Squiggly Careers

Latest Episodes:

#473 Why Understanding Your Manager Matters For Career Growth Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Figuring out what makes your manager tick can be one of the most powerful tools for career growth. In this episode, Helen and Sarah discuss the significant impact that managers have on your development, job satisfaction, and progression within a company. They also share practical tips on how to profile your manager, allowing you to align your actions with their needs, improve your communication, and position yourself for success—all by gaining a deeper understanding of their mindset.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#472 Squiggly short: If You're Navigating A Toxic Workplace, Try This. Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

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-toxic

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#471 How To Cope And Stay Confident When Work Gets Toxic Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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/@SquigglyCareers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com](mailto:helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com)

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#470 Squiggly Short: Why ‘Finding Your Purpose’ Might Be Holding You Back Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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-work

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#469 Do You Need To Have A Purpose At Work? Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

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-work

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth: https://shorturl.at/b6oFv

Values 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/@SquigglyCareers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#468 Squiggly Short: The Surprising Benefits of Staying Put for Career Growth Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SquigglyCareers

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#467 Pressure to Progress? Why Staying Where You Are Is Good For Career Growth Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#466 How to focus on outcomes to reduce overwhelm Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail

4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#465 Career Continuers: how to relook at retirement and develop career longevity Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

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 helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail

4. Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#464 Career Changers: how to pivot and create new possibilities Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

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-changers

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.com

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/skillssprint2024

3. Sign up for PodMail, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/sc-podmail

4. 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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected