James Cameron: Why Changing Direction Could Be The Best Decision You Make

This is a TITANIC episode. (See what we did there?). Have you ever started down a path because it seemed like the “right” choice… only to realise it didn’t quite fit? Maybe you chose certain subjects because they sounded impressive, began a university degree because it felt safe, or you’re quietly wondering whether your child’s current pathway actually suits who they are. (Or even your own!). In this episode of More Than a Score, we sit down with James Cameron, a teacher, adventurer, mentor and outdoor education specialist who understands what it means to change direction. James began university on one course and realised it wasn’t aligned. He made the decision to shift. Not because he couldn’t cope, but because he was paying attention to who he was becoming. Now working within the education system as a teacher, James sees first-hand how quickly young people tie their identity to subjects, scores and labels. But he has also discovered something powerful: his greatest strengths were never just academic. They were relational. Building trust, creating belonging, leading through outdoor education. Helping young people grow through challenge, not just content or "typical" learning. This is a grounded and honest conversation about choosing growth over comfort, backing yourself when something doesn’t fit, and redefining success beyond a single decision. If you are a parent navigating subject selection or university pressure with your young person, or questioning whether it is “too late” to change direction, this episode will make an impact and give you perspective. And if you work in education, James offers insights from inside the system about what truly shapes confidence and capability that affect us long after we leave school. What You’ll Hear in This Episode • What it really feels like to change course at university • Why changing direction is often growth, not failure • How early labels shape our identity • What school did well for James and what he needed more of • How working inside schools reshapes our view of success • Why relationship-building is a skill that outlasts any exam result • The impact of outdoor education and adventures on resilience and confidence • What he has had unlearn after school and university • Ways you navigate uncertainty Sometimes the most important step forward is having the courage to adjust course. 🔗 Discover more about Rise Outdoors here: https://riseoutdoors.com.au/ Check out James on Loz's previous podcast episode on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aaJzeQdawQyZQ5KdWbUoC?si=ft0n-dFSQzecew_4dnch-A