The Career Equation

From Wake Up Calls to Wise Choices (Jonathan Black, Part 1)

In this first part of a fascinating two-part conversation, Erica sits down with Jonathan Black, Head of Oxford University’s Careers Service, to explore how career journeys really unfold — and why sometimes a wake-up call in a French farmhouse or a cheap motel can lead to some of the most pivotal, empowering choices.
 
With a career that spans engineering, publishing, consulting and entrepreneurship, Jonathan reflects candidly on the pivots, missteps, and moments of clarity that shaped his path — and the patterns he sees in the students and professionals he’s advised over the years.
 
They discuss the power of conscious career decisions, how to untangle parental and peer pressures, why staying too long in the wrong role is more common than we admit — and how being true to your values and environment is a key part of the Career Equation.
 
 
✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why choice and control matter more than titles and salaries
The moment Jonathan knew he needed to walk away from consulting
What redundancy can teach us (once the dust settles)
How to spot a role that fits not just your skills, but your lifestyle
Honest reflections on challenges and what they can teach us
Insights into the world of Oxford careers advising — and what students really worry about
 
🎧 Whether you’re mid-career and wondering what’s next, or just starting out and figuring out what matters most, this episode offers thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and plenty of food for thought.
 
 
🔗 Links & Resources:
 
Connect with Jonathan Black on LinkedIn
Connect with Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
Explore Oxford University Careers Service
 
 
#TheCareerEquation #CareerDevelopment #CareerClarity #WorkAndThrive #ProfessionalGrowth #OxfordCareers

Making Sense of Your Career Story With Erica Sosna & Zoe Schofield

It’s easy to focus on the future when thinking about your career — the next role, the next promotion, the next leap. But what if some of your most useful career clues are hiding in the past?
In this episode, Erica and Zoë dig into the power of reflection. They explore how looking back at your career journey so far — the highs, the lows, and everything in between — can help you make smarter, more intentional decisions about what comes next. You’ll hear why your past experiences matter, how to spot the patterns that reveal what really makes you tick, and how the Career Timeline exercise can give you fresh clarity on where you’re heading.
They also unpack the Career Equation — their simple but powerful framework for designing a fulfilling working life — and show how it connects directly to your own personal story.
Whether you’re planning a big move, feeling stuck, or just want to understand yourself better at work, this episode is full of practical tips, warm encouragement, and real-life insight.
⸻
✨ In this episode, you’ll find:
•A simple but powerful way to reflect on your career journey
•How to identify what energises you — and what drains you
•Tips to map your highs and lows (and why both matter)
•Why sharing your story can build trust and confidence at work
•A fresh look at how to apply the Career Equation to your next step
•Ideas for using this tool as a manager, coach or mentor
🎧 Listen in and give yourself the space to reflect — your next chapter might just start here.
⸻
🔗 Links & Resources:
•How to build your own Career Timeline  - link ?
•Info on our ICF-accredited coaching programme – starts May 2025 - link?
•Connect with Erica and Zoë on LinkedIn
 
#TheCareerEquation #CareerDevelopment #CareerReflection #CareerClarity #WorkAndThrive #ProfessionalGrowth

Breaking Free: Turning a Passion for Health into a Purpose-Driven New Career ft. Charlotte Pascoe

Join Zoë Schofield on this inspiring episode of The Career Equation Podcast as she welcomes Charlotte Pascoe, founder of Signature Fitness and an advocate for holistic health and wellness. Charlotte shares her incredible career transformation—from a demanding corporate role in local government to a thriving career in personal training and sports therapy. By combining her leadership skills, passion for health, and a deep connection with her clients, Charlotte demonstrates that it’s never too late to chase a fulfilling, purpose-driven career.
Through the lens of the Career Equation framework, Charlotte and Zoë unpack the personal and professional moments that define what it truly means to thrive in work and life. Perfect for anyone considering a career pivot or searching for insights on the balance between health, passion, and impact, this episode is filled with actionable advice and inspiration.
 
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
From Local Government to Holistic Wellness: Take a behind-the-scenes look at Charlotte’s brave leap from a corporate career to launching her own health and fitness business. She shares the catalyst for her dramatic career shift and how overcoming personal challenges, including breast cancer, led her to reevaluate what truly mattered.
The Power of Passion in Business: Discover how Charlotte turned a personal love of fitness into a professional venture that empowers others. From helping clients build physical confidence to supporting mental wellbeing, Charlotte explains why a holistic approach underpins the success of Signature Fitness.
Navigating the Unknown of Career Pivots: Charlotte opens up about the challenges of finding her niche in a competitive industry. Hear her candid reflections on stepping out of her comfort zone and trialling new approaches to connect with her ideal audience.
Career Lessons from the Public Sector: Before founding Signature Fitness, Charlotte managed large-scale health and social care services. Learn how her ability to build trust, lead multidisciplinary teams, and implement lasting change prepared her for running her own business.
Using the Career Equation to Redesign Work: Guided by Zoë’s expertise, Charlotte dives into the four components of the Career Equation—skills, passion, impact, and environment. She describes how recognising these elements helped her create a fulfilling, client-focused career where she genuinely loves showing up every day.
Creating the Right Environment for Wellness: Charlotte explores the importance of working in an environment that energises and supports you. From flexible working hours to building face-to-face connections with her clients, Charlotte shares how she crafts her thriving zone to be happy and productive.
Health Goals Beyond the Gym: One of Charlotte’s key messages is that health and fitness aren’t quick fixes—they’re sustainable lifestyle changes. Hear how she adapts her training and conversations to address the unique drivers of her clients, whether it’s building strength to keep up with grandchildren or entering a first-ever race.
🚀 Why Listen?
This episode is packed with insights for anyone wondering whether it’s time to pivot careers and follow their passion. Whether you’re struggling with burnout in your corporate job, dreaming of starting your own business, or trying to create meaningful change in your current role, Charlotte’s story offers practical takeaways and hope.
 
🎧 Hit play now to discover how your skills, passions, and ideal environment can help you design not just a career you love, but a life that thrives.
 
💡 Actionable Takeaways:
Reflect on your own Career Equation to identify what’s missing in your current work setup.
Take steps to align your passions with your professional path, even if it means starting small.
Explore how health—both physical and mental—can support your success in all aspects of life.
Connect with Charlotte and Explore Signature Fitness:
Visit Charlotte’s website at signature-fitness.co.uk
Follow Signature Fitness on Instagram and Facebook for insights, tips, and updates.
Find Charlotte at Cheltenham Health and Fitness Club, where she offers personal training and sports massage services tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t Forget to subscribe to The Career Equation Podcast for more transformational career stories and guidance from host Zoë Schofield!
 
#CareerChange #HealthAndFitness #HolisticWellness #ThrivingCareers #PersonalTraining #CareerTransformation

Career at a Crossroads: From Side Hustles to Success ft. Anna Harper

How do you design a career that aligns with your values, leverages your strengths, and drives meaningful impact? Erica Sosna sits down with property investment powerhouse Anna Harper to unravel the balancing act between ambition and focus. With a career spanning over a decade in property and investment, Anna has navigated every twist and turn—whether building trust with individual investors, managing complex deals, or driving change at scale.
 
But, like many high-achievers, Anna has faced the daunting challenge of pursuing parallel paths that both demand her energy. Join Erica and Anna as they use The Career Equation, Erica's empowering framework for aligning talents, passions, values, and work environments, to solve Anna’s career conundrum and uncover powerful lessons you can apply to your own professional challenges.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:This episode isn’t just an inspiring deep-dive into Anna’s career—it’s a roadmap for anyone feeling torn between multiple opportunities, ambitions, or markets. Together, Erica and Anna explore actionable strategies for finding clarity, making purpose-driven decisions, and reframing uncertainty as growth.
How Anna discovered what truly drives her career fulfilment.
The value of aligning your goals with your impact—professionally and personally.
How slowing down and saying “no” can actually accelerate your career trajectory.
Practical ways to build a work rhythm that supports energy, creativity, and productivity.
Through honesty, humour, and clear insights, this conversation is packed full of value—whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate employee, or a creative professional navigating complex career challenges.
Key Themes and Episode Breakdown:
1. Anna’s Professional Journey:
From strategy consultant at Deloitte to property expert, Anna’s career path has been anything but linear. She explains how her early experience in real estate strategy eventually led to her co-founding GreenResi, a platform helping investors make informed decisions about energy-efficient homes.
With over 300 property transactions under her belt and three books published, Anna shares how her love for problem-solving and writing became instrumental in her success.
2. The Career Conundrum:
Currently balancing two distinct markets—consumer property investors and large institutional clients—Anna reveals the growing tension in her professional life.
Erica helps Anna unpack her core challenge of needing to focus her energy on one market without feeling like she’s abandoning opportunities elsewhere.
3. Applying The Career Equation Framework:
Erica takes Anna through her four-part framework, tackling clarity from every angle and landing key insights along the way.
Skills: Anna identifies grit, effective communication, and analysis as her standout traits.
Passion: Writing, simplifying complex ideas, and helping others make informed decisions are where she thrives.
Impact: Developing energy-efficient homes and creating real-world solutions for housing shortages give Anna’s career purpose and meaning.
Environment: An ideal work setting for Anna includes collaboration with inspiring people, daily accountability systems, and room to learn and experiment without fear of failure.
4. The Power of Saying No:
Erica and Anna take a close look at why saying “yes” to everything can dilute your energy and impact. Anna reflects on her fear of making the wrong career choice and Erica reframes it as an opportunity for strengthening focus and amplifying results.
They also discuss how to maintain balance, allowing external opportunities to evolve naturally without letting them overtake your primary goals.
5. Lessons on Burnout and Building Resilience:
Anna opens up about past experiences with burnout and shares her strategies for creating boundaries, avoiding presenteeism, and maximising her productivity in shorter, focused sprints.
The episode highlights the importance of self-awareness and designing your workflow to meet your specific needs.
6. Impact-Driven Career Goals:
Anna’s ambitious vision of delivering 1,000 sustainable homes by 2028 reflects her commitment to leaving a legacy in property investment.
She shares how finding purpose in her work has kept her focused and energised, even in the face of challenges.
7. Anna's Takeaways:
“You can do anything, but not everything.” This poignant truth inspires Anna’s move towards streamlining her efforts and doubling down on one clear path.
Clarity comes with practice, and making decisions that align with your authentic self beats chasing fleeting opportunities.
Key Insights and Actionable Steps for Listeners:
Why Focus Matters: Learn to identify and refine your top priorities—whether they reflect skills, passions, or impact—and dedicate your best energy to them.
Celebrate Learning (and Failing): Approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear—setbacks are opportunities in disguise.
Don’t Overcomplicate Success: Sometimes, success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing fewer things better and purposefully.
How to Build Accountability into Your Day: Daily or weekly check-ins, even with one trusted partner, can dramatically improve progress and focus.
Burnout Prevention: Listen to your work rhythms and create a sustainable pace that supports long-term productivity and wellness.
 
About Anna Harper:Anna Harper is a property investment expert, writer, podcaster, and founder of GreenResi, where she helps investors make informed decisions about sustainable housing developments. With a degree in Land Economy from Cambridge, a successful career in strategy consulting at Deloitte, and a passion for addressing the UK housing crisis, Anna’s mission is to deliver solutions that balance profit with purpose.
Through her work, Anna aims to connect investors with the tools and insights they need to create meaningful impact—one home at a time.
Links and Resources:
Connect with Anna Harper on LinkedIn for her latest content and updates.
Discover GreenResi: Learn more about their innovative approach to residential investment.
Read Anna’s books for accessible, actionable tips on property investment.
Follow Erica Sosna on LinkedIn for career coaching insights and updates on The Career Equation Podcast.
🎧 Tune in to hear how Erica helped Anna unlock clarity in this thought-provoking, value-packed episode. This conversation is guaranteed to leave you inspired to take bold yet intentional steps toward your personal and professional goals.

