Squiggly Careers

The Squiggly Career
  • 3.7 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Squiggly 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. For more ideas, tools and inspiration every week, you can also sign up to their newsletter Squiggly Careers in Action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Part 2: 6 Squiggly Careers Trends in 2026 – Redundancy, Accountability & Why Learning Matters More Than Promotions

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  2. 23/12/2025

    Part 1: 6 Squiggly Career Trends in 2026 - AI Agents, Disconnection & Employee Influencers

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min

  3. 16/12/2025

    End of Year Review: What Our Highs & Lows Taught Us In 2025

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Squiggly Shortcut: How to Feel More in Control of Your Career (Even in Uncertain Times)

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  5. 09/12/2025

    How to Reduce Work Stress and Anxiety With Simple Breathing Techniques

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min

  6. 04/12/2025

    Squiggly Shortcut: How To Move From Complexity To Clarity

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min

  7. 02/12/2025

    3 Hard Work Conversations & How To Handle Each One with Confidence

    🦞 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 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min

  8. 27/11/2025

    Squiggly Shortcut: Discover Hidden Career Opportunities in 5 Minutes a Day

    🦞 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/ 🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    6 min
See All (531)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Squiggly 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. For more ideas, tools and inspiration every week, you can also sign up to their newsletter Squiggly Careers in Action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Squiggly Career
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    531
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amazing If b257c680-9883-11f0-b281-4717820a919a
  • Show Website
    Squiggly Careers
  • Provider

More From Pixiu

You Might Also Like