Shows
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Build Career Discipline and Think Like a Board Member with Dr Keith DorseySend a textDiscipline isn’t about willpower. It’s about trade-offs.In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline chats with Dr. Keith Dorsey about the habits that quietly shape extraordinary careers - from martial arts at six years old, to the US Air Force, to leading major corporate turnarounds and serving on boards.They explore:Why discipline is a muscle; not a personality traitThe leadership mistake that even high performers makeWhat separates management from governanceWhy most people think about board roles too lateHow curiosity and reflection create long-term momentumIf...
2026-02-1743 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How Ego, Imposter Syndrome and Control Quietly Undermine Leadership (And What Great Leaders Do Instead)Send a textWhat if leadership isn’t about having the answers at all?In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, I’m joined by leadership coach and former senior police leader Zoe Thompson, whose 20-year career in policing offers some of the most honest, grounded lessons I’ve heard about trust, ego, and what leadership really looks like when the pressure is on.We talk about leading people who know more than you, being comfortable saying “I don’t know”, and why ego (not a lack of capability...
2026-02-1041 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Bounce Back from Career Setbacks: Transferable Skills, Resilience & Reinvention with Sonia AllenSend us a textCareers don’t follow straight lines. They zig, they stall, they fall over… and sometimes they completely reinvent themselves.In Part 2 of my conversation with the brilliant Sonia Allen, we dig into the transferable skills that future-proof your career, how to bounce back from big professional knockbacks, and why sometimes the scenic route turns out to be the smartest one.From walking away from costly business decisions, to rebuilding after failed ventures, to redefining success around purpose, people and wellbeing - this is a powerful, hone...
2026-02-0336 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Bounce Back After Career Setbacks (and Build a Portfolio Career) with Sonia Allen | Part 1Send us a textOrdinary choices, extraordinary resilience and a career built with courage, curiosity and a lot of grit.What does real resilience actually look like over a lifetime (not just in the highlight reel)?In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Caroline sits down with her lifelong friend Sonia Allen to explore a career built on grit, curiosity, and bold decisions (even when the odds were stacked high).From running a household alone at 17, to sleeping on college floors to keep her further education dream alive…From rising fast in th...
2026-01-271h 01
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Career Turning Points: How Small Decisions Shape Strong Leaders and Teams with Jon TurnerSend us a textThis is a very special episode of Little Moves, Big Careers.Today’s conversation is with Jon Turner, Managing Director of Siemens Electrification & Automation in the UK and Ireland AND the very first person I interviewed for the book research that sparked this whole project. It was in this conversation that the “little moves” pattern first became impossible to ignore.Jon’s career was shaped by sliding-door moments, chance conversations, small risks, great mentors, and a deep willingness to learn. From a lift conversation that led to a life-changing opportun...
2026-01-201h 04
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Spot Career Signals That Shape Your Next MoveSend us a textBefore we dive into real-life career stories, let’s talk about something seriously underrated: noticing.Big career changes rarely start with big decisions. They start with small signals we almost ignore.In this short, punchy bridge episode, Caroline shares a personal story and explains why the moments that don’t look like turning points often matter most.You’ll learnWhy your emotional reactions at work are actually useful dataHow to spot early career signals before frustration turns into burnoutThe simple CPR check...
2026-01-1322 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Reset Your Career Goals for a New Year (Lessons from 2025)Send us a text2025 wasn’t dramatic in one big way; it was heavy in lots of small ones.In this episode, Caroline Esterson reflects on what last year really taught us about work, careers, and ourselves AND how to move into 2026 with more clarity, energy, and intention.From isolation and hybrid working, to AI overload, budget cuts, and collective exhaustion, this isn’t about predictions or platitudes. It’s about noticing what changed and making small, deliberate moves that help your career flourish, even when the world feels wobbly.No reinve...
