10. Embracing a Squiggly Career, Trusting Your Gut, and Leading with Vulnerability | Jodi Willocks

Jan 13, 2025

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Have you ever felt uncertain about your career path or questioned whether your empathetic leadership style is a strength or a weakness?

Or maybe you’ve wondered if it’s okay to embrace a non-linear, “squiggly” career while still finding success and fulfillment.

In this episode, we dive deep into the power of following your gut, embracing a career that doesn’t follow the traditional path, and leading with vulnerability and empathy.

If you’ve ever worried about being ‘too nice’ as a leader, or if you’re facing burnout and wondering how to recharge, this conversation will help you uncover how to honour your values while carving your own path.

Jodi Willocks has a background in marketing and advertising. With 21 jobs in 26 years, she has a hugely diverse range of experiences that give her a unique perspective on leadership. She’s also a co-founder of the Women of Pōneke movement, and is an exquisite writer on leadership and career topics.

In our conversation, we explore:

Why empathy is a strength, not a weakness, in leadership
The importance of trusting your instincts and following a non-linear career path
How embracing vulnerability can unlock more authentic and effective leadership
What Jodi learned from leading through COVID and how it transformed her approach

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introducing Jodi Willocks

(04:45) - The Foundation of Authentic Leadership

(10:05) - The Impact of COVID on Leadership

(17:54) - Navigating Career Breaks and Burnout

(28:58) - Discovering Creativity Through Blogging

(34:43) - The Importance of Recovery and Recharge

(42:58) - The Sanctuary, Sandpit, and Stage Framework

(50:13) - Ingredients for Successful Leadership

You can find Jodi at:

Website: https://www.careerjourneying.nz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-willocks-6b035446/

Women of Pōneke: https://www.womenofponeke.org.nz/

Check out my services and offerings https://www.digbyscott.com/

Subscribe to my newsletter (https://www.digbyscott.com/thoughts#subscribe)

Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/digbyscott/