From executive boardrooms to a colourful “fruit salad” of advisory, coaching, and charitable roles, Mark Evans shares how he transformed a high-powered corporate career into a life rich in variety, purpose, and fulfilment.

Mark reflects on leaving behind his role as Managing Director at Direct Line Group to build a portfolio career aligned with his values. He discusses the power of planning ahead, the importance of reframing ego, and the unexpected joys of coaching and charity work. With refreshing honesty and humour, he also unpacks what he misses from corporate life — and why, despite that, he’s never looked back.

Stepping away from a high-profile career in journalism to start a consulting business is no small shift, but in this episode, Luisa Baldini shares how she turned her experience as a BBC correspondent into a thriving consultancy in communication and media training.

From covering global news stories to coaching senior leaders, Luisa’s transition was driven by a desire for more control, more impact, and a more balanced lifestyle. She opens up about the unexpected challenges of leaving a well-known brand, the power of storytelling in business, and why she believes strong communication skills are more crucial than ever in today’s world.

You’ll discover why networking matters more than you think, how to position yourself with confidence, and the importance of pricing with conviction. Whether you’re considering a leap into consulting or just looking to sharpen your communication skills, Luisa’s insights on reinvention, resilience, and staying curious will leave you inspired.

Leaving the security of a corporate career can feel like a leap into the unknown, but in this episode, Alex Hambrook shares how he transformed his experience in corporate banking and FinTech into a thriving consulting practice.

As a former Strategic Development Director at HPD Software and with a career that spans RBS, ABN Amro, and Ebury, Alex didn’t just survive stepping out on his own—he flourished, even amidst the challenges of the pandemic and a growing family. In this conversation, Alex reflects on how he built a flexible, fulfilling career while maintaining a strong work-life balance.

You’ll learn how to leverage your network, keep your positioning broad yet credible, and craft a consulting model that matches your ambitions. Alex’s insights on variety, resilience, and finding energy in uncertainty will inspire anyone considering a move to independent consulting.