In her early twenties, Lizzie Davey made a decision that many people only start to question much later. She realised that the traditional path wasn’t for her, and instead of trying to make it fit, she chose something different.

Lizzie began her career in a conventional way, moving from university into a full-time role, but within two years she had stepped away. What followed was not a linear plan, but a gradual build into a freelance career that now gives her both financial security and control over how she works.

In this conversation, she speaks with Angela about the reality of building something from scratch, the pressure to keep doing more even when things are working, and why freedom, not money, has been the consistent driver behind her decisions. They explore what “enough” actually looks like in practice, how early choices shape later options and the difference between designing a life intentionally and trying to reshape one that no longer fits.

Lizzie also shares her approach to money, including her plans for financial independence, the balance between saving and living, and why she’s chosen to be open about her income and finances.

If you’ve built a career that looks successful on the surface but find yourself questioning what it’s all for, this episode offers a different perspective, not on how to start over, but on how to think differently about what comes next.

Connect with Lizzie:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/

Instagram: instagram.com/freelancemagic.co

Website: lizziedavey.com

Newsletter: copyrevival.co/newsletter

Connect and show support:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelajscottuk/

Instagram: instagram.com/iam_angelajoy

Email: angela@joynergi.com

Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/angelajoyscott

In this episode, Angela speaks with Mairead McCarthy, about stepping away from a corporate career without knowing exactly what would come next. What began as a decision to “try something for a year” gradually evolved into an award winning wellbeing business working with organisations across Ireland.

Together they explore what happens when a role no longer fits, how small decisions can lead to bigger change, and why building something sustainable often starts with taking a step rather than making a leap.

• Why leaving corporate is often a “push” rather than a “pull”.

• The impact of leadership and management changes on career decisions.

• The idea of “trying it for a year” instead of committing long-term.

• Turning a side interest into a business over time.

• The difference between wellbeing as a cost vs an investment.

• The reality of running a business and doing everything at the start.

• Creating boundaries and building something that actually fits your life.

Mairead McCarthy is the founder of WellPlace Workplace Wellbeing Services. After more than 16 years working in corporate roles across training, project and programme management, she stepped away to explore a long-standing interest in yoga and wellbeing.

What started as a small step into self-employment has grown into a business supporting organisations with a broader approach to workplace wellbeing, working with a network of specialists to deliver flexible, tailored programmes.

Website: https://wellplace.ie LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mairead-mccarthy Instagram: instagram.com/wellplaceireland

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelajscottuk/

Instagram: instagram.com/iam_angelajoy

Email: angela@joynergi.com

Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/angelajoyscott

This is a short solo episode recorded after two very different events this week, one in person and one online, where the same underlying pattern kept showing up in different ways. I wanted to capture it while it was still fresh. I explore the tension between “all or nothing” and “enough” and how the standards we hold can shape whether we move forward or get stuck.

I talk about why this happens, what’s usually sitting underneath it, and how it shows up across work, business and life more broadly. And I introduce a different way of thinking about it. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to do everything properly, to have it all figured out before you start, or to wait until you can do something “right”, this will likely resonate.

I’ve chosen not to run ads or sponsors on this podcast. If you’d like to support Change Unfiltered, there’s a Buy Me a Coffee link below. You can make a one-off contribution or set up a small monthly amount. There’s absolutely no expectation but every little helps cover production costs and keeps the podcast independent.

Connect and show support:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/angelajscottuk/

Instagram: instagram.com/iam_angelajoy

Email: angela@joynergi.com

Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/angelajoyscott