“Where you start is not where you will finish.” This insightful message encapsulates the essence of the session led by Michelle Taylor, an accredited coach specializing in career and neuro-transformational coaching. Throughout her talk, Michelle encouraged participants to embrace the unpredictability of their career journeys, viewing transitions not as obstacles, but as opportunities to explore what truly brings joy and fulfillment. The session was especially focused on empowering women over 40 to take control of their career trajectories, whether they were seeking to move out of science or explore new professional directions.
Empowering the Career Transition Beyond 40
The idea of making a career shift after 40 can be daunting, particularly for women who have spent decades building expertise in a specific field. Yet, Michelle emphasized that this experience should be seen as a tremendous asset. Her personal story of navigating four different careers, including her most recent transition into higher education at 53, provided a powerful example of how career shifts can be a source of growth, not limitation.
Many women find it difficult to “language” their skills when seeking opportunities in a new industry or organization. This challenge often leads to a sense of being stuck, unsure of how to position themselves outside their established roles. Michelle addressed this by providing strategies for breaking free from this mindset. She urged participants to explore how their unique strengths and experiences could translate into new environments and encouraged them to reflect on what truly lights them up in their work.
Michelle also spoke of the importance of recognizing the wealth of skills and experiences gained over time. While it may feel intimidating to move away from a specialized career in science, for example, the skills developed—critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical expertise—are valuable across many industries. Rather than viewing these as tied to a single career path, Michelle advised reframing them as strengths that can open doors to new and exciting possibilities.
The Journey from Science to a New Path
For women in science-based careers, the decision to move out of the field can seem particularly challenging. Scientific roles often come with a high degree of specialization, and many professionals in the field feel defined by their technical expertise. However, Michelle reminded attendees that the skills developed in these roles are not only transferable but highly sought after in other sectors. The key is to focus on the broader, more versatile capabilities that come with a science background.
Michelle emphasized that transitioning out of science does not mean abandoning the professional identity built within it. Instead, it involves recognizing how those skills and experiences can be applied in new ways, whether in leadership, consulting, education, or even creative fields. She encouraged participants to explore industries that might align with their personal values or interests, where they can use their scientific knowledge in innovative and fulfilling ways.
Getting Unstuck: Identifying the Spark Within
One of the core messages of Michelle’s session was the importance of identifying what she referred to as the “spark”—the elements of a career that bring energy, joy, and a sense of purpose. For many women over 40, career satisfaction may not be tied to titles or specific roles, but rather to the way they feel in their work environment. Whether it’s the opportunity for creativity, collaboration, or making an impact, Michelle urged attendees to reflect on what truly energizes them.
A significant part of the session focused on how to get unstuck in a career that no longer feels aligned with one’s values or aspirations. Michelle spoke about the importance of self-reflection as the first step to identifying what comes next. She recommended starting with simple but powerful questions like:
- “What activities make me lose track of time?”
- “What do I want to contribute in my next professional chapter?”
- “How do I want to feel in my day-to-day work?”
Michelle’s advice for moving forward was to focus on finding alignment between professional activities and personal passions. By connecting with what feels meaningful, participants can more confidently pursue new roles that offer the fulfillment they seek.
Exploring New Directions with Confidence
Michelle’s session also provided practical guidance on how to explore new career directions with confidence. She discussed the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and experimenting with new ideas or industries, even if they seem unfamiliar at first. She emphasized that the fear of making a wrong decision should not prevent women from exploring new opportunities, as there is no single “correct” career path.
One of the key points Michelle stressed was the importance of letting go of outdated narratives about age and success. The idea that career shifts must happen early in life, or that women should “settle” into a role after a certain age, is not only limiting but also untrue. She highlighted that the professional journey can continue evolving well into midlife and beyond, and that women over 40 bring unique perspectives, leadership qualities, and problem-solving skills that are highly valuable in any industry.
Michelle’s message was clear: the next chapter in your career should not be seen as a final destination, but as an exciting new phase filled with possibilities. By focusing on what brings joy and pursuing roles that align with one’s personal values and strengths, women can move into uncharted professional territories with confidence and clarity.
You can watch her webinar here
Speaker Profile: Michelle Taylor
Michelle Taylor is an experienced and accredited ICF Coach with a specialization in Career and Neuro-Transformational coaching. After spending 15 years in Local Government, Michelle made several career changes, including her most recent shift into higher education at the age of 53. Currently, she works with graduates at a Russell Group university, coaching them to land highly skilled jobs and helping them build confidence for the workplace.
In addition to coaching, Michelle is an entrepreneur who supports professional women looking to pivot or advance in their careers. Her own career journey, with four significant transitions, gives her unique insight into the challenges of career change, particularly for women over 40. Michelle is passionate about helping women explore new opportunities, build personal brands, and make confident career moves.
Beyond her coaching practice, Michelle is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator on topics related to female empowerment and career development. She lives in East London with her husband and two sons.
For more insights or to explore career coaching with Michelle, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or book a discovery call through her online calendar: https://calendly.com/michelle-taylorcoach/discovery-call