The Social Work Pivot (Janet Ayoola)
Explore every episode of The Social Work Pivot
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2024 | What is a Career Pivot? | 00:09:30 | |
Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 17 Sep 2024 | Rethinking Roles: Embracing an Entrepreneurial Mindset | 00:19:56 | |
Welcome to the next episode of The Social Work Pivot! In this episode, we explore the concept of career pivots, specifically tailored for experienced child and family social workers looking to make a strategic career change. Whether you’re contemplating a move up the professional ladder or considering stepping away from statutory social work altogether, this episode is your essential guide to understanding and planning your career pivot. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 10 Aug 2024 | The Social Work Pivot Trailer | 00:02:50 | |
Tune in to this trailer to find out everything you can expect from the podcast! Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 01 Oct 2024 | From Social Work to Occupational Therapy: Karlene’s Journey and the Power of Career Planning | 00:32:47 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I sit down with Karlene Ruddock, a qualified social worker who began her career in children’s services, working in safeguarding before transitioning to adults. She moved from permanent to locum work along the way and is now training to become an occupational therapist. Karlene’s story is one of determination and purpose. When she realised social work no longer aligned with her personal and professional goals, she made a plan to pivot and is now on a new path toward a fulfilling career in occupational therapy. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | Building a Global Social Work Practice: Pilar's Career Pivot into Independent Practice with Spanish-Speaking Families | 00:35:29 | |
I had a great time talking with Pilar Cubelos in this episode! Pilar is a qualified social worker who entered the profession after a successful career in stone masonry. After gaining experience in statutory child and family social work, she pivoted into independent practice during the COVID pandemic. What's truly remarkable about Pilar's journey is how she embraced her strengths to carve out a niche working with Spanish-speaking families and developed a unique social work career that spans multiple countries while living in Spain. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 08 Oct 2024 | From Statutory Social Work to Independent Practice: Laura Taylor’s Journey | 00:34:23 | |
On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m thrilled to welcome Laura Taylor, Independent Social Worker and Therapeutic Parenting Coach. With over 15 years of experience in child and family social work, much of Laura’s career has been dedicated to working with children in care and supporting foster carers. She is passionate about trauma-informed care and enhancing the practice of parents, carers, and professionals in both home and residential settings. Laura recently transitioned from statutory social work into independent practice, and in this episode, she shares her inspiring journey. If you're considering a move toward independence, stay tuned as Laura offers practical advice and insights to help you make that leap! To work with Laura: Laura Taylor Therapeutic Parenting Coach Practice Educator Independent Social Worker 07766 952559
Facebook: Laura Taylor Therapeutic Parenting Coach LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laura-taylor-36193b91
Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 15 Oct 2024 | Navigating Social Work in Australia: Connor’s Career Journey Across Continents | 00:31:42 | |
On this episode of The Social Work Pivot, I’m joined by Connor Appleton, a UK-trained child and family social worker who made the bold move to permanently relocate to Australia in 2022. Connor shares his first-hand experience of the culture shock that came with living and working in a new country, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities he’s encountered practising social work in Australia. Tune in to hear Connor’s reflections on the differences in social work systems, his tips for making relocating to Australia to practise social work, and the personal growth that comes with stepping outside of your comfort zone. If you're thinking about working abroad or curious about how social work varies in a different country, this episode is for you!
