
The Switch
The Switch is a podcast dedicated to career changes, offering expert advice and inspiring stories. Hosted by Gee Foottit from St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, it features UK thought leaders from psychology, sports, business, and entertainment who share pivotal moments and practical insights. The show aims to provide direction and motivation for those exploring new career paths or ready to make a move. It is produced by the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, the UK's largest financial adviser training programme.
Episodes

The Missing Link in Career Change: Discover Your Values | Dr Mandeep Rai
We’re often told to follow our skills, our passions, or chase a bigger paycheck - but what if the real key to a fulfilling career is understanding your values?Values have come up time and again throughout this latest series of The Switch, so we’ve brought in a leading expert to help you identify yours.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit

How to Set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (And Hit Them) | Carla Brown
Starting a business? Planning to fly solo? Big wins require smart goals. A business plan is the blueprint for success as an entrepreneur. But how do you write the perfect plan?Whether you're looking to level up at work - or in any aspect of life - the principles of a business plan can be applied to anything to help you lead a more fulfilling, financially independent life.In this episode of The Swi

What 8 Billion TV Views Taught Her About Business Success | Maz Farrelly
She’s worked with the likes of Donald Trump, Beyoncé and Simon Cowell. She’s produced shows like the X Factor and Big Brother.And now she’s pivoted careers, bringing her knowledge to the world of business - to help people like you overcome failure, command attention and create an impact.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Maz F

The Hidden Risks of Staying in the Wrong Job | Rory Sutherland
Leaving a safe career can feel like a massive risk - but have you ever considered the risks of NOT switching? If you’re on the edge of a career change, or in the early stages, these psychology hacks will make life a lot easier for you.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Rory Sutherland, expert in marketing and human behaviour.

Escape The Burnout Crisis: How To Reimagine Your Career | Grace Nicholls
Leaving a well-paid, stable job can feel like a massive risk. But if you’re feeling unfulfilled or burnt-out, it might be time to rethink what you want from work and life. Whether you want to go remote, buy back time, or fly solo - this is your guide to make that change.But how do you make sure you build a life that aligns with your values, without sacrificing security - or ending up busier than e

Ex-Army Pilot Shares 7-Step Secret To His Rapid Career Change | Henry Anderson
If you struggle to set goals and stick to them, there are few better places to look for inspiration than the army. The military teaches you discipline, determination and focus - and many of the skills can be taken into the world of work.Whether you’re looking to make a huge career pivot, or level up with intentional goal setting strategies, we bring you the hacks and habits that will make your jou

The 6 Skills AI Can’t Replace: Future-Proof Your Career with Oliver Pickup
Is AI coming for your job - is it about to replace you? Or is it just going to redefine what your job looks like? If you’re afraid of becoming obsolete, this one’s for you.Technology is evolving faster than ever, and with it, entire industries are transforming. So how can you adapt, stay relevant, and build a fulfilling career in the age of AI?In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place F

The Future of Work Isn’t Offices or Zoom Calls – It’s This | Paul Miller
What does the future of work really look like - and how can you thrive in it?Once a fantasy to many, remote working, hybrid working and flexible hours have transformed our lives. But have we lost something along the way? With many offices moving online, has human connection become more important than ever?In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foot

She Quit Her High-Powered Job at 49 - This is How She Found Real Fulfilment | Tracy Forsyth
Can you hold down your dream job and maintain a fulfilling personal life? Becoming your own boss is freedom like you’ve never known - but it can easily take over your life. So how do you protect your time and still succeed? All you have to do is treat yourself like a Formula 1 car - and put wellbeing front and centre in your career journey.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Finan

“The Voice” Star Turned Mortgage Expert: Sarah Tucker’s Career Change Secrets
Can you build a career you love and make good money? Sarah Tucker’s “soul journey” proves it is possible - as long as you’re willing to take a leap of faith, push through fear and trust the process.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Sarah Tucker, CEO of The Mortgage Mum. Sarah found fame on “The Voice” stage, where her stunnin

