18: Find Your Focus, Get Your Hands Dirty, Create Things That Matter (Regenerative Sticking Point with Cloé) | From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Description

Many people working in corporate sustainability—like Cloé—feel deeply frustrated by the gap between their desire to create meaningful change and the reality of their work. They’re passionate about addressing challenges like climate change, fostering stronger communities, and reconnecting with nature, but often find themselves stuck, overthinking the “perfect” career path. The result? No action, and no impact.

In this episode, I sit down with Cloé to explore how to break free from that paralysis and start making tangible progress toward a career that matters. Together, we discuss:

Why searching for the “perfect option” can keep you stuck.
How to shift from overthinking to taking small, actionable steps forward.
The power of guiding questions like “What brings me joy?” and “What am I most likely to move forward with?”
How small, hands-on experiments—like growing mushrooms in your shoe cupboard—can spark creativity, clarity, and confidence.

Cloé’s journey highlights how aligning with your values—whether through community, nature, or impact-driven projects—can help you regain focus and build momentum. Progress doesn’t require perfection; sometimes, the best way forward is simply to get your hands dirty and see what grows.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, doubting your impact, or unsure where to start, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful action toward a regenerative, sustainable career.

Ready to tackle your own regenerative sticking point?

Book a free coaching session, just like Cloé did, at regenerativeworklife.com/stickingpoint and start building the career you’ve been dreaming of.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help you quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Find Your Focus Get Your Hands Dirty and Create Things That Matter

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP11: How To Talk To Your Partner About Regenerative Career Change

EP7: Pause is a Career Power Move (Regenerative Unsticking Point with Shweta)

