The ‘Corporate Agony Aunt’ podcast 🎙️

Isobelle (Corporate Agony Aunt)
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  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Corporate Agony Aunt podcast. The podcast that helps you navigate the corporate world, level up your career, and secure the success you deserve. Every week, we dive into the strategies, insights, and no-nonsense advice you need to land promotions, build executive presence, and take control of your career trajectory. From handling office politics to negotiating pay raises, growing your network, and positioning yourself for leadership... so consider this your personal career playbook. Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let’s get to work.

  1. 12/01/2025

    E16 - Staying Visible, Networking Without the Ick, and the Power Moves to Nail Your Job Hunt

    Episode Title: Staying Visible, Networking Without the Ick, and the Power Moves to Nail Your Job Hunt Episode Summary: Remote work making you feel like a corporate ghost? Hate networking but know you *should* be doing it? Or maybe you’ve been blindsided by a job loss and need to bounce back — fast? In this jam-packed episode of *Corporate Agony Ant*, Isobelle shares straight-talking strategies to stay visible when you’re out of sight, reframe networking so it actually feels natural, and master the first 48 hours after losing your job. From her own corporate confessionals (yes, she got caught venting on recorded lines — more than once) to practical scripts, power moves, and mindset shifts, this one’s a crash course in levelling up your career presence, resilience, and opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How to stay front-of-mind when working remotely — without being *that* person in every meeting. * Networking redefined: ditch the sleaze, build genuine connections, and make them last. * Three real-life “corporate confessionals” and the lessons you *won’t* forget. * The step-by-step action plan for bouncing back after a job loss (and why speed matters). * Community Q\&A: negotiating time before accepting an offer, going part-time for a side hustle, surviving spam-boss scams, and chasing the job you *really* want. Whether you’re climbing the ladder, planning your next move, or just trying to avoid career landmines, this episode will give you the scripts, strategies, and sanity to do it with confidence. Links & Resources: Connect with Isobelle on [LinkedIn] Extra resources & templates: www.corporateagonyaunt.com

    21 min

  2. 11/24/2025

    E15 - Toxic Workplaces, Imposter Syndrome & Nailing the Final Interview

    Toxic Workplaces, Imposter Syndrome & Nailing the Final Interview This week, Izzy tackles some of the toughest career dilemmas you’ve sent in — from surviving a toxic culture (even if you love the work) to kicking imposter syndrome to the curb, plus a masterclass in preparing for your final stage interview. We’ll cover: * Toxic workplaces: How to protect your mental health, set boundaries, find allies, and plan your exit without burning out. * Imposter syndrome: Practical mindset shifts, building a “brag file” (Izzy’s is called *That Bitch*), and why faking it till you make it actually works. * Corporate Confessional: A half-million-dollar mistake, a boss who stayed calm, and what a culture of psychological safety really looks like. * Interview power moves: From researching the panel to leaving a memorable impression, plus the small gestures that make you stand out. * Promotion talk: Why visibility is everything, how to present your receipts, and the exact script to turn extra responsibility into a pay rise. Packed with real-world examples, straight-talking advice, and a few reality checks, this episode is your playbook for thriving in high-pressure situations — and knowing when it’s time to walk away.

    12 min

  3. 11/17/2025

    E14 - When Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills — Career Moves, Pitch Deck Power & Owning Your Generalism

    Episode Title: When Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills — Career Moves, Pitch Deck Power, and Owning Your Generalism Show Notes: Love your job but hate your pay? Thinking of switching careers? In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Izzy shares proven salary negotiation tactics, career change strategies, and her Pitch Deck PowerMoves for interview success — plus why generalists can thrive in today’s job market and the workplace skill everyone overlooks. In this episode of **Corporate Agony Ant**, Izzy tackles one of the trickiest corporate crossroads: > *What do you do when you love your job… but your paycheque doesn’t love you back?* From salary negotiations that actually work, to spotting when it’s time to walk, Izzy breaks down how to balance passion with financial reality. But that’s just the start. You’ll also learn: * Career change without starting from scratch – how to identify and sell your transferable skills so you don’t “start over,” you *level up*. * The Corporate Confessional – a cautionary tale from the pre-slack days about why you should never, ever hit “Reply All” with the wrong attachment. * Pitch Deck PowerMoves – a step-by-step masterclass for interview presentations that hit the brief, nail the timing, and make you unforgettable (for the right reasons). * How to actually articulate yourself at work – practical habits to sharpen your speech, boost confidence, and own the room. * Owning your generalism – why being a jack-of-all-trades can be your superpower in today’s job market. * The most underrated workplace skill – and why being “easy to work with” will open more doors than chasing office popularity. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, fighting for fair pay, or prepping for the interview of your dreams, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you thrive without selling your soul. Listen now and take one step closer to your career glow-up.

    16 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    E13 - When Climbing the Ladder Isn’t Your Thing – Redefining Career Growth Without Management

    "Episode Title: When Climbing the Ladder Isn’t Your Thing – Redefining Career Growth Without Management Not everyone wants to be a manager — and you shouldn’t have to be one to be “successful.” In this episode of **Corporate Agony Aunt**, Izzy tackles the pressure to move into leadership when it’s not the right fit for you, and how to carve out a career path that plays to your strengths. We also cover: * How to frame a conversation with your boss when you don’t want to manage people (without stalling your growth). * Alternative career paths that give you seniority, recognition, and pay — minus the direct reports. * Practical ways to stay employable and competitive as a top-level individual contributor. Plus, Izzy dives into two other career pain points: * **“I keep getting rejected for jobs I’m qualified for.”** – Why it’s not always about your skills, and the small CV, interview, and networking tweaks that can triple your chances. * **Pre-recorded interviews** – Why they’re awkward, how to prepare like a pro, and the “pen trick” to sound more natural on camera. You’ll also hear: * This week’s *Corporate Confessional* – a catering slip-up, a client meltdown, and a masterclass in owning your mistakes. * How to protect yourself if you suspect you’re being quietly pushed out. * The “traffic light” system for stopping workplace oversharing. * The best way to talk about redundancy in interviews without killing your chances. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the corporate ladder or stuck in a cycle of job rejections, this episode will give you the language, strategies, and confidence to take back control of your career.

    19 min

  5. 11/03/2025

    E12 - How to Handle Credit-Stealing Co-Workers, Lead Former Peers Without Drama

    How to Handle Credit-Stealing Co-Workers, Lead Former Peers Without Drama, and Build a Career That Actually Fits YouIf your co-worker’s stealing your ideas, your old workmates now report to you, and your career feels more like a maze than a ladder — here’s how to take back control without burning bridges."In this episode of *Corporate Agony Ant*, Izzy tackles three career curveballs every professional will face at some point:1. The Credit Thief – When a co-worker tries to pass off your ideas as their own, the solution isn’t to seethe in silence. Izzy walks you through how to speak up in the moment without coming off confrontational, and why documenting your contributions is your best insurance policy.2. From Peer to Boss – Getting promoted is exciting… until the people who used to be your workmates start resenting you. Izzy shares exactly how to set boundaries, manage awkwardness, and keep respect high while still leading effectively.3. Career Alignment Masterclass – Forget the perfect, linear CV. Izzy explains how to turn every role (even the ones you hated) into stepping stones toward your ideal career, keep your network alive without burning bridges, and use mentorship to open doors you didn’t even know existed.Plus: A Corporate Confessional that turns a potential PR disaster into a masterclass on accountability.How to answer “Why did you leave so soon?” in interviews without sinking your chances.The right way to ask for a pay rise (hint: it’s not “Dave got more, so I should too”).Should you give up your Fridays off for a promotion? Izzy breaks down the decision framework.If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-credited, or off-track, this episode gives you the tools to take control of your career narrative—without burning bridges or selling your soul for a bigger title.