2026-01-0635 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Christmas Career Stories: How To Tap Into What Matters To YouSend us a textA quieter, gentler story to close the series.Ellie, home on Boxing Day, surrounded by cold stuffing, rogue Brussels sprouts, and the sudden realisation that she can’t keep shrinking at work.No big drama.No catastrophe.Just an honest, still moment - the kind that changes a life quietly.In this episode you’ll hear:Why identity beats resolutionsWhy quiet decisions stick longer than loud declarationsHow “I’m not shrinking this year” becomes a 2mm shiftThe power of reflective moments that no one sees
2025-12-3009 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Christmas Career Stories: How To Influence Even In High Pressure SituationsSend us a textAh, the office Christmas party.Less “festive joy,” more “performance review with glitter.”Nia (our quietly brilliant operations manager ) positions herself near the buffet like a tactical genius. But when Gareth from Sales knocks the cable out of the snow machine mid-brag, the night descends into festive chaos.Nia steps in with the kind of calm, grounded authority that makes real leadership obvious… without saying a word.In this episode you’ll hear:Snow machine pandemoniumOne-woman peacekeeping forcesGareth being… GarethWhy quiet leaders are the ones we fo...
2025-12-2310 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Christmas Career Story: How To Create Clarity Even When Under PressureSend us a textThis is the big one.The call centre story.The real, messy, emotionally brilliant tale of Amina - QC Queen, calm diplomat, and unofficial backbone of the entire operation.On December 22nd the wallboard turns red, the VIP line collapses, agents are in tears, and the CEO shows up unannounced… just in time to take a call he’s absolutely not ready for.Amina doesn’t rescue him.She reveals the truth.In this episode you’ll hear:The sound of collecti...
2025-12-1611 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Christmas Career Story: How To Take Control When Things Are ConfusingSend us a textEpisode 2 brings us to the Marketing department, where a mystery Christmas hamper lands on Desk 14, belonging to the formidable Margaret - patron saint of “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.” Cue panic, silence, and the kind of tension only a British office can generate over chutney, cheese wheels, and a questionable ribbon.A tiny moment of misplaced gifting turns into a masterclass in pattern spotting, calm thinking, and stepping up when no one else will.In this episode you’ll hear:A whole off...
2025-12-0913 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Christmas Career Story: Surviving Workplace Chaos and What It Teaches UsSend us a textIn Episode 1 we meet Holly - a 19-year-old Christmas temp who gets dropped into a chaotic consultancy in December… the exact moment clients start demanding miracles before close-down.Holly doesn’t shout, she doesn’t flail, she doesn’t grandstand.She notices. She organises. She builds the one thing the entire team needed and didn’t realise: a list that prevented a full-blown Christmas Eve catastrophe.In this episode you’ll hear:Why outsider perspective is a secret superpowerHow quiet clarity outperforms loud panic every...
2025-12-0212 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Lead and Rebuild After Redundancies (When You’re Still Standing)Send us a textBeing the one who keeps their job sounds like relief… until the reality kicks in: guilt, fear you’re next, shaky culture, doubled workloads, and zero guidance on how to move forward.This episode is for the people who stay after a redundancy wave and are left to rebuild confidence, clarity, culture, and boundaries in the aftermath.We dig into:The emotional whiplash no one talks aboutGuilt, anxiety, pressure & culture wobbleWhy survivors often overperform (and burn out)What GOOD leaders do after cutsHow to reset your role, priorities & boun...
2025-11-2517 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Create a Career Bounce-Back Plan After RedundancySend us a textNow we rebuild - not the old way, but smarter. This episode helps you design a career comeback plan that’s practical, intentional, and you-shaped. It’s not about getting back on the ladder; it’s about building one that actually leads somewhere you want to go.Quick Move: Map your “Next 5 Little Moves” - because small steps build big momentum.Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story....
2025-11-2105 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Stay Visible When Job Hunting (Without Feeling Awkward)Send us a textNetworking after redundancy can feel like trying to flirt after a bad breakup. But this time, we’re doing it with purpose and self-respect. You’ll learn how to reconnect, show up online, and talk about what’s next without begging for validation.Quick Move: Message three people with curiosity, not desperation.Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.Ready to make your next bold m...
2025-11-2006 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Reposition Your Skills After RedundancySend us a textYou’ve got skills. You’ve got stories. You’ve got receipts. But can you say what you’re brilliant at without sounding desperate or cringe? We’ll fix that fast. This episode helps you reframe your experience, find your voice again, and pitch yourself like someone who knows their worth.Quick Move: Write your “Genius Soundbite” - a one-liner that captures your impact.Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.
