The Career Equation®: The Formula for Career Clarity

From China With Nothing to US Tech Founder: Anya Cheng on Thriving in the Chaos of Start-Ups

How do you keep going when the path ahead is full of unknowns?
In this episode, Zoë is joined by tech entrepreneur Anya Cheng for a rich, honest conversation about navigating change — and backing yourself when things feel uncertain.
Anya’s story takes us from early career rejection and visa struggles to founding her own company, Taelor, which helps people look sharp without the usual stress of shopping or laundry. Along the way, she talks about the skills she’s carried through it all — resilience, connection, and a knack for solving problems in unconventional ways.
It’s a conversation about the messy, nonlinear path to success — and how our superpowers often come from the things we first had to fight for.
Whether you’re leading something, starting something, or still figuring it all out, there’s something in here for you.
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In this conversation:
• What rejection teaches you — and why it matters• The scrappy, human side of breaking into a new industry• Building Taelor — and solving real-life problems through tech• Creating a business that reflects your values• The difference one person’s belief can make• When you know what “good” looks like… but you’re still building• Spotting potential in others (even when it’s not obvious)• Thriving in chaos — and knowing when it’s time to grow
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Find out more:• Anya Cheng on LinkedIn• taelor.style — use code podcast for a discount
Connect with Zoë on LinkedIn
More at The Career Equation website
 
 

Stop Guessing, Start Asking: How Career Passions Unlock Powerful Career Conversations And Drive Retention with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

In this episode, Erica and Zoë take a deep dive into one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) parts of career fulfilment: passion.
They explore how to actually figure out what excites you — not just hobbies or dream jobs, but the stuff that gives you energy, matters to you, and makes work feel worth doing. Whether it’s a topic, a cause, or simply a way of working, passion plays a big role in helping us feel like we’re in the right place.
They also share personal stories, coaching insights, and practical ways to make use of your passions — even if you’re not planning a big career change. And for managers and people leaders, there’s plenty in here on how to support others without opening a can of worms.
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In this conversation:
 
• Why ‘passion’ doesn’t have to mean chasing your dreams or quitting your job• How to spot what really energises you (hint: it’s not always obvious)• The power of small tweaks over big leaps• What to do if you’ve got loads of passions — or none at all• How hobbies and interests can give you clues, even if they stay outside of work• Real-life stories from coaching clients and past guests• Ways to reflect on what matters — and what doesn’t need to be monetised• How to use the Career Equation to connect the dots• Advice for leaders: having the passion conversation without fearing the worst• Why it’s okay if your passions change (or don’t fit neatly in a box)
Connect with Erica on LinkedinConnect with Zoë on Linkedin
Find out more at The Career Equation website

The Skill Seekers: How Flutter’s Niamh O’Connell is Rethinking Careers on a Global Scale with Niamh O'Connell Talent Integration Director at Flutter Plc

In this episode, Erica chats with Niamh O’Connell, Talent Integration Director at Flutter International, about what really makes careers feel fulfilling — and what gets in the way.
 
They dig into what it means to take ownership of your own development, why traditional frameworks often fall short, and how to build support around people in a way that actually works.
 
Niamh shares how her team is rethinking career paths, supporting self-led growth, and helping people find the right fit — not just the next role. They talk honestly about what it takes to shift mindsets, give managers the right tools, and create room for people to figure out what they want.
 
Whether you’re working in people and culture, managing a team, or figuring out your own next step — this one’s full of grounded ideas and fresh ways to think about career growth.
 
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In this conversation:
 
•Why rigid career paths often do more harm than good
•Flutter’s “Power Hours” – and why they matter
•How to support better career conversations between managers and teams
•The role of peer-led learning and expert “accelerators”
•Building scalable, capability-based approaches to career development
•How Flutter defines and supports their own “skill seekers” — and why naming them matters
•Creating flexible development strategies that actually flex across teams and business units
•Why environment plays a bigger role than most people realise
•Helping people figure out the stage of business they thrive in
•Internal mobility, mindset shifts, and learning that sticks
 
Connect with Niamh on Linkedin
Connect with Erica on LinkedinFind out more at The Career Equation website

Burnout, Brittle Bones & a 3-Foot Frame: How Winston Clements Built a Speaking Career and Massive YouTube Following

What if burnout wasn’t the end — but the beginning of designing a life entirely on your own terms?
 
In this episode, Erica Sosna sits down with Winston Ben Clements — global speaker, resilience coach and inclusion advocate — to explore how a shift from a tech career to the speaking stage became not just a career pivot, but a whole new way of living.
 
Winston shares candidly about navigating corporate environments as a disabled professional, the early signs of burnout, and the pivotal moment he realised he wanted a different kind of life. From building speaking skills at Toastmasters to standing on a TEDx stage, Winston’s story is a powerful example of designing work around strengths, purpose, and true impact.
 
They discuss the challenges of rebuilding in a new country, the surprising link between creativity and confidence, and why empathy and inclusive thinking are vital parts of thriving workplaces — and thriving lives.
 
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✨ In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why burnout can sometimes be a hidden career gift
• Winston’s transition from computer science to keynote speaking
• How environments — not just mindsets — shape success
• The impact of early encouragement and creativity on career confidence
• The ripple effect of inclusive workplaces and storytelling
• Reflections on redesigning work to fit who you really are, not just what you can do
 
🎧 Whether you’re pivoting careers, starting again in a new environment, or simply rethinking what fulfilment looks like, this episode offers hope, encouragement and sharp insight into what’s possible.
 
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🔗 Links & Resources:
• Connect with Winston Ben Clements on Instagram and LinkedIn
• Connect with Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
• Find out more at The Career Equation website
 
#TheCareerEquation #CareerDevelopment #BurnoutRecovery #WorkAndThrive #PurposeDrivenCareer

Stop Undervaluing yourself: Unlock Your Transferable Skills Drive Career Growth And Help You Land the Career You Want — with Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield

It’s easy to undervalue the things that come naturally — especially when they don’t come with a fancy title or certificate. But those everyday strengths you’ve developed over time? They’re your transferable skills — and they matter more than ever in today’s fast-moving world of work.
 
In this episode, Erica and Zoë explore why transferable skills are so powerful, and how to uncover the ones you might be taking for granted. From planning a family holiday to leading a team project, the skills you build across all areas of life often hold the key to your career development.
 
You’ll hear stories from past guests who’ve made bold career moves — from teaching to steampunk rapping, corporate life to château-renovating — all made possible by a strong sense of the skills they could take with them.
 
They also dive into practical frameworks to help you tell better stories about your strengths, and share advice for managers and coaches to help others do the same.
 
Whether you’re starting fresh, stuck in a rut, or mentoring a team — this is your permission to own what you’re brilliant at.
 
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✨ In this episode, you’ll find:
•What a transferable skill really is — and why you probably have more than you think
•A simple exercise to spot the skills that energise you most
•Why your “natural” strengths are often the most valuable
•How to use your career story to surface hidden skills
•Ways managers and mentors can help others grow in their roles
•Tools to boost your confidence and sharpen your career focus
 
🎧 Give yourself a moment to reflect. You might be sitting on strengths you haven’t even named yet.
 
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🔗 Links & Resources:
•ICF-accredited coaching programme – starts May 2025
•Connect with Erica: linkedin.com/in/ericasosna
•Connect with Zoë: linkedin.com/in/zoeschofieldcoach
 
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#TheCareerEquation #TransferableSkills #CareerDevelopment #WorkAndThrive #CareerClarity #ProfessionalGrowth

Expert Special: Helping Students Choose What They Really Want: Jonathan Black on Oxford’s Innovative Careers Approach (Part 2)

In this second part of Erica’s conversation with Jonathan Black, Head of Oxford University’s Careers Service and careers columnist for the Financial Times, they explore how to truly prepare for a 21st-century career — one driven by impact, adaptability, and learning.
 
From internships to alumni networks, Jonathan shares practical insights into how students can gain meaningful work experience, discover career paths they hadn’t considered, and gain clarity around what really matters. They also discuss the evolution of careers advice, the growing importance of purpose-led roles, and how to navigate a career change with intention and confidence.
 
Whether you’re just starting out or making a mid-career move, this episode is full of actionable takeaways, thoughtful strategies, and the kind of honest wisdom that helps turn ambition into progress.
 
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✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:
•Why employers value real-world experience (even a job at McDonald’s)
•How internships and micro-projects offer critical exposure to working life
•The growing demand for purpose-driven roles in the third sector
•How Oxford is piloting innovative ways to connect students and alumni
•Advice for mid-career professionals looking to pivot with confidence
•Why defining your ‘North Star’ can unlock surprising opportunities
 
🎧 This conversation shines a light on how careers are really built — through experimentation, reflection, and a clear sense of purpose.
 
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🔗 Links & Resources:
•Connect with Jonathan Black on LinkedIn
•Connect with Erica Sosna on LinkedIn
•Explore Oxford University Careers Service
 
#TheCareerEquation #CareerDevelopment #PurposeDrivenCareers #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerPivot #OxfordCareers

Expert Special: The Career Lessons Behind Oxford’s Head of Careers: Jonathan Black on His Own Journey (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

Stop Waffling. Start Storytelling: How to Own Your Career Story with The Career Equation with Erica Sosna and 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.
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✨ 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.
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🔗 Links & Resources:
•How to build your own Career Timeline
•Info on our ICF-accredited coaching programme – starts May 2025
•Connect with Erica and Zoë on LinkedIn
 
#TheCareerEquation #CareerDevelopment #CareerReflection #CareerClarity #WorkAndThrive #ProfessionalGrowth

From Corprorate to Clean Living: How Charlotte Pascoe moved on from the NHS and built a purpose led fitness business as a personal trainer

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

How Anna Harper Turned Property Side Hustles into a Real Estate Career Helping Women Invest and Succeed

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.