Squiggly Careers

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.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FThis week, Helen and Sarah revisit insights from three podcast guests—Amy Gallo, Celeste Headlee, and Dr. Sunita Sah—to tackle a topic many of us shy away from: difficult conversations.From team conflicts and moments of defensiveness to speaking up when something feels off, these everyday challenges can shape how we collaborate, grow, and thrive.In this episode, you’ll learn practical strategies to handle tension with ease: turning irritation into curiosity, using affirmations to stay grounded, and recognising the early “tension signals” that signal it’s time to speak up. You’ll learn how to navigate disagreements without defensiveness, communicate with confidence, and act in alignment with your values—even when it’s uncomfortable.Episode 516🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR📚 Resources MentionedGetting Along by Amy Gallo - https://bit.ly/43XtfdJCeleste Headlee’s TEDx talk: 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation - https://youtu.be/R1vskiVDwl4?si=3PFsc2v2v1xK9fy_Dr. Sunita Sah’s Defy: The Power of No In A World That Demands Yes - https://bit.ly/3KfPuF7How to Preempt Team Conflict — Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/2016/06/how-to-preempt-team-conflictPrevious Squiggly Careers interviews with:Amy Gallo - https://youtu.be/iO7Q1g7u0SY?si=Pm5srmx-7AgkjIaPCeleste Headlee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC9kT476GL4Dr. Sunita Sah - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ELoznhCWtk5vlONAlY3wC?si=z6i8C1JOT_21aQ0HeNiZzQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this Squiggly Career Shortcut, Helen shares five simple, everyday ideas that can have a big impact on your development—no long courses or huge time commitments needed. These micro-habits take just minutes but build confidence, clarity, and resilience over time.Episode 515🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How tiny, everyday habits build long-term career confidence• Why reflecting on successes boosts resilience and motivation• Simple ways to make learning easier, more consistent, and more collaborativeFor 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/4oZzJ3FThis week on the Squiggly Careers podcast, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from Dr. Zach Mercurio’s book The Power of Mattering. They talk about how mattering goes beyond belonging, why it boosts motivation and wellbeing, and what happens when we feel invisible or replaceable at work. From personal reflections on high and low mattering moments to practical ways to help others feel noticed, affirmed, and needed, Helen and Sarah bring this idea to life with real-world examples. You’ll learn how small actions — from giving meaningful feedback to showing appreciation — can make a big difference to how people feel, perform, and connect at work.Episode 514🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:30 What is mattering? Feeling valued and valuable04:39 Mattering vs belonging — what’s the difference?07:42 The data: 4 in 10 people feel invisible at work10:07 High and low mattering moments in your career17:00 The 3 ingredients of mattering18:44 Noticing others in meetings22:35 Affirmation vs recognition27:36 Making people feel needed33:41 The mattering spectrum: meaningless, mattering, enmeshment35:27 How to increase mattering for yourself and others🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to understand the psychology of mattering at work- The difference between belonging and mattering- Three simple ways to help others feel valued and valuable- How to create a stronger sense of purpose and performance in your team📚 Resources MentionedThe Power of Mattering by Dr. Zach MercurioFor 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/4oZzJ3FWhen people describe their week at work in one word, pretty much 90% of people use the word busy. By swapping this vague default for a more specific and honest word, you can understand your week more clearly, make better choices, and create more meaningful momentum in your squiggly career. From feeling overwhelmed to making progress, Sarah shows how “naming it to tame it” helps you turn how you feel into useful actions.Episode 513🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:13 Why “busy” isn’t helping01:01 Name it to tame it02:14 Finding your one-word check-in03:06 Tools for clarity and prioritisation04:14 How language shapes your working week🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why “busy” blocks clarity, reflection, and progress- How choosing a more specific word helps you coach yourself- Practical prompts to turn overwhelm or confusion into action- Ways to build better weeks through intentional language🎧 To learn more listen to Episode 29 on How to Manage Stress: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5JahChD4u1yHlnD6d3Rx2t?si=BLIvThjOQLupOHgsTQsIFgFor 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/4oZzJ3FThis week, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, who writes about the seven types of rest that everyone needs.Rest is far more than sleep — it’s a set of rituals that help you restore energy, creativity, and motivation in your squiggly career. From physical and mental rest to creative, emotional, and social rest, Helen and Sarah share how to identify your biggest “rest gaps” and design routines that actually work for you.You’ll also hear how Helen used AI to create a personalised rest profile (with some surprising insights) and how you can try the same coaching prompt to find your own rest reset.Episode 512🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:10 The 7 Types of Rest explained04:40 Physical and mental rest05:43 Sensory and creative rest06:33 Emotional and social rest07:05 Spiritual rest09:05 Coach yourself: Rest bests & rest gaps20:39 Who can help you close your rest gap?24:40 Using AI to create a personalised rest profile28:55 Practical rest rituals you can start this week30:39 Team idea: A “Reflections on Rest” session🎯 What You’ll Learn- The 7 types of rest and how to recognise which you need most- How to build small, sustainable rest rituals into your week- Ways to use AI to personalise your rest strategy- How to support rest across your team📚 Resources MentionedSacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity* by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.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 Squiggly Shortcut, Helen shares five practical ideas to help you become a speed learner at work — so you can keep growing, adapting, and learning even when time is tight. From instant inspiration to everyday experiments, these quick and simple strategies will help you learn faster, stay curious, and build learning into your day-to-day routine.Episode 511🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:24 The difference between speed and slow learning01:15 Idea 102:05 Idea 202:55 Idea 303:45 Idea 404:30 Idea 505:15 Where to learn more🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to learn faster without feeling overwhelmed- Why reflection and feedback accelerate your growth- Practical ways to build learning into your workday📚 Resources MentionedSuperhuman AI - superhuman.comFor 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/4oZzJ3FThis week on the Squiggly Careers podcast, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from a sweet source — the marshmallow experiment — to explore how the science of delayed gratification applies to our work and career choices.Inspired by the famous psychology study, they unpack what it means to make one marshmallow versus two marshmallow decisions — the everyday trade-offs between instant satisfaction and long-term success. From replying to emails and saying yes to everything, to applying for jobs and building relationships, Helen and Sarah share real-life examples of how to recognise and reframe your choices for greater impact.You’ll learn how to spot your own marshmallow moments, connect them to what motivates you most, and choose progress over quick wins (at least some of the time!).Episode 510🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction03:53 The Marshmallow Experiment explained05:43 Why delayed gratification matters for squiggly careers06:43 The shiny object trap — instant wins vs. long-term goals08:13 One vs. Two Marshmallow choices at work10:53 Email decisions — control vs. quality16:23 Saying yes vs. saying no — and why “no” can lead to more impact24:03 Career choices — applying vs. creating opportunities29:03 Building relationships and the “giant marshmallow” payoff30:53 How to spot your marshmallow moments🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to apply the concept of delayed gratification to your career- Why awareness of short-term vs. long-term trade-offs boosts progress- How to make intentional choices that lead to more impact- Ways to balance quick wins with meaningful goals📚 Resources MentionedThe Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marshmallow-Test-Understanding-Self-control-Master/dp/0552168866Delayed Gratification article by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/delayed-gratificationFor 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.

