Career & Leadership Real Talk

Ep 161 - When a Team Member Undermines You - How to Recognise It and What to Do

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Managing a team member who's being disrespectful is one of the most confidence-shaking situations a leader can face, precisely because it's so hard to name. Is it a conduct issue? A personality clash? Or is it you? In this episode, we unpack what disrespectful behaviour from a team member actually looks like, why leaders so often hesitate to act, and what to do when you're ready to address it.

We share real examples from our own experience and client work, and walk through a practical approach that doesn't require you to go in heavy-handed, but does require you to stop waiting.

Key points from this episode

How disrespectful behaviour often hides in plain sight — and why high performers aren't immune from it
The self-reflection step most leaders skip before addressing conduct
Why curiosity is one of your most underused tools in these conversations
Using the AID framework (Action, Impact, Desired behaviour) to tackle it directly without the emotion
What to do if it doesn't improve — and why escalation is rarer than you think

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:26 What does disrespectful behaviour actually look like?

03:00 The grey areas: when you're not sure if it's a conduct issue

07:00 How many people wish they'd waited longer vs. acted sooner?

08:30 Why addressing it is a development opportunity for both of you

10:00 Setting clear expectations before the conversation

14:00 Pam's example: when the negativity wasn't what it seemed

16:00 Using curiosity to get underneath the behaviour

20:30 Where to start: a step-by-step approach

23:00 The AID framework in practice

24:30 If it doesn't improve: escalation, consistency, and keeping records

26:30 Final thoughtsSonnet 4.6

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 160 - Senior Panel Interviews: How to Prepare and Stand Out

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Panel interviews at senior level are a different beast — and if you go in preparing the same way you would for a mid-management role, you're likely to undersell yourself. In this episode, we break down exactly what makes senior panel interviews different and, more importantly, how to prepare in a way that genuinely sets you apart.

We cover everything from researching panel members to handling the gaps in your experience with confidence. If you've got one of these coming up, this episode is essential listening.

Key points from this episode

Why senior panel interviews feel more like a discussion — and what the panel is really trying to find out
How to go beyond the job description in your preparation and why it matters
The smart way to research panel members before you walk in the room
Why preparing stories beats preparing Q&As — and the three buckets every story should fit into
How to handle gaps in your experience honestly without it damaging your chances

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

00:52 How Senior Panel Interviews Differ from Earlier Career Stages

02:15 What Each Panel Member Is Looking For

03:45 Why Starting with the Job Description Isn't Enough

05:00 Researching Panel Members and the Market Context

07:00 How to Find Information on Panel Members

08:30 Asking the Recruiter the Right Questions

09:45 Pulling Your Preparation Together: Stories and Evidence

11:00 How to Handle Gaps in Your Experience

13:00 Honesty and Credibility: Why Transparency Builds Trust

15:00 Why Human Connection Matters More Than Scripted Answers

17:00 What the Panel Is Really Assessing at Senior Level

18:45 Key Themes and Scenarios to Prepare For

20:00 The Three Things Senior Leaders Need to Demonstrate

21:30 Final Advice and How to Get Support from Pam

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 159 - How to Run Effective One-to-Ones

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0100

We've all sat in a one-to-one that felt like a grilling rather than a genuine conversation. And if you're leading a team, you might be doing the same thing without even realising it. In this episode, we're sharing 10 principles to help you run one-to-ones that actually work, both for the people you manage and for the one-to-ones you have with your own line manager.

Nobody teaches you how to do this well. Most of us copy what we experienced, which means the same unhelpful patterns get passed down from manager to manager. We cover the fundamentals that break that cycle, from who should own the agenda to how often you should actually be meeting.

Key points from this episode

Why one-to-ones should be employee-driven, not manager-led — and what that looks like in practice
The difference between a one-to-one and a status update (and why confusing the two is costing you)
How to distinguish between different types of one-to-ones and why mixing them into one conversation doesn't serve anyone
Why consistency matters more than length or frequency — and the message you send when you cancel
The simple follow-up habit that makes one-to-ones genuinely useful over time

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction — why one-to-ones come up so often with clients

01:00 Why nobody is ever taught how to run a good one-to-one

02:30 The research linking effective one-to-ones to high-performing teams

03:30 Principle 1: One-to-ones should be employee-driven, not manager-driven

04:15 Principle 2: They are for development, not just reporting

05:00 Principle 3: Make space for the human, not just the work

06:50 The cost of one-to-ones that feel like interrogations — a real client example

09:00 Principle 4: Distinguish between different types of one-to-ones

11:00 Principle 5: Come with an agenda — and who should own it

13:30 How to prompt agenda preparation as a line manager

14:30 Principle 6: Status updates don't belong in one-to-ones

16:20 How proactive communication outside one-to-ones can transform the dynamic

18:00 Principle 7: Consistency matters more than length

19:30 Principle 8: Shorter, focused meetings often outperform longer ones

20:00 What's the right frequency? The case for biweekly

21:30 Why senior leaders often need more frequent one-to-ones, not fewer

23:00 Principle 9: Frequency should flex intentionally — not just when things come up

25:30 The importance of protecting one-to-one time from more senior demands

27:30 Principle 10: Follow up on commitments — documentation matters

29:00 A simple four-section format to keep one-to-ones on track

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 158 - Why High Performers Burn Out (and the Strategic Move That Protects Your Career)

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 157 - 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start Your Job Search

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0100

Whether you're facing redundancy, escaping a toxic environment, or ready for your next career move, asking yourself the right questions before you start can transform your entire job search experience. We share the six questions we use with our coaching clients to help them move from frustration to focus, ensuring they land roles they actually want rather than just any role. If you've been job searching for a while and feeling frustrated, these questions also offer a valuable reset to help you go again with fresh clarity.

Key points from this episode

The critical difference between running from something versus running towards something in your job search
How to identify your non-negotiables and what you're willing to compromise on before you start applying
Uncovering the value and strengths you're not currently using (and whether you actually want to use them)
Why quality beats quantity when it comes to job applications

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Question 1: What Am I Running From vs Running Towards?

05:00 Question 2: What Am I Willing to Compromise On and What's Non-Negotiable?

07:00 Question 3: What Value Do I Bring That I'm Not Currently Using?

12:00 Question 4: Who Do I Need to Become to Land the Role I Want?

16:00 Question 5: What Is My Personal Situation Right Now?

17:00 Why Quality Over Quantity Matters in Job Search

19:00 Wrap Up and Resources

Useful Links

Pam's Job Search Accelerator online programme

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 156 - 5 Mindsets Great Leaders Adopt

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100

We're tackling something fundamental this week: the mindsets that separate good leaders from great ones. This isn't about productivity hacks or the latest leadership trend - it's about the inner game that determines whether you'll thrive or struggle in leadership roles. Whether you've just stepped into a senior position or you're looking to level up your leadership capability, this episode gives you five mindsets that will genuinely shift how you operate.

Key points from this episode

Why trying to copy other leaders' styles will damage trust and put you under unnecessary pressure
The difference between rational self-doubt and actual imposter syndrome (and why that distinction matters)
How the drive to prove yourself can actually hold you back from becoming more effective
Why creating thinking time feels uncomfortable but is non-negotiable for senior leadership
The alternative to getting comfortable being uncomfortable

00:00 Introduction - Five mindsets great leaders adopt

01:00 Context: Why mindset matters more than external skills

03:00 Mindset 1: Lead as yourself - authenticity without the buzzword

05:00 Mindset 2: Name the fear - managing self-doubt effectively

07:00 The temptation to prove yourself worthy

08:00 Mindset 3: Embrace being a work in progress

10:00 Mindset 4: Think, don't just do

12:00 Why being visibly busy can hold senior leaders back

14:00 How thinking time actually feels when you allow it

15:00 Mindset 5: Get uncomfortable being comfortable

17:00 Finding the edges without pushing into panic zone

19:00 How to actually use these mindsets in practice

21:00 Final advice and next steps

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 155 - New Year Career Goals: Connect With What You Actually Want

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0100

We're kicking off 2026 with the second part of our reflect, connect, commit framework. If you haven't listened to our year-end reflection episode yet, go back and start there - you'll get much more from this one if you do the reflection first.

This episode is about connecting with what you actually want for your career (not what you think you should want) and then committing to action that will make it happen. We talk about why SMART goals leave us cold, how to figure out what energises you versus what drains you, and the difference between dreaming big and taking the first step.

Key points from this episode

Why your definition of career success changes (and why that's important to understand)
The difference between values and priorities when it comes to career planning
How to identify who and what energises you (and why that matters more than you think)
Why we hate SMART goals and what to do instead
The commitment question: what will you do in January that signals you're serious?

00:00 Introduction: Connect and Commit for 2026

01:00 The Reflect, Connect, Commit Framework Overview

03:00 Values and Priorities: What Does Career Success Mean to You?

05:00 Pam's Definition of Success: Impact Over Everything Else

06:00 Jacqui's Realization: Financial Success AND Fun

08:00 More Of, Less Of: What Do You Want to Change?

09:00 Who Energises You? The Power of Being Around the Right People

12:00 Go Big or Go Home: Why SMART Goals Don't Inspire

14:00 The Problem With Realistic Goals When You're Ambitious

15:00 Jacqui's Big Vision

17:00 Commit: What Action Will You Take in January?

19:00 Taking Small Steps Towards Big Dreams

20:00 Get in Touch and Share Your Commitments

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 154 - Year-End Career Reflection: The Questions That Create Change

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100

As 2025 wraps up, we're sharing the end-of-year reflection process we use with clients: reflect, connect, commit. Most people rush straight to "what went wrong and what do I need to fix?" but they're missing the most valuable bit - understanding what's actually working so you can do more of it. We walk through the specific questions that help you figure out what energises you, what drains you, and what you've been putting up with that needs to stop.

We get personal about our own year, including what's surprised us, what's taken off (Pam's LinkedIn success story is worth a listen), and the parts of our work that genuinely light us up. Plus, we tackle the uncomfortable question about boundaries that most people avoid

Key points from this episode

Why people learn more from their successes than their failures (but rarely do it)
The specific reflection questions that reveal what's actually working in your career
How to identify what energises you vs what makes you want to fake a WiFi issue
The confronting question about boundaries: what you've tolerated that you shouldn't
Using the "reflect, connect, commit" framework to create actual change, not just New Year optimism

Useful Links

Access our Free Podcast Resources Vault which includes the reflection questions resource from this episode

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 153 - Human Leadership in The Age of AI with Clare Spiers

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 152 - Managing Up When Your Boss is Overwhelmed

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

When your boss is drowning in pressure, it doesn't just affect them—it cascades straight down to you. We've all been there: the chaotic instructions, the constant interruptions, the feeling that nothing you do is quite right. In this episode, we unpack what's really happening when your manager is overwhelmed and share practical strategies to create calm in the chaos without burning yourself out in the process.

We explore why your well-intentioned attempts to help might actually be backfiring, how to reframe your support in ways that land better, and the importance of protecting yourself whilst managing up effectively. Whether you're considering leaving or want to improve your current situation, this episode gives you actionable steps to take back control

Key points from this episode

Why offering help to an overwhelmed boss often backfires (and what to do instead)
How to reframe your support as business efficiency rather than personal rescue
The power of proactive communication to reduce reactive chaos
Setting boundaries that protect you whilst still supporting your manager
When to pause and fix the situation vs when it's genuinely time to leave

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Understanding the Cascading Impact of an Overwhelmed Boss

03:00 Why "Rescuing" Your Boss Backfires

05:00 Developing Empathy When You're Frustrated

08:00 The Power of Asking "What Would Make Your Job Easier?"

09:00 Reframing Support as Business Efficiency

10:00 Using Proactive Communication to Reduce Pressure

13:00 Creating Boundaries to Protect Your Time

15:00 Coaching Your Team to Be More Considered

18:00 Protecting Yourself: The Non-Negotiables

21:00 Having Collaborative Conversations About Priorities

23:00 Should You Stay or Should You Go?RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent. And that's exactly what the Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders provides. No fluff, no corporate jargon. Just a down to earth, purposeful injection of oomph for your career from Pamela & Jacqui Use the code PODCAST to get your first month for £1 https://www.pamelalangan.com/catalystcareerclub

Ep 151 - How to Handle High Stakes Moments Without Losing Your Confidence

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

High stakes moments can make or break your confidence as a leader. In this episode, we explore the common scenarios where talented professionals falter under pressure, from over-explaining in crucial meetings to freezing when put on the spot. We share practical strategies to help you stay composed, maintain your executive presence, and perform at your best when it matters most. If you've ever left a meeting replaying what you said (or didn't say), this episode is for you.

Key points from this episode

Three common scenarios where leaders lose confidence in high-pressure situations
Why mindset preparation is just as important as material preparation
The power of pausing to calm your nervous system and increase impact
How to understand the real intent behind challenging questions
Strategies for buying yourself time without appearing uncertain
Moving past self-criticism to learn from difficult moments

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 150 - Why You Keep Getting Overlooked in Your Job Search (and What to Do About It)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Feeling overlooked in your job search, even though you know you’re good at what you do? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack why experienced professionals and senior leaders struggle to get traction when applying for new roles, and what to do differently to stand out in today’s market.

We talk about why the job search game has changed, what “positioning yourself” really means, and how to reframe the process so it feels less demoralising and more strategic.

Key points from this episode

Why senior professionals are getting overlooked (and why it’s not all down to ageism or the job market)
How to audit and update your CV so it actually reflects your value at a senior level
The shift from listing responsibilities to demonstrating impact
How to stop “winging it” in interviews and start telling your story with confidence
Why reframing your job search as a learning process can change everything
The power of building relationships before you need them

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Why so many senior professionals feel overlooked right now

03:00 How the job market has changed for experienced candidates

05:00 The problem with keyword-stuffed CVs and outdated application tactics

07:00 How to audit your CV through a recruiter or hiring-manager lens

09:00 The difference between CVs for mid-level vs senior-level roles

10:00 Interview pitfalls: why “winging it” doesn’t work at senior level

12:00 Moving beyond STAR answers to share your story with impact

15:00 Handling rejection and maintaining confidence

17:00 Reframing the job search as a learning process

19:00 Building relationships before you need them

21:00 Turning experience into a competitive advantage

23:00 Owning your expertise and showing authentic value

25:00 Wrap Up: Positioning, patience, and playing the long game

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 149 - Psychological Safety at Work: How to Build a Team That’s Honest, Not Just “Nice”

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Think your team's psychological safety is sorted because everyone gets along? Think again. In this episode, we dig into what psychological safety actually means and why "nice" teams often aren't high-performing ones. We explore the difference between surface-level harmony and true psychological safety, and share practical strategies for building a culture where people can admit mistakes, challenge ideas, and take interpersonal risks without fear.

