The Career Equation

Successful Tech Careers ft. Dan Wallman

What happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for social impact? Join Erica Sosna and guest Dan Wallman, social entrepreneur and founder of both DV8 and TechNative, as they tackle the critical technical skills gap in the workforce. On this episode of The Career Equation, Dan reflects on his two-decade legacy building creative and skills-focused education programs and his newest mission to deliver employer-ready talent through an innovative, industry-led bootcamp model.Through the lens of the Career Equation framework, Erica and Dan explore his strengths in vision and innovation, his passion for empowering others, and his goal to create impactful, sustainable businesses. Dan shares lessons from his entrepreneurial ventures, the value of disrupting the status quo, and what it means to “be more pirate” in today’s world.

Rediscovering Your Career Sweet Spot ft. Annabelle Thebaud

How do successful leaders transition into roles that truly align with their strengths and aspirations? Join Erica Sosna as she sits down with Annabelle Thebaud, a global HR and ESG expert, on this episode of The Career Equation. With over 20 years of corporate leadership experience spanning continents, Annabelle shares her inspiring career story, her passion for building human connections, and her ongoing quest to identify her zone of genius.
 
Through candid reflections, Annabelle explores her unique approach to connecting with diverse teams, navigating leadership transitions, and creating human-centered environments that foster success. Erica uses the Career Equation framework to help Annabelle reflect on her experiences and identify the ideal environment for her talents to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and advice on being in transition, knowing your value, and designing a career that aligns with who you truly are.

My Purpose is to Save Lives ft. Larry Pearlman

Balancing a purpose-driven career with personal fulfilment can feel like solving an equation with too many variables. Join Erica Sosna in this episode of The Career Equation as she sits down with Larry Pearlman, a seasoned safety consultant and founder of Safety and Consulting Associates. With over 30 years of experience, Larry is an expert in safety culture, change management, and building systems that protect lives.
Larry discusses his career evolution from HR to becoming an industry leader in safety, guided by pivotal moments and a passion for keeping people safe. Erica helps Larry unpack his conundrum of striking a balance between continuing impactful work and planning for a fulfilling semi-retirement. Using her Career Equation framework, they explore the key components of a meaningful career, finding purpose in work, and maintaining balance.
Through captivating stories of life-saving interventions and strategies for cultural transformation, Larry reflects on how small changes and strong relationships create immeasurable impact. From partnering with global organisations to teaching the next generation of safety professionals, Larry’s mission is to leave a lasting legacy. Listen in for expert insights, compelling reflections, and actionable advice on thriving in career and life.

Three Simple Questions for Career Success with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

Get ready to wrap up the year with a powerful conversation! Join hosts Erica Sosna and Zoë Schofield as they share their proven three-question framework to simplify career conversations and make them meaningful, whether you're an individual navigating your next steps or a manager empowering your team.
This festive episode explores how to reflect on past achievements, plan for future success, and prepare for 2025 with clarity and purpose. Erica and Zoë reveal why preparation is key, how curiosity can lead to breakthroughs, and what managers can do to create an open, supportive environment for growth.
🎯 What you'll learn:
How to own your career and take control of your professional growthWhy managers should prioritise structured, yet relaxed, career conversationsActionable tips for framing success, exploring experiences, and taking the next stepWith its practical insights and lighthearted holiday theme, this episode is your ultimate guide to meaningful career discussions. Tune in to discover how simple questions can create extraordinary opportunities for growth and connection. 🎧
🔗 Don't forget to check the shownotes for links to the Career Equation video and our ICF-accredited programme kicking off in January 2025!

Redefining Success on Your Terms ft. Lucy Capon

How do you redefine your career to prioritise both impact and balance? On this episode of The Career Equation, Zoë Schofield speaks with Lucy Capon, founder and marketing director of Wellhouse, a consultancy dedicated to helping purpose-driven businesses grow and thrive. After a decade as head of marketing in the finance sector, Lucy made a bold leap—leaving corporate life for a remote working adventure in Thailand while building her own consultancy from scratch.
Lucy reflects on her career transition, her passion for coaching, and her approach to creating impactful marketing strategies. Using the Career Equation framework, Zoë helps Lucy explore her guiding principles, conundrums as a solo entrepreneur, and her vision for mentoring and enabling others. Tune in for insights on rediscovering purpose, navigating career pivots, and building a business you love.
Resources and links
Connect with Lucy via LinkedIn or Wellhouse Marketing
Discover the Career Equation framework at www.thecareerequation.com

The Business Case for Career Conversations with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

Why do career conversations matter to businesses and individuals—and how can they lead to tangible results? On this episode of The Career Equation, Erica Sosna and Zoë Schofield team up to explore the business case for career conversations. They discuss how using the Career Equation framework creates a win-win scenario for organisations looking to retain top talent and for individuals seeking clarity and growth in their careers.From reducing attrition to building a personalised approach to skills development, Erica and Zoë share how businesses like Savills, Microsoft, and Capital One have benefited from embedding structured career conversations into their people strategies. Learn how career dialogue fosters retention, boosts performance, and supports powerful decision-making for careers at every level in your organisation.

Understanding Gen Z at Work ft. Kian Bakhtiari

How can young people have a real say in shaping the future they'll live in? Join Erica Sosna and her guest Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People, a Gen-Z-focused consultancy, on The Career Equation, as they explore this vital question. Kian’s mission is to amplify young voices through creativity and collaboration, helping businesses and the next generation work together for meaningful change.
Kian shares his inspiring personal story of adapting to new environments, the challenges young people face in decision-making and the workplace, and the potential of Youth Advisory Boards to revolutionise how businesses work. Through the Career Equation framework, Erica helps Kian frame his vision, purpose, and impact on the next generation. With practical advice and insightful examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about empowering young changemakers.

The Art of Improvisation in Business ft. Heather Urquhart

Discover how the principles of improvisation can transform businesses and careers in this exciting episode of The Career Equation Podcast! Erica Sosna sits down with Heather Urquhart, an award-winning professional improviser and founder of And Also Improv, to explore the untapped potential of creativity and adaptability in the corporate world.
Learn how improvisation techniques like “listening, saying yes, and committing” can revolutionise communication, foster innovation, and enhance team collaboration. Heather shares her journey of balancing parenthood with running a creative business, while also navigating her career conundrum of transitioning from the stage to becoming a credible entrepreneur in corporate settings.
Erica introduces her Career Equation framework, a powerful tool for overcoming career challenges by aligning personal values, strengths, and aspirations. One key takeaway is Erica’s coaching insight, which helped Heather craft a business narrative that balances her authenticity and creative expertise with her entrepreneurial goals.
This episode offers invaluable insights for HR professionals, coaches, and business leaders looking to foster adaptability, creativity, and collaboration in their teams. Tune in to unlock strategies for turning challenges into opportunities and explore how creativity can be a competitive edge in today’s dynamic workplaces.
Whether you’re seeking career growth, innovative team-building techniques, or tools for organisational success, this episode has something for everyone. Listen now and start solving your career equation with clarity, creativity, and confidence!

How transferable skills can transform your career ft. Paul Mullins

For many, a career spanning 35 years in global finance might seem like the pinnacle of stability and success. Paul Mullins is an exception to this. He is a former leader at HSBC. He sought a new challenge that prompted an unexpected career shift. He transitioned from corporate leadership to consultancy. In this episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Paul reflects on his leadership journey. He shares valuable insights into navigating the challenges of a major career change. He shares about transitioning into consultancy and mastering the art of communication.
"Moving from a big corporate to a consultancy role was exciting and a bit challenging," Paul says. He transitioned from managing large teams at HSBC to helping fintech startups grow. This shift allowed him to use his experience in a new way. After managing global projects for years, Paul now focuses on smaller businesses. He aims to share his expertise with these companies to help them enter new markets. His goal is to support sustainable growth for these businesses.
The podcast further explores the evolving demands of leadership. Paul discusses the importance of personal development. He explains how key skills like communication can shape successful career transitions.

How to Co-design a Job You Love ft. Susan Emmett

Join host Erica on The Career Equation podcast as she delves into the art of creating a fulfilling career with Susan Emmett, Social Value Director at Stantec. Susan’s journey from journalism to business development offers unique insights into embedding social value into business strategies. Her career path highlights the importance of aligning professional ambitions with personal values, providing invaluable lessons for those seeking career satisfaction.
In this episode, Susan elucidates the concept of social value, illustrating its shift from a corporate formality to a vital business strategy influenced by public expectations and legislative frameworks like the Social Value Act of 2012. She stresses that genuine success now depends on a company’s societal and environmental impact, rather than just financial performance.
At the core of Susan’s philosophy are leadership and communication, as she champions clear storytelling to highlight Stantec’s contributions to social value. She shares her vision of making social impact an integral part of "business as usual," encouraging leaders to align corporate objectives with broader societal goals.
Tune in to discover how Susan Emmett’s transformative approach can help you design a career that not only achieves professional aspirations but also makes a positive contribution to the world. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to integrate sustainability into their career path and lead with purpose.