When Dom Salomoni found himself job hunting for the first time in decades at 48, he didn’t spiral into panic-mode hustle. Instead, he designed a six-month runway. He invested in mindfulness. He redefined success for this stage of life. And he built what he calls his North Star — a clear, non-negotiable definition of what work needed to give him now.

This conversation explores what midlife professionals rarely say out loud:

The fear. The ego wobble. The identity shift. The quiet recalibration.

Lucia Knight unpacks the emotional and practical strategies that helped Dom stay steady — and why midlife job search isn’t just about getting hired. It’s about designing work that matters.

What This Explores

1. Why midlife job search feels different (and heavier) than early-career moves
2. How a defined runway reduces panic and protects your thinking
3. The power of mindfulness over frantic productivity
4. Creating a North Star that reflects who you are now — not who you were at 38

Structuring your days so rejection doesn’t define your worth

Midlife job search often arrives quietly — through redundancy, relocation, or simply the realization that your work no longer fits.

If this conversation resonates, share it with someone navigating their own stuckness. You never know who might need a steadier way forward.

And if you're ready to design work that truly fits this season of your life, you can learn more about working with me here: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not behind.

In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt question from a 43-year-old marketing director who's feeling stuck and unsure about their future. We unravel the pressure-packed question we've all heard since childhood — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — and offer two far more useful ones instead.

You’ll hear:

1. Why we’re still haunted by career expectations that began at age five
2. A mindset shift that turns work from obligation to opportunity
3. Two powerful questions that can reframe your midlife work life
4. How to connect your superpowers with real-world problems that matter
5. A peek inside how we tackle this inside the Fierce Emporium programme

If your brain has been circling the same old questions for years, this is the episode to help you stop the spiral — and start designing something better.

🎥 Watch the video – Do I just need a new job or a new strategy?

👉 Watch now

📥 Free download – Five Questions to Ask When You’re Feeling Career Stuck

👉 Download here

💬 Join the conversation – You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.

👉 Midlife Unstuck Community Invitation

If this episode sparks something, please share it with someone who's quietly wondering the same thing.

Not the comic-book kind, but those unique things you do so effortlessly and joyfully that time disappears.

Together, we’ll explore:

1. What superpowers actually are (and how to spot yours)
2. Three ways to uncover your own hidden brilliance
3. Simple, real-life tweaks to build joy into your workday
4. Why using your superpowers more often leads to promotions, pay rises, and feeling less drained at home

And yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin.

📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet

👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

In this episode, I respond to a listener who's just landed under the leadership of someone they could have taught to drive. I share seven very practical, very real strategies for navigating this shift—without bitterness, without sarcasm, and with all the self-possession you've built up over decades.

This isn't about sucking up or staying silent. It's about dignity, relevance, and choosing to lead in a new way. Whether you're simmering with frustration or simply unsure how to proceed, this one's for you.

You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.

Join the Midlife Unstuck Community → https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3

🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

1. 7 Dignified Strategies for Working with a Baby Boss
2. Case Study Series on Midlife Career Redesign

Five years ago, Chris joined the pilot of Lucia Knight’s work-life redesign programme. He wasn’t in crisis. He wasn’t burned out beyond repair. But something felt off. And instead of ignoring that stuckness, he chose to investigate it.

Today, he shares the three insights he never wants to forget about his future work life.

They’re simple. They’re powerful. And they’re the kind of truths that change how you design everything — from your diary to your relationships to the way you define success.

This is a conversation about experimentation, clarity, appreciation, and that unmistakable full-body “tingle” you feel when work finally fits.

What You’ll Sit With

1. The difference between chasing balance and creating work-life flow
2. Why “everything is an experiment” removes the fear of getting it wrong
3. The kind of appreciation that makes work deeply satisfying
4. What it feels like when work aligns with your Superpowers
5. How small experiments can quietly dismantle stuckness

If this conversation resonates with someone who’s quietly questioning their version of success — someone who’s successful on paper but sensing a deeper misalignment — consider sharing it with them.

And if you’re ready to design work that matters, you can explore the ways to work with Lucia here: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

Learn more about Chris's work here: www.brightrisephotography.co.uk

Gill shares what it means to lead with deliberate curiosity, how she gently but powerfully challenges outdated work processes, and why carving out quiet space is now non-negotiable in her career. It’s honest, human, and full of insight for anyone considering what really matters in how they work.

Whether you're at a crossroads, already in transition, or just craving more joy in your work life, this conversation offers clarity, warmth, and a bit of gentle provocation.

Learn how you can work with me:

👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:

Designing A Work Life That Fits: Silvia's Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-silvia

When You Stop Editing Yourself, Your Work Changes: Deirdre's Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-deirdre

From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-lara

Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/scott-midlife-career-redesign

My work isn’t awful… but it isn’t great either. I can’t tell if it’s bad enough to leave or good enough to stay.

Yes. I’ve seen this a lot.

There’s a particular kind of work experience that doesn’t shout, doesn’t sparkle, and doesn’t trigger a crisis — but quietly drains your energy over time. I call it languishing at work.

It sits between happy work and unhappy work.

It doesn’t ring alarm bells.

And that’s exactly why it’s so dangerous.

When you’re languishing, you still show up. You still do the work. You might even work hard. But inside, something has gone flat. You tell yourself you’re lucky. You tolerate it. You coast. Weeks turn into months. And slowly, almost invisibly, you lose your spark.

In this episode, I talk about:

1. The three “siblings” of work life satisfaction — and why the middle one gets ignored
2. How languishing feels different from burnout (and why that matters)
3. Why smart, capable mid-career professionals are especially good at tolerating work that no longer fits
4. The difference between a short-term dip and chronic work-life languishing
5. What actually helps — from tiny pattern-disrupting experiments to knowing when it’s time for a bigger rethink

If your work feels fine, okay, or just about tolerable — and has done for far too long — this is for you.

Because the middle child doesn’t stay quiet forever.

And designing work that feels energising again starts with noticing what’s really going on.

If this idea of languishing at work resonates, you don’t need a dramatic leap — but you do need a more intentional next step.

If you’re ready to think more deliberately about the next decade of your work life, you can explore my work redesign programmes here:

👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

And if you’d rather start with something lighter, I’ve shared practical ways to experiment your way out of flatness here:

👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2020/11/8/midlife-career-kiss-of-life

Silvia didn’t chase a “perfect job.” Instead, she got clear on what actually mattered to her in midlife: time, the people she works with, and the freedom to keep adjusting as life changes.

We talk about choosing a three-day workweek, why work environment became a non-negotiable baseline for her, and what happens when you stop expecting work to have a final destination.

This isn’t a story about burning everything down or finding your one true calling. It’s about designing work that gives you enough energy, money, and time to support the life you care about — now, and in the decade ahead.

What This Explores

1. What being “time-rich” really changes about work decisions
2. Why the right work environment isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a baseline
3. How letting go of a final destination creates more freedom
4. What success can look like in midlife — without burning everything down

Curious what joy at work could look like for you?

Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:

What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work: Deirdre’s Story

From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story

Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

This reflection explores why deep, human networks feel so confronting in midlife, how shame and fear sneak in disguised as “being busy,” and why meaningful connection isn’t something you wait until you’re ready for. It’s something you practice while you’re still unsure.

This isn’t about networking tactics. It’s about remembering who matters, and letting yourself matter back.

What This Explores

1. Why smaller networks often carry more emotional weight than we expect
2. The quiet fear that stops us from tending relationships we actually want
3. How urgency crowds out what’s meaningful — and why that costs us
4. What changes when connection is treated as a living system, not a tool
5. A tiny, human experiment that rebuilds trust in belonging

If this stirred something tender or familiar, you’re not alone. Many people quietly carry the same longing — and the same hesitation. You don’t need a bigger network. You just need to start where you are.

If you'd like your next year or decade of work to be more enjoyable than your last, check out the three work-life redesign programs I offer at https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me.

Want more? Check out my resources for Networking like a Midlife Human

In this conversation, I’m joined by former client Deirdre McCarthy, who reflects on what changed when she stopped fragmenting herself to fit professional expectations—and started designing work that aligned with her values, her curiosity, and her humanity.

We talk about trusting your inner truth, leading with vulnerability instead of expertise-as-armor, and letting go of the belief that work is a zero-sum game.

This isn’t a story about quitting everything overnight. It’s about the quieter shifts that change how work feels from the inside out—and what becomes possible when you stop editing yourself.

What This Explores

1. What happens when you bring more than just your “competence” to work
2. Why vulnerability can create momentum instead of risk
3. How abundance thinking quietly dissolves comparison and competition
4. The difference between being successful and feeling congruent
5. What “joy at work” actually feels like when it’s real

If any part of this conversation stirred something for you, you’re not alone. Sometimes the most important work shift isn’t external at all—it’s the quiet decision to stop abandoning parts of yourself that matter.

Curious what joy at work could look like for you?

Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign:

1. From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story
2. Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story

In this episode, I’m joined by Colin Smith, aka The Listener — a man on a mission to change the way the world listens. We explore what it really feels like to be deeply heard (spoiler: it’s calming, empowering, and makes you feel safe), and what’s at stake when we’re not. Think disconnection, disengagement, even depression.

But we also get practical. Colin shares two beautifully simple listening practices you can try today — at work, at home, or even with your kids — to spark trust and connection in minutes.

If you’ve ever felt unheard, or you suspect you might be doing more talking than listening... this one’s for you.