Key points from this episode

What psychological safety really means (and why it's not just about being nice to each other)
The high support, high challenge framework and why both are essential for performance
Warning signs that your team lacks psychological safety (even if everyone seems to get on)
How to role model vulnerability and normalise mistakes as a leader
Simple language reframes that make challenge feel safer

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Defining Psychological Safety: Taking Interpersonal Risks

03:00 The Problem with "Nice" Teams and Surface-Level Harmony

05:00 Why Psychological Safety is the Foundation for High Performance

06:00 The Impact of Psychological Safety on Team Culture

08:00 The High Support, High Challenge Framework

10:00 Signs Your Team Has (or Lacks) Psychological Safety

12:00 Creating Space for Honest Conversations

15:00 Building Psychological Safety in Practice

18:00 Role Modelling: Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

19:00 Holding Learning Reviews and Reflective Practice

21:00 Structured Challenge: Using Devil's Advocate

22:00 Language Reframes: "I See That Differently" vs "I Disagree"

24:00 The Power of the Pause in Maintaining Psychological Safety

25:00 Wrap Up: High Support AND High Challenge

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 148 - When Being Good at Your Job Holds Your Career Back: Breaking the Expert Trap

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Are you the reliable one who always delivers but never seems to get promoted? This episode tackles the frustrating reality many high performers face: excelling in your current role can actually become a barrier to career progression.

We explore why organisations often struggle to see top performers as leadership material and share practical strategies for breaking free from the "expert trap" – whether you choose to make changes internally or seek fresh opportunities elsewhere.

Key points from this episode

The hidden trap of becoming "too valuable" in your current role and making everything look effortless
Why staying in your lane and seeking external validation can sabotage your career progression
How to decide whether to fight for change internally or pursue opportunities elsewhere
The power of saying no and building boundaries to shift perceptions
Why updating your CV should be your first step, even before you're ready to move

00:00 Introduction: When Excellence Becomes a Career Obstacle

01:00 The Expert Trap: Why Being Indispensable Can Limit Growth

02:00 Common Patterns That Keep You Stuck

04:00 The People-Pleasing and Praise-Seeking Combination

07:00 Can You Change Perceptions Internally?

10:00 Building the "No" Muscle: Setting Boundaries for Career Growth

12:00 Recognising When It's Time for a Fresh Start

15:00 Overcoming Loyalty That Limits Your Progress

16:00 Taking the First Step: Why Your CV Is the Key to Clarity

18:00 Using CV Updates to Create Career Direction

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 147 - 5 Ways to Build Trust in a New Role

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Starting a new role can feel like navigating uncharted territory, but building trust doesn't have to be a mystery. Whether you've been promoted internally or joined a new organisation, the first few months are crucial for establishing the relationships that will define your success. We break down five practical strategies that will help you move beyond just "fitting in" to genuinely connecting with the stakeholders who matter most.

Key points from this episode

Understanding communication preferences of different stakeholders and adapting your style accordingly
Making strategic use of one-to-ones to build relationships and gather valuable insights
Identifying who really holds influence beyond what the org chart shows
Staying curious about your observations rather than rushing to judgement
Setting clear expectations about your working style and preferences from the start

00:00 Introduction: Building trust in new roles

01:00 Mapping stakeholders and learning communication preferences

03:00 Making your one-to-ones count with all stakeholders

06:00 Using targeted questions to gain advice and shortcuts

08:00 Understanding informal influence networks and alliances

10:00 Real-world example: When your boss lacks influence

12:00 Being curious about observations vs making quick judgements

14:00 The "bull in a China shop" trap and why listening comes first

16:00 Setting your stall out: Communicating your working style upfront

18:00 Planning your approach before you start the role

20:00 Quick recap of all five trust-building strategies

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 146 - When Your Boss Doesn't Understand Your Role: Handling Unrealistic Targets and Unfair Pressure

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ever found yourself trapped in a cycle where your boss is piling on pressure for targets that just aren't realistic? You know your role inside out, but they don't seem to understand the constraints you're working within. We've all been there, and it's incredibly frustrating. In this episode, we explore how to break free from this destructive pattern and turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your boss.

Key points from this episode

Why logical arguments and data often fail when your boss is operating from fear or pressure
The mindset shift that changes everything: positioning yourself on your boss's side rather than against them
Practical communication strategies including timing, acknowledgment, and offering alternatives
How to support your boss's relationship with their own manager to reduce pressure on you
The power of follow-up and documentation in building trust and reducing micromanagement

Access the download for this episode

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 The Client Situation: When Logic Meets Unrealistic Expectations

03:00 Why This Creates Burnout and Relationship Damage

05:00 Understanding the Real Problem: It's Emotional, Not Logical

07:00 Recognising When Your Boss is Operating from Fear

09:00 The Role of Communication in Breaking the Cycle

11:00 Practical Steps: Positioning Yourself on Their Side

13:00 The Foundation: Empathy Over Winning Arguments

14:00 Timing Your Approach and Starting Conversations

16:00 Offering Alternatives Instead of Just Saying What Won't Work

18:00 How This Builds Trust and Opens Progression Opportunities

20:00 Supporting Your Boss's Relationship with Their Manager

22:00 The Power of Simple Solutions: Pam's Dashboard Story

23:00 The Importance of Effective Follow-Up

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 145 - 5 Ways to Stand Out in Your Job Search

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0100

September is prime time for job searching, with both more opportunities and more competition. In this episode, we share five crucial strategies to help you rise above the crowd and land that dream role. Whether you're returning to job hunting after the summer break or looking to refresh your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights from Pam's extensive client work and recruitment experience.

Key points from this episode

How to use AI tools effectively without losing your authentic voice
Demonstrating impact and value rather than just listing responsibilities
Why trying to be great at everything actually works against you
Speaking the employer's language and aligning with their culture
Reading between the lines to deliver what employers need right now

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 September job market dynamics and reset opportunities

02:00 Tip 1: Sound like yourself - avoiding the AI authenticity trap

04:00 The trust factor in recruitment and why consistency matters

06:00 Debunking applicant tracking system myths

07:00 Tip 2: Demonstrate impact and value, not just responsibilities

09:00 Research techniques for understanding what employers really need

11:00 Tip 3: Don't try to be great at everything - focus on relevance

13:00 The recruitment mindset shift - quality over quantity

14:00 Real-world examples of focused applications

17:00 Tip 4: Speaking the employer's language and cultural alignment

19:00 Tip 5: Show you can deliver what they need right now

21:00 Current employer priorities: uncertainty, independence, commercial awareness

25:00 Wrap-up and resources for job search support

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 144 - Emotional Intelligence Essentials - Building Relationships That Build Careers

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Want to accelerate your career progression but feel like you're doing all the right things without getting the recognition you deserve? This final episode in our emotional intelligence summer series tackles the art of strategic relationship building. We explore why good work alone isn't enough and share practical strategies for building the right relationships in the right way to unlock career opportunities.

Key points from this episode

Why relationship building is crucial for career progression - it underpins everything from team performance to stakeholder influence
Three common myths that hold people back from strategic networking and relationship building
The difference between natural relationship building and strategic career-focused connections
Practical steps to identify and build relationships with influential people in your organisation and industry
Reflection questions to assess your current relationship portfolio and identify key gaps

Access the Episode Download here

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Why relationships matter so much for career progression

02:00 The difference between natural and strategic relationship building

03:00 Myth 1: Good work speaks for itself

04:00 Myth 2: I don't have time for office politics

05:00 Myth 3: Networking feels fake and manipulative

06:00 Taking a strategic approach to relationship building

08:00 Starting with your immediate organisation and influence mapping

10:00 The "give first" principle - offering value to senior people

12:00 Reflection questions to assess your current relationships

14:00 Learning to work with difficult personalities instead of avoiding them

16:00 Building deeper trust vs surface-level relationships

17:00 Key takeaway: Start small with one strategic relationship

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 143 - Emotional Intelligence Essentials: Building Empathy Without Being a Pushover

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Empathy is often misunderstood as being "soft" or people-pleasing, but true empathy in leadership is actually a strategic skill. In this episode, we explore how to build genuine empathy without becoming a pushover or emotional sponge.

We discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy, why avoiding difficult conversations in the name of "protecting" people actually does them a disservice, and how over-empathising can lead to poor delegation and boundary issues. Learn practical techniques for using reflective language, checking your assumptions, and finding the balance between caring for your team and maintaining your own resilience as a leader.

Key points from this episode

Empathy as a skill vs. personality trait: understanding without absorbing emotions
Why avoiding delegation due to empathy actually undermines team development
The connection between empathy, boundaries, and the need to be liked
How assumptions about others' feelings can lead to poor leadership decisions
Recovery strategies for leaders who've become emotional sponges

00:00 Introduction to Empathy in Leadership

01:00 Defining Empathy: Understanding vs. Absorbing Emotions

02:00 Why Empathy Matters for Leadership Effectiveness

04:00 Personal Story: Learning to Balance Support Without Draining

06:00 The Delegation Dilemma: When Empathy Prevents Growth

08:00 Setting Boundaries While Maintaining Care

10:00 Common Empathy Issues: Not Delegating and People-Pleasing

12:00 Avoiding Hard Conversations in the Name of "Protection"

14:00 Practicing Healthy Empathy: Clarifying Your Intent

15:00 The Projection Trap: Assumptions vs. Reality

16:00 Using Reflective Language to Check Understanding

18:00 Action Steps and Coaching Support Options

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 142 - Emotional Intelligence Essentials - Social Awareness

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Social awareness a key skill of emotional intelligence. It's about reading the room, understanding unspoken dynamics, and adapting your approach accordingly.

In this episode, we explore why the ability to pick up on social cues is crucial for leadership effectiveness and career progression. We discuss how missing these signals can derail decisions, damage relationships, and create team dysfunction. From spotting early signs of stress in your team to navigating office politics without compromising your values, we share practical strategies to sharpen your social radar and use these insights to become a more influential leader.

Key points from this episode

Why unspoken communication often matters more than what's actually said
How social awareness transforms decision-making and prevents awkward backtracks
The connection between reading people and building genuine influence
Early warning signs of team disengagement and stress before they spiral
Practical techniques for scanning engagement and spotting patterns

00:00 Introduction to Social Awareness in EQ

01:00 Defining Social Awareness: Reading Unspoken Communication

03:00 Why This Skill Matters More for Some Than Others

04:00 Decision-Making: Anticipating Reactions Before You Act

06:00 Building Influence Through Understanding Others' Motivators

07:00 Spotting Team Stress and Disengagement Early

09:00 Career Progression: Navigating Stakeholder Relationships

11:00 Understanding Office Politics Without Getting Drawn In

13:00 Practical Step 1: Scanning for Engagement Cues

15:00 Reading the Room During Presentations and Training

16:00 Pattern Spotting: What Energises vs Drains Your Team

18:00 Using Team Exercises to Understand Preferences

20:00 Personal User Manuals and Team Dynamics

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 141 - Emotional Intelligence Essentials - Self Regulation

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Self-regulation might sound like corporate jargon, but it's actually one of the most practical skills you can develop as a leader. In this episode, we explore why emotional self-regulation is crucial for career progression and leadership credibility. We share real workplace examples of what happens when self-regulation goes wrong (spoiler: it affects your entire team) and give you actionable techniques you can use immediately. Whether you're dealing with difficult feedback, overwhelming pressure, or those moments when you're not at your best, this episode will help you respond rather than react.

Key points from this episode

Why emotions last only 20 seconds but our thoughts can extend them indefinitely
The physiological signs your body gives you before emotional hijacking occurs
How poor self-regulation creates chaos that trickles down through your team
The pause technique: why six seconds can change everything
Recovery strategies for when you've had a less-than-proud moment

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Self-Regulation

01:00 Defining Emotional Self-Regulation and Its Importance

03:00 The 20-Second Rule: How Emotions Actually Work

05:00 Physiological Signs and Early Warning Systems

07:00 The Trust and Credibility Connection

09:00 Real Example: When Poor Self-Regulation Affects Teams

14:00 Understanding Triggers and Workplace Scenarios

16:00 The Pause Technique: Your First Line of Defence

19:00 Name It to Tame It: Acknowledging Your Emotions

22:00 Reframing: Shifting from Disaster to Challenge

24:00 Recovery Strategies When Things Go Wrong

26:00 Getting Further Support and Episode Wrap-up

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 140 - Emotional Intelligence Essentials - Self Awareness

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ever wondered why some leaders seem to effortlessly command respect while others struggle to make an impact? The secret often lies in self-awareness - the foundation of all emotional intelligence. In this first episode of our summer mini-series, we explore why most leaders think they're self-aware (spoiler: they're usually not) and share practical strategies to genuinely understand your triggers, strengths, and impact on others.

Whether you're finding yourself repeating the same patterns in difficult conversations or wondering why your messages aren't landing as intended, this episode will give you the tools to start building genuine self-awareness that accelerates your leadership effectiveness.

Key points from this episode

Why self-awareness is the foundation of all other emotional intelligence skills
How to use your emotions as signals rather than obstacles
The simple post-meeting reflection question that can transform your leadership impact
Why senior leaders receive less honest feedback (and what to do about it)
The power of asking "What's something I do that I might not notice?"

00:00 Introduction to our EQ Essentials summer series

01:00 What self-awareness really means for leaders

02:00 Pam's personal journey of analysing triggers and building self-awareness

05:00 The coffee vs tea leadership barometer story

06:00 What happens when leaders lack self-awareness

08:00 How poor self-awareness limits your leadership impact

10:00 Two main barriers to developing self-awareness

13:00 Simple strategies: intentional reflection after meetings

14:00 Using emotions as signals for development

16:00 Why positive emotions matter just as much as negative ones

17:00 The power of specific feedback and the "giggle" story

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 139 - What to Do When You’re in a Career Funk

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Feeling like you're coasting in your career, or frustrated that everyone else seems to be getting ahead while you're stuck? You're not alone. Whether you're earning good money but feeling unfulfilled, or watching colleagues get promoted while wondering "how do I get some of that?", this episode is for you.

