Interview with Hannah Tayler
Introduction and Background
WIDDNetwork: Can you share a bit about your background and what initially drew you to study law?
Hannah: I am 24 years old and come from the East Sussex area, Brighton. Throughout my academic journey, I have always been passionate about learning. During my A-levels, I chose to study law, driven by a keen interest in the subject and the inspiration of mentors who showcased law as a powerful tool for change. As the first person in my family to attend university, I was eager to pursue higher education for both the academic challenge and the broader experience it offers. I sought a degree that would not only be intellectually stimulating but also provide strong career prospects. My positive experiences with law at the A-levels solidified my decision to pursue it further at university, knowing it would equip me with valuable skills and opportunities for a meaningful career.
WIDDNetwork: What were your goals and aspirations when you were pursuing a career in law?
Hannah: When I was pursuing a career in law, my goals and aspirations were centred around a desire to specialise in family law and private client work as a solicitor. I understood that my strengths were not necessarily rooted in legal knowledge alone but in my ability to connect with people on a personal level. I believed these specialisms were the best fit for me and aligned with my overarching goal: to build meaningful relationships and provide support to individuals during crucial times in their lives. My aspiration was to leverage my empathetic nature to make a positive impact and help people navigate their legal challenges.
Career Change Trigger
WIDDNetwork: What health altercation led you to reevaluate your life and career choices & How did this experience impact your perspective on your career and personal life?
Hannah: When I was pursuing a career in law, my goals and aspirations were clear and focused. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when my health declined in 2021 due to blood clots caused by thoracic outlet syndrome. Over the course of two years, I was on medications to manage the condition and underwent two rounds of vascular surgery to prevent further complications such as blood clots, embolisms, and nerve damage.
Undergoing vascular surgery at the onset of my legal career profoundly impacted me both personally and professionally. After spending six years dedicated to studying and working hard to reach my career goals, I was suddenly forced to stop and reflect. Being hospitalised stripped me of my identity and made me realise that achievements and aspirations mean little without health. Lying in a hospital gown, the significance of stating, “I worked in law,” diminished in the face of undergoing major surgery. All I wanted was to return to normal, but I soon recognised that my previous normal was not a reality I truly wanted to go back to. During my recovery, I questioned whether I was genuinely living a life true to myself and whether I had explored all options beyond those I was conditioned to follow.
This period of reflection led to a profound realisation: I needed to change both personally and professionally. I vowed to follow my intuition, not hold myself back due to fear of rejection, and explore new paths that felt more aligned with who I am. Ultimately, I recognised that I was no longer happy or passionate about working in law, and I hadn't been for a long time. This experience reshaped my goals and aspirations, leading me to seek fulfilment in authenticity rather than ego.
Decision to Switch to Marketing
Hannah: I decided to transition from law to marketing after hearing a quote adapted from Thomas Merton on a Diary of a CEO podcast with Jimmy Carr: “People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.” This resonated with me deeply, making me realise that my pursuit of a legal career was driven more by ego than genuine passion. Admitting that I no longer wanted to pursue law was a significant turning point. Reflecting on my true interests, I recognised my consistent gravitation towards creative and business-related activities. This led me to pivot my career towards marketing, where I felt my creativity and passion could truly thrive.
WIDDNetwork: How did you go about making this significant career change?
Hannah: To make this significant career change, I first recognised the skills I had gained and identified areas for further development. I then actively sought opportunities to transition into a creative career by participating in webinars, attending networking events, and embracing any chance to enhance my skill set.
Educational and Professional Experience
WIDDNetwork: How did your background in law prepare you for a career in marketing?
Hannah: Some might think that law and marketing are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum, but I found that the underlying principles and end goals are remarkably similar. In both fields, you must identify the needs of the client, present feasible solutions that align with their goals—both short-term and long-term—manage expectations and deliver with precision and adaptability. These different stages are achieved differently in each profession, but I recognised that the skills I developed in law could be transferred to marketing. I knew I could apply my ability to understand client needs and provide creative solutions effectively to both my clients and my team. This guided me to pivot my career aspirations and leverage my legal background to excel in a creative role in marketing.
WIDDNetwork: What skills or experiences from your legal career have been most valuable in your new role in marketing?
Hannah: My communication skills have been invaluable in transitioning from law to marketing. In law, clear and effective communication is crucial for both execution and building client trust. I’ve found that adapting these skills to meet diverse client needs has been a huge asset in marketing. Working with various teams and stakeholders can be challenging, but my legal background has prepared me well to handle these interactions confidently.
Challenges and Adaptation
WIDDNetwork: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your career transition?
Hannah: One of the biggest challenges I faced during my career transition was imposter syndrome. I often doubted whether I could truly add value to a team or client in my new marketing role. This lack of confidence made me hesitant to experiment and take risks, which are so important in the marketing industry. Overcoming these feelings was a significant hurdle in my journey.
WIDDNetwork: How did you overcome these challenges and adapt to your new career in marketing?
Hannah: I overcame these challenges and adapted to my new career in marketing by embracing the inevitability of mistakes in any profession. This mindset shift enabled me to learn, adapt, and grow from each experience, which became a driving force in my journey. It empowered me with the confidence to take risks and continually push forward in marketing.
Life-Altering Surgery and Recovery
WIDDNetwork: Can you share more about your experience with the life-saving vascular surgery and your recovery process?
Hannah: The surgery I underwent was a first rib resection aimed at treating thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). It involved removing part of the first rib under general anesthesia. After two years of intense medication and four previously cancelled surgeries, I finally had the procedure to alleviate the compression causing blood clots. As a first-time surgery patient, the recovery process was incredibly challenging both physically and mentally. Managing pain and undergoing physiotherapy became my daily routine, but I was fortunate to have support from friends and family who helped me through every step of the journey, addressing both my physical and emotional needs. In 2023, I underwent my second and final surgery for this condition, approaching it with more knowledge and readiness, which made the recovery smoother and more manageable as I knew what to expect from both my body and mind.
WIDDNetwork: How did this experience influence your outlook on life and career?
Hannah: This experience profoundly influenced my outlook on life and career. Initially, relying on others for support was challenging for someone who values independence. However, during my recovery, I learned to break down those barriers and accept help from those who cared about me. This lesson extended into both my personal and professional life. Personally, I discovered that accepting help is a natural part of human connection and is never a burden to genuine supporters. In my career, I now embrace seeking help when a project or task could benefit from a second opinion or guidance.
Finding New Passions
WIDDNetwork: What aspects of marketing do you and most fulfilling compared to your previous career in law?
Hannah: What I find most fulfilling in marketing compared to my previous career in law is the creative autonomy and freedom to experiment without constraints. In digital marketing, especially across platforms like social media, practices and strategies are constantly evolving. This environment contrasts with the structure of legal work, and I love the opportunity to explore new ideas and approaches.
WIDDNetwork: How have you discovered and nurtured your passion for marketing?
Hannah: My passion for marketing has been apparent since my early professional experiences. Even outside of my studies, I gravitated towards marketing and creative tasks because I found them enjoyable and stimulating. To nurture this passion, I actively immersed myself in marketing networks and engaged with others who shared similar interests. Hearing their experiences and realising our shared enthusiasm for the field reaffirmed my commitment, despite the different paths we took to get there.
Advice for Others Facing Career Changes
WIDDNetwork: What advice would you give to others who are considering a significant career change, especially after a major life event?
Hannah: My advice would be to trust your instincts and take the leap. After a major life event prompts reflection, it's natural to revert to familiar routines. Yet, confronting those thoughts head-on and exploring new paths can lead to profound personal growth. Don't let life's distractions steer you away from pursuing what truly matters to you.
WIDDNetwork: How can they prepare themselves mentally and practically for such a transition?
Hannah: Practising self-compassion is key—acknowledging that the journey will have its highs and lows, including failures and successes. Being kind to yourself and recognising what you can and cannot control can be empowering. Personally, I discovered that I was often my own harshest critic, and learning to ease that self-imposed pressure was transformative.
Balancing Health and Career
WIDDNetwork: How do you manage to balance your health with the demands of your new career in marketing?
Hannah: Balancing my health with the demands of my new career in marketing requires transparency—being honest with myself and those around me. I've come to accept that my health is crucial for pursuing my passions, both personally and professionally. Despite the disruptions it may cause in daily life, prioritising my health is non-negotiable. While my surgeries have reduced the risk of blood clots, I remain aware of the long-term impact of my condition and continue to manage it proactively.
WIDDNetwork: What practices or habits have you adopted to maintain your well-being?
Hannah: To maintain my well-being, I’ve adopted practices like regular meditation, keeping health diaries, and consistently checking in with both my mind and body to assess what I truly need versus what I might want in an ideal world. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everyday stresses, especially with a medical condition to consider. However, these habits have helped me find balance and prioritise my health.
Future Goals and Vision
WIDDNetwork: What are your long-term goals in the field of marketing?
Hannah: Having worked in the field for a short period of time, I recognise that there is so much more to learn and goals I have not yet considered. However, I want to be in a position where I can provide creative solutions and direction to causes and brands that are meaningful to me and the world.
WIDDNetwork: How do you envision your career evolving over the next few years?
Hannah: We are in a digital age where technology advances at an unprecedented pace, constantly transforming the marketing landscape. As a result, my career in marketing will inevitably evolve alongside these changes. To stay ahead, I plan to focus on continuous professional development by embracing lifelong learning. This includes taking advanced courses, attending industry conferences, and participating in workshops to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. By proactively adapting to these advancements, I aim to enhance my skills and remain at the forefront of the marketing industry.
Inspiration and Role Models
WIDDNetwork: Who have been your role models or sources of inspiration during this transformative journey?
Hannah: Grace Andrews, the creative director of Flight Group, has been a huge source of inspiration for me. Attending a panel talk on her journey and marketing insights while I was still working in law made me realise that anyone can transition into this career. Her authenticity and wisdom gave me the confidence to pursue my passion for marketing.
Closing Thoughts
WIDDNetwork: What message would you like to leave with our audience, especially those facing similar life challenges or considering a career change?
Hannah: You are on your own timeline, so there's no such thing as being 'behind.' When considering a career change, don't dwell on what you could have done in the past. Instead, focus your time and energy on what you can achieve now in the present.
WIDDNetwork: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey or insights that could inspire others?
Hannah: Although my journey has been challenging, and filled with tough decisions and situations beyond my control, truly listening to myself and reflecting on my path has led to a fulfilling and enriched life. It's not easy, but it's absolutely worth it.
