Can you imagine transforming burnout into a vibrant career reinvention? Join us as we unravel the inspiring journey of Peter Kilpatrick, Director of Audience and Experience at the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. From his early days as a classical musician to his roles with Opera Australia and the Australian Youth Orchestra, Peter's story is one of resilience and adaptability.

David’s story takes a different path from many of our previous guests—rather than stepping away from performing, his journey is one of rising through the ranks within the orchestral world. We dive into his experiences with auditions and trials, exploring how years of working with the orchestra in various roles prepared him for this career-defining moment. David reflects on what it means to join an orchestra where he already felt at home, balancing the comfort of familiarity with the intense pressure of auditions.

In this episode, Jessica reveals how her self-taught coding journey opened doors in software development. She shares why building real-world projects is key to showcasing your skills and how her transition from freelance musician to full-time tech role taught her the value of navigating team dynamics and setting healthy workplace boundaries.

Marielle shares her fascinating journey from the musical stages of the Queensland Conservatorium to navigating complex deals that promote renewable energy in New South Wales. We explore how the collaborative and structured environment of music parallels her current role, where teamwork, strategic planning, and a supportive culture are crucial.

Katharine Tier, a talented musician and business owner, shares her compelling journey from a high-profile opera career in Europe back to her roots in Tasmania, Australia. Faced with the challenges of establishing a regenerative farm during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her husband Florian navigated the unpredictable world of sustainable farming and business ownership.

Seb offers a fascinating look into his current role as a staff officer for the chief constable, where he gains rare insights into leadership and organizational management. With a background as a detective sergeant specializing in domestic abuse cases, Seb has worn many hats in the policing world. But that's not all—his life is also steeped in music, having studied singing at the Royal College of Music and working as a freelance opera singer before embarking on his law enforcement career. Listen in as we explore how Seb manages to balance these dual passions, drawing leadership lessons from both conducting and policing.

Jonas shares the motivations behind his mid-career shift, reflecting on his passion for helping others with speech, communication, and swallowing issues. With a background as a stage and production manager, Jonas draws connections between his past experiences with orchestras and opera companies and his current studies, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and quality of life in his new field.

Holly offers an insider's look at her journey from the traditional world of conducting to the dynamic realm of tech, where she’s building platforms to empower classical music enthusiasts. Her innovative approach during the pandemic and her experiences in Canada and the UK illustrate the exciting evolution of music leadership, as she champions shared leadership within orchestras and reimagines the conductor's role.

The struggle of finding and redefining yourself with Paul Bruch-Wiens. This episode we talk about staying curious, moving on when you lose interest, and the liberation that comes with finding your purpose.

Sadah Webster worked professionally as an Oboist in Australia and the UK. He was thrust into the spotlight early in his studies, and says he was petrified all the time and burned out before he left music school. The combination of unrealistic expectations in the sector and having to play the game a certain way in order to succeed were primary motivators in him leaving a freelance music career.

The reality versus the fantasy of a professional orchestral career. Daniel Meyers was playing with top orchestras, but found the experience deeply unsatisfying in the attitude of players towards their work and their audience. Music had been about sharing and community, but the further along he advanced, the less it became about that.

This is a tough episode with Sarah Denholm. Far beyond her career journey, we really get deep into fighting with ourselves, stress, physical breakdown, burnout and to the fight to be seen and self healing. Give yourself some time to process this deep discussion with Sarah.