Scott Baker

In this episode, I chat with Scott Baker, Founder of Toast Financial.

After spending 20 years building a successful career in retail and e-commerce at The Cotton On Group, Scott found himself at a crossroads. He knew he wanted more. More purpose, more alignment with his passions, and more impact from the work he was doing. But he wasn’t sure what direction that should take.

So, what does it actually look like to reinvent your career after two decades in one industry? We unpack the steps Scott took to figure out his next move, from identifying his transferable skills to exploring what really lit him up, and how he made the leap.

We also talk about the emotional side of making a big change like this. What came up for him? What felt exciting, and what was downright scary?

Scott shares what it was like going from the structure of a big corporate role to starting his own business, and the key skills and mindset shifts that helped him navigate that transition. He also dives into how building a strong network and personal brand helped him open doors and gain traction.

If you’re sitting in a role that no longer feels quite right, and you’re wondering how to figure out what’s next, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiration to get you started.

Episode breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 Early Career and Retail Journey

04:27 Transition to a New Career

08:12 Starting a Business as a Mortgage Broker

17:51 Purpose and Impact

24:03 Challenges of Running a Business

25:21 Staying Disciplined While Working Alone

26:53 The Importance of Curiosity in Learning

29:27 Building Momentum in Business

32:25 Networking and Personal Branding

44:42 The Power of Vulnerability and Asking for Help

If you'd like to connect with Scott:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottybaker/

Website: https://www.toastfinance.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scott_thebroker_baker/

Can you also find episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaGrahamCareerCoach/videos

Your host, Emma Graham, Career Coach and ex-recruiter, is here to help you with:

💡 Gain clarity on what’s important to you

💡 Confidently communicate your value

💡 Build a personal brand and a strong network

💡 Take a strategic approach to your next move

💡 Navigate the job market effectively

💡 Build career confidence with a repeatable success blueprint

🌐 Explore my coaching programs and free resources:

Website: https://www.egconsulting.au/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emmajgraham

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagrahamcareercoach/

🎁 Free Resources:

📄 CV Development Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/cv-advice

📄 LinkedIn Profile Optimisation Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/linkedin-profile-guide

📅 Book Your FREE Career Strategy Discovery Call:

https://calendly.com/emmagrahamconsulting/discovery-call