Squiggly Careers

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the idea of spaciousness at work — a powerful alternative to constant busyness that’s less about managing time and more about managing attention. Borrowing brilliance from Megan Reitz and her research on spaciousness, they unpack why doing more isn’t always the answer, and how creating space can help you think better, feel calmer, and work more meaningfully. Episode 524 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster 🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 What is spaciousness (and what it’s not) 03:40 Why spaciousness is about attention, not time 06:37 The four dimensions of spaciousness 08:35 From “doing mode” to spacious ways of working 13:08 How tech, meetings and metrics keep us busy 18:47 Why we self-sabotage spaciousness 19:30 The 45-minute focus experiment 21:00 Interconnection and mapping your work system 24:05 Letting go of “shoulds” at work 27:06 What you want to feel proud of this year 29:05 Staying curious and open (even when you’re sceptical) 31:13 Measuring learning instead of just outcomes 🎯 What You’ll Learn - What spaciousness really means at work - Why being busy can block curiosity and insight - The four dimensions of spaciousness and how they show up - Practical experiments to create more focus and clarity 📚 Resources Mentioned Megan Reitz’s research on Spaciousness: https://www.meganreitz.com/spaciousness #165 Setting Yourself Up For Success – How to speak up at work with Megan Reitz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozgO1R1IL3w AI tools for summarising reports (Claude) Episode on noticing: https://youtu.be/rid3L_XdePQ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F I In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to reset your team so you can achieve more together. Borrowing brilliance from Colin Fisher and his book Collective Edge, they unpack what really makes teams outperform, and why having lots of smart people isn’t enough on its own. This episode is all about practical resets you can do with the team you’re in right now. From building task-based trust, to putting structure before coaching, to making the implicit explicit, Helen and Sarah share simple actions, real examples, and questions you can use to help your team work better — whether you’re a team of two or twenty-two. Episode 523 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster 🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 What does “collective edge” really mean? 01:44 Why smart individuals don’t always make great teams 03:10 From radical team redesign to regular team resets 06:19 Reset #1: From relationship trust to task-based trust 07:52 Why structure matters more than coaching 10:49 Reset #2: From assumed to agreed ways of working 14:49 A practical tool to create clarity in your team 18:13 Collaboration overload and communication resets 22:06 Making the implicit explicit at work 26:14 Creating shared “we’re on the same page” statements 31:13 How often teams should reset 🎯 What You’ll Learn - What “collective edge” teams do differently - Why task-based trust matters more than you might think - How better structure can improve team performance - Simple ways to reset communication and collaboration 📚 Resources Mentioned The Collective Edge by Colin Fisher — https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collective-Edge-Unlocking-Secret-Groups/dp/1398533459 The Fresh Start Effect Katy Milkman — https://www.katymilkman.com/journal-articles/the-fresh-start-effect-temporal-landmarks-motivate-aspirational-behavior McKinsey Article — https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/author-talks-getting-group-dynamics-right Colin Fisher on Eat Sleep Work Repeat — https://eatsleepworkrepeat.com/what-gives-a-team-the-collective-edge/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In this episode, Helen and Sarah share part two of their career trends and themes for 2026, focusing on what’s most likely to shape how you work, grow, and stay resilient in the year ahead. This conversation tackles some of the tougher (but very real) topics at work — from restructures and redundancies, to the tension between autonomy and accountability, and why learning needs to be recognised as real career progression. This episode is all about practical, proactive actions you can take now — so you feel more prepared, more confident, and more in control of your career, whatever 2026 brings. Whether you’re an individual contributor, a manager, or a leader, Helen and Sarah share questions, tools, and real examples to help you future-proof your career and your team. Episode 522 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster 🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why career uncertainty is rising in 2026 05:16 Trend #4: Restructures and redundancies 08:10 What to do now so your future self thanks you 11:14 Staying resilient when things feel out of your control 13:01 Trend #5: Autonomy vs accountability at work 15:36 Why clarity matters more than control 16:34 A practical tool to improve accountability in teams 19:49 How to assess autonomy and accountability in your role 21:41 Trend #6: Learning that gets recognised and rewarded 23:05 Why learning should count as progression 26:14 Learning loudly and leading by example 28:30 Making learning visible in 2026 🎯 What You’ll Learn - How to prepare for restructures and redundancies without panicking - Why autonomy and accountability don’t have to be in conflict - How clarity creates better performance in teams - Why learning should be recognised as progression — not just promotion 📚 Resources Mentioned Free Redundancy Reset Toolkit: https://www.amazingif.com/redundancy-reset-2/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In this episode, Helen and Sarah kick off a two-part series exploring six Squiggly Career trends for 2026 — not as distant predictions, but as realistic changes that are already shaping how we work and build our careers. Rather than watching trends happen to you, this conversation is about anticipating what’s coming and choosing how to respond. Helen and Sarah explore three themes that are likely to affect everyone, whatever your role or industry: the rise of AI agents at work, the tension between connection and disconnection, and the growing influence of employees as visible advocates for their organisations. As always, you'll hear honest reflections (including mixed feelings about AI), and simple actions you can experiment with now — so you feel more intentional, confident, and in control as 2026 approaches. Episode 521 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster 🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why we’re talking about career trends for 2026 01:11 How to respond to trends with intention (not fear) 03:31 Theme #1: AI agents at work 05:11 Practical examples of AI agents you could use 08:32 Different reactions to AI — and why that’s okay 10:06 How AI can accelerate career development 11:26 Theme #2: Connection and disconnection at work 12:48 Why being back in the office isn’t the answer 14:28 Practical ways to create meaningful connection 18:13 Theme #3: The rise of the employee influencer 20:30 Risks, inclusion, and finding your own voice 24:41 What’s coming in Part 2 🎯 What You’ll Learn - What AI agents are — and how they could support your work - How to experiment with AI without feeling overwhelmed - Why loneliness at work is rising (and what actually helps) - Simple ways to build connection in hybrid working - What “employee influence” means for careers and organisations 📚 Resources Mentioned Microsoft Copilot and AI agent tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/copilot-101/copilot-ai-agents For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In this episode, Helen and Sarah do something they’ve made a tradition at Squiggly Careers: a year in review. This year they're sharing honest reflections using a simple but powerful framework: high–low learning. This chatty, behind-the-scenes episode is designed to help you reflect too. Whether you do this solo, with a learning buddy or as a team, the questions Helen and Sarah use can help you turn reflection into insight — and insight into action. Episode 520 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster: 🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 End of Year Review 02:51 High–low learning explained 03:59 Best day vs the worst day of the year 14:03 Experiments that worked (and didn’t) 28:06 Life outside of work: highs & lows 38:43 Highs you're anticipating & lows to avoid in 2026 46:20 Reflection questions you can use too 🎯 What You’ll Learn - How to use high–low learning to reflect on your year - Why experimentation matters (even when it doesn’t work) - How to spot recurring frustrations — and do something about them - Questions to help you close the year with clarity and intention For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Sometimes your career can feel unclear, uncertain, or hard to navigate — especially in a squiggly world where linear paths don’t really exist. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or craving more direction, these simple clarity-creating strategies will help you find focus, feel more in control, and move forward with confidence. Episode 519 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster: 🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR 🎯 What You’ll Learn • How to clear mental clutter by getting thoughts out of your head • A simple prioritisation technique—the Bird and the Worm—that helps you balance long-term goals with short-term actions • Why sharing your thinking with someone else (or with AI) can unlock fresh insight and reduce overwhelm For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Sometimes work (and life) can feel full-on — especially at this time of year when deadlines, expectations and emotions all seem to intensify. Whether your mind is racing before a meeting, you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, or emotions are getting in the way of what you want to say, these simple and science-backed breathing practices can help you reset, refocus and respond with more calm and clarity. Episode 518 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster: 🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR 🎯 What You’ll Learn • How your breath affects stress, energy, clarity and emotional control at work • Three practical “when–then–why” breathing techniques for real situations (racing mind, overwhelm and emotional moments) • How to use AI to personalise quick breathing resets you can use between meetings or on the move 📚 Resources Mentioned: Breathe In Breathe Out by Stuart Sanderman - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathe-Out-practical-management-improved/dp/0008543275#:~:text=Since%20tragic%20loss%20brought%20him,way%20you%20think%20and%20feel. Breathpod - https://www.breathpod.com/ Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-book For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Sometimes work can feel messy, complicated, or simply “a lot”. Whether you’re drowning in tasks, unsure where to begin, or struggling to make sense of something hard, these small-but-mighty strategies help you pause, prioritise and move forward with more confidence. Episode 517 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster: 🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR 🎯 What You’ll Learn • How to clear mental clutter by getting thoughts out of your head • A simple prioritisation technique—the Bird and the Worm—that helps you balance long-term goals with short-term actions • Why sharing your thinking with someone else (or with AI) can unlock fresh insight and reduce overwhelm For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F This 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 Mentioned Getting Along by Amy Gallo - https://bit.ly/43XtfdJ Celeste 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/3KfPuF7 How to Preempt Team Conflict — Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/2016/06/how-to-preempt-team-conflict Previous Squiggly Careers interviews with: Amy Gallo - https://youtu.be/iO7Q1g7u0SY?si=Pm5srmx-7AgkjIaP Celeste Headlee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IC9kT476GL4 Dr. Sunita Sah - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ELoznhCWtk5vlONAlY3wC?si=z6i8C1JOT_21aQ0HeNiZzQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In 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 collaborative For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F This 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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:30 What is mattering? Feeling valued and valuable 04:39 Mattering vs belonging — what’s the difference? 07:42 The data: 4 in 10 people feel invisible at work 10:07 High and low mattering moments in your career 17:00 The 3 ingredients of mattering 18:44 Noticing others in meetings 22:35 Affirmation vs recognition 27:36 Making people feel needed 33:41 The mattering spectrum: meaningless, mattering, enmeshment 35:27 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 Mentioned The Power of Mattering by Dr. Zach Mercurio For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F When 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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:13 Why “busy” isn’t helping 01:01 Name it to tame it 02:14 Finding your one-word check-in 03:06 Tools for clarity and prioritisation 04:14 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=BLIvThjOQLupOHgsTQsIFg For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F This 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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:10 The 7 Types of Rest explained 04:40 Physical and mental rest 05:43 Sensory and creative rest 06:33 Emotional and social rest 07:05 Spiritual rest 09:05 Coach yourself: Rest bests & rest gaps 20:39 Who can help you close your rest gap? 24:40 Using AI to create a personalised rest profile 28:55 Practical rest rituals you can start this week 30:39 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 Mentioned Sacred 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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In 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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:24 The difference between speed and slow learning 01:15 Idea 1 02:05 Idea 2 02:55 Idea 3 03:45 Idea 4 04:30 Idea 5 05:15 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 Mentioned Superhuman AI - superhuman.com For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F This 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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 03:53 The Marshmallow Experiment explained 05:43 Why delayed gratification matters for squiggly careers 06:43 The shiny object trap — instant wins vs. long-term goals 08:13 One vs. Two Marshmallow choices at work 10:53 Email decisions — control vs. quality 16:23 Saying yes vs. saying no — and why “no” can lead to more impact 24:03 Career choices — applying vs. creating opportunities 29:03 Building relationships and the “giant marshmallow” payoff 30:53 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 Mentioned The Marshmallow Test by Walter Mischel https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marshmallow-Test-Understanding-Self-control-Master/dp/0552168866 Delayed Gratification article by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/delayed-gratification For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:28 Why “perfect plans” hold us back 01:05 Idea 1 02:15 Idea 2 03:35 Idea 3 04:50 Why small actions build big confidence 05:10 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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:35 What is team emotional intelligence and why it matters 03:41 Awareness + action: how teams build emotional understanding 06:30 Sarah’s experiment 09:20 The three key dimensions of team emotional intelligence 10:50 Understanding each other better 13:30 Action idea: Challenge & Build feedback ritual 21:40 Action idea: Scenario planning made simple 33:45 Action idea: Mapping and Mattering*to stay connected 38:00 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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

