The Career Equation®: The Formula for Career Clarity

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

From Taiwan 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