Financial Freedom Isn’t About Saving - Mr MoneyJar Says Do This Instead
Most of us were never taught how to manage our money. From budgeting to investing, financial literacy is a skill many of us are still figuring out - and Britain has one of the lowest rates of it in the developed world. So let’s get clued up on how money works.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, better k

Former FBI Agent’s Tricks to Supercharge Your Career | Joe Navarro
Ever wondered how to boost your career without saying a single word? Former FBI agent and world-renowned non-verbal communications expert, Joe Navarro reveals how body language and other non-verbal cues can make or break your success.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit uncovers the science behind first impressions, Joe reveals how small,

How To Earn Good Money Without Climbing the Career Ladder | Molly Johnson-Jones
Feeling failed by the traditional career ladder? Looking for an alternative that’s not your standard 9-5? We’re told there’s only one way to succeed: climb the ladder, land the promotion, and keep chasing the next promotion. But what if there’s another way?In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Molly Johnson-Jones, CEO & Co-Fo

Secrets to consistent high performance
I made a mistake while interviewing with Jude Law, and it changed everything: lessons from theatre to TV to St. James's Place.Carole, a former TV presenter and journalist, is now the Head of Learning and Development at St. James's Place, and her career story is a testament to growth, resilience, and reinvention. Her journey has taken her from performing on international stages to navigating the hi

How to build a business from scratch
At 24 years old, I built a business and now manage £400M—here’s what I learned…Ed Enver is an entrepreneur, director, and financial adviser who achieved this remarkable feat at a young age. Within a year, he became a Senior Partner at St. James’s Place and now oversees £400M in client assets. His journey is a true "sink or swim" story—diving in headfirst, facing the unknown, and overcoming imposte

Why taking action beats overthinking when making a career change
Building your career treehouse: steps to a fulfilling work lifeHow can my work support the life I want to live? This is the question that drives Natasha Stanley, a travel enthusiast and career change coach at Careershifters. Embracing a location-independent lifestyle, she seeks personal fulfilment while helping others overcome their career anxieties during times of transition. Havi

How to stamp out career change doubts
How do you manage and overcome self-doubt and personal adversity? Stamp it out. Meet Adele Cable, the top SJP Academy Graduate in 2023.After a successful corporate career, Adele was looking for something else, but wasn’t sure what – or if – a second career was even the answer. She knew she wanted more family time, opportunities to keep learning, and the chance to connect with people. When an SJP A

Turning passion and drive into entrepreneurial success
What are the key strategies and secrets for running a successful business? Dilip Jajodia shares his winning entrepreneurial formula.As the owner of British Cricket Balls, the manufacturer of the renowned Duke cricket ball, Dilip combined his lifelong passion for cricket with his sharp business acumen to achieve remarkable success in the cricket equipment market. A key milestone in his professional

The psychology behind career success
We spoke with Naomi de Barra, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and passionate advocate for neurodiversity, who is dedicated to helping both people and businesses become more productive by integrating psychology into the workplace. Naomi delves into personal intrinsic and extrinsic factors, focusing on uncovering people’s motivations and aligning them with job roles and environments to maximis

Mastering psychology for peak performance
Dr. Josephine Perry's mindset transformed after facing horrific waves during an Ironman in Melbourne. Although she couldn't control these waves, she realised she could control her reactions and perspective. This pivotal moment sparked her interest in understanding the brain's functions and triggers, leading to explore how psychology can enhance self-awareness and improve communication with others.

Why flexibility should be the new workplace standard
Flexibility First: Lessons from the Founder of the UK's Largest Flexible Working CommunityKaty Fridman’s career initially followed a clear traditional trajectory as she worked her way up the corporate ladder to become Acting Director of Trade Marketing, EMEA at Microsoft Advertising. However, after becoming a mother, her career path quickly became ‘squiggly’ as she experienced first hand the chall

Maximising transferable military skills
Did you know that 62% of military veterans underestimate their service-honed skills? Many struggle with imposter syndrome, lack self-belief, and are unaware of their transferable skills. Royal Naval officer and CEO of Forces Employment Charity, Alistair Halliday, sheds light on this issue and highlights the resilience, teamwork, and strong leadership skills of veterans - and how these can unlock c

How to triumph over adversity and chronic illness
Insights from Gail Muller - adventurer, best-selling author, speaker and life coach - on overcoming adversity, finding the right paths, and celebrating the triumphs that define us.Told as a teenager that she'd likely be in a wheelchair by aged 40 due to musculoskeletal issues, Gail has lived with chronic pain for most of her life. She speaks to Gee about her unique and inspiring journey, the chall

Mind over matter to stay focused and row past setbacks
Discover insights from Annie Vernon, a former Olympic medallist and now award-winning author, public speaker, and communications expert. She shares techniques and strategies from her elite sports career that can inspire success in any profession, emphasising the importance of mind over matter.Annie discusses her journey from farmyard to fame, shedding light on life after professional sport and the

Earn it, Keep it, Grow it: How to use money as a force for good
Connecting nature and finance: How to harness the flow of money to create financial wellbeing in a world worth living in. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the role played by money and how wealth can be used sustainably and responsibly to protect the balance of our natural world. Rob Gardner, CEO of Rebalance Earth, first UK boutique asset manager entirely focused on nature as an

Leap of faith: navigating pivotal career moments
No matter your career path, most people at one time or another experience a turning point; an opportunity that requires taking some risks.In this special episode, our host, Gee Foottit, is the one in the hot seat, discussing what it means to take a ‘leap of faith’. In conversation with guest host, Sam Oakes from the Financial Planner Life, Gee shares her insights on pivotal moments throughout her

How to navigate non-traditional career paths
The path to success can pull you in many directions, whether it’s pursuing multiple specialisms or balancing work and parenthood. This is certainly true for Rowan Morrison, whose vibrant career has spanned writing, publishing, consulting, business ownership, and more. Learn how Rowan navigated multiple career switches, the value of wearing many different professional ‘guises’, and the enduring pow

How a shift in perspective can transform your career
An expert of the human mind and trained clinical psychiatrist, Dr. Tharaka, helps people to maximise their thinking and tap into their potential.Dr. T experienced several shifts in his personal and professional life before his first TED Talk in 2016. Since then, he has gone on to speak at conferences around the world and share his story and knowledge with companies in a range of industries from ba

Entrepreneurial Buzz: Why working for yourself is a non-negotiable
Do you dream of breaking free from the shuckles of a traditional 9-5 job? Or forging your own path? Caroline Syson did too. She unleashes her entrepreneurial energy and showing her superpower - being her own boss. Founder of Pocket Pa, Caro is a self-employment expert, and is on a mission: to grow your business with a simple system to ensure you make more money and build the life you want. With ov

How to keep a relentless focus through tough times
What happens when you have a serious fall? How do you get back up? How do you build your confidence back up? Hayley Turner has the answers. The UK's most successful female jockey, Hayley reveals how she’s maintained her relentless focus through tough times and traumatic injuries. She talks candidly about breaking down barriers in the sport, the insecurity that lurks beneath – and why success will

Creating an inclusive business world for disabled entrepreneurs
Hardeep Rai has revolutionised the world of entrepreneurship and disability empowerment. Over his career, Hardeep has gone from working with hedge funds, wealth managers and private equity firms to creating an inclusive and accessible business world for disabled people. Today he talks about surviving the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and how the birth of his son, Eshan, led him to found the Kaleidoscope

Magic mix of transferable skills, planning, and luck
From Army trombonist to world-famous magician is quite a life switch. Richard Jones, Britain’s Got Talent winner, shares behind-the-scenes secrets of presenting the impossible on stage – even when things don’t go as planned. He also reveals the motivations and meticulous planning that helped fuel his journey to the top.The Switch is hosted by the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, the UK

The Dark Destroyer’s top career success tips
To fans of smash quiz show The Chase, he’s the Dark Destroyer. More modestly, he describes himself as “a barrister who happens to be on TV”. Learn how Shaun Wallace made the switch from lawyer to celebrity quizzer, the secret of the mural in his attic, and his tips for achieving success by “shaking off the shackles of procrastination”.The Switch is hosted by the St. James's Place Financial Adviser