Most of us will change career up to 5 times in our squiggly careers. In this shortcut, Sarah shares why career change isn’t about having the perfect plan — it’s about getting started. She gives three practical ways to make progress without pressure, from small experiments to curious conversations that open new doors.Episode 509🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:28 Why “perfect plans” hold us back01:05 Idea 1 02:15 Idea 2 03:35 Idea 3 04:50 Why small actions build big confidence05:10 Where to learn more🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to stop overthinking your next move- Why progress matters more than perfection- How to turn small steps into big opportunities- How to reframe uncertainty as growth🎧 For more ideas, listen to Episode 379, where Sarah interviews April Rinne about navigating career change with confidence.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.

This week on the Squiggly Careers podcast, Sarah and Helen borrow brilliance from Vanessa Urch Druskat’s research on team emotional intelligence, first featured in Harvard Business Review.While emotional intelligence is often talked about at an individual level, this episode explores what happens when you apply it to teams — and how emotional awareness can build motivation, trust, and high performance together.Sarah shares how she used AI (Claude) to turn Druskat’s research into a practical team emotional intelligence quiz, helping teams assess their habits and find simple ways to improve.Episode 508 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:35 What is team emotional intelligence and why it matters03:41 Awareness + action: how teams build emotional understanding06:30 Sarah’s experiment09:20 The three key dimensions of team emotional intelligence10:50 Understanding each other better13:30 Action idea: Challenge & Build feedback ritual21:40 Action idea: Scenario planning made simple 33:45 Action idea: Mapping and Mattering*to stay connected38:00 How often should teams check in on their emotional intelligence?🎯 What You’ll Learn- What team emotional intelligence means and why it drives performance- How to assess and improve your team’s emotional awareness- Practical tools to create more connection, curiosity, and collaboration- How to use AI to help your team learn and reflect together- Ways to turn feedback, reflection, and stakeholder mapping into routinely rituals 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.

