Embracing New Life: Master Coach and Author Elizabeth Carney
In this insightful interview “Embracing a New Life: Interview with Master Coach and Author Elizabeth Carney”, we speak with a distinguished Master Coach and award-winning author who has transformed lives and inspired countless women through her book, “Totally Real: A Blueprint to Reboot Your Life.”
With a rich background in corporate leadership and a passion for helping professional women rebuild their lives after major setbacks, she shares her personal journey from the UK to Italy.
Discover her experiences, challenges and the joys of adapting to a new culture, as well as her ongoing mission to empower women to live authentically and fully on their own terms.
Hi Elizabeth, tell us a little bit about yourself, who are you, what do you do, and where were you born?
I am a Master Coach and award winning best selling author of Totally Real a blueprint to reboot your life.
I help professional women 50 and above that have gone through life changing events such as divorce, job loss or being sidelined at work, loss of parents, empty nester.
This leaves them with the life they built in tatters, wondering who they are and what their purpose is now.
After putting everyone else first for years I help them to find out who they are and what they want so they can create a new life and live authentically as who they truly are – on their terms.
I was born in the UK – in the Midlands, went to grammar school, six form college and after 2 years in banking studied Communications at university.
A 25 year plus corporate career followed mainly in Shipping and Insurance.
I had a senior role at P&O then travelled the world training and coaching with Allianz.
I am a Prince 2 practitioner, six sigma black belt, Business Analyst and more.
Over the years my projects have saved millions of pounds dollars and euros.
I set up my own business in 2011 – Peak Focus – taking you and your company to new heights.
Mainly consulting but more coaching of small business owners until I created my system The Reboot Protocol.
This uses tried and tested business improvement techniques that I have adapted to improving the process of life.
Now I coach one to one and groups of ladies.
I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro in 2010 and trekked to Everest Basecamp in 2012 raising substantial sums for charity.
What made you leave your home country and move to Italy?
I have always had a touch of wanderlust and after returning from 3 years in Germany I never felt truly settled.
Italy has always had an appeal.
I went to A Place in the Sun in London and met the agent who helped me find my house here.
At the time everyone was trying to sell me whatever they had, in Spain, USA, France wherever!
This guy said – Exactly what are you looking for? and eventually with his help I found it!
What were your first impressions when you arrived in Italy?
It was July and it was hot but somehow it immediately felt like home.
My neighbour over the road rushed out to welcome me with a big hug.
I live in a small village and I am the only English person here but I have found everyone extremely welcoming.
How did you find the relocation process, from bureaucracy to cultural adjustment?
For me, I did my research and got help when appropriate and did things in the right order.
Luckily I arrived before the Brexit deadline so I have protected rights to stay.
I got my driving licence exchanged and my car put on Italian plates.
Later I got the full set of documents – health card etc.
I had help with setting up a bank account and getting my codice fiscale (Tax code).
It has not been totally easy at times but I have not had the issues that some speak of.
It always helps to research and find out what you need – and photocopy everything!
The biggest issue was covid and lockdown – that was a strange period having just moved to a new country but it all seems in the distant past now.
What are the main differences you noticed between life in your home country and life in Italy?
People talk about Italy being more expensive e..g. for utilities but I think it is similar if not cheaper than the UK.
The food is fresher – tastes like it used to, much of what I eat is grown locally.
The food and of course the wine are awesome and wine especially is far less expensive than the UK.
Shopping, business and restaurant hours take a siesta break so are often closed between 12.30/1.00pm until 4/4.30 pm – that takes some getting used to.
Meals are many courses – the Italians love their food but you don’t have to eat massive portions of everything.
There are many festivals – often free or low cost where entire villages turn out to party.
They are often based around religious events but are still a lot of fun and it’s great to congregate with friends to eat drink and enjoy the music.
What do you love most about life in Italy? Is there anything you miss about your home country?
I Love the weather and the relaxed pace of life here in Italy.
The coffee culture is fab and its always great coffee at a very low price.
Apart from people – friends and family, It’s good old English Fish and Chips and a proper bacon sandwich that are usually the top of my list when I go back.
How has your experience been in learning the Italian language? Did you find it difficult or was it relatively easy?
I have struggled to be honest but there are also around 15 different dialects in Abruzzo alone.
Sometimes it seems I am making progress – I can communicate in shops and restaurants and with friends but to paraphrase that old Morecambe and Wise joke, I find myself saying all the right words just not necessarily in the right order.
I am starting to watch some Italian films etc. and it is getting easier but I am far from fluent although I can generally understand much more now and make myself understood.
A work in progress really!
Are there any Italian traditions or cultural aspects that you particularly enjoyed in your daily life?
I love the Festas and the family feasts that I have been invited to.
The pageantry at some events goes back to medieval times and is hugely entertaining.
I have also been to summer opera performances in a small village – held outside in the piazza, these nights are magical.
Wine under the stairs is another summer event in my village where all the wineries have a stand and you can sample as you walk around the streets eating arrosticini (lamb kebabs) and listening to music.
The arrosticini are amazing – I never met one I didn’t like lol!
How did you find the work system in Italy compared to that in your home country?
It’s not easy to get work even when legally entitled to.
I did have a part time job for a while but it was not a priority.
My business and clients are in the UK and I have mainly taken that online.
As I have my own company getting a job was not really on my list. I am highly qualified but it is a lengthy process to get qualifications validated.
What are your favorite places in Italy that you have visited so far?
Italy was one of the first places I ever travelled to as a teenager and I still have great memories of Naples and Pompeii – including the debate as to whether girls of such tender years should be allowed to see the Pompeii brothel!
I absolutely love Venice and Verona – I took my mother to the opera for her 70th birthday, many years ago now! (We drove from Munich where I was living at the time).
Driving through the Dolomites and the Brenner Pass old and new are incredible drives.
I am yet to visit Rome properly and do it justice – same with Florence – hopefully this year.
The lakes also spectacular – Garda and Como.
The last few years I have been exploring much more locally – the beaches and mountains of Abruzzo have plenty to offer all year round.
Is there a place in Italy that you dream of visiting but haven’t had the opportunity to see yet?
Florence, Ischia – off Naples, Sicily _ I could explore forever as I just love this country.
Oh and Milan – I have only been to the airport and train station!
Italian trains are really easy and comfortable and the long-distance bus services too.
I also want to revisit many of the places I have already been but I love the special places off the beaten tourist track too!
How do you think this experience of living in Italy has changed your perspective on life?
I’m just pretty laid back about everything and it’s much easier to live like that here.
It’s important not to stress about things.
The bureaucracy is crazy at times but things do get done best to make friends with people who can help and do your research first.
Would you recommend moving to Italy to others? Why?
I would as long as you are not looking for things you find on every street corner in the US and UK.
Fast food chains are at a minimum – Italians fight to keep the processed food out.
The coffee chains are also not available in many places but really why would you buy an overpriced over sugared excuse for a coffee at an inflated price when you can get the good stuff for a euro!
I get especially annoyed when people moan about all the things that Italy doesn’t have from ‘home” My advice is if that’s what you want – stay ‘home’ wherever that is or embrace Italian culture and Italian food.
Did somebody say gelato? That’s another world again!
Do you have any plans for the future? Do you see yourself staying in Italy long-term or do you have other destinations in mind?
I am planning to stay but I do intend to travel both around Italy and elsewhere!
Thank you very much Elizabeth!
Elizabeth Carney’s life journey is an inspiring narrative of transformation and reinvention.
From a successful corporate career in the UK to becoming a Master Coach and author, Elizabeth now thrives in Italy, embracing its culture and lifestyle.
Her experiences of overcoming personal and professional challenges, coupled with her passion for helping women rebuild their lives, highlight her resilience and dedication.
Italy has provided a fulfilling new chapter, rich with community, culture and adventure.
Elizabeth’s story is a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and the rewards of living authentically.
If you would like to read her exciting and inspirational book here are the links:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Totally-Real-blueprint-reboot-your/dp/178452932X
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Totally-Real-blueprint-reboot-your-ebook/dp/B08ZWLMGL3
https://www.amazon.com/Totally-Real-blueprint-reboot-your-ebook/dp/B08ZWLMGL3
https://www.amazon.it/Totally-Real-blueprint-reboot-English-ebook/dp/B08ZWLMGL3
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