    20 min

  6. 10/27/2025

    EP 11 - Feeling Stuck, Feedback Fear & Landing That Promotion

    In this packed episode of Corporate Agony Ant, Izzy tackles the career roadblocks that leave so many professionals feeling frustrated, overlooked, or unsure of their next move. From breaking free of role stagnation to asking for feedback without sounding insecure, this is your no-nonsense guide to taking control of your corporate trajectory. We’ll also hear an eye-opening Corporate Confessional about a costly ordering blunder (and the powerful lesson in owning your mistakes), plus Izzy’s interview masterclass for securing your next promotion with confidence and credibility. And as always, Community Questions, tackling gossip culture, shift pattern misunderstandings, and the smartest way to re-enter the corporate world after a career break. Whether you’re chasing a promotion, plotting your next move, or trying to stand out in interviews, this episode is bursting with actionable strategies to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a little corporate sass. What I talk about in This Episode: * How to audit your skills, interests, and market trends to plan your next career step. * A simple structure for asking for feedback that gets useful answers instead of awkward silence. * Why owning mistakes early is a hallmark of strong professionals (and how to do it without panicking). * The promotion prep framework: from auditing your wins to showing intentional ambition in interviews. * How to maintain visibility and avoid misconceptions when working different shift patterns. * The single most impressive trait to hiring managers — and it’s not just your technical skills. * Two killer end-of-interview questions that can seal the deal. Corporate Confessional Highlight: A high-season order disaster teaches the hard way that escalating issues early with a solution, is always better than quietly shouldering the stress. Community Q\&A: * Escaping the drain of office gossip (without making enemies). * Making your early starts visible when your hours differ from the rest of the team. * Rejoining the corporate world after a break, and landing stronger offers. * The question every candidate should ask before leaving the interview room.

    17 min

  7. 10/20/2025

    EP 10 - How to Hold Your Boss Accountable, Stop Working Late, and Negotiate Like a Pro

    How to Hold Your Boss Accountable, Stop Working Late, and Negotiate Like a Pro If your boss keeps shifting expectations, your evenings are swallowed by unpaid overtime, or you’re too nervous to push for a higher salary, this episode is your toolkit for taking back control. Izzy tackles four career-defining dilemmas head-on: * Moving Goalposts: How to lock down agreements in writing so shifting targets can’t derail you — and when to escalate with evidence. * Chronic Late Nights: How to set boundaries, get work done in reasonable hours, and stop equating “longer” with “better.” * Salary Negotiation Masterclass: Scripts and strategies to position yourself at the top of the pay range, handle pushback, and negotiate benefits that boost your total package. * Post-Interview Power Moves: The follow-up tactics most candidates skip that keep you front-of-mind with hiring managers. Plus, in Corporate Confessionals, a listener’s holiday horror story sparks a conversation on boundaries early in your career, and Producer Georgia brings audience questions on insecure managers, fear of failing in a new role, and moving from mid-level to senior without imposter syndrome. Whether you’re fighting scope creep, gunning for a pay rise, or plotting your next big move, you’ll leave this episode knowing exactly how to protect your time, your sanity, and your salary.

    17 min

  8. 10/13/2025

    EP 9 - How to Ask for a Pay Rise, Get Noticed at Work & Nail Your Next Interview

    In this power-packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles some of the most common and frustrating career dilemmas head-on. From negotiating the pay you deserve to becoming visible to leadership, recovering from interview slip-ups, and preparing for phone/video interviews like a pro, Izzy delivers straight-talking, actionable advice to help you thrive at work.Whether you’re angling for a raise, trying to stand out, or navigating your next big career move, this episode is a masterclass in professional self-advocacy.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:* Securing the Pay You Deserve – How to research your market worth, build a fact-based case, and use Izzy’s simple salary conversation script to confidently ask for a raise.* Becoming Visible to Leadership – Why hard work alone isn’t enough and the practical steps to get noticed, from speaking up in meetings to owning high-impact projects.* Recovering from Interview Slip-Ups – How to regain composure after a stumble and turn it into a moment that demonstrates confidence and self-awareness.* Mastering Phone & Video Interviews – Environmental setup, tech checks, and delivery tips that ensure you leave a memorable first impression — even without a handshake.* When to Switch Jobs – The “Learn or Earn” framework for knowing when it’s time to move on, plus how to use your network strategically to uncover hidden opportunities. Choosing a New Career Path – How to research industries you’ve never considered and leverage AI to match your skills to future-proof roles.Corporate Confessional:An anonymous listener shares how slagging off their manager on Teams nearly got them fired… until the manager agreed with them months later.

    20 min
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About

Welcome to The Corporate Agony Aunt podcast. The podcast that helps you navigate the corporate world, level up your career, and secure the success you deserve. Every week, we dive into the strategies, insights, and no-nonsense advice you need to land promotions, build executive presence, and take control of your career trajectory. From handling office politics to negotiating pay raises, growing your network, and positioning yourself for leadership... so consider this your personal career playbook. Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let’s get to work.

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