Soul to Self® Podcastathon 2026 | Supporting Hopefull Handbags

What happens when the career you've spent years building no longer feels right for the life you're living?

And how do you find the courage to make a change when everything you've known tells you to stay where you are?

In this special Podcastathon conversation, I'm joined by Claire Rushton-Plant, founder of The Relaxed Mind Coaching, to explore career transitions, confidence, resilience and the sometimes terrifying prospect of starting something new.

After spending her entire working life in education, including 17 years as a teacher, Claire made the decision to leave a secure career and become self-employed.

It wasn't an easy decision. There were fears about financial security and what came next, and a lot of uncertainty to move through.

But alongside those fears was a growing recognition that something needed to change, not just professionally but for her own wellbeing and family life.

Together, we explore what it really takes to move beyond the familiar, why confidence often follows action rather than coming before it, and what helps when the work of building something new gets hard.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Recognising when a career no longer fits the person you've become.
• The fear and uncertainty of moving from employment into self-employment.
• Why confidence comes from taking action, rather than waiting to feel ready.
• Learning to handle rejection without making it a reflection of your worth, and how a "no" can open the door to a better "yes".
• Creating structure and systems that support rather than overwhelm you.
• Knowing when to walk away and reset, and making time for yourself.
• The importance of personal values, transferable skills and finding clarity before making big decisions.

Meet Claire Rushton-Plant

Claire spent much of her working life in education before making the move into self-employment. Today, alongside her work supporting children's mental health, she helps women who find themselves at a career crossroads to rebuild their confidence, reconnect with their values and gain clarity about what they want next.

Through The Relaxed Mind Coaching, Claire offers practical, supportive coaching for women considering career changes, new opportunities or a different direction in their working lives.

Connect with Claire

Facebook & Instagram: The Relaxed Mind Coaching

LinkedIn: Claire Rushton-Plant

About the Soul to Self® Podcastathon

This conversation was recorded during the Soul to Self® Podcastathon on 25 September 2026, a fundraising event supporting Hopefull Handbags and their work helping women and children affected by domestic abuse.

With thanks to MIB International, our headline sponsor, for supporting the event and helping us share these conversations.

Find out more about Hopefull Handbags

Continue the conversation

If you're questioning your current career, considering a change or simply wondering whether the life you've built still reflects what matters to you, I hope this conversation gives you something to think about.

You can discover more conversations, reflections and resources through the Soul to Self® community join here.