In this episode, Vicki speaks with Imke, a life coach and counsellor based in Mallorca, about what it really means to change direction in life.
Imke spent almost 25 years working as a cardiologist in Germany before moving to Mallorca. What she expected to be a continuation of her career became a moment of deep questioning, leading her to step away from medicine and retrain in counselling and coaching.
Together, they discuss:
Leaving a secure and respected career
Why courage is not the absence of fear
The difference between functioning and living
Walking the Camino de Santiago alone
Coaching versus counselling
Why New Year’s resolutions so often fail
Mental health in Mallorca and the expat experience
Midlife as a powerful turning point, especially for women
The Dare To Be You coaching programme
This episode is for anyone who feels restless, disconnected or quietly asking themselves, “Is this really it?”
https://www.thegapcounselling.com/
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Transcripts
Vic:
Today I’m joined by Imke, who is here to talk about New Year’s resolutions, change, and what happens when the life you have no longer feels like the life you want. Imke has a fascinating background. She spent nearly 25 years working as a cardiologist and now works as a life coach and counsellor in Mallorca. Welcome.
Imke:
Thank you very much. I’m really happy to be here.
Vic:
We’ve crossed paths before, mainly in yoga classes, but this is our first proper sit-down. You’ve been living in Mallorca for about a year and a half. Where were you before?
Imke:
s. I moved to Mallorca in May:
Vic:
But something changed.
Imke:
Yes. When friends asked me whether I was excited to start again, I realised that if I answered honestly, the answer was no. That surprised me. It felt like the safe path, but it wasn’t my passion anymore.
Vic:
That must have been uncomfortable.
Imke:
Very. Medicine wasn’t just my job, it was my identity. Letting go of that meant leaving my comfort zone. But I realised I was clinging to a label rather than listening to myself.
Vic:
And you cancelled the job.
Imke:
Three days before I was due to start. It was inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it was honest. I’ve never regretted it.
Vic:
People often describe that as brave.
Imke:
I think courage is misunderstood. Courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means you feel the fear and do it anyway.
Vic:
You didn’t stop caring for people though.
Imke:
No. I just changed how I do it. As a cardiologist I specialised in heart rhythm disorders. It’s very technical work, and over time it can become repetitive. You’re good at it, you’re needed, but something inside stops growing.
Vic:
What helped you reconnect with yourself?
Imke:
I started counselling myself after moving here. It was the first time in my life I had that kind of space. An hour focused on my inner life, not my performance.
Vic:
And then came the Camino.
Imke:
Yes. In October:
Vic:
That’s a lot of thinking time.
Imke:
Exactly. It strips life back to essentials.
Vic:
What happened when you returned?
Imke:
I committed to a year-long counsellor training programme with The Gap Counselling in Palmanova. During that time, I realised I was especially drawn to coaching, because it’s more future-focused.
Vic:
What’s the difference for you?
Imke:
Counselling often looks at healing the past. Coaching looks at where you are now and where you want to go.
Vic:
A lot of people think living in Mallorca should make them happy automatically.
Imke:
Yes, and that creates guilt. People think they shouldn’t feel dissatisfied. But happiness doesn’t come from location. It comes from alignment with yourself.
Vic:
This time of year, everyone’s making resolutions.
Imke:
And breaking them. The biggest mistake is confusing motivation with will. Motivation fades. Will carries you through discomfort.
Vic:
So what should people do differently?
Imke:
Start with the why. Make sure it’s internal. Then be honest about where you are now and what needs to change. And be kind to yourself when you slip.
Vic:
Tell us about Dare To Be You.
Imke:
It’s an eight-week coaching programme for people who feel ready for change but don’t know where to start. We work on identity, values, strengths and boundaries. It’s practical and supportive, and you can join online or in person.
Vic:
Who is it for?
Imke:
Anyone who feels disconnected, but especially women in midlife. That stage can be incredibly powerful if you allow it to be.
Vic:
Final thought for listeners?
Imke:
Don’t stop questioning. Don’t stop dreaming. Fear doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path. Often it means you’re about to change something important.
