From marketing to metallurgy - Caroline Hugall

The Left Turn

UPDATED AUDIO

This week's Left Turn guest is Caroline Hugall who had a 20 year career as a marketing executive in London, New York and Sydney, working on famous brands including Dove, Oreos, Cadbury, and NRMA.

With three young kids and dealing with the challenges of working and parenting through Covid in Sydney, Caroline decided she need make a change and went from her high-flying corporate life to the foundry floor by taking over the running of her father's metal casting business in Western Sydney.

Key insights that Caroline talks about in more depth :

• how her natural character strength of curiosity helped her quickly learn the ins and outs of manufacturing and find ways to improve how it operated
• the value a big change can give you in generating new perspective and insight about yourself and others
• important role of mentors who can help you navigate the challenges of a new industry through practical advice
• the self-confidence to be gained by working out of your comfort zone - understanding what you're truly capable of.

Refreshed and renewed in her role as Chief Strategy Officer for a leading media agency, Caroline's story is also a real inspiration for anyone worried that if you change career you are closing the door on what went before - in reality you can return to what you did, but rather than going "back" you're actually going forward by using the fresh perspective gained and seeing opportunities and problems in a new light.