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Squiggly Careers

Squiggly Careers

575 episodes — Page 2 of 12

Ep 5163 Hard Work Conversations & How To Handle Each One with Confidence

🦞 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.

Dec 2, 202524 min

Ep 515Squiggly Shortcut: Discover Hidden Career Opportunities in 5 Minutes a Day

🦞 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.

Nov 27, 20255 min

Ep 514The Power of Mattering: How to Feel Valued and Valuable in Your Career

🦞 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.

Nov 25, 202539 min

Ep 513Squiggly Shortcut: Why We Need To Ban The Word Busy

🦞 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.

Nov 20, 20255 min

Ep 5127 Types of Rest to Recharge and Do Your Best at Work

🦞 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.

Nov 18, 202530 min

Ep 511Squiggly Shortcut: How To Be a Speed Learner in 5 Minutes

🦞 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.

Nov 13, 20256 min

Ep 510The Marshmallow Test: How to Master Delayed Gratification for Career Success

🦞 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.

Nov 11, 202530 min

Ep 509Squiggly Shortcut: You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan to Change Careers — Here’s What to Do Instead

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.

Nov 6, 20256 min

Ep 508Team Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to High-Performing Teams

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.

Nov 4, 202540 min

Ep 507Squiggly Shortcut: 3 Ways To Stand Out To Senior Stakeholders

✨ 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.

Oct 30, 20255 min

Ep 506The Psychology of Seats: How To Boost Your Impact & Influence At Work

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.

Oct 28, 202533 min

Ep 505Squiggly Shortcut: How to Quieten Your Inner Critic

✨ 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.

Oct 23, 20255 min

Ep 504Map Your Career: 5 Visual Tools to Find Clarity and Direction

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.

Oct 21, 202536 min

Ep 503Squiggly Shortcut: 4 Questions to Help You Make a Difficult Career Decision

✨ 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.

Oct 16, 20255 min

Ep 502Are You Wasting Your Talent? (Why Moral Ambition Matters)

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.

Oct 14, 202529 min

Ep 501Squiggly Shortcut: How to ask for a pay rise

✨ 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.

Oct 9, 20258 min

Ep 500Why Bringing Your Authentic Self To Work Is Bad Advice

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.

Oct 7, 202524 min

Ep 499How to Stop Being a People Pleaser Without Guilt (3 Easy Tips)

✨ 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.

Oct 2, 20255 min

Ep 498Learn Smarter: The Feynman Technique, Don’t Know Notebook & Problem Testing

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.

Sep 30, 202529 min

Learn Like a Lobster: How to Keep Growing in Your Career

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.

Sep 23, 202544 min

AI Skills Sprint: How To Design Your Future Career Using AI

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.

Sep 19, 202511 min

AI Skills Sprint: How To Make Networking Easy with AI

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.

Sep 18, 202511 min

AI Skills Sprint: How to cage confidence gremlins that are getting in the way of your growth

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.

Sep 17, 202511 min

AI Skills Sprint: How To Identify Your Values (Your Filter For Your Future)

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.

Sep 16, 202511 min

AI Skills Sprint: How To Discover Your Strengths Using AI (in 10 Minutes)

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.

Sep 15, 202510 min

Welcome to the Squiggly Careers AI Skills Sprint 2025 🥇

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.

Sep 14, 20253 min

#496 4 Team Habits That Are Holding You Back (and What to Do Instead)

🥇 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.

Sep 9, 202539 min

#495 The September Reset: Stop Old Habits, Start New Wins

🥇 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.

Sep 2, 202538 min

#494 Be yourself more with skill

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.

Aug 26, 202523 min

#493 Challenge your limits, don't limit your challenges

🥇 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.

Aug 19, 202516 min

#492 Never Live the Same Year Twice: How to Get Unstuck

🥇 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.

Aug 12, 202515 min

#491 How to Run Your Own Race

🥇 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.

Aug 5, 202515 min

#490 Ask the Expert: How To Make Better Decisions with Andrew Likierman

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.

Jul 29, 202529 min

#489 Four Work Complaints Everyone Has - And Realistic Ways to Take Back Control

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.

Jul 22, 202534 min

#488 Coping with curveballs – what to do when your day doesn’t go to plan

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.

Jul 15, 202532 min

#487 Ask the Expert - The Power of Influence and the Messenger Effect with Steve Martin

