Career & Leadership Real Talk

Career Clinic: Summer Special - This week, we're tackling two important questions. First on the list: "Is it a good idea to use AI for writing your CV?" Pam is here to walk us through the upsides and downsides of relying on AI for crafting your CV. Plus, she'll share some valuable tips to help you stand out from the crowd, even in this new era of AI assistance. Next, we've got a question that's li...

'You need to be more strategic' is one of the most common pieces of feedback for ambitious managers looking for promotion. The problem is that very often, it's not clear what that means or who to go about it In this episode we unpick what strategic leaders and managers do well, and explore how to demonstrate that in your existing role or at interview so you can create career opportunities for your...

Personality profiles are big business and if you work in a larger company there's a good chance you've done one at least once In this episode we talk about how you can use them to understand yourself and your team better, and how they give you the ability to build influence Key points from this episode The different types of personality profile available The downsides and limitations of personalit...

Welcome to this week's episode of our podcast! Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the intriguing world of counteroffers—a topic that has been consistently coming up for our clients. Join us as we explore the counteroffers and shed light on whether they hold value for both candidates and employers. Additionally, we examine the circumstances that warrant the offering of a counteroffer. Key points...

When you're under pressure at work, the natural response is to want to prove yourself. Whether you're in a new job, you've been promoted or a new boss comes in you want to make sure you make the right impression But feeling pressured to prove yourself comes with some downsides - in this episode we explore the risks and some strategies to help avoid them Key points from this episode When and why yo...

Your job search is a marathon, not a sprint. Recognizing burnout, adopting effective strategies, and staying focused on the right opportunities can make all the difference. We also discuss the topic of fake job ads and how to navigate them. Key Points from this episode: Job search burnout: Exhaustion and overwhelm can impact emotions and performance. Avoiding burnout: Maintain a positive attitude,...

Some managers create calm and clarity. Others create chaos. If you're the kind of person who needs structure and organisation to operate at your best, that can be incredibly frustrating Key points from this episode The importance of creating or re-establishing boundaries Giving feedback on the impact of the chaos rather than the way it makes you feel Using questions to create structure The importa...

Recruitment is hard work - when you're in job search mode you want to focus your energy on the roles that could be your dream role. And when you're hiring, you want to make sure the people you invite for interview are as close to your dream candidate as possible Enter the art of prequalification. Getting the key information on both sides to rule it in or out as a possible match Key points from thi...

The first few months in a new role are key. You want to hit the ground running and make an impact, but without being a bull in a china shop. You need to build relationships, understand what's expected of you and fill in the gaps in your knowledge and experience. It's a LOT This week, we're sharing our practical tips on how to make sure you have the impact you want sooner rather than later by getti...

There's lots of emphasis in management and leadership development on how to give better feedback, but it's rare to find guidance on how to get better feedback When you know the secret to getting feedback that can help you develop in your career without crushing your confidence, you can supercharge your professional growth. So this week we're sharing our tips for how to do just that Key points from...

Welcome to this week’s episode, where we dig into the essential considerations when hiring a coach. We provide practical advice, unpacking the top five questions to ask when on the hunt for the perfect coach. Key points from this episode Understanding a Coach’s Approach: Learn about your potential coach's methods, tools, techniques, and their overall beliefs and values. This knowledge is critical...

In this episode, we're looking at the crucial role networking plays in your job search and career progression. Learn about the hidden job market, the significance of professional development through networking, and the importance of building a solid reputation and visibility in your industry. Key points from this episode Networking and Professional Development : Discussion on the role networking p...

Building a high-performing team is a game changer, but recruitment can be challenging. As an ambitious manager, you're expected to excel in this crucial skill, even if you've had zero training on how to do it well. Join us this week as we share key tips for every stage of the hiring process, from crafting job adverts and including salary information to making offers and securing the right candidat...

In this episode, we delve into the complex world of workplace conflict and share powerful strategies for transforming tension into productive collaboration. Listen in to discover practical tips and valuable insights on how to approach difficult situations and turn them into opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally. Equip yourself with essential tools for creating a positive and...

In today's episode, we delve into mastering the art of team meetings. Discover how you can transform your team meetings from time-consuming and fruitless discussions into productive, efficient, and engaging experiences. Learn practical tips, techniques, and strategies that will empower you and your team, facilitating enhanced communication, clarity, and decision-making processes Useful Links Conne...

If there's one topic that comes up time after time, it's confidence. Whether you're in job search mode, starting a new role, or handling the challenges that being a manager and leader bring, your confidence will be tested It might be normal, but it's not nice. So how do you get over it and regain your confidence when it happens to you? Key points from this episode Why changing roles can impact con...

If you've ever been on the receiving end of a settlement agreement, you'll know how damaging it can be for your confidence. One minute you're in a safe, steady job and the next you've got a bit of a financial cushion but a whole heap of emotion to handle Pam and Jacqui have both been there and in this episode they share their own experience and the strategies they used to bounce back and move on K...

In this episode, we're diving into how to regain your passion and drive after losing your career mojo. Our goal is to provide you with practical strategies to get back on track and rediscover your love for your work. Key points from this episode How to recognise the Signs of Lost Mojo. Why you should reflect on your Values and Priorities. Why you should Seek Inspiration and Support from mentors an...

If you’re looking for a new job LinkedIn can be an incredibly valuable tool in your job search. In this episode, we talk about how you can use LinkedIn effectively and increase your chances of finding the right job and connecting with the right people in your industry. Key points from this episode Optimise your profile: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date. Use a professional...

Are you a job seeker looking to level up your LinkedIn game? In this episode, we dive into the ins and outs of setting up a top-notch LinkedIn profile that will help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job. We share our top tips, tricks, and insights to help you optimise your profile and leverage the power of LinkedIn for your job search. Key points from this episode ·  &nbs...

Welcome to episode 22, where we will be discussing the common scenario of people coming to us with problems without providing any solutions. We will explore why this happens and how it can impact our professional lives. We will provide practical strategies and techniques to deal with this situation effectively, such as encouraging problem-solving skills in others, asking the right questions to hel...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of learning how to deliver bad news effectively, and the impact that poor delivery can have on individuals and teams. We share personal experiences, emphasising the need for empathy and compassion in tough conversations. We also offer tips on the best ways to prepare and communicate, and how to avoid common pitfalls in the process. Understanding how to de...

Putting yourself out there in a job search can be tough. And if you're neurodivergent then there are a whole load of additional questions that might crop up Should you include details on your c.v.? Should you mention it at interview? If you do mention it, what should you actually say? It's Neurodiversity Celebration Week this week, so we're delving into the dos and don'ts of job search if you're n...

When you get promoted or start a new job where some (or all) of the team is more experienced than you, it's easy for self doubt to creep in But having people who know more than you can be one of the best places to be as a manager - as long as you feel comfortable with how to handle it Key points from this episode Why your mindset needs to be the first thing to focus on What to do if you don't unde...

When you're and ambitious manager, giving feedback effectively is an important skill. But it isn't always easy Sometimes just having the conversation is hard, and the temptation is to avoid it altogether. Other times you give the feedback but it doesn't seem to hit the mark and nothing changes If you've ever felt like you're banging your head against a brick wall, giving feedback that would be use...