We explore why so many ambitious professionals find themselves making career moves based on what others are doing (hello, career FOMO!) rather than what they actually want. Join us as we share the one exercise that helps you spot the patterns in your career history and start making intentional moves towards something meaningful.

Key points from this episode

Why you might be moving "away from things" instead of "towards something" intentional
How career FOMO leads to zigzag career paths that don't make sense
The career mapping exercise that reveals patterns you've never noticed
Why reflection on your career history is crucial for making better decisions
How to identify your genuine strengths and what environments help you thrive

00:00 Introduction: Career coasting vs career frustration

01:00 Why reflection on your career history matters

03:00 Looking for patterns in how you've progressed

05:00 The career mapping exercise explained

07:00 Pam's realisation about leadership vs people management

09:00 Career FOMO and chasing what others have

11:00 Making sense of 20+ years of varied experience

14:00 Moving from formal career structures to fluid environments

16:00 Using the exercise as a sense check for your direction

18:00 When you might need additional coaching support

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Access the Career Map Exercise

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 138 - Say Less, Be Heard: The Skill of Succinct Communication

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ever left a meeting thinking "I really didn't get my point across" or noticed people's eyes glazing over when you speak? You're not alone. The ability to communicate succinctly is one of the most underrated leadership skills - and one of the biggest barriers to career progression we see with our clients. In this episode, we explore why unclear communication holds leaders back more than technical skills gaps, and share practical frameworks to help you be heard.

Key points from this episode

Why succinct communication becomes critical as you progress to senior roles
How introvert vs extrovert preferences impact your communication style
The PREP method for structuring your thoughts (Point, Reason, Example, Point)
Why British workplace culture makes directness challenging - and how to navigate it
The BLUF framework (Bottom Line Up Front) for emails and presentations

00:00 Introduction: Why succinct communication matters for career progression

01:00 How unclear communication holds leaders back more than technical skills

03:00 The confidence spiral: When communication struggles affect your self-belief

05:00 Introvert communication challenges: Why thinking aloud doesn't come naturally

08:00 The PREP method: A framework for clear, structured communication

11:00 Extrovert challenges: When processing aloud comes across as self-focused

13:00 The Listen First rule: Creating pause before contributing

14:00 The British directness dilemma: Balancing politeness with clarity

17:00 Radical Candor in communication: Being direct while showing care

21:00 The BLUF framework: Bottom Line Up Front for immediate impact

23:00 Wrap-up: How coaching can help develop your authentic communication style

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 137 - Articulating Your Impact at Work

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Struggling to explain what you actually achieve beyond your daily tasks? You're not alone. Most professionals can list everything they do but struggle to articulate what's genuinely better because of their work. We explore our proven 4-part framework that transforms how you communicate your value, whether for performance reviews, job applications, or internal progression.

Key points from this episode

The 4 types of impact every professional has (and how to identify yours)
Why focusing on tasks instead of outcomes sabotages your career progression
Specific questions to uncover hidden examples of your impact
The "So What" test that transforms basic statements into compelling achievements
How to quantify people impact and relationship-building contributions

Download the Impact Audit Template

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 136 - How Perfectionism is Holding Back Your Leadership

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

We know loads of you will identify as perfectionists - it's one of the most common things our clients tell us about themselves, usually with a mix of pride and frustration. Most perfectionists know they probably need to ease up a bit, but knowing you should dial it back and actually feeling ready to let go are completely different things. The reality is that perfectionism has got you where you are, so the thought of lowering your standards feels risky.

But what if the very thing that helped you climb the ladder is now holding you back from the impact you really want? We explore how perfectionism shows up in leadership roles, why it stops serving you at senior levels, and most importantly - practical strategies to shift from perfectionism to progress without dropping your standards.

Key points from this episode

Why perfectionism feels useful early in your career but becomes a barrier in leadership roles
How perfectionist habits create overwork, slow decision-making, and micromanagement tendencies
The hidden costs of perfectionism - missing strategic work, limiting career progression, and demotivating your team
Practical strategies including time limits, delegating outcomes not processes, and creating early feedback loops
Why the "one-touch rule" matters when reviewing delegated work

00:00 Introduction - How perfectionism holds back leadership

01:00 Why perfectionism feels useful and gets rewarded early in careers

03:00 The frustration when "perfect" work doesn't hit the mark for others

06:00 How perfectionism shows up in leadership - overwork and exhaustion

08:00 The impact on pace, agility, and team delegation

10:00 Why perfectionist leaders struggle with delegation and become bottlenecks

13:00 How perfectionism limits capacity for strategic work and career progression

16:00 Strategies for loosening the perfectionist grip

18:00 The mindset shift: risk of imperfection vs risk of perfectionism

20:00 Practical tip 1: Set time limits and stick to them religiously

22:00 Practical tip 2: Delegate the outcome, not the process

24:00 Practical tip 3: Create early feedback loops instead of waiting for the "ta-da" moment

26:00 The one-touch rule for reviewing delegated work

28:00 Closing thoughts and coaching support options

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Access the download with 20 strategies to overcome perfectionism as a leader (without lowering your standards)

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 135 - Building Positive Resilience: Proactive Strategies for Busy Leaders with Professor Laura Chamberlain

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Think resilience is about weathering storms and bouncing back from adversity? Think again. This week Jacqui speaks to Professor Laura Chamberlain, author of "Brilliantly Bouncy: Discover Positive Resilience," who completely reframes how we think about building resilience in our professional lives.

Laura shares why waiting until crisis hits to think about resilience is like trying to build strength in the middle of a workout - it's far better to create your reserves beforehand.

Key points from this episode

Why resilience is like a dimmer switch, not an on/off button
The danger of wearing resilience as a badge of honour for surviving tough times
How to conduct an energy audit to identify what drains and energises you
Why resilience doesn't have to be lonely—it's actually a team sport
Practical choice anchors and energy management strategies for busy professionals

00:00 Introduction and welcome to Professor Laura Chamberlain

01:00 Laura's background and introduction to positive resilience

02:00 The traditional negative narrative around resilience

04:00 Laura's personal journey and the "cockroach" moment

06:00 Jacqui's reflection on past resilience experiences

07:00 Resilience as a dimmer switch metaphor

09:00 The shame and pride elements of traditional resilience thinking

10:00 Applying positive resilience in professional contexts

13:00 The power of conscious choices and control codes

15:00 Energy management over time management

17:00 Laura's 4am writing routine and energy-based scheduling

20:00 Building team resilience and radiator culture

23:00 Friends as radiators, not drains

25:00 The importance of asking for help and team support

27:00 User manuals for teams and connection building

30:00 Key takeaways: starting with an energy audit

32:00 Next steps: choice anchors and opportunity pockets

34:00 Where to find the book and connect with Laura

32:00 Next steps: choice anchors and opportunity pockets

34:00 Where to find the book and connect with Laura

Useful Links

Previous Episode - Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Brilliantly Bouncy Website - https://brilliantlybouncy.com/

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 134 - Giving Feedback Without Hurting Feelings: Why Holding Back Isn’t Helping Anyone

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever found yourself avoiding a difficult conversation because you didn't want to upset someone, or watched a team member struggle whilst knowing exactly what they needed to hear but not knowing how to say it, this episode is essential listening. We explore the concept of "ruinous empathy" from Kim Scott's Radical Candor framework and why sometimes caring too much can actually hold your people back from the growth they need.

Key points from this episode

Understanding ruinous empathy and why well-meaning leaders fall into this trap
The unintended consequences of avoiding challenging conversations in your team
Four practical skills to move from ruinous empathy to radical candor
How to demonstrate that your feedback comes from genuine care, not criticism
Why setting high standards actually shows you care more about your people's development

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 133 - How to Use AI in Your Job Search (Without Sounding Like Everyone Else)

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the double-edged sword of AI in job searching. Whilst AI tools like ChatGPT have become incredibly popular for CV writing and interview prep, we're seeing some serious pitfalls that could actually harm your chances. We explore how the widespread use of AI is creating a sea of identical applications and share practical strategies for using AI effectively without losing your authentic voice.

Key points from this episode

Why AI-generated CVs are making candidates blend in rather than stand out
The critical importance of keeping your personality and authentic voice in applications
How to use AI as a brainstorming tool rather than a replacement for your own thinking
The major flaws in using AI to predict interview questions (and what to do instead)
Practical dos and don'ts for incorporating AI into your job search strategy

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The AI revolution in job searching

01:00 The homogenisation problem: When everyone's CV looks the same

03:00 The personality drain: Why AI can suck the soul out of applications

05:00 Red flag AI keywords that scream "computer-generated"

07:00 The trust factor: Why human-sounding CVs stand out more than ever

08:00 Crafting a compelling professional summary that sounds like you

10:00 Moving beyond responsibilities to showcase real impact

13:00 Smart ways to use AI for brainstorming and refinement

15:00 The interview prep trap: Why predicting questions backfires

17:00 The story-building approach to interview preparation

19:00 Why companies are giving questions upfront (and what this means)

21:00 Practical dos and don'ts for AI in job searching

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 132 - How to Be More Strategic When Your Boss Drags You into the Detail

Mon, 26 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

This week, we tackle one of the most frustrating leadership challenges: wanting to be strategic but constantly being pulled back into the operational weeds by requests from above. If you've ever felt caught between senior leaders asking for detailed information whilst simultaneously telling you to "be more strategic," this episode is essential listening. We explore why this happens and share practical strategies to break the cycle.

Key points from this episode

Why senior leaders ask for detailed information even when they want you to be strategic
How to communicate strategically without getting trapped in over-explaining
Managing up techniques that build trust and reduce micro-detail requests
The three core skills needed to handle this challenge effectively
How to provide reassurance without showing all your workings

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The strategic leadership paradox

01:00 Why requests for detail derail strategic work

03:00 Understanding the psychology behind detailed questioning

06:00 Building relationships through strategic communication

09:00 A real example of mismatched communication expectations

12:00 The trust-building conversation approach

14:00 Managing your response to detailed questions in the moment

16:00 When detail requests trigger imposter syndrome

18:00 How this cycle can create micromanagement tendencies

19:00 Using these challenges for personal development

20:00 The three essential skills for strategic leadership communication

22:00 Wrap-up and coaching support optionsRetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses. Sonnet 4

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 131 - How to Build Trust at Work: A Framework for Leaders

Mon, 19 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Trust is the foundation of effective leadership, yet many leaders struggle to build it consistently. In this episode, we break down the trust equation - a powerful framework that shows exactly how trust works in professional relationships. Whether you're starting a new role, taking over a team, or working with a new boss, this episode gives you practical strategies to build credibility and strengthen your leadership impact quickly.

Key points from this episode

The four components of the trust equation and how each one impacts your relationships
Why technical expertise isn't the only way to establish credibility as a leader
How small inconsistencies can completely undermine your reliability (and why moving one-to-ones is such a trust killer)
The importance of appropriate vulnerability and psychological safety in building deeper professional connections
How self-serving behaviour can destroy all your trust-building efforts

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 130 - Leading Through Change (Even When You Don’t Have All the Answers)

Mon, 12 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle one of leadership's most challenging aspects: providing direction during uncertainty. Drawing from our own experiences, we explore how to maintain team confidence when you don't have all the answers yourself. Whether you're navigating a restructure or implementing a new project, discover practical strategies to lead effectively through ambiguity without sacrificing credibility.

Key points from this episode

Why leaders struggle with admitting uncertainty and how transparency builds more trust than false confidence
The critical difference between providing answers versus providing stability and structure
How to maintain visibility and communication during change, even when you have no updates
Practical language techniques to communicate clearly without overpromising
Ways to maintain team engagement by focusing on what's within your control

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Real-World Example: Leading Through a Site Closure

02:45 The Challenge of Balancing Honesty and Clarity

05:00 Effective Communication Strategies During Uncertainty

08:00 The Importance of Visibility and Regular Updates

10:14 Handling Information You Can't Share

12:00 Creating Space for Team Members to Process Change

13:20 Language Tips: Replacing Vague Phrases with Clear Statements

15:08 Maintaining Team Engagement Through Collaborative Focus

17:00 Key Takeaways for Leading Through Uncertainty

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 129 - When You Don't Get That Promotion: Turning Disappointment into Opportunity with Jude Sclater

Mon, 05 May 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we speak with career coach Jude about strategies for handling promotion rejection and how to transform this challenging experience into a catalyst for professional growth.

Key points from this episode

How to manage the emotional impact of missing out on a promotion
Effective ways to process and learn from feedback
Strategies to rebuild confidence and create a powerful action plan
How to decide whether to stay with your company or move on
Why promotion setbacks often lead to greater long-term career success

[00:00:00] - Introduction and guest Jude's background

[00:06:00] - Typical emotional reactions to promotion disappointment

[00:14:00] - Moving past initial emotions and accessing support

[00:17:00] - Getting valuable insights from feedback

[00:25:00] - How successful people turn setbacks into opportunities

[00:34:00] - Deciding whether to stay or leave after promotion disappointment

[00:37:00] - Quick wins and practical advice for immediate action

[00:38:00] - Information about Jude's book and resources

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Jude on LinkedIn

https://www.thinkwithjude.com/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 128 - How to Make Better Decisions Under Pressure

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the challenge of decision-making under pressure – a common scenario for leaders at all levels. We explore why making decisions can feel so difficult when you're facing time constraints, stakeholder expectations, and limited information. Join us as we share practical frameworks and strategies to help you make better decisions even when the pressure is on.

Key points from this episode

Why pressure hijacks our logical thinking and makes decisions harder
The critical difference between reacting versus responding to urgent situations
How to use the 70% rule to avoid decision paralysis and overthinking
The reversible vs. irreversible decision framework for managing risk
Ways to build credibility through your decision-making approach

00:00 Introduction to decision-making under pressure

01:00 Why decision-making can feel so hard in leadership roles

02:29 The brain freeze that happens when everyone's looking to you for answers

04:04 Recognising when you need to pause before deciding

06:00 Preparing your decision-making approach in advance

07:48 Using guiding principles to make better decisions

09:47 Avoiding overthinking when faced with complex decisions

11:00 The 70% rule for gathering information

12:42 Reversible versus irreversible decisions framework

15:50 Taking smaller steps when facing big decisions

17:58 Handling pressure from above and external stakeholders

20:21 Clarifying the problem you're trying to solve

24:16 Building confidence in your decision-making abilities

27:00 Three practical strategies to implement immediately

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 127 - 5 Practical Strategies When Lacking Confidence in Your Leadership

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the common yet rarely discussed challenge of leadership confidence dips. We explore how lacking confidence in your leadership abilities can affect decision-making, influence, and overall effectiveness, while providing practical approaches to maintain your leadership presence even during periods of self-doubt. Join us as we share strategies to help you lead authentically even when you're not feeling 100% confident.

Key points from this episode

Why leadership confidence naturally ebbs and flows during growth and new challenges
How to recognize when insecurity is driving your leadership behaviors
The importance of leading from intention rather than allowing insecurity to take control
Practical ways to leverage your existing strengths during confidence dips
The balance between honest vulnerability and undermining your leadership position

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Lead from Intention Not Insecurity: Recognizing and Addressing Leadership Insecurity

05:05 Focus on Accessible Strengths: Identifying and Leveraging Your Leadership Talents

09:00 Prepare Without Perfectionism: The Importance of Mental Rehearsal

13:00 Being Honest Without Undermining Yourself: Finding the Right Balance

17:58 Borrowing Belief When Needed: Seeing Yourself Through Supportive Eyes

21:00 Quick Win Strategies: Practical Takeaways and Action Steps

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 126 - How to Give Feedback that Actually Changes Behaviour

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the art of giving feedback that actually changes behaviour. Many leaders struggle with delivering effective feedback - it often feels awkward, gets avoided, or fails to create the desired impact. We explore why feedback sometimes falls flat and share practical strategies to make your feedback more impactful and drive meaningful behavioural change in your team

Key points from this episode

Why feedback often falls flat and comes across as criticism rather than support
The importance of setting clear expectations before giving feedback
How vague feedback like "be more strategic" creates confusion instead of clarity
Why making feedback part of your everyday leadership approach changes your team culture
Practical techniques for giving feedback to confident team members and those more senior than you

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Why Feedback Often Falls Flat

05:00 The Problem with Vague and Non-Specific Feedback

09:00 Setting Clear Expectations Before Giving Feedback

13:00 Making Feedback Part of Your Leadership Culture

16:00 Planning Your Feedback Intentionally

19:00 Techniques for Giving Feedback When It Feels Tough

24:00 Quick Wins and Final Thoughts

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 125 - How to Handle Team Conflict Without Becoming the Villain

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the delicate art of managing team conflict effectively. We explore how leaders often get conflict wrong—either by avoiding it completely or jumping in too aggressively—and share practical strategies for navigating disagreements in a way that builds trust rather than erodes it. Join us as we discuss when to step in, when to step back, and how to create an environment where constructive conflict can actually strengthen your team.

Key points from this episode

Why conflict avoidance is often more damaging than the conflict itself
How to recognise different types of conflict and respond appropriately
The importance of listening as your first response to emerging team tensions
When to intervene versus when to let team members work through issues themselves
Creating team agreements about handling conflict before problems arise

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 How Leaders Get Conflict Wrong: Avoidance and Aggression

03:00 The Value of Positive Conflict in Teams

06:00 Recognising the Different Types of Conflict

08:00 The Power of Listening Before Acting

12:00 When to Step In vs When to Step Back

15:00 Having the Right Conversations at the Right Time

19:00 Handling the Team Member Who Consistently Creates Issues

22:00 Quick Wins for Better Conflict Management

Useful Links

Four Types of Conflict Episode

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 124 - How to Spot a Toxic Job Before You Accept It

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Ever taken a role that looked perfect on paper but turned into a nightmare? We explore the red flags that can signal trouble ahead and share practical strategies to protect yourself during the job search process. Join us as we break down how to read between the lines of job descriptions, navigate the interview process, and trust your instincts when evaluating potential employers.

Key points from this episode

How to interpret repeatedly reposted job ads and what they reveal about an organisation
The warning signs in job descriptions, from overly vague to impossibly detailed
Why an organisation's treatment of candidates often mirrors how they'll treat employees
Critical questions to ask in interviews that uncover the true workplace culture
How to evaluate interview tasks and presentations that might cross the line

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Red Flags in Job Advertisements

04:00 Using Employer Review Sites Like Glassdoor

09:00 Red Flags During the Interview Process

14:00 Evaluating Interview Tasks and Presentations

19:00 The Offer Stage: Making the Final Decision

26:00 Trust Your Instincts and Take Your Time

Useful Links

Get the Interview Presentation Slide Pack & Training

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 123 - 3 Skills to Master if You Want to Be Promoted

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle one of the most frustrating career challenges: watching others get promoted while you're left wondering why it wasn't you. Instead of waiting for promotion opportunities to land in your lap, we share three crucial skills that can help you position yourself as the obvious choice for advancement. Whether you're an introvert who hates self-promotion or someone who struggles with executive presence, these practical strategies will help you stand out without changing who you are.

Key points from this episode

How to master strategic self-promotion without coming across as a show off
Key aspects of executive presence that gets you noticed by senior leadership
Practical ways to help others envision you at the next level up
Why being a calming, steady force during challenging times signals leadership potential
The importance of delegation in creating capacity for higher-level responsibilities

00:00 Introduction and overview of promotion frustrations

00:59 Three key skills that help position you for promotion

02:45 Strategic self-promotion: sharing team successes without bragging

04:17 Connecting team achievements to business objectives and priorities

05:45 Using learning experiences and problem-solving to raise your profile

06:30 Making your boss look good and getting your name mentioned in senior meetings

07:48 The power of asking senior leaders for promotion advice

08:51 Developing executive presence: reading the room at the next level

11:14 Being a steady, calming force during challenging situations

13:00 Real examples of maintaining composure during crises

16:32 Helping others envision you at the next level

17:12 Solving problems at the level above your current position

18:42 Discussing future trends rather than just reporting on past events

19:35 Strategic relationship building across the organisation

22:30 Delegation as a critical skill for promotion readiness

25:06 Key takeaways and immediate action steps

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 122 - How to Prepare for Your Performance Review (and Actually Benefit from It)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle a challenge every professional faces: making the most of performance reviews. We share practical strategies for transforming what can feel like a box-ticking exercise into a genuine opportunity for career growth and progression. We explore how taking ownership of your performance reviews can help you advocate for yourself effectively and fast-track your career progression.

Key points from this episode

Why ongoing documentation throughout the year is crucial for effective performance reviews
How to turn performance reviews into meaningful career conversations
Strategies for handling criticism constructively and using it for growth
The importance of creating action plans and follow-up after your review
Practical tips for showcasing your achievements with evidence

00:00 Introduction and the value of preparing for performance reviews

01:00 How preparation can accelerate your career progression

03:00 Taking control of your performance review process

05:00 The importance of ongoing documentation and reflection

09:00 How to turn a performance review into a career conversation

13:00 Asking targeted questions that align your goals with company objectives

16:00 Handling criticism constructively during performance reviews

21:00 Developing strategies for receiving feedback without becoming defensive

24:00 Creating effective follow-up plans using the EPIC framework

28:00 Quick wins: actionable steps to improve your next performance review

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 121 - Is This It? The Courage to Change Your Career with Kim Holland

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we welcome career coach Kim Holland who shares insights on navigating career transitions. We explore the common triggers that lead people to question "Is this it?" in their careers, how to find the courage (rather than confidence) to make changes, and practical steps to move forward when you know you need a change but aren't sure where to start.

Key points from this episode

The personal and professional triggers that prompt us to ask "Is this it?" about our careers
Why redefining your markers of success is essential when your priorities shift
The difference between courage and confidence when making career changes
The biggest mistake professionals make when approaching career transitions
Practical exercises to gain clarity when you're feeling stuck or uncertain

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:00 Kim's Background and Career Transition Story

03:52 Common Triggers for Career Reassessment

07:00 Redefining Your Markers of Success

09:45 Overcoming Fear of Change and Taking First Steps

13:00 Managing Identity Shifts During Career Changes

14:45 The Biggest Mistake People Make When Changing Careers

17:00 Building Courage Rather Than Confidence

22:20 One Action to Take This Week to Start Your Career Reassessment

24:00 Where to Find Kim and Free Career MOT Workbook

Links

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

Download Kim's Free Career MOT

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 120 - Why People React The Way They Do (And What to Do About It)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we explore why people react strongly in workplace situations and what you can do about it. Through a real coaching example, we unpack the science behind emotional responses at work and share practical strategies for managing both your own reactions and those of others.

Whether you're dealing with a challenging boss or leading a team through change, this episode gives you tools to better understand and handle workplace reactions.

Key points from this episode

The hidden drivers behind unexpected emotional responses at work
How to decode reactions that seem disproportionate or surprising
Understanding the five key needs that influence workplace behavior
Practical strategies for managing reactions in yourself and others
Tips for creating win-win solutions in challenging situations

00:00 Introduction and overview

01:00 Real coaching scenario exploring workplace reactions

04:00 Framework for understanding workplace reactions

09:00 Practical application and examples

12:00 Steps for managing reactions effectively

14:00 Remote work example and implications

16:00 Signs of unmet needs in teams

18:00 Case study resolution and key takeaways

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 119 - 5 Signs Your Team Aren't Fully Engaged (And What to do)

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the crucial leadership challenge of identifying and addressing team disengagement. We explore five key warning signs that your team might not be fully engaged, from subtle changes in meeting participation to increasing isolation in hybrid environments.

Join us as we share practical strategies for not only spotting these signs early but also taking effective action to rebuild engagement.

Key points from this episode

Understanding the early warning signs of team disengagement and why seeing multiple small signs matters more than any single red flag
How to distinguish between surface-level agreement and genuine team buy-in during decision making
Practical approaches to exploring engagement issues without making common leadership mistakes
The importance of balancing your responsibility to spot issues with involving the team in creating solutions
Simple but effective frameworks for starting conversations about engagement and improvement

00:00 Introduction and Overview of Team Engagement Warning Signs

00:55 First Warning Sign: Caution or Selective Participation in Meetings

03:00 Second Warning Sign: Apathy in Decision Making

03:52 Third Warning Sign: Problem-Focused Discussions

05:20 Fourth Warning Sign: Self-Censoring at Key Moments

06:38 Fifth Warning Sign: Increasing Isolation

08:45 How to Start Addressing Engagement Issues

11:00 Key Questions to Ask Your Team

14:00 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Taking Over a New Team

18:45 Practical Solutions: The "What's Working Well/Even Better If" Framework

21:00 Building Relationships Without Getting Too Personal

23:00 Using the Effort-Impact Matrix

25:00 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 118 - 7 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Leadership 1:1s

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into how to transform your one-to-one meetings from basic status updates into powerful leadership tools. We explore why many managers struggle with these crucial conversations and share seven specific questions that can help you get more value from your one-to-ones, whether they're weekly check-ins or strategic career discussions.

Key points from this episode

The three distinct types of one-to-ones and why you shouldn't combine them
Why consistent one-to-ones are crucial for team engagement and retention
How to avoid the common trap of turning every one-to-one into an operational update
Questions that help unlock deeper conversations about career development
Practical tips for managing meeting frequency and scheduling

00:00 Introduction and Why One-to-Ones Matter

03:00 Common Challenges with One-to-Ones

05:00 Different Types of One-to-One Conversations

11:00 Strategic Career Conversations vs Regular Check-ins

17:00 Seven Transformative Questions for One-to-Ones

20:00 Using Questions for Development Reviews

24:00 Tailoring Meeting Frequency to Individual Needs

28:00 Long-term Career Development Questions

30:00 Conclusion and Call to Action

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 117 - What to do if You're at Risk of Redundancy

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we share our own redundancy experiences (between us we've been through it 5-6 times!) and pack in all the practical advice we wish we'd had when facing it for the first time.

If you're at risk of redundancy, you might be feeling a whole mix of emotions right now - from shock and fear to anger and uncertainty. We get it, and we're here to help you navigate this with practical steps that will help you take control of your situation and potentially turn this into an opportunity for positive change.

Key points from this episode

How to handle the emotional impact of redundancy whilst taking practical first steps to protect your interests
Essential documentation to gather and review, including often-overlooked elements in your contract
Financial considerations and calculations to help reduce stress and create a realistic timeline
A structured approach to preparing for job search that avoids common panic-driven mistakes

Why this could be an opportunity to reassess your career direction and aim higher

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 The Emotional Impact of Redundancy

03:00 First Practical Steps to Take

05:00 Understanding Your Contract and Rights

08:00 Professional Support Options Available

10:00 Financial Assessment and Planning

13:00 Career Documentation and Preparation

16:00 CV Updates and Job Search Strategy

21:00 Building Your Support Network

24:00 Self-Care and Maintaining Wellbeing

28:00 Final Advice and Resources

Useful Links

Job Search Podcast Episodes Playlist

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Redundancy Checklist: www.pamelalangan.com/redundancychecklist

Career Map Exercise: www.pamelalangan.com/careermap

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 116 - 5 Hidden Habits Undermining your Leadership

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle those subtle habits that could be holding back your leadership impact. Drawing from real coaching conversations, we explore five common patterns that leaders often don't realise are undermining their authority and career progression.

Join us as we share practical strategies to identify and overcome these hidden habits, helping you to step more fully into your leadership potential.

Key points from this episode

The "I'll just check" syndrome - undermining your authority through excessive validation
The quick win trap - getting stuck in the tactical at the expense of strategic impact
The always available signal - creating unsustainable expectations
The visibility void - limiting your influence by staying in your comfort zone
The communication mismatch - missing the mark by not adapting your style

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 The "I'll Just Check" Syndrome

05:00 The Quick Win Trap

08:00 The Always Available Signal

12:00 The Visibility Void

17:00 The Communication Mismatch

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 115 - How Not to Have Sh*t Online Meetings

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle the challenges of online meetings with expert facilitator Steph Vidal-Hall. If you've ever sat through endless virtual meetings wondering if they could be better (spoiler: they definitely can), this episode is for you.

Building on our popular episode about in-person meetings, we explore what makes online meetings different and how to make them genuinely effective. Whether you're leading meetings or participating in them, you'll get practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Key points from this episode

Why some meetings should never be online (and how to tell which ones)
The three core responsibilities of an online meeting host
How to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable contributing
Practical techniques for equalising the space and ensuring all voices are heard
The importance of having cameras on and how to address it professionally

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Steph

02:00 What meetings should (and shouldn't) be online

04:00 Core responsibilities as an online meeting host

08:00 The minimum viable meeting concept

13:00 Creating an equal space for contribution

20:00 Using rounds effectively in meetings

27:00 Ground rules and the camera-on conversation

36:00 How to close meetings effectively

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Steph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephvidalhall/

Steph's Website: https://stephvidalhall.co.uk/

Download Steph's guide to using rounds in online meetings

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 114 - The Advice Trap: How Leaders Can Stop Fixing and Start Developing Their Team

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle a critical leadership challenge: the habit of constantly giving advice rather than developing your team through coaching. We explore the concept of 'The Advice Trap' and why so many leaders find themselves stuck in the role of problem-solver rather than developer.

