In the final episode of The Career Change for Women Podcast, host Brittany Cates reflects on the impactful journey of the podcast, which has inspired women to pursue career changes.

She shares her insights on the recurring themes of insecurities, doubts, and the permission to want more in life. Brittany acknowledges the overwhelming success and community support the podcast received but also reveals how it led her to overextend herself. She announces the end of this podcast to focus on a new venture: a podcast tailored for mid-career UX designers.

Brittany highlights her own career in UX design and her desire to help designers feel seen and valued. She thanks her audience for their support and encourages them to follow her new podcast and updates on LinkedIn.

In this episode, I chat with Ellen Twomey—career coach, entrepreneur, and founder of You Are TechY—about career transitions, confidence, and breaking into tech.

Ellen shares her personal journey from being a stay-at-home mom to landing a job in tech, despite facing self-doubt and isolation. She explains how attending just one meetup changed everything for her and how other women can do the same.

We also dive into:

• Overcoming fear and rejection – Why confidence matters and how to shift your mindset.
• Work-life balance – The reality of juggling career growth with personal life.
• Entrepreneurship & career pivots – Ellen’s journey from corporate life to running her own businesses.
• Finding purpose – How passion comes from doing meaningful work, not just chasing excitement.
• Women in tech – Why women’s perspectives are crucial in shaping the future of the industry.

Ellen also shares her insights on personal development, faith, and the importance of continuous learning. Whether you're looking to break into a new industry, start your own business, or simply build more confidence in your career, this episode is full of valuable takeaways.

Connect with Ellen

Ellen's Website: https://ellentwomey.com/

Work Genius Website: https://www.workinggenius.com/

You Are TechY Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/54Ut5wiCSmfNau6KPLKhzN

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Book mentioned in the episode: "Ego Is the Enemy" by Ryan Holiday

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

In this episode, I sit down with Alaina Case, an experienced virtual assistant coach and founder of Elite VA Services, to talk about the journey from traditional employment to entrepreneurship. Alaina shares her career path, from working in public relations and nonprofit roles to launching multiple businesses before discovering her passion for virtual assistance. She opens up about the challenges of leaving a toxic work environment, embracing freelancing, and ultimately creating a thriving VA coaching business.

We dive into the mindset shifts needed to transition from an employee to a business owner, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the power of leveraging existing skills in a new career. Alaina also shares her insights on setting boundaries in business, the importance of knowing your "why," and how hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for small business owners.

Whether you're thinking about becoming a VA, hiring one, or taking the leap into entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Tune in to hear how Alaina built a business on her own terms, and how you can do the same!

Connect with Alaina

Website: https://www.elitevaservices.net/

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

Navigating Life’s Next Chapter with Wendy Leggett

In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Leggett, a retirement coach specializing in non-financial retirement planning. Wendy shares how she helps people transition into retirement with intention—focusing on identity, purpose, and well-being rather than just finances.

We dive into:

• The emotional challenges of leaving a career and redefining your purpose
• How to approach retirement as a new chapter rather than an endpoint
• The importance of self-care, reflection, and intentional planning
• Breaking free from societal expectations about aging and work

Whether you're considering retirement, navigating a major life transition, or simply rethinking what’s next, this conversation will help you take a more thoughtful and empowered approach. Tune in for practical insights on designing a fulfilling next phase of life!

Connect with Wendy

Website: confluxretirementcoaching.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.leggett.1232

Facebook: https://facebook.com/confluxretirementcoaching/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/wendyleggett/

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

In this episode, Shannon Russell, a former TV producer turned entrepreneur and career coach, shares her inspiring journey of transitioning from the entertainment industry to owning a business and helping women navigate career changes.

Shannon talks about recognizing transferable skills, embracing self-reflection, and the power of listening to your inner voice when making a career pivot. She opens up about overcoming self-doubt, stepping away from a creative career to focus on family, and how she found confidence in starting her own business.