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
I see the example of people my age or a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing path and journeys and connections. And I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late. And I know it's not the case, but it's just, yeah, addition of feeling a bit late in the game. and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #1
Welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. If you are ready to make the leap out of your corporate job and into purposeful regenerative work,
Speaker #2
this is the show for you,
Speaker #1
as you've probably discovered. Transitioning into regenerative work is a lot more complicated than going on a job board and sending off your CV. This journey you are embarking on means taking risks, going against the grain, overcoming challenges, and writing your own script. It takes entrepreneurial muscle, powerful vision, and a willingness to change. Having a mentor by your side makes all the difference. I am your host, Alyssa Murphy. I have worked with hundreds of impact-focused businesses, and individuals and I am here to help you. Let's take things one step at a time as I show you how to quit corporate, find your vision and successfully transition into regenerative work.
Speaker #2
Here we go. Welcome back to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. Today is a regenerative sticking point episode and I'm going to be coaching with Chloe. Now, like many people, Chloe was feeling really frustrated with her corporate job and the lack of impact that she was able to have within corporate sustainability. She really wanted to find an option for what she could do that felt impactful enough, that felt like it met the scale of all of the challenges that surround us. And that desire had actually got her quite stuck because she had so many ideas, so many different options that she wanted to explore. But at the same time, she kept questioning whether they were going to have enough impact, whether she was really qualified to do those different ideas. And you'll hear in this coaching episode that Chloe really had a turnaround as we just focused on the simple idea of getting to action, of just picking an option and moving forward with it. And I was so uplifted by the joy and the creativity and the ease that Chloe unlocked and this beautiful idea that she has decided to move forward with that might be the springboard for something else, might be the catalyst that changes her whole career, might just be a wonderful experience that she shares with others. with her family. Who knows? But I'm so pleased that she's feeling empowered to move forward and make a difference with it. And I hope you really enjoy listening to our coaching conversation together. Just before I introduce you to Chloe, may I remind you and extend my invitation to you to come on the podcast with me and do live coaching just like Chloe did. As you'll hear today, these conversations are easy. They're natural, they're fun, but they might just change the course of your career. Visit regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point and choose a time that works for you. Now, let's meet Chloe. Hi, Chloe. Welcome to the podcast and thank you for joining us for a Regenerative Sticking Point episode.
Speaker #0
Hello, Elisa. Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker #2
It's my pleasure. Why don't you start by telling us about where you're feeling stuck?
Speaker #0
I am feeling stuck because as much as I want to step out of the corporate life, I don't know where to start. I am interested in so many different things that it's hard to focus on one. And when I do, I hit a point where I feel I'm not qualified enough. I can't do that or it would take too long to train and be of help in that department. And that is linked to the fact that I want to have so much impact. Um, and in a way, I don't think it's possible to solve everything at once. And this is kind of what I'm trying to do, which is where I'm stuck.
Speaker #2
Okay, so it sounds like perhaps the, the extent of your desire to make change happen is actually getting in your way a little bit.
Speaker #0
I Yeah, I think you could sum it up like that. Exactly.
Speaker #2
Okay. And you mentioned wanting to get to wanting to get out of the corporate life. And what sort of level of urgency if you like is that desire to step out of the corporate life at for you it's it's pretty high
Speaker #0
I think when I message you I say it's driving me in driving me insane um so it sounds pretty urgent I'm sure I can cope for a bit longer but it's it's just like it's really grinding to feel that you're kind of wasting time um so in that aspect it's it's very hard but I've been working I graduated um over 10 years ago so I've been coping with it for 10 years I think I can do a bit longer but I need to start the process of stepping out and feel that I am moving out of that corporate life yes and it sounds like the
Speaker #2
piece that you're missing and please tell me where I'm wrong but to begin that stepping out is that clarity on which of all of these options that are before you that you all of the different things that you feel interested, like where you're actually going to focus on and step into.
Speaker #0
Yes, it's kind of, I know I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where yet. So I need kind of that direction to start walking the path. And maybe the option I've thought of are not even the ones I'm going to go for, because I think more often than not, we are blind to our own strength. So it's hard for me to see what I have to bring at this point. So it's hard, obviously, to see what I can do in the future.
Speaker #2
Absolutely. I think that's a really important point that you made there about being blind to own strength, because I know you you already mentioned as well that when you do look at these different ideas, these different options, then you come up against this thought of yet, but I'm not qualified and, you know, I'm going to have to retrain. So I think it's great that at the same time you realize that you you may have. a lot more capacity and capability than you're aware of right now and I think in terms of that clarity the other thing that I want to just offer to you is perhaps it's not so important which choice you make right now perhaps the most important thing is that you get started yeah
Speaker #0
I think we touching on something that's been relevant in many areas in my life it's and any it links with the fact I want to have so much impact that don't start anything so I want to have so much clarity that I don't get started on anything just in case this is not the right path so yeah I guess you're you're touching something here yeah
Speaker #2
I guess I think it's it's really understandable you know when we look at of course the scale of the challenges that we're dealing with. I think it's really natural to want to make a choice that's going to match the scale of those challenges but as you've identified yourself the problem with that can be you're setting yourself such a high standard and such a kind of difficult task to achieve that actually what you're doing is you're not, well you're not, you're not doing, you're not actually doing anything because you're waiting for something that feels enough. And actually what I would love to explore with you if you're open to it is, you know, what does it look like just to get to action, just to try putting these ideas into practice and kind of give yourself the freedom that you can start something and then it might shift and evolve. It might open up a new pathway and that you don't need to have the answer for what is this one big impactful thing that I'm going to do. You don't need to know that yet. You just need to get started in that direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, no, definitely. I think because I see the example of people my age, a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing. path and journeys and connections and I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late and I know it's not the case but it's just yeah the addition of feeling a bit late in the game even though I know it's still the very beginning of thinking outside of the box in terms of work life, and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #2
Right. And the other thing about, you know, about taking steps is that when we actually, I know you will have heard me talk about this on the podcast a lot, I often talk about getting to action or moving to action. And The reason for that is that just the very process of doing something, of making any kind of progress, brings us such a shift in energy. It really changes our confidence. It kind of opens up our horizons. And I think often a lot of the very natural kind of anxieties, some of which you've described to us, these thoughts that come up and tell us, well, actually, I don't think I'm qualified and I'm... kind of coming at this a bit late and look at these other people who really know exactly what they're doing in the regenerative field and why aren't I at that stage those kind of anxieties I think are really compounded when we don't when we're in inaction because we have no sort of creative outlet and creativity is it's really the opposite of anxiety it's such a great way to unlock ourselves out of those unhelpful thoughts when we're actually you know getting our hands dirty we're actually doing something we're taking a step forward so that's what I would really love to find with you today and I'd love to hear if that feels like what you need is you know let's worry less about exactly what that step is and really focus on how you can actually take a step let's just pick something and focus on how you can get to action how does that feel to you no that that feels right
Speaker #0
I'm writing a book you And I just finished the first draft and suddenly it feels so much easier because I have something to work with. It's far from perfect. It's not where I want it to be. So it feels like maybe it's the same with my work life. Take a step and build on that. So, yes, let's do this.
Speaker #2
Yeah. What an incredible achievement. Like you clearly are capable of creating things, you know, getting to a first draft is an incredible step. And and exactly as you say. working on a draft is so much less overwhelming than you know a big blank sheet of paper yeah definitely so tell me just tell me about some of the ideas you said there are so many things you're interested in so many ideas that you've had can you give me a few examples of the ones that are kind of there at the front of your mind um yeah so um
Speaker #0
I played with the idea of um developing mushroom farming um just because we love eating mushroom in my family and it would be something I could do without having to work for someone which is something I'm struggling more and more with. I had the idea of opening a place to meet people, I don't know if it would be a cafe, a yoga studio but that would allow for people to get together, get that sense of community and maybe start trying to better the community in which I live. I had the idea of trying to offer my services to company to help them uh work towards degrowth because it's a topic i'm passionate about um and then in front of each of these ideas you could have a lot of yes but yeah of course there's you know there are always going to be so
Speaker #2
many yes buts and you know for the course of our conversation today i want us just to you know they're going to come up and that's fine let's but let's just recognize them you know for what they are and and just sort of just let them sit in the back somewhere. They can just watch for the purposes of this conversation. So you shared three ideas with me here, mushroom farming, a kind of community cafe and some kind of advisory service around degrowth. Now, before we think about which of these we might choose, I want to share a concept with you that I work with my clients on, which is around guiding questions. So this is really... deciding for yourself what are the kind of really high level questions that you are going to be guided by as you take these steps into your regenerative career. So as you're taking decision about, you know, which of these ideas do I want to commit to right now? What kind of guiding question feels the most helpful to you? And in case the concept's not clear, I'll give an example of what a guided question might be. So your guiding question could be the one that you've been working on at the moment sounds like which will have the most impact? But what you've noticed about that question is that actually that's getting you a bit stuck because it's kind of, as we talked about, setting this very high standard. Another question could be, which am I most likely to actually move forward with?
Speaker #0
Yeah, I know that sounds like a great question.
Speaker #2
Would you want to change that question at all? Is there a wording that feels better for you around that kind of guiding question?
Speaker #0
No, that seems like an interesting question to look at. to look at these ideas like a lens to look at these ideas there is something else that's important for me it's which one bring me joy and happiness obviously it's ideas i have what if i put myself in i'm i'm i'm working in the mushroom uh business and growing mushrooms and selling mushroom or i have this cafe or i work with companies which which one is the most exciting one could be another way to look at things maybe yeah fabulous you
Speaker #2
I think those are both two really wonderful guiding questions. And I would offer them both to you, not just for this decision now, but for all of the decisions that are coming up for you to ask both, you know, which is going, you know, which choice, which direction is going to bring me the most joy and which am I most likely to be able to move forward with? Because we've identified that that is, you know, that's a real. sticking point for you at the moment is how you actually take those steps but we also want to take them with joy so I think that's a beautiful combination and thinking of those two questions is there one of these options that stands out to you so
Speaker #0
if I'm with these three options um the idea I most likely would move forward with which probably is the mushroom business you know I don't know if you want me to go through the reasons why.
Speaker #2
Sure. Yeah, go for it.
Speaker #0
Because it seems feasible and that I can make myself qualified for it. It's something that I feel I can learn and I could get into. And that's quite feasible. Where am I today in my life? But the one that brought me the most joy is it's very hard to pick. Maybe the mushroom as well, just because there probably would be a balance of being in contact with nature, growing something physically whilst having creativity around that. How do you, why are you different from other people and why should people go for your mushroom? And I'm not talking just marketing, but what principles are at the core of that idea? What's driving that need to grow those mushrooms?
Speaker #2
Wonderful. I mean, it sounds like. this is a clear winner at the moment and it doesn't mean that those other ideas you know I would I would make sure you have those captured somewhere you know for ideas that can come back to and as we said you know mushroom farming could well lead into these other ideas or give you opportunities to springboard into to new directions but you know even the way you talk about it I can feel a real depth of connection to this idea it doesn't sound at all arbitrary
Speaker #0
um when you talk about that choice it sounds like something that is really meaningful to you yes yeah no it's something I've been toying with for a long time um it's just so different from everything I've done before which I guess is also kind of the thing that happened when you step out of corporate um so it's more challenging because it's so different if I was going into more consultancy roles it's closer to what I know I think
Speaker #2
I think with that particular aspect, what I would offer to you as we start to move the conversation to how you're going to take those first steps and what those first steps might be. I always invite people not to ask too much of the idea in the beginning stages, you know, so I wouldn't sort of at the moment I would perhaps move away from comparing it to your current corporate role, because there's kind of an... implied understanding there that it's going to some it's going to replace that role at some point or that that you know there's the expectation that it's going to you know match that income or or whatever it might be even if you're not sort of consciously thinking that I think by putting them side by side there's you know there's a danger that you put that kind of pressure on this idea and right now this is like a little you know tiny hatchling of an idea you know it's it's really in the early stages so we want to treat it really delicately like it's something really precious it's just a tiny seedling that's that's starting to grow
Speaker #0
Oh, yeah. No, I like this idea of like not comparing and not trying to replace something. It's just different things. I think you just unlocked something in my brain. So thank you for that.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Good. Yeah, I think, you know, this is this is where I see a lot of people getting stuck, is that they they want whatever this new thing that they start on, you know, their immediate assumption, because this is how we're kind of conditioned to think, right? You leave. one job and you move into another job and, you know, at the very least it needs to be on a par, but really it should be a step up. You know, this is how we're taught. You just take these steps up all the time in your career. And of course, with regenerative work, you know, we're approaching this with a very different mindset. And I think, you know, you have the opportunity to nurture that little seedling, but also, you know, to just have fun. with with this idea really focus on the joy you know that you are going to let yourself play around with mushroom farming and find out what that holds for you yeah you oh yes um
Speaker #0
I feel very excited all of a sudden so um that's great tell me tell me about I want to capture that feeling what is that excitement feeling like in your body right now it's just suddenly it's like in my chest and my head it's I'm not drawing like, oh, I will need to make a living. I'm just more like, I will be hand in the soil and trying to figure out what do I want to grow and why and what good does it make? And it's a lot less heavy, a lot more, it's creative instead of just building blocks.
Speaker #2
Yeah.
Speaker #0
I'm painting a nice canvas, which is much more exciting for me.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. And I really want you to hold on to that. feeling that creative you know hands in the dirt feeling and you know at any point when you feel a little bit you know unsure or those those thoughts you know come back in which they will um you know this comparison start to prop up just just invite yourself back to that feeling that you have now that you know that lightness in your chest and and your head and that feeling of creativity keep bringing yourself back to that because that's really going to guide you in the right direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, I'll hold on to this moment. I'm just imprinting a new make in my head and bring it back when I need it.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Okay, so let's get really practical now. I want to know what are going to be your first steps, your actual sort of first little, you probably heard me talk about turtle steps, little manageable steps. let's just pick one for now what would be the very first step towards your mushroom farming idea?
Speaker #0
I guess it would be looking into growing my first mushrooms, how do I do, how do I go about doing that and where do I find what I need to grow them that aligns with my values as well so yeah that would be just going on google and starting researching and getting what I need to. to try and see if I can do it.
Speaker #2
And can you, I'm wondering if you can set yourself some kind of guardrails for this, because I have an instinct, and please tell me if this feels true to you or not, that because you mentioned that you have so many ideas, does the researching stage feel like that there's a possibility that you might get a little bit stuck inside of that stage?
Speaker #0
100% I am that person who loves school and wanted to always do good for the teachers so I would do my research very very well and then when I step in the real life it's not as straightforward so you're right so maybe it would be a time frame like by the end of the year I have got what I need to start growing my first mushroom not expecting to grow a thousand just one already would be great that's
Speaker #2
perfect you are you are doing it this is exactly this is the work right and I think that's that's a really fantastic um milestone to state yourself so we are recording this right at the end of November so essentially you have one month you know do your research do your homework be the good student but you're making this commitment that by the end of the month you're going to be starting to grow that very first mushroom yes I am making the commitment you heard it here ladies and gentlemen um and Chloe, tell me the question that you brought to this of joy. As you approach this next month, this researching, you know, getting the first materials, what ideas do you have for how you can bring as much joy as possible to that process?
Speaker #0
Well, including my family in the process is one of the reasons why I want to step out of corporate. So I'm a more connected person to my family. So I can see myself showing my daughter and being like, look, we're going to do this and that. And. in a couple of weeks or however long the text will have some mushrooms and that is just very exciting too instead of having my daughter mimic me on a laptop sending email she might be talking about the mushroom I grow which is just exciting yeah that's beautiful um yeah
Speaker #2
anything else that you want to capture about like how how or when or where you might do this exploration um it's just
Speaker #0
I think at first we'll be home just inside. I heard it's usually good in cupboards, so it's probably going to be in my shoe cupboard. And I can see ourselves just walking from the kitchen to have a look if they've grown a little bit or not. It's exciting as well, just because it's something physical. And that's, I've never worked with physical project. It's always been on a laptop and ideas. So that's very exciting to me to see something come to life.
Speaker #2
really to life literally absolutely so I feel like we've kind of quite quickly got to a blueprint for how you can move forward with this idea and I'm you know I feel the temptation to want to extrapolate out further into the next step in the next step but I'm going to suggest that we don't do that today because I think the most important thing for you is that you make this commitment and you follow it through and you have that very first mushroom growing by the end of the year and and actually what I would suggest is like don't don't let yourself get too far ahead you know focus on that joy and that you know like you say actually doing something with your hands and the whole experience of that and if you can just let yourself be in in that moment and then you know once those mushrooms are growing then you can start thinking about okay what is it that I want to do next
Speaker #0
Yeah, and I think that's a good advice because you see right now in my head, I'm already rushing to it. And how would you tell me to deal with when I want to try another idea because there is something else that catch my attention? Instead of being just like, let's live through that. I'm rushing into what will I do if I feel like that? So, yeah, sit with this and just be in the moment.
Speaker #2
Yeah, and just exactly and just know that something that really matters for you is seeing this. is seeing this through it's it's moving out of that idea stage where you're you know where you're feeling frustrated or the research stage where you know you're kind of a little bit too comfortable and and actually growing something that's
Speaker #0
that's a real focus for you yes it's really to come and stuck um because as much as I research right now I'm looking to things I'm I'm just stuck and I've been there for a long time now so any steps would be a big progress.
Speaker #2
Yeah, yeah and you can absolutely do this. Is there anything that you think could potentially get in your way?
Speaker #0
At this stage just trying to get my first mushroom to grow, no I think I can make that happen. What can always get in my way is whenever things take time, it's my mindset and the I can't do it or this is inviolable or instead of staying with the joy and kind of trusting that process as I was saying I've been feeling stuck for a long time now so it's hard to wait longer for things to come together yeah and
Speaker #2
and I really understand that I do and what I would suggest is how would it feel to have some kind of um can't think of a better word right now than mantra but I don't need to take it too seriously but just some kind of phrase that you can use for yourself when you you feel those thoughts pulling on you of like this needs to happen faster I should already be doing this I'm coming to this too late you know all of those thoughts that you've kind of shared to me I'm wondering if there could be some kind of phrase um the one I have in my head is like I'm getting my hands dirty some kind of answer to those thoughts
Speaker #0
Yes, it's. it's funny how you like this is how I function if I've got that sentence to grab onto when I was a young mummy was these two shall pass and it did so I'm getting my hands dirty it would be great because it's literal but also
Speaker #1
I'm doing something so let it happen yeah exactly look like look at me I'm getting my hands dirty and also like this is so joyful I'm getting my hands dirty and I think that's that's what I would suggest is like yes of course those those thoughts are going to come up at you and they're going to kind of pull at your attention and you can you can just remind that you know that sort of corporate conditioning that you know what I'm getting my hands dirty yes
Speaker #0
yeah and yeah no it resonates and and of course it resonates because when you look at a garden you get your hand dirty long time before you get anything out of it so you Yes. I'll adopt this mantra.
Speaker #1
Perfect. And just to bring us full circle, I know right at the beginning and even as we were preparing for this call, you kind of shared your feeling of kind of almost desperation about wanting to make this change and this step out of the corporate world. And, you know, we haven't we haven't sat here and talk about your plan to quit. we've talked about your plan to get your hands dirty so I just want to finish by asking when you imagine this this exploration that you're going to be doing over the next month these mushrooms that you're going to be growing this idea that you're really going to be investing in how do you feel with in relation to that kind of urgency and desperation to make change in your corporate work life well suddenly doesn't feel that desperate
Speaker #0
anymore because I am I've got this kind of like breathing space but also I'm exploring something so if it works then maybe it's my way out and if it doesn't I have explored one thing so I can do it with another um if that makes sense so I know that's not going to be the case that every day every minute um but there is there is this it's yeah it's like another path alongside the one I'm on that I'm just creating.
Speaker #1
I'm so excited for you. And I really hope that you will share lots of mushroom updates because I want to see a picture of that first mushroom. I want to hear all about the process of getting your hands dirty.
Speaker #0
Yes, I will share that. And if it comes to fruition, okay, lots of mushrooms. I'll send you some to thank you for all this. Precious advice you just gave me. Thank you so much.
Speaker #1
Oh, it's my pleasure. And what a treat that would be. Go and get your hands dirty. Thank you, Chloe. Thanks for joining us on the podcast.
Speaker #0
Thank you, Elisa.
Speaker #2
Thank you for listening to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. It's time to put what you learned today into practice. Remember, you were called to this work for good reason. Nature needs each and every one of us, and you can do this. If today's episode has been helpful, please take the time to share it with someone who needs a little guidance in stepping out of corporate and into regenerative. Learn more about how I can help you find your vision for a work life filled with purpose, impact and joy at regenerativeworklife.com and connect with me on LinkedIn. Just search Alyssa Murphy. I'll see you back here soon for the next episode.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

If you’re stuck in corporate — exhausted by burnout, questioning your work life balance, or secretly wondering “is this really it?” — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to tolerate it.

From Corporate Into Calling is your lifeline. I’m Alisa Murphy, a regenerative business mentor and former CEO who walked away from corporate systems to build meaningful work of my own. Now I help others do the same: leave behind burnout and misalignment, and create careers — often businesses or consultancies — that bring life back, to you and to the world.

This isn’t about polishing your CV or slotting into another misaligned role. It’s about career change with purpose. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to find your purpose, build your own business, and create work that matters.

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode, I sit down with Cloé to explore how to break free from that paralysis and start making tangible progress toward a career that matters. Together, we discuss:

Why searching for the “perfect option” can keep you stuck.
How to shift from overthinking to taking small, actionable steps forward.
The power of guiding questions like “What brings me joy?” and “What am I most likely to move forward with?”
How small, hands-on experiments—like growing mushrooms in your shoe cupboard—can spark creativity, clarity, and confidence.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, doubting your impact, or unsure where to start, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful action toward a regenerative, sustainable career.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help you quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Find Your Focus Get Your Hands Dirty and Create Things That Matter

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP11: How To Talk To Your Partner About Regenerative Career Change

EP7: Pause is a Career Power Move (Regenerative Unsticking Point with Shweta)

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
I see the example of people my age or a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing path and journeys and connections. And I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late. And I know it's not the case, but it's just, yeah, addition of feeling a bit late in the game. and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #1
Welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. If you are ready to make the leap out of your corporate job and into purposeful regenerative work,
Speaker #2
this is the show for you,
Speaker #1
as you've probably discovered. Transitioning into regenerative work is a lot more complicated than going on a job board and sending off your CV. This journey you are embarking on means taking risks, going against the grain, overcoming challenges, and writing your own script. It takes entrepreneurial muscle, powerful vision, and a willingness to change. Having a mentor by your side makes all the difference. I am your host, Alyssa Murphy. I have worked with hundreds of impact-focused businesses, and individuals and I am here to help you. Let's take things one step at a time as I show you how to quit corporate, find your vision and successfully transition into regenerative work.
Speaker #2
Here we go. Welcome back to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. Today is a regenerative sticking point episode and I'm going to be coaching with Chloe. Now, like many people, Chloe was feeling really frustrated with her corporate job and the lack of impact that she was able to have within corporate sustainability. She really wanted to find an option for what she could do that felt impactful enough, that felt like it met the scale of all of the challenges that surround us. And that desire had actually got her quite stuck because she had so many ideas, so many different options that she wanted to explore. But at the same time, she kept questioning whether they were going to have enough impact, whether she was really qualified to do those different ideas. And you'll hear in this coaching episode that Chloe really had a turnaround as we just focused on the simple idea of getting to action, of just picking an option and moving forward with it. And I was so uplifted by the joy and the creativity and the ease that Chloe unlocked and this beautiful idea that she has decided to move forward with that might be the springboard for something else, might be the catalyst that changes her whole career, might just be a wonderful experience that she shares with others. with her family. Who knows? But I'm so pleased that she's feeling empowered to move forward and make a difference with it. And I hope you really enjoy listening to our coaching conversation together. Just before I introduce you to Chloe, may I remind you and extend my invitation to you to come on the podcast with me and do live coaching just like Chloe did. As you'll hear today, these conversations are easy. They're natural, they're fun, but they might just change the course of your career. Visit regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point and choose a time that works for you. Now, let's meet Chloe. Hi, Chloe. Welcome to the podcast and thank you for joining us for a Regenerative Sticking Point episode.
Speaker #0
Hello, Elisa. Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker #2
It's my pleasure. Why don't you start by telling us about where you're feeling stuck?
Speaker #0
I am feeling stuck because as much as I want to step out of the corporate life, I don't know where to start. I am interested in so many different things that it's hard to focus on one. And when I do, I hit a point where I feel I'm not qualified enough. I can't do that or it would take too long to train and be of help in that department. And that is linked to the fact that I want to have so much impact. Um, and in a way, I don't think it's possible to solve everything at once. And this is kind of what I'm trying to do, which is where I'm stuck.
Speaker #2
Okay, so it sounds like perhaps the, the extent of your desire to make change happen is actually getting in your way a little bit.
Speaker #0
I Yeah, I think you could sum it up like that. Exactly.
Speaker #2
Okay. And you mentioned wanting to get to wanting to get out of the corporate life. And what sort of level of urgency if you like is that desire to step out of the corporate life at for you it's it's pretty high
Speaker #0
I think when I message you I say it's driving me in driving me insane um so it sounds pretty urgent I'm sure I can cope for a bit longer but it's it's just like it's really grinding to feel that you're kind of wasting time um so in that aspect it's it's very hard but I've been working I graduated um over 10 years ago so I've been coping with it for 10 years I think I can do a bit longer but I need to start the process of stepping out and feel that I am moving out of that corporate life yes and it sounds like the
Speaker #2
piece that you're missing and please tell me where I'm wrong but to begin that stepping out is that clarity on which of all of these options that are before you that you all of the different things that you feel interested, like where you're actually going to focus on and step into.
Speaker #0
Yes, it's kind of, I know I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where yet. So I need kind of that direction to start walking the path. And maybe the option I've thought of are not even the ones I'm going to go for, because I think more often than not, we are blind to our own strength. So it's hard for me to see what I have to bring at this point. So it's hard, obviously, to see what I can do in the future.
Speaker #2
Absolutely. I think that's a really important point that you made there about being blind to own strength, because I know you you already mentioned as well that when you do look at these different ideas, these different options, then you come up against this thought of yet, but I'm not qualified and, you know, I'm going to have to retrain. So I think it's great that at the same time you realize that you you may have. a lot more capacity and capability than you're aware of right now and I think in terms of that clarity the other thing that I want to just offer to you is perhaps it's not so important which choice you make right now perhaps the most important thing is that you get started yeah
Speaker #0
I think we touching on something that's been relevant in many areas in my life it's and any it links with the fact I want to have so much impact that don't start anything so I want to have so much clarity that I don't get started on anything just in case this is not the right path so yeah I guess you're you're touching something here yeah
Speaker #2
I guess I think it's it's really understandable you know when we look at of course the scale of the challenges that we're dealing with. I think it's really natural to want to make a choice that's going to match the scale of those challenges but as you've identified yourself the problem with that can be you're setting yourself such a high standard and such a kind of difficult task to achieve that actually what you're doing is you're not, well you're not, you're not doing, you're not actually doing anything because you're waiting for something that feels enough. And actually what I would love to explore with you if you're open to it is, you know, what does it look like just to get to action, just to try putting these ideas into practice and kind of give yourself the freedom that you can start something and then it might shift and evolve. It might open up a new pathway and that you don't need to have the answer for what is this one big impactful thing that I'm going to do. You don't need to know that yet. You just need to get started in that direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, no, definitely. I think because I see the example of people my age, a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing. path and journeys and connections and I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late and I know it's not the case but it's just yeah the addition of feeling a bit late in the game even though I know it's still the very beginning of thinking outside of the box in terms of work life, and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #2
Right. And the other thing about, you know, about taking steps is that when we actually, I know you will have heard me talk about this on the podcast a lot, I often talk about getting to action or moving to action. And The reason for that is that just the very process of doing something, of making any kind of progress, brings us such a shift in energy. It really changes our confidence. It kind of opens up our horizons. And I think often a lot of the very natural kind of anxieties, some of which you've described to us, these thoughts that come up and tell us, well, actually, I don't think I'm qualified and I'm... kind of coming at this a bit late and look at these other people who really know exactly what they're doing in the regenerative field and why aren't I at that stage those kind of anxieties I think are really compounded when we don't when we're in inaction because we have no sort of creative outlet and creativity is it's really the opposite of anxiety it's such a great way to unlock ourselves out of those unhelpful thoughts when we're actually you know getting our hands dirty we're actually doing something we're taking a step forward so that's what I would really love to find with you today and I'd love to hear if that feels like what you need is you know let's worry less about exactly what that step is and really focus on how you can actually take a step let's just pick something and focus on how you can get to action how does that feel to you no that that feels right
Speaker #0
I'm writing a book you And I just finished the first draft and suddenly it feels so much easier because I have something to work with. It's far from perfect. It's not where I want it to be. So it feels like maybe it's the same with my work life. Take a step and build on that. So, yes, let's do this.
Speaker #2
Yeah. What an incredible achievement. Like you clearly are capable of creating things, you know, getting to a first draft is an incredible step. And and exactly as you say. working on a draft is so much less overwhelming than you know a big blank sheet of paper yeah definitely so tell me just tell me about some of the ideas you said there are so many things you're interested in so many ideas that you've had can you give me a few examples of the ones that are kind of there at the front of your mind um yeah so um
Speaker #0
I played with the idea of um developing mushroom farming um just because we love eating mushroom in my family and it would be something I could do without having to work for someone which is something I'm struggling more and more with. I had the idea of opening a place to meet people, I don't know if it would be a cafe, a yoga studio but that would allow for people to get together, get that sense of community and maybe start trying to better the community in which I live. I had the idea of trying to offer my services to company to help them uh work towards degrowth because it's a topic i'm passionate about um and then in front of each of these ideas you could have a lot of yes but yeah of course there's you know there are always going to be so
Speaker #2
many yes buts and you know for the course of our conversation today i want us just to you know they're going to come up and that's fine let's but let's just recognize them you know for what they are and and just sort of just let them sit in the back somewhere. They can just watch for the purposes of this conversation. So you shared three ideas with me here, mushroom farming, a kind of community cafe and some kind of advisory service around degrowth. Now, before we think about which of these we might choose, I want to share a concept with you that I work with my clients on, which is around guiding questions. So this is really... deciding for yourself what are the kind of really high level questions that you are going to be guided by as you take these steps into your regenerative career. So as you're taking decision about, you know, which of these ideas do I want to commit to right now? What kind of guiding question feels the most helpful to you? And in case the concept's not clear, I'll give an example of what a guided question might be. So your guiding question could be the one that you've been working on at the moment sounds like which will have the most impact? But what you've noticed about that question is that actually that's getting you a bit stuck because it's kind of, as we talked about, setting this very high standard. Another question could be, which am I most likely to actually move forward with?
Speaker #0
Yeah, I know that sounds like a great question.
Speaker #2
Would you want to change that question at all? Is there a wording that feels better for you around that kind of guiding question?
Speaker #0
No, that seems like an interesting question to look at. to look at these ideas like a lens to look at these ideas there is something else that's important for me it's which one bring me joy and happiness obviously it's ideas i have what if i put myself in i'm i'm i'm working in the mushroom uh business and growing mushrooms and selling mushroom or i have this cafe or i work with companies which which one is the most exciting one could be another way to look at things maybe yeah fabulous you
Speaker #2
