Have you ever dreamed of dropping everything and starting anew in a beautiful foreign land, but felt unsure how to make it happen? Today’s guest shares her inspiring journey of transformation—leaving behind life in the Netherlands after the pandemic to take on the challenge of restoring a centuries-old property in the French countryside. This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Alethea Clarke and I are talking about lessons in patience and transformation: building a dream in the French countryside.

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Alethea Clarke is a seasoned communications professional with over 30 years of experience working with international clients across a wide range of industries, from fashion to healthcare. A serial organiser and events pro, she’s known for bringing bold ideas to life with precision and flair. But that’s just one side of her story. With an international background and a habit of throwing everything up in the air to start afresh, Alethea is also a self-confessed accidental renovator. She’s taken on projects across three countries and is now in the midst of her most ambitious challenge yet: transforming a beautiful 1730s property in the French countryside into both a home and a business. She sets out to share her hard-won lessons, smart tips, and lots of inspiration for anyone seeking guidance or dreaming of a fresh start, whether small, a new country, or a big, brave, life-changing pivot.

In this episode, Alethea and I discuss:

• Building a dream: her vision for turning a 1730s farmhouse into a creative retreat space for guests from around the world.
• The logistical rollercoaster of French renovations—managing 100+ artisans, language barriers, and unexpected issues.
• The emotional journey: overcoming moments of overwhelm and isolation, and finding joy in community, daily routines, and the beauty of rural life.
• The importance of patience, letting go of perfection, and savoring the transformation as it unfolds.
• Practical advice for anyone considering a similar leap—whether to France or another dream destination.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

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Let’s face it: We all procrastinate. Fortunately, procrastination is not a personality flaw but an outdated coping strategy that helps no one. That’s why I wanted to take the time this week to break down the real reasons we procrastinate and share my strategies and advice to help you stop stalling and start moving forward, one (tiny) step at a time. This week on Journeys Through Change, I’m giving away my procrastination hacks so you can finally get stuff done!

Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.

In this episode, I discuss:

• The real reasons behind procrastination– and why it’s more about emotion than time management.
• Common procrastination triggers that you might not realize are affecting you.
• Three simple hacks to help you overcome procrastination.
• Tips for rewiring your mindset around big, intimidating tasks so you can get stuff done.

Procrastination loses its power the second you break it down, make it social, visualize the finish line, and ritualize the start. It’s all about getting your time– and your power– back.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

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They say necessity is the mother of invention, and as we all know, regardless of how predictable we like our lives to be, this journey is ever evolving and more of a path than a straight line. One of my favorite parts about interviewing guests on this podcast is hearing the honest stories of people following their passions and taking charge to fill a need– without waiting around for someone else to do it. Today’s guest is no different as she left her PhD behind to step into several roles that she herself needed and continues to help other women along the way. This week on Journeys Through Change, my guest Laura Jawad shares her path to helping others find online success by demystifying SEO.

Get 50% off the Change Maker Series if you sign up now AND use the discount code NEW20 for 20% off your Day by Daybook® here.

As an SEO strategist for female service providers and female-founded small businesses, Laura Jawad helps entrepreneurs attract more clients through the power of their websites. Laura built two successful businesses through SEO, demonstrating firsthand the transformative power of well-executed SEO in competitive markets. Armed with a PhD and a deep passion for helping women-owned businesses thrive, Laura is the go-to expert if you’re ready to make your website the hardest-working member of your marketing team.

In this episode, Laura and I discuss:

• Her journey from PhD scientist to birth doula, pregnancy/ postpartum personal trainer, and now SEO strategist for women entrepreneurs.
• How algorithms have changed over time, requiring a multi-pronged visibility strategy to gain visibility.
• Actionable advice for anyone looking to grow their business or brand without relying on social media.
• Choosing the platforms that align with your energy, goals, and audience– and letting go of the pressure to “do it all."

Whether you're feeling stuck in your current path, looking for new ways to market your business, or just love hearing how multi-passionate women design careers on their own terms, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace change and follow the next right step for you.

Change is inevitable. That’s why I designed the Day by Daybook®, a guided journal to help you face the discomfort of those shifts in life that are pushing you to that next level of growth and learning. Get your Day by Daybook® here.

If you enjoyed this episode don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast and tell me what resonated with you.

CONNECT WITH LAURA:

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