Squiggly Careers

Does work feel a bit knotty right now? In this Squiggly Shortcut, Helen shares three practical ways to find your footing when everything around you feels uncertain — whether that's a restructure, a shifting role, or just the general noise of a complicated economic moment.🎯 What You'll Learn– Why focusing on what you do know is the best antidote to feeling overwhelmed by what you don't– How to use uncertainty as a trigger for learning — and how to build a simple learning list that puts you back in control– Why "mental time travel" — fast forwarding 12 months into the future — can help you get unstuck and decide what to do differently right nowFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email: [email protected] some more squiggly career support?1.Download our free career tools2.Sign up for our Skills Sprints3.Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Newsletter, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools4.Order our new book Learn Like a Lobster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to 'Kaizen your squiggly career', borrowing brilliance from the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement.They discuss why big career changes can feel overwhelming and how focusing on small, manageable improvements can help you build momentum without triggering fear or overthinking. Along the way, they introduce four key Kaizen ideas and translate them into simple, actionable tools for your working week.From spotting where you might be waiting rather than creating, to eliminating wasted effort, to building in better reflection habits, Helen and Sarah share how to move from intention to action in a way that actually sticks.If you’ve ever felt busy but not progressing, unsure where to focus your energy, or stuck in cycles of overthinking, this episode will help you take small steps that lead to meaningful change.🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8AvEpisode 547(00:00) Introducing Kaizen for careers(02:00) What Kaizen actually means (and why it works)(06:30) Gemba: why observation beats speculation(11:15) Muda: eliminating waste in your work(17:45) Are you busy… or actually productive?(22:10) The risks of “waiting” in your career(25:10) Hansai: the power of reflection(29:00) Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) explained(34:00) Why reflection is often overlooked(38:00) Standardising what works(41:00) Small changes that create big impact📚 Resources MentionedKaizen: The Japanese Method for Transforming Habits by Sarah Harvey - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kaizen-Japanese-Method-Transforming-Habits/dp/1529005353#:~:text=Kaizen%20by%20Sarah%20Harvey%20brings,working%20style%2C%20preferences%20and%20personality.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Squiggly Shortcut, Sarah shares how to bring small, low-pressure moments of play into team days, without falling into the trap of forced fun. She shares why play matters for learning, connection, and wellbeing, and offers simple, practical ideas that teams can try in just a few minutes.Episode 546🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av 📚 Resources MentionedPlay by Stuart Brown - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Play-Shapes-Brain-Imagination-Invigorates/dp/1583333789The 100 Year Life by Lynda Gratton - https://www.100yearlife.com/Humor, Seriously by Jannifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humour-Serious-Business-Superpower-Work/dp/0241405939Episode #441 How to fit more play into your day - https://youtu.be/hSsiRr0WXWEFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from a talk by Lord Michael Hastings at the London Interdisciplinary School about leading responsibly in an uncertain world. The conversation sparks the question: what happens when cynicism creeps into our careers?They explore how everyday thoughts like “there’s no point applying", ” “the system is rigged,” or “nothing will change anyway” can quietly stall progress in a squiggly career. Instead of staying stuck in that mindset, Helen and Sarah share practical ways to shift from cynicism to a more proactive and generous approach.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with work, doubtful about opportunities, or tempted to disengage, this episode will help you replace cynicism with curiosity, action, and generosity.Episode 545🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av(00:00) How Cynicism Shows Up in Your Career(01:54) The London Interdisciplinary School (06:35) Common “cynical” thoughts at work(11:34) The danger of the cynicism echo chamber(13:47) Small actions add up(17:53) Learning from people who think differently(25:05) Why generosity matters at work(29:00) The power of the five-minute favour(31:41) Finding ways to stay grounded📚 Resources MentionedLIS - https://www.lis.ac.uk/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Squiggly Shortcut, Helen shares three simple ways to boost your motivation when you’re stuck in a “knotty moment” at work. Whether it’s unexpected feedback, a tricky project, a difficult relationship, or even feeling stuck in the wrong role, these situations can quickly drain your energy and momentum. This episode gives you practical, in-the-moment ideas to help you reset, regain a sense of control, and keep going even when things feel hard.Episode 544🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from the psychology of attachment styles and explore what this concept can teach us about working relationships. Sparked by a Harvard Business Review article on managing insecure leaders, they unpack the four main attachment styles and what they might look like in the workplace: secure, anxious, avoidant-dismissive, and fearful-avoidant.If you’ve ever wondered why certain working relationships feel easy while others feel surprisingly tricky, this episode will give you a useful lens for understanding behaviour and adapting in ways that help you work better together. Episode 543🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av(00:00) Attachment styles at work(01:14) The four attachment styles explained(09:13) Helen and Sarah reflect on their own styles(22:20) How secure styles show up at work(25:06) Managing anxious behaviours(29:01) Avoidant-dismissive patterns and how to adapt(34:18) Avoidant-fearful behaviours and building trust📚 Resources MentionedHow to Manage an Insecure Leader (Harvard Business Review) https://hbr.org/2026/03/how-to-manage-an-insecure-leaderFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Asking for feedback can feel uncomfortable. What if you hear something you don’t agree with? What if it confirms your worst fears? And how do you ask without it feeling formal or awkward? In this Squiggly Shortcut, Sarah shares 3 simple ways to ask for feedback that actually helps you learn and grow.Episode 542🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av 📚 Resources Mentioned3 Ways To Give And Get Constructive Feedback #457 - https://youtu.be/XbP49h60XE4?si=ya6IJS1nsJxbDCsCFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s episode comes to you from a very snowy New York, where Sarah and Helen are launching the US edition of Learn Like a Lobster - in the middle of the biggest blizzard in ten years. Despite battling icy steps and snowy conditions, they’re diving into a topic that could transform how you approach ideas at work: prototyping.Borrowing brilliance from Nesta, Sarah and Helen explore a practical 4-part framework to help you move from “this might be a good idea” to something tangible, testable and useful.Episode 541🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av📚 Resources MentionedSay the Hard Thing Scenario Planner - https://www.saythehardthing.ai/Learn Like a Lobster Profiler - https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler... Nesta Prototyping Framework - https://www.nesta.org.uk/toolkit/prototyping-framework/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If networking feels awkward or transactional, this Squiggly Shortcut offers a simpler starting point: give to gain. Helen explores why focusing on what you can contribute, rather than what you can get, makes building relationships easier and more effective. Generosity strengthens connections and creates reciprocity, a concept backed by research from Adam Grant. To make it practical, she shares three easy ways to get started: reflect on what you’re recommended for, share lessons from your experiences, and offer your expertise in small, useful ways. A short, actionable guide to building career karma that feels genuine, not transactional.Episode 540🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av 📚 Resources MentionedAre you a giver or a taker? | Adam Grant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyXRYgjQXX0How to create career karma | Squiggly Careers E298 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rcBw84iTUAFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from a powerful Harvard Business Review article by James Elfer, Siri Chilazi, and Edward Chang on the science of behaviour change at work.They unpack the “Four T’s” model, a practical framework used in big organisations to drive measurable behaviour change. But instead of keeping it theoretical, they apply it to real team challenges like:- Reducing interruptions in meetings- Prioritising important work over easy tasks- Keeping objectives alive (not just setting them)- Moving from “busy” to genuinely impactfulYou’ll hear how to get specific about the behaviour you want to change, design simple interventions that fit your culture, introduce them at the right moment, and measure whether they’re actually working. If you’ve ever said, “We know what to do… we’re just not doing it,” this episode will give you a structured, science-backed way to close that say-do gap, without adding more noise to your workload.Episode 539🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av(00:00) How to Change Behaviour at Work(01:00) The Four T’s explained(05:49) Step 1: Target the right behaviour(07:02) Step 2: Build your theory of change(08:28) Step 3: Make it timely(09:27) Step 4: Test the effect(10:48) Real examples from teams📚 Resources MentionedTo Change Company Culture, Start with One High-Impact Behavior: https://hbr.org/2026/01/to-change-company-culture-start-with-one-high-impact-behaviorFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If influence sometimes feels uncomfortable or awkward, this is a fresh take that reframes it as collaboration rather than persuasion. In this Squiggly Shortcut, Sarah shares a practical, three-step approach to influencing with curiosity rather than control. Using the example of someone challenging the idea of squiggly careers, Sarah explores why pushing harder rarely works and why listening first is often your most powerful move. From opening up the conversation with genuine curiosity, to involving someone in shaping the solution, to landing on a payoff they actually care about, this episode is a simple guide to influencing in a way that feels thoughtful, not manipulative.Episode 538🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av 📚 Resources