foreign Affairs 10:27 Embrace change, again and again 13:35 Career transitions and agency 17:10 Life in Moscow: challenges and adaptations 21:05 Navigating personal and professional decisions 28:50 Lessons learned from transitions 31:10 My take aways Connect with Yvonne On LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis For a framework to help you navigate change and transitions, check out Episode 3.

    33 min
  2. 8: Guest Naureen Ahmed: from leadership role in hospitality to entrepreneur and community builder

    04/19/2025

    8: Guest Naureen Ahmed: from leadership role in hospitality to entrepreneur and community builder

    Summary In this conversation, host Yvonne Davidis speaks with Naureen Ahmed about her journey through various career transitions in hospitality, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, mentorship, and community support. Naureen reflects on how her definition of success has evolved, the challenges of leaving a corporate job, and the creative freedom she has found in entrepreneurship. Naureen also highlights the cultural influences on her career path and the significance of embracing change and learning from experiences. Content 02:06 Introducing Naureen 03:46 Quick fire questions 17:30 Cultural, family, educational background 20:06 Professional development and learning 24:53 Finding Purpose in Transition 27:36 Loosing and rebuilding your identity and brand 31:39 Adopting a Beginner's Mindset 37:51 Advice for Career Transitioners 38:47 Career break, power pause, micro retirement 39:42 Navigating stigma and financial impact 43:55 The Importance of Self-Reflection 46:19 My key take aways Keywords career transitions, success, inspiration, mentorship, entrepreneurship, creativity, cultural influences, mindset, community, sustainability Takeaways - Cultural background shapes career perspectives. - Fear of change is a common barrier. - Asking for help is crucial for growth. - Taking a break can lead to clarity and purpose. - Building a supportive community is essential. - It's okay to change your mind and shift again. Connect with Naureen www.linkedin.com/in/naureen-ahmed www.inspiringwomeninhospitality.com Connect with Yvonne www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis

    42 min
  3. 7: Guest Tobias Menz - from academia to consultant to portfolio career as economics lecturer and therapist (in German with English summary at the start)

    04/05/2025

    7: Guest Tobias Menz - from academia to consultant to portfolio career as economics lecturer and therapist (in German with English summary at the start)

    Note: this episode is in German. But don't worry if you don't speak German. There's an overview in English at the start (at 1 minute). Summary In this episode of the 'Shifted' podcast, host Yvonne Davidis engages in a deep conversation with Tobias Menz about navigating career transitions, personal growth, and the journey of becoming a therapist. They explore the importance of relationships, overcoming fears, and the mindset shifts that come with professional development. Tobias shares his experiences of self-discovery through therapy and offers advice for those facing similar transitions in their lives. The discussion also touches on the challenges of balancing family, work, and education, as well as the various therapeutic approaches available to individuals seeking help. Content 01:00 This episode is in German - summary in English 02:36 Einleitung 04:48 Schnelle Fragerunde 19:11 Studium, Karriereweg und Zukunftspläne 22:48 Navigating Career Transitions 24:54 Ein ganz anderer Ansatz als bisher 26:31 Weiterer Kontext: Familie und andere Faktoren 30:49 Entscheidung treffen 35:28 An Herausforderungen wachsen 37:51 Angst überwinden 39:25 Eigene Stärken und Fähigkeiten erkennen und nutzen 41:14 Lessons learnt: übertragbar auf Beruf und andere Lebensbereiche 45:18 Mit wem Tobias arbeitet, zu welchen Themen, und mit welchen Methoden 48:13 Coming full circle: wie Tobias in dieses Gespräch ging 49:10 Meine 4 take aways Takeaways Navigating career transitions requires embracing change and uncertainty.Personal success can often stem from significant life events, such as the birth of a child.Support from mentors and supervisors is crucial in professional development.Aha moments often arise from working closely with clients and understanding their needs.Mindset shifts are essential for building strong relationships in both personal and professional settings.Balancing family responsibilities with professional aspirations is a common struggle.Trusting the process and being open to change can lead to positive outcomes. Keywords career transitions, personal growth, therapy, mindset shifts, overcoming fears, professional development, self-discovery, relationship dynamics, education, coaching Connect with Tobias Menz To connect with Tobias and find out more about his work, head over to his website and connect with him on LinkedIn. www.tobiasmenz.de www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-menz-82525133b  Connect with Yvonne Davidis LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis/

    51 min
  4. 6: Guest Suzanne Silver: from HR to social work, to UK foreign office, to business owner

    03/22/2025

    6: Guest Suzanne Silver: from HR to social work, to UK foreign office, to business owner