I Turn Conflict into Connection And Save Families ft. Marcie Shaoul

Join host Zoë Schofield as she dives into an inspiring conversation with Marcie Shaoul, founder of Rolling Stone Coaching and the award-winning The Co-Parent Way, on this powerful episode of The Career Equation Podcast. Through her unique career story, Marcie reveals how personal experience, passion, and purpose drove her to make a lasting impact on families, businesses, and individuals. Together with Zoë, they explore Marcie’s career using the Career Equation framework, offering deep insights into why skills, passion, impact, and environment are crucial for your own thriving career.
 
✨ Key Takeaways:
From Setback to Solution: Discover how Marcie’s own experiences with divorce and co-parenting inspired her to build The Co-Parent Way, a methodology that helps parents minimise conflict and prioritise their children. Marcie shares how this idea grew from a “sapling” into an innovative business that’s transforming lives and winning awards.
The Art of Listening to Lead: Conflict resolution is at the heart of Marcie’s work—whether she’s facilitating meaningful dialogue between co-parents or coaching executives and teams to communicate better. Learn why impeccable listening and using the right language are often the keys to breaking down barriers.
Pivoting with Purpose: Hear Marcie’s candid stories of career pivots. From leaving a career in music journalism to retraining as a coach and growing her businesses, Marcie’s path is a masterclass in backing yourself, trusting your instincts, and staying true to what you believe in.
Behind the Scenes of Scaling a Business: Marcie opens up about her steep learning curve as she embraces Instagram to expand The Co-Parent Way. Find out how she’s balancing her private nature with the public demands of social media to reach her ambitious goal of helping thousands of families worldwide.
Lessons in Environment and Wellbeing: Drawing on her own experiences, Marcie reflects on the power of environment—how it impacts your confidence and determines how you thrive. She shares practical tips for creating nourishing surroundings at work and ensuring you never lose sight of what’s most important.
Zoë’s Expert Guidance: With warmth and insight, host Zoë Schofield masterfully guides the conversation, using the Career Equation framework to highlight moments that defined Marcie’s career. Zoë unpacks the four career pillars—skills, passion, impact, and environment—and offers actionable takeaways for listeners navigating their own career journeys.
🚀 Whether you’re juggling competing roles, dreaming of building something new, or wrestling with internal or external conflict, this episode will fuel your ambition and provide practical inspiration to drive positive change in your career and personal life.
🎧 Tune in now for insights, stories, and advice that could reshape the way you approach work, relationships, and success.
 
Connect with Marcie and The Co-Parent Way:
Follow her conflict-reducing approach on Instagram at @TheCoParentWay
Explore executive and leadership coaching at rollingstonecoaching.com
Pre-order her much-anticipated book, The Co-Parenting Method, out this March
Don’t Miss Out on more episodes of The Career Equation Podcast! Follow Zoë Schofield as she brings career-changing conversations to your earbuds, helping you solve your own career equation every step of the way.
 
#CareersWithImpact #ConflictResolution #CoParentingSuccess #CareerClarity #TheCareerEquation #WorkAndThrive

Special Episode: How to Visualise Your Career Success - with Erica Sosna

Episode Overview:Do you feel like you’re chasing someone else’s version of success? It’s time to hit pause and ask the question that matters most—what does success mean to YOU?
In this compelling episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna dives deep into the truth about career success. She unpacks how societal pressures, family expectations, and workplace norms influence our goals, often without us realising it. With 21 years of experience as a career coach, Erica shares practical tools and thought-provoking insights to help you redefine success on your own terms.
 
✨ Here’s what you’ll gain:
Break Free from the Noise: Erica helps you identify where your career goals may have been shaped by external influences—from social media spotlight reels to family opinions—and how to take back control of your narrative.
The 4 Pillars of Career Success: Discover Erica’s proven framework for building a thriving career. Get clear on the skills you want to grow, the passions you want to pursue, the impact you want to make, and the environment where you’ll thrive.
The Power of Experiences: Rethink career metrics—why aiming for growth, joy, and meaningful experiences is far more fulfilling than chasing pay raises and job titles.
Guided Career Visualisation Exercise: Erica takes you through a calming and insightful visualisation exercise to imagine your ideal career, meet your “career guide,” and uncover the next steps you need to take to align your work with your values.
Think Beyond Status: Learn how to make decisions that truly reflect who you are, what energises you, and where you want to leave your mark.
 
🎧 Whether you're feeling stuck, tired of the traditional career grind, or just craving inspiration to move forward, this episode is for you. Erica’s mix of practical advice, heartfelt stories, and reflective tools will empower you to create a career you love—no cookie-cutter paths required.
 
Why listen now?Because your career isn't about fitting into someone else's mold—it's about creating a life that feels deeply satisfying and meaningful. You spend 80,000 hours at work; it’s worth investing time into making sure those hours align with the real YOU. Imagine waking up every day feeling energized, knowing your work reflects your values and aspirations. That’s the kind of success that’s waiting for you.
 
#TakeChargeOfYourCareer #DefineSuccessYourWay #CareerClarity #CareerGrowth #WorkYourWay #TheCareerEquation

Special Needs Teacher to Quirky Victorian Rapper ft. Paul Alborough

Get ready to be whisked away on an unforgettable career adventure! On this episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna sits down with the one and only Paul Alborough—better known to his devoted fans as Professor Elemental. From navigating the world of special needs education to donning a pith helmet and rapping about tea, Paul’s career is anything but ordinary.
What’s Inside This Episode
From Teacher to Creator: Discover how Paul transitioned from teaching teenagers with special needs to carving out a niche as a steampunk-inspired chap-hop artist.
Viral Success & Creativity: Paul shares the backstory of his viral hit "Cup of Brown Joy," his take on the DNA of creativity, and what it’s like to create in a genre that thrives on imagination and humor.
The Joy of Community: With a commitment to inclusivity, Paul speaks about building a vibrant, quirky fanbase and making music that resonates deeply with nerdy, creative, and marginalized communities.
Educational Roots: Hear how his background in education influences his performance workshops, where audiences young and old are invited to write and perform their own quirky rap lyrics.
Resilience Through Reinvention: Paul reflects on overcoming setbacks, cultivating community, and staying nimble in the face of change to keep his creative career thriving over the years.
True Takeaways
The Blending of Roles: Paul juggles educator, entertainer, and innovator seamlessly—proving that even the quirkiest career paths can transform into lifelong pursuits.
The Power of Humor & Authenticity: Through his entertaining alter-ego, Paul brings lightness, joy, and authentic connection to everyone he meets—whether on stage or off.
Building Creative Confidence: Paul shares how to thrive (even if you stumble along the way) by failing fast and leaning into creative collaboration.
A Bit About Paul
Paul Alborough, aka Professor Elemental, is a unique performer who combines imaginative steampunk storytelling with rap and comedy. Hailing from Brighton, Paul is not only known for his absurdly clever rhymes and theatrical stage presence but also for his dedication to fostering inclusivity and youth development through hip-hop workshops. A self-proclaimed "village idiot," he’s brought laughter, life lessons, and sheer eccentricity to countless audiences worldwide.
Don’t Miss This!
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to leave a traditional career path behind for a life filled with creativity and connection, this episode is for you. Tune in for a delightful concoction of humor, wisdom, and stories you truly don’t want to miss.
 
➡️ Listen now and join the whimsical world of Professor Elemental!

Through Fashion to Fulfilment: Exploring Enoughness ft. Melanie Rickey

On this episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna sits down with Melanie Rickey, Style Director at Good Housekeeping, and founder of the Enoughness Movement and podcast. Melanie shares her remarkable career story, from breaking barriers in the fashion industry to creating a movement centred on living with "enoughness." She offers a fresh perspective on redefining success, finding balance, and reclaiming agency in a world driven by excess.
 
Melanie reflects on her career highs, including mentoring emerging fashion talent and shaping influential stories in prominent publications like The Sunday Times Style. She also opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including navigating addiction recovery and her ADHD diagnosis, and outlines her mission to embed "enoughness" into cultural discourse. This candid and thought-provoking conversation provides valuable insights for anyone looking to step back, reflect, and shift their priorities towards meaningful work and life.
Key Topics Explored
The Concept of EnoughnessMelanie introduces the philosophy behind the Enoughness Movement, explaining why knowing what is "just enough" can lead to greater happiness, less consumption, and a more balanced life. She contrasts cultural attitudes in the UK with those in countries like Sweden and Bhutan, where the idea of “enough” is deeply ingrained in society.
Overcoming Personal Challenges to Find FulfilmentMelanie discusses her battle with addiction, her ADHD diagnosis, and how these experiences deepened her understanding of what truly mattered. She shares how these moments of struggle led to the founding of the Enoughness Movement as a way to inspire others to step away from the constant chase for "more” and live life intentionally.
The Fashion Industry’s Changing LandscapeDrawing on her extensive experience as a fashion director, Melanie analyses the evolution of the industry—from exclusive runways to fashion’s expansion as entertainment. She also highlights her efforts mentoring emerging talents through initiatives like British Fashion Council’s "New Gen" and her own project, "Future British."
Redefining Career SuccessUsing the Career Equation framework, Erica and Melanie explore how Melanie’s career is evolving. They discuss the importance of combining passion with strategy, understanding personal strengths, and creating environments that suit her unique skills and vision. Melanie reflects on the transition from initiating projects to sustaining them, a challenge she’s tackling with renewed focus on team-building and structured planning.
Impact and Cultural ShiftsMelanie offers a hopeful vision for how the Enoughness concept can influence culture, teaching people to consume mindfully, improve self-worth, and create a virtuous cycle of conscious living. Her ultimate aim? To make "enoughness" a celebrated and aspirational concept woven into the fabric of daily life.
Memorable Quotes from Melanie Rickey
“When you know what is enough, you stop chasing things that don’t add value—and that’s where freedom lies.”
“I’ve always been at the start of people’s journeys, helping them find their footing in tough industries like fashion—that’s where I know I can make the most impact.”
“Enoughness isn’t about giving up; it’s about recognising what truly nourishes your life and letting go of the things that don’t.”
Takeaways for Listeners
Chasing ‘More’ Doesn’t Equal Happiness – Melanie challenges the idea that success is defined by constant achievement and offers a new paradigm for fulfilment.
Personal Growth Fuels Professional Reinvention – Facing challenges head-on can inspire not only new directions in your career but also a movement others can rally around.
Stepping Into Sustainability – Learn how the Enoughness Movement advocates for balance, intentionality, and mindful consumption, benefiting both individuals and the planet.
How to Connect with Melanie Rickey
Discover more about the Enoughness Movement on The Enoughness Podcast and follow Melanie on LinkedIn. For updates on her speaking engagements and insights, stay tuned on her social media and podcast platforms.
Join the Conversation!
Subscribe to The Career Equation Podcast for more inspiring guests and actionable insights to help you design a thriving career. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends, rate the show, and leave feedback—it shapes how we bring you the best content!

Resilience, Inclusion, and Reinventing Careers ft. Ollie Thorn

This week on The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna welcomes Ollie Thorn, an accomplished speaker, advisor, and consultant specialising in resilience, culture, and diversity. Ollie’s inspiring career spans the military, professional sports, the charitable sector, and corporate leadership. From an unexpected spinal cord injury that drastically altered his life to becoming a father earlier this year, Ollie shares his incredible story of reinvention and growth.
 
The episode dives deep into Ollie's transition from feeling lost after his injury to becoming a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, leveraging storytelling to drive cultural change, and helping businesses create environments where everyone can thrive. Currently navigating his new chapter as an independent consultant, Ollie opens up about balancing his professional aspirations with fatherhood, building sustainable practices for his career, and championing inclusion for the 24% of the working-age population living with disabilities.
Key Topics Explored
The Power of Life Events in Career ChangesOllie discusses how becoming a father has reshaped his priorities and inspired him to create a work-life balance that allows him to fully be present at home while pursuing meaningful work.
Resilience and Reinvention After TraumaOllie shares his experience navigating life with a spinal cord injury, from training as a military officer to adjusting to life in a wheelchair. His reflection on overcoming society's negative perceptions of disability is both moving and empowering.
Creating Inclusive WorkplacesWith 24% of the working-age population living with disabilities, Ollie highlights the importance of building inclusive workplaces where employees feel safe sharing their needs. He discusses how storytelling can humanise disability and help shift corporate cultures towards belonging.
The Career Equation FrameworkErica guides Ollie through the Career Equation framework, identifying his core strengths, passions, and drivers. Together, they map out Ollie’s formula for success, including his skills in forging impactful relationships, passion for storytelling, and mission to drive sustainable cultural change.
Insights for Leaders and ManagersOllie emphasises the need for career conversations, especially after significant life changes. Managers play a critical role in fostering open dialogue and understanding how an employee’s priorities might shift. Practical tips on maintaining empathy and nurturing high-performing teams are shared.
Advice for FreelancersReflecting on his new venture into freelance work, Ollie shares tips on staying focused, the importance of networking, and finding a rhythm when balancing family and professional goals. His candid look at the challenges and rewards of self-employment offers actionable inspiration for anyone considering a similar leap.
Memorable Quotes from Ollie Thorn
“Going through trauma gave me the ability to see the world from different perspectives and develop empathy. It’s why I focus on building relationships based on trust.”
“Disability isn’t a deficit; it’s a lens that allows innovation and creativity to thrive in the workplace.”
“Becoming a father made me reflect deeply on what truly matters in life—and how I can adapt my career to align with those priorities.”
Takeaways for Listeners
The Importance of Resilience – Challenges can pave the way for reinvention and growth, whether they arise from personal or professional life.
Storytelling as a Tool for Change – Personal stories can create a ripple effect in changing perceptions and driving inclusion in the workplace.
Balancing Parenthood and Passion – Ollie's perspective on time management and prioritising family offers valuable insights for any working parent.
How to Connect with Ollie Thorn
Discover more about Ollie’s work and impactful storytelling by connecting with him on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for the launch of his personal website, where he will share more about speaking engagements, consulting services, and his mission for creating inclusive spaces.
Join the Conversation!
Follow The Career Equation on socials and subscribe for more inspiring stories and strategies to ignite your career transformation. Don’t forget to rate and share this episode—your feedback shapes the future of our show.

How Career Coaching Changes Lives ft. Nina Bainbridge

Nina Bainbridge is an executive coach who designs leadership programmes and looks to empower people with the skills to transform their everyday conversations in order to solve problems and make lasting connections.
 
Having worked with young people in a prison and matrons in a teaching hospital, she wants to change the view that coaching is only available to a select few, and encourage a broader range of people to understand the positive impact that it can have on their lives.
 
Key topics discussed
 
The beginnings and essentials of coaching
Starting out by solving the problems of Barbie and Sindy dolls as a child
Learning the importance of being a good listener and not interrupting people while they are sharing
Bringing humanity to conversations to encourage people to share
Stepping away from the pressure to rescue your client as a coach
Reaching a broader audience  
Coaching in schools to create a coaching culture and reach a younger audience
How to package coaching into soundbites and onto platforms so that it is accessible and immediately impactful
Overcoming self-doubt
Putting your hand up for development opportunities even though on paper you may not feel qualified for them
Trusting that your skills and strengths can be adapted in different environments like prisons 
Seeing the 'ripple effect' of your work
Working with a teaching hospital with matrons who were under pressure, working somewhere where there is one answer in medical terms
Getting fulfilment from seeing the transformational journey of others, including impact beyond just their working lives
Forming a strong bond with an organisation and giving back to the NHS, having received great care
The Career Equation in Action
Skills: Enabling and framing coaching in a way that is meaningful
Passion: People learning to have coaching conversations
Impact: Having conversations that ignite people's thinking
Environment: Human, safe and meaningful
Inspiring takeaways
The importance of maintaining a human element in all interactions
Not putting yourself down for finding a difficult environment really challenging
If you frame your conversations correctly, there is nothing wrong with trying to appeal to a broad range of clients 
Actionable Insights
To learn new skills to broadcast and produce videos to achieve greater impact and online presence
To use self-belief in innate skills as a grounding for scaling up the business through new connections
Resources and links
Connect with Nina via LinkedIn or Everyday Coaching Skills
Discover the Career Equation framework at www.thecareerequation.com
Don’t miss this great episode with Nina Bainbridge on The Career Equation podcast. Hear fascinating insight from her broad range of experiences - from prisons to hospitals - as she shares her journey as a coach who has come to realise the importance of being a good listener and bringing an element of humanity to conversations.