Have you ever felt stifled by the conventional confines of a traditional job? Many of us have had visions of a career that not only secures financial stability but also yearns for creative fulfilment and personal freedom.
And you know what? Achieving this is actually possible!
I'm thrilled to share an inspiring conversation with an extraordinary individual who has embraced just that and more. Meet Anna Mackenzie, a true luminary in the realm of career reinvention.
Anna embodies the essence of a portfolio career, seamlessly navigating a life rich in variety, creativity, and purpose. With a background as diverse as her current pursuits—ranging from aspiring spy to brand launcher, business podcast creator, and mentor to talented individuals—Anna has crafted a life on her own terms.
Initially a full-time employee and then a full-time business founder, Anna felt the pull for something different about eighteen months ago. She craved variation, creativity and a lifestyle that aligned with her generalist expertise across business spectrums. What emerged was a self-fashioned portfolio of projects, clients, and creative ventures—a career that's an aggregate of diverse passions.
From her early corporate days at Mecca and Uniqlo to co-founding Lady Brains—and yes, thriving during those formidable COVID years—Anna has consistently reinvented herself. This evolution isn’t just about work; it reflects a commitment to a life blending autonomy, variety, and passion.
We talk about the evolution of work and how more and more people are awakening to the possibilities of the portfolio career model. Anna highlights the balance of creative fulfilment with financial security, and shares how she managed to secure multiple retainer clients who supported her vision both creatively and financially.
We’re observing a broader shift in the workplace today, and we discuss how Gen Z and millennials are challenging traditional work norms, prioritising autonomy and independence.For those curious about taking this leap, Anna offers valuable insights: calculate your essential 'survive' and 'thrive' numbers, establish strategic networking habits, and most importantly, trust in the possibility of a fulfilling work structure.
Whether you’re dreaming of a career shift, already on the path or exploring new ways of working, know this: a life by design really is possible for you. People like Anna, and indeed myself, are living proof that with courage and intention, you can design a career—and life—entirely on your own terms.
This time of year I find is always full of so many mixed [00:01:00] emotions. you know, there might be excitement for what's ahead, but potentially also that nagging pressure To reflect on goals that you set, but you didn't quite achieve.
Today, I want to shift the focus instead of dwelling on what didn't happen. Let's celebrate the brilliance of the moments that did. I call these those glimmer moments, those small magical fragments of joy that will light up our lives. when we take the time to notice them. This episode is all about finding your glimmers, reflecting on the year that was, and carrying those moments of joy into next year.
right? For many of us, it's [:
And let's not even talk about all the incredible upheaval that's been going on in the world. But here's what I notice every single year. We tend to, if we're not careful, zero in on what we haven't achieved. That one project that didn't land. Those sales that didn't come through. That milestone that was missed.
Does this sound familiar? So what if instead we paused for a second and celebrated the glimmers? The small but profound moments that made our year amazing. These are the moments that hold the magic. A kind word from a stranger. It could be the way your child hugged you one morning. The success of a client.
ut they are the threads that [:
As she says, triggers are the very things that activate the stress in our nervous system. But here's the difference. Glimmers. They bring calm, they connection, and they bring joy. And the beauty of glimmers is that they're unique to each and every single one of us. When I think about this year, it's been filled with so many glimmer moments.
You know, watching my son dance with his granny at his 21st birthday party. Ah, gosh, it fills me with joy seeing all three of my kids who are now 16, 19 and 21 heading out together. You know, those moments that you hope they're going to connect where they're laughing and they're chatting like best friends.
Jumping into the [:
And it's a moment that could have been frustration, frustrating, but instead it turned into fits of giggles and a story I'll never forget. There were the stunning sunrises that reminded me of life's beauty. You know, sharing a glass of wine with my husband Jason as we watched whales breaching so close to shore.
And, and the amazing look and excitement in my daughter Taya's face when she got into the university that she dreamed of always attending. You know, these glimmers, they weren't grand events. They were moments of connection, of joy, of being truly present. And I wonder. What are your glimmers from this last year?
now, maybe it's the smell of [:
Let me share something magical that we did recently at my end of year planning event in Sydney with my Elevate and Inner Circle clients. We were reflecting on the year that was and, you know, asking all the usual questions. What were your wins this year? What are the major milestones that you've hit?
What are some of the things that you've missed and what are some of those difficult things you've got through? What have you learned through this process? All those usual reflection questions. And. The final part of this exercise, I asked everyone to pull out their phones. And I asked them to go month by month through their photos on their phone.
to work through those photos [:
This energy was contagious. Some people even got really teary as they realized just how much joy and just how much progress their year had actually held. You know, it's such a powerful reminder that even in the busiest, the most challenging years, these glimmers are there waiting for us to notice them.
es and look back through our [:
It helps us feel calmer and feel more connected Psychotherapist Deb Dana says glimmers actually activate our body's rest and digest system, calms the nervous system and fosters this sense of safety and connection. And I love this quote by Oprah Winfrey, she said,
"the more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate."
lly an act of self care that [:
But as we reflected, we reframed the story that she was telling herself, because actually as we reflected. On the business that she had built over two decades, and we asked and unpacked what that business had actually gifted. The reframe was incredible because that business had gifted her a beautiful home, her children's education, getting through a divorce.
undation, to help her create [:
Your glimmers remind you to shift that perspective. Now here's something I will be doing on New Year's Eve. I do it every single New Year's Eve. It's a ritual of mine and I do it before I head out for any celebrations. I take a moment, I grab my journal and I do that scrolling through my phone photos exercise. I sit and I go through it month by month, looking at my photos, reliving those moments that mattered.
ote down the glimmer moments [:
Why don't you give that a go? Why don't you start your own ritual this New Year's Eve and begin by setting that time aside. this week, put the time in your diary so you don't forget on the 31st of December and set that time aside to go through your phone and like I do every single month, jot down those glimmers that stand out for you.
tually allows you to reflect.[:
On all the incredible things that you have done every single month of this last year. And as we close out this year, I want to remind you of something. You are amazing. This year has been filled with glimmer moments that are proof of your resilience, of your growth, of your brilliance. Please take some time to celebrate them, to celebrate you.
And as we step into a brand new year, let's keep this practice alive. Let's every single month notice the glimmers, they're not just small moments, they're stepping stones to a joyful, fulfilling life. And if you reflect on your glimmers, I'd really love to hear about them from you, send me a message.
