Working Your Way

Sandhya Sudhakar
  • 5.0 (15)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shifted perspectives on what leadership really looks like, to those who have carved their own unique career paths. After each episode, host Sandhya Sudhakar – founder of Self At Work, reformed corporate ladder climber, and lifelong student of self-discovery – and her guests will leave you with a renewed sense of inspiration and practical tools you can implement in your own life and career. Whether you want to advance your career in corporate or build something brand new, let's embark on a journey to discover how you can show up authentically in your career—by working your way.

  1. 89. Separating Achievement from Worth as an Enneagram Type 3

    JAN 29

    89. Separating Achievement from Worth as an Enneagram Type 3

    What happens when your sense of worth has always been tied to achievement—and you start to question whether that definition still fits? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, for a nuanced conversation about Enneagram Type 3 and the evolution of ambition, success, and self-worth. Arden reflects on how external validation, practicality, and being “the reliable one” shaped her early career and relationships, and why she’s been intentionally reexamining those patterns as her life and priorities have shifted. We move beyond the stereotypical Type 3 narrative to explore achievement through caretaking, adaptability, and being easy to be with. I also share my own experience as a Type 3, including the tension between productivity and presence, the discomfort with stillness, and the fear that if we stop doing, we might stop belonging. If you’ve ever felt pressure to earn your place, struggled to redefine ambition, or wondered who you are without your accomplishments, this episode offers new language and permission to practice compassion, embracing a softer way forward. Want to explore this tool for yourself? Here’s my Enneagram Typing Self-Reflection Guide: I just want to download the docI want emails to guide me through the process Want to connect with Sandhya for yourself or your team? Here’s how: Set up a call with Sandhya Resources: Connect with Arden on LinkedInEpisode 83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working Less Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    1h 21m
  2. 88. From Reflection to Intention: How Astrology Can Guide Your 2026 with Julie McGill

    JAN 1

    88. From Reflection to Intention: How Astrology Can Guide Your 2026 with Julie McGill

    What if you treated the turn of the year as more than a reset button—and instead as a turning point in a much bigger cycle of your life? In this New Year’s episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, professional astrologer and attorney Julie McGill, to look back at 2025 and ahead to 2026 through both a personal and astrological lens. We reflect on the intentions I set, how they unfolded throughout the year, and how Julie navigated her own shifts in work, identity, and rhythm. Julie breaks down some of the major astrological themes that shaped 2025 and offers guidance for what we may collectively and individually experience in 2026. We explore how to set intentions in a way that matches the moment, what it looks like to stay grounded when you can’t yet see the full picture, and the value of moving into the new year with presence, curiosity, and more compassion for yourself. If you’ve felt like 2025 put you through the wringer, or if you’re sensing big change on the horizon without knowing what it is yet, this episode is meant to help you exhale. I hope it gives you language for what you’ve been experiencing, permission to be exactly where you are, and some gentle guidance for stepping into 2026 with openness instead of pressure to have it all figured out. Resources: Pull your chart at astro-seek.comLearn more at thecosmicgem.comFollow Jules on Instagram: @julesthecosmicgemListen to Episode 76. Tools to Work Your Way: AstrologyConnect with Jules on LinkedIn Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    1h 12m
  3. 87. Creativity, Consistency, and Letting Go of Control

    10/02/2025

    87. Creativity, Consistency, and Letting Go of Control

    Consistency doesn’t have to be so rigid. In this solo episode, I share what I’ve learned about reimagining consistency in a way that actually works for creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders. For years, I believed the traditional advice: stick to the same schedule, follow the proven and popular formula, just keep going no matter what. But what I found was that kind of rigidity often leads to burnout, shame, and misalignment. Instead, I’ve discovered a more authentic approach. I walk you through the four principles that have helped me build momentum without losing energy: focusing on what lights you up, considering the impact you want to have, finding your own rhythm, and setting process goals instead of chasing outcomes. Along the way, I reflect on the early days of launching Working Your Way, what I’ve learned from outsourcing vs. DIY, and how showing up with intention has created opportunities I never could have planned for. If you’ve ever struggled to “stay consistent” or felt guilty for not doing enough, this episode will give you permission to let go of perfection—and design a version of consistency that feels aligned, sustainable, and uniquely yours. Resources: Episode 27. Creating Harmony in Work and Life with Sam ParvinEpisode 50. Behind the Scenes of Working Your Way | Celebrating One YearEpisode 55. Beyond Resolutions: How to Set Meaningful Goals for 2025Episode 74. Working For Yourself: What You Need To KnowProduced by NOVA Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    33 min
  4. 86. Working Toward a Bigger Purpose with Edina Kalamperovic (Replay)

    09/18/2025

    86. Working Toward a Bigger Purpose with Edina Kalamperovic (Replay)

    We’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Edina Kalamperovic, SVP at Publicis Group, one of the largest communications and digital transformation companies in the world, and Founder of CareerJig, an online career development and mentorship platform. Edina’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and staying grounded in her values—even in high-pressure environments. As a first-generation American and child of immigrants, Edina shares how her upbringing shaped her perspective on success and character. She opens up about the challenges of working in environments where stagnation and status quo held her back, and how stepping away gave her the clarity to return with renewed focus and impact. In this episode, we dive into Edina’s reflections on burnout, leading with authenticity, and fostering trust on her teams. She talks about bringing a startup mindset into large organizations, the importance of direct yet caring communication, and why “growth moments” matter more than “gotcha moments.” Join us for this inspiring conversation about finding your purpose, building resilience, and leading with integrity in today’s workplace. Resources: Download the Energy Inventory WorksheetRead Edina’s work on Substack: edinakalamperovic.substack.comConnect with Edina on LinkedInSign up for CareerJig How to Restore Yourself from Burnout with Dr. Christina Maslach - How to be Awesome at Your Job Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    1h 3m
  5. 85. Building Your Career Path Through Curiosity with Jill Lyons (Replay)

    09/04/2025

    85. Building Your Career Path Through Curiosity with Jill Lyons (Replay)

    We’re excited to revisit one of our earlier episodes featuring the inspiring Jill Lyons. As the SVP of Creative Operations at Maximum Effort, Jill has built a remarkable career by following her curiosity and embracing new possibilities. From her beginnings in journalism and traditional TV production to leading creative operations at an innovative media firm, Jill’s story is a testament to the power of exploration and adaptability. In this conversation, Jill shares how her diverse experiences created a strong foundation for her career—what she describes as building a wide pyramid base before narrowing in on the work she loves most. She also opens up about her challenges with perfectionism and predictability, and how learning to surrender to possibility has shaped her growth as a leader. Join us as we learn from Jill’s journey and gather practical advice for embracing creativity, curiosity, and self-trust in your own career path. Resources: Learn more about Jill at jilllyons.comConnect with Jill on LinkedInRead Find Your Zone of Genius by Laura GarnettRead Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansReflected Best Self Exercise™Listen to 24. How do I define my personal brand? | Career Questions Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    1 hr
  6. 84. Why Getting Uncomfortable is the Key to Growth

    08/21/2025

    84. Why Getting Uncomfortable is the Key to Growth

    Discomfort isn’t always a bad thing—in fact, it’s often where the most meaningful growth happens. In this solo episode, I’m sharing why getting uncomfortable is essential for building confidence, deepening relationships, and becoming the person you want to be. I’ll walk you through the “learning zone” model to help you identify whether you’re in your comfort zone, stretching in a healthy way, or pushing yourself into the panic zone. We’ll talk about how to discern between discomfort that helps you grow and the kind that harms, why avoiding difficult conversations keeps us from developing critical skills, and how my own core values of growth and connection guide me in these moments. Along the way, I’ll share stories from my own life—from stepping onto a stage at The Moth to tackling emotionally vulnerable conversations—that show how discomfort, paired with self-compassion and support, can transform your capacity and your connections. If you’ve been avoiding a challenge because it feels uncomfortable, this episode will help you decide whether it’s a moment to lean in, step back, or find a healthier way forward. Resources: Listen to Episode 35. Are You a People Pleaser? | Let’s Talk About LabelsListen to Episode 08. Being Bold & Creating Belonging with Eduardo PlacerLearn more about Fearless CommunicatorsWatch my talk: My Story: The Pursuit Of BelongingLearn more about The Moth Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    30 min
  7. 83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working Less

    08/07/2025

    83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working Less

    Somewhere along the way, many of us realized that chasing every goal, promotion, or dollar didn’t actually make us happier or healthier. My friend Arden Evenson, founder of Firefly Advising (and a regular here on Working Your Way), and I regularly discuss how we can reject the “rise and grind” mentality, and we wanted to bring that conversation to you. As we get honest with ourselves and each other, Arden and I compare notes on ambition, letting go of hustle culture, and what it takes to design a career around joy, flexibility, and enoughness. We get into how becoming a parent (or simply changing priorities) can challenge your definition of success, why “good enough” can be the most sustainable business strategy, and how neither of us wants to sacrifice well-being for the next rung on the ladder. We talk about giving up perfectionism, resisting comparison, and setting boundaries that actually stick—even when the old pressures flare up. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you worked less but cared even more, this episode is for you. Resources: Connect with Arden on LinkedIn Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    56 min
  8. 82. Tools to Work Your Way: CliftonStrengths

    07/24/2025

    82. Tools to Work Your Way: CliftonStrengths

    How well do we actually know what we’re great at—and how much does it shape the way we work? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our own strengths journeys as we revisit the CliftonStrengths assessment after 15 years and compare what’s changed (and what hasn’t) along the way. Together with design and innovation consultant (and my good friend) Sandeep Pahuja, we dig into why leaning into your strengths can lead to more authentic success, and how easy it is to miss the value in what comes naturally. We share stories from our corporate and entrepreneurial experiences, explore what it looks like to build teams and careers around our unique strengths, and reflect on why “fixing” our weaknesses is rarely the answer. If you’re curious how to make your work feel more aligned—or want practical ideas for maximizing your talents—this episode will help you see your strengths with fresh eyes, and encourage you to work your way. Resources: Connect with Sandeep on LinkedInGallup CliftonStrengths: gallup.com/cliftonstrengths Connect with me: InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.com Produced by NOVA

    1h 7m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shifted perspectives on what leadership really looks like, to those who have carved their own unique career paths. After each episode, host Sandhya Sudhakar – founder of Self At Work, reformed corporate ladder climber, and lifelong student of self-discovery – and her guests will leave you with a renewed sense of inspiration and practical tools you can implement in your own life and career. Whether you want to advance your career in corporate or build something brand new, let's embark on a journey to discover how you can show up authentically in your career—by working your way.

Information

  • Creator
    Sandhya Sudhakar
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Working Your Way