Squiggly Careers

In this Squiggly Short, Helen and Sarah offer a quick summary of practical tips for staying confident and coping when you’re dealing with a toxic work environment. From minimizing stressors to finding energizers outside of work, they share simple actions you can take to protect your mental health and build resilience—even when things feel tough. Plus, they discuss how to take control of your situation and find support outside of your team to help you navigate the challenges.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/how-to-cope-and-stay-confident-when-work-gets-toxicWatch 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.

1 in 10 people are facing a toxic work environment today, and while it can be tough, you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode, Helen and Sarah dive into what makes a team feel toxic and who can contribute to that culture. They also share practical tips for staying confident and in control, even when the environment around you feels challenging. From finding pockets of light-relief to documenting your experience to seeking support outside your team, this episode is filled with actionable strategies to help you protect your well-being and keep moving forward with confidence.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.

In this short, Helen and Sarah share why searching for your purpose could actually be holding you back in your career development, and how focusing on purposeful work instead could be a more flexible and fulfilling approach. They also offer some useful tools and prompts to help you do understand what meaningful work looks like to you - without the pressure of having it all figured out.Full episode: https://shows.acast.com/amazingif/469-do-you-need-to-have-a-purpose-at-workWatch 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.

Finding your purpose can sometimes feel like a ‘should’—something we’re all expected to have figured out. The pressure to find a perfect purpose can leave us feeling stuck or unsure, especially when career paths are more squiggly than straightforward. But does having a purpose really matter? And if so, how do you stay connected to it?In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the difference between having a purpose and feeling purposeful at work. You’ll learn how to reflect on what truly motivates you, define your squiggly career sweet spot and connect with your core values—even if you’re still figuring things out.(00:00) The problem with 'purpose'(07:00) Why do we care about purposeful work?(08:39) Finding your squiggly career sweet spot(09:36) Defining your core values(11:02) Defining your strengths(13:10) Energy audits(14:14) What do you want to make better?(16:35) What do you care about that's bigger than your job?(18:42) ChatGPT 1 sentence purpose statement(21:05) Summary📚 Resources Mentioned:McKinsey Research Paper: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/the-search-for-purpose-at-workGrit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: https://shorturl.at/b6oFvValues Tools Kit: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/16 Personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/Principles you: https://principlesyou.com/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.

In this short, Helen and Sarah are talking about how staying in your role can be really good for your growth. Very often in careers we’re given this narrative that up is the only way, success is about seniority and that we should all be thinking about our next step. This can create a lot of pressure for your progression, particularly if you’re thinking “I like the job that I do and I just want to do more of what I enjoy”. Listen to learn 3 ideas for action to help you grow in your current role.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareersMore 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.

Pressure to move up, take on more, and chase promotions can leave a lot of us feeling like success only comes from climbing the ladder. But what if staying where you are could be just as valuable for your career growth? The truth is, success doesn’t actually mean seniority.In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore why staying in your current role can help you build a stronger foundation for long-term career success.They share why staying put can actually be a smart move, how you can continue growing without constantly seeking advancement, and 3 practical actions to increase your impact in your current position.(00:00) Introduction (00:47) Why staying where you are is good for your growth (02:36) Success doesn’t necessarily mean seniority (04:37) Why you shouldn’t quit your job too soon(05:55) How to deal with progression pressure (08:21) Idea for Action #1 - How to increase your impact(17:03) Idea For Action #2 - Grow yourself by growing others (21:33) Idea For Action #3 - Practice Your Positioning (27:00) Summary 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.

