The Turning Point That Changed My Career Path

How a Single Conversation Gave Me the Courage to Embrace My True Calling

Hi everyone,

Caroline here!

Have you had pivotal moments that changed the course of your career? Perhaps you learned something new that revolutionised the way you work or had a conversation with someone that gave you the confidence to take a big step.

When I reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped my professional journey, one conversation stands out above all others—a moment that fundamentally shifted my perspective and ultimately led me to discover my true calling.

In my early forties, I was the CEO of a large marketing agency with over 2000 employees. On paper, I had achieved remarkable success—recognized with industry awards and honoured as a finalist in the prestigious Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Awards. I worked relentlessly, driving results and building my reputation in the business world.

Yet despite these achievements, something was missing. I found myself questioning whether I was truly making the difference I wanted to make in the world.

A few months later, at the beginning of 2013, the world celebrated the 200th anniversary of the publishing of my fifth great aunt Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which unsettled me. It broke my heart that my family had had to give up Chawton House as a home. I had felt so happy and secure growing up in heart of Jane’s literary legacy.

It was during this period of reflection that I reached out to a seasoned business leader who became my professional mentor. Our initial conversation remains vivid in my memory—sitting across from someone who had navigated similar terrain and could see both my strengths and my blind spots with remarkable clarity.

"Caroline," she said after listening intently to my ambitions and frustrations, "you're approaching your leadership as if it's primarily about achieving targets and managing processes. But I can see that what truly energizes you is connecting with people, developing their skills and transforming their potential."

Her observation struck me with unexpected force. I had been so focused on looking at my success through measurable outcomes and shareholder returns, that I had overlooked how deeply I valued and enjoyed the human element of business—the moments when I helped someone overcome a limitation or discover a capability they hadn't recognized in themselves.

Through our continued work together, I began to identify patterns in my thinking that were holding me back. I discovered that my constant drive for perfection, while valuable in many contexts, sometimes prevented me from taking necessary risks.

Most significantly, my mentor helped me recognize that my corporate career, while right for my twenties and thirties, wasn't what I truly wanted for the rest of my life. She saw what I couldn't yet admit to myself—that I was clinging to the safety of a successful career path rather than following what truly called to me.

"What beats in your soul, Caroline?" she asked during one particularly meaningful session. "What would you do if you weren't afraid to fail?"

Her questions led me to a profound realization: for 25 years, I had kept my connection to Jane Austen private, telling no one about growing up at Chawton House or my famous relative. But now I felt a calling that could no longer be ignored—a desire to heal my broken heart and reconnect with Chawton, my heritage and Jane Austen lovers around the world, just as I had done throughout my childhood.

I attended an event at the Jane Austen Society in Melbourne, and as the speaker talked about the phenomenon of Jane Austen in the modern world, an idea formed in my mind. I could use my heritage for good, to extend Jane's legacy into real-world benefit. Jane was, in her own way, a literacy advocate, growing up in an environment where many couldn't read or write. I wanted to establish the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation to give children in literacy challenged communities that same chance to connect with the world around them through literacy.

Beyond this mission, with the growing interest in all aspects of Jane's life, family, and Chawton home—with Austen fans across the globe yearning to know more—I also realized I had to tell my personal story, to add my unique childhood experiences to the historical record and family archives of Chawton House. There was something within me that needed expression—a story that deserved to be told.

Working with my mentor transformed not just how I approached my work, but how I envisioned my future. With this realisation, my mentor was my sounding board and helped me formulate strategies and plans to make my vision a reality.

Being a visual person, I found that the formal corporate headshots I had been using no longer reflected who I wanted to be or the new direction I was embracing. I arranged for a photographer to come to my home and take new photos in a more relaxed, authentic setting. I was surprised by how much this seemingly simple act helped me embody my vision and solidify my commitment to this new path.

The guidance I received during this period gave me the confidence to take a leap and follow my true path—to establish the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation and later write Jane & Me: My Austen Heritage.

Inspired by this transformative experience and my newfound clarity about what truly mattered to me, I resigned from my CEO role and established my own coaching practice, The Greyfriar Group (named after my family crest). I wanted to offer others the same life-changing support that had been so valuable to me.

For over a decade now, I've had the privilege of working with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and creatives—helping them navigate their own professional journeys with greater confidence and purpose. There is nothing more rewarding than witnessing someone break through self-imposed limitations and step into their full potential.

I recall one client, an accomplished writer who doubted her business acumen, who transformed not only her approach to her creative career but also her self-perception through our work together. Another, a business owner struggling with scaling his company, found renewed clarity and confidence that led to breakthrough growth.

Taking that leap to follow what truly called to me was the best decision I've ever made. The truth I've discovered through both receiving and providing mentorship is this: we all have blind spots in our thinking and approach. Even the most accomplished among us benefit from an experienced guide who can help illuminate our path forward.

Jane Austen once wrote that "Selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure." Yet I would respectfully disagree with my great-aunt on this point. Through meaningful mentorship and coaching, I've witnessed remarkable transformations in myself and others—shifts in perspective and approach that have led to profound personal and professional growth.

If you're feeling called to explore how personalized guidance might support your own journey, I invite you to visit our Work With Us page to learn more about the coaching and mentoring opportunities available.

Like Jane, who found her unique voice and created a legacy that continues to inspire millions, each of us has the potential to make our distinctive mark on the world. Sometimes, the most important step in that journey is allowing someone else to help us see the path more clearly.

Until next time,

Caroline