Ambition & Life

Karis Dorrigan
  • 5.0 (4)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Real stories. Brave leadership. Bold change. We have an opportunity not just to optimise work but to redesign it. Hosted by Karis Dorrigan, a product and innovation leader turned systems-change advocate and coach. Ambition & Life is where ambition meets humanity. Each episode explores how we can build systems that reflect real lives. Where success isn’t measured by hours or titles, but by impact, connection, and integrity. Through honest conversations with founders, leaders, and solo parents reshaping the future of work, you’ll hear stories of courage, practical tools for balance, and ideas that challenge the old rules of leadership and create new ones. We all deserve the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.

Episodes

  1. 5 HRS AGO

    Shout It From the Rooftops: How Women Win at Visibility, Equity and Career Growth with Karen Katz

    What does it really take to build workplaces where women don't just enter — they stay, grow and lead? This week Karis sits down with Karen Katz, Director at KK Consulting and co-founder and co-managing director of Her Tech Circle. A community on a mission to create an equitable, inclusive and diverse tech industry across Australia. Karen's journey is one of the most honest on the podcast yet. She grew up navigating real adversity, and built a career defined by the values that shaped her: trust, care and integrity. After resigning from a role that eroded her confidence with nowhere to go a friend whiteboarded a business plan on the spot. Eight years later, KK Consulting is thriving. That's the power of community. Together, Karis and Karen cover a lot of ground, from the systemic reasons women leave tech by their mid-thirties, to the small experiments any organisation can run today to start shifting the dial. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Karen Katz and her mission 02:04 Karen's personal story and core values 03:21 Barriers faced in her career journey 04:25 Lessons from workplace challenges 07:22 Advice to her younger self 09:20 State of DEI in Australia and tech 11:07 Creating supportive and inclusive workplaces 16:22 Building equitable business systems 18:55 Owning mistakes and transparency 19:39 Small experiments for change 21:39 Career advancement tips for women 24:29 Shifts needed for career growth 25:51 Future-proofing careers with AI 28:09 Actionable strategies for equity and inclusion 31:19 Connecting with Karen and upcoming events Key takeaways: Only 26% of Australia's tech workforce is female and we lose half of them between their third and fourth year. Karen explains why inclusion is a harder problem than hiring, why DEI programs are being scaled back at exactly the wrong moment, and what bold leaders do instead. Plus: why the next career move isn't about working harder i t's about being seen operating at the next level. Connect with Karen Katz hertechcircle.org kkconsulting.co linkedin.com/in/katzkaren/ Connect with Karis Dorrigan  ambitionandlife.com linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/ Karis Dorrigan is Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has led product across billion-dollar enterprises and scaled companies to their first million in revenue. Today she coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles — on their terms. If this episode speaks to you as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share it with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. Track: Brother Brother | Artist: BENSON | Licensed by Soundstripe, Inc. | License #22026995 | License ID: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T | Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast and social platforms. © BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission under a perpetual licence. © Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan. All rights reserved. Intentionality · Courage · Balance · Advocacy

    35 min

  2. 26 APR

    Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: How Women Can Lead the AI Era

    What does it take to pivot from a completely different industry, build multiple businesses, and still have the courage to go again in the middle of an AI revolution? In this episode, Karis sits down with Georgie Hubbard. Career strategist, recruiter, founder, and author of The Bold Move for a frank, energising conversation about what it really takes to future-proof your career right now. From her own journey arriving in Australia with a rucksack and no plan, to building CH Solutions, co-founding the Sisterhood Club, and launching Pivotr (an AI-powered career mentor), Georgie is on a mission to make sure women don't get left behind in the AI era. This one is packed with practical frameworks, honest reflections, and the kind of advice that makes you want to open your laptop and take action. In this episode, we cover: Courage and career evolution: Georgie's driving force isn't fearlessness, it's the fear of regret. She shares her three-part decision-making framework: worst case, best case, and the likely case and why that middle ground is where calm, confident action lives. AI optimist or pessimist? Georgie gives both sides. The opportunity is enormous for those ready to act. But the risk is real for those who aren't paying attention especially women, whose jobs are statistically more exposed to AI disruption. Navigating career opportunities right now: A step-by-step coaching exercise: how to audit your resume for patterns, identify your transferable strengths, cross-reference with what the market actually wants, and position yourself for what's next, not just what's behind you. Visibility and personal branding: Why showing up on LinkedIn isn't self-promotion, it's survival. How to flip the script from "why would anyone care?" to "what value can I bring?" And why vanilla doesn't get noticed. Prioritising yourself in the AI era: The permission many women need to hear: you cannot build a future-proof career on the scraps of energy left over after everyone else. One hour a week. That's the starting point. The glass balls framework: Concrete balls, bouncy balls, and glass balls. A powerful way to audit where your time and energy is actually going — and what you simply cannot afford to drop right now. What organisations need to do: A clear message for business leaders: be transparent about your AI roadmap, upskill your people, and stop making decisions behind closed doors. The companies doing this well right now are the ones attracting the best talent. Georgie's closing rally cry: Get in the driver's seat of your own career. The change is coming whether you choose it or not. Choose it. Resources and links mentioned: 📖 The Bold Move: How to Build Confidence and Reinvent Your Career in the Era of AI - available now 🔗 Connect with Georgie Hubbard: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgiehubbardWebsite & Bold Move Career Accelerator: georgiehubbard.com/bold-movesConnect with Karis: Website: ambitionandlife.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kdorriganKaris Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host, and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises. Today, she coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission: to help more women rise into leadership — because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger. If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver, or leader — follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. 🎵 Music: "Brother Brother" by BENSON. Licensed by Soundstripe, Inc. License ID: #22026995. Worldwide, perpetual licence across web, podcast, and social platforms. © BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission under a perpetual licence. Content ID: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    43 min

  3. 12 APR

    Why Georgie Dent Says Paid Leave, Childcare and Better Workplaces Are the Missing Bridges for Parents

    In this episode of Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, Karis sits down with Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood, to talk about what it would take to make Australia the best place in the world to be a parent. Georgie shares the personal and professional journey that led her to this work, from starting her career in law, to experiencing a significant breakdown early in her professional life, to moving into journalism and spending years writing about gender inequity, paid parental leave, childcare, and family-friendly workplaces. She reflects on her own experience of becoming a parent, including the difficulty of finding childcare in Sydney, the cost of care, and how quickly it became clear that the policies in place were putting men and women on very different paths after having children. Karis and Georgie also go inside the work of The Parenthood, including its three policy pillars: at least 12 months of paid parental leave that can be shared between parents and paid at a replacement wage rate universal access to high quality early childhood education and care delivered by a professionally paid and qualified workforce workplaces that value caregiving They discuss the progress that has been made, including the increase in paid parental leave from 18 weeks to 26 weeks with superannuation, the 15% wage increase for early childhood educators and teachers, the three-day guarantee, and the billion-dollar building fund for early education and care in areas of need. This conversation also explores the structural assumptions still built into Australian workplaces, the motherhood penalty, the role of policy in driving cultural change, the realities facing single parents, and why open conversations between employers and employees matter so much. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Georgie Dent and Her Mission 06:24 Georgie's Journey to Parenthood Advocacy 12:42 The Parenthood's Strategic Focus 20:08 Challenges in Workplace Policies 24:30 The Importance of Shared Parental Leave 30:10 The Voices of Single Parents 35:19 Designing Inclusive Workplaces 39:47 Advice for Leaders and Parents Follow The Parenthood Website: theparenthood.org.auLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/theparenthood/LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/georgiedent/ Website: https://www.ambitionandlife.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/Karis Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises, shaping organisations to be more customer-first, product-led and outcome-driven. Today, she coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission is simple: to help more women rise into leadership without sacrificing the life they want to build. Because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger. If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    44 min

  4. 29 MAR

    From Qantas to Culture Amp: What Paul Keen Learned About Equity You Can Actually Measure

    In this episode of Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, Karis speaks with Paul Keen, VP of Engineering at Culture Amp, about leadership, culture, inclusion, and what he has seen across a career spanning Qantas, Airtasker, Tyro, and Culture Amp. Paul brings a perspective shaped by working inside organisations with very different experiences of gender equity, including companies that have struggled with gender gaps and others that have come much closer to pay equity. Together, Karis and Paul explore what leaders can learn from those environments, what actually helps people thrive at work, and why culture is shaped by everyday norms, not just formal policy. This is a grounded conversation about leadership in tech, the role culture plays in inclusion, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can do strong work and feel supported while doing it. Paul’s leadership journey across major Australian tech and corporate brands What has shaped his perspective as an executive leader The difference between working in organisations with gender gaps and those closer to pay equity Leadership, technology, culture and inclusion Why policy alone is not enough The role cultural norms play in shaping people’s day-to-day experience at work What leaders can do to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul Keen's Journey 04:02 Exploring Gender Equity in Organizations 11:22 The Future of Work: Hybrid Models and Flexibility 15:22 Retention Challenges for Women in Tech 22:18 Attracting Diverse Talent to the Tech Sector 24:22 Balancing Career and Life: Key Advice 25:40 Creating Inclusive Environments in Leadership Connect with Paul LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenpaul/ Connect with Karis Website: https://www.ambitionandlife.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/ Karis Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises, shaping organisations to be more customer-first, product-led and outcome-driven. Today, she coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission is simple: to help more women rise into leadership without sacrificing the life they want to build. Because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger. If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    28 min

  5. 15 MAR

    She Left Corporate Fashion to Build a Life and Business That Fit

    In this episode of Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, Karis speaks with Bernadette Payne, founder of That’s My Style, about her career in fashion, motherhood, and the decision to leave corporate life to build a business that worked better for her family. Bernadette shares her 25-year career across the fashion industry, covering pattern making, design, buying, producing and travel. She reflects on the pressure of senior roles, the constant expectation to keep juggling, and the reality of working in an environment where she did not feel seen as a whole person. When Bernadette became a mum, she realised the industry did not support the kind of balance she wanted. She talks about being expected to return after six weeks, fighting to take 12 months leave, and later negotiating part-time work that still came with full-time expectations. Bernadette also shares how founding That’s My Style allowed her to keep fashion in her life while working in a way that better aligned with her family, values and wellbeing. She explains how her work is not just about clothes, but about understanding women, their stories, their insecurities and what helps them feel like themselves. Karis and Bernadette also explore the ongoing challenges women face in 2026, including rigid work structures, the invisible mental load, and the importance of leaders having more open conversations about what support really looks like. Bernadette’s 25-year career in the fashion industry The pressure of senior corporate roles in fashion Why motherhood changed what work needed to look like Fighting for 12 months leave and part-time flexibility The challenge of part-time roles with full-time expectations Why Bernadette started That’s My Style Building work around family life Style, identity and understanding the woman behind the clothing Health, boundaries and putting yourself first What leaders can do to better support women and parents at work 00:00 Introduction to Bernadette's Journey 03:03 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:00 Challenges of Balancing Career and Motherhood 10:41 Creating a Business that Aligns with Family Life 14:29 The Importance of Self-Care and Personal Growth 19:04 Navigating the Gender Pay Gap and Workplace Challenges 25:53 Advice for Women in Business and Leadership 31:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations Follow Bernadette, That's My Style Website: https://thatsmystyle.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsmystyle_bybernadette/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thatsmystyleAU/ Connect with Karis Website: https://www.ambitionandlife.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan/Karis Dorrigan is a Head of Product in InsurTech, coach, podcast host and solo parent. She has helped scale companies to their first million dollars in revenue and led product across billion-dollar enterprises, shaping organisations to be more customer-first, product-led and outcome-driven. Today, she is Head of Product and coaches mid-career women in product and tech to step into senior leadership roles on their terms. Her mission is simple: to help more women rise into leadership. Because when more women lead, systems shift, customers win, and the economy grows stronger. If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    36 min

  6. 14/12/2025

    Have Your Cake and Eat It: Parenting, Ambition and #WorkSchoolHours

    What if workplaces stopped pretending we do not have children and homes to care about, and actually designed work around real lives? In this episode, I sit down with Dr Ellen Joan Ford, award winning researcher, military veteran, international speaker, parent and author of #WorkSchoolHours. Together we unpack how leaders can redesign work so people are not forced to choose between a big career and a big life. Ellen shares what she found in her research with working parents, why so many are pushed out or quietly downgraded in their careers, and how her work school hours principles give leaders a practical blueprint to change that. We talk about: The moment Ellen realised “the world expects us to work as if we do not have children and parent as if we do not have a job” How becoming a parent expanded, not reduced, her ambition and what success looks like now The three core principles of #WorkSchoolHours and why they are commercial strategies, not perks Simple leadership experiments that change everything, like shifting an 8.30 am recurring meeting to 9.15 am or setting true core hours How to align projects and quarters to school terms so parents are not punished for 13 weeks of school holidays The real commercial upside: retention, productivity, wellbeing and closing the motherhood penalty Why fear and “playing not to lose” keep leaders stuck in rigid office mandates How to build culture and connection in hybrid teams without relying on mandated desk time A step by step way individuals can pitch new work rhythms to their manager as a win win This conversation is for executives, HR and people leaders, and any ambitious parent or caregiver who refuses to accept that ambition and care are mutually exclusive. Your people have a life beyond work, and that is an asset, not a liability. Measure outputs, not hours. Flexibility is a commercial strategy. Do not design for the lowest performers. The boldest move is also the simplest. Ask each person: “What would help you thrive here?” Then act on it where you can.. Explore Ellen’s work and resources: Website and resources: ellenjoanford.com Book: #WorkSchoolHours (paperback, ebook and audio) Follow Ellen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ellen-joan-ford-791a2655/ If this episode speaks to your experience as a solo parent, caregiver or leader, follow Ambition & Life with Karis Dorrigan, share this episode with a colleague, and join the movement to build systems where ambition and care can thrive side by side. Music rights:Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license.ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06TFollow Karis: linkedin.com/in/kdorrigan

    34 min

  7. 30/11/2025

    Paternity, Power and Possibility: Why Supporting Fathers Lifts Everyone

    In this conversation, I sit down with Michael Ray - solo dad, advocate and author to explore the stereotypes, structural barriers and everyday assumptions that shape modern fatherhood. Michael shares his journey from a hyper-masculine career in security and elite sport to becoming a first-time parent at 50 and then a single parent shortly after. We unpack how parenting reshaped his identity, the cultural messages that tell men they’re “less equipped” to care, and the subtle but powerful ways workplaces still separate breadwinning from caregiving. Michael brings forward practical, lived insights about negotiating flexibility, challenging outdated norms and understanding why supporting fathers is essential for genuine gender equity. If you care about inclusive leadership, the future of work, solo parenthood, or designing roles that honour both ambition and care, this episode offers grounded, real-world perspective. Challenging the stereotypes that define fatherhood and masculinity How unsolicited advice and cultural narratives shape confidence in new parents The realities of navigating work, identity and responsibility as a solo dad Why caregiving and breadwinning are inseparable (and always have been) How workplaces can redesign roles and rhythms to support all parents The cultural and emotional impact of treating fatherhood as “different, not less” The science behind the hormonal and neurological shifts in caregiving Why language matters when advocating for equitable workplaces Chapters 00:00 Challenging Narratives of Fatherhood06:24 The Transformation of Identity Through Parenting10:49 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Single Parent14:24 The Intersection of Caregiving and Career17:24 Redefining Masculinity in Modern Fatherhood21:26 Collaboration Over Competition in Gender Equity25:21 The Gift of Clarity Through Crisis26:22 Redefining Fatherhood and Gender Roles27:12 The Importance of Paternity Leave29:01 The Science of Caregiving and Emotional Intelligence30:22 Normalizing Caregiving for Men31:29 The Role of Advertising in Shaping Perceptions32:48 Inclusion and Representation in Parenting35:16 Creating Equitable Spaces for All Parents36:49 The Need for Structural Changes in Workplaces37:52 The Impact of Early Parenting on Future Generations Find out more about Michael Ray: Website: https://www.michaelray.com.auLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ray-574079183/ Book and speaking details available via his website. The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan - leader, solo parent and advocate for the future of work. This is intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, leadership, care and the systems that shape our lives. Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseLicense ID: #22026995Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved.Used with permission under a perpetual license. ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    41 min

  8. 16/11/2025

    Unseen Potential: Redesigning Work for Real Inclusion

    In this conversation, I sit down with Nikki Tugano, Founder & CEO of SeenCulture, to talk about how work can be redesigns to open doors, not quietly close them. We explore practical ways leaders can surface unseen potential, write inclusive role descriptions, and use positive psychology and job crafting to lift performance and wellbeing. Nikki’s story, from feeling unseen as a child to building a company that helps individuals and teams get truly recognised offers a rare blend of evidence, empathy and action. If you care about equity, flexible job design and building teams that deliver impact without burning people out, this one’s for you. What we cover The definition of “unseen potential” and how to make it visible Writing senior role descriptions that open doors (not quietly close them) Autonomy, connection, mastery: the psychology behind motivation and performance How to use AI responsibly to de-bias job ads and widen candidate pools Practical prompts for 1:1s that reveal strengths you’re not using yet Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scene Culture and Its Mission 04:50 Defining Unseen Potential 05:58 Leadership's Role in Uncovering Potential 07:49 Innovative Job Design in Recruitment 08:57 Positive Psychology in Job Design 12:24 AI and Job Design Considerations 15:10 Supporting Single Parents in Leadership 17:59 Hope for Equity and Opportunity 19:34 Key Takeaways for Leaders 21:45 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Find out more about SeenCulture and Nikki's amazing work Access a free individual profile to start mapping your strengths and uncover your unseen potential: https://seenteams.com/ Learn more about SeenCulture’s work: https://www.seenculture.com/ Music Credits The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan — intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives. Track: Brother Brother Artist: BENSON Licensed by: Soundstripe, Inc. License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization License License ID: #22026995 Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms © BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved. Used with permission under a perpetual license. ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T

    25 min

  9. 02/11/2025

    When Work Meets Real Life: Rethinking the System with Jessica Graham

    In this conversation, Jessica Graham, Marketing Director at The Search Experience, shares her journey of redefining ambition and work-life balance. She discusses her experience with redundancy, the importance of flexible work arrangements, and how she navigates her role in a way that allows her to prioritise family while achieving professional success. Jessica emphasizes the need for leaders to rethink traditional work structures, particularly the concept of part-time work, and advocates for a focus on outcomes rather than hours worked. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of marketing in the age of AI and the importance of trust in team dynamics. Takeaways Jessica emphasizes the importance of a four-day work week for work-life balance. Redundancy can be a catalyst for positive change and new opportunities. Leaders should keep an open mind when hiring and designing roles. Part-time work should be reframed to focus on outcomes, not hours. AI is reshaping marketing and creating new opportunities for innovation. Flexibility in work arrangements can lead to higher performance and satisfaction. Trusting employees to manage their own schedules can enhance productivity. Work-life integration is essential for long-term career success. Employers need to adapt to attract top talent by offering flexibility. Creating a supportive work environment can lead to better employee retention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jessica Graham 02:01 Who is Jessica 03:08 Ambition 05:16 Navigating Redundancy and Embracing Change 08:06 Establishing a New Work Rhythm 09:03 Negotiating Flexibility in Leadership Roles 14:11 Reframing Part-Time Work 15:55 The Future of Marketing in the Age of AI 18:31 Practical Strategies for Work-Life Balance 22:14 Final Thoughts on Ambition and Life Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagraham/ Learn more about Jessica's company The Search Experience: www.tsetalent.com Follow Jessica's passion project - Book Trivia Podcast: https://www.booktriviapodcast.com/ Music Credits The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan, intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives. Track: Brother BrotherArtist: BENSONLicensed by: Soundstripe, Inc.License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization LicenseUsage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms Code: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T© BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved. Used with permission under a perpetual license.

    26 min
  10. The Story Behind Ambition & Life: Redesigning Success

    20/10/2025

    The Story Behind Ambition & Life: Redesigning Success

    In this deeply personal opening episode, Karis Dorrigan shares the story behind her mission. From leading billion-dollar teams to navigating solo parenthood and why she’s determined to build a world where ambition and care can thrive together. 00:00 Introduction to Ambition and Life Podcast 00:52 Karis Dorrigan's Journey and Motivation 03:01 The Challenges of Solo Parenting 05:25 The Impact of Systems on Parenting and Work 07:21 Redesigning Work for Real Lives 08:18 The Vision for the Podcast Music Credits The Ambition & Life podcast is produced by Karis Dorrigan, intentionally designed to amplify real stories about ambition, care, and the systems that shape our lives. Track: Brother Brother Artist: BENSON Licensed by: Soundstripe, Inc. License Type: Master Recording & Synchronization License Usage Rights: Worldwide, in perpetuity, across web, podcast, and social platforms Code: ZCQVE0RUQJPWL06T © BENSON / Soundstripe, Inc. — All rights reserved. Used with permission under a perpetual license.

    10 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Real stories. Brave leadership. Bold change. We have an opportunity not just to optimise work but to redesign it. Hosted by Karis Dorrigan, a product and innovation leader turned systems-change advocate and coach. Ambition & Life is where ambition meets humanity. Each episode explores how we can build systems that reflect real lives. Where success isn’t measured by hours or titles, but by impact, connection, and integrity. Through honest conversations with founders, leaders, and solo parents reshaping the future of work, you’ll hear stories of courage, practical tools for balance, and ideas that challenge the old rules of leadership and create new ones. We all deserve the opportunity to thrive at work and in life.

Information

  • Creator
    Karis Dorrigan
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Karis Dorrigan
  • Show Website
    Ambition & Life