Change Work Life

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#213: Kathy Oneto is a life-work strategist, author and founder of Sustainable Ambition.  She explains what makes an ambition sustainable, the different influences that drive ambitions, and the difficulty of predicting what will make us happy. What you’ll learn[01:50] The difference between traditional ambition and sustainable ambition. [03:33] What unsustainable ambition looks like. [05:24] The difference between a challenging ambition and a misplaced ambition. [07:28] The different influences that drive ambitions. [11:17] How to avoid shiny object syndrome. [13:23] The physical signs your ambitions are misaligned with your self. [16:12] Affective forecasting and how to react when you start questioning your ambitions. [18:25] The four different motivators for following ambitions.[21:28] The distinction between doing what you love and loving what you do. [23:41] How to gain clarity on what you want to do with your life. [26:00] How to identify what sparks your curiosity.  [28:55] How to apply your ambitions to your life. [31:12] How to balance your responsibilities and ambitions. [34:04] How much time it takes to achieve an ambition. [36:27] Actionable steps to identify your ambitions. Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Affective Forecasting, Timothy Wilson and Daniel GilbertConscious Business, Fred KofmanWorking Identity, Herminia IbarraSquiggly Careers podcast“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”, Mark TwainChange Work Life coachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/ambition-that-lasts-pursuing-success-without-losing-yourself/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#212: Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company where he helps millions of people find their focus, achieve more and have a healthy work life.  He explains the type of environment people are most productive in, how to train your brain to be more productive, and the mindset people working from home should have. What you’ll learn[02:04] How Steven went from working in Hollywood to building computer software. [06:56] The business aspect of the entertainment industry. [09:18] The benefits of working remotely. [10:36] The problems of working remotely. [12:14] How AI can improve your productivity.[15:20] The type of work that can effectively be done remotely.[18:10] How to train your brain to be productive when working from home. [21:25] How to create a productive working space at home. [23:18] The type of music that helps you get into a flow state. [25:26] The type of physical space you need to be productive. [26:40] The mindset you should have when working from home. [32:45] How to maximise how productive you are. [38:09] The importance of intentionality and the dangers of dopamine. [39:35] How to use time boxing to manage your time. [42:17] What to do if you find yourself wasting too much time. [45:11] Actionable steps to be more productive.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Deep Work, Cal NewportAtomic Habits, James ClearFlow, Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiControlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction, Andrew HubermanPredictably Irrational, Dan ArielyThe Lessons of History, Will and Ariel DurantFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/mastering-focus-boosting-productivity-in-your-home-office/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#211: Rachael Edmondson-Clarke is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people connect to their true selves, at work and in life.  She explains why being authentic at work is so important, how to know what’s authentic for you, and practical steps to uncover your authentic self. What you’ll learn[01:55] Why authenticity is so important in the workplace. [03:27] How to know what’s authentic for you. [05:23] Signs you’re not being authentic. [6:57] What happens when you act authentically. [10:15] What can happen when you work isn’t aligned with your self. [12:35] Warning signs that your work isn’t a good fit for you. [15:20] Practical steps to uncover your authentic self. [18:00] How to assess areas of your life that you want to improve. [24:16] The different things people value. [28:35] The effect of negative language patterns. [30:09] How to separate social pressure and self actualisation. [33:25] How to be appropriately authentic in the workplace. [41:28] The type of self awareness you need to act appropriately at work. Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Values Elicitation DemonstrationThe Trust TriangleFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/the-balance-of-being-genuine-authenticity-at-work/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#210: Jack Bonehill is a tax advisor and host of The Tax Professionals Podcast.  He explains why he started a podcast about tax, how his employer responded to his podcast, and the benefits he’s gained through podcasting. What you’ll learn[02:52] Trying to make money with YouTube videos. [03:47] Why Jack made a podcast about tax. [05:31] How to overcome imposter syndrome. [06:18] The personality behind wanting to start a side hustle. [08:25] What makes challenge attractive. [09:37] The pros and cons of wanting to be a high achiever.