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts— a series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday. In this shortcut, Helen shares three practical ways to stand out with senior stakeholders — the people who can influence your impact, support your development, and open up new opportunities. Whether it’s your manager or another leader in your organisation, these ideas will help you build better relationships and be remembered for the right reasons.Episode 507🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:28 Why senior stakeholders matter01:05 Idea 1 – Position yourself as a peer02:10 Idea 2 – Go further with your follow-up03:55 Idea 3 – Build connections they care about05:10 Where to learn more🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to build confidence and connection with senior stakeholders- Why going beyond “thank you” helps you stand out- How to add value by linking people and priorities🎧 Listen to Episode 334 to learn more: https://youtu.be/N_J9EySKxgg?si=6NRrcjFlDINWtVdpFor 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.

This week on the Squiggly Careers podcast, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from an unexpected source — the psychology of seats. Inspired by a conversation about how we choose where to sit, Helen talks about how your seating choices can shape the way you feel, behave, and influence others at work. From safe seats that help us feel in control to power positions in meetings and even virtual seating on video calls, this episode reveals how something as simple as your seat can affect confidence, inclusion, and collaboration. You’ll leave with small, practical shifts to help you show up differently — and boost your impact and influence at work.Episode 506🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Announcement 01:54 Borrowing brilliance from the psychology of seats03:54 Why where you sit says more about you than you think07:54 Seat safety — comfort, confidence, and control12:34 Power seats — what your meeting position communicates15:54 Round tables, rectangles, and creating collaboration20:04 The height effect20:54 No-seat meetings22:54 Virtual seats29:54 Inclusion, confidence, and creating space for others🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy your seat can shape your confidence and influenceHow seating choices affect team dynamics and inclusionHow to use “seat psychology” to build better meetings and connectionsSimple ways to change where (and how) you sit to boost your impact📚 Resources MentionedLearning Cog: https://www.learningcog.comThe Long Win by Kath Bishop: bit.ly/4he0Rt4For 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.

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts — a series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday. In this shortcut, Sarah shares three practical reframes to help you quieten your inner critic — the fears, doubts, and limiting beliefs that hold you back in your squiggly career. From fear of failure to feeling “not good enough” or being put on the spot, we all have gremlins trying to stop us.Episode 505🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 What are confidence gremlins?00:42 Reframe 101:38 Reframe 203:21 Reframe 304:55 Where to go next for more🎯 What You’ll LearnHow to spot the confidence gremlins holding you backThree practical reframes to shift your mindset and take actionWhy focusing on small, achievable steps builds resilience and self-belief🎧 Listen to Episode 387 to learn more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ORexpOPpBQgp94cOmR6FE?si=kPkUOUxcTduREjGiQZm4VgFor 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.

This week on the Squiggly Careers podcast, Sarah and Helen borrow brilliance from an unexpected source — maps. Inspired by Jürgen Appelo’s Substack post “I Started Drawing Maps”, they explore how mapping can help you find clarity, confidence and direction in your squiggly career.You’ll hear about five different types of maps you can create to understand yourself and your work better — from mapping your energy and relationships to visualising your skills, possibilities and problems.Episode 504🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction — Borrowing brilliance from maps01:00 Why maps matter for our squiggly careers06:40 The value of visuals for clarity and creativity08:37 Map 1: Energy Map13:30 Map 2: Give–Gain Map18:45 Map 3: Skills Map24:15 Map 4: Possibilities Map30:00 Map 5: Problem Map 38:00 How to pick the right map for you🎯 What You’ll Learn- How visual thinking can bring clarity to your career- Five creative ways to map your work and growth- How to use maps for reflection, self-awareness, and team development- Practical examples you can try right away📚 Resources Mentioned I Started Drawing Maps by Jürgen Appelo https://substack.jurgenappelo.com/p/i-started-drawing-mapsThe Secret Language of Maps — Stanford Design School https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Language-Maps-Stanford-D-School/dp/1984858009AI Skills Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=5fD8VGW4Z46LgJFr 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.

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts — a series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday.In this shortcut, Helen shares four powerful questions to help you make a difficult career decision. When you’re weighing up your next move, it’s easy to get stuck in overthinking or uncertainty. These questions are designed to help you zoom out, get clear on what matters most, and move forward with confidence.Episode 503🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:28 Why career decisions can feel difficult01:05 Question 1 – Create distance02:10 Question 2 – Get data03:05 Question 3 – Discuss04:20 Question 4 – Define your drivers🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to make big career choices feel more manageable- A practical four-step framework for clarity and confidence- Why connecting with your ‘why’ builds resilience in tough moments🎧 Listen to Episode 297 to learn more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4oGa9JECFTOqKn79TPuZAQ?si=UhFXcSXkQ-Ki-2skkumLIQFor 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.

