Ambition & Life

Karis Dorrigan
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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. 12/14/2025

    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

  2. 11/30/2025

    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

  3. 11/16/2025

    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

  4. 11/02/2025

    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
  5. The Story Behind Ambition & Life: Redesigning Success

    10/20/2025

    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
  • 5 Episodes

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Karis Dorrigan
  • Show Website
    Ambition & Life