From army handler in Afghanistan to a massive career change with Katrina Machin

Ep. 71 on the All Figured Out Podcast

Making a career change can feel like stepping into the unknown, but for Katrina Machin, it was a leap from one high-pressure role to another. From managing VIPs in Afghanistan with the British Army to becoming a health authority leader in Canada, Katrina’s journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and the power of transferable skills.

In this episode of the All Figured Out podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katrina about her incredible career pivot, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and how she balances her fast-paced career with family values rooted in adventure. This blog post explores her inspiring story and offers actionable insights for anyone considering a major career change.

The Power of Transferable Skills and Bold Career Moves

Katrina’s experience managing VIPs in Afghanistan taught her leadership, adaptability, and strategic problem-solving under pressure—skills she now applies as a health authority leader in Canada. Transitioning to civilian life was no small feat, but Katrina leaned into her strengths, navigating unfamiliar territory with confidence.

Takeaway 1: Transferable Skills Are Invaluable

Katrina’s story is a reminder that the skills you’ve built in one role can serve as a foundation for success in a completely different industry. Whether it’s leadership, teamwork, or crisis management, identifying your core competencies can make all the difference in a career pivot.

Takeaway 2: Growth Comes From Big Changes

Relocating to a new country and stepping into an entirely different field isn’t easy, but for Katrina, it sparked incredible growth. Her story highlights the importance of embracing discomfort to achieve long-term success.

Takeaway 3: Stay True to Your Values

Katrina integrates her love for adventure and family values into her career decisions. By staying true to what matters most, she’s built a fulfilling life and career that align with her personal goals.

Takeaway 4: Seek Support and Mentorship

Katrina emphasizes the importance of building a support system during major transitions. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or trusted colleagues, having someone to guide and encourage you can help navigate challenges.

Summary

Katrina Machin’s career journey is proof that bold moves and transferable skills can lead to incredible opportunities. By embracing her strengths, staying true to her values, and seeking support, she created a thriving career in Canada’s healthcare sector.

If you’re considering a career change or navigating a major life transition, Katrina’s story offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Take the first step—it might just lead to your next big adventure.

In this episode we discuss:

• Katrina’s transition from the British Army to civilian life and her first roles in Canada.

• The power of transferable skills in building a new career path.

• Leadership lessons learned in the military and applied to corporate growth.

• Balancing career growth with family life and values.

• Katrina’s advice for anyone navigating a major career change or international move.

Time Stamps

03:20 – Introduction and Katrina’s background in the British Army

12:15 – Transitioning to civilian life and her first roles in Canada

20:30 – How transferable skills helped Katrina build her career

28:10 – Leadership lessons from the military applied to project management

37:45 – Balancing career and family with a focus on adventure

45:20 – Katrina’s advice for anyone navigating a career change or major life transition

About Katrina Machin

Katrina is a powerhouse project manager with over 15 years of experience orchestrating complex projects across healthcare, IT, and organizational design. But her journey started in the British Army, where she mastered team leadership and strategic planning—skills that would shape her into the dynamo she is today.

 With a passion for innovation and a knack for transforming vision into action, Katrina currently heads up the Technology Refresh Program at the Provincial Health Services Authority, where she's all about optimising a $200M program, that brought 51,000+ personal computing devices up to speed across three health authorities in the province. 

An eternal learner, Katrina is working toward her Executive MBA, adding to her collection of degrees, certifications, and war stories. And if you thought her talents stopped at deadlines and deliverables, think again. Katrina is also a mentor, Agile coach and kids church ministry leader—who’s always down to chat about change management over a strong cup of coffee.

When she’s not streamlining processes or saving budgets, you can find her exploring the North Vancouver trails or plotting her next big multiday hike with her husband and 7 year old son Monty.

Related Episodes

• Episode with Mark Machin (Katrina’s husband)

• Episode with Ana Colak-Fustin, former Global 500 recruiter

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