.JPG)
Secrets From a Coach - Debbie Green & Laura Thomson's Podcast
Secrets From a Coach - Debbie Green & Laura Thomson's Podcast
187. Nourish Your Network to Flourish Your Career
In this final episode of our 5-part series on Redefining Careers, we are thrilled to welcome Siobhan Anderson, who shares her inspiring journey of overcoming academic self-doubt through mentorship and skill enhancement. Siobhan's experiences emphasise the importance of self-belief in addressing academic gaps and leveraging work experience. We explore how continuous professional development and nourishing relationships can propel your career forward. In a world that is becoming increasingly automated, meeting a wide range of people keeps our options open and all the research shows the mental health benefits of regular quality human interactions.
Authenticity is at the core of building enduring professional networks based on genuine connection. Siobhan shares her tips for overcoming self-doubt to open up opportunities. We delve into the crucial role of supportive home networks and offer practical advice for those without such backing or who are working in remote or hybrid work settings. As we close this series, we set the stage for our next topic on balancing technology with human touch in an AI-driven world.
Curious? Check out our relevant past episodes:
Ep. 164 Knowing Your Worth, Defining Your Intangibles
Ep. 157 Making a Mid-Life Career Shift - with guest Damien Hoadley-Brown
Ep. 140 Keeping An Optimistic Mindset
Ep. 53 Power Up Your Networks - with guest Marina Gask
Secrets from a coach Thrive and maximise your potential in the evolving workplace. Your weekly podcast with Debbie Green of Wishfish and Laura Thompson-Staveley of Phenomenal Training Devs Laura how's your week been? Do you know I'm buzzing and I'll tell you why. Just getting to meet all sorts of people in all sorts of different roles and although the travelling and the admin may be tiring, it is quite uplifting when you just then get to meet such a variety of people.
Speaker 2:It is, isn't it? And I must admit, we think where am I in the country this week? Or you know it's like one from another, isn't it? And I must admit, we think where am I in the country this week? Or you know it's like one from another, isn't it? And when you look at how many miles you do you go. That wasn't too bad. But we're seeing the country, aren't we? Laura?
Speaker 1:We are. We're seeing pretty much every Marks and Spencers garage forecourt. Do you think? Which city am I in again? Yeah, we're like a really crappy band tour, aren't we, debs? I?
Speaker 2:think we should get t-shirts though Law. I think we should get two of t-shirts.
Speaker 1:But it's interesting because I was listening to another one of the amazing Stephen Bartlett podcasts and it was from a neuroscientist talking about, you know, setting yourself up for success from a brain health point of view and it really struck me about how just the value of having a social network whether you're an introvert or an extrovert it's not about the quantity of people, it's that quality of interaction that you have, just even a hello to the, you know someone that serves you coffee, just that interaction that you then have.
Speaker 1:And I think it's interesting because this is the final in our current series, our five-part series looking at redefining careers and in a world that is so driven by the internet in terms of candidates, vacancy and search and recruitment and selection. What we've heard actually loud and clear from all the people that we've had in the conversations we've had is not only is it about tracking your own skills and keeping your own continuous professional development up to speed, because you're the only one that could look after your own personal development, but it's also keeping that vibrant relationship network going as well, which is why we just had to invite this week's guest, the wonderful Siobhan Anderson, to come and tell us her take on how nourishing a network really is the key to a flourishing career these days. Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2:It was a joy to speak to her and we both know her energy is just wow, infectious. So shall we take a listen? So welcome to the final pod in this series, where we are have a guest. As you can see for those watching you can see we're joined by siobhan and she's going to do her intro for us in the moment, or shiv as she gets called um, and our episode today is talking about how you can um, nourish your network to flourish your career. So that's what we're going to be talking to Siobhan around, and I'm delighted that she's joined us as a guest. I was at the sort of beginning. I can't believe how long ago. It might have met you, but it was just incredible to see you, and what you're now doing, I think, is amazing. So we're going to get you to share some of that with us and some of our listeners. So go on then, shiv, tell us who you are. What do you do? Some of our listeners. So go on then, shiv, tell us who you are.
Speaker 3:What do you do? Give us a bit of a flavor. Thank you so much, devs. Thank you for having me. This is wonderful. You've already introduced me, so my name is Siobhan, I'm 28. I've been in the world of work now for just over 10 years, which seems crazy. When I say that Makes it feel like I've been in there for ages, but absolutely loving it. And for the time being, debs, I'm just going with the flow of life, nice.
Speaker 2:I like that. So when you say I'm just going with the flow of life, you've obviously progressed through your career in that 10 years. So what do you think has made the biggest difference to you in your progress to date?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I would say taking the plunge to excel my academic mindset and my academic skillset. I remember when I was speaking to my mentor they were saying to me you know, take the time to look at your skills and have a look at any gaps that you might have, you know, and think about how you can improve those gaps. And I was looking at all the skills and I was thinking, okay, this is really good, I've learned this, I've learned this. But my academic skill set was quite low, kind of stopped at GCSE A level, and I said to myself what's hindering me from not succeeding in this space? Why have I not tried to propel? And I was thinking about my world of networks that you're talking about, and you know we have loads of different networks. But my earlier network in school I found that that particular network it was. It wasn't overall negative, but it really showcased to me that it can put you in a mindset of bracketing. So my bracket was foundation you might get a C. You're never going to achieve the A star, you know. So when I was moving into you know college and I never thought that I could achieve a degree because that's what I've always been told your foundation, lower level. So I just went into the world of work.
Speaker 3:But then, when I was speaking to my mentor and they were telling me to look at the gaps, I thought, right, my gap is academic. I need to try and see if I can get a degree. And throughout the world of work you know, you do time management, organization, you read, you look at data I thought these are the skills you need for school. This is what you need to be able to do it. So I thought, right, how am I going to do this? I don't know how to sign up for university. I don't know what to do. Did a little bit of research, found the Open University, reached out to my network of friends. Have you heard of this? Is this actually legit? Is this real?
Speaker 3:yeah you know, I don't want to be catfished now exactly.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's very expensive to be catfished on that, yeah yeah, exactly.
Speaker 3:so I was like wow, was this actually real? Um, you know, spoke to some colleagues about it and you know, then spoke to my my proper network, my hub family and said you know, this is what some colleagues about it and you know then spoke to my proper network, my hub family and said you know, this is what I'm thinking of doing. You know, what do you think? And they were like go for it, you can do it. So I signed up and I had to dedicate myself for three years. I went missing for three years.
Speaker 2:Wow, wow, that is dedication, right.
Speaker 3:Thank you, thank you. I had to balance work, life and school, but I did it. I did it and the overall suffering in that three-year period was so worth it because I came out of it thinking about my original network from school, thinking actually I used that as fuel to years later propel me and now fill that gap that I had in my um, in my pool of skill set. So, yeah, really, really, really good actually, when you think about it.
Speaker 2:Um, that negative spell actually turned out to be really positive yeah, and I think also your mindset would have had a huge amount to deal with that right as in um, your willingness to want to go back and learn, and you knew that by doing that you're not going to be put in that foundation box. You know you said no, actually I'm going to do that, and using a mentor can help you identify that. But I think a lot of what you said is around having a hub around you that give you that belief to say go on, you can, and then going and doing it and, as you like, you were sacrificing three years to to go and study. But you've walked away with that with probably an even better and bigger network than you did from your family's hub, then your school and now this. You know your degree people. Do you keep in touch with some of them as well?
Speaker 3:Yeah, I was just going to say that 100%, like I haven't used the degree as yet, which is absolutely fine, because the skill sets that I've learned and, like you said, the said the people I've met again, I don't keep in contact with them, but in that three-year period, knowing them, listening to their journeys, feeling that kind of motivation, feeling inspired times when I'm coming from an early shift and I think I can't do this, speak on whatsapp to one of my peers and they're talking about they're a single parent feeding the baby, still trying to study that gives you the motivation. So that network of people in school, you know, for that three-year period they really helped because we'd all kind of share how we're feeling. We were all in the same boat. So, yeah, really good, really good and that I think that's really important to know that.
Speaker 2:So, which leads me on to that question around. So how important do you feel that having a network in the world of work today, how important is that for?
Speaker 3:you. It's really important. You know, and don't be shy to have a network. You know, don't be shy to have those valuable conversations. And it just starts with a hello.
Speaker 2:You know, hi, what do you do?
Speaker 3:Yeah, you know who are you, what do you do? You know, be authentic with it. You know, be authentic, be real. You know, because you never know when you might need some additional support. Yeah, equally reciprocate that somebody might come up to you and say, hi, what do you do? And then you should reciprocate that. So, you know, in work, you know we're all just trying to get by in this world of work. So connect with people, try to make meaningful relationships. Doesn't always have to be a success, but, you know, have conversation.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and, as you say, you never know where that network comes, because I know I first met you through the Duke of Edinburgh award that you were doing at the time and if you think how long ago was that to where you are now. And yet we still keep in touch and you know we're still working with you and we're still being part of you and enabling you and opening doors where you can.
Speaker 3:So it just shows you you can get that network from anywhere, can't you 100%? And you know, the crazy thing about the Duke of Edinburgh is, again it buckles down back to school and I was. I was a sports leader and I loved. I wasn't academic but I could do sports.
Speaker 2:Right, you're a bit like me.
Speaker 3:Yeah, I could do a bit of sport, yeah, and Duke of vendor advertised in school. And again a little bit of self-doubt. I thought, well, I can't camp, I've never walked before, I don't know how to put up a tent. But I said I really want to do this. So I connected with my teacher and I said, miss, I really want to apply for this. How do I do it? And she said, well, siobhan, you've got to apply, you've got to write a little paragraph, which I thought was a book back then, but it was like a couple of sentences, I don't know what to do. And she said, all right, come after school and I'll help you write it. And I did.
Speaker 3:And I got onto the Duke of Edinburgh bronze, um, and then when, and I loved it. So then when I went into my career, they offered it as gold um, and then, and then I did it there, so that connecting school trickled on to to there, and then you know the beauty of there, so that connecting school trickled on to there. And then you know the beauty of that is that I got to meet you, yeah, um, you know, and it was just really good, really good connections.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it and it pays off, isn't it? So I think for people listening that thinking, okay, how do I even start to build a network? What would you suggest that they do?
Speaker 3:Again, it's nice and easy Just say hello, just say hello. Simple, right, it's so simple. Don't be shy, you know, and even if you are introverted, you know, just start off with a few people. You know it could be in your department, you know, or it could be the person that serves you the coffee, you know they always got interesting stories. You know, it just starts with a hello, a little bit of a human connection, that vibration. Utilize it.
Speaker 2:And the energy that you then get from someone because you have connected with them is just you can't make that up, can you?
Speaker 3:100%. You can't make it up and that's why I said don't force it and be inauthentic.
Speaker 2:Give it a go If it doesn't work move on exactly and that thing, I suppose, and your network of people that you've created over time, um, I suppose, how has it helped you to flourish doing what you're doing today? How much of an impact has that network that you have started and you've flourished in and you're nurturing, how is that helping you today massively if I didn't have?
Speaker 3:yeah, if I didn't have those networks of people you know it's friends, it's ex-schoolmates, it's past colleagues to say you're capable, you can do these kinds of things as well as a mixture of the self-belief you know wouldn't be where I am now.
Speaker 2:So you know it's really important to have networks and connect with people to learn to get feedback, you know, to upskill really valuable, yeah, and I think you've got to, as we said before, that willingness to even want to put yourself out there right and to put yourself out your comfort zone. I suppose to some extent because you know it's a big thing going and finding out, going to the open university, doing the duke of edinburgh award, stepping into the next promotion that you're going for and and able to build networks as you go, because, as we I think we talked about on one of the programs, you know, be as good to the people on the way up because you might need them on the way down, right. So how?
Speaker 3:do you do that? Yeah, a hundred percent. You know, networking takes bravery and it also takes reciprocation, because the same way you're progressing, that's what you need to do to fuel the next person that's trying to progress. So don't forget to reciprocate that same energy, you know.
Speaker 2:Yeah, a hundred percent. So I suppose one of the things is well, I suppose what are some of the lessons that you've learned along the way, when you're sort of thinking about your network as to how not to do it, or you know what would they be, either from your own experience, Shiv, or from others.
Speaker 3:I would say don't be inauthentic. Don't be inauthentic and go in there and pretend, and you know, because people can feed off of that energy. Just be genuine. People can feed off of what's their real intention here for saying, hello, what is it? You know. If you want to know what their, if you want their job, say hey, what's going on? I know you're the such and such. I want to be where you are. Can we get a coffee? Just be honest. But the worst thing you can do is go in um with a pretense that's not going to get you anywhere.
Speaker 2:No, you need to be genuine yeah, and I suppose your experience of finding who you are, how has that helped you to, like, nourish your network? Now, what did you, what steps did you go through that enabled you to discover who you?
Speaker 3:really were. Be honest, I'm still working on myself. You know we all are. You know we're never a perfect product, but you know it's about being genuine for you and using my instincts has really helped me. You know, what feels right for me might not feel right for everybody.
Speaker 2:What do you think has been the biggest learn for you through your career so far?
Speaker 3:Oh my, biggest learn I would say is don't miss out on an opportunity. If it's there, you should go for it, because they only come around once. Don't be shy. Don't think I'm not capable or I can't do it. Go for it. If it's a no, fine, but at least you went for it. If you didn't go for it, it's going to be a no, right? Yeah?
Speaker 2:absolutely.
Speaker 3:There's been a few opportunities that have come my way and and the self-doubt plays a massive part in people even starting to build a network Right and because, for whatever reason, they just avoid it at all costs.
Speaker 2:So what? What encouragement would you give to those people that maybe are listening and going? Oh I know I should, um, but there's something holding them back. What would you say to them?
Speaker 3:I would say we're all in the same boat. Yeah, true, we're all in the same boat. If you're feeling nervous, the same person that's coming from work is probably nervous as well. We're all in the same mindset of trying to get on with the world of work. So, you know, try to not let those feelings overpower you and just go for it right, because how you're feeling, someone else has probably experienced the same emotions, you know. So you're not the only one. So break you, be the one to break the ice. Break it, just do it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and I think it's really. It's so powerful, isn't it? And I know you go in your current role. You know you're helping others, probably to build their self-belief and their confidence, and I know that was something that was you were so passionate about when I saw you. I'm trying to think how long ago it was. I think it's probably about seven or eight years. It must be, mustn't it? I think, yeah, it must be, yeah, wow. That's crazy, but what I remember from you is your energy and your passion, and you were never afraid to ask a question. And you know I'm like you. I wouldn't know where to begin to do to pitch a tent or how to walk up a mountain. So credit to you, but it's like wow, but where do you find your energy from?
Speaker 3:my network of my home right, yeah, I've got a key, stable, you know, foundation my mum. I love her with all my heart and my little brother. That's my key network where they will see me in my true, authentic form and they will fuel me with what I need and then, when I go out into the real world, I can use that. So, you know, find a network that is 100% true to you, can be anybody right, um, and, you know, be real with them. That's what gives me the fuel. You know, I love my mum oh, our mums are the best.
Speaker 2:We love your mum. That's it, I know, and they.
Speaker 2:I suppose, they show the way yeah, they show the way as to how and give you that well, most, most mums give you that unconditional. You can do it right and make it happen if you want it and everything from there. So I suppose for me it's always been your energy comes from, obviously, within, from your family hub. But if somebody hasn't got that support network around them, maybe as close as you and I have, how else might they go about finding their network of people so they can flourish? What would you, what would you suggest they maybe consider?
Speaker 3:Yeah, and that's a really key point, you know, because not everybody might not be able to connect with someone. So you're so right there, debs. You know, and there are so many platforms where people can go and reach out and connect through social medias or social platforms. Tune in to Secrets of a Coach.
Speaker 2:You know I love you for that. Tune in to Secrets of a Coach, you know.
Speaker 3:I love you for that. They're going to give you the top tips to you know fuel your mindset. You know in books. You know write down a journal. You know of your thoughts and your feelings. You know you can motivate yourself yourself. You know you don't actually need someone, but you know it just starts with a this is what I want to do, and then you kind of take it slowly, day by day yeah, and I, and I think, knowing what it is you want to do, right.
Speaker 2:So, when you think back now, if you were to say something to your younger self, what would you say to your younger self? Oh, younger shivvy yeah, younger, shivvy what?
Speaker 3:would you say to her? I'd say you can do it, girl, go, you can do it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you go just go do it yeah, yeah, oh, get out there, do it try yeah, because, yeah, if you don't give it a go, as you said earlier, you're never gonna know. So I think it's really important and I suppose for others that are again either maybe halfway through their careers they may not be at the beginning of their careers, but they still need to find a network of people. So if you were to encourage them to consider how they can therefore flourish in their own careers, wherever they are right now, whether they are about to return to work, they're starting a new job, they're moving into something else, they're looking for a promotion, whatever it might be for somebody at this moment in time what would you encourage others to consider in relation to flourishing in their careers?
Speaker 3:Yeah, you know. I would say maintain a positive mindset. You know you can. You're your biggest cheerleader, all right. So if you are dependent on people, fantastic, but if you haven't got that, you're your biggest cheerleader. So go out there, do it. Do your research as well. You know, come into the to the role or the interview.
Speaker 2:Well, research, knowing what you want to do, you know, and just put yourself out there as being capable yeah, because you've got to have that, want to do it and I like that bit around you've got to do your preparation. You've got to think about who you are, what you bring. And I always remember we did the Purpose and Values Workshop, didn't we as well, where you came back on that and that always sits in my head as well, because your ability to know where you wanted to go was just brilliant. Because you knew where you wanted to go, you knew how you would do it and you did in inverted commas bring people and and connect with the people that you've connected with to enable you to make that happen. And it, as you said, it's just making that step and going hello, um, which makes a big difference. Yeah 100.
Speaker 3:I love that. Thanks, deb, you're so lovely. Oh, you're my network, you're making me.
Speaker 2:You're pulling me with positivity, yeah absolutely you can't help but have positivity talking to you. Whenever we meet you, it's just like it radiates from you and I think that also helps, right. So, even though you're you know you, people might say well, you sound like you're a natural extroversion preference, but actually introversion preferences can also network well, right. So again, it we can all do it isn't there? So there's three things you would say to people to consider and go, you can do this. What three tips might you give people?
Speaker 3:Ooh, I'd say first tip is you're your biggest cheerleader, so don't forget that. Second tip is if it's not successful, it doesn't mean you're a failure, that's fine. And then third tip make sure you get up and try again.
Speaker 2:Yeah, all right, don't give up, come back don't give up, yeah, because yeah, so sort of. I want to sort of ask you this next step, which how will you use your current network to propel yourself in your next step, in your career.
Speaker 3:When it comes to networking, it doesn't always mean that you're going to get another job or anything like that. My current network at the moment is really fueling me with a lot about the self. So my skill set, you know my personality, you know what can I bring to the table. So, with all those kind of things that I'm learning from my mentor, that will hopefully fuel me for the next time I say, right, there's a vacancy there and I really want to go for it. So for now, it's not so much about learning about other job roles, it's about learning more about myself, because I don't think you can ever stop learning, and when you keep growing your mindset and understanding you, that's what's going to give you the fuel to progress.
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely, and I know you've mentioned having a mentor a couple of times, so how important is a mentor?
Speaker 3:Do you know what? Oh, my God, beautifully I've just gone into a new role and my line manager, we did a one-to-one and she said to me you know, shiv, do you have a mentor? And I said I said no. I said what's a mentor? I haven't got one of those, I've just been going with the flow alive. We've been going with the flow.
Speaker 3:She was like I'd love to pay you up with a mentor, you know, just to really like, enhance, and this is what I was talking about before, the kind of reciprocating, you know. She's obviously seen in me that potentially a mentor could, you know, upskill me, which is wonderful, you know. And so you know, you reach out on Teams, hello, you know I'm such and such. Can we connect? And ever since, it's been great, you know, I've learned so much key things, you know. Or just little pushes to say you know, try and do this. So like a little mini cheerleader. So if you can get yourself a mentor, you know, go for it. And a mentor could be anybody. It could be someone on your level, it could be someone where you know you want to progress to their stage, or it could be someone in a different department with different skill sets that you want to learn. Yeah, value I now. I now value mentors.
Speaker 2:I know we love mentors as well. They can make a big difference. And I suppose, a final question for me what is next for you?
Speaker 3:More, more life, more happiness, positivity, going with the flow, being happy. You know we're only on this earth for a short time, so you know, just make it a good one. So yeah, that's what I'm doing, debs just smiling, being happy, positive and just going with it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I love that. And you're right, we are only on this earth for one chance, so you know, make the most of it for real, isn't it? So your final call to action for people who want to think about okay, I have a network, um, maybe I haven't reached out for them for a little while. I want to enable it to flourish. What would be your call to action?
Speaker 3:call to action. If you've let it stop for a little while and you think, oh, what do I do? Don't be afraid, log on to teams. How are you's going on? Would you like a coffee? Let's reconnect.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, and it's having the confidence to do that as well, isn't it? And you've got to have the confidence. Yeah, definitely, yeah, so good, so good.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I love it, I love it and I think you know just listening to you, if you know, yeah, I love it, I love it and I think you know just listening to you, if you know, for people listening to you right now, just to feel your energy come through and the fact that you know you have really appreciated the power of a network, um, and the connection and but keeping it alive. As well, as you said, you know you've got a network of people that expand your life really, and it's the continuation of that that's going to enable you to achieve whatever it is you want to achieve. So, yeah, credit to you for that. I love that, shiv. So, yeah, thank you so much, thank you.
Speaker 2:It's been such a pleasure. I mean, people will probably want to go. How do I reach out to this girl and find out even more? So if people want to reach out to you, where can they find you?
Speaker 3:Oh, thanks so much, debs. That's wonderful. We can connect on LinkedIn, which is a fantastic platform, and you can reach out to me there. That would be so kind. We can connect and don't be afraid to say hi, yes say hello so they can find you under Siobhan Anderson.
Speaker 2:That's right, isn't it On?
Speaker 1:LinkedIn. Yes, so we can do that and we'll put that for you as well.
Speaker 2:So anybody listening that goes. I must speak to this girl. Definitely do that and reach out to her. But I just want to say a massive thank you, Shiv, for you taking your time out and talking to me and Laura about you and the power of a network and flourishing it and what it means for you. So, yeah, thank you, as always, Thank you.
Speaker 3:Thank you, guys, you're amazing. Thank you so much.
Speaker 2:Thank you, shiv, take care. Thank you, thank you guys, you're amazing. Thank you so much.
Speaker 1:thank you, shiv, take care I feel unstoppable having listened to her you just can't help it can you, she, she just, she just does it in such a can-do way and you, she's not faking it either. I've seen her deal with some sort of day-to-day adversities, just all of the stuff that can set an obstacle on your day-to-day and she just leans right in, cracks on, gets stuff sorted and guess what? People just want to work with her because she walks in the room and the room lights up and, as you've said, deb, there's two types of people Does the room light up when you walk in or when you walk out.
Speaker 2:She's just amazing, isn't she? And the power that she has of connection, and I loved the. You know her family is also part of her network, so she doesn't just see it from a work perspective, she sees it from a whole community, whole life perspective, which I think was so refreshing to hear.
Speaker 1:So for anyone here that is feeling either they're feeling a bit stagnant in the current role or career that they're in, or it's just having one eye on the future, could it be that your network today, so who you have some trust and some rapport with, could actually be the biggest indicator for where your next role might be, where your next step might be? And just linking back to the Stephen Bartlett podcast that I referenced at the start, from a neurological point of view, networks are not only good from a commercial perspective the more people you know, the more likely you are to get recommended or hear about job opportunities but it's just really good for our brain health as well. And I think that's especially important for anyone that is working in a remote or hybrid setting, if it feels a bit lonely at the moment in how you work. Then what might be one or two things that you could put on the radar that you think just enables your network to be nourished, and not only flourishing career, but also your confidence as well?
Speaker 2:Yeah, definitely, I love that. So my call to action would be just go back through all the people you've interacted with and work out whether you are keeping in touch with them or you're not, and it's only just in the moment when you want something. It's a two-way street building a network, and so therefore, I would say my call to action go back, think about who you've been connecting with, talking with. How do you get back in touch with some of those people to start to build your own network of great people around you, because that's going to make the biggest difference for you, and have fun doing it.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and my share. The secret would be if you've got a friend, family member or colleague who is feeling like a little bit sort of you know, wants to change or wants to mix things up, but is a bit scared about leaping into the unknown. Actually, just chatting through with various people and nourishing your network is a way to get that confidence up as well. So get them to listen to this. You can chat about it after and then you can be a really good mate and you know you can help support them as they're looking to regain some contact and all those types of things. So we've had a good month, haven't we? We have. I've absolutely loved this one.
Speaker 1:We've had our amazing guest, andy Pooley, talking about career diversity. Now gives you choices later, which is a great confidence boost for anyone that feels maybe they've got a bit of a zigzaggy career. Actually, that gives you loads of choice later on at some point. Creating career light bulb moments that's what we were talking about. Enabling those pause moments to go what do I actually want to do? And sometimes some little events can happen. You think ping, that's it. That's why I've been put on this planet Career uncaged.
Speaker 1:So that was with the amazing guest Matt Sims telling us the real ins and outs about shifting from employee to solopreneur. So for anyone that's toying with that idea, it gives you a bit of a heads up around that. We then looked at tracking your own development by having a career Fitbit. So you're the only person that will know exactly what you've been up to and the skills you've acquired through your whole career. So tracking it as you go is really useful, because at some point that might be useful to be able to demonstrate that. And then we've just listened to our amazing shiv anderson about how who you know um is uh is also really important to be able to keep your network nourished to enable your career to flourish so I've loved this one.
Speaker 2:It's been really cool, isn't it? I loved it. And talking to all the guests as well, all bringing different perspectives on, you know how we can, you know, you know say flourish, and you know thrive and rather than survive. So it's been really cool. So what's coming next? What next month?
Speaker 1:well, next month devs kind of a nice build on this. So we are going to be focusing on the robots, yeah you've got them in law.
Speaker 1:Yes, oh my god so we are going to be looking at maximizing human touch. Yes, in a world that is now absolutely everyday common language, people talking about AI what does it mean to maximize those human moments? So we're going to be looking at all sorts of different things. So cannot wait for that, and, as always, we'll bring it in a light way. So it's not to overwhelm us with all the stuff that's externally, but to empower us to make our decisions. What's right for me, what could be a next first step? And you know how does that take me towards having a life-work balance that works for me. And that's still a hot topic, isn't it, debs?
Speaker 2:It is, yeah, it is, and I can't wait for this because I know you'll be in your element talking about the robots as well.
Speaker 1:So bring it on for the next month, I love it Just need to get myself a chat, GPT knock out a transcript for us to get a voice clone to read it for us.
Speaker 2:And job done, deb. Hey. Happy days, right Get Dali to do some computer generated graphics. Still prefer the human touch, though, laura.
Speaker 1:Too right. And then there's us in the meantime grinding away trying to process invoices. Where's the tech for that?
Speaker 2:I'm sure it's out there, we just haven't used it or found it well, you have a great week and I look forward to our next topic yeah, bring it on take care, love you bye
Speaker 1:we hope you've enjoyed this podcast. Yeah, bring it on. All right, take care, love you. Bye, we hope you've enjoyed this podcast. We'd love to hear from you. Email us at contact at secretsfromacoachcom, or follow us on Insta or Facebook. If you're a Spotify listener, give us a rating, as it's easier for people to find us, and if you want to know more, visit our website wwwsecretsfromacoachcom and sign up for our newsletter here to cheer you on and help you thrive in the ever-changing world of work. Bye.