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Never Too Late to Dream

Never Too Late to Dream

By: Caroline Buist
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Real, inspiring stories from late bloomers, who followed their dreams and found their version of success in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, despite wobbles, challenges and setbacks.2026 Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Social Sciences
Episodes
  • E1: Freedom to finally use my voice

    E1: Freedom to finally use my voice
    Jun 25 2026
    ABOUT CAROLINE Caroline Buist is a content marketing strategist, ADHD-friendly VA and self-confessed music obsessive, born within earshot of the Bow Bells in London's East End. (It's Caro-lin, by the way. Silent e. She's been correcting people her whole life.) After 30 years as an employee navigating toxic workplaces, imposter syndrome and the tragic loss of a friend, Caroline finally took the leap to start her own business. She launched Above & Beyond VA in 2020, supporting neurodivergent and creative business owners with tailored admin and content marketing services. She's also the author of Sing Like No-One's Listening! (2026) — the practical, music-powered guide to following your dreams at any age. When she's not writing or podcasting, you'll find her singing in her local choir, borrowing dogs or absolutely nailing a sudoku puzzle. SUMMARY Caroline Buist, host of the Never Too Late to Dream podcast, shares her late bloomer journey and her lifelong dream of wanting to be her own boss. Starting at 15 with aspirations of managing bands and artists, her path was derailed by failing A levels and the subsequent fear of going it alone. Music became her solace and a wake-up call in 2015 led her to start her first business in 2016. Despite initial failures and setbacks, she launched Above & Beyond VA in 2020, finding success and support from mentors. Caroline advises embracing failure as feedback and taking small steps towards your dreams. She plans to continue her podcast (as long as it's still fun) and is currently writing her second book. HIGHLIGHTS What is your dream and why did you want it? Timestamp: [0:01:48] Quote: "My dream, the one I've had since I was about 15 years old, was to be my own boss. What is your dream's theme song? Timestamp: [0:03:01] Quote: "That's easy. Freedom! '90 by George Michael. That song sums it all up for me. What stopped you from pursuing your dream at the beginning? Timestamp: [0:03:59] Quote: "Where do I start? Life mostly, the usual suspects. How did you cope with these challenges? Timestamp: [0:05:10] Quote: "Music, honestly, music has always been my therapy, my motivation, and my happy place What advice would you give your younger self? Timestamp: [0:06:52] Quote: "I think I'd say stop lip syncing to someone else's song, stop following the path that other people have mapped out for you, and start writing your own Is there anything you'd do differently? Timestamp: [0:07:50] Quote: "If I'm honest, I'd have started earlier, not at 15, I wasn't really ready then, but maybe in my 30s when I had a bit more life experience behind me. What does success look like for you? Timestamp: [0:08:35] - Quote: "Freedom and flexibility. Full stop. Where do you see yourself in the future? Any new dreams? Timestamp: [0:10:22] Quote: "Well, you're listening to one of them. This podcast... I'm also currently working on a second book What would you say to someone who's put their dream on the back burner? Timestamp: [0:11:37] Quote: "I'd say take it off the back burner right now, not next week, not after the kids have left home, not when the time is right, because the time is never right. You just have to go for it. CAROLINE'S LINKS · Sing Like No-One's Listening available from Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1806054337 · Website: https://abovebeyondva.co.uk · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-buist-the-copy-queen/ SONGS MENTIONED · Freedom! '90 by George Michael · Careless Whisper by George Michael · More Than Words by Extreme NEXT GUEST Robyn Harris from W·I·L·D® Wellbeing (Ep 2): https://w-i-l-d.uk e 1EEpisode 1: Freedom to Finally Find My Voicepisode 1: Freedom to Finally Find My Voice: Freedom to Finally Find My Voice
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    14 mins
  • Trailer: Never Too Late to Dream

    Trailer: Never Too Late to Dream
    May 19 2026

    Welcome to Never Too Late to Dream — the podcast for anyone who's ever shelved a dream, talked themselves out of one, or let fear, doubt or life itself get in the way. I'm your host Caroline Buist — writer, VA, choir member, dog borrower and lifelong lover of music.

    Every episode, I'll be talking to real people — late bloomers, slow-burners and plot-twisters — who dared to pursue their dreams later than "supposed to".

    We're talking about the messy middle, the wobbles, the moments of "what the hell am I doing?" and the extraordinary things that happen when you keep going anyway.

    Because here's the thing: there's no expiry date on a dream. The world's full of people who found their groove in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond. And they've got stories worth hearing.

    Never Too Late to Dream launches in June 2026. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss a note.

    And if this is resonating with you — if you've got a dream that's been gathering dust — my book, Sing Like No-One's Listening, is out now and available from Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1806054337.

    Because it's never too late. It really isn't.

    I'll see you in the first episode where I tell my story. Bring your dreams. They're not too old, they're not too daft, and neither are you.

    Let's go late bloomers!
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    3 mins
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