Sally and I know each other from the customer experience industry. There's a lot of community building in this world, and CX Accelerator is where we connected. I've also done some contract work for Sally's agency, and am continuously inspired by her.
She really knows firsthand the challenges and wins of pivoting - from a career in brain injury therapy to leading a thriving marketing and customer experience agency, and everything in between, like making gift baskets to granola. I loved chatting with Sally! She was my very first interview on this podcasting journey and I appreciate her compassion and patience as we hit a few bumps in the road while recording this together. Take a listen here:
Sally's career began in a completely different field — as a recreation therapist working with patients with brain injuries. It was a role that required empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of human behavior. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she transitioned into marketing.
"I may have the ultimate career flip," Sally explains. "I started as a brain injury therapist, and now I am the CEO of a marketing and customer experience agency. There's no way those two connect, but sometimes life takes you on surprising journeys."
From getting laid off to becoming an entrepreneur
Like many professionals, Sally faced unexpected challenges throughout her career journey. One pivotal moment was during a period of layoffs, which pushed her to evaluate her career trajectory.
"After being part of a layoff in a tech-heavy environment, I realized I wasn't ready to settle. I wanted to leverage my skills and experience in a new way," Sally reflects. This period of uncertainty led her to start Boss Lady Consulting, initially as a side hustle while exploring other job opportunities.
Overcoming self-doubt and taking risks
Throughout her career flips, Sally encountered common barriers like self-doubt and fear of the unknown. These challenges didn't deter her but rather fueled her determination to succeed.
"One of the most important lessons I learned was to play out the 'what if' scenarios," Sally shares. "Instead of letting fear paralyze me, I envisioned the worst-case outcomes and realized they weren't as catastrophic as I imagined. This mindset shift empowered me to take calculated risks."
Sally's resilience was further demonstrated during a challenging period when she launched the Polka Dot Farmer, a small business venture selling homemade goods at farmers' markets. This experience not only provided financial support but also kept her creativity alive during a transitional phase.
The creativity and leadership balance
As the CEO of Boss Lady Consulting, Sally emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity alongside leadership responsibilities. "It's about being intentional with my time and commitments," she explains. "Whether it's making candles or writing, I carve out moments to stay connected to my creative side."
This intentional approach extends to her leadership style, where Sally integrates core values like empathy and authenticity into her agency's culture. "Our clients experience our values in action," she says proudly. "It's not just about delivering results; it's about making a meaningful impact."
Advice for aspiring career flippers
For those contemplating a career change or starting their own venture, Sally offers practical advice:
Start small, think big: You don't need to quit your job immediately. Test your ideas on the side and see what resonates.
Embrace imperfection: Not every venture will be perfect from the start. Learn from mistakes and iterate.
Surround yourself with supporters: Find people who believe in your vision and support your journey. Their encouragement can make all the difference.
Some final thoughts
Sally Mildren's career journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing change (and goat kisses). From therapy rooms to boardrooms, her path illustrates that with courage and determination, anyone can navigate career transitions and find fulfillment in unexpected places.
As you consider your own career journey, remember Sally's story — it's not just about where you start or end up, but the lessons learned and the impact you make along the way. Whether you're facing a layoff, dreaming of entrepreneurship, or contemplating a new industry, let Sally's insights guide you towards embracing the possibilities of a career flip.
Connect with Sally Mildren
Need a marketing agency in the healthcare space? Connect with Sally Boss Lady Consulting
Thanks for reading this story on The Career Flipper Podcast!
Every week, I, Jenny Dempsey, chat with folks from all over the globe about their amazing career flips. I dive into stories from every industry imaginable—big flips, small flips, and everything in between, whether they were by choice or circumstance. Sharing these journeys makes me feel less alone in my own career flip from customer service manager to furniture flipper and podcast host, and I really hope it does the same for you.
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