✨ 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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:28 Why senior stakeholders matter 01:05 Idea 1 – Position yourself as a peer 02:10 Idea 2 – Go further with your follow-up 03:55 Idea 3 – Build connections they care about 05:10 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=6NRrcjFlDINWtVdp For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Announcement 01:54 Borrowing brilliance from the psychology of seats 03:54 Why where you sit says more about you than you think 07:54 Seat safety — comfort, confidence, and control 12:34 Power seats — what your meeting position communicates 15:54 Round tables, rectangles, and creating collaboration 20:04 The height effect 20:54 No-seat meetings 22:54 Virtual seats 29:54 Inclusion, confidence, and creating space for others 🎯 What You’ll Learn Why your seat can shape your confidence and influence How seating choices affect team dynamics and inclusion How to use “seat psychology” to build better meetings and connections Simple ways to change where (and how) you sit to boost your impact 📚 Resources Mentioned Learning Cog: https://www.learningcog.com The Long Win by Kath Bishop: bit.ly/4he0Rt4 For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

✨ 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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 What are confidence gremlins? 00:42 Reframe 1 01:38 Reframe 2 03:21 Reframe 3 04:55 Where to go next for more 🎯 What You’ll Learn How to spot the confidence gremlins holding you back Three practical reframes to shift your mindset and take action Why focusing on small, achievable steps builds resilience and self-belief 🎧 Listen to Episode 387 to learn more: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ORexpOPpBQgp94cOmR6FE?si=kPkUOUxcTduREjGiQZm4Vg For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction — Borrowing brilliance from maps 01:00 Why maps matter for our squiggly careers 06:40 The value of visuals for clarity and creativity 08:37 Map 1: Energy Map 13:30 Map 2: Give–Gain Map 18:45 Map 3: Skills Map 24:15 Map 4: Possibilities Map 30:00 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-maps The Secret Language of Maps — Stanford Design School https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Language-Maps-Stanford-D-School/dp/1984858009 AI Skills Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=5fD8VGW4Z46LgJFr For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

✨ 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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:28 Why career decisions can feel difficult 01:05 Question 1 – Create distance 02:10 Question 2 – Get data 03:05 Question 3 – Discuss 04:20 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-2skkumLIQ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Moral ambition 05:59 The belief–behaviour gap (what we say vs. what we do) 12:01 Action 1 19:23 Action 2 23:58 Action 3 29:36 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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

✨ 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 ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Squiggly Shortcuts 00:24 Create don't wait  01:23 Tip 1 – Understand the pay rise process in your company 02:26 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/3KxTeBn Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com More 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices