Social Workers Beyond Burnout |

Ade Larigo
  • 3.7 (3)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated weekly

Are you an experienced social worker who has reached the top of the ladder, but you're quietly wondering, "Now what?" Do you want to build an independent income stream from the expertise you already have, without the risk of quitting your job? Welcome to Social Workers Beyond Burnout. I'm Ade Larigo. After 20 years in social work—from the front line to the House of Lords—I hit the same wall. I realised that my most valuable asset wasn't my job title; it was my experience. And I could turn that experience into a business. On this podcast, I show you how to do the same. We skip the fluff and get straight to the practical steps of turning your expertise into a viable independent income stream. We cover consultancy, training, panel work, and creating your own unique offer. Each week, you'll get honest stories and actionable advice on: Building your independent offer (even if you don't know where to start). Overcoming 'Genius Blindness™': Recognizing the high-value skills you take for granted. Using AI safely to build your business in half the time. Money & Mindset: Pricing your services and getting paid what you're worth. Creating your Plan B before the next restructure decides for you. This podcast is your blueprint for building more options, more income, and more control over your career. Ready to start? My gift to you is the free 'Expertise to Income' Action Pack. It's a 1-page guide to help you identify your first potential offer this week. Get it here:  Want my eyes on your plan? Book your 90-minute "Expertise to Income Blueprint" session: https://stan.store/adefunkeclarity Not sure yet? Have a question? WhatsApp me the word 'INCOME' and let's chat: https://wa.me/447348956483?text=CLARITY Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ You were built for great things. Around here, we dey change our story.

  1. 29 Sept

    34 | You've Reached the Top of the Social Work Ladder. Now What?

    Episode Title: You've Reached the Top of the Social Work Ladder. Now What? DARE 29TH SEPT 2026 Episode Description: Have you ever felt like you've climbed the entire career ladder, only to realise you might be on the wrong wall? In this episode, Ade Larigo gets real about the feeling of being a successful, senior professional who is secretly asking, "What's next?" Drawing on her 20+ years in social work, from the front line to policy conversations at the House of Lords, Ade shares her personal story of hitting burnout and why she believes that for most high-achievers, the problem isn't a lack of motivation—it's a lack of clarity. This episode is for any capable professional who knows they have more to offer but feels stuck on the next right move. In this episode, you will learn: The real, hidden costs of not having a clear plan for your future. Why your "normal" skills are actually your "genius" (and a high-value asset). How to start seeing the legacy you are already building, and how to shape it with intention. GET CLARITY ON YOUR NEXT CHAPTER: You can learn more about The Clarity Blueprint™ and book your private 90-minute session here: ➡️ https://stan.store/adefunkeclarity START THE CONVERSATION: Have a question about the Clarity Blueprint? Send me a WhatsApp with the word CLARITY: ➡️ https://wa.me/447348956483?text=CLARITY CONNECT WITH ADE: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ If this episode made you think of a colleague who needs to hear this, please share it with them. And remember, around here, we dey change our story.

  2. 22 Sept

    33 | Feeling Stuck? Why You Still Can't See Your Next Move

    Episode Title: 33 Feeling Stuck? Why You Still Can't See Your Next Move Episode Description: Do you ever get that "Sunday night feeling"? That sense of dread that creeps in, even when you have a good job and a successful career? If you're a capable, high-achieving woman who feels like you're at a crossroads, this episode is for you. Ade picks up right where "Genius Blindness" left off, and asks the harder question: once you can finally see your own value, why does your next move still feel impossible to plan? You'll learn why more information probably isn't what's missing, and the one small shift that starts to make your next chapter visible. Stop trying to write the whole book of your future in one go. It's time to get clear on the very next sentence. In this episode, you will learn: * Why knowing something needs to change still isn't the same as knowing what to do * The real difference between a motivation problem and a clarity problem * What's still missing even after you've started to see your own value * Why more information might not be what's holding you back * The one small shift that starts to make your next move visible Resources Mentioned: This episode is a preview of the deeper work inside my main coaching brand, Adefunke Clarity. If what you heard today resonated, your next step is the free Clarity Catalyst Workshop. This is a live, 45-minute interactive session where you'll get the tools to start seeing your own next move clearly, and walk away with your very first real action step. * Save Your Free Spot in the Clarity Catalyst Workshop: https://clarity-catalyst-landing.lovable.app/ Connect with Ade: * Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ If this episode made you think of another woman, send it to her and simply say: "Sis, I thought of you when I heard this." Around here, we dey change our story. 👑

  3. 15 Sept

    32 | It's Not Impostor Syndrome. It's Genius Blindness.

    32: It's Not Impostor Syndrome. It's Genius Blindness. 📅 17 September 2026 There's a kind of brilliance that becomes so normal to you, you stop calling it a skill at all. You read the room before anyone speaks. You hold fifteen things at once and still know what matters. People trust you with the hardest conversations in the building. And somehow, you've decided none of that counts. Sis… the very thing that makes you brilliant might be the exact thing you've stopped letting yourself see. In this episode: The everyday phrase capable women say that quietly reveals they've stopped seeing their own genius Why calling yourself "just" a social worker might be costing you more than you know What Ade caught herself doing the moment she talked about the House of Lords The name Ade gives to this pattern, and why it has nothing to do with arrogance The one question worth sitting with before you decide what's next   Know something needs to change, but can't quite see what comes next? 🎟️ Join me for The Clarity Catalyst — my FREE live workshop on Thursday 24 September at 12:30pm UK time. Created for the capable woman who's spent years giving everybody else value but is struggling to see clearly what could come next for her. 👉 Save your free seat: https://adefunkeclarity.lovable.app   💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/   If this episode made you think of another woman, send it to her and simply say: "Sis, I thought of you when I heard this." Around here, we dey change our story. 👑

  4. 9 Sept

    31 | Feeling Stuck in a Caring Profession? The Skill That Could Be Holding You Back

    EP31: Feeling Stuck in a Caring Profession? The Skill That Could Be Holding You Back 📅 Wednesday, 9 September 2026 There is a skill that can make you brilliant at caring for other people — and it could also be one of the reasons you feel completely stuck in your own life. You assess risk. Solve problems. Think three steps ahead. You're the woman everybody relies on. But what happens when you turn that same brain onto your own future? Before an idea has even had a chance to breathe, you've carried out a full risk assessment on your own dream. Sis… sometimes what looks like careful planning is actually fear wearing professional clothes. In this episode: The professional skill that could quietly be keeping you stuck Why “I'm just a social worker” may be saying more than you realise What nearly ignoring an invitation to the House of Lords revealed about how I saw my own value Why more information may NOT be what you're missing The uncomfortable question we rarely ask when we're afraid of change Know something needs to change, but can't see what comes next? 🎟️ Join me for The Clarity Catalyst — my FREE live workshop on Thursday 24 September at 12:30pm UK time. Created for the capable woman who's spent years giving everybody else value but is struggling to see clearly what could come next for her. 👉 Save your free seat: https://adefunkeclarity.lovable.app 💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ If this episode made you think of another woman, send it to her and simply say: “Sis, I thought of you when I heard this.” Around here, we dey change our story. 👑

  5. 1 Sept

    30 | Are You Undervaluing Your Own Genius? A Social Worker Mum's House of Lords Wake-Up Call

    EP30: Are You Undervaluing Your Own Genius? A Social Worker Mum's House of Lords Wake-Up Call   📅 Tuesday, 1 September 2026 I nearly ignored the message that took me to the House of Lords. A stranger reached out. I thought it was a scam. I almost said no — and that one decision put me in a room where my experience finally mattered. But even then, I couldn't name the value I was bringing. It took a conversation with AI to help me finally see it. **In this episode:** - The House of Lords story I nearly missed - Why having experience isn't the same as being able to name your value - How one AI conversation helped me recognise "clarity" as my natural skill - The one question to ask if you can't see your own worth yet **Ready to gain clarity on your own next chapter?** 🎟️ Free live workshop, 24th September — the Clarity Catalyst. DM me "CATALYST" to register. 💬 Want to go deeper 1:1? Book the Clarity Blueprint session — DM me "BLUEPRINT." 📥 Grab the free Starter Kit:  https://claritystarterkit.lovable.app   Or message me on WhatsApp: +44 7348956483 Connect on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/   *Around here, we dey change our story.* 👑

  6. 25 Aug

    29 | AI in Social Work: What Every Social Worker Needs to Hear

    29 | AI in Social Work: The Conversation Every Social Worker Needs to Hear 📅 25th Aug 2026 AI has saved me hours. But it has also confidently given me information that was completely wrong. In social work, where our assessments and recommendations can affect children, families and vulnerable adults, that cannot simply be dismissed as an inconvenient mistake. Last week, I asked why you have not started creating another income stream. This week, I want to show you what starting can actually look like through something many of us may already be using, but are not yet talking about openly. Artificial intelligence. I have been using AI since 2021, the same year I started my social work consultancy. At first, I used it for simple tasks such as writing emails and social media posts. Over time, that developed into research, creating courses, building systems and supporting how I run my business. But this episode is not a sales pitch for AI. It is an honest conversation about where AI has saved me time, where it has completely let me down, and the questions I believe our profession and its leaders need to ask before its use goes any further within social work. Whenever I talk about using these tools, I am referring to my own notes and non-confidential information. Protecting client confidentiality and sensitive data must always remain the priority. In this episode: • My AI journey since 2021, from writing emails to building business systems • Why burnout and bureaucracy may be a greater threat to human-centred social work than the technology itself • Why social workers may already be using AI quietly, without guidance, training or a safe space to ask questions • The confidentiality, GDPR and professional responsibility questions to consider before entering anything into an AI tool • Why I think of AI as my kitchen assistant while I remain the head chef • The difference between polished writing and genuine professional analysis, and why that matters in assessments • What happened when AI completely failed to save me time while I was editing this podcast • How AI helped me solve an urgent family problem in under an hour when my dad’s freezer broke • Why AI can appear to build trust and the risks this could create for vulnerable people • The questions social work organisations and leaders need to ask before introducing AI tools • Why practitioners, children, families and vulnerable adults must be part of shaping this conversation Reflection question: What is one task you would like AI to help you with, and what is one part of your work you believe AI should never decide? This is not a one-off conversation for me. I will continue sharing what I am learning, what is working, what is failing and the questions I believe our profession needs to be asking. Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me what you are seeing in your own work. What excites you about AI? What concerns you? Where do you believe the boundary should be? Connect with Ade Larigo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ If this episode has made you think differently about AI in social work, please share it within your network, your community or at your next team meeting. Sis, you were built for great things. And remember, around here, we dey change our story. 👑

  7. 11 Aug

    28 | You Know You Need Another Income Stream… So Why Haven’t You Started?

    Episode 28: You Know You Need Another Income Stream — So Why Haven't You Started? You've felt it. That quiet but persistent voice telling you that you were built for more, that you need more options, and that another income stream could be the key to your future freedom. But you're still standing at the starting line. In this direct and challenging episode, Ade unpacks the three biggest mental blockers that keep capable, brilliant women from launching their own income stream: The 'Not an Expert' Fallacy: The belief that your lived experience isn't "enough." The 'No Time' Myth: How to find pockets of powerful, focused time even in a packed schedule. The 'What to Sell' Paralysis: A simple framework for choosing your path when you have too many ideas. This isn't just inspiration; it's a practical guide to dismantling your excuses and taking your first, tangible step in the next 24 hours. If you're tired of thinking and ready to start building, this episode is your call to action. Ready for Your Next Chapter? 1. The Free Starter Kit: Get my free 7-day guided workbook and private audio guide to find your focus and define your future. This is the perfect first step. https://claritystarterkit.lovable.app 2. The 1-on-1 Deep Dive: Ready to build your personal action plan in 90 minutes? Book your private Clarity Blueprint™ session with me. https://stan.store/adefunkeclarity Let's Connect: LinkedIn: [Your LinkedIn Profile URL] Website: https://claritystarterkit.lovable.app Like this episode? Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a friend who needs to hear it. We dey change our story !

  8. 4 Aug

    27 | CAN’T MAKE A DECISION? HERE’S WHAT INDECISION IS REALLY COSTING YOU

    EPISODE 27 | 4 AUGUST 2026 CAN’T MAKE A DECISION? HERE’S WHAT INDECISION IS REALLY COSTING YOU What if the confidence you are waiting for is waiting for you to make a decision? Sometimes indecision looks responsible. You research, ask for advice and tell yourself you need more clarity. But when information gathering becomes a way of avoiding action, it can cost you time, opportunities and trust in yourself. In this episode, Ade shares why she spent approximately three years thinking about starting this podcast, what finally helped her move and why confidence often comes after we act, not before. You will also hear about the woman who put her business on hold while waiting for someone else to lead, and how waiting for permission can quietly keep capable women stuck. Ade introduces the practical DECIDE Framework to help you move from overthinking to responsible action: D: Define the real decision E: Establish the essential information C: Cut through the competing voices I: Identify the next responsible step D: Decide and set a deadline E: Execute and evaluate IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER: • What indecision may already be costing you • How repeatedly changing your mind can weaken self-trust • Why fear does not automatically mean a decision is wrong • How confidence grows through evidence and action • Why you do not need to see the whole road before taking the next step • The difference between useful information and distracting opinions • How to use the DECIDE Framework with a real decision in your life PODCAST PILLARS Primary pillar: Mindset Supporting pillar: Voice DOWNLOAD THE FREE CLARITY STARTER KIT If you are struggling to separate what you genuinely want from the demands, expectations and noise around you, download Ade’s free seven-day Clarity Starter Kit. It will help you explore your strengths, hidden assets, priorities, energy and possible next steps. Download the Clarity Starter Kit: https://claritystarterkit.lovable.app CONNECT WITH ADE If this episode brought a decision to mind and you would like to share what feels unclear, message Ade on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447348956483 There is no pressure and no pitch, just a conversation. If this episode blessed you, follow the podcast and share it with one woman who needs to hear it. You were built for more than this. We dey change our story.

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Are you an experienced social worker who has reached the top of the ladder, but you're quietly wondering, "Now what?" Do you want to build an independent income stream from the expertise you already have, without the risk of quitting your job? Welcome to Social Workers Beyond Burnout. I'm Ade Larigo. After 20 years in social work—from the front line to the House of Lords—I hit the same wall. I realised that my most valuable asset wasn't my job title; it was my experience. And I could turn that experience into a business. On this podcast, I show you how to do the same. We skip the fluff and get straight to the practical steps of turning your expertise into a viable independent income stream. We cover consultancy, training, panel work, and creating your own unique offer. Each week, you'll get honest stories and actionable advice on: Building your independent offer (even if you don't know where to start). Overcoming 'Genius Blindness™': Recognizing the high-value skills you take for granted. Using AI safely to build your business in half the time. Money & Mindset: Pricing your services and getting paid what you're worth. Creating your Plan B before the next restructure decides for you. This podcast is your blueprint for building more options, more income, and more control over your career. Ready to start? My gift to you is the free 'Expertise to Income' Action Pack. It's a 1-page guide to help you identify your first potential offer this week. Get it here:  Want my eyes on your plan? Book your 90-minute "Expertise to Income Blueprint" session: https://stan.store/adefunkeclarity Not sure yet? Have a question? WhatsApp me the word 'INCOME' and let's chat: https://wa.me/447348956483?text=CLARITY Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelarigo/ You were built for great things. Around here, we dey change our story.

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