Connor's recommendations to learn more about Australia's history:
Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 22 Oct 2024 | Flexible Working - The Key to Unlocking Your Career Pivot | 00:18:41 | |
In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore how flexible working can be the key to unlocking your next career pivot. Whether you're looking to shift into a new area of social work, transition to independent practice, or explore roles outside of statutory services, embracing flexibility in your work life can provide the freedom and space to pursue your next steps. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 12 Nov 2024 | From Social Worker to Entrepreneur: Priya’s Journey of Growth and New Beginnings in Abu Dhabi | 00:50:17 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we welcome Priya, a seasoned social worker with extensive experience in child and family services across multiple countries. After moving with her family to Abu Dhabi, Priya returned recently to the UAE and has launched her own safeguarding company in the field. She takes us through the unique challenges of working in Abu Dhabi, sharing first-hand what it’s like to practise social work in a different cultural context. Priya also delves into her journey of shifting from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, revealing the growth and resilience needed to turn her vision into reality. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on embracing change, overcoming challenges, and redefining social work in an entrepreneurial context. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 19 Nov 2024 | Nailing Your Next Job Interview: Tips for Social Workers | 00:24:49 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore practical strategies to help social workers succeed in job interviews. If you're aiming for a role in statutory services, this episode covers the essentials to ensure you present your skills, communicate your experience, and emphasise your values confidently. Learn what to focus on in your preparation, how to handle common interview questions for social work roles, and ways to stand out by showcasing your unique insights and adaptability. With tips for social workers at every stage of their career, this episode will leave you feeling prepared, confident, and ready to make your next career pivot. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 27 Nov 2024 | The Path to Leadership: Angie Bartoli on Her Research into Becoming a Social Work Manager | 00:44:00 | |
Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet sits down with Angie Bartoli, an accomplished social worker, academic, and author of Becoming a Social Work Manager. Drawing on her extensive career and doctoral research, Angie shares valuable insights into the transition from practitioner to manager and how she found her passion in academia. Whether you’re considering a career in academia, aiming for a managerial role, or just seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement to help you navigate your next steps. 🎧 Don’t miss this enriching conversation—listen now and take the next step in your social work career! 📘 Get your copy of Angie's book, Becoming a Social Work Manager, here: Follow the podcast for more stories, strategies, and insights to help you pivot and thrive in the ever-evolving world of social work! Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | From Social Work to Systemic Psychotherapy: Rougi’s Journey to Family Therapy in CAMHS | 00:33:12 | |
Podcast Introduction:Rougi started her journey in social work through the Frontline programme, where she honed her skills and passion for supporting families. But Rougi’s story doesn’t stop there. She’s now on an exciting path to becoming a Systemic Psychotherapist and currently works as a Family Therapist within CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). In this episode, Rougi shares her journey into social work, the motivations behind her decision to pivot towards systemic psychotherapy, and an insightful glimpse into what her work life looks like now. Whether you're considering a career change, curious about the world of family therapy, or just looking for inspiration, Rougi’s story is sure to resonate with you. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into Rougi’s incredible journey.
Here are some helpful links for listeners in England considering a similar career pivot from social work to systemic psychotherapy or family therapy:
Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 04 Feb 2025 | Coaching Your Way to a Career Pivot: Tools, Questions & Insights for Social Workers | 00:24:19 | |
Thinking about a career pivot but unsure where to start? In this solo episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, Janet explores how coaching can help social workers gain clarity, make confident career decisions, and take action toward new opportunities. Drawing from her own experiences with coaching, Janet breaks down the difference between coaching and mentoring, introduces practical coaching methods—including the GROW model—and shares powerful coaching questions to guide your career transition. If you’re feeling stuck or ready for a change, this episode will give you the tools to coach yourself through your next career move. Plus, Janet shares exciting news about her own coaching journey and what’s coming next for the podcast! 👉 Follow The Social Work Pivot Podcast on LinkedIn and subscribe for more career insights! Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 11 Feb 2025 | Social Work and Beyond: Taking Bold Leaps with Peter Buturo | 00:40:18 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Peter Buturo, founder of Bold Leap and author of Social Work and Beyond. With years of extensive and direct experience with children in care, Peter’s passionate nature speaks for itself. His own adolescence mirrored that of many children in care, and his caring and helpful personality led him to a career in social work. After 11 years in the profession, Peter recognised the need to prioritise care over profit and built Bold Leap on this foundation. We discuss his powerful motivation for becoming a social worker, his career journey, and his pivot to launching Bold Leap and writing his book. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about purpose, career transitions, and making a meaningful impact beyond traditional social work roles. Links: Peter’s book ‘Social Work and Beyond’: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Social-Work-Beyond-conscious-entrepreneur/dp/1781338663 Peter's company Bold Leap: https://bold-leap.com/ Peter's publisher Rethink Press: https://rethinkpress.com/ Peter's business coach Daniella Genas: https://bethebossintl.com/about/ Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | Making the Transition – Balancing Statutory and Independent Social Work with Sarah Cairns | 00:43:36 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cairns, a trauma-informed social worker with over a decade of experience across child protection, fostering and adoption, court work, and residential care in Scotland and England. Now balancing independent social work alongside a statutory role, Sarah shares her journey, insights on making the transition, and how she stays up to date with legislation, policy, and evidence-based practice. We discuss: ✅ Sarah’s journey into social work 🔗 Helpful Links:
🎧 Tune in for practical insights and advice on making the transition into independent practice while maintaining a statutory role! 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow social workers. Let’s get started! 🚀 Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 18 Feb 2025 | Safeguarding Through Stories: Victoria Adepoju’s Journey to Becoming a Children’s Author | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I sit down with Victoria Adepoju, a social worker, safeguarding trainer, and children's author based in London. Victoria shares her journey from working in child protection to becoming an advocate for children's safety through literature. Her experiences led her to write No More Secrets Simi and No More Secrets Isaac, books designed to help children recognise and report abuse. I delve into her motivations for entering social work, her transitions between permanent and locum roles, and her shift from children's social work to social work with adults. Victoria also discusses balancing her writing process with her employment and her family life. Join us as we explore Victoria's inspiring journey and gain insights into authorship, and career transitions in social work. Links: Self-publishing, platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) offer tools to publish eBooks and paperbacks for free, providing direct access to Amazon's vast audience. Victoria's books are available on her website, No More Secrets, which offers resources for parents and educators. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 04 Mar 2025 | Why Social Workers Should Volunteer – A Key to Your Career Growth | 00:14:28 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, we explore why volunteering can be a game-changer for social workers looking to expand their skills, build networks, and even pivot their careers. Many social workers underestimate the value of trusteeship and volunteering, yet these roles provide opportunities to gain governance experience, influence decision-making, and develop leadership skills that can open doors to new career paths. Whether you're considering a move into independent practice, policy work, or a leadership role, volunteering offers a low-risk way to explore new opportunities while making a meaningful impact. We discuss: Want to explore trustee roles and volunteering opportunities? Links mentioned in this episode: Association of Child Protection Professionals: https://www.childprotectionprofessionals.org.uk/child-abuse-review/get-involved/ Writing online guidance - Ship for 30: https://www.ship30for30.com/ Want to know more about coaching? Check out this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3vYJIXVAb5sIoZwAjH6vQA?si=4533f98081dc44be If you’re thinking about your next career move, this episode is packed with practical advice on how volunteering can accelerate your journey. Tune in now and take the next step in your career growth! Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 11 Mar 2025 | Career Pivot 1 - Finding a Sustainable Path in Statutory Social Work Roles | 00:23:42 | |
Are you feeling burnt out in statutory child and family social work but don’t want to leave social work altogether? You’re not alone. Many social workers reach a point where the long hours, high caseloads, and emotional strain become overwhelming—but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the profession you love. In this episode, we revisit the four types of career pivot (see episode 1), and focus on the first career pivot, within the same career and same industry: Staying in social work but changing roles within statutory social work. We break down the key factors that might be contributing to your stress—whether it’s poor management, toxic organisational culture, or a mismatch between your skills and your current role. Tune in as we discuss: If you’re questioning whether you’re “cut out for this”, this episode will help you take a step back, reflect on your options, and plan your next move with confidence. 