In this episode, we break down what to expect at each stage of the interview process for senior roles, from initial screening to final rounds. Having supported countless job search & outplacement clients through successful job searches, we share insider knowledge on how recruiters and hiring managers think at each stage and what they're really looking for. Key points from this episode Understanding the three core questions organisations need to answer during a recruitment processHow to...

In this episode, we tackle the often misunderstood topic of mentoring and how to make it work for your career development. We explore why the traditional view of mentoring might be limiting your growth and share practical steps for finding and approaching potential mentors. Key points from this episode Common misconceptions about what mentoring looks like and how it can workWhy you don't need to find one "perfect" mentor with the complete packageHow to identify what you actually need from a...

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges leaders face: implementing culture change without losing your team (or your sanity) along the way. If you've ever been tasked with driving change or found yourself wondering why culture initiatives seem to fizzle out, this conversation is a must-listen. Our guest expert Paula Brockwell, an occupational psychologist who specialises in shaping productive workplace cultures, reveals why most organisations drastically underestimate what it...

In this episode, we tackle the often-misunderstood topic of emotional intelligence (EQ) and provide practical ways to develop it as a leader. We explore how EQ differs from personality traits and share actionable strategies to enhance your emotional awareness and leadership effectiveness. Key points from this episode Understanding the difference between personality traits and emotional intelligenceThe five key areas of emotional intelligence and how they build upon each otherWhy responding...

If you've ever been tasked with facilitating a session to generate ideas and get people into a creative headspace you might well have wondered where to start - that was the situation one listener was in So today we're sharing an approach that can help with making sure you get people contributing whilst also enjoying themselves within an idea generation session Key points from this episode 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:31 Setting Up an Innovation Session 01:00 Understanding...

Struggling with the ins and outs of job hunting and career growth? In this episode, we're tackling some real questions that have come up for our listeners and clients lately - the kind of stuff that's probably on your mind too if you're looking to level up your career. 00:00 Introduction to This Week's Episode 00:47 Should You Send a Thank You Note After an Interview? 05:37 Applying for Senior Positions from Lower Roles 12:17 Tailoring Applications for Generic Job...

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Katy Walton, an expert in learning and development. We explore the crucial topic of how leaders can stand out by effectively developing others. Katy shares invaluable insights on the benefits of investing in your team's growth and practical strategies to overcome common barriers to development. Key points from this episode: The immediate benefits of developing others, including increased engagement and performanceHow developing your team can...

If you're at a point in your career where you're asking yourself "Is this it?" or if you know you've got more to give but aren't sure how to tap into that potential, this episode is for you. We're sharing our process from working with clients to create career clarity. Whether you're considering a job change, eyeing a promotion, or just want to feel more purposeful in your current role, we'll share practical steps to help you move forward with confidence Key points from this episode 00:00...

In this episode, we tackle the challenge of being strategic when the business itself isn't. We explore the common scenario many leaders face: trying to make strategic decisions and contributions in an environment lacking clear direction or communication. Join us as we discuss the frustrations this can cause and share practical strategies Key points from this episode Scenarios where businesses may lack clear strategy or communicationThe emotional and practical impacts of working in a...

Celebrating 100 Episodes: Reflections and Top Picks Join us for this special milestone episode as we celebrate our 100th podcast episode! We reflect on our journey, the feedback we've received, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making each episode. Discover the story behind how our podcast started almost by accident and listen as we share our top five favorite episodes, packed with invaluable career advice and personal anecdotes. 00:00 Welcome to the 100th Episode...

Ever wonder why your CV isn't landing you those senior role interviews? In this episode, we tackle the common pitfalls that even the most experienced professionals fall into when crafting their CVs. We've all been there - agonising over every word, wondering if we're selling ourselves short or coming across as too boastful. But what if the secret to a standout CV isn't what you think it is? Join us as we unpack six (sometimes surprising) questions you should be asking yourself about your CV...

This week, we break down what it takes to develop executive presence, an invaluable skill for leaders. It often seems a nebulous concept, with lots of emphasis but very little actual advice on how to develop it We're discussing the components that make up executive presence, why developing executive presence isn't just for senior leaders and the importance of self-awareness and actionable feedback Key Points From This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Listener's Request 00:44 Defining Executive...

