Hello!! I am back into the swing of things and feeling refreshed. I’m also brimming with ideas on how to structure my life, hobbies and work a little differently this year, but at this stage, that’s all they are. Notions.

Intangible thoughts that are yet to take form, percolating in the space in between. That ‘in between’ world used to frustrate me, but now I bask in the deliciousness of being uncertain in some realms, while crystal clear on others. It’s kinda fun to faff.

Some of my clients have embarked on very big pivots with their employment, and I have to say, it has been an absolute joy to be part of their journey, and to witness their transformation. I actually interviewed Dr Jana Pittman about this, and she shared many more nuggets of wisdom.

If you thought your career change was dramatic, try going from an Olympic hurdler to an obstetrician. Jana’s athletic career was nothing short of legendary, as she was two-time world champion, four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, before competing in the Winter Olympics.

She also faced some brutal setbacks that have made her the incredible woman she is today. She has first hand experience of needing to be cared for, as well as being a carer for her brother after he’d retired from the military.

It’s not enough that she became a doctor; Jana also became a specialist in women’s health & fertility. With her own experience of miscarriages, IVF, and a cervical cancer scare, she knows firsthand how tough the journey to motherhood can be.

I didn’t think someone so accomplished could be so relatable, but she is. And not in that false self deprecating kind of way. She’s earnest about her struggles, and can easily be vulnerable in a way that never makes you feel sorry for her, but instead, gives you permission to do the same, without feeling self conscious. Jana’s story isn’t just about changing careers; it’s about bouncing back from failure and heartbreak with courage. Initially she became well known in an era before social media, where paparazzi would prey on her emotional reactions to her disappointments, and she is now passionate about using her voice to share her real life, instead of just her highlight reel. On her recent tour to Australia, author of ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, Elizabeth Gilbert was asked about her biggest accomplishment in life, and after some careful consideration, she responded that it was about befriending her own mind. In Elizabeth’s words:

“The terrorist who used to live inside my head has been disarmed, to a large degree — has been lovingly rehabilitated, and taught to be a good neighbour. And the general tone and volume of my demeanour toward myself has been, of late, “Hi, friend. How can I help you today?”

When I met Jana, I was taken by the beautiful paradox of her sharp and brilliant mind, as well as how sensitive and kind she is to everyone she meets. While many of us struggle to be disciplined about meal prepping and remembering our Netflix password, Jana somehow finds time to collect degrees, deliver babies, write a book AND raise her 6 children on her own. So how did she go from sprinting down a track in a Lycra bodysuit to explaining cervical health to nervous patients? Buckle up—this is a career change so extraordinary, it will make your cousin’s pivot from ‘crypto bro’ to ‘kombucha brewer’ seem kinda lame. Listen here on iTunes and here on Spotify.

Until we cross paths again, I hope your world is shining brightly, Patty Kikos