The Turning Point: 100 Real Stories of Courage, Change, and Career Reinvention by Author Lochan Narayanan

In a world where career paths are rarely linear and transitions are inevitable, The Turning Point offers a refreshing perspective on professional reinvention. This powerful anthology features 100 real stories from individuals who have switched roles, returned from breaks, started over, or questioned long-held definitions of success. Drawing from these stories, the book introduces 10 career archetypes—patterns that reveal how people show up at work and make decisions—helping readers understand their own journeys. Written with empathy and insight, this book is a guide for anyone navigating the uncertainties of modern work life.

Q: What inspired you to write this book, and what specific expertise or experiences do you bring to the subject matter?

Over the years, I’ve sat across from hundreds of people at turning points in their careers—some in tears, some quietly confused, some excited but unsure. As a coach and founder of a learning consultancy, I’ve seen how isolating these moments can feel, especially when your career doesn’t follow the “usual” path. What struck me was how often people just needed to hear, “You’re not the only one.” This book aims to do exactly that—to hold up a mirror and say, “This too is a valid story.”

My background is in executive coaching and leadership development, but more than that, this book comes from listening. It’s built on lived experience—mine and so many others’. And it’s held together by a simple belief: our careers deserve more compassion, context, and choice.

Q: Can you provide an overview of your book and how it addresses key challenges in the world today?

The Turning Point is a powerful anthology of 100 real, diverse career stories—from professionals who have switched roles, returned from breaks, started over, or questioned long-held definitions of success. In an age where career paths are no longer linear and transitions are inevitable, the book offers both reflection and reassurance.

From these stories emerge the 10 career archetypes—recurring patterns in how people show up at work and make decisions. Some are Mavericks, creating paths where there were none before; some are Rulers, always aiming for the stars and doing everything in their power to get there. These archetypes help readers see their own patterns and make sense of their decisions.

At a time when the world of work is changing faster than ever—and the old rules don’t quite fit—this book offers resonance, empathy, and a sense of possibility.

Q: Could you share some of the most valuable insights or takeaways that readers can expect from your book?

  • You don’t have to have it all figured out—most of us are improvising.
  • Career changes don’t always look dramatic—sometimes, it’s a quiet shift in what you say yes to.
  • Breaks, detours, and slowdowns are not failures—they’re part of the path.
  • Who you are at work is shaped by more than just your skills—it’s about energy, values, and what drives you.
  • And most importantly, you’re not alone. The stories in the book—from people across industries, ages, and life stages—show just how many ways there are to move forward.

Q: Can you highlight any case studies or real-world examples from your book that illustrate the principles you discuss?

Every chapter is a real-world example. You’ll meet:

  • A driven woman who dedicated her life to raising her family and finally started her first corporate job at age 54.
  • A sports marketing professional who started a productivity app for mothers after becoming a mother herself.
  • A finance professional who quit her corporate role to become a chef.
  • A lawyer who left her profession to become a Bharatanatyam dancer.

Q: Are there any particular challenges or obstacles you encountered while writing this book, and how did you overcome them?

Honestly, the biggest challenge was doing justice to people’s stories. Imagine trying to condense 20–25 years of life into a single page—we had to be very conscious of what’s relevant to our message and what could be left out. It was a difficult but necessary balancing act.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book, and how do you envision it making a positive impact on their lives?

I hope they leave with a little more compassion—for themselves and for others. That they realize it’s okay to change direction, to not know, and to want different things at different times.

I hope the archetypes give them a vocabulary—to understand what drives them, what energizes them, and what they need more (or less) of in their work life.

Most of all, I hope they feel less alone. When you’re at a turning point, the most comforting thing in the world is knowing someone else has stood there too—and found a way through.

Q: In a rapidly changing environment, how does your book stay relevant and adaptable for readers over time?

Because it’s not offering trends or hacks—it’s offering human stories. As long as people are rethinking their careers, hitting roadblocks, or wondering, “What now?”, these stories will remain relevant.

Plus, the career archetypes are designed to evolve with you. You might start as a Strategist—focused on problem-solving—and grow into a Harmoniser who values stability. This book doesn’t lock you into a type. It invites you to reflect, shift, and reimagine—as many times as life asks you to.

Discover your own path and find inspiration in The Turning Point: 100 Career Transition Stories. Available now on Amazon .Start your journey today and see where your story can take you.