Feeling overwhelmed is something most of us have experienced. Too many meetings, tasks, and requests—paired with too little time, clarity, and control—can make work feel unmanageable.In this episode, Helen and Sarah share three practical actions to help you regain focus and reduce overwhelm.They explore how shifting your mindset from tasks to outcomes can bring clarity, help you prioritise what truly matters, and create a greater sense of control in your work.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the fifth and final episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 days of podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career. We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in today’s episode we’re looking at Squiggly Career Continuers, to help people relook at retirement and develop career longevity. Sarah and Helen share their insights on continuing your career into later life and talk to two people to learn from their expertise; Avivah Wittenberg-Cox a thought leader specialising in gender and generational balance and Andrew Aitken, Economist at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode here https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-continuers For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the fourth episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 days of podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career.We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in today’s episode we’re looking at Squiggly Career Changers, to help people pivot and create new possibilities.Sarah and Helen share their insights on career change and interview three people to learn from their experience; Jenny Blake, author of Pivot and Oli Kelly and John Rothera who share their story of career change.You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-changersFor 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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the third episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 days of podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career. We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in today’s episode we’re looking at Squiggly Career Setbacks, to help people stay resilient when things go wrong. Sarah and Helen share their insights on career setbacks and interview three people to learn from their experience; Amy Schoenthal, author of The Setback Cycle and Mary & Ken Okoroafor who share their personal setback story. You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-setbacksFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the second episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career. We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in today’s episode Helen and Sarah are looking at Squiggly Career Returners, to help people build career confidence after a break. Sarah and Helen share their insights on returning and interview two people to learn from their experience; Julianne Miles MBE, Co-Founder and CEO of Career Returners and Mila Fadeeva, who returned to her career in Strategy & Operational Excellence after a 10 year career break.You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-returnersFor 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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the first episode of the Squiggly Career Stage Series – 5 podcast episodes and practical tools to help you succeed in your career.We’ve focused on 5 stages where we know people need some extra squiggly support and in this episode Helen and Sarah are looking at Squiggly Career Starters, people who are looking to learn and grow in their first job.Sarah and Helen share their insights on this stage and interview two people to learn from their perspective; Yemurai Rabvukwa and Sarah Gregory from social mobility charity, Upreach.You can download the free Career Stage Guide to support this episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/career-startersFor 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 PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small talk is part of lots of the meetings and moments that we experience at work and most of us don't enjoy it! This week, Sarah and Helen discuss why small talk matters for connection and how to approach it. They share 'small talk starters', the importance of listening to what is said (instead of being distracted by what you want to say) and how to transition from small talk into what needs to come next.To use the PodSheet that supports the episode, head to amazingif.com/listen(00:00) Introduction(00:54) The hatred of small talk(07:10) The quick connection approach(09:24) Different small talk practices(10:26) Small-talk starters(20:55) Half listening vs whole listening(27:12) When to stop the small talk(35:15) Final thoughtsFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] some more squiggly career support?1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Awareness is a key skill to support your squiggly career but one that can feel hard to improve. This week, Helen and Sarah talk through 3 different types of awareness; self-awareness, situational awareness and relational awareness. They share ideas to assess your awareness and special actions you can take to improve in any area where you might have a gap.(00:00) Introduction(01:07) The different types of awareness(02:27) Self-awareness(09:53) Situational awareness(18:43) Relational awareness(28:45) Final thoughtsTo use the PodSheet that supports the episode, head to amazingif.com/listenFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] some more squiggly career support?1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah are talking about how to use scenario planning as a tool to increase your career resilience. They work through a matrix that you can apply to your career to spot different situations and take proactive action to mitigate risk and maximise opportunity.(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Benefits of scenario planning(04:57) Part 1: a sample matrix(07:07) a) best case - promotion(08:54) b) worst case - redundancy(10:33) c) unwanted - changing role(13:15) d) hopeful - job-crafting(16:22) Part 2: why wait?...(17:17) a) best case - sponsorship and skills(18:46) b) worst case - create connections(20:09) c) unwanted - look sideways(21:44) d) hopeful - shadowing(25:02) Part 3: AI add-on(30:09) Final thoughtsTo use the PodSheet that supports the episode, head to amazingif.com/listenFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] some more squiggly career support?1. Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/2. Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feedback is a powerful tool for career growth, but it can be hard to give and to get. When learning becomes the priority, feedback becomes much easier and more effective. This week, Helen and Sarah explore three ‘stop and start’ practices to make feedback more impactful. Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, these actions can help you to reset your approach and focus on growth.(00:00) Introduction(00:53) Feedback and learning(03:41) Three stops and starts…(06:38) ad hoc vs always on(12:18) strengths vs weaknesses(21:28) outsourcing vs owning(27:48) Final thoughts More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Read our latest Harvard Business Review article2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint3. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the final episode of our Videobook Club series where Helen and Sarah review and reflect on 4 different Videobooks to identify ideas everyone can put into action to support their development.In this episode, Helen talks to Dan Ariely about how his work on decision making can inform our career thinking and help us to make better choices. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub(00:00) Introduction(01:23) Irrational decisions(04:13) Decision to leave work(07:42) "Try before you apply"(10:00) Lack of investment in self-development(13:18) Dan's career advice(17:07) Final thoughtsFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 week 4 of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club. This week, Helen and Sarah are diving into decision making and discussing Dan Ariely’s Videobook, Predictably Irrational.Together they talk about the statements that stuck, what surprised them and the action they are going to take as a result of watching.The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub(00:00) Introduction(02:43) Arousal(03:40) Significant statements(08:41) Surprising topics(15:32) Take-away actions(18:36) The Squiggly Career Videobook and others(21:02) Final thoughtsFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 our second episode on Burnout as part of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club series, running throughout January.Each week, Helen and Sarah focus on a different Videobook and identify insights and ideas that everyone can put into action to support their career development.In this episode, Sarah talks to one of the authors Amelia Nagoski about the stress cycle and why we need to find new ways to release the stress in our bodies to prevent burnout.The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub(00:00) Introduction(01:08) The stress cycle(12:58) Struggling to rest(15:20) Final thoughtsFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 week 3 of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club. This week, Helen and Sarah are diving into Burnout: The secret to solving the stress cycle by Amelia and Emily Nagoski.Together they talk about the statements that stuck, what surprised them and the action they are going to take as a result of watching. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclubFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 Videobook Club where Helen and Sarah focus on a different Videobook each week in January and identify insights and ideas that everyone can put into action to support their career development.This week, the focus is on Influence by Robert B. Cialdini. In today’s episode, Helen and Robert discuss his work and how it can be applied to people’s career development. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub(00:00) Introduction(00:29) Influencing career development(02:22) Budget persuasion(03:12) The rule of reciprocation(05:02) Alternative compliments(06:29) Personal conversation beats email(10:36) Use of emojis(11:44) Actions to increase influence(13:30) Influencing your manager(15:25) Bob's career advice(16:22) Final thoughtsFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 week 2 of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club. In our second episode of the series, Helen and Sarah discuss their experience of watching Influence, a Videobook from Robert B. Cialdini. Together they talk about a statement that stuck, something that surprised them, and what action they are going to take as a result of watching. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link (before the end of Jan 2025) to sign-up and get free access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclubFor more information on Squiggly Careers, email [email protected]. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. 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 Videobook Club where Helen and Sarah focus on a different Videobook each week in January and identify insights and ideas that everyone can put into action to support their career development. This week, the focus is on How to Change by Katy Milkman. In today’s episode, Sarah talks to Katy about some of the key principles in her work that can help people to make the changes that matter to them. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link to sign-up and get access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclubFor more information on Squiggly Careers, head to amazingif.com or email [email protected]   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to week 1 of the Squiggly Careers Videobook Club. In our first episode of the series, Helen and Sarah discuss their experience of watching How to Change, a Videobook from Katy Milkman. Together they talk about a statement that stuck, something that surprised them, and what action they are going to take as a result of watching. The Squiggly Careers Videobook Club is brought to you in partnership with LIT Videobooks, who have given the Squiggly Careers Community access to their library of videobooks for free in January and February 2025. Use this link to sign-up and get access: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclubFor more information on Squiggly Careers, head to amazingif.com or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Helen and Sarah are ending 2024 with a list of their top 10 things to