Share

cover art for #94 How to manage your future and your finances with Heather McGregor

Squiggly Careers

#94 How to manage your future and your finances with Heather McGregor

Season 2

If you haven't heard of Heather McGregor, you need to listen to this week's Squiggly Careers podcast! Heather is one of the most squiggly and brilliant people we have met and have long been inspired by her journey. Her book 'Careers Advice for Ambitious Women' sparked the thinking for our business Amazing If and we have been inspired by her career journey ever since. Listen to this week's podcast to hear about how to manage your career, where to invest your time and efforts and why being in control of your finances pays career dividends. Links to resources mentioned are over at www.amazingif.com

More episodes

View all episodes

  • #490 Ask the Expert: How To Make Better Decisions with Andrew Likierman

    29:49||Season 2
    Are you making big decisions without applying real judgement? In this Ask the Expert episode, Sarah speaks with Sir Andrew Likierman about what good judgement looks like at work—and how to improve it. They talk about the difference between decisions and judgement, the stages of the judgement process, how to get better at reading the (virtual room) and learn from poor choices. You’ll learn how to apply a practical framework to improve your own judgement, no matter your role.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:54 Is judgement a quality or skill? 01:50 Judgement and decision-making05:25 The 6 stages of the judgement process08:43 Establishing a trusted person10:06 Reading the room, zoom or teams meeting13:21 Understanding your strengths and weaknesses16:54 Famous examples of bad judgement18:11 The importance of listening19:24 Persevering when it's time to stop22:33 Common watch-outs with judgement23:35 Should you trust instinct & gut feeling? 25:43 Managing risk29:22 Final thoughts🎯 What You’ll Learn- The difference between decision-making and judgement- A 6-step process to improve judgement- How to trust wisely, read the (virtual) room, and stay aware- Why feelings, experience, and listening all shape judgement- How to develop your personal judgement📚 Resources MentionedAndrew's Book: Judgement at Work: Making Better Choices - https://bit.ly/458TWvJActions Speak Louder Than (Listening) To Words: https://cclinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/actions-speak-louder-than-words.pdf Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - https://bit.ly/4m8OyQ2Blink by Malcolm Gladwell: https://bit.ly/3J76pIM

For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join our next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #489 Four Work Complaints Everyone Has - And Realistic Ways to Take Back Control

    34:18||Season 2
    In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the common complaints we all have about work—and how to respond to them in ways that are realistic. From endless meetings, to never having time to think, they unpack why certain complaints come up so often and how to take small, doable steps forward. They share practical tactics like "co-working meetings," “to-think” lists, and a forgiving approach to navigating the inevitable frustrations of work life—so you can focus less on moaning and more on momentum.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome and intro to the episode01:00 Why we all complain (and why that’s okay sometimes)03:00 Common complaints: too many meetings, too much to do, not enough time to think08:58 Complaint #1: Too many meetings10:30 Imperfect solutions: Shorter meetings, co-working time, reclaiming your calendar15:48 Complaint #2: Too much to do17:00 Zoom in/zoom out to clarify what matters most19:00 Good enough is great: Adjusting your effort with intention21:45 Complaint #3: No time to think23:00 The “To Think” list and first thoughts method25:00 Using voice notes and self-explaining for fast clarity26:30 Complaint #4: Senior people are slowing me down28:00 Reframing communication: work with—not against—bottlenecks🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why it’s helpful to turn your work complaints into first-person statements- How “imperfect” solutions can be more useful than perfect plans- Practical ideas to manage meetings, workload, and thinking time- Ways to reduce bottlenecks and collaborate better with others📚 Resources Mentionedhttps://reclaim.ai/ – tool to block time for focus and reflectionWhen Good Enough Is Great Episode: https://www.amazingif.com/listen/when-good-enough-is-great/ For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join our next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #488 Coping with curveballs – what to do when your day doesn’t go to plan

    32:28||Season 2
    Ever had your day derailed by a last-minute request? A sudden change of plan? Or that dreaded moment when you're put on the spot and don’t have the answer? In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore the curveballs that show up in our working week—and how we can respond to them with more confidence and control.From tech fails to surprise tasks, curveballs can throw us off track and test our confidence. Helen and Sarah share personal stories, reflect on their own curveball capability, and offer practical ideas for action to help you deal with the unexpected, think on your feet, and stop small things from snowballing.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast00:33 Day-To-Day Curveballs05:52 Acknowledging & Receiving Curveballs07:46 Why Curveballs Feel Hard In The Moment09:06 Curveballs Are More Likely In Squiggly Careers11:00 Rating Your Curveball Capability16:55 Idea For Action — Anticipating & Thinking On The Spot20:35 Idea For Action — Using Multiple Workarounds26:14 Idea For Action — Avoiding Curveballs Becoming Snowballs🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why curveballs feel hard in the moment- Why curveballs are more common in squiggly careers- How to anticipate the unexpected and think on your feet- How to stop curveballs from becoming snowballsFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♀️ Join our next Skills Sprint: https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #487 Ask the Expert - The Power of Influence and the Messenger Effect with Steve Martin