2025-11-1909 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Rebuild Confidence After Redundancy or Job ChangeSend us a textWhen your confidence takes a hit, overthinking moves in and starts redecorating. Here’s how to kick it out and get back into action. We’ll talk micro-wins, momentum, and the sneaky science behind why movement beats motivation every time.Quick Move: One 5-minute task that reminds you you’re still a total pro.Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.Ready to make your next bold m...
2025-11-1805 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.You’ve Been Made Redundant: What to Do First (A Practical Reset Plan)Send us a textThe shock, the shame, the emotional hangover - let’s be honest, redundancy stings. In this episode, we’ll unpack what just happened, why it feels personal (even when it isn’t), and how to stop replaying the bad bits on loop.Quick Move: Write your “Not Lost List” - the things redundancy didn’t take from you.Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.Ready...
2025-11-1705 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Succeed at Work Without Changing Who You AreSend us a textEver been told you need to tone it down, stay in your lane, or “just fit in first”?This episode of Little Moves, Big Careers is your permission slip to stop sanding down your edges.Caroline dives deep into the Maverick’s Survival Guide - a bold, honest look at how people who think differently can survive (and actually thrive) inside systems that aren’t built for them.She explores what happens when “inclusion” quietly becomes “assimilation,” and why true belonging means being valued because of your differen...
2025-11-1128 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Stay Professional and Perform Under Pressure at WorkSend us a textWhat if excellence isn’t about working harder… but managing your energy, pride, and discipline smarter?This week, Caroline dives into the difference between commitment and compliance and why whole teams leak energy when excellence turns into exhaustion.You’ll LearnHow to spot when effort has become self-harm, not self-respectWhy excellence starts with calm clarityWhat “energy leaks” are, and how to plug them fastThe simple shift from “I have to” → “I want to” that transforms cultureWhy real professionals run on pride, not...
2025-11-0433 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Get Recognised for Your Work (Not Just Stay Busy) with Nash VracasSend a textIn this engaging conversation, Nash Vracas shares her inspiring journey from winning awards in the automotive industry to her experiences in Olympic sports and charitable work. She discusses the importance of recognition, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of taking opportunities. Nash emphasises the significance of discipline, time management, and the lessons learned from failures. She also highlights the importance of building trust in professional relationships and the joy of giving back through volunteering. Throughout the discussion, Nash's passion for her work and her commitment to personal growth shine through, making for a...
2025-10-2848 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How Visibility and Relationships Accelerate Career ProgressionSend us a textIn this episode, Caroline expands the conversation on the career flywheel, turning focus to two critical and often overlooked power moves: Find Your Friends and Be Seen. While many professionals focus on the tangible aspects of work like spotting problems, solving them, and delivering results, careers rarely accelerate without visibility and connection.Caroline explores why hard work alone doesn’t travel, the psychology behind recognition gaps, and how reputation and relationships carry your impact further. Drawing on research from McKinsey, LeanIn.org, and Harvard, she unpacks the hidden dynamics of trust, cr...
2025-10-2121 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Add Visible Value at Work (and Why It Gets You Noticed)Send us a textIn this episode, Caroline Esterson explores how to apply insights from the previous conversation with Declan Allen into actionable steps for career development. She introduces the concept of the career flywheel, emphasising the importance of adding value over merely being busy, spotting and solving workplace issues, and creating space for deep work. Practical moves are suggested to enhance productivity and challenge the 'do more with less' mindset, ultimately encouraging listeners to focus on what truly matters in their careers.TAKEAWAYSThe importance of getting noticed for results, not...
2025-10-1421 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Overcome Career Setbacks: Lessons from an MD (Declan Allen)Send us a textIn this conversation, Declan Allen (MD, Horiba Mira) shares his journey from engineer to managing director, discussing the importance of focusing on the present, building strong relationships, and the value of diversity in teams. He reflects on his early career experiences, the transition to leadership, and the lessons learned from mistakes. Declan emphasises the need for adaptability in the ever-changing automotive industry and expresses optimism about the future of innovation and societal impact.TAKEAWAYSFocus on doing your best in the present moment.Building relationships is crucial for c...