🎧 Mentioned:

1. Two mini listening experiments that deepen trust quickly
2. Why “don’t fix it” might be the best career advice you’ve never heard
3. The real cost of not listening inside companies (hint: it’s not just talent loss)

👉 Want to begin your own joy-at-work redesign?

Start with my self-assessment tool ‘Derailed’ — it takes just 30 mins and might just change how you see everything: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

👉 Want to learn more?

Dig into Practical Tactics for Better Listening: A Joy At Work Experiment with Lucia Knight: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/active-listening

In this episode, I’m joined by former client Lara, who bravely reflects on three career design insights she never wants to forget. These are not surface-level tips—they’re hard-won truths shaped through deep experimentation and support inside our Fierce Emporium programme and 1:1 work.

We talk about:

1. The blurry line between loyalty and unhealthy boundaries
2. How your body knows the truth before your brain does
3. Why working on someone else’s passion will eventually drain you

Lara also shares her new direction—supporting people navigating grief while executing estates—and how she discovered her “fourth superpower” along the way.

If you’re in a season of stuckness, questioning what’s next, or need a gentle nudge to prioritise your kind of meaningful work, you’ll feel seen in this one.

🔗 Curious what working together might look like?

Explore how we can redesign your career:

👉 Work With Me

Listen to another client transformation:

1. Scott’s Three Career Design Insights He’ll Never Forget
2. Learn More About How To Find Your Superpowers

Not the comic-book kind, but those unique things you do so effortlessly and joyfully that time disappears.

Together, we’ll explore:

1. What superpowers actually are (and how to spot yours)
2. Three ways to uncover your own hidden brilliance
3. Simple, real-life tweaks to build joy into your workday
4. Why using your superpowers more often leads to promotions, pay rises, and feeling less drained at home

And yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin.

📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet

👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful question you can use at your next gathering, whether you're chatting to a burnt-out sibling, a newly retired uncle, or a friend who secretly hates their job. I’ll even show you how to ask it well—and why it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful conversations.

This one shift can bring more joy not just to their work, but to yours too.

💬 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment

If you’re ready to reflect on your own work and life, try the Derailed Assessment. It’s a guided 30-minute deep dive into what’s bringing you joy—and what’s not. A brilliant place to begin your joy-at-work redesign.

👉 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment

In this special episode, I’m joined by one of my former clients who generously shares the three career design insights he never wants to forget. These insights came from our deep work together and his own fierce curiosity about what a joyful working life could actually feel like.

We talk about how boredom can spiral into stress and anxiety, how understanding your personal kryptonite can transform how you show up at work, and why leaning into your real self (and your superpowers) is the key to sustainable joy.

If you’ve been stuck in autopilot, or you’re craving a new way to make decisions about your next career move—this one’s for you.

Ready to design work that matters?

👉 Work with me

Mentioned in this episode:

🔹 Midlife Worklife Satisfaction Report

This episode is grounded in new research from the Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report, which drew insights from over 1,000 midlife professionals. And one thing was glaring: 97% said they want to do more meaningful work. That’s not a typo.

In this episode, I walk you through:

• What chronic boredom really looks like at midlife
• The 3 distinct types of boredom I uncovered in my research
• How each type chips away at your joy, energy, and engagement
• A more nuanced way to reconnect with work that matters more

You’ll also hear a bit about my own experience with boredom coma—and how I found my way out.

If any of this feels painfully familiar, you’re not broken. But you might be overdue for a redesign.

👉 Ready to do something about it? Work with me

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report

I’ve been experimenting again, and this time, I teamed up with my younger brother to bring a long-simmering idea to life — a short film about one of the most overlooked emotions at work: boredom.

We talk about how stress gets all the attention in work dissatisfaction stories, but boredom — quiet, creeping, and often ignored — is doing damage in the background. And if we miss its early signals, we often end up with a combo of burnout and boredom that’s hard to escape.

I share a personal story, a client vignette, and an invitation to notice boredom earlier — when it can still guide us to something more joyful.

🎬 Want the visual version? Watch the 3-minute video here: The Most Dangerously Overlooked Emotion at Work

If you’re suffering from chronic boredom and want help to redesign more enJOYment into your work life, go to MidlifeUnstuck.com to learn how.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• A special thanks to Brendan and Sam at Kaios Media for bringing this to life.
• The Derailed Diagnostic: A 30-minute life satisfaction assessment

I’ll walk you through six surprisingly simple, science-backed ways to complete the stress cycle—so you don’t carry tension home or pass it onto your loved ones.

If you've ever felt like you're bracing for impact long after the storm has passed, this one's for you.

🌀 Key Topics Covered:

• Why your body stays in stress even when your mind moves on

• The “unfinished rollercoaster” of emotions

• 6 practical ways to complete the stress cycle

• How to avoid bringing work tension into your home life

• Why creativity and laughter are legit biological reset buttons

👉 Mentioned in This Episode:

• 2025 Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report
• Curious what joy might look like for you? Explore what’s possible

My guest, NadeenSivic, has spent nearly three decades leading tech teams across Australia and the UK. She’s known as “the fixer” of messy teams and offers a street-smart, no-nonsense lens on workplace conflict: not as a problem, but as a natural part of work that every manager needs to master.

We talk about:

• Why conflict is not the enemy
• The difference between contrast, friction, and true conflict
• Why most mid-level managers are thrown into the “execution mosh pit” without proper tools
• Nadeen’s dead-simple “Said / Done / Produced” framework you can try in your next Teams meeting

You’ll laugh, nod, and quite possibly see your last team meeting in a whole new light.

🎯 Ready to lead with more confidence and fewer HR escalations?

Join the waitlist for The Manager’s Lab: www.the-managers-lab.com

This week, I answer a listener question about the most deceptively simple interview prompt there is—and why your answer might be derailing more than your confidence.

I’ll walk you through:

• What this question really means (hint: it’s not a test)
• Why reviewing your CV from the past 20 years is not the story to tell
• Three different approaches that make you memorable—not forgettable

Whether you’re in the middle of interviews or just rethinking how you present yourself, this is your reminder: you don’t need to be dull, and you don’t need to shrink. You just need to show up as the version of you that brings energy, clarity, and value.

🎧 Press play, and let’s design the joyful version of you they can’t ignore.

👉 Need help finding your superpowers?

Check out this starter kit: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

This question came from a listener who asked: “I'm 62—am I too old to change careers?”

I remember a conversation with a Speedy Sherpa client in his 50s that sent me down a rabbit hole looking for what I began calling "the unicorns"—people in their 60s who weren’t just working, but thriving in meaningful full-time roles. And yes, I found them. But they didn’t get there by accident.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• Why “Corporate Toast at 50” is still far too common
• What thriving 60-somethings do differently
• The real reason career joy is rare—but not impossible—after 60
• And why you don’t need permission… you just need a plan.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too late” to make a change—this one’s for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Speedy Sherpa Programme: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-redesign
• Article: 50 Year Old “Corporate Toast” https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2017/9/20/50-year-old-corporate-toast
• The (2025) Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2025/midlife-worklife-satisfaction

Gone are the days when only linear, polished blue-chip CVs were the golden ticket. Nia shares how companies are now valuing non-linear, innovative career paths—those who’ve zig-zagged, pivoted, and taken unconventional routes.

We discuss:

• The rising demand for complex, multidimensional leadership roles
• Why traditional career ladders are no longer the norm
• The power of your neglected network
• How to get noticed by headhunters today (even if you’re not marketing yourself)

This one is packed with real insight from the other side of the hiring table. Whether you’re rethinking your next move or curious about how the exec job market is evolving, you’ll want to tune in.

🔗 Ready to explore what’s next for you? Start with the Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment – it’s the perfect entry point to begin your career redesign.

In this episode of Joy at Work, I answer a heartfelt listener question: “When is the best time to change careers after 40?”

If you're over 40 and feeling that something's just... off — like you're driving a car that no longer fits the journey you're on — you're not alone. I talk through the quiet warning signs that we so often ignore, and the real cost of waiting too long to make a change.

Midlife career change isn’t about starting over. It’s about tuning up, resetting your GPS, and taking the next small, intentional step.

🔧 You don’t need to burn it all down — but you do need to lift the bonnet and take a look inside.

🎁 If you’re feeling stuck in a career cul-de-sac, grab this mini-worksheet on questions worth answering:

👉 Download the Free Guided Worksheet

In this episode, I share a concept I’ve observed for years but only recently named: The Squeeze. It’s a silent career crisis where your value appears to shrink in the market, even though your experience is growing. It’s not just about money—it chips away at your confidence, identity, and joy at work.

You’ll hear:

• The three types of professionals most at risk
• The tell-tale signs you're being squeezed
• Why bland messaging and generic job titles are costing you interviews
• How Rory, Kieran, and Jolene turned things around (real client stories)
• Three powerful ways to avoid—or recover from—The Squeeze

If you’re feeling overlooked, underpaid, or unsure how to position your value in your 40s, 50s, or 60s—this episode is for you.

🎁 Mentioned in This Episode

• Download the Superpower Starter Kit
• The Fierce Accelerator Programme
• The Fierce Emporium
• Jolene’s Story
• How to Stay Highly Paid in Your 40s, 50s, and 60s

🛠️ Curious what joy might look like for you?

Download the Superpower Starter Kit to begin identifying what makes you truly brilliant—and how to talk about it so people get it.

In this episode of Joy at Work, I share a powerful real-life story of what happened when someone said yes to a role that didn’t align with their superpowers. I also walk you through four essential clarity questions to ask before accepting a promotion that could lock you in for years.

If you’re at a career crossroads or simply wondering if your next move fits who you are now, this episode is for you.

Want to design a work life that energises you instead of drains you? Learn more about The Fierce Emporium: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporium

Mentioned in This Episode:

• X Change book: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/book
• Superpower Starter Kit (free download): https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

In this episode, I respond to a listener who's just landed under the leadership of someone they could have taught to drive. I share seven very practical, very real strategies for navigating this shift—without bitterness, without sarcasm, and with all the self-possession you've built up over decades.

This isn't about sucking up or staying silent. It's about dignity, relevance, and choosing to lead in a new way. Whether you're simmering with frustration or simply unsure how to proceed, this one's for you.

You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.

Join the Midlife Unstuck Community → https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3

🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• 7 Dignified Strategies for Working with a Baby Boss
• Case Study Series on Midlife Career Redesign

Together, we explore how laughter connects us, regulates stress, and creates resilience at work. Caroline shares why humour builds trust, strengthens teams, and even makes leaders more effective. We also talk about what makes humour appropriate (and what doesn’t), and how to bring more playfulness into our everyday working lives without losing professionalism.

If work has started to feel heavy, this episode is your reminder that joy, play, and humour aren’t distractions—they’re powerful ways to thrive.

👉 Curious where joy is showing up in your own life? Take my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment—a 30-minute guided programme that helps you explore what’s bringing you joy and what’s bringing you down: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Connect with Caroline Clark:

• Website: carolineclark.coach

• Substack: Liftoff with Caroline

• LinkedIn: Caroline Clark

You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong. But that doesn’t mean your career isn’t valuable.

In this short and powerful episode, I unpack why non-linear career stories can actually be your superpower, especially during interviews.

Whether you’ve made instinct-led choices, followed opportunities based on relationships, or simply changed direction a few times—you’ve got a story to tell.

And it’s not about explaining every twist and turn.

It’s about highlighting the single thread that shows who you are, what you bring, and why you’re a fit for that role.

If your CV feels messy, this one’s for you.

👉 Curious what joy might look like for you?

Join the Midlife Unstuck community here: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3

I’ll share how a former Microsoft exec stumbled on this strange breathing pattern, why it matters to our energy, focus, and joy, and what I’ve been experimenting with to breathe better—even while emailing.

You’ll hear:

• The origin story of email apnea
• What dancers and test pilots know about breath that we don’t
• Six small, weird (but wonderful) experiments to reset your breathing
• How movement, breathing apps, and even watching a dog can help!

This one’s short but mighty. If your workday feels heavier than it should, this may be why.

🎧 Prefer video? Watch all my Joy at Work Experiments on YouTube:

🔗 Watch the Experiments on YouTube

🔍 Explore more episodes on joyful movement & breathing:

• Pain-Free Work with Rune Abo
• Movement is Medicine with Jon Field
• Lawrence van Lingen on YouTube

🌬️ Curious to experiment more?

👉 Check out all the Joy At Work Experiments

In this episode, I answer a question I hear often: "If I take a sabbatical, will I ruin my career?"

If you’re in midlife and considering stepping off the treadmill—even briefly—you’re not alone. I share stories of people who’ve done it (including me), talk about why the old model of work is crumbling, and offer a perspective that might help you rethink what a meaningful, joyful work life can look like.

We explore:

• Why sabbaticals are no longer career suicide
• How midlife reinventions are reshaping what "career success" even means
• What actually makes a work life feel worth returning to

And I’ll introduce you to the kind of rethinking we do inside my Fierce Emporium programme—where the first thing we redesign is your idea of work itself.

🎯 Learn more about Fierce Emporium:

👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporium

Mentioned in This Episode:

• 📘 X Change – Lucia's Book
• 🎧 Returning to Uni in Midlife

In this episode, I share why I rarely recommend a full-blown post-grad as the first step in a career redesign, plus the three red-flag scenarios where it’s usually the wrong move. I also tell the very real (and slightly messy) story of my own year back at university, balancing motherhood, academia, and a dwindling supply of energy.

You’ll hear the rare situations where post-grad study does work beautifully, the key questions to ask before you enrol, and some low-risk ways to test your interest without draining your savings or sanity.

If you’re considering going back to uni, this one’s for you.

👉 Join the Fierce Emporium and work through my exact clarity process before you invest your time, money, and self-worth in a huge leap. Explore The Fierce Emporium.

I’m sharing the story of “Cliona,” a client who tested her dream career idea in a way that didn’t blow up her finances, relationships, or confidence. She discovered her idea wasn’t the right fit—but that clarity freed her to find a path that doubled her salary, increased her time off, and fit beautifully with her life goals.

You’ll learn my approach to testing career ideas without taking blind leaps, the key questions to ask before making any move, and why getting clear on your values, superpowers, and life goals is the best insurance against career regret.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Case Study: Cliona’s Story
• Video testimonials from Fierce Emporium clients (scroll to the bottom)

Learn more about The Fierce Emporium:

If you’re ready to redesign your career with clarity, confidence, and a proven process for testing your ideas, explore The Fierce Emporium.

I’m sharing exactly why the traditional approach to informational interviews drives me up the wall – from the selfish ask, to the hidden job request, to the way it distracts you from the real work of figuring out who you are and what you want.

Instead, I introduce my philosophy of “networking like a midlife human” – a generous, human-centred way to connect that honours people’s time and builds genuine relationships.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Networking like a midlife human

Join the Midlife Unstuck Community:

You’re not too old and it’s not too late. Here’s your invitation to a space where we talk about career redesign, joy at work, and living a life well-lived.

In this episode, I respond to a listener who described a creeping sense of detachment and apathy in their work life—and the dread of staying stuck that way for the next 15 years. I share my own tipping point story from a Tuesday night in October (complete with toddler bedtime chaos and an empty interview with a man I can’t even remember), and how that night became the moment I decided to change everything.

If you're feeling like your career has lost its spark but you're not ready to throw it all away, this one's for you. I also share a 6-step “quest” plan to move from flat-lining to future-forward—including what I wish I’d done sooner, and a few ideas to get you experimenting again.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

• Midlife Career Kiss of Life article
• How to Choose a Career Coach
• Join the Midlife Unstuck Community
• 43 Experiments to Help You Enjoy Work Again

🎧 Ready to start your quest? Let’s begin your unstucking.

Rosie was diagnosed with ADHD in her early 40s, and what followed was a cascade of clarity, grief, and surprising self-compassion. Together, we unpack what it really feels like to receive a later-in-life diagnosis—whether it's ADHD, autism, or another form of neurodivergence—and how that affects work, confidence, and communication.

This episode is for you if:

• You’ve received (or suspect) a midlife diagnosis
• You manage someone who is neurodivergent
• You’re done with masking and ready to thrive

We also talk through the difference between tender and fierce self-compassion—and why both are essential if you want more joy at work.

🎯 Ready to redesign your own joy at work?

Start with Derailed, my 30-minute quiz that guides you through a 10-area life satisfaction check-up: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Mentioned in This Episode:

• FT Adviser on Self-Compassion in Financial Services
• Kristin Neff: What Is Self-Compassion?
• Research on Self-Compassion
• Myths About Self-Compassion

In this episode, I respond to a listener who recently lost a dear friend and finds that their “give-a-toss-ometer” is utterly broken. They’re wondering whether it’s okay to just stop for a while—and the answer might surprise you.

We explore how grief recalibrates our values, why traditional career drive can fade in times of emotional upheaval, and what a season of sense-making might look like instead of rushing into change. This one’s a gentle, human conversation about the hidden impact of grief on our working lives—and why it’s perfectly okay not to have it all figured out yet.

🎧 We cover:

• Why grief can make previously fulfilling work feel flat
• How loss reshapes our relationship with time
• Tiny first steps when you don’t know what’s next
• My favourite tools and podcast recommendations for grieving professionals

👉 Mentioned in this episode:

• Article: How a health scare, bereavement or grief impacts career change
• Book: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
• Podcast: Griefcast
• Joy At Work Episode with Dipti Tait
• Join the Midlife Unstuck Community

❤️ If this episode resonates, give yourself permission to slow down. Grief isn’t something to fix—it’s something to honour.

We dive into why career success often leads to chronic boredom, especially for smart people with a deep need for novelty and challenge. I unpack the hidden psychological toll of this emotional flatline and why it's not just something to push through.

If you’ve climbed the ladder only to feel emotionally dimmed, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through why your clever brain is desperate for stimulation—and how to spot (and stop) the boredom spiral before it impacts everything else.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

• 🎧 A Joy At Work Experiment: Create Time to Think
• 
  
• 📥 Download the free worksheet: Get Clear on Your Kryptonite
• 
  
• 🧭 Join the Midlife Unstuck Community
• 
  

🎁 Share this episode with someone who’s quietly struggling. Boredom isn’t trivial—especially for the smart and successful.

In today’s episode of Joy at Work, I respond to a listener who wants to leave a successful commercial career to work in the charity or not-for-profit space. If that sounds familiar—if you’re craving more purpose or impact—I invite you to pause before leaping.