What does it mean to live — and work — with moral ambition? In this episode of the Squiggly Careers podcast, Sarah introduces ideas from Rutger Bregman’s book Moral Ambition and Helen helps turn them into practical actions you can apply in your own career.You’ll hear why moral ambition is about using your 80,000 working hours wisely, how to close the belief–behaviour gap, and what small steps you can take to make a bigger difference. Together, Helen and Sarah explore how to connect Bregman’s big ideas to the everyday reality of squiggly careers.Episode 502🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction02:18 Moral ambition05:59 The belief–behaviour gap (what we say vs. what we do)12:01 Action 119:23 Action 223:58 Action 329:36 Reflections🎯 What You’ll Learn-What moral ambition is and why it matters- How to spot your own belief–behaviour gaps- Practical ways to volunteer and use your strengths for impact- How to extend your positive influence beyond your current circle- Why finding morally ambitious role models helps you take action 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.

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts — a series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday.In this shortcut, Sarah shares a practical idea to help you confidently ask for a pay rise. While the conversation can feel anxiety-inducing, waiting rarely works — you need to advocate for yourself and highlight the impact you’re having. Sarah breaks it down into 3 simple tips to set you up for success.How To Ask For A Pay Rise Episode 501⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:24 Create don't wait 01:23 Tip 1 – Understand the pay rise process in your company02:26 Tip 2 - How to approach the conversation 05:09 Tip 3 - Summarise what's been said 05:08 Think about your pay rise tradeoff 🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why waiting to be noticed often doesn’t work- How to approach a pay rise as a series of conversations- 3 practical steps for how to ask for a pay rise🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon 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/📮 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.

Is “just be yourself at work” really the best advice? In this 500th episode of the Squiggly Careers podcast, Helen and Sarah explore the tricky topic of authenticity — and why being 100% yourself at work might not always help you succeed.Borrowing brilliance from Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, they discuss the difference between effective vs. ineffective authenticity, why trust often matters more than “being real,” and how to adapt without feeling fake. You’ll learn three practical actions to help you show up authentically and intentionally in ways that work for you, your team, and your career.Episode 500🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Announcement02:19 Celebrating 500 episodes 🎉06:32 What is “effective authenticity”?09:05 Why trust may be more important than authenticity11:40 Action 117:55 Action 221:16 Action 323:35 Questions to help you apply this week’s shortcut25:41 What’s next: Borrowing brilliance from maps🎯 What You’ll Learn- The difference between helpful and unhelpful authenticity- Why trust and emotional intelligence matter more than “bringing your whole self”- How to balance being true to yourself with adapting to your team- 3 actions you can take to use authenticity for career success📚 Resources MentionedDon't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead) by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Be-Yourself-Authenticity-Overrated/dp/1647829836HBR Article: https://hbr.org/2025/08/do-you-have-an-emotionally-intelligent-teamThe Values Institute https://values.institute/AI Skills Sprint - https://youtu.be/5swOYWW6l7M?feature=sharedFor 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.

✨ Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts — a brand new series from the Squiggly Careers podcast, bringing you quick career tips in just 5 minutes, every Thursday. In this shortcut, Helen shares a practical idea to help you spot and stop people pleasing at work, so you can set boundaries, protect your time, and focus on what matters most.How To Stop Being A People Pleaser (3 Tips) Episode 499⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts00:35 What is people pleasing? 01:09 Tip 1 - Find your pause statement02:06 Tip 2 - Use "don't" rather than "can't"03:45 Tip 3 - Practice your no-cabulary05:10 A reminder for your week 🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why people pleasing can hold you back in your career- A simple shortcut to say no with confidence- How to create small shifts that protect your priorities🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon 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/📮 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.

What can a Nobel Prize-winning physicist teach us about navigating squiggly careers? In this new Borrowed Brilliance format, Helen introduces the curiosity-driven ideas of Richard Feynman and Sarah helps turn them into practical actions for work. Together, they explore how Feynman’s playful approach to learning can help all of us grow with more clarity and confidence.You’ll discover the power of the Feynman Technique, why keeping a Don’t Know Notebook builds smarter learning habits, and how Problem-Testing can help you see new solutions to old challenges.Episode #498🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll LearnHow to make learning stick using the Feynman TechniqueA practical way to turn uncertainty into curiosity with a Don’t Know NotebookWhy playing with problems helps spark creative solutionsHow to use AI prompts to think and learn like Feynman📚 Resources MentionedRichard Feynman’s Mental Models: How to Think, Learn, and Problem-Solve Like a Nobel Prize-Winning Polymath (Learning how to Learn) http://bit.ly/3KnW101Shane Parrish on Richard Feynman: https://fs.blog/richard-feynman/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.

Big news! 🎉 Pre-orders for Helen and Sarah’s brand-new book *Learn Like a Lobster* are now live. In this special episode, they share why lobsters are the perfect metaphor for modern learning, what makes the book different, and how you can start “learning like a lobster” right away. You’ll hear about the free Learn Like a Lobster Library, discover three big lobster-inspired lessons, and get practical tools you can experiment with today.🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster below:PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBnAmazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:50 Big news: Learn Like a Lobster pre-orders are live05:15 What’s in the Learn Like a Lobster Library (workshops, tools & community)07:23 Why lobsters?11:50 Learn as you go: experimenting with out loud vs. quiet thinking21:15 Learning in hard moments: Fly on the wall facts35:24 Leading your own learning: Beginner Bingo42:43 How to join the Learn Like a Lobster Library & what’s next🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why lobsters are the perfect model for lifelong learning- A technique to reframe tough moments into learning opportunities- Ways to fuel your own growth without waiting for permission- How to build confidence through beginner moments📚 Resources Mentioned- Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/463488/learn-like-a-lobster-by-ellis-helen-tupper-and-sarah/9780241718957- The Learn Like a Lobster Library (free with pre-order)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.

This is the fifth and final episode of the Squiggly Careers x AI skills sprint series.Today, Helen and Sarah talk about exploring Future Possibilities in your career. As careers become less linear and more unpredictable, having multiple options and directions is essential for resilience and control.In this episode, they show how to use AI prompts to generate a mind map of career possibilities, from obvious to ambitious, pivot, and dream options. They also introduce an AI tool for practicing curious career conversations through role play, helping you build confidence and get feedback first.With people having 10-15 different jobs on average throughout their working life, embracing a variety of possibilities actually reduces career risk and builds long-term resilience.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:07 Why future possibilities matter in a squiggly career02:48 AI prompt to explore different types of career possibilities05:40 AI Tool: Yoodli08:39 Team activity: who are your career role models?🎯 What You’ll Learn* The importance of having multiple career options* How to use AI to generate a mind map of career possibilities* Why creating rather than waiting for opportunities matters in modern careers* How to practice curious career conversations📚 Resources MentionedFuture Possibilities Daily Summary - https://bit.ly/scss-ai-day5-summaryYoodli - https://yoodli.ai/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.

This is the fourth episode of the Squiggly Careers x AI skills sprint series. Today, Helen and Sarah are talking about Networking. Before you skip this one (we know some of you want to!), remember this squiggly stat: 70% of people's roles come through connections.The key is reframing networking from "people knowing people" to "people helping people." This creates career karma - when you help others, good things come back to you over time.In this episode, Helen and Sarah introduce AI tools to build your personal career board with different personas like challengers, supporters, and questioners. They also explore Crystal Knows, an AI tool that helps you communicate better with your team and network by understand their communication style.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:47 70% of roles come through connections01:15 Reframing networking & creating career karma02:04 Building your personal career board with AI06:20 Crystal Knows: AI personality analysis tool09:36 Team activity: Learning goals and mutual support🎯 What You’ll Learn* How to reframe networking as "people helping people"* How to use AI to create a diverse personal career board* Team exercises for sharing learning goals and building connections📚 Resources MentionedNetworks Daily Summary: https://bit.ly/scss-ai-day4-summaryCrystal Knows: https://www.crystalknows.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/📮 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 of the Squiggly Careers x AI skills sprint series and today Helen and Sarah are tackling Confidence. We all have gremlins - those beliefs, doubts and fears that hold us back in our careers. They're often hidden and they can grow when we don't address them. When you learn to cage them, you get better at navigating tough moments and saying yes to opportunities that stretch you.In this episode, Helen and Sarah introduce their brand-new custom Gremlins GPT - a tool they've trained with everything they've written about confidence. This AI coach helps you identify what gremlins are getting in your way and practice difficult conversations in private. You'll discover how to create visual representations of your gremlins, role-play challenging scenarios, and build a "confidence gremlin gallery" with your team.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:37 What are confidence gremlins and why do they limit us?03:11 Introducing the custom Confidence Gremlins GPT tool05:29 Creating visuals of your gremlins06:36 Using AI to role-play your gremlin during challenges08:58 Team activity: Creating a confidence gremlin gallery🎯 What You’ll Learn* How to identify and understand your confidence gremlins* How to use the custom Gremlins GPT for private confidence coaching* Tools for role-playing challenging scenarios with AI* Creative ways to share and discuss gremlins with your team📚 Resources MentionedConfidence Gremlin GPT - https://bit.ly/squigglycareerconfidencecoachConfidence Daily Summary - https://bit.ly/scss-ai-day3-summaryFor 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.

