The Career Equation®: The Formula for Career Clarity

Ep 1 – How to Stop Wasting Your Career (and Start Owning Your 80,000 Hours)

A wake-up call for your working life: understand your 80,000 hours and why career ownership starts now.
 
Welcome to the first episode of the Career Clarity mini-series.
 
Over the next six episodes, we’ll guide you through a practical framework to help you take ownership of your career, define success on your own terms, and build work that fits you — not the other way around.
 
In this first episode, we’re talking about time.
You’ll spend roughly 80,000 hours at work across your life — more than with your family, more than sleeping. So how do you make those hours count?
 
We explore:
Why most people fall into their careers, and how to start choosing differently
The idea of “career drift” vs. career design
How to uncover the success scripts you’ve internalised — and whether they’re really yours
A reflection exercise to help define what success looks and feels like to you, now
 
We also touch on why it’s never too late to shift gears — even if you’re 20 years in.
 
You can pause the episode as you go to reflect, or just listen through and come back later. If you’d like extra support, there’s a companion workbook available to buy via the link in the show notes.
 
This is the start of a short, practical journey to help you get clear on what matters — and to use that clarity to shape a more fulfilling working life.
 
To access the workbook or book a 121 visit www.thecareerequation.com/clarity
 
Find out more:
 
• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
 
• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn
 

Lost, Stuck, or Overwhelmed Or Just In Need of a Rethink? This FREE Career Clarity Summer School Can Help

Career Clarity Summer School: Free Podcast Course for Career Change and Professional Development
This summer, we're launching The Career Clarity Summer School – a completely free, interactive podcast course designed to help you figure out what's next in your career journey.
Free Career Guidance Course Starting August 2025
Over six short and powerful episodes, Zoë and Erica will walk you through The Career Equation® – the same career development method trusted by Amazon, Rolls Royce SMR, Thales, and BACB to help professionals like you find fulfilling, energising work that actually fits.
Perfect for Career Pivots, Burnout Recovery, and Finding Career Direction
Whether you're navigating career burnout, planning a career change, or just want more professional direction, this career clarity course will help you define your sweet spot – where your strengths, interests, impact and needs align. We'll show you how your unique career story and professional biography can generate profound insights about your career design. And we promise to get you bright-eyed, clear and ready to take action to realise your career dreams and goals, just in time for the Autumn term!
Starts 4th August 2025 – subscribe to The Career Equation podcast now so you're ready when it goes live.

Worried About AI Taking Your Job? Here’s What It Really Means for Your Career

AI has gone from something that felt like science fiction to being in your inbox, your workflow, and probably on your team. And if you're a mid-level professional feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, you're definitely not alone.
 
AI Career Advice for Today's Professionals
Erica and Zoë dive into how artificial intelligence is actually changing work across industries—and spoiler alert, it's not about robots stealing your job. It's about law firms using AI tools like Harvey to speed up contract drafting, marketers getting ChatGPT to help with brainstorming, and teachers using AI tutors for personalised learning. But more than that, it's about how we're all feeling about this massive shift in the job market.
 
Latest AI Job Market Trends and Data
They've dug into the latest research from McKinsey, Harvard Business Review, Pew, and PWC, and the numbers are pretty staggering. 72% of companies are now using AI in their workflows, 30% of current tasks could be automated by 2030, and over half of workers are genuinely worried about artificial intelligence career impact. The future of work is shifting fast, and mid-career professionals are feeling the squeeze most.
 
Practical AI Upskilling Strategies
But here's the thing, this isn't about mastering everything overnight. It's about getting curious, having a go with some AI productivity tools, and remembering that your uniquely human skills aren't going anywhere. Your empathy, judgement, creativity, and ability to lead people through change? AI can't touch that. This episode gives you practical AI career development strategies that actually work.
 
In this conversation:
• AI adoption statistics and why the pace of change feels so intense
• Why 52% of workers are anxious about AI automation career effects
• Real-world AI tools in action across tech, finance, law, marketing, media, and education sectors
• Career risks of ignoring AI versus opportunities for professional AI skills development
• Best AI courses for professionals who aren't tech experts
• Hands-on ChatGPT for work productivity and other AI tool experiments
• Online communities for AI learning and professional development
• Personal AI tool experiences—the productivity wins and epic fails
• Why human skills remain your competitive advantage in an AI world
• How to collaborate with AI rather than compete against artificial intelligence
• Setting up regular "AI curiosity blocks" for skill building
• Maintaining your authentic professional voice when using AI writing tools
Essential AI Tools Every Professional Should Know:
• ChatGPT for work tasks and productivity
• GitHub Copilot for coding and development
• Grammarly for AI-powered writing assistance
• Jasper for content creation and marketing
• Adobe Firefly for design and creative work
• Harvey for legal professionals
AI Training Resources for Career Development:
• Coursera's "AI for Everyone" course for non-technical professionals
• Elements of AI from University of Helsinki (free AI education)
• LinkedIn Learning's industry-specific AI courses
• Reddit communities for AI career advice and tool sharing
• Ben's Bites and Rundown AI newsletters for staying current
Find out more:
• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn
• More at thecareerequation.com
 
Whether you're excited, sceptical, or feeling completely overwhelmed by artificial intelligence in the workplace, this episode will give you practical AI career advice and encouragement to help you lead—not lag—through this AI revolution. The key to future-proofing your career? Start experimenting with AI tools, stay curious about artificial intelligence trends, and remember: AI won't replace you, but a professional using AI might.

Pitching Yourself And Your Ideas With Confidence: Lessons from Sales Leader and Author Danny Fontaine

What happens when a creative soul gets thrown into the world of corporate sales? Today, Zoë welcomes Danny Fontaine, who transformed from a struggling salesperson into IBM's experiential sales leader and bestselling author of "Pitch: How to Captivate and Convince Any Audience on the Planet."
Danny's story isn't just about mastering the art of pitching; it's about discovering that the very traits he tried to hide were actually his greatest strengths. From recreating cocktail bars in office spaces to orchestrating Hollywood-style presentations, Danny reveals how bringing genuine emotion and immersive experiences to business can create unforgettable moments that audiences go home and tell their families about.
This episode explores the delicate balance between ambition and burnout, the power of showing up as your authentic self, and how creative rebellion can become your competitive advantage in corporate environments. It's a masterclass in turning perceived weaknesses into career-defining strengths.
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In this conversation:
How reading body language became Danny's secret weapon in sales
The transformative power of creating immersive, emotional experiences in pitches
Why trying to fit in nearly ended his IBM career before it began
The breakthrough moment when authenticity became his superpower
Practical strategies for mentoring and delegating without losing quality
How to find mentors both inside and outside your organisation
The art of saying no: prioritising through the lens of passion and impact
Why shared emotional experiences create lasting business relationships
How to bring Hollywood production values to corporate presentations
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Find out more:
Find Danny on Linkedin
Connect with Zoë on Linkedin
Danny Fontaine's book "Pitch" - available on Amazon and major bookshops
Website: pitchguy.co.uk
Follow Danny on social media: search "Danny Fontaine" or "Pitch Guy"
More at thecareerequation.com

Avoid the Rookie Mistakes: 10 Things We Wish We Had Known That We Want To Share With You Before Starting Your Podcast with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

So… you’re thinking of starting a podcast?
 
This episode is a behind-the-scenes guide to launching one, full of practical tips, and a few cautionary tales from Erica and Zoë’s own journey so far. From mics and editing to why clarity matters more than kit, this is the episode they wish they’d had before they started.
 
They unpack the deeper ‘why’ behind podcasting — not just for the sake of it, but as a way to show what you do, connect with the right audience, and build momentum in a noisy world.
Podcasting is rewarding, but it’s also work. It takes consistency, planning, and a willingness to just get started even if everything isn't perfect.
 
Whether you’re a coach thinking of going live, a founder building your brand, or someone with something to say and no idea where to start, this is the episode for you!
 
In this episode:
 
• Why podcasting has to be driven by purpose, not ego or trends
• The reality of showing up week after week (even when no one’s clapping)
• Tips on planning, kit, guests, and structure, without overcomplicating it
• What they got right — and what they’d do differently now
• The power of starting before you feel ready
 
Connect with Erica on Linkedin
Connect with Zoë on Linkedin
Find out more at thecareerequation.com

Can You Lead a Global Business in Your Second Language? Sarah Jane Seatherton on Power and Presence

Language is more than words; it’s power, identity, and sometimes a barrier.  Today, Erica welcomes Sarah Jane Seatherton, a trailblazer in empowering women who speak English as a second language.  Sarah Jane’s work isn’t just about language; it’s about liberating voices from the constraints of societal expectations and internalised self-doubt.
Sarah Jane shares her journey from an executive English teacher to a power practitioner, revealing how she helps women access their innate leadership potential.  Her programmes are about more than just fluency; they’re about breaking through the subconscious limitations that hold women back.
This episode dives into the complexities of communication in leadership roles, especially for women navigating international environments.  It’s a fascinating look at how altering your focus and fostering self-acceptance can transform your leadership presence, regardless of the language you speak.
 