I share what I’ve learned from years of working with midlife professionals who’ve felt the same longing. And I offer questions worth asking before you make a big switch. Because meaning doesn’t always come from where you work—it comes from how your work connects to who you are.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why switching to a not-for-profit role isn’t always the magic solution
• 
  
• How to uncover what’s really missing from your current work
• 
  
• The difference between industry and role misalignment
• 
  
• A practical exercise to get clearer on what you actually want
• 
  
• Why volunteering can offer more insight than job applications
• 
  

📥 Free Worksheet:

Questions Worth Asking (When You're Feeling Career Stuck)

→ Download it here

💬 Join the Free Midlife Unstuck Community

→ Join here

💡 If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone else questioning what’s next.

In this episode, I’m joined by my longtime friend and therapist Warren Foot to talk about something I had barely heard of before our conversation — health anxiety. And once I heard what it was, I realised just how many of us might be living with it silently.

Warren specialises in helping people deal with anxiety, trauma, and emotional overwhelm. He introduces us to the concept of rigid thinking, the difference between worry vs. anxiety, and shares how unchecked health anxiety can quietly hijack our lives.

You’ll hear:

• What health anxiety really is (and what it’s not)
• The role of irrational beliefs and catastrophic thinking
• Why Googling your symptoms makes everything worse
• How to reclaim control with “worry time” and action steps

If anything in this episode resonates with you, I invite you to take Derailed — my 30-minute life satisfaction assessment to gently explore the areas of your life that may be out of alignment.

🔗 Take the Derailed Assessment → https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

If your workplace has recently been bought out, the culture is collapsing, and you’re feeling an urgent need to escape — this one is for you.

I’ll share why your frustration and anger are valid, why it’s NOT insane to want to leave, and — crucially — why pausing, planning, and positioning yourself first is key to protecting your future.

You’ll hear:

✅ Why private equity takeovers feel so brutal (and why it’s not personal)

✅ How to handle the emotional vs. logical brain tug-of-war

✅ 3 practical steps to create your Freedom Fund and plan your next move

✅ Why rushing out the door might land you in a different version of the same trap

And a gentle reminder: You don’t have to pretend this culture is okay for you. Clarity, not insanity, is what you’re experiencing.

Ready to design a sane, strategic exit — and a joyful next chapter?

👉 Join the Midlife Unstuck Community Membership — find clarity, support, and real tools to redesign your work life.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Reclaiming Middle-Aged Me Blog
• Career Design Video on YouTube

You’ve got this. And if you need a guide — you know where to find me.

This week on Joy at Work, I’m joined by Luke Murphy, Product & Transformation Coach, who has walked this path himself. Together, we dive into the mindset shifts and small actions that can empower anyone—yes, even without a big job title—to become a true trailblazer for change.

We cover:

• Why waiting for permission holds us back
• The four common traps that sabotage grassroots change efforts
• Luke’s personal story of transformation and what he learned
• Practical first steps to take today if you want to drive meaningful change in your team

This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change often happens from within, not from above.

If today’s episode sparks ideas for you, I’d love to invite you to start your own redesign journey with my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment → https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

And to learn more about becoming a Trailblazer, sign up for Luke’s newsletter Disrupt From Within → https://disrupt-from-within.kit.com

Here’s to building workplaces—and work lives—that bring more joy.

In this episode, I respond to a listener who’s built an enviable career, but now finds themselves utterly done with the job—yet far from done with working. We explore what it means to reach the peak and feel empty, the risks of early retirement, and the real work that begins once the big job ends.

If you’re staring down your next chapter and wondering what truly fulfilling work could look like now, I walk you through the first steps of career redesign—including how to identify your Superpowers and choose work that feels fierce, meaningful, and yours.

🎯 Download The Superpowers Starter worksheet now:

💬 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Join the Midlife Unstuck Community
• Dana’s Story: A Case Study in Midlife Redesign

In this episode, I break down four key hints for choosing the right career advisor (even if you hate the word coach). You’ll hear about:

• Why generalists rarely work in midlife career redesign
• How to spot someone who actually walks their talk
• The importance of emotional safety in a coaching relationship
• Real talk about pricing transparency and red flags

I also share how my own missteps cost me over £100k—and how I now help others avoid the same.

🎯 If you're exploring what joyful, aligned work could look like for you, take the next step here:

👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

• Blog: You’re Not Too Old and It’s Not Too Late
• Video: 12 Stages of Burnout for Professionals in Midlife

I break down what really happens emotionally when you’re let go (spoiler: it’s not just fear), why shame is the quietest but most damaging response, and how to gently move through it. I also share two key steps to help you figure out whether you simply need a new job—or a new career strategy entirely.

You’ll find links below to my most-read article on navigating redundancy and all of my midlife career redesign tools.

If you're feeling the wobble, you don't have to figure it out alone. The Midlife Unstuck Community is here when you’re ready to begin your redesign.

👉 Join the Community

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Article: The Emotional Anatomy of a Redundancy
• Blog Archive: All Career Design Article

You’re not alone — and more importantly, you’re not behind.

In this episode, I respond to a heartfelt question from a 43-year-old marketing director who's feeling stuck and unsure about their future. We unravel the pressure-packed question we've all heard since childhood — “What do you want to be when you grow up?” — and offer two far more useful ones instead.

You’ll hear:

• Why we’re still haunted by career expectations that began at age five
• 
  
• A mindset shift that turns work from obligation to opportunity
• 
  
• Two powerful questions that can reframe your midlife work life
• 
  
• How to connect your superpowers with real-world problems that matter
• 
  
• A peek inside how we tackle this inside the Fierce Emporium programme
• 
  

If your brain has been circling the same old questions for years, this is the episode to help you stop the spiral — and start designing something better.

🎥 Watch the video – Do I just need a new job or a new strategy?

👉 Watch now

📥 Free download – Five Questions to Ask When You’re Feeling Career Stuck

👉 Download here

💬 Join the conversation – You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.

👉 Midlife Unstuck Community Invitation

If this episode sparks something, please share it with someone who's quietly wondering the same thing.

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Season 2 is officially a wrap—and in this episode, I’m giving you a fast-paced recap of what we covered, what stood out, and how to take action now.

Across 18 Joy at Work Experiments and conversations with brilliant guests, we explored everything from boundaries, burnout, and imposter syndrome to procrastination, identity, appraisals, and midlife dating. These weren’t just chats—they were practical insights designed to help you feel better about your workday and life.

If you’re just joining us, this episode is a great way to get caught up. If you’ve been listening all season, this is your chance to revisit your favourite moments—or finally try that experiment you skipped.

What You Can Do Now:

1️⃣ Pick one experiment that still lingers in your mind—and try it again.

2️⃣ Revisit your favourite interview and note one action you’ve taken (or want to take).

3️⃣ If you’re feeling a bit “off” in life or work, try my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment to get clearer on what’s working and what’s not.

Season 2 may be over, but the tools and insights are still here waiting to support you—wherever your work journey goes next.

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Dating in midlife can feel like a minefield—swiping, bad dates, and wondering if you’ll ever meet the right person. But what if there was a better way?

In this episode, I sit down with Kerstin Rao, a midlife dating coach who went from disaster dates to finding her perfect partner by building a dating system that actually works. She shares her most outrageous dating fails (yes, there was a convicted felon), but more importantly, she explains how to date with confidence, clarity, and strategy—without wasting time on the wrong people.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ Why random dating leads to random results (and how to fix it)

✔ The biggest mistakes midlife daters make—and how to avoid them

✔ How to get crystal clear on what you actually want in a partner

✔ Why dating multiple people at once can help you make better decisions

✔ How treating dating like a career search can get you better results

Midlife dating doesn’t have to be exhausting—with the right mindset and system, it can actually be fun.

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We rarely talk about guilt at work, but many of us carry it every day—without realizing how much it shapes our decisions, stress levels, and even our happiness.

This week’s Joy at Work Experiment was inspired by David, a high-achieving professional who reached the top of his field only to feel disconnected and guilty for no longer loving his work. His story made me examine my own hidden guilt, and what I found was surprising.

When I did this experiment, I found that guilt crept in when I felt I didn’t allocate enough time to others or when I was so absorbed in work that I overlooked small but important moments. Recognizing this helped me adjust my calendar and approach, leading to less guilt and more self-compassion.

Give it a try. Ten minutes of reflection could change the way you experience your workday.

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Stress is everywhere, and for many of us, our default response is to just crack on and keep going. But that mindset doesn’t work forever—eventually, burnout catches up.

In this episode, I talk with stress management coach Bernadette Dancy about why we need to stop glorifying overwork and start building sustainable ways to thrive. Bernie shares practical, science-backed techniques to help midlife professionals reduce stress, regain energy, and set boundaries—without quitting your job or making drastic changes.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ Why stress is officially a global health crisis (and why it’s getting worse)

✔ The ABC Framework for real stress relief

✔ Why exercise doesn’t have to mean the gym—movement is key

✔ How better sleep, boundaries, and reducing alcohol can transform your energy

✔ The hidden role of caffeine and carbs in burnout recovery

✔ Why dealing with stress isn’t just about habits—it’s about your beliefs

Small adjustments lead to big relief. You don’t have to overhaul your life—just start with one positive change today.

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If you’re constantly saying, “I don’t have enough time,” you’re not alone. But what if I told you that you don’t need more hours in the day—you just need a smarter way to use them?

Last week, I asked you to imagine what you’d do if you magically had an extra 30 minutes every day. This week, I’m showing you exactly how to create that time—without waking up earlier, working late, or sacrificing the things you love.

What will you do with your extra time? The choice is yours—but it all starts with making space for what truly matters.

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Men are far less likely to talk about their mental health—but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to. Sometimes, just getting outside, walking, and having a low-pressure space to talk can make all the difference.

In this episode, journalist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate Paddy Silke shares how his own struggles led him to create a Men Walking and Talking group in his community. We talk about why men don’t open up, what actually happens on these walks, and how simply talking has helped hundreds of men feel less alone.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ Why men often struggle to talk about mental health—and how to make it easier

✔ How walking and talking removes the pressure and creates a safe space

✔ The impact of having a regular, low-stakes place to connect

✔ Practical ways to support your own mental well-being (even if a group isn’t for you)

✔ How to find or start your own walking and talking group

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Imagine waking up tomorrow with 30 extra minutes gifted to you every single day—for the rest of your life. No one else knows, no one else can see it, and you can’t tell a soul. How would you use it?

Most of us would let work creep into that sacred time—another email, another task, another meeting. And just like that, the golden gift would disappear. But what if, instead, you protected that time for joy, connection, and meaning?

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Comparison is one of the biggest joy killers at work. We look at others’ success, promotions, or achievements and suddenly, our own progress feels small. But what if we stopped letting comparison hold us back and instead, used it as a tool for growth?

In this episode, I sit down with Rob Stubbs, founder of Sparked Ambition, to break down the four biggest ways we fall into unhelpful comparison traps—from measuring ourselves against someone’s highlight reel to assuming success happens overnight. Rob shares how to reframe comparison into action, so we can shift from frustration to focus and move forward in our own careers with confidence.

Comparison doesn’t have to derail you. With self-awareness and action, it can be a tool for clarity, motivation, and personal success.

I experienced this firsthand. For years, I struggled to swim longer distances, doubting my endurance. Then, one swim lesson changed everything—not just my technique, but how I saw myself. I walked out of that lesson not just as someone who wanted to swim longer, but as an endurance swimmer in training. That identity shift changed my actions immediately.

Shifting your identity doesn’t happen overnight, but each tiny action proves it to yourself. And once you believe it, your habits naturally follow.

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Balancing a demanding job with parenting isn’t easy, and after a long day of work, switching into “present parent” mode can feel impossible. But what if taking care of yourself first was actually the key to showing up better for your kids?

In this episode, clinical psychologist and parenting expert Sarah Mundy shares real-life strategies for balancing work and family life without feeling guilty or burned out. We talk about why managing your own stress is the foundation of good parenting, how to connect with kids of different ages, and the power of repairing mistakes instead of striving for perfection.

Parenting isn’t about always getting it right—it’s about being present, self-aware, and creating a connection that lasts.

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Pride gets a bad reputation. It’s often linked to arrogance or self-importance, but at the other end of the spectrum, pride is about dignity—the quiet, internal acknowledgment of a job well done. What if we paid more attention to that?

This week’s Joy at Work Experiment is about noticing and embracing the tiny moments of pride in your work—the small choices, actions, or words that reflect the person you truly want to be. Whether it’s handling a tough meeting with grace, helping a colleague, or simply resisting workplace gossip, these micro-moments of dignity are worth recognizing and repeating.

Moments of genuine pride lower our stress, straighten our spines, and help us show up better for the people around us—at work and at home. And because they’re so small, we can intentionally create more of them every day.

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Appraisals have a bad reputation—and for good reason. Too often, they feel like a box-ticking exercise, a source of anxiety, or a pointless HR requirement. But when done well, appraisals can be a powerful tool for clarity, motivation, and meaningful progress.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Amanda Woolley, who shares how to flip the traditional appraisal structure on its head and turn it into a conversation that actually matters. She explains why mattering matters at work and gives practical, simple strategies to make appraisals feel productive instead of painful.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ Why most appraisals fail and how to fix them

✔ How to structure an appraisal so it motivates instead of discourages

✔ Three powerful questions to ask that lead to real progress

✔ The role of visibility—and why underperformance is often just unnoticed effort

✔ How to track meaningful indicators of progress that go beyond generic HR metrics

When appraisals shift from judgment to collaboration, they stop being something to endure and start being something to use.

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Stumble, fall, mess up—we all do it. But instead of letting our mistakes pile up and shape our choices in ways we don’t even realize, what if we actually learned from them? What if we reflected, laughed a little, and came out smarter on the other side?

This week’s Joy at Work Experiment is about looking at one mistake straight on—no excuses, no defenses. What made it so awful? What lesson did it teach you? Because the people who reflect on their mistakes, who embrace them without shame—those are the people who grow, evolve, and ultimately, find more joy at work.

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Divorce in midlife can feel overwhelming—whether you’re going through it yourself or supporting someone close to you. The emotional turmoil, the financial worries, and the uncertainty about what comes next can take a huge toll. But does it have to be that way?

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle Barbereau, the UK’s first divorce coach, who has spent over a decade helping people navigate separation with more clarity and dignity. We talk about how to choose the right lawyer, how to set boundaries at work so you don’t become office gossip, and why work can actually be a stabilizing force in the midst of personal upheaval.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ The most common emotions during divorce—and how to manage them

✔ Why setting boundaries at work and with friends is crucial for protecting your energy

✔ How to communicate your situation without oversharing

✔ The importance of keeping divorce out of court and how to find the right legal support

✔ Practical steps to make the process less adversarial and more respectful

Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to define you. If you’re in the thick of it—or know someone who is—this episode is filled with practical, compassionate advice to help you move forward with strength and clarity.

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Do you find yourself constantly putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own at work? Whether it’s your boss, your team, or your colleagues, prioritizing others can feel like kindness—but unchecked, it leads to burnout, resentment, and exhaustion.

This week’s Joy at Work Experiment is all about shifting that pattern, even just a little. Instead of giving from an empty cup, I want you to choose one small thing that refuels you—something that strengthens, relaxes, or simply lightens your week. It doesn’t have to be big, but it does have to be yours.

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Talking about death is never easy, but avoiding it only makes things harder when the time comes. That’s why I invited my friend and marketing consultant Liz Orgill to share insights from her training as an end-of-life doula. 

Whether you're caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one through their final months, or simply want to be more prepared, this conversation offers both practical steps and emotional guidance to help you navigate this inevitable part of life with more clarity and confidence.

Liz shares the key areas to consider—physical, emotional, financial, and relational—and how small but intentional actions can ease both your loved one’s experience and your own. She also highlights why understanding your own relationship with death can change how you show up for others and yourself.

Practical Takeaways from This Episode:

✔ The essential conversations to have with loved ones before it’s too late

✔ How to advocate for your parent’s end-of-life wishes (especially if they want to stay at home)

✔ The emotional and sensory experiences of dying—and how to create comfort

✔ Why checking in with yourself daily is crucial if you're caring for someone else

✔ How prioritizing rest and reflection helps you handle life’s hardest moments

This is an episode filled with warmth, wisdom, and practical insights to help you feel more prepared for the inevitable transitions we all face.

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This week, we’re tackling procrastination—specifically, those dull, soul-draining tasks you keep putting off. You know the ones. Instead of suffering through them alone, I want you to steal a brilliant strategy from Elizabeth, a high-achieving professional who found a way to trick her brain into getting things done. The trick? Misery Loves Company.

[00:30] The Reality of Task Management

[01:41] Embracing Human Flaws

[02:31] Meet Elizabeth: A Procrastination Case Study

[04:24] Your Joy at Work Experiment - Misery Loves Company

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Color isn’t just about style—it’s a powerful tool for joy, confidence, and energy. In this episode, Emma Shoe, a former shoe designer turned personal stylist, shares how color psychology can transform your wardrobe, workspace, and mindset. From a life-changing technicolor jacket to the surprising effects of Baker-Miller Pink in prisons, Emma reveals how small shifts in color can boost happiness and even career success. Whether you're stuck in a sea of black or looking to refresh your space, Emma’s insights will inspire you to embrace joy through color in every part of your life.

[00:00] Unleashing Joy through Colour with Emma Shoe

[00:32] The Power of Colour Psychology

[01:14] Transformative Stories: Colour in the Workplace

[03:43] The Impact of Colour in Your Environment

[04:24] The Fascinating Story of Baker Miller Pink

[05:47] The Impact of Black in Fashion

[08:16] Incorporating Colour into Your Life

Sound terrifying? Then this week’s experiment is made for you.

Creating some space and time alone to just think, is the first step in designing work that feels better, freer, and more satisfying for you. 

You might not agree about the transformational power of thinking time,  but in my experience, creating space to think about your possible future isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.  Thinking time helps you uncover what truly matters to you.  It helps you clarify specifically what needs to change for you.  And it helps you figure out the steps that will take you where you want to go. 

By carving out even 30 short minutes this week, you're not just dreaming aimlessly, you're prioritizing your future self, your future mental health, and your future joy potential. Because the only way to create your better future is to eke out a little space for it. Starting now. 

[00:30] The Importance of Thinking Time

[02:42] The Joy at Work Experiment: Finding Time to Think

[03:07] Guiding Questions for Reflection

[04:17] Conclusion: Prioritizing Your Future Self

[04:56] Additional Resources: Life Satisfaction Assessment

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In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of grief with Dipti Tait, author, hypnotherapist, and psychotherapist. 

We discuss how grief is not only tied to death but can also stem from life changes such as marriage, childbirth, or job loss. 

Dipti introduces the concept of 'dwell time,' explaining how grief often lingers beneath the surface before emerging. 

Dipti offers practical advice on how to support others dealing with grief, emphasizing the importance of what not to say. By understanding and labeling grief accurately, we can be kinder to ourselves and navigate these challenging moments more effectively.

[00:00] Understanding Grief in Midlife with Dipti Tait

[00:19] Meet Dipti Tait: Author and Grief Expert

[01:35] Different Forms of Grief

[05:48] Practical Advice for Dealing with Grief

[09:19] What Not to Say to Someone Grieving

Poor listening can lead to feelings of disconnection, frustration, and a lack of belonging, as illustrated by a client's experience. Conversely, being a great listener can stand out to bosses and deepen relationships. 

I share practical tactics to elevate your listening skills and challenge you to put them to the test in this week's experiment: in your next conversation, focus entirely on the other person and observe the transformative effects. 

[00:30] The Cost of Poor Listening

[01:52] The Power of True Listening

[02:33] Practical Tactics for Better Listening

[04:17] This Week's Joy at Work Experiment - Be An Active Listener

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In this episode, I'm joined by Sinead Sharkey Steenson to discuss how men can support women during perimenopause and menopause in the workplace (and at home). 

We delve into the importance of involving men in these conversations, offering them tools and insights to better understand and support their female colleagues. 

Sinead also shares her experience leading men-only sessions to help demystify menopause and encourage supportive interactions. Additionally, the episode provides resources for further learning, including books, podcasts, and organizations committed to addressing menopause in a constructive manner.

[00:00]  Why men need to join the menopause conversation with Sinead Sharkey-Steenson

[01:17] The Importance of Men in Menopause Conversations

[02:08] Men's Role in Supporting Women

[04:37] Men-Only Sessions: Creating a Safe Space

[07:39] Resources for Men to Learn More

All of the resources mentioned in this episode are available on our website.

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I read the book Deep Work by Cal Newport some years ago and it hit me like a brick. It connected a few dots of thoughts that had been floating around my mind for years and it changed the way I structured my work week forever.  It felt like I'd found a magic wand that had been missing in my work life forever. 

Deep Work is the antidote to the kind of shallow, time frittering, needle stuck in place work that many professionals drown in daily.  Deep work is focused, distraction free, and high impact. It's the kind of work that shifts the needle on your biggest priorities and unlocks creative, innovative problem-solving. 

So, if you're someone who's ever glanced at a clock or at your watch at 5pm and thought Wait, what the heck did I actually do today? This Joy at Work experiment is for you. 

[00:00] Making Time for Deep Work - A Joy At Work Experiment

[00:29] The Concept of Deep Work by Cal Newport

[01:50] The Three Enemies of Deep Work

[02:51] Implementing Deep Work - A Joy At Work Experiment

[04:32 ]Personal Success and Encouragement to Try Deep Work

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When I was growing up in Northern Ireland, women would whisper the phrase, “the change”, when talking about perimenopause and menopause. 

Thank goodness the conversation has evolved since then.  Yet, until very recently, no one was talking about how it impacts our joy at work.

Today we delve into the impact of perimenopause and menopause on women in the workplace with leadership expert Sinead Sharkey-Steenson. We discuss the physical, emotional, and mental challenges women face and how these can manifest in professional settings. 

Sinead shares practical advice on recognizing symptoms, the importance of medical consultation, and stress management techniques. She also highlights organizational strategies to support female employees through awareness sessions, flexible working conditions, and open conversations. She gives actionable steps for individuals to reduce workplace stress, such as setting boundaries, recharging energy, and practicing focused breathing.

[00:00] Introduction: Breaking the Silence on Menopause

[00:26] Meet Sinead Sharkey-Steenson

[00:58] Understanding How Menopause Impacts Women in the Workplace

[01:53] Emotional and Mental Challenges

[03:49] Physical Symptoms and Stigma

[04:49] Organizational Support and Awareness of Menopause

[08:00] Practical Tips for Individuals

[09:05] The Three B's: Boundaries, Battery, and Breath

-

In the hustle and bustle of professional life in our 40s, 50s and 60s, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters and many of us find ourselves questioning, What do I really want out of life? 

One powerful way to refocus is to create a vision of your dream normal day.  Not a fantasy weekend day filled with yachts and champagne, but your best possible regular Tuesday. 

A Tuesday where your priorities align with the very small actions you take. Where making sure your needs are fulfilled. And that enough satisfaction is baked into your everyday routine.  

 By envisioning your ideal normal Tuesday, from what time you wake up to your evening wind down, you'll gain clarity about what truly matters to you.

-

If you’re over 40 you have probably been in about 10,000 meetings by now - and according to Malcolm Gladwell - you should be an expert in them by now! But sadly we are not. 

According to Dr. Carrie Goucher, studies have shown that meetings have not improved in the last 50 years, despite everyone being aware of basic techniques of how to run an effective meeting.

In this episode, we are talking about the root of meetings and how we can be an effective leader and participant in meetings that will make tangible progress, strengthen relationships, and achieve important strategic milestones. 

[00:00] Introduction: The Role of Meetings in Organizations

[01:11] The Root of Meeting Frustrations

[02:11] Understanding Tribal Behavior in Meetings

[03:26] Practical Tips for Leading Effective Meetings

[06:05] Participant Strategies for Productive Meetings

[08:11] Success Stories and Results

[10:13] Additional Resources

-

 Envy can be a powerful tool for identifying what’s missing in our professional lives. Envy serves as a vital message from our body, highlights gaps we can bridge, and reveals unchangeable aspects we need to adapt to. 

This week’s Joy At Work experiment encourages you to reflect on your own work-related envy and take small actionable steps to address it, using envy as a motivator for positive change.

[00:30] Understanding Envy: A Powerful Signal

[00:53] Pete's Story: Transforming Envy into Action

[02:34] The Three Purposes of Envy

[05:24] Beware the Dark Side of Envy

[05:53] Weekly Experiment: Harnessing Envy for Growth

[06:38] Conclusion: Tools for Greater Joy at Work

-

Many of us start the new year with good intentions like this is going to be the year I am absolutely going to focus on my health. 

But many of the professionals I speak to feel that their health goals are hindered by their work that finds them glued to a screen for so many hours a day that it impacts their health and potentially their longevity. 

So I asked Jon Field, co-founder and director of Field of Fitness, to join me on the Joy at Work podcast.  

We're unpacking why movement is the most underrated medication out there, the critical difference between exercise and training, and why this is non-negotiable if we want to get strong enough to grow old.

[00:00] Join Jon Field  co-founder and Director of Field of Fitness

[00:43] The Importance of Movement

[01:36] Movement as Medicine

[04:11] Exercise vs. Training

[07:00] Its Never Too Late to Start Training

[08:53] Practical Tips for Desk Workers to Move More

-

 This week's joy at work experiment is a simple yet transformational two-minute mental shift. It takes just the tiniest bit of imagination and I'll guide you through it.  

In the next few minutes, we're going to delete one specific work irritation, annoyance, or little piece of stress from your brain.

Not forever, of course, that will be silly, but just for a tiny minute. 

Let's see what happens when that weight lifts, even briefly. 

[00:30] This Week's Experiment: A Mental Shift on One Irritation

[01:08] Step 1: Choose Your Irritation - Be Specific

[02:18] Step 2: Imagine Waking Up Irritation-Free

[04:13] Step 3: Walk Through Your Day

[06:15] Step 4: Reflect on the Ripple Effect

[07:09] Conclusion and Further Resources

Get all of the details in our show notes.

-

We're drowning in a sea of doing. Waging unwinnable battles to pack more and more work into less and less time. At what cost? For what purpose? It's a direct path to overwhelm and burnout.

 In our conversation today, Louise Miller offers a radically different, deeply human definition of productivity than I haven’t seen anywhere in the world.  We discussed shifting how you think about productivity and how you can be productive in a way that reduces stress, allows us to focus on what truly matters, and lets us do our best work calmly. 

If you are someone who loves achieving great things but feels like you sometimes sacrifice too much along the way, this episode is tailor-made for you. 

[00:26] Meet Louise Miller: A New Perspective on Productivity

[01:28] Redefining Productivity: Doing What Matters

[05:46] The Treehouse Analogy

[08:42] The Neuroscience Behind Productivity

[10:03] Practical Steps to Boost Productivity

[12:11] Conclusion: Embrace a New Way of Working

Get more details in the show notes on our website.

-

At some point in time, I can almost guarantee you that someone will ask you this small talk question - “How’s work?”

 This is one of my least favorite small-talk conversation openers. I just don't understand why people ask it.  Maybe it's out of genuine curiosity, or perhaps an attempt to show that they care. 

But let's be honest, “How's work?”, its a lazy question.  You don't need to remember the details of someone's job, their role, their company, or even actually care about the answer.  And most people know this, which is why they usually respond with something short and unremarkable before steering the conversation elsewhere.

The result? Missed opportunities for real human connection.  If you truly care about the person you're talking to or want to create a meaningful, memorable moment, it's time to retire this question and instead, try something that sparks genuine interest and reflection.

Instead, why not ask: “ What was the very best part of your career that you used to really enjoy doing?”

Learn more about this Joy At Work Experiment on our website

-

We are delving into the common mistakes mid-career professionals make on LinkedIn profiles and how you can avoid them. 

Jo Watson, a talented copywriter, shares her expertise in crafting authentic, engaging profiles that make great first impressions. We discuss the dangers of trying too hard and the importance of genuine interaction over superficial efforts. Jo also provides practical questions to ensure your profile stands out for the right reasons.

[00:10] Meet Jo Watson: The Copywriting Expert

[00:58] Common LinkedIn Profile Mistakes

[01:31] The Problem with Trying Too Hard on Linkedin

[03:39] The Importance of Authenticity on Linkedin

[07:02] Practical Tips for LinkedIn Success

-

Sometimes work feels like a never-ending loop of things we just have to do, doesn't it?  

Endless meetings, looming deadlines for tasks we've procrastinated on until they become have-tos. Work events that we'd swap in a millisecond for an evening snuggled up with one of our favourite box sets. 

But today, let's hit pause on the have-tos and shift our focus to something new. 

Over the last eight years of helping clients design more joy into their work, I've noticed something magical. It's subtle,  easy to miss if you're not paying attention. It often slips out as an afterthought, almost shyly.  And yet every time I catch it, I know I've stumbled upon something extraordinary.  It begins with these four simple words. 

“I've always wanted to…”

When someone says this, it's like a window into their soul opens. It offers a glimpse of their dreams, unfulfilled desires, and untapped joy. But here's the thing. We often push these dreams aside. We label them, Someday goals, too frivolous for today's practical demands, and we bury them under the avalanche of our to-do lists. 

And in doing so, we quietly quash a spark of our potential joy.  

This week, let's change that.

-

If you think imposter syndrome is only relevant to a very small part of the population, think again. 

In our conversation, Clare Josa shares the difference between the very natural self doubt that we feel when we step out of our comfort zone and the debilitating joyless imposter syndrome. She shows us how to recognize it in ourselves and our colleagues and offers us a tiny practical first step on the journey towards feeling good enough at our core.

[00:00] Introduction to Imposter Syndrome

[00:07] Meet Clare Josa: Expert on Imposter Syndrome

[01:05] Understanding Self-Doubt vs. Imposter Syndrome

[02:05] The Impact of Imposter Syndrome in the Workplace

[04:15] Recognizing Imposter Syndrome in Yourself and Others

[06:22] The Link Between Imposter Syndrome and Burnout

[08:17] Steps to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

-

Appreciation is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to improve workplace dynamics, as far as joy is concerned.  When done genuinely and often, It's a win-win investment of a few seconds. 

If appreciation is so clearly a win-win, why don't we do it more?  

Appreciation doesn't need to be a grand, splashy, time-consuming gesture. And in todays Joy At Work experiment, I’m going to show you two easy ways that you can start showing appreciation for those around you today.

[00:30] The Power of Appreciation

[00:58] Personal Story: The Smile That Changed Everything

[02:08] Appreciation in the Workplace

[04:27] A Joy At Work Experiment: Show Some Appreciation

[06:04] A Joy At Work Experiment: Smile More

[07:09] The Impact of Genuine Appreciation

Get all of the details for this experiment on our website

--

We have been fed a lie about boundary setting, which is that there are only two ways to communicate them. 

Either being assertive and bolshie and all up in someone's grill and laying down the law and demanding what we need. Or backing down and staying well-liked, but never quite actually saying what we need. 

This is such a load of rubbish. We see it play out culturally a lot, but it's just not true. There is a beautiful middle ground. Louisa Clarke shares with us her three-step formula for setting boundaries and communicating them in a way that is forward-moving, respectful, and productive. 

Let’s dive in. 

[00:00] The Power of Asking for What You Need

[00:37] The Importance of Having Clear Boundaries

[01:57] The Three-Step Formula For Setting Boundaries

[02:01] Step 1: Firm Up Your Decision

[03:03] Step 2: Acknowledge, Validate, Permit (AVP)

[04:56] Step 3: Use I Perspective Language

[08:31] Are we getting better at boundary setting?

--

Let's be honest, most of us, myself included, have no problem telling anyone with a pair of ears just how busy we are, right?  

In fact, I've never met a midlife professional who isn't swamped with work. Earlier this year, I conducted a survey on joy at work, asking 400 professionals in their 40s, 50s and 60s, what their biggest joy at work challenge was.  And across the board, the top answer was the same. Time pressure and an overwhelming workload.

So yes,  we're all busy.  

But lately, I've noticed something else creeping into the conversation.  I'm going to call this busy bragging. And it's at an all-time high.  

Today, I want to break down why we do this, what's really going on from a psychological perspective, and share a little experiment that you can try this week to dial up your joy at work (and dial down the busy bragging).

[00:30] The Reality of Being Busy

[01:28] Understanding Busy Bragging

[02:05] Psychological Insights into Busy Bragging

[02:37] Four Reasons We Busy Brag

[05:48] Experiment: Shifting from Busy to Joyful

--

When we want to do great work, we have to aim beyond our comfort zones.  That often sadly means knockbacks, negative feedback, or just facing the uncomfortable word. No.

How strong your mental fitness is could mean the difference between negative feedback knocking you out for days (weeks or months) and being able to see (and act upon) the opportunities that this feedback is presenting us with.

I’m chatting with Caroline Kay, who will share a technique she calls “The Three Gifts” to help you master your own mindset. 

She has also offered her Ambitious Lader’s Energy Impact Matrix as a tool to help you learn more about yourself and help you find the work that energizes and lights you up! 

Let’s dive in!

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign. Learn more here.

Get Caroline's free gift: The Ambitious Leader’s Energy Impact Matrix

--

If you're spending valuable hours scrolling job boards or hitting the apply button on cold LinkedIn applications, it's time to rethink your job-seeking approach. 

Why? 

Because 75% of senior positions are filled through personal connections, not public posts.  We could argue about that exact percentage, but the truth is clear, the majority of senior roles are secured before anyone ever thinks about posting a job advertisement.

So, if you find yourself spending a lot of time looking at job adverts,  what that suggests is that your personal network isn't strong enough to fill the remainder of your career with work that brings you joy.  

That might be a little bit harsh, but if this is the landscape, what can you do about it this week?   

[00:30] Rethinking Cold Job Applications

[01:39] The Joy At Work Experiment - Plant 10 Seeds

[01:57] Build Your Work Network

[03:10] Expanding Beyond Work Connections

[04:34] Nurturing Genuine Connections

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

-

If you're someone who wants to be a little bit more engaging on LinkedIn, but can't get beyond shyly liking a colleague's post about their recent promotion or sharing those dull as dishwater company updates.

If you can’t figure out what to write, who to write it for, how to write it, what to start with, or who's gonna care and it all feels way too complicated, then you'll want to tune in to this Joy at Work conversation with Mel Booth.  

In this conversation, Mel Booth, a digital marketing consultant and co-founder of the Marketing Lab, who is also a self-proclaimed LinkedIn enthusiast, gives practical ideas on how to be more human on LinkedIn while presenting yourself to your current and potential future employers in ways that don't appear robotic, boring, or just bleh.  

Let's dive in.

[00:00] Introduction to Engaging on LinkedIn

[00:53] Common LinkedIn Challenges for Mid-Career Professionals

[02:29] Finding Your Sweet Spot on LinkedIn

[03:45] Effective LinkedIn Sharing Strategies

[05:38] Actionable Tips for LinkedIn Engagement

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

Yet it's a word that strikes fear in the heart of many a grown-up professional in their 40s, 50s or 60s.  

If we treat rejection and the word no as a big, bad, fearful thing, then we're frankly less likely to ask for the things that we would love in order to thrive at work. We're even less likely to ask for the things that we need to survive at work

So if hearing the word, no, fills you with fear or freezes you into doing what you've always done.  Then this week’s Joy At Work Experiment is designed for you.

[00:35] Why We Need To Be Desensitised to the Word 'No'

[02:35] Joy At Work Experiment

[04:05] Fun Rejection Challenges

[06:10] Embracing 'No' for Joy at Work

Get all of the details in our show notes.

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

Many people do, which is why it's so important to take a deeper look at the connection between the two.

Today I’m talking with Chris Budd, author of 'The Financial Wellbeing Book' and co-host of the Financial Wellbeing Podcast to discover how our financial habits influence long-term happiness, the set point theory of well-being, and practical advice on becoming more aware spenders. Chris also sheds light on the concept of 'financial well-being junkies' and offers strategies for achieving sustained happiness through meaningful activities and quality social relationships.

Let’s dive in! 

[01:12] How can we become “better” spenders?

[01:42] Understanding Set Point Theory

[03:00] Financial Wellbeing Junkies

[05:51] Long-Term Wellbeing Strategies

[06:57] The Importance of Social Relationships

[08:33] Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Spending

[09:29] Conclusion and Additional Resources

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

Can you identify the people, the processes, the situations, and the environments that sap your energy, block your creativity, and make you wonder, Is this it?  I call these mood vampires your kryptonite. 

By getting clear on your personal kryptonite, you get clear on what needs to change, so you get closer to operating at your best more often, which is a huge contributor to joy at work. 

The Joy At Work Experiment

Take a few minutes and write down just two things in your work life that drive you around the bend, that suck your soul dry, or evaporate your energy like there's no tomorrow. (If you need some examples, listen to the whole episode!)

Look at what you've written down,  then crack open your diary.  Is there a way you can banish these soul-sucking tasks from your week entirely? 

Or, if full-on deletion feels impossible, could you try experimenting to shave off the time you spend knee-deep in your kryptonite?  How about just ten minutes less?  What kind of a difference might that make to the amount of joy you have at work?  

[00:00] Introduction to Joy at Work Experiment

[00:31] Identifying Your Kryptonite

[01:24] Examples of Workplace Kryptonite

[02:32] Strategies to Combat Kryptonite

[03:30] Joy at Work Experiment Challenge

[03:36] Additional Resources for Life Satisfaction

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

Are you job hopping hoping that each change will give you a better workload or culture?

Are you feeling a lot of resentment in your life?

Then you might be suffering from a lack of boundaries.

Louisa Clarke is a high-stakes communication consultant who talks with us about why it is so hard for us to set boundaries, how to recognize the signs that we aren’t setting boundaries soon enough, and a tip on how we can start to improve the boundaries we set. 

Let’s Dive In:

[00:47] The Reason We Have Trouble Setting Boundaries

[01:22] Types of Boundaries: No and Need

[03:00] The Consequences of Unclear Boundaries

[05:30] Recognizing and Addressing Resentment

[07:06] Practical Steps to Set Boundaries

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

In this podcast, I'm going to show you high in 10 minute episodes. No fluff. No snoozy backstories and no woo woo. Instead, tangible, practical insights into your career happiness that can turn into joy at work today.

Throughout this summit,  I've held a tiny dream for you that you'd take one idea from one of these sessions and experiment with it to see if it's possible to increase your personal joy at work by 10 percent tomorrow. 

To make this super easy for you, I'm going to share with you one idea from each of the speakers. That's 25 tiny, potentially joy-inducing experiments. Just pick one.

Try it. See what difference it makes. What have you got to lose?  Big dreams,  tiny actions. That's how we bring more joy at work. Who knows where this might lead? Become your own joy at work designer. 

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

[00:00] Why I invited Dara to join the summit

[00:32] Investing in Key Pieces for a Versatile Wardrobe

[00:57] The Impact of Dressing on Confidence

[01:36] Creating Signature Looks for Professional Environments

[01:56] Memorable Client Stories and Their Transformations

[03:03] Final Thoughts on Dressing for Success

[04:28] Personal Insights: Joy at Work

Speaker Links:

Website: https://daraford.com/

Follow on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-stringham-3b37318b/

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

[00:40] Evaluating Your Desire to Write

[02:37] Understanding the Types of Books

[04:49] Practical Tips for Writing Your Book

[06:50] Crafting a Book for Your Readers

[07:46] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Speaker Links:

Connect with Richard on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahagen/

Mpowr Publishing 

https://mpowrpublishing.com/wp/immersive-publishing/

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

[01:30] Do you think LinkedIn is somewhere to go to apply for jobs? Do you find it a little.boring? Let me convince you otherwise.

[04:03] What are the missed opportunities on LinkedIn?

[07:42] What are some practical ideas on what you can do to get started being more interesting and interested on LinkedIn? 

Speaker Links:

Louise's LinkedIn Daily Activity Checklist - https://louisebrogan.com/download

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

[01:10] What kind of individuals do you see starting a podcast?

[01:56] What are some of the most common mistakes that new podcasters make?

[03:14] What are some practical steps on how they can start their podcast?

[06:35] Once you are ready to launch a podcast and you need to think about some tech, what next?

Speaker Links:

To learn more about podcasting connect with Sarah on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sscott1022/

Podcast Resources:

Alitu Show Planner - https://planner.alitu.com/

Podcast Software (all-in-one podcast tool from recording to editing to hosting): Alitu - https://alitu.com/

Graphic Design Tool - Canva: https://www.canva.com/

Email Marketing Tools (with free plans to get started): 

Mailerlite - https://www.mailerlite.com/

MailChimp - https://mailchimp.com/ 

ConvertKit- https://convertkit.com/

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

01:01 The Dread of Public Speaking

02:35 Understanding the Importance of Breathing

05:35 Practical Deep Breathing Exercise

08:36 Applying Deep Breathing in Real Situations

Speaker Links:

Connect with Ges Ray on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gesray/

Ges Ray - Learn more about his speak performance training : 

https://speakperformance.online/

Links:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Dustin emphasizes the importance of reassessing outdated financial mindsets and adopting a flexible approach to future planning. He discusses practical strategies like the spending accelerator and goal alignment while highlighting the significance of developing a diverse portfolio of memories. 

Tune in to learn about the keys to building confidence through financial clarity, managing risks, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

[00:25] How do you respond to people who say "I'm worried I don't have enough to retire or a flexible life?

[01:34] Have your beliefs about money evolved as you have grown?

[03:40] Do you first need to decide what your future will look like?

[05:33] A method for evaluating your spending

[08:13] What difference do you see when they do this earlier in their career or life versus later? 

[09:08] What can we do that will start us on this amazing journey of redesigning our flexible life in the future? 

Speaker Links:

Website: https://www.servisswealth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servisswealth/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/serviss-wealth-management/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-picture-of-wealth/id1556305294

Links:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

She presents four surprising ways that building your personal brand and getting visible can improve your well-being and career prospects. Vicki covers the benefits of forging genuine connections, boosting confidence through authenticity, creating exciting opportunities, and empowering yourself and others. 

Tune in to learn how showing up can lead to a more fulfilling professional life.

[01:06] The Importance of Visibility

[02:11] Four Surprising Benefits of Getting Visible

[02:17] Building Genuine Connections

[05:09] Boosting Confidence Through Authenticity

[07:48] Creating Exciting Opportunities

[08:37] Empowering Yourself and Others

Speaker Links:

Grab Vicki's free 12-page visibility guide at https://vickiknights.co.uk/

Podcast: Showing Up with Vicki Knights: https://vickiknights.co.uk/showingup

Links:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

More on unrecognised stress that can lead to burnout 

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Website: https://www.dc-nutrition.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-chapman-85b73316

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Connect with Dominic on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-decker

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Website: https://drkatsleep.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatsleep/ or @drkatsleep

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Links:

In this talk, Rune mentioned a video that helps relieve sinus pressure. You can watch that video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXpBzIcImKQ

Speaker Links: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runeabo/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/runeabo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PainfreeU

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rune%2D%C3%A5b%C3%B8%2D4b8a8032/

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Starter worksheet to discover your uniqueness: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

We discuss the importance of building proactive relationships with recruiters, even when you're not actively seeking a new role. John offers practical tips on how to effectively engage with executive search firms and shares some surprising statistics about the volume of applications for high-level roles. This episode is especially beneficial for mid-career professionals looking to strategically manage their career advancement.

Speaker Links:

Website: https://www.pageexecutive.com/

Follow on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnoconnorfinance/

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

[01:00] How did it feel to look for a job for the first time in 25 years?

[01:41] What were some of the things that you did that helped you deal with it and ultimately helped you find the next role?

[04:52] How did Dom keep going when things got tough?

[05:39] What one (or two) piece of advice would you give to someone who is about to enter a job search, who is in a job search, or who just knows that sometime in the future, they're going to hit a midlife job search?

Speaker Links

Connect with Dom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-salomoni-1544b16/

Next Steps:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-atkinson-848b653

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Website: https://dmcrecruitment.com/

Connect with Steve on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-borer-2656351

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Website: https://www.draytonpartners.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drayton-partners/

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Connect with Ingun on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingunbol/

Wise Move Society: https://wizemovesociety.com/

Dig a little deeper:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Check out Trickle: https://trickle.works/trickle-explainer-video

Employee Engagement Health Check: https://trickle.works/employee-engagement-healthcheck/

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Weird Work Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weird-work/id1281393532

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Speaker Links:

Website: Work Time Reduction - https://worktimereduction.com/

Follow Joe on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeoconnor990

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Em advocates for the inclusion of playful activities in both personal and professional settings, emphasizing that play can alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. Highlighting her work with top global businesses and her movement 'Laugh Think Play,' Em discusses practical steps to incorporate play into daily routines and outlines twelve distinct play personalities. She passionately argues that by giving ourselves permission to play, we can achieve a more balanced, joyful, and successful life. This talk offers valuable insights for mid-career professionals looking to infuse more joy into their work and lives.

Speaker Links:

Website: https://emstroud.com/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/em-stroud

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Claire provides valuable insights and practical tips for professionals aiming to progress their careers while working less than full-time, including ruthless prioritization, setting boundaries, maintaining career progression focus, and finding sponsors. 

We explore how organizations can support and benefit from offering flexible work options and the importance of being willing to experiment and adapt to new working patterns.

Speaker Links:

Part-time Works Podcast Series: https://timewise.co.uk/podcast/

Website: https://timewise.co.uk/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-campbell-fcipd-a627461/

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

Links:

Blog post: How to get the most from the Jooy at Work Summit

Learn More:

If you enjoyed this, you might also enjoy my Life Satisfaction Assessment. It's a 30-minute program where I guide you through a deep dive into 10 areas of your life to assess what's bringing you joy and what's bringing you down. I call it Derailed and it's a fabulous place to begin a joy-at-work redesign.

https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed

No snoozy backstories, no fluff, no woo woo. Because I know you're busy juggling work and life. And I know you want and deserve more joy at work. See you soon.

Be sure to register so you don't miss a single episode: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/joy-at-work-summit-1