The Finding Your Freedom Podcast

From Deloitte to Burnout: A Leadership Coach on Sustainable High Performance - Kasia Gajos

Kasia Gajos spent 15 years climbing from Deloitte management consultant to senior director at EE telecoms, maintaining high performance throughout a pandemic. Then her body shut down completely and sleeping for two straight weeks when given medical leave. In this conversation, we explore why burnout looks different for high achievers (watch social withdrawal and weekend Netflix binges, not declining work performance), the real cost of consulting's "compulsory drinks" culture, and why belonging matters more than prestige for career satisfaction. Kasia shares practical frameworks including the lifeline exercise for spotting energy patterns, how to reclaim 10 hours per week by confronting why you need to be constantly needed, and her reframing that changed everything: your calling isn't about what you do, it's about how you do it. Topics covered: High-achiever burnout recognition and physical symptoms Why belonging and psychological safety predict job satisfaction Management consulting culture and the always-on treadmill Parenthood as catalyst for career change through modelling Sustainable productivity without leaving your job linkedin.com/in/kasia-gajos [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasia-gajos?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BJYD2vfYKQtuqihpSenz5KQ%3D%3D]

Making the Leap from Doer to Leader: Practical Strategies with Dave Ascott

In this episode, Dave Ascott founder of Ascott Coaching and leadership coach, shares actionable strategies for anyone aspiring to step up from being a high-performing contributor to becoming an effective leader and manager. Also hear about how Dave and I met at the age of 18 a world away in Cuba! Whether you’re in sales, tech, creative industries, professional services, or any role where taking on leadership responsibility is a challenge, Dave’s insights offer practical tools and perspectives that apply beyond any single industry. Discover frameworks for building strong teams, establishing credibility, and leading with impact. What you’ll learn: * How to shift your mindset from execution to effective leadership, whether you’re in a startup or a large organisation * Key approaches for developing a team culture where others can excel, not just relying on your individual performance * Tools for managing, coaching, and communicating as a new leader - relevant to managers in all fields * The common mistakes new leaders face, and how you can avoid them Note on Audio Quality: Apologies in advance due to a technology glitch, it might sound like Dave is interrupting at times, but this was just a technical issue with the recording that could not be fixed. Thanks for understanding! Connect with Dave Ascott: Dave’s LinkedIn Profile [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ascott-231a0aa7/] This episode is perfect for anyone considering, preparing for, or newly navigating the transition from skilled doer to team leader and for organisations supporting the growth and development of new managers. Dave’s advice and experience will help you accelerate your journey, avoid common pitfalls, and find your leadership freedom regardless of the sector you’re in.

Thriving After Tragedy: A Journey from High Finance to Personal Purpose

This episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast dives deep into the realities behind professional success and what it truly means to live with purpose and authenticity. Host Nat Baldwin sits down with Stuart, a former high-flyer in international finance, to explore the profound transitions that often come at midlife for high-achieving professionals. To donate to The Molly Fund - https://gogetfunding.com/the-molly-fund/ Key themes include: * Authenticity vs. Professional Persona: The conversation exposes the gap many experience between their true selves and the version they present at work, especially in high-pressure corporate environments. * Grief and Transformation: Stuart shares how the tragic loss of his daughter became a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and a complete reevaluation of his life and career. * Purpose Beyond Paychecks: The discussion addresses the search for meaning when financial success no longer brings fulfillment, and how to redefine wealth in terms of service, connection, and personal values. * Navigating Major Change: Listeners will hear practical strategies for managing anxiety, embracing uncertainty, and building new habits through daily intention-setting and small, consistent actions. * Transferrable Skills and New Directions: The episode highlights how decades of professional experience can be leveraged in new, more meaningful ways, and why it’s never too late to start over. * Mental Health and Self-Compassion: Stuart’s journey through therapy and self-acceptance offers hope to anyone struggling with setbacks or questioning their path. * The Power of Community and Nature: The importance of support networks and time in nature for mental wellbeing is also explored, with actionable challenges for listeners.

David Garwood & The Solo Path: Finding Freedom Through Bold Choices

David Garwood & The Solo Path: Finding Freedom Through Bold Choices In this episode of the Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin interviews David Garwood, founder of The Solo Coach and host of The Solo Coach Podcast. Once afraid to spend even a weekend alone, David shares his remarkable journey from a decade-long IT career to becoming an accredited transformational coach and global solo traveler.The Courage to Walk Away David candidly reveals how he left the security of his IT management role after feeling increasingly disconnected from his work. Despite outward success, he found himself looking out windows during meetings, questioning if this was truly the life he wanted. After experiencing what he describes as "Groundhog Day" for years, David took a bold four-month sabbatical that evolved into a complete career reinvention. The Wake-Up Call: Following a bike accident and attending funerals of loved ones, David confronted the fragility of life and realized he needed to make a change before regret set in. Breaking Free from the "Sunday Blues": David describes how his transformation led him from dreading Monday mornings to waking up excited about his work-a feeling he hadn't experienced in years. David's journey took him through seven countries including New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand, where he discovered strengths he never knew he possessed: * How facing his fear of being alone became the catalyst for his greatest growth * The midnight conversations around campfires that showed him he wasn't alone in feeling lost * Why downsizing his possessions and living on $4/night in hostels gave him more fulfilment than his previous lifestyle * The moment he realised his sabbatical had answered his most important question: "Is this the right path for me?" Throughout the conversation, David shares powerful insights about reconnecting with your true purpose: * The simple yet revealing exercise that helped him realise his passion lay in people development, not technical problem-solving * Why imposter syndrome can actually be a characteristic of high achievers * How learning to trust his intuition transformed his decision-making * The importance of distinguishing between skills you're good at versus skills that energise you This episode offers valuable guidance for professionals contemplating their own life changes: * Why you're not "throwing away" your career when you pivot-you're bringing transferable skills to a new context * How to recognise when you've "leveled out" in your current role * The financial realities of making a major life transition * Why taking even a small step toward change can create momentum David's story powerfully demonstrates that freedom isn't just about escaping something negative-it's about aligning with your authentic self and creating space for what truly matters. The Freedom Challenge: David reminds us that "we are all way more capable than we realise," and challenges listeners to lean into the ideas that keep recurring in their thoughts, as these may be signposts to their true calling. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about redefining success, embracing uncertainty, and finding the courage to create a life that feels truly aligned with who you are. 00:00 Introduction to David Garwood 02:27 David's Early Life and Career Beginnings 04:02 The Turning Point: Leaving University 07:06 The IT Career and Realisations 15:25 The Sabbatical and Solo Travel 20:40 Transition to Coaching 23:39 Challenges and Self-Discovery 32:44 Advice for Career Changers 43:58 Embracing Change in Life and Career 48:03 The Concept of Freedom 55:02 Navigating Financial Challenges 01:05:06 The Freedom Challenge 01:14:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell Music copyright - feeling happy today [upbeat happy beat]bysnoozy beats

BONUS EPISODE - Unpacking Fraser's Journey: Redefining Success, Sponsorship, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

In this special bonus episode of The Finding Your Freedom Podcast, host Nat Baldwin unpacks key themes from the recent interview with Fraser. This episode explores how Fraser's non-linear career journey from traditional law practice to international work in Abu Dhabi and back to Scotland offers valuable insights for high achievers seeking more freedom and purpose in their professional lives. Redefining Success Through Non-Linear Career Paths * Fraser's zigzagging career demonstrates that professional achievement doesn't have to follow a traditional ladder * How diverse experiences can create unique value that traditional paths might miss * Practical takeaways from Fraser's experience on embracing career changes as strategic choices rather than setbacks The Power of Sponsorship * The crucial difference between mentors who guide and sponsors who advocate * How Fraser's career was shaped by people who believed in him despite his self-doubt * Identifying potential sponsors in your work environment * Creating a virtuous circle of sponsorship by paying it forward Managing Imposter Syndrome * The universality of imposter syndrome among professionals * Distinguishing between healthy self-doubt and crippling imposter syndrome * How Fraser transformed his imposter syndrome into a driving force * Practical strategies for managing self-doubt, including creating a "success journal" Recognising When You're on Autopilot * Warning signs that you might be settling into a comfortable but unfulfilling role * The importance of conducting regular self-assessments * How feelings of envy or lack of enthusiasm can signal it's time for change The Freedom Challenge Results * Nat shares his experience taking on Fraser's challenge to "send that message" * The story of reconnecting with an old friend from Cuba after many years Coming Up Next * Preview of the next episode featuring David Garwood, "The Solo Coach," who transitioned from IT professional to transformational coach after a life-changing sabbatical Join Nat Baldwin as he reminds us that freedom isn't just about doing whatever you want-it's about having the time and space to focus on what truly matters to you and living life on your terms. Episode Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:15 Redefining Success: Non-Linear Career Paths 08:22 The Power of Sponsorship 11:53 Battling Imposter Syndrome 15:39 Recognizing Autopilot and Embracing Change 17:02 Fraser's Freedom Challenge: Send That Message 20:58 Conclusion and Sneak Peek of Next Episode Music copyright - feeling happy today [upbeat happy beat]bysnoozy beats