The Reframing Room

Vicky Russ
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The Reframing Room is hosted by leadership coach and former CEO Vicky Russ,  it aims to support professionals navigating redundancy, retirement, and major career transitions. Designed for leaders and individuals facing change, the podcast features real-life stories of reinvention and maintaining a positive mindset. Offering practical insight, reflection, and encouragement to people at a loss following redundancy and retirement. Each episode explores how challenging experiences can be reframed into opportunities for growth, purpose, and renewed direction.

Episodes

  1. Oct 13

    From Archaeology to Marketing: Kathryn Wharton's Squiggly Journey

    When redundancy wipes out the plan, some people pause - Kathryn Wharton builds a new one. From archaeology and museums to tech marketing, accidental business ownership, and co-founding Women in Tech North East with no funding and no blueprint, this conversation is a masterclass in turning disruption into direction. Kathryn Wharton spent over a decade making complicated ideas easy to understand in museums before carrying that storytelling skill into marketing inside tech firms. Then liquidation forced a pivot she never expected, and what followed was the launch of KLW Marketing, the creation of a thriving community, and a career built on autonomy, resilience, and saying yes before she felt ready. You'll discover: Why storytelling is the through-line between museums, marketing, and leadership How to spot the transferable skills hiding inside a "squiggly career" What it really takes to start a business after redundancy The practical mindset that helps Kathryn keep showing up, even when the next step feels uncomfortable How Women in Tech North East grew from a coffee-and-cake launch into a 1,700-plus member community We break down the strategy behind visibility, public speaking, and building credibility without burning time on tactics that don't move the needle. Kathryn also shares the systems that now keep her business lean, including AI, automation, and a real human virtual assistant, plus the lessons she learned about when to push, when to wait, and how to build support around you. This episode matters if you've been hit by a career curveball, feel stuck between employed and self-employed, or need proof that a non-linear path can still lead to purpose and growth. Kathryn's story is a reminder that control, confidence, and momentum can be rebuilt one decision at a time. Perfect for marketers, career changers, founders, and anyone standing at an unexpected fork in the road. If you need a practical dose of courage and a fresh way to think about reinvention, hit play. If anyone is looking for senior marketing support for their business then Kathryn's Strategy Sprint is a fantastic way to get started > https://www.klwmarketing.co.uk/strategy-sprint

  2. Sep 4

    Finding Freedom: Sarah Alderson's Journey of Reinvention

    How Sarah Alderson, Author and Screenwriter, embraced uncertainty to craft her storytelling life. Sarah's journey from a stable job in London to a life of global exploration and storytelling is nothing short of inspiring. In our latest conversation, she opens up about her bold decision to leap into the unknown, leaving behind the familiar to pursue her passion for writing. The Leap of Faith Sarah started her career at a non-profit organization, working her way up from administrator to head of projects. Yet, after having her daughter, she and her husband found themselves yearning for a different life. "We saw we'd seen all these people in Mexico, like expats, you know, living the life. And we were like, wait, maybe we should do something similar." This pivotal moment led to a year of planning, culminating in the decision to cut the safety net and embark on a traveling adventure with their young daughter. The fears were palpable, but so was the wisdom in taking that leap. Embracing Naivety Initially, Sarah felt overwhelmed by the prospect of writing. With no formal training and doubts about her abilities, she found inspiration in unexpected places. "I was desperately trying to think, what am I gonna do to earn money? And honestly, this list was like Richard Branson, J.K. Rowling..." This led Sarah to write her first novel, inspired by her desire to create something powerful and engaging. Her naivety became a strength, pushing her to pursue her dreams without being hindered by self-doubt. Building a Writing Career The journey was not without challenges. Sarah faced numerous rejections and the harsh realities of the publishing world, yet she persevered. Her resilience became her greatest asset, helping her navigate the ups and downs of being a writer. "It looked like a lot of disappointment along the way... 99% of authors don't earn enough to live on." Despite the setbacks, Sarah found success in screenwriting and continued to write novels, cultivating a backlist of over twenty books. Reflection on the Journey Today, Sarah reflects on her unique path with gratitude. The leap into the unknown transformed her life in ways she could never have anticipated. "It's been such a unique path and so extraordinary in so many ways that it was worth it." As Sarah continues to craft stories, she reminds us all of the importance of following our passions, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. For a deeper dive into Sarah's story and insights on navigating life's uncertainties, listen to the full episode. ****Sarah's latest novel "The Edge of the Woods" is available now from major retailers****