2025-10-0738 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Make Learning Stick at Work (Not Just Tick the Box)Send us a textIn this episode, Caroline Esterson discusses the importance of meaningful learning experiences, emphasising that true learning goes beyond quick fixes and superficial knowledge. She shares insights from her work and draws inspiration from "Limitless" with Chris Hemsworth, illustrating how reframing their roles can lead to significant personal and professional growth. The conversation delves into the science of effective learning, highlighting strategies such as spaced repetition, practice, feedback, and reflection. Caroline concludes with practical steps listeners can take to enhance their learning and career development.TAKEAWAYS...
2025-09-3018 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Receive Feedback Without Getting Defensive (and Use It to Grow)Send us a textChristine Reynolds, Talent and Performance Director at Dothings.io, delves into the art of receiving feedback, exploring its crucial role in personal growth and professional development. Discover how mastering feedback can transform criticism into opportunities for high performance.TakeawaysReceiving feedback is essential for personal growth and improvement.Feedback, though sometimes painful, is a necessary tool for development.Understanding the challenges of feedback can lead to significant breakthroughs.Psychological insights can aid in effectively processing feedback.High performers excel by mastering the art of receiving feedback.Feedback and...
2025-09-2336 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Build Credibility and Protect Your Reputation at WorkSend a textIn this engaging conversation, Jon McLeod shares insights on reputation management, the importance of treating people well, and the nuances of building a strong personal and professional reputation. He discusses the challenges of navigating career paths, the impact of generational differences on work ethic, and the significance of learning from mistakes. The dialogue emphasises the value of self-awareness, effective communication, and the necessity of seeking feedback in both personal and professional contexts. Jon also provides practical advice for managing crises and the art of delivering sincere apologies, ultimately encouraging listeners to enjoy their work...
2025-09-1630 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Stay Motivated at Work (Mindset Shifts for Career Growth)Send a textIn this episode, Caroline Esterson explores the intricacies of workplace motivation, focusing on how different mental filters and needs shape our behaviours and interactions. By examining theories from nlp, Dan Pink and Tony Robbins, she provides insights into understanding personal and others' motivations, offering practical strategies for navigating workplace dynamics and enhancing career growth.TAKEAWAYSUnderstanding different motivations can improve workplace dynamics.NLP meta programs are filters that shape our thinking.Dan Pink identifies purpose, autonomy, and mastery as key motivators.Tony Robbins outlines six human needs that drive...
2025-09-0920 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Navigate Early Career Challenges: Lessons from a CEO (Paul Dawson)Send a textIn this conversation, Paul Dawson reflects on his early career experiences, the challenges faced in management, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. He discusses overcoming prejudice, navigating stress, and the significance of organisational culture. KEY TAKEAWAYSDespite being average in GCSEs it didn't stop Paul from carving out an incredible careerApprenticeship led to an unexpected career path.No regrets about career decisions made.Importance of mentorship and learning from others.Facing prejudice in early management roles.Mental health challenges due to work stress.Embracing discomfort leads to...
2025-09-0222 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Build Leadership Skills Early in Your Career with Paul DawsonSend a textJoin us for Part 2 of this insightful conversation with Paul Dawson, CEO if Agena Group, in which he shares insights on transitioning from corporate to private equity, delivering public sector services, and the value of understanding your role in the workplace. He emphasises the importance of being comfortable with discomfort and provides practical advice for personal and professional growth.KEY TAKEAWAYSLeadership Insights: Explore Paul's approach to personal and team leadership, focusing on creating a culture of continuous growth and empowerment. Career Transitions: Learn about Paul's move from corporate t...
2025-09-0228 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Rise Above Setbacks and Rebuild Your Career ConfidenceSend us a textJoin Caroline Esterson as she delves into the subtle yet impactful world of unconscious bias and its effects on workplace dynamics. Discover how everyday actions can undermine psychological safety and learn strategies to rise above these challenges.KEY POINTSUnconscious bias and its influence on workplace interactions. The role of gossip and blame as social contagions. Strategies to foster psychological safety and collaboration. Real-life scenarios illustrating above and below the line behaviors. The importance of mindset in overcoming bias and fostering innovation.SOUNDBITES
2025-08-2819 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Why Psychological Safety Is the Key to High-Performing TeamsSend us a textIn this episode, Caroline Esterson and Gary Keogh delve into the concept of psychological safety in the workplace, exploring its importance, the barriers to achieving it, and the roles individuals and leaders play in fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to speak up. They discuss personal experiences, the significance of inclusion, and practical tips for creating a psychologically safe workplace. The conversation emphasises the need for curiosity, humility, and vulnerability, and highlights the importance of measuring psychological safety to drive meaningful change.TAKEAWAYSPsychological safety is crucial for open...
