Change is possible: Your Career Transformation Guide

Ani Filipova
Change is possible: Your Career Transformation Guide

When I left my banking career to try something new, the number one question everyone asked me was: How did you find the courage? The thing is – it’s not about the courage, it is about knowing what you want and planning for it. That’s why I started this podcast – to help you make your career change possible. Each of our guests has done a successful career change and we are going to discuss practical advice, actionable tips and inspirational stories that can help you change your career.

  1. From Amazon Executive to Entrepreneur- How Ethan Built a Successful Coaching Career

    1 DAY AGO

    From Amazon Executive to Entrepreneur- How Ethan Built a Successful Coaching Career

    Join Ani’s community here 👉🏼 https://bit.ly/anifilipova-community In this episode of Change Is Possible, host Ani Filipova chats with former Amazon VP turned executive coach, Ethan Evans. They explore Ethan’s journey from leading large teams at Amazon to a rewarding career in coaching. The conversation dives into essential leadership lessons, career growth strategies, and personal brand-building. Expect actionable insights on navigating career transitions and thriving in high-performance environments, perfect for anyone seeking a shift in their career. Ethan Evans is a former Vice President at Amazon, where he pioneered key initiatives such as Prime Video and the Amazon App Store. With over 15 years of executive experience at a top tech company, Ethan now dedicates his time to coaching professionals and leaders, guiding them toward career satisfaction and success. A recognized speaker and writer, Ethan shares wisdom on leadership, career transitions, and personal growth. In this episode, Ethan reflects on his experiences at Amazon, where he led teams through periods of rapid growth in an intense, high-stakes work environment. Ethan provides an insider's view on Amazon’s leadership principles, their impact on career progression, and the unique culture that shaped him as a leader. He also reveals why he chose to leave his role to pursue a career in coaching, offering advice on overcoming imposter syndrome and building a strong personal brand. Whether you’re eyeing a career transition or looking to strengthen your leadership skills, Ethan’s story delivers inspiration and practical takeaways. Expect to Learn: The core of Amazon's leadership principles and how they drive organizational success. How to effectively build a personal brand after stepping away from a corporate role. Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome and foster ongoing career growth. Practical steps to get unstuck in your career and find new directions. Insights on leading large teams, scaling business initiatives, and why coaching became Ethan’s passion post-Amazon. 🌟 Episode Highlights: 00:01:53 - Ethan's Background and Career Journey into Coaching 00:03:30 - Leadership at Amazon: Ethan’s Experience 00:04:55 - Navigating Amazon's Unique Work Culture 00:08:41- The Promotion Pathway at Amazon 00:10:49 - Transition from Amazon to Coaching 00:16:53 - Building a New Business Through Coaching 00:20:26 - Personal Branding Post-Amazon 00:24:23 - Conquering Imposter Syndrome in Leadership 00:26:56 - Challenges of Working Solo in a Coaching Career 00:30:58 - Redefining Success as a Coach and Leader 00:34:15 - Unblocking Your Career Path 00:42:21 - Toughest Period in Ethan’s Career at Amazon 00:46:30 - Inside Amazon’s Silent Meetings LISTEN ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507 Podcast site: https://changeispossible.site/ FOLLOW ANI FILIPOVA ON: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anifilipova_/ Personal site: https://anifilipova.me FOLLOW OUR GUEST: Twitter: https://x.com/EthanEvansVP YouTube: www.youtube.com/@EthanEvansVP Website: https://www.ethanevans.com/ 🔗 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes on coaching, career transitions, and leadership insights. Share your own thoughts and career experiences in the comments below!