  3. Jul 15

    Nine-to-Five to Dubai — Alexi Sfaltos on What It Really Takes to Go All In

    Two years ago, Alexi Sfaltos was earning fifteen hundred pounds a month in a nine-to-five job. Today he's twenty-three years old, running a digital marketing business from Dubai with a team of four, generating seven figures in revenue for his clients — and sometimes making more in a week than he used to earn in a year. But behind those numbers is a story most people never hear. Alexi experienced self-doubt, anxiety and fear every day — before, during and after leaving his job. Moving to Dubai alone at twenty-two amplified everything but he's hit every single goal he set. In this episode, Alexi shares what it really took to bet on himself, how he overcame the fear that nearly stopped him, and why understanding his purpose was the thing that changed everything. Whether you're twenty-three or sixty-three, if you've ever been paralysed by the gap between where you are and where you want to be — this one's for you.

  4. Jul 11

    Gunner, Pilot, Actor, Teacher, Author, Delivery Driver — Laurie Tallack tells his incredible story (so far)

    Laurie Tallack spent fifteen years in the RAF as a gunner and pilot before walking away at thirty-four to start a completely different life. He went to university to study English Literature in his 30s, then trained as a teacher, then took a detour into acting — studying drama at East 15 and directing his own plays in London. He spent nearly two decades teaching in further education before resigning over a pay dispute and spending six months delivering for ASDA. Now he's living in Buenos Aires, teaching English to Argentinians, and has three books to his name — including a thriller inspired by a Falklands raid and a collection of teaching stories coming out later this year. In this episode, Laurie shares what it takes to keep reinventing yourself, why he's never let a job title define him, and what happens when you follow your curiosity wherever it leads. Laurie's books are available on Amazon: The Argentine Job (thriller - based on a true story) Not a Natural Pilot Those who can’t (Teaching stories – coming out later this year) Find out more here: https://laurietallack.wixsite.com/laurie-tallack

  5. Jun 28

    From Egyptology Dreams to Molten Museum Pieces: Clare Hack's Remarkable Reframing Journey

    Glass artist Clare Hack shares her surprising path from a childhood dream of Egyptology and a cancer diagnosis at 20 to discovering lampworking as therapy and founding Blue Flame Glass Studio. A bucket-list attempt at glasswork grew into a career making museum-quality bead replicas, teaching workshops, and supporting communities like schools and veterans. Clare reflects on resilience, the importance of practical learning and family support, and how creativity helped her reclaim purpose and build a business that invites everyone to experience the benefits of glassmaking. For further information about Claire and her glass-working lessons find and follow her on Instagram: @bluflamer

  6. Jun 18

    Ignore the Risk, Take the Reward: Alexandra Boyd on Acting, Directing & New Beginnings

    Actress and filmmaker Alexandra Boyd walks through a life of bold pivots — from musical theatre and TV roles (including Coronation Street) to decades in the US, a part in Titanic, and a late-career shift into directing, producing and writing. This episode covers her practical reinventions across countries and industries, the making of Widow’s Walk and The Ship of Dreams/Titanic Diaries, and the lesson she lives by: focus on the reward, ignore the risk, and keep re-creating. Notes for listeners: Alexandra's first feature film WIDOW’S WALK is on Amazon and elsewhere. www.widowswalkfilm.com  DOCUMENTARY - Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries is also on Amazon, FREE on Tubi in  the US, and about to be on YouTube worldwide  www.shipofdreamsfilm.com  BOOK The Titanic Movie Diaries is out next March (2027 - The History Press) a collection  of 16 Titanic actors’ on set diaries - a companion piece to the documentary.  SUBSTACK - articles on Titanic, excerpts from the book and my film  www.thetitanicdiaries.substack.com  PODCAST - TITANIC TALK starts Season Four in the Autumn. Presently at 60 episodes.  Co-host, Nelson Aspen and Alexandra talk with historians, fans, actors, explorers, all under the umbrella of the ship that hit an iceberg in 1912 and lies at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. On Apple pods and everywhere.  Titanic Talk - your first class ticket to everything aboard the ship of dreams:  https:// podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/titanic-talk/id1680985773  SPEAKER - Alexandra’s Titanic Talks tailored to Titanic film history interest audiences on the  cultural phenomenon of James Cameron’s Titanic and the impact the film industry has on us  all. https://www.alexandraboyd.co.uk/titanic-talks