I think those are both two really wonderful guiding questions. And I would offer them both to you, not just for this decision now, but for all of the decisions that are coming up for you to ask both, you know, which is going, you know, which choice, which direction is going to bring me the most joy and which am I most likely to be able to move forward with? Because we've identified that that is, you know, that's a real. sticking point for you at the moment is how you actually take those steps but we also want to take them with joy so I think that's a beautiful combination and thinking of those two questions is there one of these options that stands out to you so
Speaker #0
if I'm with these three options um the idea I most likely would move forward with which probably is the mushroom business you know I don't know if you want me to go through the reasons why.
Speaker #2
Sure. Yeah, go for it.
Speaker #0
Because it seems feasible and that I can make myself qualified for it. It's something that I feel I can learn and I could get into. And that's quite feasible. Where am I today in my life? But the one that brought me the most joy is it's very hard to pick. Maybe the mushroom as well, just because there probably would be a balance of being in contact with nature, growing something physically whilst having creativity around that. How do you, why are you different from other people and why should people go for your mushroom? And I'm not talking just marketing, but what principles are at the core of that idea? What's driving that need to grow those mushrooms?
Speaker #2
Wonderful. I mean, it sounds like. this is a clear winner at the moment and it doesn't mean that those other ideas you know I would I would make sure you have those captured somewhere you know for ideas that can come back to and as we said you know mushroom farming could well lead into these other ideas or give you opportunities to springboard into to new directions but you know even the way you talk about it I can feel a real depth of connection to this idea it doesn't sound at all arbitrary
Speaker #0
um when you talk about that choice it sounds like something that is really meaningful to you yes yeah no it's something I've been toying with for a long time um it's just so different from everything I've done before which I guess is also kind of the thing that happened when you step out of corporate um so it's more challenging because it's so different if I was going into more consultancy roles it's closer to what I know I think
Speaker #2
I think with that particular aspect, what I would offer to you as we start to move the conversation to how you're going to take those first steps and what those first steps might be. I always invite people not to ask too much of the idea in the beginning stages, you know, so I wouldn't sort of at the moment I would perhaps move away from comparing it to your current corporate role, because there's kind of an... implied understanding there that it's going to some it's going to replace that role at some point or that that you know there's the expectation that it's going to you know match that income or or whatever it might be even if you're not sort of consciously thinking that I think by putting them side by side there's you know there's a danger that you put that kind of pressure on this idea and right now this is like a little you know tiny hatchling of an idea you know it's it's really in the early stages so we want to treat it really delicately like it's something really precious it's just a tiny seedling that's that's starting to grow
Speaker #0
Oh, yeah. No, I like this idea of like not comparing and not trying to replace something. It's just different things. I think you just unlocked something in my brain. So thank you for that.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Good. Yeah, I think, you know, this is this is where I see a lot of people getting stuck, is that they they want whatever this new thing that they start on, you know, their immediate assumption, because this is how we're kind of conditioned to think, right? You leave. one job and you move into another job and, you know, at the very least it needs to be on a par, but really it should be a step up. You know, this is how we're taught. You just take these steps up all the time in your career. And of course, with regenerative work, you know, we're approaching this with a very different mindset. And I think, you know, you have the opportunity to nurture that little seedling, but also, you know, to just have fun. with with this idea really focus on the joy you know that you are going to let yourself play around with mushroom farming and find out what that holds for you yeah you oh yes um
Speaker #0
I feel very excited all of a sudden so um that's great tell me tell me about I want to capture that feeling what is that excitement feeling like in your body right now it's just suddenly it's like in my chest and my head it's I'm not drawing like, oh, I will need to make a living. I'm just more like, I will be hand in the soil and trying to figure out what do I want to grow and why and what good does it make? And it's a lot less heavy, a lot more, it's creative instead of just building blocks.
Speaker #2
Yeah.
Speaker #0
I'm painting a nice canvas, which is much more exciting for me.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. And I really want you to hold on to that. feeling that creative you know hands in the dirt feeling and you know at any point when you feel a little bit you know unsure or those those thoughts you know come back in which they will um you know this comparison start to prop up just just invite yourself back to that feeling that you have now that you know that lightness in your chest and and your head and that feeling of creativity keep bringing yourself back to that because that's really going to guide you in the right direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, I'll hold on to this moment. I'm just imprinting a new make in my head and bring it back when I need it.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Okay, so let's get really practical now. I want to know what are going to be your first steps, your actual sort of first little, you probably heard me talk about turtle steps, little manageable steps. let's just pick one for now what would be the very first step towards your mushroom farming idea?
Speaker #0
I guess it would be looking into growing my first mushrooms, how do I do, how do I go about doing that and where do I find what I need to grow them that aligns with my values as well so yeah that would be just going on google and starting researching and getting what I need to. to try and see if I can do it.
Speaker #2
And can you, I'm wondering if you can set yourself some kind of guardrails for this, because I have an instinct, and please tell me if this feels true to you or not, that because you mentioned that you have so many ideas, does the researching stage feel like that there's a possibility that you might get a little bit stuck inside of that stage?
Speaker #0
100% I am that person who loves school and wanted to always do good for the teachers so I would do my research very very well and then when I step in the real life it's not as straightforward so you're right so maybe it would be a time frame like by the end of the year I have got what I need to start growing my first mushroom not expecting to grow a thousand just one already would be great that's
Speaker #2
perfect you are you are doing it this is exactly this is the work right and I think that's that's a really fantastic um milestone to state yourself so we are recording this right at the end of November so essentially you have one month you know do your research do your homework be the good student but you're making this commitment that by the end of the month you're going to be starting to grow that very first mushroom yes I am making the commitment you heard it here ladies and gentlemen um and Chloe, tell me the question that you brought to this of joy. As you approach this next month, this researching, you know, getting the first materials, what ideas do you have for how you can bring as much joy as possible to that process?
Speaker #0
Well, including my family in the process is one of the reasons why I want to step out of corporate. So I'm a more connected person to my family. So I can see myself showing my daughter and being like, look, we're going to do this and that. And. in a couple of weeks or however long the text will have some mushrooms and that is just very exciting too instead of having my daughter mimic me on a laptop sending email she might be talking about the mushroom I grow which is just exciting yeah that's beautiful um yeah
Speaker #2
anything else that you want to capture about like how how or when or where you might do this exploration um it's just
Speaker #0
I think at first we'll be home just inside. I heard it's usually good in cupboards, so it's probably going to be in my shoe cupboard. And I can see ourselves just walking from the kitchen to have a look if they've grown a little bit or not. It's exciting as well, just because it's something physical. And that's, I've never worked with physical project. It's always been on a laptop and ideas. So that's very exciting to me to see something come to life.
Speaker #2
really to life literally absolutely so I feel like we've kind of quite quickly got to a blueprint for how you can move forward with this idea and I'm you know I feel the temptation to want to extrapolate out further into the next step in the next step but I'm going to suggest that we don't do that today because I think the most important thing for you is that you make this commitment and you follow it through and you have that very first mushroom growing by the end of the year and and actually what I would suggest is like don't don't let yourself get too far ahead you know focus on that joy and that you know like you say actually doing something with your hands and the whole experience of that and if you can just let yourself be in in that moment and then you know once those mushrooms are growing then you can start thinking about okay what is it that I want to do next
Speaker #0
Yeah, and I think that's a good advice because you see right now in my head, I'm already rushing to it. And how would you tell me to deal with when I want to try another idea because there is something else that catch my attention? Instead of being just like, let's live through that. I'm rushing into what will I do if I feel like that? So, yeah, sit with this and just be in the moment.
Speaker #2
Yeah, and just exactly and just know that something that really matters for you is seeing this. is seeing this through it's it's moving out of that idea stage where you're you know where you're feeling frustrated or the research stage where you know you're kind of a little bit too comfortable and and actually growing something that's
Speaker #0
that's a real focus for you yes it's really to come and stuck um because as much as I research right now I'm looking to things I'm I'm just stuck and I've been there for a long time now so any steps would be a big progress.
Speaker #2
Yeah, yeah and you can absolutely do this. Is there anything that you think could potentially get in your way?
Speaker #0
At this stage just trying to get my first mushroom to grow, no I think I can make that happen. What can always get in my way is whenever things take time, it's my mindset and the I can't do it or this is inviolable or instead of staying with the joy and kind of trusting that process as I was saying I've been feeling stuck for a long time now so it's hard to wait longer for things to come together yeah and
Speaker #2
and I really understand that I do and what I would suggest is how would it feel to have some kind of um can't think of a better word right now than mantra but I don't need to take it too seriously but just some kind of phrase that you can use for yourself when you you feel those thoughts pulling on you of like this needs to happen faster I should already be doing this I'm coming to this too late you know all of those thoughts that you've kind of shared to me I'm wondering if there could be some kind of phrase um the one I have in my head is like I'm getting my hands dirty some kind of answer to those thoughts
Speaker #0
Yes, it's. it's funny how you like this is how I function if I've got that sentence to grab onto when I was a young mummy was these two shall pass and it did so I'm getting my hands dirty it would be great because it's literal but also
Speaker #1
I'm doing something so let it happen yeah exactly look like look at me I'm getting my hands dirty and also like this is so joyful I'm getting my hands dirty and I think that's that's what I would suggest is like yes of course those those thoughts are going to come up at you and they're going to kind of pull at your attention and you can you can just remind that you know that sort of corporate conditioning that you know what I'm getting my hands dirty yes
Speaker #0
yeah and yeah no it resonates and and of course it resonates because when you look at a garden you get your hand dirty long time before you get anything out of it so you Yes. I'll adopt this mantra.
Speaker #1
Perfect. And just to bring us full circle, I know right at the beginning and even as we were preparing for this call, you kind of shared your feeling of kind of almost desperation about wanting to make this change and this step out of the corporate world. And, you know, we haven't we haven't sat here and talk about your plan to quit. we've talked about your plan to get your hands dirty so I just want to finish by asking when you imagine this this exploration that you're going to be doing over the next month these mushrooms that you're going to be growing this idea that you're really going to be investing in how do you feel with in relation to that kind of urgency and desperation to make change in your corporate work life well suddenly doesn't feel that desperate
Speaker #0
anymore because I am I've got this kind of like breathing space but also I'm exploring something so if it works then maybe it's my way out and if it doesn't I have explored one thing so I can do it with another um if that makes sense so I know that's not going to be the case that every day every minute um but there is there is this it's yeah it's like another path alongside the one I'm on that I'm just creating.
Speaker #1
I'm so excited for you. And I really hope that you will share lots of mushroom updates because I want to see a picture of that first mushroom. I want to hear all about the process of getting your hands dirty.
Speaker #0
Yes, I will share that. And if it comes to fruition, okay, lots of mushrooms. I'll send you some to thank you for all this. Precious advice you just gave me. Thank you so much.
Speaker #1
Oh, it's my pleasure. And what a treat that would be. Go and get your hands dirty. Thank you, Chloe. Thanks for joining us on the podcast.
Speaker #0
Thank you, Elisa.
Speaker #2
Thank you for listening to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. It's time to put what you learned today into practice. Remember, you were called to this work for good reason. Nature needs each and every one of us, and you can do this. If today's episode has been helpful, please take the time to share it with someone who needs a little guidance in stepping out of corporate and into regenerative. Learn more about how I can help you find your vision for a work life filled with purpose, impact and joy at regenerativeworklife.com and connect with me on LinkedIn. Just search Alyssa Murphy. I'll see you back here soon for the next episode.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Description

