
Squiggly Careers
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.
Latest episodes

40 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 17min
#452 Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion at Work with Robert Cialdini
Robert Cialdini, author of the influential book 'Influence', shares his expertise on persuasion and career development. He discusses unique interview techniques to boost candidates' prospects through positive feedback. Cialdini emphasizes the importance of personal connections, advocating face-to-face requests over digital communication. He introduces the power of emojis in enhancing engagement and offers strategies for motivating teams and securing budget approvals. The episode also distinguishes between having authority and being an authority for genuine career growth.

12 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 21min
#451 How to have influence at work
Discover the art of influence in professional settings! The hosts dive into genuine relationships versus manipulation and the importance of peer support. They creatively illustrate influence dynamics with shopping trolleys, challenging preconceived notions. Learn how small commitments can lead to big changes, emphasizing public commitments to enhance accountability. Plus, explore the power of reciprocation and the timing of interactions to foster community support at work. Tune in for insightful strategies to enhance your influence!

Jan 8, 2025 • 16min
#450 How to Change with Katy Milkman
Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist and author of 'How to Change,' discusses transformative strategies for personal development. She introduces the 'fresh start effect' to inspire change during significant life moments. Katy also shares how to overcome psychological barriers and highlights 'temptation bundling' to make personal growth enjoyable. Furthermore, she emphasizes turning intentions into actions with timely reminders and encourages following one's passion over a strictly strategic career approach for greater satisfaction and success.

7 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 18min
#449 How to Change
The hosts kick off their video book club by discussing the transformative nature of change. They dive into the psychology of behavior modification and the importance of social support to bridge the intention-action gap. Discover how fresh starts can ignite personal transformation, along with effective strategies like 'when-then' scenarios for habit formation. They also explore the power of public commitments in shaping behavior and tease upcoming insights on gamification and community engagement.

Dec 31, 2024 • 44min
#448 Our top 10 learning highlights from 2024
Discover a treasure trove of learning inspiration as the hosts unveil their top picks from 2024. They spotlight transformative books, powerful TED Talks, and must-listen podcasts that reshaped their perspectives. Delve into timeless insights on happiness and the art of balancing productivity with personal relationships. Enjoy discussions on the impact of empathy and humor, and learn the importance of curation in your personal growth journey. Perfectly curated for anyone seeking to amplify their career development in the year ahead!

Dec 24, 2024 • 37min
#447 Career Collective Live
Bruce Daisley, author of 'Eat Sleep Work Repeat,' shares his insights on workplace dynamics, emphasizing the importance of in-person connections for fostering team engagement. Jimmy McLoughlin, host of 'Jimmy's Jobs of the Future,' delves into the mixed emotions surrounding AI's role in job markets, offering practical tips for employees to adapt. They discuss the intriguing concept of 'en-shittification' in work culture and provide essential strategies for mastering salary negotiation, ensuring listeners are well-equipped for their career journeys.

Dec 17, 2024 • 39min
#446 Year in review 2024
Reflect on 2024 with insights from two dynamic hosts as they tackle quick-fire questions that unveil spontaneous revelations. They discuss grit and resilience learned through challenges, emphasizing support and growth. Hear about the positive impacts of their client programs and the value of individual contributions. Discover the transformative power of mentorship through personal experiences. Lastly, dive into the solitary yet rewarding journey of writing and the importance of community in fostering creativity.

Dec 10, 2024 • 34min
#445 How to give without getting it wrong
Discover the power of generosity in your career! Explore the benefits of giving while learning how to avoid burnout. Dive into various giving styles and their dynamics, along with practical strategies for enhancing your professional relationships. Uncover how to leverage your strengths for strategic support and the delicate balance of giving and receiving. With insights on gratitude and storytelling, this discussion will inspire you to make meaningful contributions without overextending yourself.

Dec 3, 2024 • 30min
#444 How to recover from rejection
This week, rejection takes center stage as the hosts discuss building a healthier relationship with it in your career. They explore personal experiences, emphasizing the emotional toll while providing practical coping strategies. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy in support and clear communication of needs. Listeners will learn to reframe rejection as a tool for growth, aligning career choices with values and fostering resilience. With actionable tips, this dialogue encourages reflection and moving forward with confidence.

18 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 36min
#443 How to get heard
This discussion tackles the challenges of being heard at work. It shares practical strategies like bookending meetings and finding allies to elevate your voice. The hosts emphasize active listening and thoughtful contributions to spark meaningful conversations. Techniques to create an inclusive meeting environment are highlighted, ensuring everyone can contribute. Tips on overcoming barriers and fostering collaboration are provided, making it easier to navigate workplace dynamics and express ideas confidently.