Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks

Joanne Lockwood talks with business strategist Elsa Caleb about what it takes to turn setbacks into comebacks, especially for women whose careers and income were disrupted by Brexit, Covid, and the cost of living crisis.

Elsa explains how she helps clients move from feeling stuck to taking practical steps: reframing circumstances, identifying transferable skills, and building the mindset needed to treat a venture as a real business rather than a hobby. Together they explore common barriers such as loss of confidence, fear of financial risk, and uncertainty about sales, pricing, and planning.

The conversation also highlights the value of supportive networks and accountability, with examples from women’s entrepreneur communities and the Professional Speaking Association during the pandemic. Elsa shares parts of her own journey from dance and the arts into business support work, as well as reflections on family influence and the reality of facing race as a factor in her experience.

Across the episode, the focus stays on sustainable entrepreneurship: cash flow, compliance, pricing, and building resilience so people can create stability for themselves and their families while pursuing work that fits their strengths and ambitions.