This is the second episode of the Squiggly Careers x AI skills sprint series and today Helen and Sarah are diving into Values. Your values are what motivate and drive you - they're your internal compass that guides decision-making and career choices.In this episode, Helen and Sarah share the best tool for identifying your values and how AI can accelerate the actions you take about your values, turning them into a brilliant filter for your future. They'll show you practical ways to use your values to respond to challenges at work, and share some playful approaches you can also use with your team.When you understand what really drives you, you make better decisions for your career and become more confident as a result of having clarity about what matters most to you.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:38 What are values and why do they matter?03:15 The best tool to identify your values04:39 Using your values to respond to challenges05:52 AI prompts to action your values08:41 Team activity: Fun ways to talk about values with your team🎯 What You’ll Learn* How to identify and clarify your core values (and why it's important)* Why values are a powerful career decision-making filter* How to use AI prompts to turn values into actionable insights* Fun and engaging methods to share values with your team📚 Resources MentionedValues Daily Summary: https://bit.ly/scss-ai-day2-summaryRun Your Own Race Episode: https://youtu.be/cUdwIvnDpNQAsk the Expert: Purpose with Simon Sinek, author and speaker: https://youtu.be/DATg__SZcwEValues Tool: https://values.institute/Gemini: https://gemini.google.comFor 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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 first episode of the Squiggly Careers x AI skills sprint series and today Helen and Sarah are kicking things off with Day 1: Strengths.Our strengths are what we're known for - they shape how we show up and help us make more impact at work. And because strengths develop throughout your career, it's important to keep reflecting on them.In this episode, Helen and Sarah share how to give AI the right prompts to help you spot your strengths in action, stretch your strengths in your team and build a clearer and more confident LinkedIn profile.AI doesn't know you better than you know yourself, but it can act as a sparring partner - giving you new ways of looking at your experiences and surfacing patterns you might miss. By combining reflection with the power of AI, you'll walk away with practical ways to build on your strengths and accelerate your squiggly career.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:48 What are strengths and why do they matter?02:13 AI prompts to help discover you strengths08:20 Optimising your LinkedIn profile around your strengths with AI09:19 Team activity: 3 ways to talk about strengths with your team🎯 What You’ll Learn* Why strengths evolve throughout your career* How to use AI prompts to uncover and reflect on your strengths* How to optimise your LinkedIn profile to reflect your value* Ways to stretch your strengths in a team setting for more impact📚 Resources MentionedStrengths Daily Summary - https://bit.ly/scss-ai-day1-summaryAmy Edmondson - https://amycedmondson.com/Claude - https://claude.ai/Canva's AI Tool - https://www.canva.com/magic-design/Strengths Toolkit – https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/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.

AI is on everyone’s minds and we’re getting curious about how it can help to develop our squiggly career skills. Join us for a 5-day sprint from the 15th September where we’ll be exploring lots of AI tools to support our 5 squiggly career skills: Strengths, Values, Confidence, Networking, and Future Possibilities. Just 10 minutes a day for lots of ideas and insights on how AI can help you to accelerate your squiggly career.🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/3UC3jPy 👥 Join our Squiggly Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazing-if/⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers AI Skills Sprint 202500:43 What is a Squiggly Career?01:10 What is a Sprint?01:40 Supporting you while you sprint02:13 FAQs03:12 Learning with thousands in our communityMore 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.

🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOThis week, Helen and Sarah shine a light on the unhelpful habits that teams often slip into without even realising it. From meetings that drag on autopilot to one-to-ones that don’t deliver what you need, these routines can waste time, reduce energy, and stop people from working at their best. In this episode, they share the four most common team traps and practical alternatives to try instead. You’ll hear how to spot unhelpful routines, reset them without blame, and create new habits that help your team feel more energised, inclusive, and effective.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Announcement01:02 Introduction05:15 Why teams get stuck in autopilot08:20 Trap #1: Repeating the same roles in meetings15:40 Trap #2: Defaulting to recurring meetings21:58 Trap #3: One-to-ones that lack focus29:45 Trap #4: Unhelpful communication and collaboration38:37 How to experiment and reset as a team42:30 PodSheet and next steps🎯 What You’ll Learn4 common team habits that hold people backWhy recurring meetings and default roles reduce effectivenessAlternatives to traditional 1:1s that create more valueHow to reset team communication for clarity and collaborationSimple experiments you can try together to build better ways of workingFor 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOAre old habits holding you back from the progress you want to make? September often feels like a natural reset point—a chance to stop what’s no longer serving you and start building new wins. In this episode, Helen and Sarah share their own September “starts” and “stops” to inspire you to reflect, reset, and refocus. You’ll hear how small, intentional changes can help you create space for growth, protect your future self, and build habits that last beyond the September spark.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Announcement01:02 Introduction03:45 Why September feels like a reset moment07:18 The power of starts and stops10:35 Weekly Borrowed Brilliance15:40 Building from scratch with AI21:58 Parallel learning (habit stacking with podcasts)26:45 Monthly mentor moments32:30 Responding quicker instead of waiting36:55 Leaving the phone behind in the evenings41:48 No more post-it actions44:55 Stop moaning about Mondays48:20 How to use this as a team activity52:00 Wrapping up & accountability🎯 What You’ll LearnWhy September is such a powerful time to reset and refocusHow to identify habits that are helping—or holding—you backPractical ways to design new starts that spark motivationHow to stop habits that drain your energy and confidenceWhy sharing starts and stops as a team builds connection and support📚 Resources MentionedHow to Change by Katy Milkman (for the “fresh start effect”)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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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 and final episode in the Squiggly Careers Quote Series, and today Sarah shares the quote that has shaped her approach to leadership: “Be yourself more with skill.” Inspired by the book and article Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?, this episode explores how true leadership comes from leaning into your strengths and embracing uncomfortable situations that spark growth. There’s no blueprint for being brilliant, and whether you're in a leadership role or not, you don’t need to become someone you’re not—it’s about being a better version of yourself. ⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction & Announcement02:33 The quote: "Be yourself more with skill"07:44 Action 1: Job Crafting – Be the architect of your career10:30 Action 2: Ask for feedback on blindspots13:03 Action 3: Have a squiggly stretch🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to lead authentically by leaning into your strengths- How to be the architects of your own work life- How to take intentional control of your job description - Smart ways to ask for feedback on blindspots- The value of stepping into uncomfortable situations📚 Resources MentionedWhy Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader Hardcoverby Robert Goffee and Gareth Jones https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Should-Anyone-Led-You/dp/1578519713HBR Article 'Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?: https://hbr.org/2000/09/why-should-anyone-be-led-by-youJob Crafting Article by Dan Cable https://dan-cable.com/linkedin-article/job-crafting/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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOAre you letting other people set the boundaries for your career? This is the third episode in the Squiggly Careers quote series, and today Helen shares the quote that’s shaped her approach to career development: “Challenge your limits, don't limit your challenges.” In the episode, Helen and Sarah discuss how this mindset can help you push past external expectations, explore what’s truly possible, and embrace challenges without letting others hold you back. You’ll learn practical ways to identify your potential, build confidence, and celebrate progress along the way.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Announcement00:58 Introduction02:08 The quote: “Challenge your limits, don't limit your challenges”07:05 Exploring your potential & gaining confidence08:56 Action 1: Curiosity before commitment12:27 Action 2: Celebrate your wins15:15 What does this quote look like for you?🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to avoid letting others place limits on your career- Why what’s possible looks different for everyone- How to pick a challenge and stick with it, despite outside pressures- Ways to explore your potential and build confidence 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

🥇 Sign up for the sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOAre you unintentionally repeating the same career year again and again? This is the second episode in the Squiggly Careers quote series, and today Sarah shares the quote that’s inspired her career mindset: “Never live the same year twice.” In the episode, Helen and Sarah talk about how this idea helped Sarah move beyond linear ladder-thinking and sparked a more intentional, experimental approach to career development. You’ll learn how to embrace variety and novelty — so your career (and confidence) can keep evolving.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:56 The quote: “Never live the same year twice”02:05 What inspired Sarah to choose this quote04:46 How to avoid feeling stuck05:57 Turning inspiration into action06:38 Action 1: Coach-yourself question07:58 Action 2: The “what” – use the fresh-start effect09:56 Action 3: The “who” – connect with weak ties12:14 Action 4: The “where” – new places and spaces13:44 Final thoughts🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to avoid career complacency and increase resilience- How the fresh-start effect can create lasting change- Why weak ties expand your learning and opportunities- How space and variety can spark new career ideas📚 Resources MentionedValues Toolkit (Free) https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/The Long Win by Cath Bishop https://bit.ly/4mozgXoHow To Change Katy Milkman https://bit.ly/45izWXI 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOThis episode is the first in a four part mini series where Helen and Sarah focus on quotes that have inspired their career. They discuss how each quote has helped them and share ideas for action so you can put the inspiration into action for your development.We’re starting with one of Helen’s favourites: 'run your own race'. It's all about letting go of comparison and building confidence by focusing on what matters to you. Helen and Sarah also share 3 practical ways to turn this quote into action - so you can start growing with confidence.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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