[11:49] How Jack stays motivated. [12:24] The challenges that arise when you quickly progress in your career. [13:46] The problem with assessing someone based solely on their experience. [15:30] How to get better at what you do in your workplace. [18:15] The issues with businesses that only focus on profit. [19:57] How to retain your identity as you become more senior. [23:10] Why it’s beneficial to be open and transparent. [26:55] How different generations view work culture differently. [29:05] The old-fashioned nature of the tax advice industry. [31:50] The benefits of hosting a podcast. [35:42] How colleagues and employers respond to you running a side hustle. [41:32] The unique nature of LinkedIn and how to use it to win work. [44:49] Why explore coaching. [46:57] The most surprising aspect of coaching. [48:42] The results Jack got from coaching.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Smart Passive IncomeThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven CoveyStoryworthy, Matthew DicksChange Work Life coachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/doing-things-differently-working-a-traditional-career-in-a-non-traditional-way/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#209: Tom Preston and Luciana Nuñez are both highly experienced executive coaches and authors of the book Coaching Power.  They explain the different aspects of leadership, why leaders need to be coaches, and the results leaders see when they start coaching. What you’ll learn[03:52] The different aspects of leadership. [07:23] The importance of having purpose within your work. [08:13] What coaching really means. [09:50] Common misconceptions leaders have about coaching. [12:32] The collaborative aspect of coaching. [14:21] The similarities of sports coaching and business coaching. [21:00] Why coaching and leadership should be synonymous. [22:40] The challenges of being a good coach. [24:10] Why leaders should incorporate coaching into their leadership style. [26:30] The results leaders see when they start coaching. [30:36] How to introduce coaching into your leadership style. [34:19] How to know which “gear” to choose in your interactions with colleagues. [36:55] How to build confidence in your role. [41:30] What you can do to incorporate coaching into the way you work. Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Coaching Power, Tom Preston and Luciana NunezFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/why-every-leader-needs-to-be-a-coach/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#208: Joanne Merrick is the founder of The Leadership Recipe and has over 25 years of global experience in helping individuals and organisations thrive.  She explains the different types of management, what you need to consider before moving to a managerial position, and the skills managers need to have.What you’ll learn[02:14] The importance of understanding what a managerial role entails. [04:29] Do you have to become a manager to climb the corporate ladder? [06:11] Different types of management. [07:01] The types of tools and systems that can be managed. [09:14] The role of a manager in achieving company cohesion. [10:40] Common misconceptions people have about management positions. [13:36] The difference between leadership and management. [17:31] How to operate between paradigms. [18:44] What you need to consider before moving to a managerial position. [20:20] The reasons people want to become a manager. [23:30] The mindset managers need to have and the realities of a management role. [24:59] The most important skills managers need to have. [27:26] The emotional intelligence you need as a manager. [29:35] How to improve your management skills. [32:58] How to put yourself forward for a management position. [34:33] How to divide your time as a line manager. [40:57] How managers can get the best out of their team. [43:10] How to manage the shift in relationship dynamics when you move from being someone’s colleague to being their boss.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Carol DweckHarvard Business ReviewLinkedIn LearningThe Leadership Pipeline, Ram CharanThe 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen CoveyThe Let Them Theory, Mel RobbinsChange Work Life CoachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/should-you-become-a-line-manager-how-to-decide-if-its-right-for-you/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#207: Charlie Colenutt spent three years interviewing people from all walks of life about their jobs.  He explains what causes people to change their career, why most people stay at their current job, and how to find happiness in your career.  What you’ll learn[01:30] Why Charlie wrote a book about the different jobs people do. [04:28] The experience of having a career crisis. [06:30] The problems with the professionalisation of modern life. [11:04] How we expected Covid to affect people’s work lives, and what really happened. [13:19] The pros and cons of working from home. [16:00] Negative experiences people have working from home. [19:10] How different generations view the workplace differently.[24:46] The different aspects of control people have in their jobs. [28:14] What causes people to change their career. [29:39] Why most people don’t explore different careers. [33:00] The increased challenge of applying for jobs and “career inelasticity”. [35:00] Interviewing a Job Centre work coach. [37:30] Why there’s been an increase of bureaucracy in the workplace. [42:38] How to improve growth in the economy. [44:00] How to find happiness in your career. [49:40] Questions to ask yourself about your career.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Is This Working? The Jobs We Do, Told by the People Who Do Them, Charlie ColenuttWorking, Studs Terkel80,000 HoursTechnics and Civilization, Lewis Mumford and Langdon WinnerThe Inner Game of Tennis, Timothy GallweyFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/is-this-working-what-100-people-are-saying-about-the-world-of-work-in-2025/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#206: Sarah Rugg is an author, entrepreneur and an expert in outsourcing, virtual assistance and life admin.  She explains how to free up your time through delegating time consuming tasks, what your own personal assistant can do, and how much it costs to hire a virtual assistant. What you’ll learn[01:47] What a virtual assistant is and what their work life looks like. [02:39] How a virtual assistant can help you. [04:46] How Sarah started her own virtual assistant business. [06:50] How to have a good relationship with your virtual assistant. [08:02] How common having an assistant for your personal life is. [09:17] Why more people have personal assistants. [10:15] The average age of people who have personal assistants. [11:22] The areas of your personal life a virtual assistant can help with. [13:42] The unexpected  tasks virtual assistants can help with. [15:16] The limits of using a virtual assistant. [17:30] How to overcome middle class guilt. [21:06] How people’s lives have been improved through having a virtual assistant. [22:17] How to know a specific virtual assistant is a good fit for you. [23:20] How specific you need to be with your requirements for a virtual assistant. [27:25] The amount of time it takes to get set up with a virtual assistant. [30:00] The importance of giving your virtual assistant feedback. [34:35] The pros and cons of using an overseas virtual assistant. [37:52] How much it costs to get a virtual assistant. [39:05] How to work out the ROI of a personal assistant. [40:50] How virtual assistants can leverage AI. [44:43] How to see if using a virtual assistant is right for you.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.LoomMoonpigTodoistFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/managing-life-admin-without-the-overwhelm-buying-back-your-time-with-a-virtual-assistantRe-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#205: Emma Tekstra is an Actuary and Global Health Consultant who focuses on the data and science of the human body. She explains the difficulties behind making lasting health changes, the motivations people have for improving their health, and how to live a healthier life.   What you’ll learn[02:25] What an actuary is and how Emma became a Health specialist. [7:28] The different motivations people have for improving their health. [11:06] Personal experiences to identify before you think about lifestyle changes. [12:54] How to start living a healthier life. [15:45] What to do if you’re feeling lonely. [16:03] How to reflect on your life circumstances. [19:44] What improvements you can make to your life. [22:37] How to measure the success of life changes. [26:26] Why it’s so difficult to make health changes. [27:16] How to avoid improvement plateaus. [29:16] Universal truths that benefit everyone. [33:52] How to apply critical thinking to lifestyle advice.Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Just One Thing podcastSignosBowling Alone, Robert PutnamLast Child in the Woods, Richard LouvWilful Blindness, Margaret HeffenenThings That Matter, Joshua BeckerChange Work Life CoachingFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/health-vs-hype-using-data-to-make-smarter-health-choices/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!

Questions? Comments? Episode suggestions? Send us a text message!#204: Allen Farrington is the co-founder of Axiom, a bitcoin-native venture capital firm.  He explains what it’s like working as an investment manager, the hurdles involved in creating an investment firm, and the skills you need to start a business. What you’ll learn[01:33] What venture capital means. [03:06] The difference between private equity and venture capital. [04:57] How Allen started working in investment management. [08:35] The benefits of applying to jobs when not under pressure. [09:48] What it’s like working as an investment manager. [13:20] How some investment firms treat new employees. [15:17] How Allen got involved with bitcoin and had the idea to start his own business. [22:35] Transitioning from working for an investment firm to starting your own firm. [23:10] The challenges of starting your own business. [25:15] The levels of wealth you deal with in the venture capital industry. [26:58] The skills you need to start a business. [30:23] How to find investors for a new venture capital firm. [31:18] Unexpected challenges involved in starting a bitcoin venture capital firm. [35:27] The challenges of sitting on the board of a company you invest in. [37:55] Common tensions between the founder of a company and its board of directors. [40:08] The difficulty of creating an effective marketing message. [43:12] The future for Axiom. Resources mentioned in this episodePlease note that some of these are affiliate links and we may get a commission in the event that you make a purchase.  This helps us to cover our expenses and is at no additional cost to you.Seeing Like a State, James C ScottThe Art of Not being Governed, James C ScottAgainst The Grain, James C ScottThe Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jane JacobsCities and the Wealth of Nations, Jane JacobsThe Unsettling of America, Wendell BerryFor the show notes for this episode, including a full transcript and links to all the resources mentioned, visit:https://changeworklife.com/thinking-big-starting-a-multi-million-dollar-investment-fund-from-the-ground-up/Re-assessing your career?  Know you need a change but don't really know where to start?  Check out these two exercises to start the journey of working out what career is right for you!