2025-08-2644 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Overcome Perfectionism and Fear and Take Action When You Feel Stuck in Your CareerSend us a textJoin Caroline Esterson in "Little Moves, Big Careers" as she tackles the crippling effects of perfectionism in the workplace. This episode features career strategist, therapeutic counsellor and coach, Chris Mooney, who shares insights on overcoming fear and embracing progress. Learn actionable strategies to boost your career momentum by prioritising progress over perfection. Discover why "practice makes progress" is the key to success, and get ready for next week's deep dive into psychological safety with expert Gary Keogh. Don't miss out on transforming your career with these powerful insights!K...
2025-08-1921 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Career Reflection Questions That Actually Lead to GrowthSend us a textIn this episode, Caroline emphasises the critical role of reflection in career development. She discusses how strategic self-reflection can lead to significant improvements in performance and personal growth. She introduces you to four types of reflection: Pre-reflection, Daily reset, Growth reflection, and Future-facing reflection, Each one serves a unique purpose in enhancing intentionality and effectiveness in professional settings. She encourages listeners to adopt these practices to foster a habit of reflection that can lead to meaningful career advancements.Key TakeawaysMost people don't refle...
2025-08-1616 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How Reflection Accelerates Career Growth (What Most People Skip)Send us a textJoin Caroline Esterson in this reflective episode of "Little Moves Big Careers" as she revisits the highlights of Season 1. From the importance of intentional visibility to embracing curiosity and taking messy action, Caroline shares key insights and listener stories that showcase how small moves can lead to significant career shifts. Discover actionable tools and resources designed to help you turn insights into action. Don't miss this chance to reflect on your journey and prepare for even bolder moves in Season 2!Key TakeawaysReflection is crucial for p...
2025-08-1224 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Stop Career Drift and Make Intentional ProgressSend us a textIn this final episode of season 1 of the "Little Moves Big Careers" podcast, host Caroline Esterson shines a spotlight on drift - the quiet career killer that shows up when you’re doing the tasks but losing direction. She challenges listeners to cut through the noise and embrace intentionality in their careers. Whether you're mid-pivot or feeling stuck, Caroline offers practical advice on making deliberate choices that can transform your professional journey. Discover the concept of the "two millimetre difference" and learn how small, intentional shifts can lead to significant outcomes. Tune...
2025-08-0520 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Build Career Resilience When Work Gets ToughSend us a textEver smiled through a team meeting while mentally planning your escape to a remote cottage in Wales? Or replied “No worries!” to a Friday 5pm request while quietly Googling “how to become a llama farmer”?This episode is not about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about real optimism - the kind that doesn’t require vision boards, scented candles, or toxic positivity. Just one honest check-in, one tiny shift, and one decision to climb above the line.If you’ve ever felt flat, burnt out, or stuck smiling through the madn...
2025-07-2918 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Why Taking Messy Action Beats Perfectionism in Your CareerSend us a textProgress over perfection for professional growth.Ever spent hours watching webinars, highlighting your notes, colour-coding your to-do list… and still felt stuck? That’s planning disguised as progress, and it’s one of the sneakiest ways we stall our careers. In this episode, we call out perfectionism for the joy-thieving con it is, and champion messy, scrappy, unpolished action that actually gets results.Caroline spills some of her most cringe-worthy (but career-defining) moments, including mismatched shoes at a pitch, a coffee-soaked disaster, and the reply-all apocalypse and prove...
2025-07-2215 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome at Work (Even When You’re Doing Well)Send us a textOvercoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt at WorkEver had that “who let me in here?” moment? Yeah. Welcome to the club no one applied to join.In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson dives into the messy middle of imposter syndrome: where self-doubt isn’t a flaw, it’s feedback that you’re stretching.No toxic positivity. No “just be confident” nonsense. Just straight talk about:Why imposter thoughts hit hardest right before a breakthroughHow your prehistoric brain confuses growth with dangerPractica...