🎧 Subscribe now and share this episode with a fellow social worker who needs to hear it! Let’s reimagine sustainable careers in social work—without the burnout. Links: Episode 1: What is a Career Pivot? Check it out: https://open.spotify.com/episode/77S7bSpNrDXRoJjsjvzq55?si=4f362ee4847e4e9c Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 18 Mar 2025 | Coaching for Social Workers: Advancing Your Career with Valeria Kadelski | 00:54:18 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I’m joined by Valeria Kadelski (Val), an ICF-certified coach, who helps professionals navigate career transitions with clarity and confidence. Originally from Italy and now based in Denmark, Val specialises in supporting millennial expats in building fulfilling, purpose-driven careers. Coaching can be a powerful tool for us as social workers —not only for managing challenging workplace dynamics and securing that next promotion, but also for exploring new career possibilities. Whether you’re looking to use coaching to navigate your own career path or considering training as a coach yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In this episode, Val shares: ✅ How coaching can help social workers manage workplace challenges, career transitions, and leadership growth ✅ Why coaching skills are a natural fit for social workers—and how they can be applied beyond frontline practice ✅ Practical steps to take if you’re considering qualifying as a coach ✅ The importance of aligning your career with your values and strengths If you’re a social worker considering a career pivot, looking to develop coaching skills to enhance your practice, or even exploring a future as a qualified coach, this episode is for you! Connect with Val: Email: hello@sparkcoachingwithval.com Website: www.sparkcoachingwithval.com LinkedIn: in/valeriakadelski/ ACT - https://coachingfederation.org/blog/acceptance-and-commitment is the practice in psychotherapy, and ACC is the term for Acceptance and Commitment Coaching, which is inspired by it. Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps more social workers and career changers find the podcast! Let’s dive in! 🎧 Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 25 Mar 2025 | Interview with Carrissa Kai: From Social Work to Trauma-Informed Health Coaching | 00:50:31 | |
In this episode of The Social Work Pivot Podcast, I speak with Carrissa Kai, a former social worker turned Trauma-Informed Body Transformation Coach. Carrissa shares how her experience with burnout, mental health struggles, and obesity led her to create Keep Me Curvy, where she helps high-achieving women break free from emotional eating and metabolic disease. Before launching her business, Carrissa worked in domestic abuse services, residential children's homes, and statutory child protection. After facing burnout and a mental health crisis, she knew she needed a change. Now, she uses her expertise to help others reclaim their health. We discuss:
If you’re exploring new career paths, coaching, or ways to manage stress and well-being, this episode is for you. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepmecurvy/ Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 08 Apr 2025 | From Frontline Social Work to Full-Time Life Coach: Ellie Iovine’s Journey of Career Change and Growth | 00:43:23 | |
Today, I’m joined by Ellie Iovine, a former child protection social worker turned full-time life coach. Ellie spent 10 years in frontline safeguarding, working with children and families in crisis. She remained committed to direct client work, serving as an advanced practitioner for three years, but never felt drawn to management—she thrived in community-based work, making a direct impact. After three attempts to leave social work, Ellie finally took the leap in December 2024, stepping fully into life coaching. For three years, she balanced social work with building her business, training under Bob Proctor (from the Proctor Gallagher Institute), until she was ready to make the transition. Now, she helps others transform their lives with the same passion and dedication she brought to social work. In this episode, Ellie shares:
If you’ve ever felt drawn to something new but struggled to make the change, Ellie’s story will inspire you. Let’s dive in! Links: Contact Ellie: https://linktr.ee/Elevate_and_Create https://proctorgallagherinstitute.com/ Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||
| 01 Apr 2025 | Is Statutory Social Work a Lifelong Career? Why It’s Time to Take Charge of Your Career Path | 00:18:21 | |
Is statutory social work really a lifelong career—or just one part of your journey? In this inspiring episode, we explore why many child and family social workers are leaving the profession earlier than expected. We unpack the impact of burnout, health issues, time and financial pressures—and why simply training more social workers won’t fix the retention crisis. More importantly, we’ll talk about what you can do: how to take control of your career path, plan your next steps, and define what success looks like for you. Whether you're curious about career pivots or simply need space to reflect, this episode is your permission to take charge. 💡 In this episode, we cover:
📚 Sources & Statistics Mentioned:
🔁 Share this episode with a colleague or friend who might be questioning their next step—and remind them they have more options than they think. 💬 Join the conversation: What does success look like for you—personally and professionally? Tag me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let’s talk about it. Sign up for our newsletter Beyond the Caseload for more success stories, insights and resources to guide and inspire you in your career pivot: www.thesocialworkpivot.com | |||