I’m Lucy 👋, a former charity CEO, now a leadership coach working with experienced leaders navigating career change, difficult workplaces, or the question of what comes next.
After 30 years in the non-profit and public sectors, I know what these situations actually feel like. I’ve been made redundant, burned out, and rebuilt from scratch. That’s what shapes everything I make here.
If you’re a mid-life leader in the charity or public sector trying to make sense of where you are and what to do about it, you’re in the right place.
Weekly videos on difficult workplaces, job loss, burnout, and building a working life that fits you.
If you’re interested in working with me directly, you’ll find details of my coaching in the links below.
Content is for educational purposes based on personal experience and is not a substitute for professional legal or HR advice.
©ChangeOut Ltd Registered in England and Wales No. 11659977
Lucy on Life
Someone told me recently that they’d worked in the same team for three years and still didn’t feel like they belonged there. Not because anyone was unkind. Just because there was never any room to be uncertain, or slow, or honest.
I’ve been thinking about the difference between being included and actually belonging. They’re not the same thing.
This week’s newsletter is about that. And about what workplaces get wrong when they try to manufacture belonging with pizza and away days.
The question I left readers with: do the people you lead actually feel like they belong, and how would you know?
Would love to know what belonging has felt like for you, when (if?!) you’ve found it at work.
www.changeout.org/we-were-meant-to-do-this-togethe…
3 days ago | [YT] | 32
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Lucy on Life
Gaslighting at work is confusing and difficult to deal with. I've been on the receiving end and it left me doubting my sanity and made me realise just how cowardly people who gaslight are.
I made a video about it a while ago to help you identify the signs and deal with them calmly.
I've also included some lines which you can adapt and use in the moment if someone tries to reinvent reality.
If this is something you've experienced at work, let me know and hope you find the video helps a bit.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 21
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Lucy on Life
It’s National Pets Day here in the UK!
You haven’t seen this picture of our bonkers boys when they were young men.
Wiggins has always been quite sensible but Mo Mo has a big shiny white tummy and he doesn’t care.
Black cats rule 😻🐾🐈⬛
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 173
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Lucy on Life
Quick question — and I'd love your honest answer👇
When I film videos, does it matter to you where I am?
I've been thinking about mixing things up — taking some conversations outside, into real environments rather than always filming indoors.
But I want to make sure it actually works for you.
The content stays the same — the leadership thinking, the practical tools for surviving and thriving at work, the honest conversations.
I'm just curious whether the setting adds something or distracts.
Tell me below too if you have a strong view either way!
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 20
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Lucy on Life
I hope everyone is having a lovely Easter weekend.
I now have two empty flower beds ready for planting. One is in deep shade and the other in full sun. A blank canvas!
🌚🌞🌱🌺
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 64
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Lucy on Life
For those of you who enjoy some Caturday Wiggins content, here he is this afternoon inhabiting some prime real estate: a flattened cardboard box
Happy weekend to all 😻
1 month ago | [YT] | 117
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Lucy on Life
A change of scenery in Northern Ireland was exactly what was needed to find some joy outside of work this weekend. We were treated to some amazing and unusually sunny weather which was perfect!
It’s so easy to let our careers consume our identity, but making time for exploration keeps us grounded.
What is one non-work-related thing that brought you happiness this week?
1 month ago | [YT] | 70
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Lucy on Life
I often say that even one small win, one small moment of joy, in your day can lift your spirits and make you feel a little bit better.
Here’s mine for today 🐞
My newest video will be out as usual this afternoon at 5.30pm UK time.
Today I’m taking a look at the thorny issue of what to do in a toxic workplace if HR won’t, or can’t, help you.
1 month ago | [YT] | 89
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Lucy on Life
I’ve been thinking a lot about 'Sunday Scaries' - the sense of dread that can creep in before a new week starts that so many of you have shared 🌿
I’m trying something a little different this week.
As well as next Wednesday’s usual weekly upload, I’ll be sharing a special video this Sunday morning at 9AM GMT.
It’s a bit of a slower, behind-the-scenes vlog of my mindful walk along the canal from Kings Norton to Stirchley here in South Birmingham, and how I reclaimed my Sundays for peace instead of pressure. I thought I’d share that peace with you all.
See you Sunday for a slow start to the day?
☕️✨
2 months ago | [YT] | 73
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Lucy on Life
We’ve done all our chores and now Wiggins and I are having a restful afternoon.
Wishing everyone a peaceful weekend ❤️🐈⬛
2 months ago | [YT] | 129
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