MentionedEpisode 239: Ask the Expert with Connson Chou Locke - https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/episodes/239-ask-the-expert-influence-with-connson-chou-lockeFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you make your LinkedIn feed work harder for your career instead of just scrolling past the same ideas on repeat? In this episode, Helen and Sarah are Borrowing Brilliance from LinkedIn’s Top Voices list. They share three people worth following right now and why. This episode is all about curating smarter inputs, breaking out of echo chambers, and learning faster from the right voices.Episode 537🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to escape the LinkedIn echo chamber- Three experts to follow for smarter career insights- Small ways to influence your algorithm and improve what you see📚 Resources MentionedLinkedIn Top Voices list: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/meet-the-linkedin-top-voices-class-of-january-2026-6924764/Dr Shani Dhanda: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/shanidhandaZoe Kleinman: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/zoe-kleinman-a057878Cassian Horowitz: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/cassian-horowitz-3166a47b Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Squiggly Shortcut, Helen shares why self-awareness is one of the most important skills for your career and how to build it in small, practical ways. Rather than relying on reflection alone, she explains how self-awareness also means understanding how others experience you and offers three simple exercises to help you spot blind spots, manage your energy, and support your growth.Episode 536🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you ever find yourself going round in circles with the same problem or struggling to come up with fresh ideas at work? In this episode, Helen and Sarah are borrowing brilliance from the Deck of Brilliance - a creative thinking tool packed with prompts to help you break out of your default patterns and see things differently. Together, they explore three simple techniques that help you reset your thinking, unlock new ideas, and make better decisions when you feel stuck.🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8AvEpisode 535⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Why we all get stuck in our thinking at work(01:48) Borrowed brilliance from the Deck of Brilliance(06:16) Tool #1: Make the bug a feature(12:46) Tool #2: Switch perspectives(22:30) Tool #3: Put the audience to the test🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to recognise when your thinking is stuck- Three simple tools to generate better ideas- Ways to get fresh perspective without overcomplicating things📚 Resources MentionedDeck of Brilliance: https://deckofbrilliance.com/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Squiggly Shortcut, Sarah shares practical, low-pressure ways to network when you’re more introverted than extroverted. Rather than forcing yourself into energy-draining events or awkward small talk, Sarah reframes networking as learning, connection, and curiosity and offers simple strategies that feel more natural and sustainable.Episode 529🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live episode of Squiggly Careers, Helen and Sarah take to the stage to explore one of the trickiest parts of career growth - learning through the uncomfortable, uncertain, and messy moments. Borrowing brilliance from lobsters, they share the idea from their new book Learn Like a Lobster of 'shell shedding' — the vulnerable transitions we all go through when we outgrow old roles, identities, or ways of working.Through honest stories, practical tools, and conversations with three brilliant guests, Maya Raichoora, Timeyin Akerelethey & Amy Conroy unpack how setbacks and unexpected change can become fuel for growth, if we know how to spot the learning.This episode is all about turning hard moments into helpful ones, building the confidence to adapt, and leading your own development through the discomfort.Episode 527🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the fifth and final episode in our Shell-Shedding Moments series, a series where CEOs and leaders share the vulnerable moments, the challenges, mistakes, and personal revelations that most people never see. In this episode, Logan McClure Davda, CEO of TED, reflects on stepping into leadership at one of the world’s most influential idea-sharing organisations and the personal shifts that came with it. From making the hard decision to leave a dream role, to learning how to move from “doing” to creating space for others to lead, Logan shares her learnings on letting go and finding the courage to lead in a new way.🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the fourth episode in our Shell-Shedding Moments series, a series where CEOs and leaders share the vulnerable moments, the challenges, mistakes, and personal revelations that most people never see. In this episode, Nick Bent, CEO of UpReach, opens up about the moments that tested him, from handling technology mishaps to resetting organizational culture. He shares how embracing challenges, maintaining perspective, and surrounding yourself with the right people are key to navigating tough times in leadership.