    Summary In this episode, host Yvonne Davidis speaks with executive and leadership coach Suzanne Silver. Have a listen and learn more about Suzanne's experience: - Why she left school at 16 and what she means by "nonsense jobs" - How she navigated her career changes - What advice she has for anyone who's considering to make a change Suzanne's journey involves various career transitions including in different cultural contexts. - from leaving school when she was 16 to start working in HR in local government (or 'staffing' as it was called back then); - to social work and Safeguarding Children - to teaching English as a foreign language in Hong Kong; - to landing a role in leadership development in the finance sector; - to working for the UK Foreign Office, covering leadership development in the Asia Pacific region where working remotely was the norm; - and then going on her own as coach and facilitator. Suzanne talks about the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the significance of mindset and self-awareness when making career decisions. She highlights the abundance of opportunities in the world and encourages us to embrace change and challenge our own boundaries. Chapters 00:03 Introduction and background 00:06 Love for learning about self and humans 15:15 Adventure in Hong Kong 17:32 "Nonsense jobs" 19:10 Navigating Career Changes and New Opportunities 23:18 Leadership Development in Diverse Environments 27:30 Relocation and Remote Work Dynamics 30:53 Embracing Change and New Beginnings 34:03 Mindset and Financial Freedom 36:37 Understanding Personal Values and Choices 37:40 The Journey of Self-Discovery 41:07 Advice for Navigating Career Transitions 42:16 My take aways Key words career transitions, entrepreneurship, personal growth, coaching, success, mindset, cultural shifts, values alignment, financial freedom, life lessons Takeaways - The world is abundant; there's enough for everyone. - You have to believe in yourself to succeed. - Financial security is a personal value that varies for everyone. - Embracing change can lead to unexpected opportunities. - It's important to know your own boundaries and challenge them. - Trying something new often leads to growth and learning. Connect with Suzanne Silvers LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannesilver/ Find out more about Suzanne's work https://suzanne-silver.com Connect with your host, Yvonne Davidis LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis/ Website www.YDcoaching.net

    44 min
  5. 5: Guest Vera Thienert: from international development to HR in the private sector plus a side hustle

    03/08/2025

    5: Guest Vera Thienert: from international development to HR in the private sector plus a side hustle

    Summary In this episode of the Shifted podcast, Yvonne Davidis interviews Vera Thienert, who shares her diverse career journey and the various transitions she has navigated: From Germany to the Phillipines and back to Germany. From the world of international development cooperation, to facilitation and consulting, to HR in a big German fashion retail company - plus setting up a side hustle. They discuss the importance of networking, emotional resilience during job hunting, and the role of support systems in overcoming challenges. Vera emphasizes the need to find joy in activities outside of job searching and offers valuable advice for those facing career changes. The conversation concludes with reflections on defining success and future aspirations. Chapters 01:03 Intro Vera 03:42 How careers are starting to look like 04:25 Navigating career change and opportunities 09:26 Emotional Resilience During Job Hunting 14:15 Finding Joy and Balance in Career Transitions 19:39 Strategic Networking and Career Focus 24:09 Reflections on Career Growth and Opportunities 28:51 Quickfire Round: Insights and Inspirations Key words career transitions, career change, job hunting, networking, emotional resilience, support systems, career advice, personal and professional development, coaching, HR, self-esteem Takeaways - Emotional resilience is key during challenging job hunts. - Finding joy in activities outside of work can boost self-esteem. - Opportunities can arise in unexpected places, so stay open-minded. - Support systems, both professional and personal, are vital during transitions. - It's important to pick your battles wisely in your career. - Having a clear vision can guide career decisions. - The world is full of opportunities; be willing to take risks. Connect with Vera Thienert LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-thienert-39a2b637/ You can find out more information about Vera's work and her imposter syndrome programme on her website https://www.ownyourstrengths.de

    39 min
  6. 4: Guest Dr. Anita Perkins - from academia to public sector to business owner

    02/22/2025

    4: Guest Dr. Anita Perkins - from academia to public sector to business owner

    Summary In this episode, host Yvonne Davidis speaks with Dr Anita Perkins, a self-employed research consultant, about her journey from academia to working in government to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges of burnout, the importance of mindset, and the value of community support in navigating career transitions. Anita shares her insights on identifying personal skills, building a business, and maintaining a work-life balance while staying true to one's values. The conversation emphasizes the significance of reflection, adaptability, and pursuing one's passions in the face of external doubts and challenges. Keywords career transition, self-employment, burnout, mindset, skills, community, networking, personal growth, consulting, work-life balance Chapters 01:06 Intro guest Dr. Anita Perkins 03:58 Career Transition and Self-Employment Journey 09:38 Mindset Shifts and Support Systems 15:35 Identifying Skills and Value Proposition 20:15 Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience 25:12 Building Community and Networks 28:19 Embracing Self-Employment 29:16 Reflection and Personal Growth 32:57 The Importance of Accountability 34:09 Quick Fire Insights 36:26 My take aways Takeaways - Building a business requires a mindset shift and commitment. - Community support is crucial for self-employed individuals. - Identifying unique skills can help in marketing oneself effectively. - Flexibility and adaptability are key in uncertain economic times. - Reflection and self-awareness help guide career decisions. - For Anita success is about aligning heart, mind, and body with one's values.   Links Connect with Dr Anita Perkins on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-anita-perkins-a9652824/  or through her Website https://www.anitaperkinsconsulting.com/ People and companies Anita mentioned that she worked with as she transitioned into self-employment: Hnry - specialist accountancy company for self-employed, freelancers, contractors and sole traders. Their slogan is “never think about tax again”. Hnry operates in New Zealand, Australia and recently launched in the UK. Website https://hnry.co.nz/  Natalie Coombe, pricing & profit expert LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliecoombe/  Website https://www.nataliecoombe.com/  Rachel Klaver, content marketing coach Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelklavercontentmarketingcoach/  Website https://www.rachelklaver.com/  Tabitha Arthur, photographer LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabithaarthur/ Website https://www.tabithaarthur.com/  Vito Lo Iacono, leadership development consultant, business mentor LinkedIn ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoid/ ⁠

    40 min
  7. 3: A framework to help you navigate change

    02/22/2025

    3: A framework to help you navigate change

    Summary In this episode, Yvonne Davidis discusses the complexities of navigating periods of change and transition, including how it shapes our identity. Yvonne introduces a transition model by William Bridges, a transition management consultant, who said "It isn't the change that will do you in, it's the transitions". She explains the difference between change and transition and describes the three stages of transition: Stage 1) the ending: letting go of what was, going through a grieving process Stage 2) neutral zone: the space in-between, sense of confusion as the old is gone and the new is not yet established Stage 3) new beginning: redefining yourself, release of energy, feeling reoriented and renewed Keywords change, transition, identity, empowerment, adaptation, professional and personal growth, coaching, resilience, control, agency Takeaways - Transitions are opportunities to redefine who you are. - Focus on what you can control during transitions. - Accept and adapt to what you cannot control. - There is a grieving process in letting go of the past. - Adapting expectations is crucial during major life changes. - You have the power to choose how experiences define you. - Be intentional about your responses to change. - Recognize learned patterns and decide if they serve you. Resources Sign up for Yvonne's newsletter  Download her free career transitions guide (including a 5 step plan to get started) Check out her blog Subscribe to this podcast Ways to connect with Yvonne LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis/ Book a non-obligatory chemistry call

    10 min
  8. 1: My 'why' for this podcast?

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    1: My 'why' for this podcast?

    Summary In this first episode host Yvonne Davidis talks about her 'why' for starting this podcast and why she called it 'Shifted'. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to navigate career and life changes through real stories and practical tools. Chapters 01:03 My "why" for this podcast 03:46 Keeping it real 04:16 Why "shifted"? 04:56 Format: guests + solo episodes Mission The podcast encourages you to define what success means to you and invites you to be open to explore alternative career paths. All with the purpose of ⁠inspiring you to live out YOUR ideal career and life, embracing the shifts and turns along the way. Format It will be a mix of: - conversations with guests, real people you can actually relate to, sharing their lived experience of navigating change in their careers and lives. - solo-episodes, where Yvonne shares a tool or a resource that she has seen working for her clients Takeaways - Changing careers is more common than you may think. - The podcast aims to keep discussions honest and real. - Real stories from relatable people can inspire change. - Listeners are invited to reflect on their career paths. - Inspiration can come from diverse life experiences. - Practical tools and frameworks will be shared. Keywords career change, life transitions, portfolio career, personal development, inspiration, real stories, success, intentional career and life, navigating change, mindset shift, Shifted podcast More about Yvonne Davidis Follow Yvonne Davidis on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yvonne-davidis/

    8 min

Trailer

About

This is a podcast about the shifts and turns in people's careers and lives. Stories of real people, who have actually SHIFTED, so gone through some sort of career/life transition: changed jobs, roles, organisations, cities or countries. It's a mix of: 🎙️ Conversations with guests: real people you can actually relate to, sharing their stories, insights and lessons learned based on their lived experience 🎙️ Solo episodes, where Yvonne shares a resource, framework or tool that she picked up during her training and professional life, and that she has seen working for her clients