In this heartfelt episode, Susanna interviews Barbara Babkirk, a master career counselor and dear friend. Barbara shares her 30-year journey of helping individuals navigate career transitions, emphasizing the importance of listening to both the heart and head when making life decisions. Their conversation touches on Barbara’s upcoming retirement, her unexpected new passion for vintage costume jewelry, and her wisdom on trusting one’s timing in life transitions. Join Susanna and Barbara for an inspiring discussion on career, change, and following your heart.

1:12 Introducing Barbara Babkirk

10:05 Barbara shares her heroine’s journey with Susanna as they discuss how the passing of Barb’s mother led her to answering “The Call” and opening her own business, as well as how her experience as a master career counselor over the past 30 years has influenced her love of problem solving.

14:26 Barbara explores the different themes she has encountered throughout her journey and how she helps others gain the courage to value themselves and embrace the unique abilities they bring to the table.

26:46 Barbara opens up to Susanna about her feelings on retirement and the emotions that come up while learning to let go and lean into that transition.

36:01 Barbara gives her final thoughts on slowing down, following your heart, and trusting the timing of your journey.

Barbara Babkirk is a Master Career Counselor and former owner of Heart At Work Associates, an innovative career counseling and outplacement firm in Portland.

This year, Barbara is phasing into retirement from her work that involved coaching clients to recognize and exercise their options as they negotiated job offers or severance, proposed new roles, and articulated their professional value for a career transition.

A native to Maine, Barbara chose to return after living in Boston and abroad. Her commitment has been to strengthen Maine’s workforce by guiding individuals to positions that align with their skills and life stage priorities.

An ardent supporter of women in the workplace, Barbara served as President of the Board of the Maine Women’s Fund and Caring Unlimited and as a Board Member of Women Working Together.

She now lives in Cape Elizabeth with her husband and closeby to her daughter and grandson.

Barbara Babkirk's LinkedIn

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