    50 min
  2. Stress Management Tips to Avoid Burnout and Boost Productivity from Dora Vanourek

    OCT 22

    Stress Management Tips to Avoid Burnout and Boost Productivity from Dora Vanourek

    Why wait any longer to create the career and life you’ve been dreaming of?  Join Ani’s community and get the support you need here: https://bit.ly/anifilipova-community In this episode, Ani Filipova welcomes Dora Vanourek, a dedicated leadership and burnout coach. She opens up about her experiences with burnout, the challenges of balancing a high-paced career with personal well-being, and her insights into how we can recognize, prevent, and manage burnout in our lives. She also shares her journey from the Czech Republic to a successful career in Canada.  Dora Vanourek has over 23 years of experience in technology consulting, previously holding a senior role at IBM. During her work at IBM, she continued to dedicate time to burnout coaching, aiming to empower others to find a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment. Her work as a coach is inspired by her journey through burnout and her commitment to promoting well-being in high-stress environments. Dora discusses her career path, defining moments that led her to focus on burnout, and the practical steps people can take to prevent it. She explains the stages of burnout, how to recognize early signs, and how our environment and mindset contribute to it. Dora also touches on her experiences in the tech sector and offers valuable advice for anyone in high-stress careers on setting boundaries, recharging effectively, and building resilience. Expect to Learn: The definition of burnout and its three key dimensions. Common causes of burnout in the workplace and beyond. The five stages of burnout and how to recognize them. Practical ways to prevent burnout, include setting boundaries and recharging effectively. Why self-awareness is essential for avoiding burnout and maintaining well-being. 🌟 Episode Highlights: [02:19] About Dora [04:24] The event or experience that made Dora interested in burnout [05:22] What is Exactly burnout? [06:03] In a work environment, what are the causes of burnout? [07:25] What are the steps of burnout? [09:49] What are the early signs of burnout? [11:18] Is burnout only applicable to work? [16:25] How to prevent burnout? [18:24] What can happen if we don’t address burnout! [22:42] Recommend to people entering a fast-paced work environment [24:45] How does Dora manage herself without burning out? [29:47] Dora’s experience on how she overcame difficult challenges in Corporate Life? [34:55] Is it men or women, who are more prone to get burned out? [36:06] Ani’s decision after she finished graduation [40:01] What Dora does, other than her professional work? LISTEN ON: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507⁠⁠⁠ Podcast site: ⁠⁠⁠https://changeispossible.site/ FOLLOW ANI FILIPOVA ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anifilipova_/  Personal site: https://anifilipova.me FOLLOW OUR GUEST DORA VANOUREK ON: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doravanourek/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dora.vanourek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doravanourek/ 👉🏻 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights on career development and navigating change. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

    23 min
  3. How to Quit Corporate and Start a Portfolio Career – A Step-by-Step Guide by Ani Filipova

    OCT 12

    How to Quit Corporate and Start a Portfolio Career – A Step-by-Step Guide by Ani Filipova

    In this episode of "Change is Possible - Your Career Transformation Guide" podcast, Ani Filipova⁠ reflects on her personal journey of career transformation. She shares insights into how to recognize when a career change is needed, the three major driving forces behind her decision to leave her corporate career, and how she transitioned into building a portfolio career. With a deep focus on reclaiming time with family, prioritizing health, and embracing new opportunities, Ani walks us through the mindset and practical steps required to successfully change career paths. Whether you're considering a major shift in your professional life or just curious about the process, Ani’s story offers invaluable advice. Ani Filipova is a former Chief Operating Officer for Citibank's Treasury and Trade Solutions in Asia, where she managed operations across 16 countries. Throughout her career, she has worked in various leadership roles in global banking and has led transformative projects in the digital banking space. With over 20 years of experience, she now embraces a portfolio career, balancing coaching, public speaking, and other projects. In this episode, Ani discusses the challenges of her high-flying career in banking and why she ultimately decided to step away from the corporate world. She shares the three driving forces behind her decision: the need for more time with her family, the importance of maintaining good health, and the realization that corporate roles no longer aligned with her values. Ani also outlines the importance of preparing for a career transition by planning finances, discussing options with family, and considering what truly matters in life. She introduces the concept of a portfolio career and offers practical steps for building one, including coaching, public speaking, and developing multiple income streams. Expect to Learn: How to recognize when it's time for a career change The importance of preparing financially for a career shift The value of a portfolio career and how to start building one The significance of work-life balance and family time in career decisions How to maintain health and well-being while climbing the career ladder Episode Highlights: [00:00:00] - Introduction: Feeling Stuck in Your Career? [00:00:56] - Ani's corporate career: An inspirational journey [00:04:54] - Ani’s Big Career Leap: Opportunities with Audit & Risks at Citibank [00:07:08] - How and why Ani left the corporate career [00:07:34] - The Driving Forces you need to look for [00:12:54] - Learn how to prepare for change [00:14:50] - Find out what you are going to do! [00:16:35] - Don't make these mistakes in your early career [00:18:08] - What is a Portfolio Career? [00:21:54] - Learn from Ani's diverse portfolio [00:22:46] - Conclusion: It's not a rocket science! LISTEN ON: Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK⁠⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507⁠⁠⁠ Podcast site: ⁠⁠⁠https://changeispossible.site/⁠⁠ Follow Ani Filipova on: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148⁠⁠⁠ Personal site: ⁠⁠⁠https://anifilipova.me/⁠⁠⁠ Join Ani’s community here 👉🏼 ⁠⁠https://anifilipova.me/membership⁠ 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights on career development and navigating change. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