How do you make sure your message gets heard—and acted on? In this Squiggly Careers Ask the Expert episode, Helen speaks with author and influence expert Steve Martin about the powerful role of the messenger in communication.Drawing on insights from his book Messengers, Steve explains how people respond differently depending on who delivers the message, and why understanding the difference between hard and soft messenger traits can transform your influence at work.Together, they talk about how you can be more effective in meetings, remote settings, and team communication—plus how to match the right message to the right messenger for maximum impact.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast01:00 Why the Messenger Matters as Much as the Message04:40 Trust vs Truth: How We Really Decide Who to Listen To07:20 Hard vs Soft Messengers (and When Each One Works Best)13:15 The Kevin Keegan Story: Choosing the Right Messenger15:20 Why Content Isn't Everything: Choosing the Right Voice16:30 A Better Way to Start Meetings (That Builds Credibility)20:00 The Role of Introductions in Empowering Messengers21:15 Influence in Remote Work: Tips for Zoom & Teams25:30 Mimicry and Mirroring: Small Shifts That Build Connection29:08 Announcements🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why who delivers a message can be more important than what they say- The difference between hard and soft messenger traits—and when to use each- Practical ways to increase your influence in meetings and remote settings- How to elevate others as effective messengers to get results as a team📚 Resources MentionedSteve's Book, Messengers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Messengers-Who-Listen-Dont-Why/dp/1847942350Try Steve’s free quiz: https://www.influenceatwork.com/quiz/Influence with Robert Cialdini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d5VBsx-RecFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 8, 202527 min

#486 Why you don't delegate (and what to do differently)

Are you always doing too much yourself? Do you struggle to let go, even when you know you should? In this episode of the Squiggly Careers Podcast, Helen and Sarah explore why so many of us don’t delegate—and what we can do differently to delegate with clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Learn how to avoid the 4 common delegation mistakes and how to give people space without leaving them stuck.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYO⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to The Squiggly Careers Podcast00:48 Why You Don’t Delegate (Even When You Should)12:55 4 Don'ts Of Delegation (And What To Do Instead)13:15 Don’t Delegate the How16:52 Don’t Delegate and Disappear22:41 Don’t Do It for Them25:06 Hybrid Approaches to Teaching & Delegating26:25 Don’t Expect It Done Your Way28:00 Letting Go of “Your Way” and Embracing Other Styles🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why delegation feels uncomfortable for even experienced leaders- 4 delegation mistakes to avoid & what to do instead- How to give people freedom without micromanaging- The power of clear outcomes, expectations, and trustFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 1, 202531 min

#485 Why Thinking Together Boosts Team Performance

In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to help teams think better—together. They share simple but powerful tools you can use to encourage reflection, collaboration, and better decision-making in your team. Discover a practical matrix to help you choose the right thinking tool for your team—whether you need to improve performance or inspire new ideas. From “worry lists” to “borrowed brilliance,” you’ll learn how to create space for smarter, more intentional team thinking.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro: Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast00:43 Why We Struggle to Think as Teams01:56 Who Are Your Thinking Partners?02:18 Team Thinking Drives Team Performance03:02 Principles for Better Team Thinking07:38 Signal Thinking Activities in Your Team08:46 Turning Thinking into Action via Experiments09:43 The Team Thinking Matrix Explained11:48 Idea for Improvement: Worry Lists17:20 Idea for Improvement: What's Not Working (The "Knots")23:30 Everyday Idea for Inspiration: Borrowed Brilliance🎯 What You’ll Learn:- Why teams need more time to think (and how to make that time work)- 3 powerful principles for better collective thinking- Tools like “worry lists,” “what’s not working,” and “borrowed brilliance”- How to run quick team exercises- Ways to turn thinking into action—without overcomplicating itFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 24, 202536 min

#484 How Role modelling leads to rewards for your career

We often talk about the value of having a role model - someone to learn from and be inspired by. But what about the impact of being a role model?In this week’s episode, Helen and Sarah explore how being a role model can support your development, raise your profile, and help you build stronger connections at work. When you're intentional about how you show up, you attract opportunities and create a community around your work. They explore practical ideas to help you decide your role model focus, borrow brilliance, and put role modelling into practice in your day-to-day work.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 17, 202529 min

#483 Ask the Expert: How to have better conversations with Jefferson Fisher

Better conversations help you build stronger relationships, understand others more deeply, and make meaningful progress - together.In this episode, Sarah talks to Jefferson Fisher, lawyer, speaker, and best-selling author, about five common situations where conversations can get tricky. From dealing with someone very different to you, to getting interrupted, or feeling stuck in people-pleasing, Jefferson shares simple shifts that can help you handle these moments with more clarity and confidence.🥇 Sign up for the Skills Sprint here: https://bit.ly/41jasYOFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 10, 202533 min

#482 How to Stay in Control During Change At Work

Change at work isn’t always something you choose — sometimes your role is restructured, your team shifts, or decisions are made around you. When that happens, it’s easy to feel stuck, like your career progression is out of your hands. In this episode, Helen and Sarah share some practical actions you can take to regain control, build your confidence, and keep moving forward, even when change feels uncomfortable.They explore how to make the best of where you are right now and take action, from shifting your mindset, to spotting opportunities in uncertain situations and choosing your change story — so change doesn’t stall your Squiggly Career.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 202531 min

#481 Four AI Prompts To Accelerate Your Squiggly Career

Self-reflection and career development can be supercharged with the right questions — and AI can help you ask them. In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore 4 practical AI prompts designed to help you accelerate your Squiggly Career. They focus on key areas including how to build better relationships at work, get unstuck when you’re feeling uncertain, cope with change more confidently, and understand what your LinkedIn profile might be saying about you (without you realising it!). Whether you're curious about AI or looking for new ways to learn and grow, this episode will help you get started.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 202535 min

#480 The Art of Noticing: 9 Ways To Start Noticing At Work

We spend so much of our time at work on autopilot that we often miss what's right in front of us. In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the art of noticing — how paying closer attention can unlock creativity, spark new ideas, and help you learn and lead in more meaningful ways. They share 9 simple and practical ways to start noticing more at work, from tuning into what’s left unsaid in meetings to spotting the tasks that never seem to get done.00:00 Introduction01:20 What is noticing?03:57 Idea 105:04 Idea 207:15 Idea 310:35 Idea 412:36 Idea 515:37 Idea 618:42 Idea 722:27 Idea 826:33 Idea 9For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 202529 min

#479 How To Manage Future Career Fear

In a recent survey, many of our listeners told us that their biggest career worries are around learning new skills and staying relevant. But what skills really matter most for your future career? It’s a big question — and one that can feel overwhelming when you’re juggling a busy job and facing constant pressure to keep up and reskill. In this episode, Helen and Sarah share practical and reassuring ways to take ownership of your skill development, so you can navigate your squiggly career with confidence and control. You’ll learn how to identify the skills that matter most to you right now, which ones to invest in for your future self, how to stretch your strengths, and how to make space for learning — even when time feels tight.00:00 What skills matter most for your future career?03:32 Identify your skills 13:47 Learn skills from others16:54 Stretch your strengths19:10 How to find time to improve your skills21:09 How to skill swap in your team26:08 Find a skills sponsor Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email: [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 202529 min

#478 Five assertiveness watch outs (and what to do instead)

Assertiveness isn’t a tick-box skill or a one-size-fits-all tone. In this episode, Helen and Sarah unpack 5 common “assertiveness watch-outs” — sneaky habits that can undermine your message without you even realising it. Whether you tend to over-explain, over-apologize, or overdo your energy, you’ll walk away with practical tools to lead more effectively.00:00 What is assertiveness? 05:05 What's your assertiveness watch out? 07:30 Mistake 1 - Too much talking 09:17 Assertive statements 12:51 Mistake 2 - Over-caveating 15:40 Using 'I' statements17:07 Mistake 3 - All about me 19:26 Directing conversations21:17 Mistake 4 - Energy overloads 23:34 Mirroring enough25:39 The robot riskFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 202530 min

#477 Why Your Energy is More Important Than Your Time

Ever wondered how Helen and Sarah juggle running a business, hosting a podcast, and everything in between? Spoiler: it’s not about having more hours in the day—it’s about managing energy more effectively than time. In this episode, they share how shifting from a time-focused mindset to an energy-first approach can transform the way you work. From identifying your high-energy moments to understanding how relationships, perspective, and your environment affect your energy levels, this conversation is packed with practical tools to help you work with your energy, not against it.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email: [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 29, 202534 min

#476 Ask the Expert: Self-Awareness with Dr. Tasha Eurich

In this episode, Helen sits down with organizational psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Tasha Eurich to talk about her new book, Shatterproof: How to Be Resilient When It Matters Most. They explore why self-awareness is a key ingredient of resilience and how we can build habits that help us thrive under pressure. The Shatterproof 5-minute Resilience Ceiling Quiz can help you to understand where your resilience resource is and what can you do about it: https://resilience-quiz.com/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 22, 202534 min

#475 Ask the Expert: How to say no with Dr. Sunita Sah

In this episode, Dr. Sunita Sah, expert in defiance and decision-making, shares how to confidently say "no" in challenging situations. Sarah and Sunita dive into the psychology of defiance, discussing how to assess the risks, benefits, and personal costs of speaking up or complying. They explore the power of the "pause" and the importance of third-person self-talk to help make better, more authentic decisions. Whether it's in the workplace or beyond, Sunita provides actionable advice on how to navigate difficult conversations, protect your values, and maintain your well-being.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 202532 min

#474 Squiggly short: How to Increase Your Impact by Understanding Your Boss

In this Squiggly Short, Helen and Sarah break down why understanding your boss is key to increasing your impact at work. Learn how to read your manager’s motivations, preferences, and challenges, and use that insight to improve your communication and performance. Whether you're looking to align with their priorities, get better feedback, or develop a more productive relationship, this episode gives you the tools to take charge of your career by understanding your manager better.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/​473-why-understanding-your-manager-matters-for-career-growthWatch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 10, 20258 min

#473 Why Understanding Your Manager Matters For Career Growth

Figuring out what makes your manager tick can be one of the most powerful tools for career growth. In this episode, Helen and Sarah discuss the significant impact that managers have on your development, job satisfaction, and progression within a company. They also share practical tips on how to profile your manager, allowing you to align your actions with their needs, improve your communication, and position yourself for success—all by gaining a deeper understanding of their mindset.Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ [www.amazingif.com/books/](http://www.amazingif.com/books/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 202526 min