read, watch, listen and learn from. They share the books that have made the biggest difference to their development, the TED Talks that have had a lasting impact, the podcasts that made them think differently, the newsletters that actually got read and the people they prioritised to follow. If you'd like some learning inspiration for the year ahead, then this will be a great episode for you.More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Squiggly Podcast episode is a special recording of the Career Collective Live, where Helen and Sarah we joined by fellow podcasters to share their different perspectives on work and personal development. Listen and learn from Bruce Daisley (Eat, Sleep, Work, Repeat), Jimmy McLoughlin (Jimmy's Jobs of the Future) and Isabel Berwick (FT's Working It) as they discuss team work, how to get a payrise and what we really need to know about AI.More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah wrap up the year with 5 quick-fire questions and 3 thoughtful reflections on their personal insights and learnings from 2024. They’ll take you behind the scenes of the squiggly reality of what it’s really like running a company together, sharing the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. You’ll also be able to use the same questions to reflect on your own year, helping you close out your year with clarity and set yourself up for a successful and meaningful 2025. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being generous with your time and expertise can payoff in lots of ways for your career. You build stronger relationships and feel better about the work you do. However, if you give too much you can be at risk of burnout. This week, Helen and Sarah talk about different types of giver and where risk can creep in. Whether you can be a bit of a people pleaser or have a tendancy to be an adhoc helper, they share practical ideas for you to give without getting it wrong.You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah discuss how to build a healthier relationship with rejection in your career. They share 4 practical steps to help you process rejection, from giving yourself breathing space to creating a full-stop response.Whether you're facing rejection yourself or supporting someone who is, these actions can help you reflect, learn, and move forward with confidence. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Join our free Videobook Club: https://amazingif.typeform.com/videobookclub 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Helen and Sarah are talking about what to do when you don’t feel like you’re being heard at work. They talk about tactics and techniques that create space for you to speak. From bookending meetings to finding a supporter who can bring you into the conversation, they share 5 practical ideas to help you take action. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Sarah is joined by author and expert Robert Poynton to explore the often-overlooked skill of pausing. Drawing from his book Do Pause, Robert shares insights on how introducing intentional pauses into your day can improve performance, sustain creativity, and help you thrive in your squiggly career. Together, they discuss:The barriers that stop us from pausingHow to think of pausing as a “plastic concept” that adapts to your needsPractical tips to fit pauses into the spaces between work and life.This episode will inspire you to rethink your relationship with time and consider how small pauses could make a big impact.To learn more about Robert and his work, visit www.robertpoynton.com.You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah are getting playful! They talk about why it's important to prioritise play and work and share practical ways to do it individually and as a team. If you're feeling stretched or stressed fitting in small moments of play into your day is proven to relieve stress and increase connection with colleagues.You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/                Download our playful questions resource for free here: https://bit.ly/playfulquestions-atworkMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:     1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’:  https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking initiative often feels like a nice idea that people don't quite know how to action. In this week's podcast, Helen and Sarah talk about why it's a skill that matters for squiggly careers and practical ways to increase your opportunity to take initiative at work. They share 4 different ideas including the importance of focusing on minimum viable progress and why you need to know the what and own the how. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr102. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] to our live podcast with Postcards from Midlife: Careers special: second act adventures - how to make the shift & change your life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you ever feel like you're not spending your time well at work then this week's episode will be a useful listen for you. Helen and Sarah talk through practical actions to help you be efficient (doing things right) and effective (getting the right things done). They discuss when a focus on efficiency can go too far and how to get the best balance for you and the people you work with. They share 5 ideas to help you to be more efficient with your time, your tasks, your meetings, your emails and your network. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Career complacency happens when you're not intentional about improving your skills or exploring your future possibilities. Even when you're happy in your role, it's important to actively manage your development. Without it, we risk losing relevance and being less resilient to change. This week, Helen and Sarah share 5 ideas to action to overcome career complacency. They discuss how resistance goals can counteract a passive approach to your progression and the benefit of spending time with ambition allies. You can find the PodSheet, PodNote and full transcript for the episode at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:   1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah relook at the topic of career pivots which they first covered on the podcast in 2018. They share a 5 part process to take you from exploring your pivot possibilities to becoming known as someone with pivotability! If you're thinking about doing something different but don't know how to get started, this episode will be a useful listen to help you to action.More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen is joined by entrepreneur, author and athlete Jodie Cook to talk about success. They explore how to use your strengths to drive your success, how to create your own success formula (with Helen being a live test subject) and how to reframe the failures you experience along the way.To find out more about Jodie and her work head to www.jodiecook.com or follow her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Helen and Sarah are talking about workaholism, what it is, why it's a problem and how to respond if it's affecting you. They share ways to assess how at risk you are and lots of practical ideas for action to take back control.˚For more support, download our Podsheet that supports the episode. You can find all our Podsheets at https://www.amazingif.com/listen/More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah explore the connection between individual and team success. Discover how bringing your best to work can become an accelerator for team growth, attracting new opportunities and projects that benefit everyone. Helen and Sarah share actionable tips to increase impact: from identifying what makes you unique and sorting out sticking points to strategically offering support and combining team strengths. They dive deeper into how you can add value and connect with your team, even through the knotty moments. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah share their top tips to reset your approach to career development after a summer break. Time-off gives you the space to slow down. Ideally, we come back to work energised and ready to grow. However, returning to daily pressures and demands can result in development being depriotised and the opportunity for learning getting missed. To overcome this challenge, Helen and Sarah share 4 ideas for action to make career development easy and unmissable. From setting growth goals to designing your own skill sprint, they talk through simple solutions that can make a big difference to your career. More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Read our latest HBR article: https://bit.ly/3XmAcki-hbr10 2. Sign up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint20243. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Helen and Sarah are sharing a much requested episode where they talk about what to do if you feel like you might have made a wrong move in your career. As much as we might see people's career success stories on LinkedIn, the reality is that most of us have made a few wrong moves that we might regret. Together Helen and Sarah share practical tips about what to do in the moment if this is something you're working through right now. THey also talk about how to think differently about past 'wrong' moves you might have made so they don't negatively impact your future.More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Download Squiggly Careers PodBook: https://bit.ly/squiggly-podbook2024 2. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now the Squiggly Careers Skill Sprint has finished, Helen and Sarah are back to normal with their weekly episodes and this week they are talking about how to make the most of the conversations and connections you already have. Growing your relationship ripples helps you to get access to more career opportunities. Helen and Sarah talk through 5 easy actions to increase the impact of your interactions and support your squiggly career success.More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 1. Download Squiggly Careers PodBook: https://bit.ly/squiggly-podbook2024 2. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're at the end of the Sprint! In episode 20 out of 20 of the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint, Helen and Sarah talk about storytelling and how stories light up our brains in a different way helping you create empathy and human connection.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 19 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about goal setting and how knowing what matters to you and what change to make it happen helps you focus and achieve more.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 18 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about managing emotions and how you can be more authentic, gain trust, and create a space that helps others be themselves.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 17 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about courage and the role it plays in helping you succeed in difficult moments and in stretching yourself at work.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 16 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about energy and explore how keeping your energy levels high can help you overcome challenges and achieve more.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 15 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about work/life fit and how to avoid enmeshment and blurred boundaries to help you find a work/life fit that works for you.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 14 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about learning agility and explore the 3 key elements (navigating newness, understanding others & self-awareness) to help you succeed in new situations.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is episode 13 of 20 in the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint. Today, Helen and Sarah talk about empathy and how understanding different people's perspectives can help you build better relationships and increase your self-awareness.New to our Sprint? Our Skills Sprint is designed to help you create a regular learning habit to support your squiggly career development. ⁠⁠Each episode in the series is less than 7 minutes long and has ideas for action and recommended resources on a specific topic. ⁠1. Sign up for the sprint and receive a free guide to get started: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024 2. Watch our Sprint on YouTube: https://bit.ly/scss-playlist 3. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’: https://www.amazingif.com/books/If you have any questions or feedback (which we love!) you can email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.