    23 min
  4. From PwC to Entrepreneurship and Creating a Purpose-Driven Startup with Foong Ng

    SEP 23

    From PwC to Entrepreneurship and Creating a Purpose-Driven Startup with Foong Ng

    In this episode of "Change is Possible - Your Career Transformation Guide" podcast, Ani Filipova sits down with Foong Ng, founder of Matchable, to discuss her journey from a successful corporate career at PwC to creating a purpose-driven startup. Foong opens up about her personal and professional transformations, the challenges of leaving a stable career, and how she navigated burnout to pursue her true values. Together, they explore the pressures of corporate life, the importance of personal purpose, and the realities of starting your own business. Foong Ng is the founder and CEO of Matchable, an innovative platform that connects employees with skills-based volunteering opportunities at impact-driven organizations. With over a decade of experience at PwC, where she became a director in the real estate tax team, Foong transitioned into entrepreneurship, driven by her desire to align her work with personal values. Her journey to founding Matchable was one of reflection, growth, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact. In this insightful conversation, Foong Ng shares her unique life story, beginning with the influence of her "tiger mom" upbringing and leading to her realization that the corporate path wasn’t aligned with her values. The conversation touches on the emotional challenges of leaving a prestigious career, the personal sacrifices she made, and the support she received from her family, especially her mother's transformation in understanding and supporting her new career path. Foong also provides valuable advice for anyone considering leaving a corporate job to start their own venture, emphasizing self-awareness, flexibility, and self-care. Expect to Learn: The impact of family expectations on career choices and personal identity. How to identify when it’s time to leave a corporate career. Steps to finding your personal purpose and aligning it with your work. The realities of founding a startup and how to manage the pressures of entrepreneurship. How to avoid burnout by aligning work with your personal values and taking control of your own journey. Practical advice for managing financial stability during career transitions. The importance of flexibility and resilience when building a business. 🌟Episode Highlights: [00:02:04] The Influence of a Tiger Mom [00:06:09] From Law to Accounting [00:10:57] Burnout at PwC [00:11:54] The Disconnect Between Work and Values [00:15:08] Finding Direction Through ‘Chasing Tennis Balls’ [00:18:55] Letting Go of Expectations and Rebuilding Identity [00:24:55] The Hardest Moment: Letting Go of Her Sales Team [00:28:00] Why Burnout Didn’t Return After PwC [00:33:15] Redefining Success [00:36:38] Foong’s Top Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs LISTEN ON: Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK⁠⁠ Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507⁠⁠ Podcast site: ⁠⁠https://changeispossible.site/⁠ FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148⁠⁠ Personal site: ⁠⁠https://anifilipova.me/⁠⁠ Join Ani’s community here 👉🏼 ⁠https://anifilipova.me/membership FOLLOW OUR GUEST: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wai-foong-ng/ Website: https://wearematchable.com/ 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights on career development and navigating change. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

    39 min
  5. Deepfakes, Data Privacy, and the Future of AI in Marketing and Beyond with Marco Andre

    SEP 9

    Deepfakes, Data Privacy, and the Future of AI in Marketing and Beyond with Marco Andre

    In this episode, Ani Filipova sits down with Marco Andre, a marketing leader with a passion for AI and public speaking. Marco shares his journey from traditional marketing roles at companies like Google to his current focus on AI applications in marketing and life sciences. He offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping industries and gives practical advice for anyone looking to leverage AI in their personal and professional lives. Marco's story reflects adaptation, growth, and the ability to embrace technological change to improve human connection. Marco Andre is the Global Head of Marketing and Generative AI Excellence at Novartis. A keynote speaker, AI executive, and published author, Marco brings over 20 years of experience working for industry giants like Google, Procter & Gamble, and YouTube. He has held various global roles in Marketing, Sales, Partnerships, and Operations, achieving significant milestones such as scaling a country marketing operation 4x in two years, managing a $20M brand budget across 18 EMEA countries, and advising C-Level executives on digital transformation for brands worth $40B in sales. In this conversation, Marco discusses his marketing career evolution and his growing interest in AI's transformative power. From distinguishing between applied AI and generative AI to sharing real-world examples of AI applications in industries like healthcare, law, and finance, Marco breaks down complex concepts into digestible insights. He also touches on personal topics like imposter syndrome, the future of AI in the workplace, and why we must focus on building personal brands beyond corporate identities. Marco encourages leaders to embrace AI while fostering human connections, offering practical tools and advice for utilizing AI effectively. Expect to Learn: The difference between applied AI and generative AI. How to maximize AI tools like ChatGPT and large language models for work and personal productivity. Why AI will change the future of work and its implications for career progression. Practical examples of AI applications in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and law. The ethical concerns surrounding AI, include deepfakes and data privacy. 🌟 Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 Marco's Introduction and Marketing Journey 00:03:01 Understanding AI in Simple Terms 00:04:49 Machine Learning and Deep Learning 00:06:08 Generative AI in Medicine 00:07:49 The Large Language Models 00:09:45 AI in Legal profession 00:12:00 Custom GPT for Personal Use 00:13:50 AI's Impact on Workplace and Career Progression 00:19:45 How to Get Started with AI Tools 00:25:58 The Future of AI and Agents 00:28:52 Society's Readiness for AI and Ethical Considerations 00:31:25 Personal Connection to the Sea and Career Moments 00:34:36 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Lego Passion 00:36:03 Career Transitions and the Power of AI in Life Sciences 00:38:07 Discovering AI and its Purpose in Professional Life 00:39:49 Conclusion LISTEN ON: Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK⁠ Apple:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507⁠ Podcast site: ⁠https://changeispossible.site/⁠ FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148⁠ Personal site: ⁠https://anifilipova.me/⁠ Join Ani’s community here 👉🏼 https://anifilipova.me/membership FOLLOW OUR GUEST: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoandre/ Website: https://www.marcoandre.ai YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marcoandre_official 🔗 Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights on career development and navigating change. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

    35 min
  6. The Secret to LinkedIn Success: Real Relatable Strategies to Make You Stand Out with Lea Turner

    AUG 26

    The Secret to LinkedIn Success: Real Relatable Strategies to Make You Stand Out with Lea Turner

    How much further could you go if you stopped holding back and committed to being your best, authentic self? Lea Turner’s journey proves that authenticity is a superpower, not a setback.  Despite a challenging upbringing and personal struggles, Lea embraced her true self—tattoos, ADHD, and all— to transform what some might see as disadvantages into her greatest assets.  She’s one of LinkedIn’s most recognizable coaches, showing that success doesn’t come from conforming but from owning who you are. Her story shows the power of genuine self-expression in building a powerful personal brand. Lea’s journey is a compelling reminder that challenges don’t define us; they drive us.  Through her work, she demonstrates how embracing your uniqueness can lead to extraordinary success, offering valuable insights on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and thriving with ADHD.  Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro 2:22 Childhood and Early Influences 5:24 Struggles and Turning Points 11:22 Transition to Entrepreneurship 20:08 How to build a Community 38:29 Building A Connection Based Personal Brand 38:53 Managing Success and Staying Grounded 43:27 ADHD Diagnosis and Coping Strategies 52:13 Best and Worst Days WATCH ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/WiqrxjMO_lk LISTEN ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507 Podcast site: https://changeispossible.site/ FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148 Personal site: https://anifilipova.me/ Join my EXCLUSIVE Community (launching September 2024): https://ani-nsusgbun.scoreapp.com/ FOLLOW OUR GUEST: Lea Turner   : https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-turner

    56 min
  7. Unhappy at Work? 8 Signs It's Time to Quit

    AUG 12

    Unhappy at Work? 8 Signs It's Time to Quit

    Join my exclusive community (launching September 2024): ⁠https://ani-nsusgbun.scoreapp.com/⁠ Do you feel stuck in a job that no longer makes you happy? Recognising when it’s time for a change is the first step towards a more rewarding career. There are some key signs that it might be time to move on: feeling constantly unhappy and drained, having few chances to learn and grow, staying only for the money rather than because you enjoy the work, your skills being ignored or underused, your values not matching the company’s culture, dealing with ongoing stress, anxiety, or sleep problems, often thinking about leaving but being scared of the unknown, and a strong gut feeling that you need a new direction. If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to seriously think about finding a job or company that better suits your needs and goals. Taking that first step can open up a world of new possibilities. 0:00 Life is too short to stay in an unfulfilling job. 0:44 Constant unhappiness and its impact. 1:53 Lack of learning and growth opportunities. 2:50 Staying only for the paycheck. 3:42 Overlooked or underutilised abilities. 4:45 Misalignment with company culture. 5:48 Chronic stress, anxiety, and sleep issues. 6:54 Frequent thoughts of leaving but fear of the unknown. 7:46 Gut feeling that it’s time to go. 8:38 Encouragement to take action based on these signs. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/FLU-Aon2Evs LISTEN ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507 Podcast site: https://changeispossible.site/ FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148 Personal site: https://anifilipova.me/

    10 min
  8. Unlock Your Unfair Advantage: The Proven Path to Growth and Success with Hasan Kubba | Ep.61

    JUL 22

    Unlock Your Unfair Advantage: The Proven Path to Growth and Success with Hasan Kubba | Ep.61

    Are you looking to grow your personal brand and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry? Hasan Kubba shares his insights into the “unfair advantages” we all have to leverage our strengths for success in business, and in life. Hassan shares his personal journey from overcoming his beliefs about marketing to leveraging his communication skills to land a book deal with a top publisher, despite not having a large platform. It is important to recognise that the power to succeed already lies within you. Hasan details the range of unfair advantages which may be available to you, using his own experiences as examples. We also discuss the value of teams to utilise multiple advantages within your businesses - your weaknesses can’t hold you back if you play to your strengths. 0:00 Hasan’s Upbringing & Career Choices  11:41 Writing a book and starting a business. 17:35 Unfair advantages in business 23:33 Luck and its relationship to mindset and opportunity recognition. 26:37 Self-awareness and leveraging external strengths. 31:57 Entrepreneurship and partnerships. 36:15 How to gain an unfair advantage 40:20 How to get a book deal without a large platform. 43:08 Different business types and success factors. 49:21 The Importance of Mentors for personal growth. 54:55 Building a YouTube channel and creating content. WATCH ON YOUTUBE:  https://youtu.be/eBtzA1FdQQI LISTEN ON: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0hIdk5DTJA46Wjd88gC1UK Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/sa/podcast/change-is-possible-your-career-transformation-guide/id1609990507 Podcast site: https://changeispossible.site/ FOLLOW THE HOST: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.filipova.148 Personal site: https://anifilipova.me/ Join my EXCLUSIVE Community (launching September 2024): https://ani-nsusgbun.scoreapp.com/ FOLLOW OUR GUEST:Hasan Kubba: https://www.linkedin.com/in/startuphasan/

    1 hr

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

When I left my banking career to try something new, the number one question everyone asked me was: How did you find the courage? The thing is – it’s not about the courage, it is about knowing what you want and planning for it. That’s why I started this podcast – to help you make your career change possible. Each of our guests has done a successful career change and we are going to discuss practical advice, actionable tips and inspirational stories that can help you change your career.

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