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The Switch

The psychology behind career success

Season 1, Ep. 15

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 maximise career trajectories and fulfilment.


Discover how understanding cognitive behaviour and integrating psychology can enable us to create positive, conscious, and sustainable change in both our work and personal lives. 


The Switch is hosted by the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, the UK's largest financial adviser training programme.

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  • 12. How to Set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (And Hit Them) | Carla Brown

    30:08||Season 2, Ep. 12
    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 Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Carla Brown, an SJP Partner, CEO of Oakmere Wealth and President and Chair of the Personal Finance Society.Together they explore:➡︎ How to make your business plan smart - and avoid vague aspirations➡︎ How to set ‘big, hairy, audacious goals’ that stretch you➡︎ The power of regular check-ins, milestone tracking and visual planning tools➡︎ How business planning can help in fitness, finances and family accountability➡︎ Carla’s personal journey of adapting plans and overcoming setbacks💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Carla → https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlabrown1/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #BusinessPlanning, #EntrepreneurMindset, #SMARTGoals,#FinancialFreedom, #CareerGrowth, #WomenInFinance,#MindsetShift, #GoalSettingTips, #LeadershipDevelopment,#ProgressPrinciple, #SelfDiscipline, #LifeDesign,#StartYourBusiness, #FinancialAdviserAcademy, #TheSwitchPodcast
  • 11. What 8 Billion TV Views Taught Her About Business Success | Maz Farrelly

    01:03:13||Season 2, Ep. 11
    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 Farrelly, the award-winning TV & Film Producer behind some of the world’s biggest shows. She’s a renowned keynote speaker and business development strategist.Together they explore:➡︎ How to make people remember you in just 10 seconds➡︎ Maz’s fearless approach to failure and why “hope is not a strategy” in business➡︎ The power of storytelling: “Make me laugh, make me care, surprise me”➡︎ The importance of knowing your ‘white coat’ expertise➡︎ How to reinvent yourself at any stage of life by testing your audience💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Follow Maz → https://www.linkedin.com/in/maz-speaks/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #TheSwitchPodcast #CareerReinvention #StorytellingTips #BusinessStrategy #StandOut #PersonalBranding #ThinkHarder #FailureMindset #CreativeThinking #CareerAdvice #MazFarrelly #AttentionEconomy #ReinventYourself
  • 10. The Hidden Risks of Staying in the Wrong Job | Rory Sutherland

    55:21||Season 2, Ep. 10
    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. He’s an author, columnist and Vice Chairman of the Ogilvy advertising company.From harnessing the power of luck and chance, to using behavioural techniques to win clients and stand out, Rory offers a masterclass in achieving business success.Together they explore:➡︎ Why we overestimate the risks of career change, but underestimate the risks of staying stuck➡︎ How to think in bets, reframe uncertainty, and make smarter decisions➡︎ The hidden power of lucky accidents - and how to engineer more of them➡︎ Why autonomy and flexibility often matter more than salary➡︎ Why you should ‘always invert’ - a behavioural hack to make better choices💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Rory → https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorysutherland/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #TheSwitchPodcast #CareerReinvention #BehaviouralScience #RiskTaking #CareerChangeJourney #Optionality #HumanBehaviour #MarketingPsychology #GoSolo #PersonalBranding #DecisionMaking #FinancialAdviserAcademy #RorySutherland
  • 9. Escape The Burnout Crisis: How To Reimagine Your Career | Grace Nicholls

    50:49||Season 2, Ep. 9
    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 ever? In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Remote Career Strategist Grace Nicholls, who helps others escape the grind and build careers that offer freedom, flexibility, and fulfilment.Together they explore:➡︎ How migraines and stress were Grace’s wake-up call to leave corporate life➡︎ How a trip to Bali (and life-threatening illness) made her rethink success➡︎ Practical steps to negotiate remote work or transition into freelancing➡︎ The importance of routines, community, and self-motivation in remote careers➡︎ How to balance financial security with freedom and flexibility💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Grace → https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-nicholls/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #TheSwitchPodcast, #CareerChange, #FlexibleWorking, #RemoteWork, #WorkLifeBalance, #QuitCorporate, #DigitalNomad, #BurnoutRecovery, #RedefiningSuccess, #FinancialFreedom, #DesignYourLife
  • 8. Ex-Army Pilot Shares 7-Step Secret To His Rapid Career Change | Henry Anderson

    35:37||Season 2, Ep. 8
    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 journey much easier.In this episode of The Switch from St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Henry Anderson, who spent 18 years in the British Army before rapidly pivoting to become a financial advisor.Together they explore:➡︎ How the Eisenhower Matrix helps Henry to prioritise what really matters➡︎ The secrets behind Henry’s seven-step military decision-making process➡︎ Why most people fail at goal-setting (and how to build motivation)➡︎ The power of having 200(!!) networking conversations➡︎ Henry’s mindset for handling uncertainty and knowing when to say no💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Henry → https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryapanderson/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #TheSwitchPodcast, #CareerChange, #FinancialAdvice, #GoalSetting, #EisenhowerMatrix, #CareerPivot, #MilitaryToCivilian, #ProductivityTips, #SelfImprovement, #MotivationVsDiscipline, #FinancialPlanner, #VisionBoard, #NetworkingTips
  • 7. The 6 Skills AI Can’t Replace: Future-Proof Your Career with Oliver Pickup

    35:02||Season 2, Ep. 7
    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 Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks with Oliver Pickup, award-winning journalist, speaker and expert on the future of work. After starting his career as a sports reporter for The Guardian and The Observer, Oliver has since reinvented himself as a technology writer and thought-leader exploring how humans can thrive alongside machines.Together they explore:➡︎ How to turn the fear of becoming obsolete into motivation➡︎ Oliver’s six essential skills for the future of work➡︎ The chance meeting with a tarot-card reader that changed his life➡︎ Why you need to reconnect with your personal values now, more than ever➡︎ Practical ways to embrace AI and avoid burnout in a world of constant innovation💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Oliver → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojpickup/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #CareerChange #AIandCareers #Adaptability #HumanSkills #FearOfAI #CareerDevelopment #TheSwitchPodcast #OliverPickup
  • 6. The Future of Work Isn’t Offices or Zoom Calls – It’s This | Paul Miller

    41:01||Season 2, Ep. 6
    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 Foottit speaks to Paul Miller, author of Nature of Work and founder of the Digital Workplace Group. For more than two decades, Paul has helped global organisations like Adobe, Disney and EY adapt to the digital revolution - long before Zoom calls became a daily habit.Together they explore:➡︎ How to design a career that balances flexibility with genuine human connection➡︎ The surprising lessons Paul learned from becoming a stand-up comedian➡︎ Why organisations should be seen as “forests” not factories➡︎ Practical ways to stay motivated, connected and fulfilled in remote or hybrid roles➡︎ The simple question that helped Paul make his boldest career switch yet💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Paul → https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmilleribf/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #FutureOfWork #HybridWork #DigitalWorkplace #CareerChange #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #HumanConnection #FlexibleWorking #WorkLifeBalance #TheSwitchPodcast
  • 5. She Quit Her High-Powered Job at 49 - This is How She Found Real Fulfilment | Tracy Forsyth

    38:58||Season 2, Ep. 5
    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 Financial Adviser Academy, host Gee Foottit speaks to Tracy Forsyth, Leadership Coach and Founder of Fast Track To Fearless. Tracy is a career-switch expert who helps leaders find a true balance between work and personal life. She’s also the creator of Yoga in the Boardroom - offering practical tips to calm a busy mind through yoga and meditation.Together they explore:➡︎ The exact formula Tracy uses to help high achievers unlock their values➡︎ How to identify and overcome the fears holding you back in your career➡︎ Tracy’s proven strategies for navigating career pivots successfully➡︎ The mindset and skills needed to thrive as a leader in today’s workplace➡︎ Practical tips for balancing ambition with personal life and wellbeing💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Connect with Tracy → https://fasttracktofearless.com/about 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #CareerChange #Leadership #BusinessSuccess #TracyForsyth #SwitchPodcast #FastTrackToFearless #CareerPivot #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipCoach #WomenInBusiness #PersonalDevelopment 
  • 4. “The Voice” Star Turned Mortgage Expert: Sarah Tucker’s Career Change Secrets

    54:52||Season 2, Ep. 4
    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 stunning voice wowed audiences. Now she’s running a successful, female-run business - and shares her secrets to success.Together they explore:➡︎ What “The Voice” taught Sarah about struggle and setbacks➡︎ Sarah’s 4/10/10 method for pushing through fear➡︎ The skills and mindset you need to face the challenges of a career pivot➡︎ Mortgage advice for people starting their own business➡︎ How to find work-life balance as a working mum - and the barriers they face💼Learn more about the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy → https://www.sjp.co.uk/academy 📷 Follow the Academy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sjpacademy/📱Follow Sarah → https://www.instagram.com/the_mortgage_mum/ 💬 Connect with our host, Gee Foottit → https://www.linkedin.com/in/geefoottit/ 🎙️ An OG Podcasts Ltd production → https://www.ogpodcasts.co.uk/ #TheVoice #CareerChange #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #SarahTucker #Inspiration #SwitchPodcast #CareerChange