  7. Jun 4

    Reframing Loss into New Purpose: A Tech Executive’s Second Act

    Dr. Stephanie Hills tells the story of leaving a 25+ year Fortune 500 technology career after personal loss to launch an executive coaching and consulting business. At 61 she has coached over 100 tech leaders and now teaches professionals how to use AI as a career advantage. The episode covers her leadership during a company acquisition, the loneliness and failures of entrepreneurship, practical steps for AI readiness, and her Career Freedom Accelerator focused on clarity, control, connections, personal brand and small daily improvements. Key takeaways: reframe setbacks into opportunities, focus on what you can control, celebrate small wins, and use AI as an enabler to expand career possibilities. Stephanie helps tech leaders navigate their next chapter. Pivot, promotion, your next career move with her Career Freedom Accelerator. Book a complimentary 1:1 advisory conversation here stephanieshills.com/conversation LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephaniehillsphd

  8. May 17

    Pressure, Performance and Reinvention — Sports Psychology Insights from Prof. Andy Lane

    Andy Lane, Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology, shares his journey from boxer and lifeguard to academic leader and elite practitioner. He discusses working with athletes, navigating career transitions, and translating sport psychology tools into everyday resilience. Practical takeaways include identifying and regulating emotions, focusing on the next actionable step, using imagery and pacing techniques for performance, and reframing skills for life after sport — including retirement or redundancy.

  9. May 14

    Embracing change and staying true to personal values: Dr. Herb Ricardo

    Dr Ricardo (or Herb as he prefers to be called), grew up in the UK but moved to America at just 16. What followed was a 30-year journey across some fascinatingly different worlds — from consulting at Disneyland to mental health services, from his MBA and Doctorate to becoming a university business professor in Florida. In this episode, Herb shares the struggles of starting again in a new country as a teenager, the turning points that shaped his path, and what straddling two cultures has taught him about identity, resilience, community and purpose. A powerful conversation for anyone wondering what their next chapter could look like.

  10. May 2

    When Work Stops: Reframing Your Next Chapter

    Hello, everyone. Welcome to The Reframing Room, a podcast for people facing major career transitions — redundancy, retirement, burnout or sudden change. Each episode features honest conversations with people who share the fear, doubt and identity wobble, plus what surprised them and what helped as they found a new sense of purpose. Hosted by leadership coach and former CEO Vicky Russ, episodes drop at least monthly and offer practical hope and real perspective for anyone standing at a crossroads and ready to discover what’s next.

  11. May 2

    Culture Over Talent: The Tough Call That Won a Championship

    Retired educator and coach Matt Haar, from Idaho, USA, reflects on 35 years in classrooms and locker rooms, sharing stories about culture, leadership, accountability, and the real work of shaping young people. He discusses choosing culture over talent, coaching parents as well as players, and why letting people fail is essential to learning. The conversation offers practical takeaways for leaders, teachers, and managers: prioritize respect and consistency, create environments that encourage growth, and value relationships—summed up as growth, accountability, culture, and relationships.

  12. May 2

    Executive Assistant to Entrepreneur: Building a Global Personal‑Development Brand

    My guest Nicole Lancashire shares how two redundancies after a 20-year career as an executive assistant pushed her to build an online personal-development business and move from Australia to the UK. She explains how skills developed from supporting leaders—operations, project management and emotional intelligence—helped her become an entrepreneur, and how a daily routine of journaling, gratitude and study fuels her self-belief. Nicole also talks about home-schooling her children, developing audio stories for kids, setting boundaries, and practical advice for anyone facing redundancy: visualise two-year outcomes, commit to consistent action, and take the leap.

  • 12 Episodes

About

The Reframing Room is hosted by leadership coach and former CEO Vicky Russ,  it aims to support professionals navigating redundancy, retirement, and major career transitions. Designed for leaders and individuals facing change, the podcast features real-life stories of reinvention and maintaining a positive mindset. Offering practical insight, reflection, and encouragement to people at a loss following redundancy and retirement. Each episode explores how challenging experiences can be reframed into opportunities for growth, purpose, and renewed direction.

Information

  • Creator
    Vicky Russ
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Reframing Room