Join us as we share practical strategies to shift from fixing to leading, including insights from Michael Bungay Stanier's influential books and real-world examples of how this transformation can make you a more effective leader while reducing your own workload.

Key points from this episode

Why leaders default to giving advice and the hidden costs to both you and your team
The three types of 'Advice Monsters' that can sabotage your leadership effectiveness
How to recognize your own advice-giving patterns and triggers
Practical strategies for moving from telling to asking, without completely abandoning your expertise
The surprising link between giving less advice and reducing your own workload

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

02:00 Why Leaders Fall into the Advice Trap

05:00 The Cost of Constant Advice-Giving

09:00 The Three Advice Monsters

16:00 Breaking Free from the Advice Trap

22:00 Practical Strategies and Implementation

25:00 Closing Thoughts and Resources

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 113 - How to Plan for a Career Change (Without Taking a Pay Cut)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest career myths out there - that changing careers means taking a pay cut. We explore how proper planning (not just jumping ship!) can help you make a successful transition.

As career coaches, we see fantastic professionals staying stuck because they think career change isn't possible for them. Join us as we share practical strategies that have helped our clients transition into new careers while maintaining (or even increasing) their income.

Key points from this episode

What really drives career change and why January is prime time for making the leap
The career clarity piece most people skip (and why it costs them in the long run)
How to identify if those "I can't because..." thoughts are actually limiting beliefs holding you back
Our tried-and-tested career mapping approach that uncovers possibilities you hadn't considered
The secret to confidently articulating your value to employers

00:00 Introduction and Why January Prompts Career Change

02:00 Common Drivers for Career Change - Which One Are You?

06:00 Why Getting Clear Comes Before Getting Started

08:00 Tackling Those "I Can't Because..." Thoughts

15:00 Making Sure Your Values Align

16:00 Career Mapping - Your Foundation for Change

20:00 Real Examples of Successful Transitions

24:00 How to Stop "Begging" and Start Selling Your Value

28:00 Next Steps and Support Available

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 112 - End of Year Career Reflections

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Join us for the last episode of the year where we take the real talk to a whole new level, sharing our answers to some of the questions included in the Career Reflection Guide for 2024!

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 111 - How to Lead When You're Not the Expert in the Room

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Leading a team of experts when you're not the technical expert yourself can be daunting. In this week's episode, we explore how to make that transition from being the expert yourself to leading a team of experts effectively. We dive into why it's natural to feel vulnerable in this situation and share practical strategies to help you embrace your leadership role while letting your experts shine

Key points from this episode

The vulnerable feelings that come with leading experts and why it's completely natural
Why trying to become the expert in everything your team does is a common but counterproductive approach
The power of being honest about what you don't know and asking "naive" questions
How to use coaching skills to get the best from your technical experts
The importance of focusing on outcomes rather than getting caught up in technical details

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Understanding the Vulnerability of Leading Experts

03:00 The Orchestra Conductor Analogy

05:00 Building Trust Through Honesty

07:00 Real-World Example of Poor Leadership

09:00 What Makes an Effective Leader

11:00 The Power of Asking "Naive" Questions

13:00 Using Coaching Skills with Expert Team Members

15:00 Focusing on Outcomes vs Technical Details

17:00 Personal Leadership Journey Insights

20:00 Final Thoughts and Being Kind to Yourself

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 110 - Imposter Syndrome: The 5 Hidden Identities Holding You Back with Aoife O'Brien

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we're joined by researcher and podcast host Aoife O'Brien to explore imposter syndrome - one of the most common challenges facing leaders at all levels. Drawing on her extensive research, Aoife reveals five distinct imposter identities and shares practical strategies for recognizing and managing imposter syndrome. Whether you're experiencing it now or supporting team members who might be, this episode provides evidence-based insights and actionable advice.

Key points from this episode

Why imposter syndrome differs from general self-doubt and how to spot the signs
The surprising gender differences in how imposter syndrome manifests throughout careers
Understanding the five imposter identities
How leaders can create an environment where it's safe to discuss these feelings
Practical steps for managing imposter syndrome using the ABCD methodology

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:58 Aoife's Background and Journey into Researching Imposter Syndrome

05:37 Defining Imposter Syndrome vs Self-Doubt

08:45 Common Triggers and How It Shows Up

13:24 The Identity Gap in Leadership Roles

19:23 Gender Differences in Imposter Syndrome Experience

24:28 The Five Imposter Identities Explained

36:52 Practical Steps for Managing Imposter Syndrome

41:15 The Importance of Speaking Up Despite Fears

43:28 Where to Find More Resources and Connect with Aoife

Useful Links

Connect with Aoife on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien

Listen to the (excellent) Happier at Work podcast

Take Aoife's Imposter Identity Assessment

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 109 - What to Expect at Different Interview Stages

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 process
How to ace initial screening calls, even when they come unexpectedly
Why the first formal interview is crucial for demonstrating capability and standing out against other candidates
What really happens at final stage interviews and why being asked to meet the team is usually a positive sign
How to shift your mindset to approach each stage with confidence

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:40 Understanding Initial Screenings

09:01 Preparing for the First Formal Interview

15:07 Navigating Later Stages of the Interview Process

21:30 Final Tips and Conclusion

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The episode on Acing Interview Presentations

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 108 - How to Find and Secure Career Changing Mentors

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 work
Why you don't need to find one "perfect" mentor with the complete package
How to identify what you actually need from a mentor
Practical approaches to finding and securing mentors that won't make you cringe

00:00 Introduction and Common Misconceptions About Mentoring

02:29 Different Ways Mentoring Can Work

04:00 Rethinking What Mentoring Looks Like

07:00 Self-Assessment and Preparation

13:00 Finding Potential Mentors

15:00 Making Successful Approaches

21:00 Final Tips and Key Takeaways

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 107 - Leading Through Change with Paula Brockwell

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 takes to make change stick - and more importantly, what you can do about it.

Key points from this episode

The truth about how long real culture change takes (hint: it's not 6 months)
Why being the "sunshine and rainbows" leader during change can actually backfire
A practical framework for diagnosing and addressing resistance in your team
How to maintain credibility when you don't have all the answers
The most common mistake leaders make when communicating change

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:00 Understanding Culture Change Timelines

Realistic expectations for implementation
Why quick fixes don't work
The importance of systematic change

07:00 Leadership Responsibilities During Change

Making change feel real and practical for teams
Having crucial conversations about the 'why'
Managing when you don't have all the answers

14:00 The Four Blocks to Change

Not seeing the reason for change
Thinking others need to change (not me)
Lacking confidence
Missing opportunities to implement change

19:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Learning

Allowing mistakes and recovery
Building momentum gradually
Supporting team members through transition

23:00 Final Advice and Leadership Support

Finding your leadership tribe
Breaking echo chambers
Maintaining authentic communication

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Connect with Paula:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulabrockwell/

www.theexproject.com

https://www.youtube.com/@spark-culture-change

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 106 - Practical Ways to Develop Emotional Intelligence as a Leader

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 intelligence
The five key areas of emotional intelligence and how they build upon each other
Why responding rather than reacting is crucial for emotional intelligence
Practical strategies for developing self-awareness and emotional management

00:00 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence

00:34 Understanding Emotional Intelligence

02:47 Challenges in Developing Emotional Intelligence

04:08 Five Key Areas of Emotional Intelligence

12:13 Practical Strategies for Self-Perception

17:26 Practical Strategies for Self-Expression

20:30 Practical Strategies for Interpersonal Skills

25:46 Practical Strategies for Decision Making

28:53 Practical Strategies for Stress Management

31:28 Conclusion and Next Steps

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 105 - Facilitation Skills for Leaders

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 the Purpose and Outcomes

02:19 Challenges with Participant Dynamics

04:55 Facilitation Techniques for Creativity

06:08 Encouraging Participation from All Members

06:48 Using Prompts to Spark Ideas

08:38 Evaluating and Discussing Ideas

10:04 Creating a Collaborative Environment

11:06 Adopting Different Roles for Idea Evaluation

12:05 The Impact of Diverse Perspectives

13:37 Decision Making and Buy-In

16:32 Facilitation Skills for Leaders

20:23 Creating Psychological Safety

22:41 Conclusion and Further Resources

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 104 - Career Clinic: Real Answers to Your Burning Questions

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Descriptions

20:12 Conclusion and Upcoming Career Clinic Sessions

Key points from this episode

The controversial truth about thank-you notes after interviews - are they really necessary?
Our advice for applying for more senior roles when you're in a junior position
How to decode generic job adverts and tailor your CV to stand out from the crowd
Strategies for uncovering valuable job information that isn't in the description
A sneak peek into our monthly career clinic and how it could support your career growth

Useful Links

Episode 93 On assessing your level using the competency framework

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Ep 103 - Developing Others as a Leader

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 performance
How developing your team can boost your reputation and career prospects
Simple strategies to start developing others, even with limited time
The EPIC framework for diverse development opportunities beyond traditional courses
The joy and lasting impact of helping others grow in their careers

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

02:29 Benefits of Developing Others as a Leader

06:53 Starting Small: Simple Strategies for Development

13:26 Overcoming Common Barriers to Developing Others

19:00 Prioritizing Development and Understanding Individual Motivations

25:37 The EPIC Framework for Development Opportunities

31:32 Key Tips for Leaders to Improve Their Ability to Develop Others

36:37 Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Katy Walton

Download the One Page Summary from Katy

Useful Links

Connect with Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-walton-make-real-progress/

Get in touch with Katy via her website, Make Real Progress: https://makerealprogress.co.uk/

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 102 - How to Get Career Clarity

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Introduction and importance of career clarity

01:00 Signs you might need career clarity

03:00 The impact of lacking career clarity

06:00 Step 1: Assessing where you are now

09:00 Step 2: Focusing on positives, values, and strengths

13:00 Step 3: Creating your career vision

18:00 Step 4: Developing and revisiting your career plan

22:00 The importance of following the full process

25:00 Benefits of getting support in gaining career clarity

27:00 Conclusion and resources for further support

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 101 - How to be Strategic When The Business Isn't

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 communication
The emotional and practical impacts of working in a strategically unclear environment
How to create clarity for yourself when the business direction is unclear
Techniques for managing up and influencing strategic conversations

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

00:26 Identifying the Problem: Lack of Business Strategy

02:29 Emotional Impact and Symptoms

05:37 Considering Job Search and Seeking Clarity

06:53 Tips for Creating Clarity and Direction

14:21 Managing Up and Effective Communication

16:37 Final Advice and Conclusion

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 100 - Sharing the Career & Leadership Real Talk Story

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Celebration!

01:19 The Story Behind Our Podcast Journey

02:18 From Internal Resource to Public Podcast

05:01 Collaborations and Catalyst Careers

07:41 The Power of Reflection and Balcony of Ideas

11:08 Introducing Catalyst Career Club

12:34 Top Five Episodes and Their Impact

22:58 Coping with a Micromanager Boss

25:19 Thank You and What's Next

Playlist of Episodes

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 99 - Rethinking Your CV for Senior Roles

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 before you submit it.

Key points from this episode

Why the "rules" you've always followed for CV writing might be holding you back
The unexpected truth about CV length (hint: it's not what you think!)
How to avoid the trap that's making your CV sound like everyone else's
The mindset shift that could transform your CV from good to irresistible
Why "hitting the ground running" might not be the selling point you think it is

00:00 Introduction and the CV conundrum

02:30 Debunking common CV myths

07:15 The human touch: Why authenticity matters

12:40 Seeing through the recruiter's eyes

16:55 Telling your career story (and why it's trickier than you think)

21:30 The game-changing perspective that elevates your CV

25:45 Confidence vs. arrogance: Walking the line

29:10 Wrap-up and invitation to the Catalyst Career ClubUseful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 98 - How to Develop Executive Presence

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Presence

03:27 The Importance of Developing Executive Presence Early

05:56 Key Components of Executive Presence

10:31 Gravitas: The Core of Executive Presence

12:40 Learning and Developing Executive Presence

16:39 Top Tips for Developing Executive Presence

21:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 97 - Performance Management Made Simple

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Management

00:36 Introducing the BECKS Framework

02:39 Behavior and Environment

05:13 Clarity of Expectation

08:33 Knowledge and Skill

12:42 Applying the BECKS Framework

15:25 Using BECKS for Team Development

18:39 Getting Started with BECKS

21:05 Conclusion and Next Steps

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 96 - How to Deal With Disappointment During a Job Search

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Job Search Struggles

04:28 Taking Control of Your Job Search

07:25 Positive Self-Talk and Confidence Building

13:05 Interview Strategies and Resilience

18:07 Commit to the Process, Detach from the Outcome

22:05 Support and Resources for Job Seekers

23:00 Conclusion and Next Steps

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

The details of the Job Search Accelerator with Pam

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 95 - 5 Steps to Making the Most of Working with an Executive Coach

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 advice and tips.

