Squiggly Careers
The Squiggly Career
Squiggly Careers is a weekly podcast that will help you take control of your career development. Hosted by the founders of Amazing If (https://www.amazingif.com/), Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, together they cover all things work: from how to manage stress and overcome your confidence gremlins to micro-aggressions and discovering your strengths. Each episode is full of ideas, actions, hints, and tips that you can put into practice straight away. Every so often they take a break from talking to each other to interview other people who are leading the way in making work better. Past guests include entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley, author of The Joy of Work Bruce Daisley, and neuroscience expert Amy Brann. The Squiggly Careers podcast has been recommended by Harvard Business Review, Stylist, Marie Claire and Management Today.For more ideas, tools and inspiration every week, you can also sign up to their newsletter Squiggly Careers in Action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 8, 2026 • 34sec
Sign up the Squiggly Careers 'Learn Like A Lobster' Sprint 2026 🦞
Dive into the vibrant world of lifelong learning! This episode introduces the exciting 'Learn Like a Lobster Sprint,' inviting listeners to expand their skills in a fun, community-driven way. With registration opening for January, the hosts emphasize the benefits of an engaging and interactive learning experience. Get ready to embrace the journey of personal and professional growth!
20 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 32min
How To Reset Your Team To Achieve More Together
Explore the concept of 'collective edge' and discover why a group of smart individuals may not always form a successful team. Learn how to implement practical resets, like shifting from relationship to task-based trust and prioritizing structure over coaching for improved performance. The hosts share tips on clarifying team roles and goals to avoid assumption pitfalls. They also discuss the importance of making implicit agreements explicit and suggest regular team resets to maintain collaboration effectiveness.
Dec 30, 2025 • 28min
Part 2: 6 Squiggly Careers Trends in 2026 – Redundancy, Accountability & Why Learning Matters More Than Promotions
In a deep dive into 2026 career trends, the hosts tackle the rising uncertainty in the workplace, addressing restructures and redundancies that many may face. They advocate for taking proactive steps now to ensure future readiness. A fascinating exploration of the tension between autonomy and accountability reveals the need for clarity in roles. Additionally, the conversation shifts to why learning should be recognized as a key component of career progression, emphasizing the importance of making learning visible and valuable.
10 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 25min
Part 1: 6 Squiggly Career Trends in 2026 - AI Agents, Disconnection & Employee Influencers
Explore the future of work with insights on AI agents enhancing productivity and their impact on career development. Understand the tension between workplace connection and disconnection, and discover practical ways to foster meaningful connections. Dive into the rise of employee influencers, examining how they can advocate for their organizations while valuing diverse voices. This engaging conversation empowers you to anticipate change, respond intentionally, and take control of your career as we approach 2026.
Dec 16, 2025 • 46min
End of Year Review: What Our Highs & Lows Taught Us In 2025
Join Helen and Sarah as they reflect on their highs and lows from the past year using the intriguing high-low learning framework. They share memorable moments, including a successful planning retreat and some challenging days marked by illness and tech troubles. Discover their wins from local meetups and the lessons learned from failed LinkedIn posts. As they look ahead, they anticipate exciting new projects and confront recurring frustrations, offering practical tips to help listeners close the year with clarity and intention.
4 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 6min
Squiggly Shortcut: How to Feel More in Control of Your Career (Even in Uncertain Times)
Navigating your career can feel daunting in a world full of uncertainty. Discover how to declutter your mind and gain clarity by sharing your thoughts with others. Learn a prioritization technique called the Bird and the Worm to balance your immediate actions with long-term goals. Creating a vision board can visualize your ambitions, aligning your choices with your life aspirations. Plus, engage in curious conversations with those in roles you aspire to for valuable insights and direction.
8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 28min
How to Reduce Work Stress and Anxiety With Simple Breathing Techniques
Feeling overwhelmed at work? Discover how simple breathing techniques can help you regain calm and focus amidst the chaos. Learn about the powerful effects of breath on stress and emotional control. Dive into practical methods for racing minds, emotional moments, and energizing breath routines. Hear insights on nasal breathing and even how AI can customize quick breathing exercises for you. Get ready to breathe better and tackle your workday with newfound clarity!
10 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 6min
Squiggly Shortcut: How To Move From Complexity To Clarity
Feeling overwhelmed at work? Discover strategies to clear mental clutter and regain control. Learn the bird-and-worm prioritization technique to balance long-term goals with immediate tasks. Explore the benefits of mind mapping for organizing thoughts. Sharing your challenges, whether with a colleague or AI, can lead to fresh insights. Dive into practical tips to reduce complexity and build confidence as you navigate your career journey.
17 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 24min
3 Hard Work Conversations & How To Handle Each One with Confidence
Join Amy Gallo, a journalist known for her expertise in workplace conflict, Celeste Headlee, a communication strategist, and Dr. Sunita Sah, a researcher on ethical leadership, as they tackle the art of difficult conversations. They discuss transforming irritation into curiosity and using affirmations to stay grounded. Gallo highlights preempting team conflict, while Headlee shares strategies to counter defensiveness. Sah introduces a framework for speaking up that aligns with personal values, empowering listeners to navigate tensions confidently.
12 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
Squiggly Shortcut: Discover Hidden Career Opportunities in 5 Minutes a Day
Discover how just five minutes a day can spark significant career growth. Learn to reflect on daily successes to combat self-doubt and build confidence. Explore the power of weekly reviews to pinpoint improvements. Foster a culture of learning by setting team goals. Uncover your strengths by seeking feedback from colleagues. Finally, embrace 'active rest' with creative breaks to enhance resilience and sustain your learning journey. Quick tips that can transform your career without heavy time commitments!
