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
Feb 2, 2026 • 22min
CEO Shell-Shedding Moments: Opening Up about Mental Health at Work with Zaid Al-Qassab
Zaid Al-Qassab, a CEO and marketing leader who speaks openly about managing depression at work. He describes why he chose to disclose his mental health, the surprising reactions and privilege that shaped that choice. He talks about adjusting communication, learning while vulnerable, and practical ways to use mentors and trusted colleagues for support.
Jan 29, 2026 • 7min
How to ask for help at work (without feeling awkward)
Practical steps for asking for help at work without the awkwardness. Tips for calming anxiety and reframing requests. A simple Post-It-sized system to map what you need, the type of help, and who can provide it. Clear phrasing techniques to make asks actionable and easy to respond to.
28 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 36min
5 formulas for a high impact introduction
They unpack five concise formulas for introductions you can use at events, meetings, or panels. They contrast benefit, problem-focused, passion, strengths, and mission-style openings. They explain why the goal is sparking a genuine "tell me more" and show how ending with a question builds connection quickly.
Jan 23, 2026 • 12min
Skills Sprint: How to Lead Your Own Learning by Sharing It
Discover the power of knowledge sharing with practical tips to boost learning in teams. Explore the metaphor of lobsters to understand deliberate growth in your career. Learn how "rubber duck debugging" helps clarify thoughts and deepen understanding. Overcome the fear of sharing expertise with low-pressure, fun formats like Helpful How-Tos. Get tailored advice for both extroverts and introverts on navigating social events. Finally, be inspired to engage with your network by sharing your own Helpful How-To on LinkedIn!
8 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 11min
Skills Sprint: How to Lead Your Own Learning with Adaptability
Explore the idea of taking charge of your learning journey. Discover how waiting for permission can hold you back in your development. Learn the difference between flexibility and adaptability, and why the latter is crucial for growth. Hear how AI can help you anticipate barriers and devise adaptive strategies. The metaphor of lobsters using old shells emphasizes self-sustaining growth. Sharing your learning goals with colleagues can foster accountability and support in your endeavors. Dive into a proactive approach to thriving in your career!
15 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
Skills Sprint: How to Learn in Hard Moments (Without Spiralling)
Diving into the power of reflection, hosts explore how learning during tough moments can help regain control. They explain the lobster shedding metaphor, emphasizing the importance of avoiding recency bias. The WWW/EBI framework provides a quick reflection tool for both individuals and teams. Discover the 5:1 formula for constructive feedback, which reframes mistakes positively. Finally, they discuss using these methods to navigate long-term challenges while promoting continuous improvement and clarity.
9 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 11min
Skills Sprint: How to Learn From Feedback (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)
Explore the transformative power of receiving tough feedback and how it fuels growth. The hosts discuss the fear surrounding feedback and introduce a practical four-step framework for tough conversations. They emphasize that learning occurs in discomfort, and share a real-life feedback experience from a lobster hatchery to illustrate their points. Encouraging listeners to challenge norms, they highlight the importance of creating an environment where speaking up is valued. Plus, a handy tool is introduced to help draft those tricky feedback messages.
18 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 12min
Skills Sprint: How to Learn as You Go (Without Finding More Time)
Helen and Sarah kick off a unique skill sprint by emphasizing the importance of learning continuously, just like lobsters grow forever. They share practical tips on collecting data about your strengths and productivity. Discover how tracking your listen-talk ratio can enhance your learning process. They even perform a live strength-spotting exercise to align your reputation with your impact. Plus, learn how reducing distractions can help reclaim your valuable learning time. Get ready to make small adjustments for big career growth!
Jan 15, 2026 • 6min
Squiggly Shortcut: 5 Questions That Will Transform Your Career Conversations
Discover five transformative questions to elevate your career conversations. Explore how visualizing your future can shape your goals. Reflect on moments of fulfillment to tap into your strengths. Identify your confidence gremlin and tackle self-doubt. Embrace short-term curiosities that spark your interest and imagine the possibilities beyond your current role. These insights are perfect for discussions with managers, friends, or self-reflection.
29 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 34min
Spaciousness – How to manage your attention, not your time
Explore the concept of spaciousness at work, focusing on attention rather than just managing time. Discover the four dimensions of spaciousness: physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual, and how they enhance our work environment. Learn about a practical 45-minute focus experiment to boost your attention span. The conversation delves into the common pitfalls of busyness, the influence of technology on our focus, and the importance of curiosity. Reflect on personal 'shoulds' and shift towards measuring learning over mere outcomes for a more meaningful approach.
