Squiggly Careers
423 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratingsSquiggly Careers is a weekly podcast that will help you take control of your career development. Hosted by the founders of Amazing If (https://www.amazingif.com/), Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, together they cover all things work: from how to manage stress and overcome your confidence gremlins to micro-aggressions and discovering your strengths. Each episode is full of ideas, actions, hints, and tips that you can put into practice straight away.
Every so often they take a break from talking to each other to interview other people who are leading the way in making work better. Past guests include entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley, author of The Joy of Work Bruce Daisley, and neuroscience expert Amy Brann.
The Squiggly Careers podcast has been recommended by Harvard Business Review, Stylist, Marie Claire and Management Today.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
#155 Procrastination at work (and how to prevent it)
June 30, 2020 04:30 - 27 minutes - 62.6 MBIn this weeks episode Helen and Sarah discuss why we procrastinate and 5 ideas and actions to help prevent procrastination, including monk mode, the pomodoro technique and swallowing the frog. And as an added bonus Helen finishes the episode by sharing her top productivity hints & tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#154 Happiness at work with Lord Mark Price
June 23, 2020 04:30 - 28 minutes - 64.7 MBThis week, Helen talks to Lord Mark Price about the 6 steps to happier workplaces. Mark is the former Managing Director of Waitrose and Deputy Chairman of The John Lewis Partnership, a member of the House of Lords and the founder of Engaging Works. This episode is full of insights and practical actions you can take to create happier workplaces. For more information on the epsiode, head to https://www.amazingif.com/listen and follow Mark's work at https://engaging.works/ Don't forget, you c...
153: Ask The Expert: Adaptability with Steven Bartlett
June 18, 2020 04:30 - 14 minutes - 33.2 MBIn the final episode of our six-part Ask the Expert series, Helen talks to CEO and founder of Social Chain, Steven Bartlett, about the importance of adaptability as a skill and how to cultivate it. In their discussion, Steven shares his thought on the importance of 'adaptability outliers', making sure people have an incentive to be adaptable and permission to fail. He also talks about the importance of reflection and writing in helping him to personally stay adaptable in his career. Follow ...
#153: Ask The Expert: Adaptability with Steven Bartlett
June 18, 2020 04:30 - 14 minutes - 33.2 MBIn the final episode of our six-part Ask the Expert series, Helen talks to CEO and founder of Social Chain, Steven Bartlett, about the importance of adaptability as a skill and how to cultivate it. In their discussion, Steven shares his thought on the importance of 'adaptability outliers', making sure people have an incentive to be adaptable and permission to fail. He also talks about the importance of reflection and writing in helping him to personally stay adaptable in his career. Follow ...
#152 How to find meaning at work
June 16, 2020 04:30 - 26 minutes - 60.9 MBThis week Sarah and Helen discuss how to find more meaning and fulfilment from the work that you do. Together they reflect on what makes work meaningful and what gets in the way. And though there is no blueprint for discovering meaningful work there are questions you can ask and actions you can take which will help you to feel more connected to your job today, and in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#151 Ask The Expert: Psychological Safety with Amy Edmondson
June 11, 2020 04:30 - 16 minutes - 37.3 MBIn the fifth of our six-part Ask the Expert series, Sarah interviews Amy Edmondson, the Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at the Harvard Business School and author of The Fearless Organisation. Together Sarah and Amy discuss Psychological Safety, the concept she has pioneered and championed through her research. They chat about what gets in the way of psychological safety and how we can all learn the skills and take positive action to create respected and trusted teams where p...
#150 How to cope with career change and uncertainty
June 09, 2020 07:41 - 30 minutes - 70.1 MBThis week Helen and Sarah talk about how to navigate the change and uncertainty that we're all facing in our careers right now. Together they discuss how to overcome the thoughts and feelings that can get in our way when faced with change and the positive actions that will help you take control of your career in the short and long term. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#149 Ask the Expert: Creativity with Holly Tucker
June 04, 2020 04:30 - 16 minutes - 38.5 MBIn the fourth of our six-part 'Ask the Expert' series, Helen interviews Holly Tucker, co-founder of Not On The High Street and founder of Holly&Co about the importance of creativity in navigating through times of change. They talk about how spark your creativity and apply it to your day to day work to create new opportunities for you and your career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#148 How to use emotional intelligence at work
June 03, 2020 04:30 - 22 minutes - 52.3 MBThis week Helen and Sarah talk about emotional intelligence (EQ) at work. They take the 12 characteristics of EQ and share ideas for putting each one into action. Whether you're thinking about your own development or different exercises to do with the people you work with, this week's episode is full of practical and useful tips to help make work better for everyone. For an episode summary and supporting resources, head to amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...
#147 Ask the Expert: Purpose with Simon Sinek, author and speaker
May 28, 2020 04:30 - 14 minutes - 32.7 MBIn the third of our six-part Squiggly Careers – Ask the Expert series, Helen interviews Simon Sinek, best-selling author and speaker, about the role of purpose in managing our careers. They talk about how to find your own why, the importance of working with people who share your beliefs and how to bring your purpose to life with the stories you tell." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#146 Disagreeing from a distance and dealing with conflict
May 26, 2020 04:30 - 30 minutes - 70.2 MBIn this weeks episode Helen and Sarah share why working remotely can make disagreeing difficult and top tips on how to challenge constructively. In the second part of the episode Helen interviews Amy Gallo, author of the Harvard Business Review Guide to Dealing With Conflict and contributing HBR contributing editor. Amy shares practical and useful advice on how to have productive conversations including understanding whether you seek or avoid conflict, identifying frequent reasons for disagre...
#145: Ask the Expert: Mindfulness with Rich Pierson, co-founder Headspace
May 21, 2020 04:30 - 13 minutes - 31.6 MBIn the second of our six-part Squiggly Careers – Ask the Expert series Sarah interviews Rich Pierson, co-founder of Headspace about Mindfulness. Rich and Sarah discuss the difference between mindfulness and meditation and the benefits that being more mindful can offer to all of us. They discuss practical and realistic ways to make meditation part of your everyday and why so many companies are offering headspace to their employees during Coronavirus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...
BONUS: Stories from the front line – managing my mental health
May 20, 2020 04:30 - 33 minutes - 76.8 MBIn this inspiring episode Helen and Sarah interview people working on the front-line during lock-down to get a window in the world of their experiences. Sarah has a conversation with Ben Levinson, a 600-pupil primary school Headteacher working in East London about how he coped with the most difficult two weeks of his career and why taking care of your mental health matters more than ever right now. Helen speaks to Dr. Jamie Strachan, a Consultant in Critical Care and Anaesthesia about stayi...
#144 Wellbeing at work
May 19, 2020 04:30 - 25 minutes - 35.1 MBIn our first episode supporting mental health awareness week Sarah and Helen chat to Dr. Paula Franklin - Chief Medical Officer Bupa, Emma Mamo – Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind and Alex Cole – Chair Bupa Foundation about how we can all look after our mental health at work. Together they discuss some of the barriers that get in the way of people receiving the support they need for their mental health at work, and the positive progress that some organisations have made that we can le...
#143 Ask the Expert: Resilience with Martha Lane-Fox CBE
May 14, 2020 04:30 - 16 minutes - 37.1 MBIn the first of our new six part Squiggly Careers - Ask the Expert series Sarah interviews Martha Lane- Fox (CBE) co-founder of lastminute.com and founder of doteveryone. Martha shares her personal and professional experience of building her resilience 'muscle' through out her career. Together they discuss the importance of very small steps, a strong support network and recognising your successes. And Martha finishes by explaining why we should never be afraid to fish upstream. Hosted on Ac...
#142 Belonging in a virtual world of work
May 12, 2020 04:30 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MBThis week, Helen and Sarah reflect on how our current working environment is affecting people's need for belonging and how to respond to it. They talk through 5 ideas and actions to build more belonging in a virtual working environment, including reflecting on the number of 1-2-1 vs. 1-2-many conversations you're having and making time to give people recognition. Head to www.amazingif.com for links to resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#141 How to be creative at work with Creative Rebels
May 05, 2020 04:30 - 34 minutes - 78.8 MBIn this week's episode Helen and Sarah are joined by David Speed and Adam Brazier, co-hosts of the Creative Rebels Podcast and co-founders of Graffiti Life and Parlour Tattoo. In the episode they discuss how to be creative at work including the importance of mixing things up, helping to level up your business and why talk - action = zero. For more visit amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#140 How to develop your adaptability
April 28, 2020 04:30 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBAdaptability and Squiggly Careers go hand in hand! We're all working with more change and ambiguity and our ability to find a way through it is crucial to our success (and arguably our sanity!). This week, Helen and Sarah share practical actions you can take to develop you adaptability, inspired by Natalie Fratto's TED Talk. Head to www.amazingif.com for links to resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#139 Diverse Thinking and Rebel Ideas with Matthew Syed
April 21, 2020 04:30 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBHelen talks to Matthew Syed about the power of diverse thinking in this week's Squiggly Careers podcast. They tackle topics including growth mindset, collective intelligence and cognitive diversity, focusing in on how to put all of the theory into action for individuals, teams and organisations. For more on this episode, head to www.amazingif.com and read more about Matthew's work at www.matthewsyed.co.uk. Rebels Ideas is out in paperback now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...
#138 How to stay resilient
April 14, 2020 04:30 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this episode Helen and Sarah give you the skills to develop strong resilience. They cover how to assess your steady state of resilience, how to think about your emotional agility, fear setting and learning to invest in your support solar system. For full resources visit amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#137 The human skills we need in an unpredictable world with Margaret Heffernan
April 07, 2020 04:30 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBFor a special episode Sarah talks to Dr. Margaret Heffernan - author of 'Uncharted: How to Map the Future Together'. They talk about the difference between a complicated and complex world, why we need to build relationships based on generosity and the importance of friends at work (particularly in a crisis). For more visit amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#136 Comfort vs. Courage zones and why they both matter
March 31, 2020 04:30 - 29 minutes - 26.5 MBThis week Sarah and Helen discuss the difference between your comfort and courage learning zones and why they both matter. Together they discuss ideas and actions you can take to spend more time in either zone including building your BMDs (brief moments of discomfort), connecting with challengers and knowing that not right now is not the same as not ever. For more information on this episode head to www.amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#135 How to be kind at work
March 24, 2020 05:30 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MBAs our working lives go through a significant period of change, it's never been more important to show kindness to others. Everyone is going through their own challenges and we can all play a role in supporting each other. In this week's episode, Helen and Sarah talk through small and practical ways we can all show up with kindness at work. For more information on this episode, head to www.amazingif.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#134 How to be a brilliant listener
March 17, 2020 05:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBListening plays a big part in our working lives, but often it's something we struggle to do well. Distractions, our own agendas, thoughts and feelings can all affect the quality of our listening efforts. In this week's Squiggly Careers podcast, hosts Helen and Sarah talk about their 4 top tips for being a brilliant listener, including how to assess yourself against '6 listening levels', how to create 'time to think' and how to make sure your listening efforts creates insight that lasts. Hea...
#133 IWD: Women who are changing the world
March 10, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIn the final episode Sarah interviews two women leading the charge to make our world a better place. Kajal Odedre, director of change.org and author of 'Do Something': together they discuss how everyone can be an activist. She then chats to Lauren Bravo, author of 'How to break up with fast fashion', to figure out what we can all do to make better choices about the clothes that we buy and wear, benefitting ourselves and our planet. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out informat...
#133 IWD: Women who are changing the world
March 10, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBIn the final episode Sarah interviews two women leading the charge to make our world a better place. Kajal Odedre, director of change.org and author of 'Do Something': together they discuss how everyone can be an activist. She then chats to Lauren Bravo, author of 'How to break up with fast fashion', to figure out what we can all do to make better choices about the clothes that we buy and wear, benefitting ourselves and our planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#132 IWD: Female entrepreneurship
March 09, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 152 MBIn this special episode for International Women's Day, Helen talks to 3 guests about the topic of female entrepreneurship. With Sarah King and Claire Dunn (founders of We Are Radikl) she discusses the systemic barriers that can hold women back from starting and scaling businesses and how they are supporting women to break them down. She then talks to Natalie Campbell, a serial entrepreneur about the confidence that has enabled her to succeed, what she has learned through her journey and what...
#131 IWD: Engaging men in gender equality
March 08, 2020 05:33 - 59 minutes - 135 MBIn this special episode for International Women's Day, Helen and Sarah talk to two men who champion women in the workplace. First, Helen talks to Josh Graff (UK Country Manager for LinkedIn) about the actions he takes as a leader to support women at work. Sarah then talks to Daniele Fiandaca about Token Man, an initiative he founded to include men in the discussion of diversity and focus on solutions that benefit everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#130 IWD: Creating a gender balanced workplace - Part 2 w/Ann Francke
March 07, 2020 17:30 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBIn part 2 of this special episode for International Women's Day, Helen talks to Ann Francke, CEO of the Chartered Management Institute about the commercial benefit of gender diverse workplaces and where issues arise in our organisations. Ann's book is: Ann Francke OBE - Creating Gender Diverse Workplaces Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#129 IWD: Creating a gender balanced workplace - Part 1 w/Kathryn Jacob OBE and Sue Unerman
March 07, 2020 05:30 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBIn part 1 of 2 of this special episode for International Women's Day, Helen and Sarah talk to different guests to get their perspective on how women can break through glass walls and glass pyramids at work. In part 1 they talk to Kathryn Jacob OBE and Sue Unerman, about the strategies for success that women can use to combat bias and barriers at work. Their book is called: Kathryn Jacob OBE and Sue Unerman - The Glass Wall: Success Strategies for Women at Work - and Businesses that Mean Bu...
#128 IWD: Life at the top, the reality of being a female CEO
March 06, 2020 05:30 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode Sarah talks to three CEOs who happen to be women. Sarah interviews Cilla Snowball, Eithne O'Leary and Kate Stephens about the reality of life as a CEO, the role of a support network and how to build the confidence to put yourself forward for, and succeed, in the top job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#128 IWD: Life at the top, the reality of being a female CEO
March 06, 2020 05:30 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBIn this episode Sarah talks to three CEOs who happen to be women. Sarah interviews Cilla Snowball, Eithne O'Leary and Kate Stephens about the reality of life as a CEO, the role of a support network and how to build the confidence to put yourself forward for, and succeed, in the top job. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
#127 IWD: Gender portrayal in the media with Ella Dolphin
March 05, 2020 05:30 - 21 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode of our special series, Sarah interviews Ella Dolphin, CEO of The Stylist Group. Together they discuss how gender is portrayed in the media and how with great power, comes great responsibility. The media has always set the narrative around women – but its permeating untruths, false expectations and dangerous stereotypes. Research by Dove shows that 70% of women do not feel represented by media and advertising. Ella reveals how to challenge outdated views and change the represen...
#126 IWD: Taking on taboos – it’s about bloody time with Emma Barnett
March 04, 2020 11:33 - 28 minutes - 26 MBIn this special epsiode to support International Women's Day, Helen interviews broadcaster, journalist and author Emma Barnett. Together, they discuss Emma's book 'It's about bloody time. Period.". They get into the issues that arise at work when people feel unable to talk about their periods, the reasons why it's become taboo and how we can fight back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#125 How to avoid the comparison trap
March 03, 2020 05:30 - 24 minutes - 22 MBIt's easier than ever to think the grass is always greener, we see perfect lives and curated workplaces on social media and can feel left out. In this episode Sarah and Helen give tips on how to avoid comparing yourself to others, including knowing your triggers, the 'Shine Theory' and shifting from comparison to control. For more, visit amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#124 Work and Wellbeing - Live at Life Lessons
February 25, 2020 05:30 - 40 minutes - 36.6 MBThis week's Squiggly Careers episode was recorded Live at the Sunday Times Life Lessons festival where Helen and Sarah were joined by Tom Chapman, Pip Murray and Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton to talk about work and wellbeing. With Tom, Helen and Sarah explore the need to create safe spaces for people to talk about mental health and the the venture he started (Lions Barber Collective). With Pip Murray, founder of Pip & Nut, they talk about the challenge of prioritising your wellbeing when you are...
Bonus: Squiggly Career Story with David Pearl
February 20, 2020 05:30 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBFor a special bonus edition of the show Sarah takes to the streets to talk to David Pearl, founder of Street Wisdom and author of 'Wanderful'. They discuss using walking for ideas, embracing the unexpected and the real meaning of the word career. For more resources, visit www.amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#122 How to make your strengths show up and stand out
February 18, 2020 05:30 - 43 minutes - 39.3 MBIt's not enough to just know what you're great at. In order to do your best work you need to spend time making sure your strengths show up and stand out at work. When your strengths are visible to others, they can help to spot opportunities for you to use them more, which means you make a bigger impact and are happier in your work. In this week's episode of the Squiggly Careers podcast, hosts Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis share their top tips for taking control of your strengths and making s...
#121 How to manage your boundaries
February 11, 2020 12:56 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBBoundaries have never been harder to manage at work. Technology, pace and the volume of work we're all dealing with are causing us to blur our work and home life, our relationships and our identity. Maintaining boundaries are key to our health and success over the long-term, and this week's podcast is designed to support you in putting boundaries in place that work for you. Sarah and Helen share examples of their boundaries and their top tips to help you with yours. For more resources, hea...
#120 Should you be a specialist or a generalist at work?
February 04, 2020 05:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBIn this week's Squiggly Careers podcast Helen and Sarah discuss the value of hard vs soft skills and being a specialist vs. a generalist in your career. They talk about the benefits and limitations of both and their views of where to focus your efforts in your career development. For more information on this episode, head to amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#119 Squiggly Career Stories Live
January 28, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBThis week Helen and Sarah take Squiggly Careers Live. Listen as they are joined in London by founder of social enterprise Year Here, Jack Graham, entrepreneur Shaa Wasmund and founder of MOBOs, Kanya King. Hear stories of tenacity, resilience and amazing career support networks that have helped guests on this episode succeed in their squiggly careers. The episode concludes with a career manifesto from the inspirational and award-winning Bejay Mulenga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...
#118 Squiggly Career Stories with Dr Caroline Casey and Polly McMaster
January 21, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 70 MBIn this week's Squiggly Careers podcast, Helen and Sarah talk to two inspirational women about their fascinating and very squiggly career journeys. Sarah talks to award-winning social entrepreneur Dr Caroline Casey, who took a life changing decision at 28 to leave her successful career as a management consultant and travel across India on an elephant. Since then, Caroline's career has been committed to building a global movement on inclusive business. Helen then talks to Polly McMaster, fou...
#117 Squiggly Career Stories featuring Viv Groskop, Roland Harwood and Roma Agrawal
January 14, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 68 MBHelen and Sarah are back with week 2 of their special series of squiggly career stories. This week they are talking to journalist, writer and comedian Viv Groskop, compulsive connector Roland Harwood and Roma Agrawal, a structural engineer who designed The Shard. Hear about how to make role transitions, build strong networks, manage career lows and celebrate the highs. For more on this episode, head to www.amazingif.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#116 Squiggly Career Stories featuring Emma Gannon & Levi Roots
January 07, 2020 05:30 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBTo celebrate the launch of Helen and Sarah’s book The Squiggly Career, January’s Squiggly Careers podcast will feature lots of special guests sharing their own unique and inspiring squiggly career stories. This week, Sarah and Helen interview author and podcaster Emma Gannon to discuss how she has curated her career and inspired others to do the same. They are also joined by Levi Roots, who talks through the ups, downs, twists and turns of a career that spans music, entrepreneurship and med...
#115 20 Career Questions for 2020 (part 2)
December 31, 2019 05:30 - 38 minutes - 35.4 MBHelen and Sarah are back for part 2 of their ‘20 Questions for 2020 episode’ where they help you to set yourself up for success in the year ahead. This week their topics include gratitude, habits and grit. Listen to their answers and reflect on your own. The full list of 20 questions can be found at www.amazingif.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#114 20 Career Questions for 2020 (part 1)
December 24, 2019 05:30 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this episode, Helen and Sarah talk about 10 questions to help you reflect on 2019 and be your best in 2020. They share their own answers and insights on topics including strengths, networks and personal brand. The full list of 20 questions can be found at www.amazingif.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#113 How to respond when work goes wrong
December 17, 2019 05:30 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MBSquiggly Careers are great, but they are not always easy and they are definitely not straight-forward. Things go wrong just as much as they go right and in a world where we often focus on the shiny, filtered view that people may share, we can forget all the challenges that were faced along the way. In this week's episode of the Squiggly Careers podcast, hosts Helen and Sarah talk about failure, challenges and difficulties and how to respond with growth mindset and resilience. For links men...
#113 How to respond when work goes wrong
December 17, 2019 05:30 - 50 minutes - 45.7 MBSquiggly Careers are great, but they are not always easy and they are definitely not straight-forward. Things go wrong just as much as they go right and in a world where we often focus on the shiny, filtered view that people may share, we can forget all the challenges that were faced along the way. In this week's episode of the Squiggly Careers podcast, hosts Helen and Sarah talk about failure, challenges and difficulties and how to respond with growth mindset and resilience. For links men...
#112 How to use storytelling at work
December 10, 2019 05:30 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBStorytelling is a skill which can help you to connect with others and to share your ideas in a compelling way. It's a valuable skill to develop for your career and in this week's podcast, Helen and Sarah share their top tips for developing your storytelling abilities at work and the stories to focus on first. For links mentioned in this week's episode, head to www.amazingif.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#111 Christmas Party Podcast
December 03, 2019 05:30 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBHow better to end another year of Squiggly Careers podcasts than by bringing some extraordinary people into the Squiggly Careers studio to celebrate! This week, Helen and Sarah talk to 4 people who between them are helping people unleash their extraordinary, creating a world of work without bias and helping women around the world see and use their power. Listen to Tom and James (founders of Tempest Two and Dose), Lauren Currie (Managing Director of NOBL and founder of Upfront) and Lizzie Pe...