Key points from this episode

00:00 Introduction to Maximizing Executive Coaching

00:43 Step 1: Choosing the Right Coach

04:19 Step 2: Mindset and Preparation

12:48 Step 3: Building the Coaching Relationship

15:24 Step 4: Commit and Engage

21:16 Step 5: Taking Action

26:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 94 - Conquer Email Overload: 7 Tips for Leaders

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Notifications

05:05 Implementing a Triage System

06:51 Strategic Non-Involvement

12:41 Shaping Email Culture

16:32 Effective Email Writing

21:43 Using AI Tools for Email Efficiency

23:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 93 - How to Assess Your Leadership Abilities

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Strategy: Aligning with Business Goals

18:34 Using the Framework for Continuous Development

21:46 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 92 - 5 Strategies to Make the Most of Induction Meetings

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Five Strategies for Successful Induction Meetings

19:32 Building Relationships and Gaining Knowledge

25:56 Creating an Action Plan

29:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 91 - Communicating with Impact

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 Questions Instead of Statements

22:55 Practical Takeaways for Effective Communication

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 90 - 6 Confidence Myths that Hold Leaders Back

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 confidence

• The myth that confidence means always having the right answer

• How true leadership confidence comes from team success, not just individual achievement

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 89 - Ace Your Next Job Interview: How to Prepare Like a Pro

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 your skills
Tips for practising your interview responses ahead of the interview
Strategies for building rapport and managing nerves
Making use of notes and reminders during online interviews without appearing distracted
How to approach interviews where questions are provided in advance, and why this can be a game-changer

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 88 - How to be Direct Without Being Perceived as Difficult

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 communication
Adapting your communication style to different situations and personalities
The role of empathy and relationship-building in being direct without being difficult
Balancing directness with other complementary skills and traits

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 87 - Specialist or Generalist Career Path - Which is Right for You

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 specialist and generalist career paths and how to identify which suits you best
How organisational size can impact your career choice and development opportunities
The importance of continuous learning and networking in both career paths
How to align your career choices with your personal strengths, interests, and long-term goals

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 86 - How to Speak up and Be Heard in Meetings

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

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 crucial to speak up and be heard in meetings, both for your own career and as a responsibility of leadership
Learn how to identify and overcome the personal barriers that may be holding you back from contributing fully
Understand the power of adapting your communication style to the preferences of your audience
Tips for building your influence and credibility outside of meetings to amplify your impact within them

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Ep 85 - Cultivating Curiosity: An Overlooked Skill for Career Progression with Professor Laura Chamberlain

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this insightful episode, we are joined by the brilliant Laura Chamberlain, an award-winning marketer, career strategist, coach, and professor of marketing at the University of Warwick. Laura shares her expertise on how cultivating curiosity can be a game-changer for your career growth and development.

Discover practical tips and strategies to harness the power of curiosity and unlock more of your full potential.

Key points from this episode

Understanding curiosity as a skill and how to develop it purposefully
Overcoming barriers to curiosity in the workplace and beyond
Creating the right conditions and habits to nurture your curiosity
Using curiosity to enhance your leadership and team-building abilities
Applying curiosity to solve problems, drive innovation, and advance your career

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Connect with Laura Chamberlain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmchamberlain/

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 84 - From Good to Great: A Practical Model for Developing High Performing Teams

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Are you looking to take your team's performance to the next level? In this episode, we share an overview of the Catalyst Five Cs framework - a powerful, practical model for supporting team development.

We walk you through each of the Five Cs, explaining what they are and how they can combine to support increased team performance

Key points from this episode:

Why clarity is the basis for ensuring goals and priorities can be met
Building team competence and how it differs from individual skill and experience development
Why capacity is not just impacted by headcount and budgets
How connection contributes to building psychological safety

Download the team assessment

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 83 - The Do's and Don'ts of Designing a Great Recruitment Process

Mon, 27 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we dive into the essential do's and don'ts of creating an effective recruitment process. Drawing from our experience as in house and agency recruiters as well as working with clients to support recruitment, we share our insights and practical tips to help if you're a hiring manager who's just expected to know how to design a great recruitment process!

Key themes:

The importance of being clear on what / who you want as a candidate before you start recruitment
Why timely feedback is so important
How to design interview processes that allow candidates to showcase their skills
What to think about when creating task or presentation briefs

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 82 - Setting Boundaries: A Leader's Guide to Saying No Without Burning Bridges

Mon, 20 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss the challenges many leaders face when it comes to setting boundaries and saying no at work. We explore why it can feel so difficult to say no, even when you know you should, and share practical tips and insights on how to get more comfortable with it. If you've ever struggled with being a people-pleaser or found yourself drowning in "can you just" requests, this episode is for you.

Key points from this episode

Why many of us are wired to avoid saying no, even at our own expense
How to start flexing your "no muscle" and break the people-pleasing habit
Offering alternative solutions to make saying no feel easier
The importance of considering the longer-term consequences of always saying yes
Using questions strategically to help others realise their request may not be necessary

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Join the Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 81 - Key Considerations for Proposing a New Team Structure as a Manager

Mon, 13 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of proposing a new team structure as a manager. Drawing from real-life scenarios, we explore the key considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and best practices to adopt. Whether it's navigating growth, mergers, or downsizing, proposing a new team structure demands careful planning and insight.

Key points from this episode

Why you need to think longer term before creating a structure
How to assess the current situation before starting to plan
The importance of balancing generalisation and specialisation with roles in the structure
Pitfalls to avoid
Why the work isn't over when you get signoff

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 80 - How to Write a Brilliant Job Description

Mon, 06 May 2024 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever been asked to write or update a job description without any training, this week's episode is for you. We discuss how to approach it, what to include and what you need to do before you start writing

Key points from this episode

Why you should think of a job description as a marketing asset, not just an internal document
How to define what you actually need from the role
Striking the balance between what's essential and what's desirable
Why simple, conversational language is so important to crafting a great job description

Useful Links

Join the Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders and Managers

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Job Description Download: www.pamelalangan.com/catalystjobdescription

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 79 - Reduce Meeting Overload: 4 Ways to Cut Down on Unnecessary Meetings

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Are you feeling overwhelmed by an endless barrage of meetings that leave you with little time to actually get work done? In this episode, we dive into the issue of excessive meeting time, sharing practical strategies to help you regain control of your schedule.

Key points from this episode

Understand the typical meeting time expectations based on your role and level
Recognise the signs that you're spending too much time in meetings
The 4 D's framework: Ditch, Decline, Design, and Drive meeting culture improvement
Tips for designing effective meetings with clear purposes and outcomes
How to influence and drive positive change in your organisation's meeting culture

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 78 - How to Show You Can Think Strategically

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

At some point in your career there's a good chance someone will tell you that you need to be more strategic. Whether they can actually articulate what they mean is another matter

If you've been given that feedback but you're not sure where to start, this week's episode breaks down how to demonstrate to others that you have the ability to think strategically

Key points from this episode

Defining 'being strategic' - the difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning
Working out whether you need to develop your strategic thinking ability, demonstrate it better or a bit of both
Practical strategies to better demonstrate the strategic thinking ability you already have

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 77 - Using Personal Brand to Unlock Career Success

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

When you want to progress and create more opportunities for yourself in your career, it's often tempting to work harder and try to distinguish yourself by being a top performer.

But performance is only a part of what creates career success (and it's probably a smaller part than you might think). This week we're talking about the different elements that contribute to career success and how you can use that to your advantage

Key points from this episode

Introducing PIE Theory and what it means for career success
How personal brand creates the perception of you as being promotion ready
Why visibility is often the missing piece in career progress
Practical steps to take when you want to be in the frame for future opportunities

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 76 - Nail Your Interview Presentation & Land The Job

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever worried about how to prepare for a presentation at interview, this episode is for you.

We're covering some of the common mistakes people make as well as how to make sure you prepare without it taking you hours or risking you offering free consultancy

Key points from this episode

Understanding the purpose of presentations: why they're used and how understanding that makes preparation easier
Common mistakes to Avoid
How to prepare so you can deliver with confidence
Balancing showcasing how you can add value with avoiding the risk of giving away free consultancy

Useful Links

The Interview Presentation Slide Deck resource

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 75 - Quarterly Planning & Review - A Career Game Changer

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0100

As a leader, the demands on your time and attention can be overwhelming. When you’re managing a team, juggling multiple projects, and every action from every meeting seems to have your name against it, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. This is where the practice of regular quarterly planning and review can be a game-changer, helping you stay focused, keep your eyes on the real priorities and ultimately deliver more in your role

Key points from this episode

Why Quarterly planning and review can be a career game changer if you commit to it
What to consider when reflecting on the previous 90 days
How to create a 90 day plan when you're already in a role and looking forward

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Download the 90 day planning doc: https://www.pamelalangan.com/catalyst90dayplan

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 74 - How to be More Assertive Without Being a D*ck

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever been told you're 'too nice', 'need to speak up more' or that you're 'not tough enough' then this week's episode is for you

We discuss the need to be more assertive, and share practical ways you can show up in that way without trying to be something you're not.

Key points from this episode

Why you need to be perceived as assertive and what that means
How to communicate more assertively
The value of self assurance in becoming more assertive
Behaving assertively at work

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 73 - How to Lead When Clarity is Lacking

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

A lack of clarity can be hard work. You want to lead well, you want to give clear vision and direction to your team. But what if you don't have that for yourself? How can you handle ambiguity and still be the leader you want to be?

This week we're exploring why clarity is so important and how to create it when you and your team need it

Key points from this episode

The importance of clarity in leadership
Spotting the signs that mean creating clarity might need to be a priority
Temporary vs ongoing ambiguity - anticipating when clarity will naturally be more of a challenge
Questions to ask of others to help create clarity
Proposing your priorities and getting the buy in you need
The value of external support

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Book a Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 72 - What to Do When You Screw Up at Work

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The idea of making mistakes and screwing things up is normally pretty grim. No one wants to be that person. But equally, none of us are perfect. So making mistakes is to be expected

This week we're discussing why making mistakes is not the disaster it might feel like, and also what you can do to recover quickly (and avoid your confidence being knocked) when it does

Key points from this episode

Why normalising making mistakes is so important
How making mistakes can be a good thing
Practical tips for the times when you make mistakes
Setting an example for your team about making mistakes

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 71 - The Hidden Jobs Market

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The hidden jobs market is a topic that's often shrouded in secrecy - people talk about it, but no one seems to dish the dirt on how to access it

This week we're discussing what it is, what that means for you and sharing our tips for making it work when you want to progress in your career

Key points from this episode

What the hidden jobs market is
Why it exists
Why the hidden jobs market matters more the more senior you are in your career
Practical tips for accessing the hidden jobs market

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 70 - Establishing Your Personal Brand as a Leader

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Personal brand is one of those concepts that can feel strange - what is it and how the hell do you create one when you're an ambitious manager or leader?

In this episode we explore what personal brand is, why it's important to your leadership career and share our tips on how to create one

Key points from this episode

Defining personal brand
Why your personal brand matters in your leadership career
How to intentionally create a personal brand that feels right for you and creates career opportunities

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 69 - Why You Shouldn't Rely on Your Boss to Develop You

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Who do you most look to for development in your role? If it's your boss, you're not alone. But in today's episode we discuss why relying on your manager to be the one to develop you is not the best strategy - and what you can do instead to take ownership of your own development

Key points from this episode

Why you shouldn't rely on your manager to develop you (even if they're a great boss)
The reasons your manager might not be able to develop you in the ways that are most valuable for your career
The value of informal vs formal development
5 Practical ways to drive your own development

Useful Links

Episodes mentioned: The Art of Getting Feedback That Fuels Career Success

Career Reflection

Career Planning

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 68 - The 4 Types of Conflict at Work

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Conflict at work can be tough to deal with, whether you're involved in it or trying to avoid the negative impact it can have when others around you are in conflict

This week, we unick the different types of conflict that can come up and share our thoughts on how to manage it well

Key points from this episode

Why conflict can be a good thing
The causes of conflict
Where to start when you need to resolve conflict

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 67 - The Difference Between Confidence and Self Belief

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, we delve into the distinction between confidence and self belief. We talk about why it matters and share practical insights to improve both.

Key points from this episode

Common situations that impact confidence and self belief
Why self belief matters more than confidence
4 reflection questions to help build self belief

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 66 - Job Search Strategy Q&A

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0100

This week, we cover some of the questions that have been coming up in outplacement workshops we've been running. If you're in job search mode then they might well be some of the questions you're asking yourself

Key points from this episode

Is it better to apply direct or via a recruiter?
How to decide on your salary expectations for new roles?
Quick tips for using your network when job searching

Linked Episode on how to prequalify during your job search

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 65 - What to do When Your Boss has Unrealistic Expectations

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever struggled with trying to meet unrealistic expectations that your boss or another senior leader has set, you'll know how stressful it can be. Do you try and keep up? Tell them no? Start looking for another job?

In this week's episode, we discuss why unrealistic expectations get set and share some of the ways we've handled it and seen clients handle it successfully

Key points from this episode

Different types of unrealistic expectations
5 reasons why they get created
3 approaches to try that don't involve finding a new job
Signs you do need an exit strategy

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 64 - 5 Ways to Create an Environment for People to Thrive

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0100

You know when you're a manager or leader it's important to make sure your team are able to perform well. But what are the fundamentals that make that possible?

In this episode we've picked out five key things you can do to make sure that your team are able to thrive, as well as considering what you need to make sure you can perform in your role

Key points from this episode

Why psychological safety is so fundamental and why it isn't always easy to read where it's at
The importance of clarity and why it needs to come before focus
Building confidence to build competence
Why being more flexible impacts performance

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 63 - Career Planning Part 2 - Looking Forward

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Following on from last episode, in this one we share Pam's 'Reverse Engineer Your Career' approach and talk about how to reflect on what you want from your career in the future

Key points from this episode

Working backwards to go forwards - how long have you got left to get to where you want in your career?
What to do if you're not sure what your ultimate career goal is
Why you might not need to make as many moves as you think
How to decide on the timing if you do want to move roles

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 62 - Career Planning Part 1 - Reflection Questions

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0100

If a job search or a promotion is on your plan for the coming year, or if you're at a crossroads and just aren't sure what's next then it can be tempting to focus on the future.

Setting goals and taking action is all well and good, but before you get into that it pays to reflect on how things have been going up to this point. Ironically, that's often the thing our coaching clients find hardest

So we're starting the year with two episodes to help with career planning and this week we're sharing some of our favourite reflection questions to look back before you move on to setting intentions and goals for the future

Key points from this episode

Why reflection matters if you want to set your future direction
Six coaching questions you can use

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 61 - Reflecting on Top Episodes of 2023

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0100

This week we look back on the four most popular episodes of 2023 and reflect on why they were popular and what's included in each so you can decide which might be helpful for you if you haven't already listened

How to Cope When Your Boss is a Micromanager

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid at Interview

What to do When You're Told to be More Strategic

Overcoming Self Doubt

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 60 - Key Qualities of a High Performing Team

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In the first of a series about developing teams, we discuss the qualities of a high performing team. What are the common themes and how can you use that understanding to assess where your team is at right now and where to start with improving performance?

Key points from this episode

The foundation of psychological safety and people trusting each other
How healthy debate and conflict is needed in a high performing team
Creating clarity and getting commitment to team goals
Why accountability isn't just about the leader
The importance of team results mattering more than individual ones

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 59 - Practical Tips for Workplace Coaching as a Leader

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0100

You know you need to be a coach as well as a leader, but where do you start? How do you find the time to be able to coach people when the day job is so busy?

