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Neil O’Dwyer has had anything but a conventional career. In this episode of The Sewing Social, Neil shares his unconventional journey from banking to tailoring, teaching and storytelling, and the unexpected role that sewing has played along the way.
We talk about what first drew Neil to tailoring and sewing, making a career change later in life, and how a series of unexpected opportunities led him from one career to the next. From working in banking to becoming a tailor, making lingerie for strippers, working as a film extra and eventually teaching maths and sewing, Neil’s career has taken some surprising turns.
Neil also talks about his storytelling show, Banker, Tailor, Teacher, Guy, and the experiences that inspired it. We explore creativity, learning new skills, changing careers and saying yes to opportunities, even when you don't know exactly where they might lead.
It's a conversation about work, sewing, creativity and finding your way — with a reminder that there isn't necessarily one right career path, and that it's never too late to learn something new or take things in a completely different direction.
Key Topics:
- Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to tailoring to teaching and storytelling
- The importance of saying yes to opportunities and embracing change
- How creativity can be a lifelong pursuit and a career path
- Experiences at Saville Row and the impact on Neil’s skills
- Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
- Neil’s involvement in Edinburgh Fringe and clown courses
- The value of networking and connections in career development
- Advice for those considering career changes and pursuing passions
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Guest Details:
Instagram: @uphereimalreadythere
@bankertailorteacherguy
Substack: Career Escapism
Chapters
00:00 Neil’s diverse career journey from banking to storytelling
01:53 The leap from banking to tailoring inspired by a friend
03:55 Training at Newham College and working on Savile Row
06:02 Experiences working at Savile Row and self-training
08:07 Transitioning from tailoring to film and fashion projects
09:57 Storytelling at Edinburgh Fringe and performing on stage
11:53 The importance of saying yes and embracing new experiences
13:54 Neil’s advice for career changers and lifelong learning
15:50 Using storytelling to inspire students and share life lessons
18:02 Balancing creativity with teaching and everyday life
19:54 Upcoming projects and future plans for Neil
