Lessons from Career Setbacks — How Challenges Build Stronger Professionals
When we picture career growth, we often imagine smooth upward progress — promotions, new roles, big wins. But real growth is rarely that tidy.
On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest explores the moments that didn’t go to plan. Whether it was being made redundant, launching a business that didn’t work, or simply getting stuck in the wrong role — these leaders opened up about how their biggest challenges became defining lessons.
This blog unpacks how they responded to adversity — and what they learned on the other side.
1. Setbacks Are Not the End — They’re a Pivot Point
The initial shock of a setback can feel like failure. But for many leaders, it became a catalyst for reinvention. The end of one chapter opened space for something better — even if they couldn’t see it right away.
Guests spoke about redundancy, stalled careers, or missed promotions that turned out to be blessings in disguise.
“Sometimes rejection is redirection. I didn’t get the role I thought I wanted — and the next one was so much more me.”
— Caroline Constantine, Right Directions
My biggest leap came after my biggest low. It forced me to take stock and do the hard self-reflection.”
— Elaine Coulthard, Consultant
2. Reflection Turns Pain into Progress
Setbacks sting — but reflecting on what happened, what we learned, and how we want to grow from it is where the power lies.
Guests consistently pointed to the moment they stepped back and asked: What did I learn? What will I do differently? That’s when growth kicked in.
“The mistake wasn’t the issue — it was how long I avoided dealing with it. Reflection changed everything.”
— Lucy Findlay-Beale, Elevate
“When I looked back with honesty — not ego — I realised what I’d missed. That learning stayed with me.”
— Rowland Omamor, Lampton Leisure
“You can’t grow if you don’t stop to understand the lesson. That pause is powerful.”
— Jo Matthews, Ten Health and Fitness
3. Vulnerability Is a Strength — Not a Weakness
It’s tempting to pretend everything is fine when it’s not. But the most powerful leaders shared how opening up — asking for help, being honest about struggle — actually deepened trust with their teams.
Owning vulnerability became part of their leadership toolkit.
“When I started being honest about my challenges, people leaned in. They saw me as more real, more human.”
— Eve Sukhnandan, PureGym
“I used to think vulnerability was risky. Now I think hiding struggle is riskier.”
— Louise Anderton, PureGym
“When leaders admit they’re learning, it gives everyone else permission to do the same.”
— David Monkhouse, Leisure-Net Solutions
4. Resilience Can Be Built — It’s Not Just Innate
You don’t have to be born resilient. The ability to bounce back can be cultivated, one tough moment at a time. The leaders we spoke to didn’t feel strong in the moment — they became strong through it.
They built habits, routines, and support systems that helped them process difficulty and keep going.
“Resilience isn’t about pushing through blindly. It’s about finding your way through with perspective.”
— Neil Randall, Urban Gym Group
“What got me through wasn’t willpower — it was people. Talking, reflecting, asking for input.”
— Catherine Ferma, Gym Group
“Resilience is earned. Every time you get up, you strengthen that muscle.”
— Carl McCartney, Les Mills
5. Setbacks Reveal Your Values
In hard times, what matters most becomes clear. Several guests spoke about how a difficult moment helped them reconnect with their values — and realign their career accordingly.
Setbacks stripped away the noise and spotlighted what truly mattered to them.
“Hard times revealed what I wasn’t willing to compromise on. That clarity shaped every role since.”
— James Lawrence, Lifestyle Fitness
“It forced me to ask: who am I without the job title? That was humbling — and freeing.”
— Andy King, Consultant
Final Thoughts
Career setbacks don’t define us — how we respond does. Whether it’s redundancy, a bad fit, or a tough leadership moment, every guest on Love Your Career proved that growth is possible on the other side.
If you’re in a difficult patch, remember: it might just be the beginning of something better.
🎧 Hear more inspiring stories on the Love Your Career podcast, available on all platforms or at loverecruitmentgroup.com.
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