"If you look for them, glimmers, these little micro moments of joy, are everywhere."

What if being lost isn't a problem to fix, but a path to joy and self-discovery? In this episode, I speak with Gavin Oattes author, speaker, creativity advocate, and former stand-up comedian for a conversation about closing doors, moving forward, and how letting go can be the bravest thing you do.

Gavin shares his journey from a whirlwind comedy career (with stories of sold-out shows, almost-making-it, and friendship tensions) to running a business, writing uplifting books, and learning how to navigate seismic life changes.

If you've ever faced a breakup (romantic, platonic, or creative), wondered what glimmers of joy might be hiding in the chaos, or just need reassurance that being "confidently lost" is a great place to start, this episode is essential listening.

The Highlights:

03:40 Gavin's closing door: Saying goodbye to stand-up comedy and creative partnerships 07:33 Friendship breakups and why endings aren't always "bad" 13:29 Knowing when to let go even if your heart's still in it 17:26 How to honour the magic rather than mourn what-might-have-been 19:12 Family change, shifting priorities, growing through life's phases 21:17 Getting "ghosted" and learning to move on 23:33 Gavin's new chapter: Writing as a way out of chaos 30:29 Glimmers—a practice for finding joy when you're lost 35:18 Reverse goal-setting & why the next "shiny thing" won't always make you happy 39:53 Writing for yourself (and letting go of the outcome)

What helped Gavin navigate change:

Soundtrack: Dookie by Green Day

Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

One piece of advice: "You are not everyone else. We're each an experiment of one, and accepting that is truly door-opening."

About Gavin Oattes:

Gavin Oattes owns Tree of Knowledge, one of the UK's most exciting people development organisations. Working with some of the largest organisations in the world, Gavin is now regarded as one the most talented and sought after speakers, regularly delivering keynote speeches at conferences and exhibitions around the world. An award winning comedian and best-selling author, his inspiration all comes from where he began his career….Primary School Teaching.

https://www.gavinoattes.com/

Work with Eleanor:

Buy the Book - Another Door Opens;5 steps for navigating change. Described as 'Game changing' 'Brilliant' 'A must read' 'The best book on change'.

Eleanor supports individuals, teams and organisations through change. Whether it's coaching or large scale organisational change through communications and training.

Work with Eleanor 121 as your coach, when you are starting something new, to develop the idea, to create the idea, to get it launched.

Book in a Change Mastery for a team session - when your team is navigating change.

Book in a 90 minute workshop - to think through change at work.

Join the Another Door Opens 5 Step Programme - a course and community to guide you through the mess of change to find calm, joy and opportunity.

Instagram:instagram/anotherdooruk

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-tweddell/

Website: www.another-door-opens.com

Produced by winteraudio.co.uk