Changing Tack With Jessica Watson: From Global Adventurer To An "Ordinary" Life

What happens when you achieve the biggest dream of your life at 16? After national treasure Jessica Watson sailed around the world solo at 16, she had to figure out what to do next. The world expected more adventure, more record-breaking, something bigger and more dramatic.

But, her first pivot was one no one saw coming: she went back to school, went to uni, got an MBA and built a career as a management consultant. After being homeschooled, study was a daunting prospect, but Jess didn’t let fear get in the way of making change.

But that’s not the only pivot this conversation is about. Years after her voyage, Jess faced a challenge far greater than any storm at sea: the sudden, catastrophic loss of her long-term partner, Cam. That, she says, was her real pivot.

In this episode of Pivot Club, Sarah Davidson speaks with Jess to find out how she navigated both of these life-altering changes. They discuss handling the crushing weight of expectation, building an identity separate from the one thing everyone knows you for, and the "messy, human kind" of resilience required to rebuild your entire "compass" after it’s been shattered by grief.

Join us for this story of strength that is a profound reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to find joy in a quiet life, right where you are.

THE END BITS:

Want more from Sarah Davidson? Check out her podcast Seize The Yay.

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CREDITS:

Guest: Jessica Watson

Host: Sarah Davidson

Executive Producer: Courtney Ammenhauser

Senior Producer: Sally Best

Audio Producer: Jacob Round

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