Career & Leadership Real Talk

Pamela Langan & Jacqui Jagger
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Career & Leadership Real Talk; a weekly podcast full of guidance and advice for ambitious managers who are ready to take ownership of their career. It’s hosted by Pamela Langan, a job search coach and c.v. writing expert, and Jacqui Jagger, a mindset and leadership coach. We’re here for you if you want to have more impact, land a new job or get the promotion you know you deserve. There’s no high level, intellectual theory here – it’s a fluff-free zone We’ll be talking about how to stand out in your job search, how to hit the ground running in a new role and how to cope when things aren’t going *quite* the way you want at work In our career clinic section we’ll answer real questions from listeners and our clients, and we’ll also share our take on books on the topics of careers, leadership, & management so you can decide which are worth your time You can connect with us on LinkedIn – feel free to DM us with any questions you’d like us to answer on the show! https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

  1. 6d ago

    Ep 165 - Underselling Yourself Communication Habits That Can Stall Your Career

    In this episode, we explore a pattern Jacqui sees regularly in her coaching practice — capable, high-performing professionals who are inadvertently stalling their own careers by the way they talk about their work. Using a real client story (shared anonymously), we unpack what underselling looks like in practice, why it happens, and what you can do differently. If you've ever described something you achieved and immediately wondered why it didn't land the way you hoped, this one's for you. Key points from this episode Why competence alone won't get you to director level — and what needs to change in how you communicate your contributionThe visibility paradox: how the people doing the most impressive work are often the least visibleHow deep-seated discomfort with self-promotion shows up in the language you use every dayThe difference between describing what happened and articulating what you made happenA simple practical exercise to reframe how you talk about your work, and where to use it 00:00 Introduction and the client story behind this episode 01:00 The pattern: capable professionals who let their contribution go unnoticed 05:00 The visibility paradox and why senior leaders need to be seen, not just effective 10:00 Why "selling yourself" creates resistance — and a more useful way to think about it 13:00 The cost of invisibility: a real example from a Deloitte partnership decision 19:00 Comfort zones, default behaviours, and what's really driving the pattern 21:00 Tara Mohr's Playing Big and the language habits that keep people small 23:00 Active versus passive framing — and why it matters beyond the interview room 25:00 The practical exercise: write two versions and find the opportunity to use one Useful Links Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

    28 min
  2. Ep 164 - Imposter Syndrome: Why It Gets Worse as You Get More Senior

    May 26

    Ep 164 - Imposter Syndrome: Why It Gets Worse as You Get More Senior

    If you expected imposter syndrome to ease off as your career progressed, you're not alone, and you're probably wondering why it's doing the opposite. In this episode, we dig into why imposter syndrome so often intensifies at senior level, and what's actually going on in your brain when it does. We share practical strategies for working with imposter syndrome rather than trying to outrun it, because working harder and delivering more isn't the answer, and most people find that out the hard way. Key points from this episode Why becoming more senior makes imposter syndrome worse, not better and the brain science behind itThe identity gap: why your internal reality struggles to keep pace with your external successHow self-judgment fuels imposter syndrome and what to do insteadWhy positive feedback doesn't land and a simple technique to change thatHow to borrow belief from the people who already have it in you 00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview 00:26 Why Imposter Syndrome Intensifies With Seniority 02:29 The Trap of Trying to Outwork It 05:00 Your Brain, Evidence and the Confidence Gap 08:00 Navigating Uncertainty: The Board Meeting Example 11:00 The Identity Gap Explained 13:30 The Self-Judgment Cycle 16:30 What Actually Helps: Reducing Self-Judgment 21:00 How to Internalise Positive Feedback 24:30 Borrowing Belief From Others 26:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action Useful Links Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

    28 min

  3. May 11

    Ep 163 - Bouncing Back From Negative Feedback

    Receiving negative feedback is something every leader faces — but nobody really teaches you how to handle it well. In this episode, we talk about why your reaction to negative feedback matters more than you might think, and how developing the skill of receiving it well can genuinely change the trajectory of your career. We share real examples, including a story from Pam's own career where one piece of feedback held her back from presenting confidently for years — and what she wishes she'd done differently in that moment. Key points from this episode Why how you respond to negative feedback creates either a vicious or virtuous cycle in your careerThe mindset shift that separates feedback from your sense of identityWhy asking more questions after difficult feedback is more powerful than going away to stew on itLonger-term strategies to make feedback easier to receive — and less likely to stingHow regularly asking for feedback desensitises you and builds trust with the people around you 00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview 00:26 Why Negative Feedback Hits So Hard 02:59 The Vicious and Virtuous Cycle 05:37 Separating Feedback from Identity 09:00 Unpacking a Real Listener Example 13:00 What to Do in the Moment 16:37 Creating Distance and Regulating Your Emotions 18:00 Pam's Personal Story: The Presentation That Set Her Back 23:00 Longer-Term Strategies: Feedforward and Seeking Input 25:30 Making Feedback a Regular Habit 26:37 Closing the Loop: Acknowledging What You've Done With Feedback 28:00 Close and Call to Action Useful Links Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website Enjoyed this Episode? If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

    28 min

  4. Apr 20

    Ep 162 - Why You Can't Say No at Work (And What It's Costing You)

    If you've ever found yourself completely overwhelmed, running on empty and wondering how you got here, this episode is for you. We're exploring why so many leaders struggle to say no. Not because they're weak or disorganised, but because saying yes is what got them where they are. Understanding how this pattern forms is the first step to changing it. We get honest about what this really looks and feels like from the inside, including the gap between how capable you appear to everyone else and how stretched you actually feel. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and there are things you can do. Key points from this episode Why saying yes early in your career works against you later — and how it stops being a strategy and becomes your identityThe "invisible yes" — work that lands on your plate that you never actually agreed toWhat it really costs you to keep saying yes to everything, including your career progressionWhy pushing back feels so hard when you've always been the reliable oneFirst steps to take if you recognise yourself in this episode Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:47 Why Saying Yes Feels Good Early in Your Career 03:00 When Yes Stops Being a Strategy and Becomes Your Identity 06:00 What This Really Looks Like Day to Day 09:00 High Achievers Don't Give Themselves Permission to Struggle 11:00 The Cost of Always Finding a Way Through 14:00 The Invisible Yes — and Why It Matters 16:00 Practical First Steps: Pause, Reflect and Reassess 19:30 Why Asking for Help Is Part of the Solution 22:30 When It's Time to Consider Coaching 23:30 Link to Episode 82 and Close Useful Links Episode 82 Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

    25 min

  5. Apr 7

    Ep 161 - When a Team Member Undermines You - How to Recognise It and What to Do

    Managing a team member who's being disrespectful is one of the most confidence-shaking situations a leader can face, precisely because it's so hard to name. Is it a conduct issue? A personality clash? Or is it you? In this episode, we unpack what disrespectful behaviour from a team member actually looks like, why leaders so often hesitate to act, and what to do when you're ready to address it. We share real examples from our own experience and client work, and walk through a practical approach that doesn't require you to go in heavy-handed, but does require you to stop waiting. Key points from this episode How disrespectful behaviour often hides in plain sight — and why high performers aren't immune from itThe self-reflection step most leaders skip before addressing conductWhy curiosity is one of your most underused tools in these conversationsUsing the AID framework (Action, Impact, Desired behaviour) to tackle it directly without the emotionWhat to do if it doesn't improve — and why escalation is rarer than you think 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:26 What does disrespectful behaviour actually look like? 03:00 The grey areas: when you're not sure if it's a conduct issue 07:00 How many people wish they'd waited longer vs. acted sooner? 08:30 Why addressing it is a development opportunity for both of you 10:00 Setting clear expectations before the conversation 14:00 Pam's example: when the negativity wasn't what it seemed 16:00 Using curiosity to get underneath the behaviour 20:30 Where to start: a step-by-step approach 23:00 The AID framework in practice 24:30 If it doesn't improve: escalation, consistency, and keeping records 26:30 Final thoughtsSonnet 4.6 Useful Links Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

    28 min

  6. Mar 16

    Ep 160 - Senior Panel Interviews: How to Prepare and Stand Out

    Panel interviews at senior level are a different beast — and if you go in preparing the same way you would for a mid-management role, you're likely to undersell yourself. In this episode, we break down exactly what makes senior panel interviews different and, more importantly, how to prepare in a way that genuinely sets you apart. We cover everything from researching panel members to handling the gaps in your experience with confidence. If you've got one of these coming up, this episode is essential listening. Key points from this episode Why senior panel interviews feel more like a discussion — and what the panel is really trying to find outHow to go beyond the job description in your preparation and why it mattersThe smart way to research panel members before you walk in the roomWhy preparing stories beats preparing Q&As — and the three buckets every story should fit intoHow to handle gaps in your experience honestly without it damaging your chances Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview 00:52 How Senior Panel Interviews Differ from Earlier Career Stages 02:15 What Each Panel Member Is Looking For 03:45 Why Starting with the Job Description Isn't Enough 05:00 Researching Panel Members and the Market Context 07:00 How to Find Information on Panel Members 08:30 Asking the Recruiter the Right Questions 09:45 Pulling Your Preparation Together: Stories and Evidence 11:00 How to Handle Gaps in Your Experience 13:00 Honesty and Credibility: Why Transparency Builds Trust 15:00 Why Human Connection Matters More Than Scripted Answers 17:00 What the Panel Is Really Assessing at Senior Level 18:45 Key Themes and Scenarios to Prepare For 20:00 The Three Things Senior Leaders Need to Demonstrate 21:30 Final Advice and How to Get Support from Pam Useful Links Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

    24 min

  7. Mar 2

    Ep 159 - How to Run Effective One-to-Ones

    We've all sat in a one-to-one that felt like a grilling rather than a genuine conversation. And if you're leading a team, you might be doing the same thing without even realising it. In this episode, we're sharing 10 principles to help you run one-to-ones that actually work, both for the people you manage and for the one-to-ones you have with your own line manager. Nobody teaches you how to do this well. Most of us copy what we experienced, which means the same unhelpful patterns get passed down from manager to manager. We cover the fundamentals that break that cycle, from who should own the agenda to how often you should actually be meeting. Key points from this episode Why one-to-ones should be employee-driven, not manager-led — and what that looks like in practiceThe difference between a one-to-one and a status update (and why confusing the two is costing you)How to distinguish between different types of one-to-ones and why mixing them into one conversation doesn't serve anyoneWhy consistency matters more than length or frequency — and the message you send when you cancelThe simple follow-up habit that makes one-to-ones genuinely useful over time Timestamps 00:00 Introduction — why one-to-ones come up so often with clients 01:00 Why nobody is ever taught how to run a good one-to-one 02:30 The research linking effective one-to-ones to high-performing teams 03:30 Principle 1: One-to-ones should be employee-driven, not manager-driven 04:15 Principle 2: They are for development, not just reporting 05:00 Principle 3: Make space for the human, not just the work 06:50 The cost of one-to-ones that feel like interrogations — a real client example 09:00 Principle 4: Distinguish between different types of one-to-ones 11:00 Principle 5: Come with an agenda — and who should own it 13:30 How to prompt agenda preparation as a line manager 14:30 Principle 6: Status updates don't belong in one-to-ones 16:20 How proactive communication outside one-to-ones can transform the dynamic 18:00 Principle 7: Consistency matters more than length 19:30 Principle 8: Shorter, focused meetings often outperform longer ones 20:00 What's the right frequency? The case for biweekly 21:30 Why senior leaders often need more frequent one-to-ones, not fewer 23:00 Principle 9: Frequency should flex intentionally — not just when things come up 25:30 The importance of protecting one-to-one time from more senior demands 27:30 Principle 10: Follow up on commitments — documentation matters 29:00 A simple four-section format to keep one-to-ones on track Useful Links Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website Enjoyed this Episode? If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

    32 min

  8. Feb 16

    Ep 158 - Why High Performers Burn Out (and the Strategic Move That Protects Your Career)

    Key points from this episode Useful Links Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/ Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice Interested in working with us? Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website Enjoyed this Episode? If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

    21 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Career & Leadership Real Talk; a weekly podcast full of guidance and advice for ambitious managers who are ready to take ownership of their career. It’s hosted by Pamela Langan, a job search coach and c.v. writing expert, and Jacqui Jagger, a mindset and leadership coach. We’re here for you if you want to have more impact, land a new job or get the promotion you know you deserve. There’s no high level, intellectual theory here – it’s a fluff-free zone We’ll be talking about how to stand out in your job search, how to hit the ground running in a new role and how to cope when things aren’t going *quite* the way you want at work In our career clinic section we’ll answer real questions from listeners and our clients, and we’ll also share our take on books on the topics of careers, leadership, & management so you can decide which are worth your time You can connect with us on LinkedIn – feel free to DM us with any questions you’d like us to answer on the show! https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Information

  • Creator
    Pamela Langan & Jacqui Jagger
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    166
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Pamela Langan & Jacqui Jagger
  • Show Website
    Career & Leadership Real Talk

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