Success Stories: To Startup

“I wanted to work from home, during hours of my choosing.”

From TV to Speech Writing

Heidi Ellert McDermott enjoyed her work, but when a change in her life circumstances meant it was no longer an option, she looked for ways to use her skills elsewhere. It's been a hard slog, but she's finally reached a point where her new career is both fulfilling and in sync with her home life. Here's her story.

“I'd become more and more disillusioned.”

From Teaching to Start-up

When an impromptu demo at a family party sparked an opportunity for change, Matt Dyson grabbed it with both hands. Here's how he managed his finances, and the uncertainty, to create work that he genuinely loves.

“I wanted to feel like 'me' again.”

From Sales to Jewellery

Frustrated with corporate politics and seeking a more flexible way to work, Sarah Cooke decided to take matters into her own hands. With a little ingenuity and a lot of hard work, she spotted her new business niche and crafted a career where she's fully in charge of her schedule. Here's how she did it.

“I felt very disheartened, like I'd hit a glass ceiling.”

From Retail to Wealth Management

Unable to move upwards in his work, and longing for his success to be dictated by his results, Alexander Bland made a brave double leap: to a new career and his own business. Here, he shares how his hard work turned risk into reward.

“I couldn't miss the chance to fix something I could see wasn't working.”

From Management Consultant to Childcare Entrepreneur

Ever come across an opportunity too enticing to turn down? Zarja Cibej loved her job, but the lure of a problem in a crucial market, and the solution she could create to solve it, was simply too appealing to pass by. Here's how she made her shift.

“I needed a new challenge, but one that allowed me to work flexibly.”

From Charity to Children's Clothing

Samantha Collen loved her work. But then her personal circumstances changed. Here, she shares how she found a niche that was an ideal match for her skills, surprisingly close to home.

“I'd plateaued in my day job; after ten years I needed something new.”

From Marketing to Storytelling

Matthew Barrett didn't dislike his work, but he wanted to start something of his own. Here, he shares how he built and tested his ideas gradually (without risking his income), the mindset shift that's been crucial, and the financial plan that's allowed him to finally make the jump with both feet.

“It was a dream that I just had to give a shot.”

From Product Development to Gelato

Frustrated with slow-moving corporate processes? Hannah Wood was. When a scholarship abroad reawakened her foodie roots, she suddenly saw an opportunity back home. Here's how she sparked a new community partnership which helped make her ideas a reality.

“I was living life at such a furious pace; I needed to step off the treadmill.”

From Google to Start-up

Longing to get off the beaten track? Thomas Davies took eight months' leave to figure out his next move. During that time he got clear on his business idea, and sought help from 200 people he'd never met before. Here, he shares how he became a bootstrapping CEO, and why he's never been happier.

“My gut was screaming at me, ‘You have to do this.’”

From Nursing to Own Charity

Holly Penalver had always written off humanitarian work as a pipe dream. But when she saw a problem that needed fixing in the sector, she couldn't resist the challenge. Here, she shares why it's been a long and difficult transition, and why she can't imagine doing anything else.

Careershifters