2025-07-1518 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How Curiosity Accelerates Career Growth (Your Secret Career Advantage)Send a textNot Confidence. Not Cleverness. Curiosity Is Your Secret Career Weapon.The boldest careers aren’t built on perfect plans; they’re built by people who stay curious. Strategically. Unapologetically. And often, just a little cheekily.In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caro unpacks why curiosity beats confidence every time and how to use it as your secret career edge.You’ll hear: A story about 208 seconds that proves calm curiosity saves the day A listener wondering if trying something new makes them “fl...
2025-07-0821 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Build a Flexible Career When the Ladder Isn’t Working.Send a textIn this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson gets gloriously real about the messy truth of career paths, emphasising that success is not linear, no matter what the old-school career ladder crowd wants you to believe. Instead, we’re talking zigzag moves, surprise sliding doors moments, and the wild power of zigging when you're told to zag.Caroline takes aim at the myth of the straight line and hands you a better map, one where detours, pivots, and “Wait, how did I end up here?” moments are actually rocket fuel for pe...
2025-07-0121 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Small Career Moves That Create Big Growth (Why Tiny Actions Matter)Send a textThe Tiny Career Moves That Build Massive Momentum Ever feel like you’re doing everything right but still getting overlooked? Spoiler: it’s not your effort, it’s your radar.In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caro shows you how to stop missing the moments that matter and start training your brain to spot the real career-shifters.You’ll discover:Why big opportunities rarely come with bold font or a calendar inviteHow to notice patterns like Zara’s merch team and Daniel Kahneman’s brainWhat to...
2025-06-2425 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How Invisible Workplace Networks Shape Your Career (Inside “The Club”)Send a textHow Invisible Power Networks Shape Your Career (Without You Even Knowing)Ever had that sinking feeling that the real meeting happened before the meeting? Or that someone less capable got the nod while you’re still “being patient”?Welcome to The Club; no badges, no invites, just power.In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson lifts the velvet rope on how influence really works at work. You’ll learn how unspoken rules, subtle loyalties, and quiet confidence shape who gets picked...
2025-06-1725 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.How to Take Control of Your Career (Instead of Waiting to Be Managed)Send a textIf you've ever felt like your manager was more “in the way” than “in your corner,” this one’s for you. You'll learn how to handle difficult managers to help your career flourish.In this sharp-tongued but clear-eyed bonus episode, Caroline takes you on a safari through the modern workplace zoo, spotting typical leadership characters like The Deflector, The Bouncer, The Squirrel, The Chameleon, and yes, even the elusive Amplifier.It’s not about moaning. It’s about naming the pattern so you can stop internalising the chaos and start working around...
2025-06-1212 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Why Hard Work Alone Won’t Grow Your Career (and What Actually Does).Send a textOr "Why Hard Work Alone Doesn’t Get You Noticed at Work"You’ve been told to keep your head down, work hard, and wait your turn. Sound familiar? This episode reveals why that career advice is holding you back and what to do instead. From laugh-out-loud real talk to smart shifts that boost your visibility, I’ll show you why capability means nothing without clarity and how to start showing up like you mean it so you get noticed in the right way.Quickfire career moves included. Slightl...
2025-06-1021 min
Little Moves, Big Careers: Smart Career Growth Strategies for Ambitious Professionals.Little Moves Big CareersSend a textLittle Moves, Big Careers is the podcast for people who want to build high-performing careers in a messy, fast-moving world.Hosted by Caroline Esterson, career strategist and co-founder of Inspire Your Genius, this show lifts the lid on the unspoken rules of modern work and gives you the small, smart moves that make a big difference.From visibility and confidence to self-leadership and influence, every episode mixes bold insights, cheeky truths, and practical takeaways that actually work inside real organisations.No corporate waffle, just...
2025-06-0500 min
Leadership at the edgeBeing Perfectly Imperfect with Caroline Esterson.On the new episode of Leadership at the edge, the Institute of Leadership & Management’s CEO, John Mark Williams, joined by Director and Chief Creative Officer of Genius Learning Ltd, Caroline Esterson, explore trust and empowerment of teams; being a perfectly imperfect leader, and making the workplace more ‘human’.
2022-05-2524 min