    27:52||Season 2
    How do you make sure your message gets heard—and acted on? In this Squiggly Careers Ask the Expert episode, Helen speaks with author and influence expert Steve Martin about the powerful role of the messenger in communication. Drawing on insights from his book Messengers, Steve explains how people respond differently depending on who delivers the message, and why understanding the difference between hard and soft messenger traits can transform your influence at work.Together, they talk about how you can be more effective in meetings, remote settings, and team communication—plus how to match the right message to the right messenger for maximum impact.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast01:00 Why the Messenger Matters as Much as the Message04:40 Trust vs Truth: How We Really Decide Who to Listen To07:20 Hard vs Soft Messengers (and When Each One Works Best)13:15 The Kevin Keegan Story: Choosing the Right Messenger15:20 Why Content Isn't Everything: Choosing the Right Voice16:30 A Better Way to Start Meetings (That Builds Credibility)20:00 The Role of Introductions in Empowering Messengers21:15 Influence in Remote Work: Tips for Zoom & Teams25:30 Mimicry and Mirroring: Small Shifts That Build Connection29:08 Announcements 🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why who delivers a message can be more important than what they say- The difference between hard and soft messenger traits—and when to use each- Practical ways to increase your influence in meetings and remote settings- How to elevate others as effective messengers to get results as a team📚 Resources MentionedSteve's Book, Messengers: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Messengers-Who-Listen-Dont-Why/dp/1847942350Try Steve’s free quiz: https://www.influenceatwork.com/quiz/Influence with Robert Cialdini: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d5VBsx-RecFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #486 Why you don't delegate (and what to do differently)

    31:52||Season 2
    Are you always doing too much yourself? Do you struggle to let go, even when you know you should? In this episode of the Squiggly Careers Podcast, Helen and Sarah explore why so many of us don’t delegate—and what we can do differently to delegate with clarity, confidence, and collaboration. Learn how to avoid the 4 common delegation mistakes and how to give people space without leaving them stuck.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome to The Squiggly Careers Podcast00:48 Why You Don’t Delegate (Even When You Should)12:55 4 Don'ts Of Delegation (And What To Do Instead)13:15 Don’t Delegate the How16:52 Don’t Delegate and Disappear22:41 Don’t Do It for Them25:06 Hybrid Approaches to Teaching & Delegating26:25 Don’t Expect It Done Your Way28:00 Letting Go of “Your Way” and Embracing Other Styles🎯 What You’ll Learn- Why delegation feels uncomfortable for even experienced leaders- 4 delegation mistakes to avoid & what to do instead- How to give people freedom without micromanaging- The power of clear outcomes, expectations, and trustFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #485 Why Thinking Together Boosts Team Performance

    36:59||Season 2
    In this episode, Helen and Sarah explore how to help teams think better—together. They share simple but powerful tools you can use to encourage reflection, collaboration, and better decision-making in your team. Discover a practical matrix to help you choose the right thinking tool for your team—whether you need to improve performance or inspire new ideas. From “worry lists” to “borrowed brilliance,” you’ll learn how to create space for smarter, more intentional team thinking.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Intro: Welcome to the Squiggly Careers Podcast00:43 Why We Struggle to Think as Teams01:56 Who Are Your Thinking Partners?02:18 Team Thinking Drives Team Performance03:02 Principles for Better Team Thinking07:38 Signal Thinking Activities in Your Team08:46 Turning Thinking into Action via Experiments09:43 The Team Thinking Matrix Explained11:48 Idea for Improvement: Worry Lists17:20 Idea for Improvement: What's Not Working (The "Knots")23:30 Everyday Idea for Inspiration: Borrowed Brilliance🎯 What You’ll Learn:- Why teams need more time to think (and how to make that time work)- 3 powerful principles for better collective thinking- Tools like “worry lists,” “what’s not working,” and “borrowed brilliance”- How to run quick team exercises- Ways to turn thinking into action—without overcomplicating itFor questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #484 How Role modelling leads to rewards for your career

    29:09||Season 2
    We often talk about the value of having a role model - someone to learn from and be inspired by. But what about the impact of being a role model?In this week’s episode, Helen and Sarah explore how being a role model can support your development, raise your profile, and help you build stronger connections at work. When you're intentional about how you show up, you attract opportunities and create a community around your work. They explore practical ideas to help you decide your role model focus, borrow brilliance, and put role modelling into practice in your day-to-day work.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #483 Ask the Expert: How to have better conversations with Jefferson Fisher

    33:51||Season 2
    Better conversations help you build stronger relationships, understand others more deeply, and make meaningful progress - together.In this episode, Sarah talks to Jefferson Fisher, lawyer, speaker, and best-selling author, about five common situations where conversations can get tricky. From dealing with someone very different to you, to getting interrupted, or feeling stuck in people-pleasing, Jefferson shares simple shifts that can help you handle these moments with more clarity and confidence.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/
  • #482 How to Stay in Control During Change At Work

    31:36||Season 2
    Change at work isn’t always something you choose — sometimes your role is restructured, your team shifts, or decisions are made around you. When that happens, it’s easy to feel stuck, like your career progression is out of your hands. In this episode, Helen and Sarah share some practical actions you can take to regain control, build your confidence, and keep moving forward, even when change feels uncomfortable.They explore how to make the best of where you are right now and take action, from shifting your mindset, to spotting opportunities in uncertain situations and choosing your change story — so change doesn’t stall your Squiggly Career.For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email helenandsarah@squigglycareers.comMore ways to learn about Squiggly Careers:📩 Download our free careers tools https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/🏃‍♂️ Sign-up for our Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint https://bit.ly/skillssprint2024📮 Sign up for Squiggly Careers in Action, a weekly summary of the latest squiggly career tools: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction📚 Read our books ‘The Squiggly Career’ and ‘You Coach You’ www.amazingif.com/books/ http://www.amazingif.com/books/