Are you making big decisions without applying real judgement? In this Ask the Expert episode, Sarah speaks with Sir Andrew Likierman about what good judgement looks like at work—and how to improve it. They talk about the difference between decisions and judgement, the stages of the judgement process, how to get better at reading the (virtual room) and learn from poor choices. You’ll learn how to apply a practical framework to improve your own judgement, no matter your role.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:54 Is judgement a quality or skill?01:50 Judgement and decision-making05:25 The 6 stages of the judgement process08:43 Establishing a trusted person10:06 Reading the room, zoom or teams meeting13:21 Understanding your strengths and weaknesses16:54 Famous examples of bad judgement18:11 The importance of listening19:24 Persevering when it's time to stop22:33 Common watch-outs with judgement23:35 Should you trust instinct & gut feeling?25:43 Managing risk29:22 Final thoughts🎯 What You’ll Learn- The difference between decision-making and judgement- A 6-step process to improve judgement- How to trust wisely, read the (virtual) room, and stay aware- Why feelings, experience, and listening all shape judgement- How to develop your personal judgement📚 Resources MentionedAndrew's Book: Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices - https://bit.ly/458TWvJActions Speak Louder Than (Listening) To Words: https://cclinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/actions-speak-louder-than-words.pdfThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://bit.ly/4m8OyQ2Blink by Malcolm Gladwell: https://bit.ly/3J76pIM 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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 explore the common complaints we all have about work—and how to respond to them in ways that are realistic. From endless meetings, to never having time to think, they unpack why certain complaints come up so often and how to take small, doable steps forward. They share practical tactics like "co-working meetings," “to-think” lists, and a forgiving approach to navigating the inevitable frustrations of work life—so you can focus less on moaning and more on momentum.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome and intro to the episode01:00 Why we all complain (and why that’s okay sometimes)03:00 Common complaints: too many meetings, too much to do, not enough time to think08:58 Complaint #1: Too many meetings10:30 Imperfect solutions: Shorter meetings, co-working time, reclaiming your calendar15:48 Complaint #2: Too much to do17:00 Zoom in/zoom out to clarify what matters most19:00 Good enough is great: Adjusting your effort with intention21:45 Complaint #3: No time to think23:00 The “To Think” list and first thoughts method25:00 Using voice notes and self-explaining for fast clarity26:30 Complaint #4: Senior people are slowing me down28:00 Reframing communication: work with—not against—bottlenecks🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why it’s helpful to turn your work complaints into first-person statements- How “imperfect” solutions can be more useful than perfect plans- Practical ideas to manage meetings, workload, and thinking time- Ways to reduce bottlenecks and collaborate better with others📚 Resources Mentionedhttps://reclaim.ai/ – tool to block time for focus and reflectionWhen Good Enough Is Great Episode: https://www.amazingif.com/listen/when-good-enough-is-great/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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.

Ever had your day derailed by a last-minute request? A sudden change of plan? Or that dreaded moment when you're put on the spot and don’t have the answer? In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the curveballs that show up in our working week—and how we can respond to them with more confidence and control.From tech fails to surprise tasks, curveballs can throw us off track and test our confidence. Helen and Sarah share personal stories, reflect on their own curveball capability, and offer practical ideas for action to help you deal with the unexpected, think on your feet, and stop small things from snowballing.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast00:33 Day-To-Day Curveballs05:52 Acknowledging & Receiving Curveballs07:46 Why Curveballs Feel Hard In The Moment09:06 Curveballs Are More Likely In Squiggly Careers11:00 Rating Your Curveball Capability16:55 Idea For Action — Anticipating & Thinking On The Spot20:35 Idea For Action — Using Multiple Workarounds26:14 Idea For Action — Avoiding Curveballs Becoming Snowballs🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why curveballs feel hard in the moment- Why curveballs are more common in squiggly careers- How to anticipate the unexpected and think on your feet- How to stop curveballs from becoming snowballsFor 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 next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 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.