Old Trident Rebekah Galligan (Class of 2009) returned to Trent College this week to help students understand that you don’t need to have it all figured out by 16. Now Head of People Experience at Wagamama, Career Strategist & Coach, and a bestselling author, Rebekah spent time with Year 10 pupils, sharing her refreshingly honest career journey and leading a discussion focused on personal values, happiness at work, and the possibilities of career pivoting.

Answering questions from the pupils Rebekah told them: “I wanted to be a physio at 16. I studied physics and biology, didn’t do so well, and so went to university to study Marketing. I worked in call centres, joined the NHS during the COVID vaccine rollout, and now I’m at Wagamama.”

“Every step has taught me something new and no,
you absolutely don’t have to have it all mapped out.”

Her talk, rooted in the themes of her book ‘It Pays To Be Happy’, encouraged pupils to think about their own strengths and values, not just future job titles. “When you start to know more about yourself, what you enjoy doing, and what matters to you, you'll find work that aligns with that.”

“Once you find happiness, career opportunities and money tend to follow.”

Rebekah explained to the pupils how she now finds great career satisfaction in her role at Wagamama by focusing on how people feel at work. She leads initiatives to boost happiness and wellbeing through flexible working, career development opportunities like apprenticeships, and meaningful roles for everyone, including those re-entering the workforce from prison. With six generations working across the business, she’s passionate about creating inclusive, supportive environments that meet a wide range of needs all while staying closely connected to restaurant life, and enjoying plenty of noodles along the way … “I probably eat about four Wagamamas a week!”

Later in the day, Rebekah spoke at the ISTIP (Independent Schools Teacher Induction Panel) Conference, hosted at Trent, in a bespoke session for early career teachers, encouraging them to define what makes them their kind of teacher, focusing on their personal strengths and purpose. “The session is called ‘Becoming You – Teaching Through Power and Purpose” she explained. “It’s all about choosing the path that’s right for you, not the one you think you should take.”

Throughout the day Rebekah also spoke openly about living with dyslexia and how it has shaped, not limited, her success. “Back at school, I just knew I got extra time in exams and that I struggled” she shared. “Now, my dyslexia is my superpower. It’s what makes me great at what I do: big-picture thinking, strategic vision, and creativity. I have a team that supports me, and together we thrive.”

“My dyslexia is the gift that keeps giving
rather than the thing that holds me back.”

Her return to Trent was about more than just giving advice, it was also a moment of personal reflection. “Coming back is a way to say thank you” she said. “Sport got me through school, without it I’m not sure I’d have got through school as easily. It’s such a privilege to have had that. I even messaged Mr Benstead to say thanks.”

“It’s a privilege to come back and hopefully
help someone like me, back then.”

In motivating others to share their story Rebekah told us: “Sometimes you do this for yourself; the conversation for me today was around being back at school where I’d struggled."

"What’s not to lose? It’s a few hours out of my day.
It’s a nice way to give back to a school that offered me so much.”

Rebekah’s visit was an uplifting and authentic reminder that everyone’s path looks different and that with kindness, courage, and a clear sense of who you are, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

“You can pivot at any point. Skills evolve, and so can your direction. 
With confidence, and by showing up as your true self, it’s absolutely possible.”

Inspired by Rebekah’s visit?
We’d love to hear from more Old Tridents who want to share their story. Whether you’ve followed a traditional path or taken an unexpected route, your experience could offer reassurance and inspiration to current pupils and Old Tridents who are just starting out on their career path. You can also sign up to become a mentor on the Old Tridents Network platform, and make a difference in someone’s future journey.

Old Tridents Network | Careers Connect

Order your copy of Rebekah's
Amazon No.1 Best Seller
30 day guide to a happier you
in work & life
It Pays To Be Happy