We discuss the challenges of career transitions, the importance of financial planning, and how having a support system and a plan can help you pursue fulfillment over societal expectations. Shannon also shares insights from her brand new book, "Start Your Second Act."

If you’re thinking about making a career change or starting your own business, this episode is full of valuable tips to help you step into your next chapter with confidence!

Buy the book here: https://a.co/d/9X1O6F5

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Connect with Shannon

Website - https://secondactsuccess.co

FB - https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co

IG - https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@secondactsuccess

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcareercoach

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

In this episode of Career Change for Women (formerly titled Shift Your Day Job podcast), Brittany sits down with midlife women's business coach Brenda Rigney to talk about entrepreneurship, personal growth, and embracing change. Brenda shares her journey from a 15-year corporate career at The Gap to becoming a successful entrepreneur, fueled by a life-changing divorce and a desire for more freedom.

She dives into the challenges midlife women face when starting businesses, from navigating perimenopause to overcoming corporate conditioning. Brenda emphasizes the power of community, authenticity, and taking action—rather than waiting for permission or perfection. She also introduces her Aligned AF Community, a space for women to receive mentorship and support in both business and life.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in hustle culture or wondered if it’s too late to start your own business, this conversation is for you. Tune in for an inspiring, no-BS discussion on building a business that aligns with your values and lifestyle.

Connect with Brenda

Website: https://www.brendarigney.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbrendarigney/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendarigney/

Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/itsbrendarigney

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brendarigney

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

In this episode of Career Change for Women (formerly Shift Your Day Job), I sit down with business coach Emily Hawkins to talk about her journey from a 15-year corporate career to building a thriving coaching business. Emily opens up about the moment she realized corporate life wasn’t for her and how a layoff led her to reassess her future. She shares how she took a leap, turned her expertise into a high-value offer, and built a business that helps small business owners streamline operations and scale sustainably.

We dive into the power of slowing down, embracing your own path instead of chasing someone else’s dreams, and making decisions based on personal values—not just financial gain. Emily also shares how she overcame self-doubt, shifted her mindset to see opportunities rather than threats, and found her niche by listening to what business owners actually needed.

If you’re feeling stuck in a corporate job that no longer excites you or you’re wondering how to turn your skills into a profitable business, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to take action.

✨ Listen in to hear:

• How Emily transitioned from corporate to coaching and landed $20K clients
• Why slowing down can actually accelerate your success
• The mindset shifts that helped her embrace change and trust her expertise
• How to navigate career transitions with confidence and authenticity

🔗 Plus, Emily shares details about her upcoming book and a free diagnostic quiz for business owners—don’t miss it!

Connect with Emily

Website: emilyhawkins4u.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/emilyhawkins4u

FB: https://www.facebook.com/emilyhawkins4

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyhawkins4u/

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

In this episode of Shift Your Day Job, I sit down with artist, mentor, and creativity specialist Karen DeLoach to explore the power of art, self-expression, and digital entrepreneurship. Karen shares her journey from traditional art education—earning degrees in painting, ceramics, and film production—to pivoting online and building a thriving creative business.

We dive into the role of creativity in reducing stress, finding fulfillment, and unlocking personal potential. Karen reflects on her experience as an art teacher, the impact of nurturing creativity from a young age, and how she’s now helping others embrace art for self-discovery. We also discuss her passion for filmmaking, including her work with young creators in Uganda, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for expression.

Whether you’re looking to reignite your artistic passions, explore creative entrepreneurship, or simply find more joy in self-expression, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace creativity in all areas of life. Tune in to hear Karen’s story and discover how art can be a pathway to both personal and professional transformation!

Connect with Karen

Website: www.karendeloachart.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karendeloachart

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karen-deloach-b212bb1a

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenedeloach/

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Connect with Brittany

Website: https://www.shiftyourdayjob.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftyourdayjob/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanyncates/