Your Next Chapter Doesn't Start From Zero - Claire Handby

About This Episode

What if your next chapter doesn't require you to start over?

In the final episode of The Human Side of Change, Dr. Claire Handby brings together many of the ideas we've explored throughout the series, and turns them into practical ways to move forward.

Claire is an executive coach, mentor and transformation specialist, and author of Uptick: Clarity, Courage and Confidence for Your Next Chapter.

We explore what happens when you find yourself asking, "Is this it?" and how to distinguish between genuinely outgrowing something and simply wanting to escape a challenge.

Key takeaways

You don't have to start from scratch. Your past experiences, natural strengths and even things you do outside work can become valuable in your next chapter.

Find your people. Claire's "triple espresso vs Earl Grey tea" analogy is a reminder that sometimes the problem isn't you—you may simply be in the wrong environment.

Being true to yourself doesn't mean constantly moving on. There's a difference between knowing something isn't right for you and repeatedly hopping from one thing to another.

Confidence often comes last. Taking small, consistent action can create the momentum and confidence you were waiting for.

And perhaps the biggest reminder: life is for living.

This episode also features a new version of the Mind Blend Rapid Fire—and this time, Karen answers too. From salvaging a cooking disaster to planning a trip and deciding what is worth keeping, you'll hear a little more about how both Claire and Karen approach change in everyday life.

📖 Get Claire's new book, Uptick

Claire has kindly arranged a discount for Mind Blend listeners. Use UPTICK10 at checkout here for a 10% discount.

QUESTIONS WE EXPLORED

What does "Is this it?" really tell us?

Sometimes it is a signal that you're no longer fulfilled—not necessarily that your entire life needs to change.

How can you move forward without starting from zero?

Look at the skills, strengths and experiences you've already gained, and learn how to reframe them for where you want to go.

How do you know when it's time to leave?

Claire explores the difference between being true to yourself and simply avoiding discomfort or becoming impatient with the process.

Do you need confidence before you take action?

No. Claire argues that action creates movement, movement creates momentum, and momentum builds confidence.

About Dr. Claire Handby

Dr Claire Handby is an executive coach, mentor, and transformation specialist with three decades of experience in corporate leadership, construction, and the built environment.

She has worked for leading contractors and developers, including Laing O'Rourke and Mace Group, and management consultancies EY, Deloitte, and KPMG. Today, she runs a leadership advisory business guiding senior leaders, from any sector, to realise their desired business growth and change trajectory via executive coaching services. She is also a visiting professor at Salford University.

Her book, Uptick - Clarity, Courage, and Confidence for your next chapter is available on the publisher’s website here. Use UPTICK10 at checkout.

You can connect with Claire on drclairehandby.com and LinkedIn.

Mind Blend is all about real experiences and meaningful conversations—through sharing these insights, I hope to inspire and empower you as you navigate your unique journey.

What resonated with you today? What topics or guests should we feature next? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn @⁠Mind-Blend⁠, Instagram Mindblendpodcast or mindblendpodcast [@] gmail.com. 

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