Performance management isn't always easy. Too often, it comes about in the form of formal processes that feel unwieldy, tiring and uncomfortable The BECKS framework is one we have used and shared forever. Not only does it simplify performance management and make it easier, it's incredibly versatile and allows for increasing performance in rising stars and new hires rather than being focused on people underperforming Key points from this episode 00:00 Introduction to Performance...

If you've ever had a job search that didn't result in an offer from the first job you applied for, you'll know the all too familiar sting and the way your confidence is shaken In this episode, we're talking about the range of challenging emotions that come up during a prolonged job search and offering our advice on how best to handle disappointment. Key Points in This Episode 00:00 Introduction to Dealing with Job Search Disappointment 00:29 Common Emotions During Job Search 01:57 Real-Life...

Whether you fund coaching yourself or are offered coaching by your employer, coaching is a big investment in terms of time, energy and commitment as well as financially So how can you make the most of that investment and ensure coaching is enjoyable, helpful and worthwhile rather than just another meeting in your diary? This week we're sharing 5 things that can make all the difference Whether you’re just starting or have been in coaching for a while, this episode is packed with practical...

In this week's episode, we're discussing email overload and sharing practical strategies to regain control. We know just how frustrating it can be to have an overflowing inbox, but with some discipline and strategies around organising yourself, creating a consistent team email culture and writing emails well it can at least get easier Key points from this episode 00:00 Introduction to Email Overload 00:58 Personal Organisation Tips 01:22 Batch Processing Emails 03:53 Managing Email...

Understanding and evaluating your competencies are crucial for leadership success, and this week we're sharing our framework that provides a structured approach to self-assessment and development. You can also download your copy of the framework here Key points from this episode 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Assessment 00:18 The Importance of Self-Assessment in Leadership 01:46 Introducing the Competency Framework 05:22 Emotional Intelligence: A Key Leadership Competency 14:04 Vision and...

Whether you're stepping into a new job or transitioning within the same organisation, induction meetings play a crucial role in setting the stage for your success. This week we are talking about how to make the most of them to understand your role, build key relationships, and avoid common pitfalls in your first 90 days. 00:00 Introduction to Induction Meetings 01:10 The Importance of Effective Inductions 02:34 Setting Up for Success 06:39 Managing Overwhelm and Information Overload 11:32...

In this episode, we delve into the topic of communicating with impact, inspired by Tara Mohr's book 'Playing Big'. We identify common habits that diminish communication effectiveness, and as ever, offer practical strategies to overcome these habits (and strike a balance between assertiveness and approachability). 00:00 Introduction to Communicating with Impact 00:50 Common Communication Pitfalls 03:41 Hedging Words and Their Impact 06:53 The Unnecessary Apology 09:11 Using Disclaimers 18:43...

Do you struggle with confidence in yourself as a leader or manager? This week, we unpack common confidence myths that we see getting in the way for our 1:1 clients. Discover how to shift your mindset and overcome them with our alternative mindsets to adopt Key points from this episode • Why you don't need to feel confident before taking action • How to handle criticism and negative feedback without letting it destroy your confidence • Why failures and mistakes don't have to dent your...

Are you tired of leaving interviews feeling like you didn't showcase your best self? In this episode, we share our essential tips and strategies to prepare for interviews effectively and boost your confidence. Whether you're facing in-person or virtual interviews, these insights will help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing that dream job. Key points from this episode: How to identify key competencies for a role and prepare relevant stories to demonstrate...

In this episode, we're talking through the topic being direct without being perceived as difficult in the workplace. Drawing from our own experiences as two pretty direct people, we discuss how to build strong relationships and communicate effectively without trying to be fluffy or go against your direct nature Key points from this episode The importance of listening and curiosity in direct communicationAdapting your communication style to different situations and personalitiesThe role of...

In this episode, we delve into the age-old career dilemma: should you pursue a specialist or generalist path? Whether you're at a career crossroads or simply curious about your options, we explore the definitions, advantages, and strategies for both paths. Join us as we unpack this complex topic, drawing from our extensive experience in career coaching to provide insights that can help shape your professional future. Key points from this episode Discover the key differences between...

In this episode, we dive into the importance of speaking up and being heard in meetings, especially as ambitious leaders in management roles. We discuss the frustrations that can arise when you feel like your contributions aren't being valued and explore strategies to ensure your voice carries the weight it deserves. Join us as we consider the barriers that hold people back and share practical tips to help you communicate with confidence and impact. Key points from this episode Why it's...