In this episode, I sit down with Cloé to explore how to break free from that paralysis and start making tangible progress toward a career that matters. Together, we discuss:

Why searching for the “perfect option” can keep you stuck.
How to shift from overthinking to taking small, actionable steps forward.
The power of guiding questions like “What brings me joy?” and “What am I most likely to move forward with?”
How small, hands-on experiments—like growing mushrooms in your shoe cupboard—can spark creativity, clarity, and confidence.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, doubting your impact, or unsure where to start, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful action toward a regenerative, sustainable career.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help you quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Find Your Focus Get Your Hands Dirty and Create Things That Matter

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP11: How To Talk To Your Partner About Regenerative Career Change

EP7: Pause is a Career Power Move (Regenerative Unsticking Point with Shweta)

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
I see the example of people my age or a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing path and journeys and connections. And I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late. And I know it's not the case, but it's just, yeah, addition of feeling a bit late in the game. and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #1
Welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. If you are ready to make the leap out of your corporate job and into purposeful regenerative work,
Speaker #2
this is the show for you,
Speaker #1
as you've probably discovered. Transitioning into regenerative work is a lot more complicated than going on a job board and sending off your CV. This journey you are embarking on means taking risks, going against the grain, overcoming challenges, and writing your own script. It takes entrepreneurial muscle, powerful vision, and a willingness to change. Having a mentor by your side makes all the difference. I am your host, Alyssa Murphy. I have worked with hundreds of impact-focused businesses, and individuals and I am here to help you. Let's take things one step at a time as I show you how to quit corporate, find your vision and successfully transition into regenerative work.
Speaker #2
Here we go. Welcome back to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. Today is a regenerative sticking point episode and I'm going to be coaching with Chloe. Now, like many people, Chloe was feeling really frustrated with her corporate job and the lack of impact that she was able to have within corporate sustainability. She really wanted to find an option for what she could do that felt impactful enough, that felt like it met the scale of all of the challenges that surround us. And that desire had actually got her quite stuck because she had so many ideas, so many different options that she wanted to explore. But at the same time, she kept questioning whether they were going to have enough impact, whether she was really qualified to do those different ideas. And you'll hear in this coaching episode that Chloe really had a turnaround as we just focused on the simple idea of getting to action, of just picking an option and moving forward with it. And I was so uplifted by the joy and the creativity and the ease that Chloe unlocked and this beautiful idea that she has decided to move forward with that might be the springboard for something else, might be the catalyst that changes her whole career, might just be a wonderful experience that she shares with others. with her family. Who knows? But I'm so pleased that she's feeling empowered to move forward and make a difference with it. And I hope you really enjoy listening to our coaching conversation together. Just before I introduce you to Chloe, may I remind you and extend my invitation to you to come on the podcast with me and do live coaching just like Chloe did. As you'll hear today, these conversations are easy. They're natural, they're fun, but they might just change the course of your career. Visit regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point and choose a time that works for you. Now, let's meet Chloe. Hi, Chloe. Welcome to the podcast and thank you for joining us for a Regenerative Sticking Point episode.
Speaker #0
Hello, Elisa. Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker #2
It's my pleasure. Why don't you start by telling us about where you're feeling stuck?
Speaker #0
I am feeling stuck because as much as I want to step out of the corporate life, I don't know where to start. I am interested in so many different things that it's hard to focus on one. And when I do, I hit a point where I feel I'm not qualified enough. I can't do that or it would take too long to train and be of help in that department. And that is linked to the fact that I want to have so much impact. Um, and in a way, I don't think it's possible to solve everything at once. And this is kind of what I'm trying to do, which is where I'm stuck.
Speaker #2
Okay, so it sounds like perhaps the, the extent of your desire to make change happen is actually getting in your way a little bit.
Speaker #0
I Yeah, I think you could sum it up like that. Exactly.
Speaker #2
Okay. And you mentioned wanting to get to wanting to get out of the corporate life. And what sort of level of urgency if you like is that desire to step out of the corporate life at for you it's it's pretty high
Speaker #0
I think when I message you I say it's driving me in driving me insane um so it sounds pretty urgent I'm sure I can cope for a bit longer but it's it's just like it's really grinding to feel that you're kind of wasting time um so in that aspect it's it's very hard but I've been working I graduated um over 10 years ago so I've been coping with it for 10 years I think I can do a bit longer but I need to start the process of stepping out and feel that I am moving out of that corporate life yes and it sounds like the
Speaker #2
piece that you're missing and please tell me where I'm wrong but to begin that stepping out is that clarity on which of all of these options that are before you that you all of the different things that you feel interested, like where you're actually going to focus on and step into.
Speaker #0
Yes, it's kind of, I know I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where yet. So I need kind of that direction to start walking the path. And maybe the option I've thought of are not even the ones I'm going to go for, because I think more often than not, we are blind to our own strength. So it's hard for me to see what I have to bring at this point. So it's hard, obviously, to see what I can do in the future.
Speaker #2
Absolutely. I think that's a really important point that you made there about being blind to own strength, because I know you you already mentioned as well that when you do look at these different ideas, these different options, then you come up against this thought of yet, but I'm not qualified and, you know, I'm going to have to retrain. So I think it's great that at the same time you realize that you you may have. a lot more capacity and capability than you're aware of right now and I think in terms of that clarity the other thing that I want to just offer to you is perhaps it's not so important which choice you make right now perhaps the most important thing is that you get started yeah
Speaker #0
I think we touching on something that's been relevant in many areas in my life it's and any it links with the fact I want to have so much impact that don't start anything so I want to have so much clarity that I don't get started on anything just in case this is not the right path so yeah I guess you're you're touching something here yeah
Speaker #2
I guess I think it's it's really understandable you know when we look at of course the scale of the challenges that we're dealing with. I think it's really natural to want to make a choice that's going to match the scale of those challenges but as you've identified yourself the problem with that can be you're setting yourself such a high standard and such a kind of difficult task to achieve that actually what you're doing is you're not, well you're not, you're not doing, you're not actually doing anything because you're waiting for something that feels enough. And actually what I would love to explore with you if you're open to it is, you know, what does it look like just to get to action, just to try putting these ideas into practice and kind of give yourself the freedom that you can start something and then it might shift and evolve. It might open up a new pathway and that you don't need to have the answer for what is this one big impactful thing that I'm going to do. You don't need to know that yet. You just need to get started in that direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, no, definitely. I think because I see the example of people my age, a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing. path and journeys and connections and I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late and I know it's not the case but it's just yeah the addition of feeling a bit late in the game even though I know it's still the very beginning of thinking outside of the box in terms of work life, and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #2
Right. And the other thing about, you know, about taking steps is that when we actually, I know you will have heard me talk about this on the podcast a lot, I often talk about getting to action or moving to action. And The reason for that is that just the very process of doing something, of making any kind of progress, brings us such a shift in energy. It really changes our confidence. It kind of opens up our horizons. And I think often a lot of the very natural kind of anxieties, some of which you've described to us, these thoughts that come up and tell us, well, actually, I don't think I'm qualified and I'm... kind of coming at this a bit late and look at these other people who really know exactly what they're doing in the regenerative field and why aren't I at that stage those kind of anxieties I think are really compounded when we don't when we're in inaction because we have no sort of creative outlet and creativity is it's really the opposite of anxiety it's such a great way to unlock ourselves out of those unhelpful thoughts when we're actually you know getting our hands dirty we're actually doing something we're taking a step forward so that's what I would really love to find with you today and I'd love to hear if that feels like what you need is you know let's worry less about exactly what that step is and really focus on how you can actually take a step let's just pick something and focus on how you can get to action how does that feel to you no that that feels right
Speaker #0
I'm writing a book you And I just finished the first draft and suddenly it feels so much easier because I have something to work with. It's far from perfect. It's not where I want it to be. So it feels like maybe it's the same with my work life. Take a step and build on that. So, yes, let's do this.
Speaker #2
Yeah. What an incredible achievement. Like you clearly are capable of creating things, you know, getting to a first draft is an incredible step. And and exactly as you say. working on a draft is so much less overwhelming than you know a big blank sheet of paper yeah definitely so tell me just tell me about some of the ideas you said there are so many things you're interested in so many ideas that you've had can you give me a few examples of the ones that are kind of there at the front of your mind um yeah so um
Speaker #0
I played with the idea of um developing mushroom farming um just because we love eating mushroom in my family and it would be something I could do without having to work for someone which is something I'm struggling more and more with. I had the idea of opening a place to meet people, I don't know if it would be a cafe, a yoga studio but that would allow for people to get together, get that sense of community and maybe start trying to better the community in which I live. I had the idea of trying to offer my services to company to help them uh work towards degrowth because it's a topic i'm passionate about um and then in front of each of these ideas you could have a lot of yes but yeah of course there's you know there are always going to be so
Speaker #2
many yes buts and you know for the course of our conversation today i want us just to you know they're going to come up and that's fine let's but let's just recognize them you know for what they are and and just sort of just let them sit in the back somewhere. They can just watch for the purposes of this conversation. So you shared three ideas with me here, mushroom farming, a kind of community cafe and some kind of advisory service around degrowth. Now, before we think about which of these we might choose, I want to share a concept with you that I work with my clients on, which is around guiding questions. So this is really... deciding for yourself what are the kind of really high level questions that you are going to be guided by as you take these steps into your regenerative career. So as you're taking decision about, you know, which of these ideas do I want to commit to right now? What kind of guiding question feels the most helpful to you? And in case the concept's not clear, I'll give an example of what a guided question might be. So your guiding question could be the one that you've been working on at the moment sounds like which will have the most impact? But what you've noticed about that question is that actually that's getting you a bit stuck because it's kind of, as we talked about, setting this very high standard. Another question could be, which am I most likely to actually move forward with?
Speaker #0
Yeah, I know that sounds like a great question.
Speaker #2
Would you want to change that question at all? Is there a wording that feels better for you around that kind of guiding question?
Speaker #0
No, that seems like an interesting question to look at. to look at these ideas like a lens to look at these ideas there is something else that's important for me it's which one bring me joy and happiness obviously it's ideas i have what if i put myself in i'm i'm i'm working in the mushroom uh business and growing mushrooms and selling mushroom or i have this cafe or i work with companies which which one is the most exciting one could be another way to look at things maybe yeah fabulous you
Speaker #2
I think those are both two really wonderful guiding questions. And I would offer them both to you, not just for this decision now, but for all of the decisions that are coming up for you to ask both, you know, which is going, you know, which choice, which direction is going to bring me the most joy and which am I most likely to be able to move forward with? Because we've identified that that is, you know, that's a real. sticking point for you at the moment is how you actually take those steps but we also want to take them with joy so I think that's a beautiful combination and thinking of those two questions is there one of these options that stands out to you so
Speaker #0
if I'm with these three options um the idea I most likely would move forward with which probably is the mushroom business you know I don't know if you want me to go through the reasons why.
Speaker #2
Sure. Yeah, go for it.
Speaker #0
Because it seems feasible and that I can make myself qualified for it. It's something that I feel I can learn and I could get into. And that's quite feasible. Where am I today in my life? But the one that brought me the most joy is it's very hard to pick. Maybe the mushroom as well, just because there probably would be a balance of being in contact with nature, growing something physically whilst having creativity around that. How do you, why are you different from other people and why should people go for your mushroom? And I'm not talking just marketing, but what principles are at the core of that idea? What's driving that need to grow those mushrooms?
Speaker #2
Wonderful. I mean, it sounds like. this is a clear winner at the moment and it doesn't mean that those other ideas you know I would I would make sure you have those captured somewhere you know for ideas that can come back to and as we said you know mushroom farming could well lead into these other ideas or give you opportunities to springboard into to new directions but you know even the way you talk about it I can feel a real depth of connection to this idea it doesn't sound at all arbitrary
Speaker #0
um when you talk about that choice it sounds like something that is really meaningful to you yes yeah no it's something I've been toying with for a long time um it's just so different from everything I've done before which I guess is also kind of the thing that happened when you step out of corporate um so it's more challenging because it's so different if I was going into more consultancy roles it's closer to what I know I think
Speaker #2
I think with that particular aspect, what I would offer to you as we start to move the conversation to how you're going to take those first steps and what those first steps might be. I always invite people not to ask too much of the idea in the beginning stages, you know, so I wouldn't sort of at the moment I would perhaps move away from comparing it to your current corporate role, because there's kind of an... implied understanding there that it's going to some it's going to replace that role at some point or that that you know there's the expectation that it's going to you know match that income or or whatever it might be even if you're not sort of consciously thinking that I think by putting them side by side there's you know there's a danger that you put that kind of pressure on this idea and right now this is like a little you know tiny hatchling of an idea you know it's it's really in the early stages so we want to treat it really delicately like it's something really precious it's just a tiny seedling that's that's starting to grow
Speaker #0
Oh, yeah. No, I like this idea of like not comparing and not trying to replace something. It's just different things. I think you just unlocked something in my brain. So thank you for that.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Good. Yeah, I think, you know, this is this is where I see a lot of people getting stuck, is that they they want whatever this new thing that they start on, you know, their immediate assumption, because this is how we're kind of conditioned to think, right? You leave. one job and you move into another job and, you know, at the very least it needs to be on a par, but really it should be a step up. You know, this is how we're taught. You just take these steps up all the time in your career. And of course, with regenerative work, you know, we're approaching this with a very different mindset. And I think, you know, you have the opportunity to nurture that little seedling, but also, you know, to just have fun. with with this idea really focus on the joy you know that you are going to let yourself play around with mushroom farming and find out what that holds for you yeah you oh yes um
Speaker #0
I feel very excited all of a sudden so um that's great tell me tell me about I want to capture that feeling what is that excitement feeling like in your body right now it's just suddenly it's like in my chest and my head it's I'm not drawing like, oh, I will need to make a living. I'm just more like, I will be hand in the soil and trying to figure out what do I want to grow and why and what good does it make? And it's a lot less heavy, a lot more, it's creative instead of just building blocks.
Speaker #2
Yeah.
Speaker #0
I'm painting a nice canvas, which is much more exciting for me.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. And I really want you to hold on to that. feeling that creative you know hands in the dirt feeling and you know at any point when you feel a little bit you know unsure or those those thoughts you know come back in which they will um you know this comparison start to prop up just just invite yourself back to that feeling that you have now that you know that lightness in your chest and and your head and that feeling of creativity keep bringing yourself back to that because that's really going to guide you in the right direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, I'll hold on to this moment. I'm just imprinting a new make in my head and bring it back when I need it.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Okay, so let's get really practical now. I want to know what are going to be your first steps, your actual sort of first little, you probably heard me talk about turtle steps, little manageable steps. let's just pick one for now what would be the very first step towards your mushroom farming idea?
Speaker #0
I guess it would be looking into growing my first mushrooms, how do I do, how do I go about doing that and where do I find what I need to grow them that aligns with my values as well so yeah that would be just going on google and starting researching and getting what I need to. to try and see if I can do it.
Speaker #2
And can you, I'm wondering if you can set yourself some kind of guardrails for this, because I have an instinct, and please tell me if this feels true to you or not, that because you mentioned that you have so many ideas, does the researching stage feel like that there's a possibility that you might get a little bit stuck inside of that stage?
Speaker #0
100% I am that person who loves school and wanted to always do good for the teachers so I would do my research very very well and then when I step in the real life it's not as straightforward so you're right so maybe it would be a time frame like by the end of the year I have got what I need to start growing my first mushroom not expecting to grow a thousand just one already would be great that's
Speaker #2
perfect you are you are doing it this is exactly this is the work right and I think that's that's a really fantastic um milestone to state yourself so we are recording this right at the end of November so essentially you have one month you know do your research do your homework be the good student but you're making this commitment that by the end of the month you're going to be starting to grow that very first mushroom yes I am making the commitment you heard it here ladies and gentlemen um and Chloe, tell me the question that you brought to this of joy. As you approach this next month, this researching, you know, getting the first materials, what ideas do you have for how you can bring as much joy as possible to that process?
Speaker #0
Well, including my family in the process is one of the reasons why I want to step out of corporate. So I'm a more connected person to my family. So I can see myself showing my daughter and being like, look, we're going to do this and that. And. in a couple of weeks or however long the text will have some mushrooms and that is just very exciting too instead of having my daughter mimic me on a laptop sending email she might be talking about the mushroom I grow which is just exciting yeah that's beautiful um yeah
Speaker #2
anything else that you want to capture about like how how or when or where you might do this exploration um it's just
Speaker #0
I think at first we'll be home just inside. I heard it's usually good in cupboards, so it's probably going to be in my shoe cupboard. And I can see ourselves just walking from the kitchen to have a look if they've grown a little bit or not. It's exciting as well, just because it's something physical. And that's, I've never worked with physical project. It's always been on a laptop and ideas. So that's very exciting to me to see something come to life.
Speaker #2
really to life literally absolutely so I feel like we've kind of quite quickly got to a blueprint for how you can move forward with this idea and I'm you know I feel the temptation to want to extrapolate out further into the next step in the next step but I'm going to suggest that we don't do that today because I think the most important thing for you is that you make this commitment and you follow it through and you have that very first mushroom growing by the end of the year and and actually what I would suggest is like don't don't let yourself get too far ahead you know focus on that joy and that you know like you say actually doing something with your hands and the whole experience of that and if you can just let yourself be in in that moment and then you know once those mushrooms are growing then you can start thinking about okay what is it that I want to do next
Speaker #0
Yeah, and I think that's a good advice because you see right now in my head, I'm already rushing to it. And how would you tell me to deal with when I want to try another idea because there is something else that catch my attention? Instead of being just like, let's live through that. I'm rushing into what will I do if I feel like that? So, yeah, sit with this and just be in the moment.
Speaker #2
Yeah, and just exactly and just know that something that really matters for you is seeing this. is seeing this through it's it's moving out of that idea stage where you're you know where you're feeling frustrated or the research stage where you know you're kind of a little bit too comfortable and and actually growing something that's
Speaker #0
that's a real focus for you yes it's really to come and stuck um because as much as I research right now I'm looking to things I'm I'm just stuck and I've been there for a long time now so any steps would be a big progress.
Speaker #2
Yeah, yeah and you can absolutely do this. Is there anything that you think could potentially get in your way?
Speaker #0
At this stage just trying to get my first mushroom to grow, no I think I can make that happen. What can always get in my way is whenever things take time, it's my mindset and the I can't do it or this is inviolable or instead of staying with the joy and kind of trusting that process as I was saying I've been feeling stuck for a long time now so it's hard to wait longer for things to come together yeah and
Speaker #2
and I really understand that I do and what I would suggest is how would it feel to have some kind of um can't think of a better word right now than mantra but I don't need to take it too seriously but just some kind of phrase that you can use for yourself when you you feel those thoughts pulling on you of like this needs to happen faster I should already be doing this I'm coming to this too late you know all of those thoughts that you've kind of shared to me I'm wondering if there could be some kind of phrase um the one I have in my head is like I'm getting my hands dirty some kind of answer to those thoughts
Speaker #0
Yes, it's. it's funny how you like this is how I function if I've got that sentence to grab onto when I was a young mummy was these two shall pass and it did so I'm getting my hands dirty it would be great because it's literal but also
Speaker #1
I'm doing something so let it happen yeah exactly look like look at me I'm getting my hands dirty and also like this is so joyful I'm getting my hands dirty and I think that's that's what I would suggest is like yes of course those those thoughts are going to come up at you and they're going to kind of pull at your attention and you can you can just remind that you know that sort of corporate conditioning that you know what I'm getting my hands dirty yes
Speaker #0
yeah and yeah no it resonates and and of course it resonates because when you look at a garden you get your hand dirty long time before you get anything out of it so you Yes. I'll adopt this mantra.
Speaker #1
Perfect. And just to bring us full circle, I know right at the beginning and even as we were preparing for this call, you kind of shared your feeling of kind of almost desperation about wanting to make this change and this step out of the corporate world. And, you know, we haven't we haven't sat here and talk about your plan to quit. we've talked about your plan to get your hands dirty so I just want to finish by asking when you imagine this this exploration that you're going to be doing over the next month these mushrooms that you're going to be growing this idea that you're really going to be investing in how do you feel with in relation to that kind of urgency and desperation to make change in your corporate work life well suddenly doesn't feel that desperate
Speaker #0
anymore because I am I've got this kind of like breathing space but also I'm exploring something so if it works then maybe it's my way out and if it doesn't I have explored one thing so I can do it with another um if that makes sense so I know that's not going to be the case that every day every minute um but there is there is this it's yeah it's like another path alongside the one I'm on that I'm just creating.
Speaker #1
I'm so excited for you. And I really hope that you will share lots of mushroom updates because I want to see a picture of that first mushroom. I want to hear all about the process of getting your hands dirty.
Speaker #0
Yes, I will share that. And if it comes to fruition, okay, lots of mushrooms. I'll send you some to thank you for all this. Precious advice you just gave me. Thank you so much.
Speaker #1
Oh, it's my pleasure. And what a treat that would be. Go and get your hands dirty. Thank you, Chloe. Thanks for joining us on the podcast.
Speaker #0
Thank you, Elisa.
Speaker #2
Thank you for listening to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. It's time to put what you learned today into practice. Remember, you were called to this work for good reason. Nature needs each and every one of us, and you can do this. If today's episode has been helpful, please take the time to share it with someone who needs a little guidance in stepping out of corporate and into regenerative. Learn more about how I can help you find your vision for a work life filled with purpose, impact and joy at regenerativeworklife.com and connect with me on LinkedIn. Just search Alyssa Murphy. I'll see you back here soon for the next episode.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

In this episode, I sit down with Cloé to explore how to break free from that paralysis and start making tangible progress toward a career that matters. Together, we discuss:

Why searching for the “perfect option” can keep you stuck.
How to shift from overthinking to taking small, actionable steps forward.
The power of guiding questions like “What brings me joy?” and “What am I most likely to move forward with?”
How small, hands-on experiments—like growing mushrooms in your shoe cupboard—can spark creativity, clarity, and confidence.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, doubting your impact, or unsure where to start, this episode will inspire you to take meaningful action toward a regenerative, sustainable career.

