Welcome to The Reinvention Diaries, where hosts Michelle and Nicola explore the challenges of reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence. In this episode, they tackle the January blues, the silence of starting something new, and finding validation when no one's clapping yet.

Episode Highlights:

Blue Monday & January Struggles

• The hosts discuss Blue Monday and whether January really lives up to its gloomy reputation
• Michelle shares how January and February are traditionally slow months for her photography business
• The feeling of starting over each year, even when you know the seasonal cycles

The Silence of Reinvention

• That difficult phase when you're working hard but no one's noticed yet—no applause, no validation, just silence
• How silence can feel harsher than criticism when you're trying something new
• The importance of self-validation before seeking external validation (as their previous guest Rachel emphasised)

Keeping Momentum When Money's Tight

• Why the financial pressure of starting a business is one of the biggest barriers to making the leap
• The challenge of proving the concept to yourself when cash isn't flowing yet
• How being forced into change (like redundancy) can sometimes make the transition easier

Building Self-Belief & Social Proof

• "Fake it till you make it"—projecting confidence even when you're uncertain
• Starting with testimonials from friends, and building reviews
• The importance of visibility: "People buy from people they trust, and if they can't see you, they can't trust you"

The Grief of Starting Over

• Nicola's experience going from Director of Operations to beginner photographer—losing mastery and starting from scratch
• The emotional toll of stepping backward to move forward
• Dealing with self-doubt: "Whose she to tell me what to wear?" (Michelle's internal struggle)

Comparison & Competition

• Why comparing yourself to someone in year three when you're in month three is unfair
• The value of befriending others in your industry rather than seeing them as competition
• How collaboration and networking can accelerate growth

Practical Advice for Getting Through the Silence

• Say yes to everything early on (even if you learn from mistakes)
• Get your face everywhere—networking, social media, business cards
• Build proof for yourself through testimonials and small wins
• Remember: exposure doesn't pay bills immediately, but it leads to opportunities that do

Random Acts of Kindness

• Michelle's almost-act:
• Nicola's avoided act:
• A sweet mention of Nicola's 12-week-old grandson

Key Takeaway: When you're in that silent phase of reinvention—when no one's clapping yet—you have to validate yourself first, keep showing up, and trust the process. The sunshine is coming.

Connect with The Reinvention Diaries:

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• www.mrstylewright.com
• www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk
• Subscribe and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts!

Former RAF officer Rachel Haith shares her journey from military burnout to empowerment coach, discovering her true calling through accidental reinvention.

Guest Bio

Rachel Haith - Empowerment coach and founder of Inspired Life Group. After 17 years in the RAF, she now helps heart-led leaders empower themselves and live a life of choice.

Key Story Points

The Breakdown

As a fighter controller, Rachel managed 16 aircraft when her brain "snapped" under pressure. She collapsed in tears at her console, then immediately declared she'd never control aircraft again. She pivoted to logistics.

Crisis of Self-Belief

Facing promotion barriers, Rachel asked herself "Am I just crap?" Her epiphany: "I'd been waiting for the Air Force to validate me. When I realized I validate me first and anything else is just a bonus, everything changed."

Accidental Reinvention

Left RAF in 2017 planning to focus on network marketing. Took a coaching diploma in 2019 for personal development. Within one month, knew coaching was her calling. COVID forced her online, leading to current success.

The Challenge

Launched her business while solo parenting (husband posted away for 6 years). Struggled transitioning from military structure to self-employment. Never doubted her coaching ability, but doubted her business skills.

Core Message

"There is always a choice. It doesn't mean it's easy, quick, or without consequences, but there is always a choice." Rachel helps people peel back layers of external voices to discover who they truly are and what they want.

Key Takeaways

1. Validate yourself first - don't wait for external approval
2. Burnout can catalyze breakthrough
3. Your expected future may change unexpectedly
4. Empowerment is your responsibility
5. Running a business requires skills beyond your craft

Words of the Year

• Rachel: Alignment + Traction
• Michelle: Consolidation
• Nicola: Focus

Connect

Website: www.inspiredlife.co.uk Podcast: The Renny Show Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram (Rachel Haith)

About The Reinvention Diaries

Hosts Michelle and Nicola talk to women about reinvention, rediscovery, and regaining confidence.

Contact: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk Instagram: @thereinventpodcast

Michelle www.mrsstylewright.com

Nicola www.nicolaaucklandphotography.co.uk

Michelle and Nicola kick off Season 2 of The Reinvention Diaries with a candid conversation about New Year's resolutions, holiday reflections, and their plans for 2026. They discuss the pressure of "new year, new me" culture, the concept of "wintering," and why they're opting for small, achievable goals instead of grand resolutions. The hosts share their Christmas experiences, favourite TV shows, and explore the idea of choosing a word for the year. They also announce exciting plans for Season 2, including more guest interviews focused on reinvention, rediscovery, and confidence.

Key Topics Discussed

Holiday Reflections

• Michelle's Christmas: Extremely social with 7 days of events and hosting 20+ people
• Nicola's Christmas: Hibernation mode - lazy, restful, and productive only with tax prep

TV Recommendations

• Nicola's picks: Plebs (Ancient Rome comedy) and Ted Lasso (finally!)
• Michelle's picks: The Night Manager (2016 series recap before Season 2)

New Year Philosophy

• Rejecting "new year, new me" pressure
• The concept of "wintering"
• New Year's resolutions feel outdated and demotivating

Michelle's 2026 Goals

1. Writing:
2. Voice Confident Course:
3. Taking more photos
4. Success Networking
5. Instagram Strategy
6. Weekly Routine:

Nicola's Reflections

• Celebrating 2 years alcohol-free
• Starting a "win wall" to celebrate achievements
• Avoiding massive goals to prevent demotivation
• Focusing on small, achievable changes

Style & Perception

• Discussion about how clothing communicates without words
• The importance of dressing authentically while being mindful of context
• Michelle's shift from "Personal Stylist" to "Style Coach"
• The difference between dressing for yourself vs. others' perceptions

Word of the Year

• Michelle's potential word
• Nicola's initial thoughts
• Challenge to listeners: What's your word for 2026?

Season 2 Announcements

• More guest interviews featuring women's stories of reinvention and rediscovery
• Focus on inspiring confidence and reassurance
• Reminder that listeners are not alone in their journeys
• Weekly episodes continue!

Connect with The Reinvention Diaries

• Email: studio@thereinventiondiaries.co.uk
• Instagram: @thereinventiondiariespodcast
• Nicola: www.nicolaaucklanphotograpy.co.uk
• Michelle: www.mrsstylewright.com

Memorable Quotes

• "It might be the new year, but it's still the same me." - Nicola
• "New year, save me - just a little bit reinvented." - Nicola
• "I'm just gonna start the year with good intentions." - Michelle
• "It doesn't matter what I think about your outfit. It's what you think about your outfit that's important." - Michelle