🦞 Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://bit.ly/46lj8Av For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the third episode in our Shell-Shedding Moments series, a series where CEOs and leaders share the vulnerable moments, the challenges, mistakes, and personal revelations that most people never see. Today's episode is with Flight Story CEO Georgie Holt, who shares why great ideas are rarely obvious or easy, why comfort is the enemy of growth, and the necessity of experimentation to drive real progress.🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaRFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special CEO Shell-Shedding Moments episode, Sarah interviews Helen, about the uncomfortable moments that help us grow. From difficult interviews to co-founder friction and communication challenges, Helen shares what happens when things feel hard at work and how to fix friction fast before it festers. If you’ve ever replayed a mistake, avoided an awkward conversation, or felt stuck in a working relationship, this episode is full of practical ideas to help you learn quickly and move forward with confidence.🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaRFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Shell-Shedding Moments, a series where CEOs share the vulnerable moments, the challenges, mistakes, and personal revelations that most people never see. Today's episode is with CEO Zaid Al-Qassab who opens up about his experiences with depression, the challenges of leading while managing mental health, and the power of vulnerability in the workplace. Zaid shares how embracing these moments can strengthen resilience, deepen connections, and create healthier work environments.🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Squiggly Shortcut episode, Helen shares a practical, step-by-step framework for asking for help at work in a way that feels confident, clear, and effective.Many of us struggle to ask for help because we fear looking incompetent, don’t want to burden others, or try to push through on our own. Helen breaks down how to neutralize that anxiety, identify what kind of help you need - support, solutions, or a sounding board- figure out who can give it, and frame your ask so it’s actionable and easy to respond to.If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed at work, this episode will give you a simple, Post-It-note-sized system to get the support you need and move your squiggly career forward.Episode 527🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaRFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join the Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you introduce yourself in a way that turns a polite “nice to meet you” into a genuine “tell me more”? In this episode, Helen and Sarah are Borrowing brilliance from Rebecca Okamoto’s TED Talk How to Introduce Yourself and Get Hired. They unpack five simple formulas you can use to make high-impact introductions — whether you’re meeting someone new, speaking at an event, or kicking off a meeting. This episode is all about short, practical introductions that help you be heard, remembered, and taken seriously.Episode 526🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to introduce yourself clearly and confidently- Five practical formulas you can adapt for different situations- Why “tell me more” is the goal of a great introduction- How to make introductions feel natural, not scripted- How to use questions to build connection quickly📚 Resources MentionedHow to Introduce Yourself and Get Hired — Rebecca Okamoto (TED Talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_N3PGvnVKgImpactful Introductions GPT - https://bit.ly/Impactful_Introductions🔔S𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers?sub_confirmation=1If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: ▶️ https://youtu.be/NwgbPJ-pvao▶️ https://youtu.be/c4Bm6IDGOKM▶️ https://youtu.be/jdhXZrrc6nY For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fifth and final episode of the Learn Like a Lobster skill sprint, Helen and Sarah introduce "Helpful How-Tos" - a simple, fun way to share knowledge that helps you learn faster and helps your team too. You'll discover why sharing makes learning stick, how to overcome confidence gremlins, and a practical (and fun) format you can use immediately with your team to keep learning and growing.🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Thank you & Well done! 00:25 How lobsters guarantee their growth(01:00) The double win of sharing learning(01:40) Why organisations don’t sharing learning well(02:20) Rubber duck debugging explained(03:30) Overcoming the "expert" barrier(04:02) Introducing helpful how-tos(06:51) Helpful how-to: going to events (extrovert version)(08:06) Helpful how-to: going to events (introvert version)(09:19) Inspiration & 24hr action🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy "rubber duck debugging" worksWays to make knowledge sharing fun and low-pressure in teamsHow introverts and extroverts can share differentlyLearn Like a Lobster Profiler – https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler.com/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to learning at work, it’s easy to wait for permission - from managers, organisations, or “the right moment.” In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to lead your own learning, even when time, money, or support feel limited. This is Day 4 of the Learn Like A Lobster skill sprint, and the focus is on adaptability — the skill that helps you keep learning when things don’t go to plan. Helen and Sarah explain why relying on perfect conditions can stall your development, and how adapting your approach helps you stay resilient and relevant at work.🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Lobsters, old shells, and self-sustaining growth(01:04) Waiting for permission stalls learning(02:01) Why adaptability matters at work(03:23) Flexibility vs adaptability: the toolbox analogy(05:08) Using AI to adapt in advance(06:48) Live example: Learning goals & scenario planning(09:48) Inspiration & 24hr action🎯 What You’ll LearnThe difference between being flexible and being adaptableHow to anticipate barriers and adapt your learning approachHow AI can help you plan for obstacles and take action nowAI Prompt:Act as a squiggly career coach. My role is: [your role]. I work in: [describe your organisation and context]. My learning goal for the next 3 months is: [what you want to learn]. Identify realistic barriers that might get in the way of this learning. For each barrier, suggest adaptive responses I could use to keep learning anyway. Present the output in a simple table.Learn Like a Lobster Profiler – https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler.com/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Day 3 of the Learn Like a Lobster skill sprint, and today Helen and Sarah share a simple way of reflecting on hard moments at work so you can learn faster, avoid recency bias, and take control in tough situations.Because when work feels messy, reflection is often the first thing we skip - or overdo. In this episode, you’ll learn practical tools, including the 5:1 formula and the WWW/EBI framework, to help you regain perspective, stay in control, and turn difficult moments into learning.🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Lobsters grow in hard moments(00:35) The lobster profile(00:58) Why reflecting in hard moments needs more focus(02:33) Thinkers vs doers: how we avoid learning(03:45) WWW/EBI(04:31) The 5:1 formula explained(06:36) Fixing problems in teams(07:39) Taking control in long haul hard moments(09:35) Inspiration & 24hr action🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy reflecting during hard moments leads to better learningHow to avoid overthinking or rushing past difficult experiencesA simple 5:1 approach to constructive reflection and how to use WWW / EBI individually or in teamsLearn Like a Lobster Profiler – https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler.com/ Download our template for 5:1 reflection: https://bit.ly/llal_5to1_reflectiontemplateFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Day 2 of the Learn Like a Lobster skill sprint, and today Helen and Sarah focus on one of the hardest - and most important - career skills: how to give and receive tough feedback. Learning doesn’t just happen after the difficult moment has passed - some of the most powerful development happens while things feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to learn in the hard moments — particularly when feedback feels awkward, emotional, or risky.🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Lobsters grow in hard moments(02:00) The fear of asking, giving & receiving feedback(08:15) The “say the hard thing” framework(05:55) Organisational silence(06:54) A real feedback conversation(09:12) Inspiration & 24hr action🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy tough feedback moments are powerful learning opportunitiesA practical framework for navigating difficult conversationsHow speaking up unlocks learning for individuals and teams📚 Resources MentionedSay the Hard Thing Scenario Planner - https://www.saythehardthing.ai/Margaret Heffernan on Organisational Silence - https://heffernanm.substack.com/p/the-silence-is-deafeningSophie Williams on challenging the unquestionable - https://www.amazingif.com/listen/progression-with-sophie-williams/Learn Like a Lobster Profiler: https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler.com/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Helen and Sarah are kicking off the Learn Like A Lobster skill sprint with Day 1: Learn As You Go.In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how you can keep learning as part of your everyday, without having to find more time. They share practical ways to collect data for your growth - including understanding your strengths, tracking your listen-talk ratio, and optimising your productivity - to gain clarity, confidence, and actionable insights.By combining self-reflection with simple data-gathering techniques, you’ll discover how small adjustments in what you already do can accelerate your career and help you be known for the impact you actually want to make.🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps(00:00) Welcome(00:57) Lobsters never stop growing(02:02) Learn as you go: how to collect data(03:07) What do you want to be know for?(06:26) Your listen-talk ratio(08:49) Knowing your notifications(10:30) Inspiration & 24hr action🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy career growth is continuous and how to embrace learning as you goHow to collect data on your strengths, listening, and productivityWays to reflect on your impact and align it with your career goals📚 Resources MentionedLearn Like a Lobster Profiler – https://www.learnlikealobsterprofiler.com/ Poised App – https://poised.comFireflies AI – https://fireflies.aiFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January is always a good moment to pause, think about the big picture and zoom out when we're thinking about the future and direction of our career. In today's shortcut, Sarah shares 5 questions to help you have useful career conversations whether that's with your manager, a friend or with yourself.Episode 525🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaRFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the idea of spaciousness at work — a powerful alternative to constant busyness that’s less about managing time and more about managing attention. Borrowing brilliance from Megan Reitz and her research on spaciousness, they unpack why doing more isn’t always the answer, and how creating space can help you think better, feel calmer, and work more meaningfully.Episode 524🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 What is spaciousness (and what it’s not)03:40 Why spaciousness is about attention, not time06:37 The four dimensions of spaciousness08:35 From “doing mode” to spacious ways of working13:08 How tech, meetings and metrics keep us busy18:47 Why we self-sabotage spaciousness19:30 The 45-minute focus experiment21:00 Interconnection and mapping your work system24:05 Letting go of “shoulds” at work27:06 What you want to feel proud of this year29:05 Staying curious and open (even when you’re sceptical)31:13 Measuring learning instead of just outcomes🎯 What You’ll Learn- What spaciousness really means at work- Why being busy can block curiosity and insight- The four dimensions of spaciousness and how they show up- Practical experiments to create more focus and clarity📚 Resources MentionedMegan Reitz’s research on Spaciousness: https://www.meganreitz.com/spaciousness#165 Setting Yourself Up For Success – How to speak up at work with Megan Reitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgO1R1IL3wAI tools for summarising reports (Claude)Episode on noticing: https://youtu.be/rid3L_XdePQFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FI In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to reset your team so you can achieve more together. Borrowing brilliance from Colin Fisher and his book Collective Edge, they unpack what really makes teams outperform, and why having lots of smart people isn’t enough on its own.This episode is all about practical resets you can do with the team you’re in right now. From building task-based trust, to putting structure before coaching, to making the implicit explicit, Helen and Sarah share simple actions, real examples, and questions you can use to help your team work better — whether you’re a team of two or twenty-two.Episode 523🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 What does “collective edge” really mean?01:44 Why smart individuals don’t always make great teams03:10 From radical team redesign to regular team resets06:19 Reset #1: From relationship trust to task-based trust07:52 Why structure matters more than coaching10:49 Reset #2: From assumed to agreed ways of working14:49 A practical tool to create clarity in your team18:13 Collaboration overload and communication resets22:06 Making the implicit explicit at work26:14 Creating shared “we’re on the same page” statements31:13 How often teams should reset🎯 What You’ll Learn- What “collective edge” teams do differently- Why task-based trust matters more than you might think- How better structure can improve team performance- Simple ways to reset communication and collaboration📚 Resources MentionedThe Collective Edge by Colin Fisher — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collective-Edge-Unlocking-Secret-Groups/dp/1398533459The Fresh Start Effect Katy Milkman — https://www.katymilkman.com/journal-articles/the-fresh-start-effect-temporal-landmarks-motivate-aspirational-behaviorMcKinsey Article — https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/author-talks-getting-group-dynamics-rightColin Fisher on Eat Sleep Work Repeat — https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/what-gives-a-team-the-collective-edge/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah share part two of their career trends and themes for 2026, focusing on what’s most likely to shape how you work, grow, and stay resilient in the year ahead. This conversation tackles some of the tougher (but very real) topics at work — from restructures and redundancies, to the tension between autonomy and accountability, and why learning needs to be recognised as real career progression.This episode is all about practical, proactive actions you can take now — so you feel more prepared, more confident, and more in control of your career, whatever 2026 brings. Whether you’re an individual contributor, a manager, or a leader, Helen and Sarah share questions, tools, and real examples to help you future-proof your career and your team.Episode 522🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why career uncertainty is rising in 202605:16 Trend #4: Restructures and redundancies08:10 What to do now so your future self thanks you11:14 Staying resilient when things feel out of your control13:01 Trend #5: Autonomy vs accountability at work15:36 Why clarity matters more than control16:34 A practical tool to improve accountability in teams19:49 How to assess autonomy and accountability in your role21:41 Trend #6: Learning that gets recognised and rewarded23:05 Why learning should count as progression26:14 Learning loudly and leading by example28:30 Making learning visible in 2026🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to prepare for restructures and redundancies without panicking- Why autonomy and accountability don’t have to be in conflict- How clarity creates better performance in teams- Why learning should be recognised as progression — not just promotion📚 Resources MentionedFree Redundancy Reset Toolkit: https://www.amazingif.com/redundancy-reset-2/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah kick off a two-part series exploring six Squiggly Career trends for 2026 — not as distant predictions, but as realistic changes that are already shaping how we work and build our careers.Rather than watching trends happen to you, this conversation is about anticipating what’s coming and choosing how to respond. Helen and Sarah explore three themes that are likely to affect everyone, whatever your role or industry: the rise of AI agents at work, the tension between connection and disconnection, and the growing influence of employees as visible advocates for their organisations.As always, you'll hear honest reflections (including mixed feelings about AI), and simple actions you can experiment with now — so you feel more intentional, confident, and in control as 2026 approaches.Episode 521🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why we’re talking about career trends for 202601:11 How to respond to trends with intention (not fear)03:31 Theme #1: AI agents at work05:11 Practical examples of AI agents you could use08:32 Different reactions to AI — and why that’s okay10:06 How AI can accelerate career development11:26 Theme #2: Connection and disconnection at work12:48 Why being back in the office isn’t the answer14:28 Practical ways to create meaningful connection18:13 Theme #3: The rise of the employee influencer20:30 Risks, inclusion, and finding your own voice24:41 What’s coming in Part 2🎯 What You’ll Learn- What AI agents are — and how they could support your work- How to experiment with AI without feeling overwhelmed- Why loneliness at work is rising (and what actually helps)- Simple ways to build connection in hybrid working- What “employee influence” means for careers and organisations📚 Resources MentionedMicrosoft Copilot and AI agent tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/copilot-101/copilot-ai-agents For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah do something they’ve made a tradition at Squiggly Careers: a year in review. This year they're sharing honest reflections using a simple but powerful framework: high–low learning. This chatty, behind-the-scenes episode is designed to help you reflect too. Whether you do this solo, with a learning buddy or as a team, the questions Helen and Sarah use can help you turn reflection into insight — and insight into action.Episode 520🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 End of Year Review02:51 High–low learning explained03:59 Best day vs the worst day of the year14:03 Experiments that worked (and didn’t)28:06 Life outside of work: highs & lows38:43 Highs you're anticipating & lows to avoid in 202646:20 Reflection questions you can use too🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to use high–low learning to reflect on your year- Why experimentation matters (even when it doesn’t work)- How to spot recurring frustrations — and do something about them- Questions to help you close the year with clarity and intentionFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FSometimes your career can feel unclear, uncertain, or hard to navigate — especially in a squiggly world where linear paths don’t really exist. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or craving more direction, these simple clarity-creating strategies will help you find focus, feel more in control, and move forward with confidence.Episode 519🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How to clear mental clutter by getting thoughts out of your head• A simple prioritisation technique—the Bird and the Worm—that helps you balance long-term goals with short-term actions• Why sharing your thinking with someone else (or with AI) can unlock fresh insight and reduce overwhelmFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FSometimes work (and life) can feel full-on — especially at this time of year when deadlines, expectations and emotions all seem to intensify. Whether your mind is racing before a meeting, you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, or emotions are getting in the way of what you want to say, these simple and science-backed breathing practices can help you reset, refocus and respond with more calm and clarity.Episode 518🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How your breath affects stress, energy, clarity and emotional control at work• Three practical “when–then–why” breathing techniques for real situations (racing mind, overwhelm and emotional moments)• How to use AI to personalise quick breathing resets you can use between meetings or on the move📚 Resources Mentioned:Breathe In Breathe Out by Stuart Sanderman - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathe-Out-practical-management-improved/dp/0008543275#:~:text=Since%20tragic%20loss%20brought%20him,way%20you%20think%20and%20feel.Breathpod - https://www.breathpod.com/Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-bookFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FSometimes work can feel messy, complicated, or simply “a lot”. Whether you’re drowning in tasks, unsure where to begin, or struggling to make sense of something hard, these small-but-mighty strategies help you pause, prioritise and move forward with more confidence.Episode 517🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How to clear mental clutter by getting thoughts out of your head• A simple prioritisation technique—the Bird and the Worm—that helps you balance long-term goals with short-term actions• Why sharing your thinking with someone else (or with AI) can unlock fresh insight and reduce overwhelmFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.