In this episode we explore what coaching is and how you can become more of a coach as well as a leader without feeling like it's an extra job you need to fit in. We consider the barriers to workplace coaching and share three simple things that will help make it less complicated

Key points from this episode

Defining coaching and how workplace coaching differs from 'pure' coaching
The 4 barriers to effective workplace coaching
Why coaching frameworks can hinder rather than help
3 things to focus on if you want to be a better coach to your team

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 58 - 3 Tips to Improve Interview Preparation

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Getting an interview for a dream role is great news, but it's easy for nerves to take over. If you aren't sure how best to prepare for interviews, or have been going to interviews and not getting job offers then this episode is for you

We share our tips based on years of both recruiting candidates and helping people prepare for interviews

Key points from this episode

Why preparation should start before you get offered an interview
The best approach to advance preparation
How to anticipate the questions you might be asked
The importance of researching the company and market
Being memorable by asking the right questions of hiring managers

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa to talk to us about recruitment support, leadership development or outplacement / redundancy support

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 57 - How to Handle Criticism

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Most of us aren't keen on being criticised. It stings, it can play on existing insecurities and it can add to self doubt at the time and in the future

But if you're an ambitious manager or leader, criticism isn't something you can avoid entirely. Learning how to handle it without being derailed is a skill that will help you progress your career and today we're sharing our experiences and advice on how to do that

Key points from this episode

Why criticism stings
How to understand what's behind it
How to avoid it prompting ongoing self doubt

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 56 - Tips if You Want to Be Promoted

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0100

If you want to get a promotion, it helps to have a plan. In this week's episode, we discuss the framework Jacqui uses with clients who are preparing for a promotion

We share our tips for what to do first and discuss why you shouldn't wait until you feel ready

Key points from this episode

Assessing promotion readiness
Identifying gaps and starting to create a plan
Getting the right feedback
Focusing on behaviours ahead of skills

Useful Links

Episode on how to get feedback

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 55 - Managing Redundancies with Empathy: Tips for Line Managers

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0100

As an ambitious manager, at some point in your career it's likely you'll be involved in managing people at risk of redundancy. You might be at risk yourself.

It's not an easy situation to face, so in this episode we're sharing our experiences of having been there and giving our tips for what to do and what to avoid doing

Key points from this episode

Why empathy matters during redundancy situations
The balance between supporting others and looking after yourself
How an understanding of the change curve can help
Practical approaches to support colleagues at risk
The value of external support

Useful Links

Episode link - Delivering bad news well

Episode link - The Balancing Act: Prioritising Strategic and Operational Workload

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Ep 54 - The Balancing Act: Prioritising Strategic and Operational Workload

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

If you struggle to get to the strategic stuff you want to work on because the operational workload you're facing is getting in the way, the traditional urgent / important matrix is probably not cutting it

In this week's episode we explore a simple alternative that can make a big difference when it comes to getting strategic work ticked off

Key points from this episode

The drawbacks of the Important / Urgent matrix for prioritisation
The Effort / Impact matrix as an alternative framework
Prioritising when you're new into role
A practical exercise when you need to gain some momentum with progress on strategic work
Prioritising team workload

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 53 - What's Your Leadership Style?

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

How do you define your leadership style? Do you use labels from one of the numerous frameworks out there or is it something different? We've seen people wrangle with this question both in interviews and for themselves so in this week's episode we're sharing our take

Key points from this episode

Why labels and frameworks don't hit the mark
Leadership style vs leadership approach
The question to ask yourself first if you want to develop your leadership
Talking about your leadership style in job interviews

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 52 - Building Resilience in Leadership - Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Being busy is the norm for ambitious managers and leaders, and it's often stressful trying to cope with it. Which tests your resilience and potentially puts you at risk of moving along the path towards burnout

You probably know all the tips and tricks about how to manage your time better. But what are you supposed to do when you're doing all of that but the stress keeps building? In this week's episode we explore how you can look at energy management rather than time management and the difference it can make when you do

Key points from this episode

Defining resilience
The difference between managing energy and time
The four dimensions of energy management

Useful Links

The Harvard Business Review Article on Managing Energy

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 51 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your CV

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Writing a CV can feel tough - the temptation is to take the one you used when you started your current role, add that role on and hope it's good enough to get you the next role.

But taking the time to understand what recruiters and hiring managers are looking for can make a massive difference to helping your CV stand out when you're in job search mode

In this episode we share the most common mistakes we see when running our CV workshops or working with 1:1 career coaching clients

Key points from this episode

What the job of a CV is and what it isn't
Insights into how sure your CV stands out for the right reasons
How far should you go back with your work experience on your CV?
What do you need to think about to make sure your CV passes Applicant Tracking Systems checks?
Should you use AI tools when writing your CV?
How to write your summary section
How to get the bullet points right

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 50 - Building Trust: The Key to Managing a New Team

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0100

If you're taking over a new team, building trust is a crucial part of making sure you can ensure it is able to deliver. If team members don't trust you, or don't trust each other, performance is going to suffer

In this episode we discuss the different levels of trust and some of the key strategies you can use to build trust quickly and intentionally rather than leaving it to chance

Key points from this episode

Different levels of trust and why they matter
The first steps to take to build trust with a new team
Using 1:1s and team meetings as opportunities to build trust
Should trust be given or earned?
Why things going wrong can help to build trust

Useful Links

Episode Link: Your First 90 Days

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 49 - Safeguarding Against Burnout: Recognising the Warning Signs

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Burnout is becoming more and more common for ambitious leaders. All too often, by the time you realise what's going on, it's progressed to the point where it's having a significant impact on mental health

In this episode we explore the stages of burnout, how it progresses and the warning signs to watch out for in yourself or others

Key points from this episode

Defining what burnout is
The 12 stages of burnout
Recognising the signs in yourself and in others
First steps to take if you realise you're at risk

Useful Links

Article on the 12 stages of burnout

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 48 - The Art of Effective Delegation

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Delegation can be easier said than done when you're in a leadership role. In this episode we discuss some of the barriers to effective delegation and share our tips for doing it well

Key Points From This Episode

The difference between delegation and abdication
Four key barriers to effective delegation
The importance of knowing your team's strengths
Choosing the right person to delegate to
What to do if delegation doesn't go well

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 47 - Mastering Challenging Conversations with Radical Candor

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

One of the most commonly requested sessions for leadership development is around challenging conversations. How to have them rather than duck out of them, and how to handle the balance of delivering a tough message while still being a nice person

Radical Candor is our favourite framework for this and in this episode we share an outline of what it is and how you can use it as an ambitious manager or leader

Key points from this episode

A summary of the Radical Candor framework
The importance of role modelling receiving feedback
Discussing whether you can be friends with team members and how it impacts on challenging conversations
Why it's doing your team a disservice not to have candid conversations

Useful Links

Kim Scott Explains the Radical Candor framework in this YouTube clip

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 46 - Questions to ask a potential employer at Interview

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, we're discussing how to ask better questions during interviews. We know that some people struggle with what to ask to understand the job better and show genuine interest in the role.

We'll provide you with simple yet effective questions to make your interviews more successful. After listening, you'll feel confident that you've addressed all aspects of your experience, leaving no important information unexplored.

Stop being passive in your interviews and start taking control and really make it a two-way conversation.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 45 - Career Clinic Q&A

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

In the final of our Career Clinic summer mini series, we discuss two more career conundrums; what to do when you're getting dragged in to support when colleagues are on the receiving end of toxic behaviour at work.

And how to handle it if you're told you're being put onto a performance improvement plan during your probation period

Related Episode Links

How to create boundaries at work

The dangers of trying to prove yourself

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 44 - Career Clinic: Management Dilemmas

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Continuing our Career Clinic series, this week we're responding to two questions about managing a team

First up, what to do when you take over a team that's been neglected or undervalued? Turning things around when morale is low for some or all of the individuals in your team doesn't have to be complicated and we discuss the first steps

Next, we've got the nightmare scenario where (despite your best efforts and support) one of your team isn't performing and you come to the conclusion they aren't going to make it. It can feel horrible, especially the first time and we talk about how to handle those feelings without them derailing you

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 43 - Career Clinic: Managing Personality Clashes and Dealing with Annoying Colleagues.

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Welcome to the latest installment of our Career Clinic series. In this week's edition, we discuss two key areas: navigating personality conflicts with your boss and effectively managing colleagues who compete for the spotlight.

To kick things off, we provide insights into successfully overcoming personality clashes with your manager. We explore constructive approaches to mend the relationship and set it on a positive course once again.

Additionally, we shed light on the art of handling colleagues who consistently seek to overshadow your accomplishments. We emphasise the significance of staying focused on your own path and offer strategies to navigate such situations.

Useful Links

The Feedback Episode:

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 42 - Career Clinic: Answering your questions on CVs and notice periods

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 likely crossed your mind: "Do I really have to stick to my notice period?" Jacqui is providing some practical advice on how to handle notice periods when you're itching to move on sooner than expected.

Stay tuned for a straightforward yet insightful discussion as we uncover the truth about AI and CVs, and unravel the mystery of notice periods!

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Book your CV in for a revamp - CV Revamp

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 41 - What to do When You're Told to be More Strategic

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

'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 yourself

Key points from this episode

Defining what being strategic means and how it differs from planning
What to do if you are strategic but people don't see it yet
Communication tips to demonstrate strategic thinking
Simple ways to become more strategic in your approach
Ensuring interviewers perceive you as more strategic

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 40 - Using Personality Profiles to Win Friends & Influence People

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 personality profile tools
Natural preferences vs learned behaviours
How sharing your profile with others can build the ability to understand and influence
Should you use personality profiles during recruitment?

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 39 - Why you should never accept a counter offer.

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 from this episode

What is a counteroffer, and when can you expect one?
Should job seekers seriously consider accepting a counteroffer?
As an employer, what factors should be weighed up before extending a
counteroffer to a team member who has received an external job offer?

Check out the other episodes we mentioned here;

How to negotiate a job offer: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dUFbEt1d2yr2VPTFFjBle?si=e64f58caf3a84743

How to ask for a pay rise: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UgoMqOMDtrwsiUpI5hbee?si=452e213cff4b41cb

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 38 - The Dangers of Trying to Prove Yourself

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 you might feel under pressure to prove yourself
How being under scrutiny can increase the risk of burnout
How a tendency for people pleasing can increase the sense of pressure to prove yourself
The risks of trying to be the person with the best ideas
The importance of being an encourager for yourself as well as others

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 37 - Job Search Success: Navigating Burnout and Staying Focused

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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, use a structured approach, tailor applications, and be prepared for interviews.
Pursuing the right opportunity: Differentiate between any job and the right fit, embracing rejection as a guide to finding the ideal role.

Useful Links

5 miskakes to avoid at interview: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1d9KDzAS7rt88xOjWwShaj?si=JJkWkA0GRwazxFliwcS50A&nd=1

Using LinkedIn for your job search: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2w9OIEPtHmDU1CVBoATuMf?si=vYxdI_K5TROijkM44kUjuw&nd=1

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 36 - How to Cope With a Chaotic Manager

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 importance of creating thinking time in your week

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 35 - Prequalifying: The key strategy for streamlining job search and candidate selection

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 this episode

What prequalifying is and why it's important in recruitment
How to prequalify roles as a candidate (and what red flags to watch out for)
Prequalifying candidates as a hiring manager
How to discuss salary expectations when you're prequalifying a role
Tips to help avoid candidates backing out once they've accepted a role

Useful Links

Episode 17 - What to think about when you're negotiating your job offer

Episode 30 - How to be a Great Hiring Manager

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 34 - Accelerate Your Impact: Strategies for Success in The First 90 Days of a New Role

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 getting focused on what to do when in a new role to set yourself up for success

Key points from this episode

What to include in a 90 day plan for a new role
How to make sure you actually use the plan you create rather than get dragged off course
The importance of avoiding the temptation to take action ahead of learning
How to decide what quick wins to go after first
Where to start with establishing key new relationships

Useful Links

Other episodes mentioned

Take Ownership of Your Own Onboarding

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 33 - The Art of Getting Feedback That Fuels Career Success

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 this episode

The difference between feedback and opinions
The pros and cons of 360 feedback
Using questions to get to the useful gems when you're offered feedback
What feedback to ignore and why
How getting more feedback can help raise your profile and credibility, and build confidence

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 32 - Decoding the Coaching Experience: 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Coach

Mon, 29 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 to determine if their approach aligns with your specific needs and objectives.

Relevant Experience: We weigh up the pros and cons of hiring a coach with experience in your field or role. We explore scenarios where having a mentor with relevant experience can be beneficial, versus when a more general coaching experience can still achieve effective results.

Experience with Similar Challenges: Ask if the coach has experience working with clients facing similar obstacles as yours. This can provide reassurance that they can effectively support you in overcoming your specific challenges.

A Coach Who Understands You. We emphasise the importance of finding a coach who understands the uniqueness of every individual and situation and can tailor their approach accordingly.

Neurodivergence Understanding: For neurodivergent individuals, it is beneficial to know if a potential coach has experience and understanding of certain characteristics and behaviours. Additional points include the importance of an initial call to assess rapport and connection, warning signs to watch out for, and the need for due diligence regarding a coach's qualifications. We also explored the necessity of having a two-way relationship and the significance of comfort and connection.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow Jacqui on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicalleadershipcoach

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Interested in working with us?

Book a virtual cuppa with Jacqui to talk leadership development, ongoing 1:1 coaching packages or consulting

Book a one off Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 31 -Unlocking Opportunities: The Power of Networking in your Career

Mon, 22 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 plays in continuous learning, staying updated with industry trends, and skill enhancement.

Reputation and Visibility: Understanding how networking can help establish your reputation, increase your visibility within your industry, and make you top-of-mind when opportunities arise.

Building Confidence Through Networking: Discussing how networking enhances your communication skills and builds your confidence, preparing you for job interviews and professional interactions.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

BOOK A POWER HOUR

Pamela Langan - www.pamelalangan.com/powerhour

Jacqui Jagger - Practical Leadership Power Hour

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 30 - Mastering the Art of Recruitment: Tips and Strategies for Becoming a Great Hiring Manager

Mon, 15 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 candidate. Tune in to optimise your recruitment expertise so you can confidently recruit and build a stellar team

Key points from this episode

What to include in a job advert (and what to do if you don't get input)
How including salary in an advert helps you and candidates
The importance of making recruitment a two-way process and having empathy for candidates
Being flexible to maximise the talent pool you have access to
Why you need to be clear on what you need someone to demonstrate before you choose interview questions or set presentation topics or recruitment exercises

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 29 - From Clashes to Collaboration: Strategies for Resolving Workplace Conflict

Mon, 08 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 harmonious

work environment.

Key points from this episode

How to recognise and understand workplace conflict.
A framework to deal with workplace conflict.
How to use workplace conflict to your advantage.
Why you should practice empathy even when it's hard.
Why you should address conflict early.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

POWER HOUR LINKS

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 28 - Team Meeting Mastery: The power of productive & effective team meetings

Mon, 01 May 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

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Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 27 - Overcoming Self-Doubt: Practical Strategies for Building Confidence at work

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 confidence
How understanding your self-doubt triggers is the first step to resolving them
Why working with and through self doubt is more important than trying to rid yourself of it
Why having more confidence might not be a good thing
Tools and tactics - the self appraisal and the smile file
The downsides of masking a lack of confidence

Useful Links

Link to Episode 16 - Have you got Imposter Syndrome?

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 26 - Rebuilding Your Confidence: Strategies for Moving Forward After a Settlement Agreement

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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

Key points from this episode

What a settlement agreement is
How it can feel when you're given a settlement
What to do before you start a job search
How working with a coach or outplacement specialist can help
What to say at interview about your cv gap
Should you tell a recruiter you've had a settlement?
The importance of your emotional state as you move on

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Need support to move on after a settlement agreement?

Book with Jacqui

Book with Pam

Enjoyed this Episode?

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Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 25 - What to do when you've lost your career mojo.

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 and career coaches.

How to recognise stress and burnout and why you should prioritise your wellbeing.

Why you should embrace the process of regaining your career mojo and celebrate all the small wins along the way.

Useful Links

How to create boundaries at work: (Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vakA6F7Qmdq6hsw4Du4VS?si=_Z6HTMBnR3e1AjHnd3eyBA

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

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Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 24 - Unlocking the Power of LinkedIn for Job Seekers: Tips and Tricks.

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 headshot and write a compelling summary that highlights your skills and experience.

We talked about setting up your profile effectively in episode 23.

Network: Connect with people in your industry, including former colleagues, and mentors. Engage with their content and share your own insights to build relationships.

Search for jobs: Use LinkedIn's job search feature to find opportunities that match your skills and interests. You can also set up job alerts to get notified when new listings are posted.

Research companies: Use LinkedIn to research potential employers and learn more about their culture, values, and current employees.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 23 - How to create a winning LinkedIn Profile for job seekers.

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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

· Why LinkedIn is crucial for job seekers in today's job market

· The impact of a well-crafted profile on your job search

· The role of a LinkedIn headline

· How to optimise your experience section for maximum impact

· Tips for connecting with professionals and expanding your network

· Why it's essential to be an active member of the LinkedIn community

· Strategies for sharing content, engaging with posts, and showcasing your expertise.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 22 - What to do when people bring you problems rather than solutions.

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 help people find solutions, and setting boundaries to prevent being overwhelmed by others' problems.

We will explore the benefits of adopting a proactive problem-solving approach and how it can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and overall success in both personal and professional settings.

So, if you want to learn how to deal with people who bring you problems rather than solutions and want to cultivate a more proactive problem-solving mindset, then tune in to this episode. We will share our valuable insights and practical tips to help you turn problems into opportunities.

Useful Links

The Coaching Habit - Michael Bungay Stanier

Buy it on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coaching-Habit-Less-Change-Forever/dp/0978440749/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CS4EOKMZZ77J&keywords=the+coaching+habit+by+michael+bungay+stanier&qid=1679872228&sprefix=the+coa%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 21 - How to deliver bad news well

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 deliver bad news effectively is essential, facing the challenges and stress of sharing tough information without guidance can be tricky, but let's not forget the impact on both the person delivering and receiving the news.

It's important to be empathetic and consider the feelings of the recipient, while also recognising the discomfort experienced by the person sharing the news. The way we deliver bad news matters—having face-to-face conversations is ideal, and if that's not possible, video or phone calls are

the next best options. We talk about avoiding using email for such sensitive matters.

Join us for a friendly and insightful conversation as we explore the subtleties of delivering bad news and learn how to approach emotionally charged situations with empathy and understanding.

Key points from this episode

The importance of learning how to deliver bad news well
The challenges and stress of delivering bad news without guidance
The importance of empathy and considering the feelings of the recipient
Recognising there might be some discomfort for the person delivering the news
The when, where, and how of delivering bad news
The importance of preparation, empathy, and communication
Recognising that there is no perfect way to deliver bad news, but striving for a compassionate approach.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 20 - Job Search Tips for Neurodivergent Job Seekers

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 neurodivergent

Key points from this episode

Why you shouldn't include details on your c.v.
When you should mention it before interview
Preparing for an interview - articulating your strengths and how you overcome challenges
Why it's important to stay positive rather than assume your neurodiversity will be considered a problem for employers

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 19 - 4 Tips for Managing People More Experienced Than You

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 understand their technical talk
How a coaching style can be low effort and high impact
The importance of recognition

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

For a 20% discount on The Practical Leadership Academy Online use code PODCAST20

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 18 - How to Give Feedback That Actually Makes a Difference

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0100

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 useful if only people acted on it then this episode is for you

Key points from this episode

Feedback vs Opinions - what's the difference and why does it matter?
Why it's important to give more positive than constructive feedback
Advice overwhelm - when too much feedback causes confusion
How trust makes constructive feedback easier to accept
Why feedback can trigger a threat response in the brain
Why the feedback sandwich doesn't work
How to use a coaching approach

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 17 - What to think about when you're negotiating your job offer.

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Negotiating your job offer can feel daunting, but what if you pre-qualify the offer before you get to the first interview?

In this episode, we cover what you should think about when negotiating your job offer, how to pre-qualify your non-negotiables, and how to know what to negotiate.

Listen to this episode before your first interview to set yourself up for success and if you're past that stage and you've got the offer, Congratulations!

We'll give you some extra things to consider before you sign on the dotted line.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 16 - Have You Got Imposter Syndrome?

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Imposter Syndrome has become a bit of a hot topic in recent years. It's easy to assume that the moment you doubt yourself you're suffering from it. But is that really the case?

In today's episode we're delving into what Imposter Syndrome is, some of the times in your career when it might rear its ugly head and sharing our own experiences of Imposter Syndrome and self doubt

Key points from this episode

Defining Imposter Syndrome - what is it and how does it differ from self doubt?
Why a promotion or new job can make it harder to handle
Pam's 'Career Map' approach for reflecting on your strengths & achievements
How organisational culture can contribute to Imposter Syndrome and self doubt

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 15 - How to use Emotional Intelligence to progress your career.

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Understanding emotional intelligence can be a game changer for your own personal career progression.

If anyone has ever said you need to take the emotion out of a situation, we're here to say it's ok to feel the emotions but know how to respond appropriately.

Mastering your own emotional intelligence means that you'll be able to support others in mastering theirs, making you a more effective leader.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 14 - What happens if you don't set career goals.

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Do bad things happen if you

don’t set career goals? Does the world come to an end?

In this episode, we cover the pros and cons of setting career goals and how you can use career goals to move forward faster.

We certainly won’t be telling you to use SMART, but we will share how to set effective goals if you think you’d benefit from a little more direction in your career.

We also share a whole new perspective on goal setting that will give you the clarity you need to take the right course of action.

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 13 - Coping in a Toxic Work Culture

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Sometimes you get the joy of working somewhere with a brilliant culture. Other times you might wonder how it's possible for it to be quite so awful

Most of us have been in a toxic culture of some sort at one point in our career, and it's not always easy to know what steps to take when it happens to you. This week's episode discussed the different types of culture you might come across and how to maintain your sanity until you can get out

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 12 - Take Ownership of Your Onboarding

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0100

The onboarding phase of a new job can be daunting - figuring out what you need to know and how to make stuff happen in a new company or after a promotion isn't always easy

In an ideal world you'd get an onboarding plan. In the real world, despite best intentions, that often doesn't happen. So how can you make sure you set yourself up for success? That's what we're discussing this week

Key points from this episode

Why onboarding goes wrong
Creating structure during the onboarding phase of a new job (for you or for team members)
The four areas to consider when you're in a new role
Why a dip in confidence is normal when you start a new job
The difference between job confidence and self confidence (and why it matters)

Useful Links

Download the reflection questions mentioned in the episode

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Episode 11 - 5 Mistakes to Avoid at Interview

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Love them or hate them, interviews are an inevitable part of the job search process. There's nothing more demoralising than being interviewed for a job you think would be your dream role and then hearing that someone else pipped you to the post

In this episode, we're sharing the most common mistakes we see candidates make so you can avoid them and ace the interview for the job you really want

Key points from this episode

Making sure you answer the question the interviewer wants the answer to (even if you're nervous or they're not very clear)
How to use the STAR answer format to your advantage in an interview
Being prepared for very open questions like 'Talk me through your c.v.' or 'Tell me a bit about yourself'
Showing passion for a role without appearing desperate
Why we don't recommend asking for feedback (controversial opinion alert)

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How Not to Have Sh*t Meetings

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0100

It's easy for endless meetings to become the bane of your life when you are an ambitious professional.

We've all known plenty of terrible meetings - from the ones that go on forever to the ones that could have been an email. But how do you run the kind of meetings that people actually want to be involved in? In the first of a series of episodes on meetings we cover the basics

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Cope When You're Thrown in the Deep End at Work

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Being thrown in the deep end is a pretty universal experience for ambitious managers. Far too often, the "sink or swim" approach dents confidence and creates stress and anxiety

If you're in that situation then today's episode discusses the strategies you can use to maximise the chances you'll swim rather than sink

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Make Your CV Stand Out

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever struggled to get interviews for jobs you KNOW you're more than qualified for, this episode is for you.

Pam shares her insider secrets on how to make sure your CV will land you an interview, and Jacqui shares what she looks for when supporting clients to recruit talent for management and leadership roles

Key points from this episode

The number one mistake Pam sees clients making when they come to her to have their CV written
Making sure your CV gets past applicant tracking systems and recruiters so the hiring manager sees it
How long should your CV be?
Why you shouldn't sit in front of your computer to write your CV (and what you should do instead)
Formatting and design - making the right impression

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Find The Right Mentor

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0100

If you've ever wondered what a mentor is, how it works to have one or how to go about finding the right one for you then we've got you covered

In this episode we explain what a mentor is and how mentors and coaches differ, plus we give practical advice on how to get the best out of a mentoring relationship and how to find and approach potential mentors if your employer doesn't have a formal mentoring scheme

Key points from this episode

Defining coaching and mentoring - how they're similar and how they differ
Deciding whether you would benefit most from coaching or mentoring
Getting clear on what you want from a mentor
Taking ownership for your relationship with your mentor
Looking for the right mentor
Why the right mentor might not be the person you naturally click with

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Ask For a Pay Rise

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Asking about a pay rise can be daunting - whether you've gained extra responsibilities in your current role, have been offered a promotion and need to negotiate your pay or you simply you're not paid the market rate for the value you bring

Knowing you want a pay rise is one thing, asking for it is another. This episode is for you if you're ready to ask the question but need guidance on how to maximise the chances of success

Key points from this episode

Getting clear on why you want (and deserve) a pay rise
The mindset needed around asking for a pay rise
Alternative approaches - considering the overall package
Having the conversation
Book Review - The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters

Useful Links

Buy The Chimp Paradox

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Cope When Your Boss is a Micromanager

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0100

No one likes being micromanaged - and yet nearly everyone has experience of it.

Whether it's someone who's constantly checking up on you or someone who wants to specify every detail of how you approach every task, developing strategies to handle the situation can be key to keeping you sane

Key points from this episode

Why it's natural to feel it's about you when you're being micromanaged (but it's normally more about them)
How understanding what a micromanager needs from you is key to building trust and getting them to stop
How to spot the signs of a micromanager during your job search
You can't always change the way they lead and manage, but you can change the way you respond
Book review - The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard

Useful Links

Buy The One Minute Manager

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Maintaining Confidence When You Start a New Role

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

Why it's normal to have a confidence wobble after being promoted or getting a new job
The importance of building relationships early in a new role
The value of being kind to yourself and remembering why you got the opportunity
How to take ownership of your own onboarding into a new role
Book Review - The First 90 Days by Michael D Watkins

Useful Links

Buy The First 90 Days

Download the free reflection questions workbook mentioned in the episode

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Coping When Your Workload is Overwhelming

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

When you feel overwhelmed it's easy to try and work your way through it, but that often hinders rather than helps because there's always more to do
The importance of understanding the root cause of your overwhelm
How setting and maintaining boundaries contributes to avoiding overwhelm
The one counter intuitive thing you should do if you're feeling overwhelmed by your workload
Book review - Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Useful Links

Buy Dare to Lead

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Create Boundaries at Work

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

Why you need to do different rather than more when you get promoted
Boundaries are the way you train people how to treat you - what boundaries do you want?
The importance of consistency with boundaries
If you don't create boundaries by design you'll create them by accident
How clear priorities make it easier to maintain boundaries
Book review - The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

Useful Links

Buy The Coaching Habit

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

How to Recession Proof Your Career

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

Key points from this episode

Two ways to think about how to recession proof your career - maximise the chances you will avoid forced redundancy and make sure you're in the best position to make a move to a new role
How having a contingency plan can help you manage your emotions if roles are being made redundant
Why identifying (and being able to articulate) the value you bring is a crucial first step to recession proofing your career
How having empathy for senior leaders can help you stand out
Three tips for what to do next if you're worried about the future of your role

Useful Links

Buy The Automatic Millionaire

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

The Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Make sure you're first to hear about new episodes, along with bonus content and free career and leadership tips by signing up on the Career & Leadership Real Talk website

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Welcome to Career & Leadership Real Talk

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0100

The one where we tell you what to expect...

Career & Leadership Real Talk launches on 31st October (we gave ourselves a scary Halloween deadline 🤣)

In this short introduction, we tell you what we can expect

If you're not already connected with us, LinkedIn is where you'll find us. And if you have any questions for us to answer on the show just drop us a DM

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangancoaching/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers