Squiggly Careers

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah share part two of their career trends and themes for 2026, focusing on what’s most likely to shape how you work, grow, and stay resilient in the year ahead. This conversation tackles some of the tougher (but very real) topics at work — from restructures and redundancies, to the tension between autonomy and accountability, and why learning needs to be recognised as real career progression.This episode is all about practical, proactive actions you can take now — so you feel more prepared, more confident, and more in control of your career, whatever 2026 brings. Whether you’re an individual contributor, a manager, or a leader, Helen and Sarah share questions, tools, and real examples to help you future-proof your career and your team.Episode 522🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why career uncertainty is rising in 202605:16 Trend #4: Restructures and redundancies08:10 What to do now so your future self thanks you11:14 Staying resilient when things feel out of your control13:01 Trend #5: Autonomy vs accountability at work15:36 Why clarity matters more than control16:34 A practical tool to improve accountability in teams19:49 How to assess autonomy and accountability in your role21:41 Trend #6: Learning that gets recognised and rewarded23:05 Why learning should count as progression26:14 Learning loudly and leading by example28:30 Making learning visible in 2026🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to prepare for restructures and redundancies without panicking- Why autonomy and accountability don’t have to be in conflict- How clarity creates better performance in teams- Why learning should be recognised as progression — not just promotion📚 Resources MentionedFree Redundancy Reset Toolkit: https://www.amazingif.com/redundancy-reset-2/For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah kick off a two-part series exploring six Squiggly Career trends for 2026 — not as distant predictions, but as realistic changes that are already shaping how we work and build our careers.Rather than watching trends happen to you, this conversation is about anticipating what’s coming and choosing how to respond. Helen and Sarah explore three themes that are likely to affect everyone, whatever your role or industry: the rise of AI agents at work, the tension between connection and disconnection, and the growing influence of employees as visible advocates for their organisations.As always, you'll hear honest reflections (including mixed feelings about AI), and simple actions you can experiment with now — so you feel more intentional, confident, and in control as 2026 approaches.Episode 521🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Why we’re talking about career trends for 202601:11 How to respond to trends with intention (not fear)03:31 Theme #1: AI agents at work05:11 Practical examples of AI agents you could use08:32 Different reactions to AI — and why that’s okay10:06 How AI can accelerate career development11:26 Theme #2: Connection and disconnection at work12:48 Why being back in the office isn’t the answer14:28 Practical ways to create meaningful connection18:13 Theme #3: The rise of the employee influencer20:30 Risks, inclusion, and finding your own voice24:41 What’s coming in Part 2🎯 What You’ll Learn- What AI agents are — and how they could support your work- How to experiment with AI without feeling overwhelmed- Why loneliness at work is rising (and what actually helps)- Simple ways to build connection in hybrid working- What “employee influence” means for careers and organisations📚 Resources MentionedMicrosoft Copilot and AI agent tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/copilot-101/copilot-ai-agents For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FIn this episode, Helen and Sarah do something they’ve made a tradition at Squiggly Careers: a year in review. This year they're sharing honest reflections using a simple but powerful framework: high–low learning. This chatty, behind-the-scenes episode is designed to help you reflect too. Whether you do this solo, with a learning buddy or as a team, the questions Helen and Sarah use can help you turn reflection into insight — and insight into action.Episode 520🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR⏱️ Timestamps00:00 End of Year Review02:51 High–low learning explained03:59 Best day vs the worst day of the year14:03 Experiments that worked (and didn’t)28:06 Life outside of work: highs & lows38:43 Highs you're anticipating & lows to avoid in 202646:20 Reflection questions you can use too🎯 What You’ll Learn- How to use high–low learning to reflect on your year- Why experimentation matters (even when it doesn’t work)- How to spot recurring frustrations — and do something about them- Questions to help you close the year with clarity and intentionFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FSometimes your career can feel unclear, uncertain, or hard to navigate — especially in a squiggly world where linear paths don’t really exist. If you’re feeling stuck, unsure of your next step, or craving more direction, these simple clarity-creating strategies will help you find focus, feel more in control, and move forward with confidence.Episode 519🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸PRH US - https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK - https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How to clear mental clutter by getting thoughts out of your head• A simple prioritisation technique—the Bird and the Worm—that helps you balance long-term goals with short-term actions• Why sharing your thinking with someone else (or with AI) can unlock fresh insight and reduce overwhelmFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3FSometimes work (and life) can feel full-on — especially at this time of year when deadlines, expectations and emotions all seem to intensify. Whether your mind is racing before a meeting, you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, or emotions are getting in the way of what you want to say, these simple and science-backed breathing practices can help you reset, refocus and respond with more calm and clarity.Episode 518🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster:🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR🎯 What You’ll Learn• How your breath affects stress, energy, clarity and emotional control at work• Three practical “when–then–why” breathing techniques for real situations (racing mind, overwhelm and emotional moments)• How to use AI to personalise quick breathing resets you can use between meetings or on the move📚 Resources Mentioned:Breathe In Breathe Out by Stuart Sanderman - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breathe-Out-practical-management-improved/dp/0008543275#:~:text=Since%20tragic%20loss%20brought%20him,way%20you%20think%20and%20feel.Breathpod - https://www.breathpod.com/Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath-bookFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.