Next steps:

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about Regenerative Career Coaching

Subscribe to my email for weekly guidance to help you quit corporate and build a successful regenerative career.

Read the Blog: Find Your Focus Get Your Hands Dirty and Create Things That Matter

Visit the website: https://www.regenerativeworklife.com/

Listen to related episodes:

EP11: How To Talk To Your Partner About Regenerative Career Change

EP7: Pause is a Career Power Move (Regenerative Unsticking Point with Shweta)

EP3: Tips to Avoid Corporate Greenwash in Your Sustainable Job Search

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Transcription

Speaker #0
I see the example of people my age or a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing path and journeys and connections. And I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late. And I know it's not the case, but it's just, yeah, addition of feeling a bit late in the game. and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #1
Welcome to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. If you are ready to make the leap out of your corporate job and into purposeful regenerative work,
Speaker #2
this is the show for you,
Speaker #1
as you've probably discovered. Transitioning into regenerative work is a lot more complicated than going on a job board and sending off your CV. This journey you are embarking on means taking risks, going against the grain, overcoming challenges, and writing your own script. It takes entrepreneurial muscle, powerful vision, and a willingness to change. Having a mentor by your side makes all the difference. I am your host, Alyssa Murphy. I have worked with hundreds of impact-focused businesses, and individuals and I am here to help you. Let's take things one step at a time as I show you how to quit corporate, find your vision and successfully transition into regenerative work.
Speaker #2
Here we go. Welcome back to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. Today is a regenerative sticking point episode and I'm going to be coaching with Chloe. Now, like many people, Chloe was feeling really frustrated with her corporate job and the lack of impact that she was able to have within corporate sustainability. She really wanted to find an option for what she could do that felt impactful enough, that felt like it met the scale of all of the challenges that surround us. And that desire had actually got her quite stuck because she had so many ideas, so many different options that she wanted to explore. But at the same time, she kept questioning whether they were going to have enough impact, whether she was really qualified to do those different ideas. And you'll hear in this coaching episode that Chloe really had a turnaround as we just focused on the simple idea of getting to action, of just picking an option and moving forward with it. And I was so uplifted by the joy and the creativity and the ease that Chloe unlocked and this beautiful idea that she has decided to move forward with that might be the springboard for something else, might be the catalyst that changes her whole career, might just be a wonderful experience that she shares with others. with her family. Who knows? But I'm so pleased that she's feeling empowered to move forward and make a difference with it. And I hope you really enjoy listening to our coaching conversation together. Just before I introduce you to Chloe, may I remind you and extend my invitation to you to come on the podcast with me and do live coaching just like Chloe did. As you'll hear today, these conversations are easy. They're natural, they're fun, but they might just change the course of your career. Visit regenerativeworklife.com forward slash sticking point and choose a time that works for you. Now, let's meet Chloe. Hi, Chloe. Welcome to the podcast and thank you for joining us for a Regenerative Sticking Point episode.
Speaker #0
Hello, Elisa. Thank you so much for having me.
Speaker #2
It's my pleasure. Why don't you start by telling us about where you're feeling stuck?
Speaker #0
I am feeling stuck because as much as I want to step out of the corporate life, I don't know where to start. I am interested in so many different things that it's hard to focus on one. And when I do, I hit a point where I feel I'm not qualified enough. I can't do that or it would take too long to train and be of help in that department. And that is linked to the fact that I want to have so much impact. Um, and in a way, I don't think it's possible to solve everything at once. And this is kind of what I'm trying to do, which is where I'm stuck.
Speaker #2
Okay, so it sounds like perhaps the, the extent of your desire to make change happen is actually getting in your way a little bit.
Speaker #0
I Yeah, I think you could sum it up like that. Exactly.
Speaker #2
Okay. And you mentioned wanting to get to wanting to get out of the corporate life. And what sort of level of urgency if you like is that desire to step out of the corporate life at for you it's it's pretty high
Speaker #0
I think when I message you I say it's driving me in driving me insane um so it sounds pretty urgent I'm sure I can cope for a bit longer but it's it's just like it's really grinding to feel that you're kind of wasting time um so in that aspect it's it's very hard but I've been working I graduated um over 10 years ago so I've been coping with it for 10 years I think I can do a bit longer but I need to start the process of stepping out and feel that I am moving out of that corporate life yes and it sounds like the
Speaker #2
piece that you're missing and please tell me where I'm wrong but to begin that stepping out is that clarity on which of all of these options that are before you that you all of the different things that you feel interested, like where you're actually going to focus on and step into.
Speaker #0
Yes, it's kind of, I know I want to go somewhere, but I don't know where yet. So I need kind of that direction to start walking the path. And maybe the option I've thought of are not even the ones I'm going to go for, because I think more often than not, we are blind to our own strength. So it's hard for me to see what I have to bring at this point. So it's hard, obviously, to see what I can do in the future.
Speaker #2
Absolutely. I think that's a really important point that you made there about being blind to own strength, because I know you you already mentioned as well that when you do look at these different ideas, these different options, then you come up against this thought of yet, but I'm not qualified and, you know, I'm going to have to retrain. So I think it's great that at the same time you realize that you you may have. a lot more capacity and capability than you're aware of right now and I think in terms of that clarity the other thing that I want to just offer to you is perhaps it's not so important which choice you make right now perhaps the most important thing is that you get started yeah
Speaker #0
I think we touching on something that's been relevant in many areas in my life it's and any it links with the fact I want to have so much impact that don't start anything so I want to have so much clarity that I don't get started on anything just in case this is not the right path so yeah I guess you're you're touching something here yeah
Speaker #2
I guess I think it's it's really understandable you know when we look at of course the scale of the challenges that we're dealing with. I think it's really natural to want to make a choice that's going to match the scale of those challenges but as you've identified yourself the problem with that can be you're setting yourself such a high standard and such a kind of difficult task to achieve that actually what you're doing is you're not, well you're not, you're not doing, you're not actually doing anything because you're waiting for something that feels enough. And actually what I would love to explore with you if you're open to it is, you know, what does it look like just to get to action, just to try putting these ideas into practice and kind of give yourself the freedom that you can start something and then it might shift and evolve. It might open up a new pathway and that you don't need to have the answer for what is this one big impactful thing that I'm going to do. You don't need to know that yet. You just need to get started in that direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, no, definitely. I think because I see the example of people my age, a few years older than me, they seem to know where they are, especially in regenerative works. People seem to be having worked on that for so many years and built on amazing. path and journeys and connections and I feel like I'm really starting now and almost too late and I know it's not the case but it's just yeah the addition of feeling a bit late in the game even though I know it's still the very beginning of thinking outside of the box in terms of work life, and not sure of what I have to bring. So just taking a step would be more than where I am today.
Speaker #2
Right. And the other thing about, you know, about taking steps is that when we actually, I know you will have heard me talk about this on the podcast a lot, I often talk about getting to action or moving to action. And The reason for that is that just the very process of doing something, of making any kind of progress, brings us such a shift in energy. It really changes our confidence. It kind of opens up our horizons. And I think often a lot of the very natural kind of anxieties, some of which you've described to us, these thoughts that come up and tell us, well, actually, I don't think I'm qualified and I'm... kind of coming at this a bit late and look at these other people who really know exactly what they're doing in the regenerative field and why aren't I at that stage those kind of anxieties I think are really compounded when we don't when we're in inaction because we have no sort of creative outlet and creativity is it's really the opposite of anxiety it's such a great way to unlock ourselves out of those unhelpful thoughts when we're actually you know getting our hands dirty we're actually doing something we're taking a step forward so that's what I would really love to find with you today and I'd love to hear if that feels like what you need is you know let's worry less about exactly what that step is and really focus on how you can actually take a step let's just pick something and focus on how you can get to action how does that feel to you no that that feels right
Speaker #0
I'm writing a book you And I just finished the first draft and suddenly it feels so much easier because I have something to work with. It's far from perfect. It's not where I want it to be. So it feels like maybe it's the same with my work life. Take a step and build on that. So, yes, let's do this.
Speaker #2
Yeah. What an incredible achievement. Like you clearly are capable of creating things, you know, getting to a first draft is an incredible step. And and exactly as you say. working on a draft is so much less overwhelming than you know a big blank sheet of paper yeah definitely so tell me just tell me about some of the ideas you said there are so many things you're interested in so many ideas that you've had can you give me a few examples of the ones that are kind of there at the front of your mind um yeah so um
Speaker #0
I played with the idea of um developing mushroom farming um just because we love eating mushroom in my family and it would be something I could do without having to work for someone which is something I'm struggling more and more with. I had the idea of opening a place to meet people, I don't know if it would be a cafe, a yoga studio but that would allow for people to get together, get that sense of community and maybe start trying to better the community in which I live. I had the idea of trying to offer my services to company to help them uh work towards degrowth because it's a topic i'm passionate about um and then in front of each of these ideas you could have a lot of yes but yeah of course there's you know there are always going to be so
Speaker #2
many yes buts and you know for the course of our conversation today i want us just to you know they're going to come up and that's fine let's but let's just recognize them you know for what they are and and just sort of just let them sit in the back somewhere. They can just watch for the purposes of this conversation. So you shared three ideas with me here, mushroom farming, a kind of community cafe and some kind of advisory service around degrowth. Now, before we think about which of these we might choose, I want to share a concept with you that I work with my clients on, which is around guiding questions. So this is really... deciding for yourself what are the kind of really high level questions that you are going to be guided by as you take these steps into your regenerative career. So as you're taking decision about, you know, which of these ideas do I want to commit to right now? What kind of guiding question feels the most helpful to you? And in case the concept's not clear, I'll give an example of what a guided question might be. So your guiding question could be the one that you've been working on at the moment sounds like which will have the most impact? But what you've noticed about that question is that actually that's getting you a bit stuck because it's kind of, as we talked about, setting this very high standard. Another question could be, which am I most likely to actually move forward with?
Speaker #0
Yeah, I know that sounds like a great question.
Speaker #2
Would you want to change that question at all? Is there a wording that feels better for you around that kind of guiding question?
Speaker #0
No, that seems like an interesting question to look at. to look at these ideas like a lens to look at these ideas there is something else that's important for me it's which one bring me joy and happiness obviously it's ideas i have what if i put myself in i'm i'm i'm working in the mushroom uh business and growing mushrooms and selling mushroom or i have this cafe or i work with companies which which one is the most exciting one could be another way to look at things maybe yeah fabulous you
Speaker #2
I think those are both two really wonderful guiding questions. And I would offer them both to you, not just for this decision now, but for all of the decisions that are coming up for you to ask both, you know, which is going, you know, which choice, which direction is going to bring me the most joy and which am I most likely to be able to move forward with? Because we've identified that that is, you know, that's a real. sticking point for you at the moment is how you actually take those steps but we also want to take them with joy so I think that's a beautiful combination and thinking of those two questions is there one of these options that stands out to you so
Speaker #0
if I'm with these three options um the idea I most likely would move forward with which probably is the mushroom business you know I don't know if you want me to go through the reasons why.
Speaker #2
Sure. Yeah, go for it.
Speaker #0
Because it seems feasible and that I can make myself qualified for it. It's something that I feel I can learn and I could get into. And that's quite feasible. Where am I today in my life? But the one that brought me the most joy is it's very hard to pick. Maybe the mushroom as well, just because there probably would be a balance of being in contact with nature, growing something physically whilst having creativity around that. How do you, why are you different from other people and why should people go for your mushroom? And I'm not talking just marketing, but what principles are at the core of that idea? What's driving that need to grow those mushrooms?
Speaker #2
Wonderful. I mean, it sounds like. this is a clear winner at the moment and it doesn't mean that those other ideas you know I would I would make sure you have those captured somewhere you know for ideas that can come back to and as we said you know mushroom farming could well lead into these other ideas or give you opportunities to springboard into to new directions but you know even the way you talk about it I can feel a real depth of connection to this idea it doesn't sound at all arbitrary
Speaker #0
um when you talk about that choice it sounds like something that is really meaningful to you yes yeah no it's something I've been toying with for a long time um it's just so different from everything I've done before which I guess is also kind of the thing that happened when you step out of corporate um so it's more challenging because it's so different if I was going into more consultancy roles it's closer to what I know I think
Speaker #2
I think with that particular aspect, what I would offer to you as we start to move the conversation to how you're going to take those first steps and what those first steps might be. I always invite people not to ask too much of the idea in the beginning stages, you know, so I wouldn't sort of at the moment I would perhaps move away from comparing it to your current corporate role, because there's kind of an... implied understanding there that it's going to some it's going to replace that role at some point or that that you know there's the expectation that it's going to you know match that income or or whatever it might be even if you're not sort of consciously thinking that I think by putting them side by side there's you know there's a danger that you put that kind of pressure on this idea and right now this is like a little you know tiny hatchling of an idea you know it's it's really in the early stages so we want to treat it really delicately like it's something really precious it's just a tiny seedling that's that's starting to grow
Speaker #0
Oh, yeah. No, I like this idea of like not comparing and not trying to replace something. It's just different things. I think you just unlocked something in my brain. So thank you for that.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Good. Yeah, I think, you know, this is this is where I see a lot of people getting stuck, is that they they want whatever this new thing that they start on, you know, their immediate assumption, because this is how we're kind of conditioned to think, right? You leave. one job and you move into another job and, you know, at the very least it needs to be on a par, but really it should be a step up. You know, this is how we're taught. You just take these steps up all the time in your career. And of course, with regenerative work, you know, we're approaching this with a very different mindset. And I think, you know, you have the opportunity to nurture that little seedling, but also, you know, to just have fun. with with this idea really focus on the joy you know that you are going to let yourself play around with mushroom farming and find out what that holds for you yeah you oh yes um
Speaker #0
I feel very excited all of a sudden so um that's great tell me tell me about I want to capture that feeling what is that excitement feeling like in your body right now it's just suddenly it's like in my chest and my head it's I'm not drawing like, oh, I will need to make a living. I'm just more like, I will be hand in the soil and trying to figure out what do I want to grow and why and what good does it make? And it's a lot less heavy, a lot more, it's creative instead of just building blocks.
Speaker #2
Yeah.
Speaker #0
I'm painting a nice canvas, which is much more exciting for me.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. And I really want you to hold on to that. feeling that creative you know hands in the dirt feeling and you know at any point when you feel a little bit you know unsure or those those thoughts you know come back in which they will um you know this comparison start to prop up just just invite yourself back to that feeling that you have now that you know that lightness in your chest and and your head and that feeling of creativity keep bringing yourself back to that because that's really going to guide you in the right direction.
Speaker #0
Yeah, I'll hold on to this moment. I'm just imprinting a new make in my head and bring it back when I need it.
Speaker #2
Wonderful. Okay, so let's get really practical now. I want to know what are going to be your first steps, your actual sort of first little, you probably heard me talk about turtle steps, little manageable steps. let's just pick one for now what would be the very first step towards your mushroom farming idea?
Speaker #0
I guess it would be looking into growing my first mushrooms, how do I do, how do I go about doing that and where do I find what I need to grow them that aligns with my values as well so yeah that would be just going on google and starting researching and getting what I need to. to try and see if I can do it.
Speaker #2
And can you, I'm wondering if you can set yourself some kind of guardrails for this, because I have an instinct, and please tell me if this feels true to you or not, that because you mentioned that you have so many ideas, does the researching stage feel like that there's a possibility that you might get a little bit stuck inside of that stage?
Speaker #0
100% I am that person who loves school and wanted to always do good for the teachers so I would do my research very very well and then when I step in the real life it's not as straightforward so you're right so maybe it would be a time frame like by the end of the year I have got what I need to start growing my first mushroom not expecting to grow a thousand just one already would be great that's
Speaker #2
perfect you are you are doing it this is exactly this is the work right and I think that's that's a really fantastic um milestone to state yourself so we are recording this right at the end of November so essentially you have one month you know do your research do your homework be the good student but you're making this commitment that by the end of the month you're going to be starting to grow that very first mushroom yes I am making the commitment you heard it here ladies and gentlemen um and Chloe, tell me the question that you brought to this of joy. As you approach this next month, this researching, you know, getting the first materials, what ideas do you have for how you can bring as much joy as possible to that process?
Speaker #0
Well, including my family in the process is one of the reasons why I want to step out of corporate. So I'm a more connected person to my family. So I can see myself showing my daughter and being like, look, we're going to do this and that. And. in a couple of weeks or however long the text will have some mushrooms and that is just very exciting too instead of having my daughter mimic me on a laptop sending email she might be talking about the mushroom I grow which is just exciting yeah that's beautiful um yeah
Speaker #2
anything else that you want to capture about like how how or when or where you might do this exploration um it's just
Speaker #0
I think at first we'll be home just inside. I heard it's usually good in cupboards, so it's probably going to be in my shoe cupboard. And I can see ourselves just walking from the kitchen to have a look if they've grown a little bit or not. It's exciting as well, just because it's something physical. And that's, I've never worked with physical project. It's always been on a laptop and ideas. So that's very exciting to me to see something come to life.
Speaker #2
really to life literally absolutely so I feel like we've kind of quite quickly got to a blueprint for how you can move forward with this idea and I'm you know I feel the temptation to want to extrapolate out further into the next step in the next step but I'm going to suggest that we don't do that today because I think the most important thing for you is that you make this commitment and you follow it through and you have that very first mushroom growing by the end of the year and and actually what I would suggest is like don't don't let yourself get too far ahead you know focus on that joy and that you know like you say actually doing something with your hands and the whole experience of that and if you can just let yourself be in in that moment and then you know once those mushrooms are growing then you can start thinking about okay what is it that I want to do next
Speaker #0
Yeah, and I think that's a good advice because you see right now in my head, I'm already rushing to it. And how would you tell me to deal with when I want to try another idea because there is something else that catch my attention? Instead of being just like, let's live through that. I'm rushing into what will I do if I feel like that? So, yeah, sit with this and just be in the moment.
Speaker #2
Yeah, and just exactly and just know that something that really matters for you is seeing this. is seeing this through it's it's moving out of that idea stage where you're you know where you're feeling frustrated or the research stage where you know you're kind of a little bit too comfortable and and actually growing something that's
Speaker #0
that's a real focus for you yes it's really to come and stuck um because as much as I research right now I'm looking to things I'm I'm just stuck and I've been there for a long time now so any steps would be a big progress.
Speaker #2
Yeah, yeah and you can absolutely do this. Is there anything that you think could potentially get in your way?
Speaker #0
At this stage just trying to get my first mushroom to grow, no I think I can make that happen. What can always get in my way is whenever things take time, it's my mindset and the I can't do it or this is inviolable or instead of staying with the joy and kind of trusting that process as I was saying I've been feeling stuck for a long time now so it's hard to wait longer for things to come together yeah and
Speaker #2
and I really understand that I do and what I would suggest is how would it feel to have some kind of um can't think of a better word right now than mantra but I don't need to take it too seriously but just some kind of phrase that you can use for yourself when you you feel those thoughts pulling on you of like this needs to happen faster I should already be doing this I'm coming to this too late you know all of those thoughts that you've kind of shared to me I'm wondering if there could be some kind of phrase um the one I have in my head is like I'm getting my hands dirty some kind of answer to those thoughts
Speaker #0
Yes, it's. it's funny how you like this is how I function if I've got that sentence to grab onto when I was a young mummy was these two shall pass and it did so I'm getting my hands dirty it would be great because it's literal but also
Speaker #1
I'm doing something so let it happen yeah exactly look like look at me I'm getting my hands dirty and also like this is so joyful I'm getting my hands dirty and I think that's that's what I would suggest is like yes of course those those thoughts are going to come up at you and they're going to kind of pull at your attention and you can you can just remind that you know that sort of corporate conditioning that you know what I'm getting my hands dirty yes
Speaker #0
yeah and yeah no it resonates and and of course it resonates because when you look at a garden you get your hand dirty long time before you get anything out of it so you Yes. I'll adopt this mantra.
Speaker #1
Perfect. And just to bring us full circle, I know right at the beginning and even as we were preparing for this call, you kind of shared your feeling of kind of almost desperation about wanting to make this change and this step out of the corporate world. And, you know, we haven't we haven't sat here and talk about your plan to quit. we've talked about your plan to get your hands dirty so I just want to finish by asking when you imagine this this exploration that you're going to be doing over the next month these mushrooms that you're going to be growing this idea that you're really going to be investing in how do you feel with in relation to that kind of urgency and desperation to make change in your corporate work life well suddenly doesn't feel that desperate
Speaker #0
anymore because I am I've got this kind of like breathing space but also I'm exploring something so if it works then maybe it's my way out and if it doesn't I have explored one thing so I can do it with another um if that makes sense so I know that's not going to be the case that every day every minute um but there is there is this it's yeah it's like another path alongside the one I'm on that I'm just creating.
Speaker #1
I'm so excited for you. And I really hope that you will share lots of mushroom updates because I want to see a picture of that first mushroom. I want to hear all about the process of getting your hands dirty.
Speaker #0
Yes, I will share that. And if it comes to fruition, okay, lots of mushrooms. I'll send you some to thank you for all this. Precious advice you just gave me. Thank you so much.
Speaker #1
Oh, it's my pleasure. And what a treat that would be. Go and get your hands dirty. Thank you, Chloe. Thanks for joining us on the podcast.
Speaker #0
Thank you, Elisa.
Speaker #2
Thank you for listening to the Regenerative Work Life podcast. It's time to put what you learned today into practice. Remember, you were called to this work for good reason. Nature needs each and every one of us, and you can do this. If today's episode has been helpful, please take the time to share it with someone who needs a little guidance in stepping out of corporate and into regenerative. Learn more about how I can help you find your vision for a work life filled with purpose, impact and joy at regenerativeworklife.com and connect with me on LinkedIn. Just search Alyssa Murphy. I'll see you back here soon for the next episode.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About From Corporate Into Calling: Career Change, Burnout, Meaningful Work, Find Your Purpose

Does your career look good on paper but feel wrong in your bones?

Each week, I’ll share stories, provocations, and practical guidance to help you:

Recognise the signs of burnout and know when it’s time to quit
Redesign your relationship with work
Find your purpose and create meaningful work
Build a career or business that brings life back

If your career looks good but feels wrong — this is your invitation to step out of corporate, and into your calling.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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