Kate's career change story

What were you doing before your Escape?

I was working at a London based Animal Charity as the Volunteer Manager, improving processes and setting up volunteer programmes within the organisation. I am a sucker for a challenge and the job proved to be just that! But overtime, the three-hour commute began to grate, and there was no real career progression or earnings growth, so I decided it was time to move on. I took a break and spent several months on an exchange programme, looking after someone’s horses for food and accommodation in return. It was at this time (October 2014) Escape launched their first start up programme. I am always having business ideas and thought this would be an ideal time to explore them and learn more about the entrepreneurial world. I explored several ideas during the course. Nothing really quite excited me enough to pursue, but I learnt so much about researching and launching a business and it was a really exciting environment to be part of.

And what happened after the Escape programme?

After the course ended it was time to start earning again, and I put myself forward for a sales role with a Canadian software company who were looking for their first UK employee to help grow the business. Sales or commission-based work was never something I was really interested in, but this was a purpose-driven company providing volunteer management software for the charity sector, so our values aligned. I got to work with some really great organisations and people. I also learnt so much about business development, as it was down to me to promote and build the brand in the UK. The icing on the cake was my role was homed-based, and a year or so into my role my boss had realised my love for Cornwall and the countryside and was happy for me to move there. I really did escape the city! I still knew this wasn’t what I ultimately wanted to do, but the job provided me with flexibility and a lot of experience that is coming in useful with my business today, even though it’s a totally different sector.

What has stayed with you from your Escape experience?

The Escape programme taught me to look outside the box, and recognise how transferrable my skills were. Not in a million years would I have applied for a sales role before Escape, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made because of the lifestyle it gave me and the learnings I now apply in my business.

Escape also taught me not to be so secretive! I used to have so many ideas but didn’t want to share them in case someone copied them. I soon discovered how much effort needs to go into the smallest business idea or product that it is quite unlikely for someone to go ahead and do that. I also just loved bouncing ideas around with other people; I literally have so many I just want to share them with others now! Sometimes you can be so blinkered with your own idea and approach that you miss out on the benefits of talking with others who bring new perspectives, and perhaps even better ideas.

I also learnt to just give things a go. I had an idea for a catering company called Roasti – a Roast dinner on a stick – and decided to pilot it with some of the Escape Club members. I was extremely nervous, but I had support from the Escape Club Team, and it went really well! So well that I thought, “hey, this is actually a good business idea!”. The only reason I didn’t pursue it was because it wasn’t where my passion really lay. But I’m so glad I tried it so I don’t have to ask myself, ‘I wonder how it would have turned out?...’. This wouldn’t have happened without the Escape tools and support. I also broke even financially, so there really was no loss for me (except maybe some sleep!).

Where are you now and what's next?!

I have been living in Cornwall for over 2 and a half years, but have left my sales role to now start my own business. Over the past few years I have been exploring my curiosity for holistic healing practices and have taken part in many training courses. I have recently certified as an Emotion Code Practitioner (a form of energy healing). I discovered the modality after exploring different methods to help me with severe, ongoing back and hip pain and had been told by the NHS I would need to have a pain management plan for the rest of my life. After reading the book The Emotion Code, and using the techniques on myself, I rid myself of the incessant pain I’d been having for years in just a few sessions. I was so inspired that I decided to become a practitioner myself. It has totally transformed who I am as a person, Emotion Code work can potentially help so many physical and emotional problems. And I am able to work on anyone, anywhere in the world, which is obviously hugely beneficial during the current climate. I am excited to now be launching a business to help people and animals all over the world. It’s so great to go away on holiday and be excited to get back to work because you love what you do. I have created a life I no longer want to escape from!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone looking to make a change?

“If it scares you and excites you at the same time, then you probably should go for it”

This is a good quote that I heed by. Also, I used to find myself always asking other people’s opinions of what I should do, but I’ve come to realise the only person who truly knows is YOU. You can meet many naysayers along the way, but don’t let that stop you pursuing what feels exciting…

You can contact Kate and find out more about her business here:www.BeAtOneHealing.com