From RAF Engineer to The Salford Chocolatier: Amanda Norbury

In this episode, Donna sits down with Amanda Norbury, also known as The Salford Chocolatier. Amanda shares her remarkable journey from a 30-year career as an aircraft engineer in the Royal Air Force to launching her own artisan chocolate business. She discusses overcoming challenges, the importance of vulnerability and asking for help, and how a chance appearance on James Martin's Saturday Morning show catapulted her business to new heights.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Amanda's career shift began with a simple interest in physics and a chance encounter at a careers office, leading to a fulfilling 30-year career in the RAF. The discipline, resilience, and adaptability Amanda learned in the military proved invaluable in launching and running her own business. Admitting you don't know everything and asking for help is not a weakness; it builds trust and fosters stronger connections with others. You don't need to dive into the deep end immediately. Taking small steps, like talking to strangers or attending local events, can help build the confidence needed for bigger leaps. In a digital age, face-to-face interactions and showing your authentic self can be a powerful differentiator for your business. BEST MOMENTS "I never really had the confidence though, and that was the difference. I never believed any of this was going to happen, but I just took the opportunity when it came along." "The strength comes from vulnerability, not from showing the world that you can achieve everything, which we can't." "You can be a leader and still be human and still be vulnerable." "Don't do anything until you've got some advice, support. Use all your resources, empower yourself with those tools because Googling will waste hours and hours of precious time." "Invest in yourself: You're worth that investment." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.  She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/