Like many of us in our careers, Zeba wears many hats. She’s a scientist, a consultant, an entrepreneur, and soon, a materials science teacher at a university. Zeba talks about leaving the bureaucracy of corporate life to try out a new business idea. She shares how she took her side hustle, a direct to consumer shoe brand with the aim of making custom shoes to fit a customer, and made it into a business, testing and iterating along the way. We talk reinventing yourself and being true to yourself by doing the things you actually like doing. We talk about how she tested her business idea, gathered feedback from customers, and how much fun it can be to bring your business idea to fruition.

Listen to this if you’re thinking about making your side hustle a full time or if you’re a scientist pondering a switch from your current career path.

Also, my new book, Punch Doubt in the Face: How to Upskill, Change Careers, and Beat the Robots has a new home. Join our community of curious career changers who are interested in the future of work: www.punchdoubt.com

Career change advice to love and follow from this episode:

“Set aside an hour a day strictly for yourself, so do something completed unrelated and fun, something that’s totally unrelated to your job. This will help you smoothen the transition.”

“Don’t expect miracles. It takes time. Be patient and expect at least a year or two to have a meaningful change that you want to say.”

“Have a good support system. Surround yourself with people who are going through this, and those who support you. It will make all the difference.”