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Ever feel like the ground beneath your career is shifting — like every step forward only leads to more uncertainty? Today, we're diving deep into the heart of creative survival during one of the most challenging periods for creatives in history.

In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Hurlbut, a transformational business strategist who has defied the odds through a series of unexpected career pivots — from pediatric nursing to forensic investigation, from coaching to filmmaking. Lydia is not just a survivor of career pivots—she's mastered them, turning every uncertainty into opportunity.

In our conversation, Lydia offers actionable insights to help you carve a new path forward, even when it feels like all doors are closing. We explore how to manage the emotional toll of career shifts, identify the transferable skills you might be overlooking, and find your center amidst the uncertainty. By tapping into your true potential, you’ll learn how to transform career chaos into opportunity with clarity and purpose.

If you’re exhausted from feeling stuck and ready to regain control of your career, this conversation is your invitation to rethink what’s possible.

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Here's What You'll Learn:

The impact of the huge retraction in entertainment industry jobs and opportunities
How self-care and paying attention to your body's signals can transform your well-being.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Embrace imperfection while staying centered
Navigating career pivots and finding your specific transferable skills
Lydia’s fascinating story of her many diverse career transitions
How to make wise, thoughtful moves to maintain financial stability during career pivots
How a former actor transitioned from shooting regional marketplace videos to creating multiple income streams
KEY TAKEAWAY: Listen to what people need
Managing emotions and practicing self-care routines
Recognizing and breaking free from chronic stress (before it takes a toll on your health)
What to do when your emotions are in the driver’s seat
KEY TAKEAWAY: Trauma is a way to know yourself better.
Channeled writing and walking meditation—your ultimate power tools for self-discovery.
Why health hacks and the quick fixes may be deceiving you
Reiki energy healing and managing spiritual crisis
KEY TAKEAWAY: What we focus on grows

Useful Resources Mentioned:

Filmmakers Academy (Type LYDIA20 during checkout to get $20 off when you join)

Reiki Energy Healing

The Artist’s Way

Overcoming “The Paycheck Paradox” (so you can make a living doing what you love)

Continue to Listen & Learn

Ep268: [Case Study] From the FBI to Hollywood: Anatomy of An Unlikely Career Pivot | with Kathy Robinson

Ep131: How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex Ferrari

Ep179: Navigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello

Ep267: [CASE STUDY] How to Diversify Your Creative Skills and Experience to Build Multiple Income Streams | with Krysia Szyszlo

Ep101: How to Transition From ‘Technician’ to ‘Entrepreneur’ | Mastermind Q&A with Misha Tenenbaum

Ep269: Navigating the Messy Middle of a Career Pivot | with Sandy Zimmerman

Ep263: The Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick Milo

Ep257: How to Be a Multi-Hyphenate Creative and be the CEO of Your Creative Career | with Nelson Paredez-Parks

Ep245: How to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo Lewin

Ep232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace

Ep234: [CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner Guerra

Ep105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’

Ep99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Mastermind Q&A with Monica Daniel

Guest Bio:

lydia-hurlbut-bio Lydia Hurlbut

Lydia Hurlbut is a Transformational Business Strategist and Co-Founder of Filmmakers Academy. With over 35 years of experience spanning healthcare, forensics, wellness, and business, Lydia Hurlbut is a catalyst for change in mindset consciousness and holistic leadership. Her journey from pediatric nurse to transformational coach was shaped by a life-altering health crisis, inspiring her to champion self-care integration in professional life. Co-creating Filmmakers Academy, Lydia blends her medical background, business strategy, intuition and Reiki skills to offer unique coaching programs. As a sought-after speaker and writer, she empowers individuals to overcome personal and business blocks, aligning actions with their highest potential. Lydia's innovative approach helps clients achieve sustainable personal and financial success, making her a transformative force in the entertainment industry.

Show Credits:

This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.

The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/optimize-yourself/exclusive-content

Ep273: How to Pivot, Adapt, and Keep Going (Your Creative Career Isn't Over) | with Lydia Hurlbut

The Zack Arnold Podcast