Feeling Stuck Mid-Career? How to Rediscover Your Spark & Build What’s Next (with John Neral)

Episode Overview

If you’ve ever had that quiet (or not-so-quiet) thought…

“I can’t do this forever…”

…this episode is for you.

Today, I’m hanging out with my new friend (and now one of my favorite humans!) - John Neral - an executive and career transition coach who knows exactly what it feels like to be successful on paper… but still feel that pull toward something MORE.

After 25+ years in education - including teaching and leading at a high level - John made a bold pivot. Now, he helps mid-career professionals rediscover their spark and build careers they actually love.

But here’s why I wanted him on Encouraging the Encouragers…

Because if you’re a coach, speaker, or content creator (or you’re thinking about becoming one)… chances are, you’ve felt that same tug.

That mix of:

• excitement

• fear

• and “Is this crazy?” energy

In this conversation, we talk about what it really looks like to step into something new - especially when it doesn’t make logical sense to the people around you.

This one is real. It’s practical. And yep… there’s a whole lot of encouragement baked in too.

Here’s a peek at just SOME of what we dig into:

• That moment when you realize: “I can’t do this forever…”

• Navigating fear, uncertainty, and other people’s opinions

• The BIG mistake most new coaches and speakers make

• Why your podcast doesn’t need to be “top-ranked” to be effective

• Why “sucky days” are part of the process (yep… totally normal!)

John is an executive and career transition coach, speaker, and host of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast.

After spending more than two decades in education - impacting countless students and educators - John made the leap into coaching, where he now helps mid-career professionals navigate career crossroads with clarity and confidence.

He’s also the author of Your Mid-Career GPS: Four Steps to Figure Out What’s Next and is passionate about helping people stop settling… and start building work they actually love.

Connect with John: https://johnneral.com 

If you’re an encourager - someone who coaches, leads, speaks, or creates content - you’ve probably felt the tension of helping others… while still figuring out your own next steps.

This episode is a powerful reminder: 👉 You’re not behind 👉 You’re not crazy 👉 And you’re definitely not alone

Sometimes… that nudge you’re feeling?

It’s not something to ignore.It’s something to explore.

Let’s make this more than just a great listen…

Take 5 minutes today and ask yourself: “Where in my life am I feeling that ‘I can’t do this forever’ nudge?”

Don’t overthink it. Just notice it.

Then take ONE small step:

• Journal about it

• Talk it out with someone you trust

• Or explore what “next” could look like

Small steps lead to big clarity.

And hey… if this episode encouraged you:

Share it with a friend who’s in a season of transitionText it to a fellow coach, speaker, or encouragerAnd if you haven’t yet… leave a review for the podcast

It helps more encouragers find the show… and we’re just getting started.

Let’s gooooo