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In this conversation:
 
The link between language and personal power
How perfectionism and self-doubt hinder communication
Practical techniques to shift your focus and harness your voice
The significance of creating supportive environments for women leaders
Stories of transformation and empowerment from Sarah Janes’s clients
How to cultivate your own ‘entelechy’ — living to your fullest potential
The ripple effects of empowered communication on organisational culture
 
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Find out more:
Sarah Jane Seatherton on LinkedIn
Visit Sarah Jane’s website: sarahjane.life
Read Erica’s Book - Your Life Plan
Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
More at thecareerequation.com

Retirement Isn’t the End: How Jed Novick Found Purpose in a New Chapter and a new way to share his skills

We’ve all had those moments — wondering if we’re just drifting through our careers without a map.
In this episode, Erica speaks with Jed Novick, a journalist turned lecturer, now at a turning point as he approaches retirement. Jed’s journey — from writing spoof TV listings to mentoring students — is a reminder that a meaningful career can emerge from the most unexpected turns.
Before becoming an academic, Jed worked at the BBC, The Independent, and other major outlets. Now, he shares what he’s learned about storytelling, legacy, and staying curious.
This isn’t just a story about career change. It’s about stepping back, asking what really matters, and creating a new chapter with intention.
In this episode:
• Embracing career serendipity
• Balancing structure with spontaneity
• Finding fulfilment beyond job titles
• Why journalism still matters
• Mentoring the next generation
• Leaving a “job for life”
• What purpose looks like after retirement
 
Find out more:
• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
• Jed Novick on LinkedIn
• More at thecareerequation.com

Why Your Work Environment Can Make or Break Your Career with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

How much does your work environment really matter? More than you might think.
Erica and Zoë take a deep dive into the role environment plays in career satisfaction and success. It's not just about the job title or company name—it's about where you feel alive and can truly thrive. This episode gets into how the right setting fuels your growth and performance, and how the wrong one can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Join the conversation as they unpack the nuances of environment, offering insights into how to identify what you need to flourish at work. From the physical space to the cultural vibe, every element has the potential to support or stifle your professional journey.
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In this conversation:
• The underestimated power of environmental fit
• Recognising the signs of a misaligned work setting
• Tools to audit your past environments for clues
• How to design your ideal work environment
• Real stories of transformation through environmental shifts
• The impact of pace and space on your energy and creativity
• Why environment is crucial to your personal career equation
• Practical steps to align your work setting with your needs
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Previous Episodes Mentioned
 
Jonathan Black
https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/60baa5346f49abdebcbd3129a1b4237b
 
Susan Emmett
https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/9a7e4b6603b6c3fdd702366e256c4c28
 
Melanie Rickey
https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/5b4d0bba23a66bcf20ebea16dc50297a
 
Lucy Cappon
https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/41916adb39e60dafca99b3ed33d60762
 
 
Find out more:
• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn
• More at thecareerequation.com
 
Take a moment to reflect on your own work environment—what energises you, and what holds you back? Share your experiences and join the discussion on social media. Let's explore how the right fit can transform your career experience.

TV Careers in Tough Times: Backing Yourself When the Odds Feel Against You And It All Feels Messy with Jayne Brierley

What happens when the industry you’ve given decades to starts crumbling — and what comes next?
 
In this episode, Zoë talks to Jayne Brierley — a seasoned TV producer turned consultant, who’s helping production companies shape stories, win commissions, and keep British storytelling alive. From stepping back during burnout to jumping into consultancy with clarity, Jayne shares what she’s learned from both the highs and lows of a creative career.
 
It’s a masterclass in adaptation — and a reminder that the magic happens when you stay true to your voice, even in uncertain times.
 
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In this conversation:
•Why “just enough” might be your sweet spot
•What it really takes to change industry — and why it’s harder than it looks
•The joy of making magic with like-minded creatives
•The four elements of a thriving career (and how to spot them in your story)
•Tips for leaders and hirers on spotting overlooked talent
•Why the best environment brings out your best work
•How Jayne uses the Career Equation to stay on track — and why she’s backing herself
 
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Find out more:
Jayne Brierley on LinkedIn
Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn
More at thecareerequation.com

Success Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All: How to Find What Matters Most in Your Career ( And Why This Matters To Managers) with Zoë Schofield and Erica Sosna

We all want to make an impact — but what does that actually mean?
In this episode, Erica and Zoë explore one of the most powerful (and personal) elements of the Career Equation. Impact is the difference you make — in your work, your world, and the lives of others. But it’s also where energy comes from. When you feel like your work matters, everything shifts.
This is a reflective, practical guide to working out what success means to you, and how to measure it on your own terms — not just titles, salary, or what’s trending on LinkedIn. Whether you’re figuring things out or leading a team, it’s packed with tools and questions to help you build a career that truly counts.
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In this conversation:• Why impact is personal — and always evolving• Getting clear on what success looks like for you• Why people stay (or leave) based on meaning, not money• How to ask the right questions — as a leader, coach or mentor• Ways to create more impact in your current role• How to spot your own sweet spots — and grow from there• Why measuring your impact boosts motivation• Real stories of people reshaping their careers after major change
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Find out more:• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn• More at thecareerequation.com