The Career Equation

By: Erica Sosna & Zoë Schofield
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  • Summary

  • You’re about to uncover the transformative formula for organizational and career success! Join hosts Erica Sosna and Zoë Schofield on the ”Career Equation” podcast, brought to you by careermatters.today. Trusted by firms like Amazon and AXA, their unique Career Equation revolutionizes your approach to professional growth and fulfillment, offering invaluable career advice along the way. Discover how the Career Equation helps individuals navigate their career paths with precision and clarity, providing actionable tips and career advice in each episode. For executives, gain access to quick leadership tips and strategies to get the most out of your team, master employee retention, and foster a productive team environment. Each episode is tailored to navigate the complexities of today’s workplace and elevate your career trajectory.
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Episodes
  • Annelies Kleyweg's Journey to Finding Her Perfect Dream Career using The Career Equation

    Annelies Kleyweg's Journey to Finding Her Perfect Dream Career using The Career Equation
    Sep 23 2024
    In a recent podcast episode, Zoë Schofield sat down with Annelies Kleyweg. She is the owner and "gites executive officer" of Le Moulin de Clapier. It is a stunning mansion in the beautiful Dordogne area of France. Annelies decided to pursue her dream career. She left her corporate management and leadership roles. She pursued her dream of running a hospitality business. Now, she’s focused on this new venture in the French countryside. Annelies's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and finding the right career equation. Her story begins with a holiday in Canada, where she and her husband stayed at a gite and started fantasising about running their own. This sparked a desire for change, leading them to take a leap of faith during the COVID-19 pandemic. Annelies shares, "We said, if we don't do it now, we will never do it. And, so, we just packed up, sold our house, and went. Yeah, it's really strange, and everybody said we were crazy, but we said, well, you can't fail, right? If you don't make it, it's not a failure. At least we tried." Problem-solving and Communication Annelies discovered her talent for communication at a young age. It was particularly in her ability to connect with people of all types. She recalls, "I could communicate with all sorts of people, even when I was young. My grandfather was a grumpy old man. And I could say the same thing but with different words. Even when I was six or seven years old, he would just say, 'Oh, okay, now I understand.'" This skill, combined with her problem-solving abilities, has served her well throughout her career and in her new venture. Passion: Building Foundations and Creating New Experiences Annelies's passion lies in building strong foundations and creating new experiences. She explains, "I had a colleague. We were comparing skills. She says, 'You always make sure there's a foundation. It's not visible, but without a foundation, you have nothing." This passion is now manifested in renovating their mansion. Not just in the physical bricks and mortar but also in creating memorable experiences for their guests and building her dream career. Impact: Creating Lasting Memories in her Dream Career In her new role, Annelies aims to create fun experiences and help clients make new memories. She says, "It's not about pleasing all people, but making them think about why they like things. In my case now, having a great holiday, making memories, looking back at a fun time." Environmental Fit: Freedom and Authenticity The move to Dordogne and starting her own business has allowed Annelies to create an environment that suits her. She describes it as "relaxed, open, and honest" with space for reflection. This stark contrast to her previous corporate experiences has brought her a sense of freedom and authenticity. She finds this new way of life energising. Entrepreneurship to Build Your Dream Career and Work-Life Balance Running Le Moulin de Clapier has presented new challenges and opportunities for Annelies and her husband. They've had to learn new skills, from plumbing to carpentry. They did this while navigating the intricacies of the hospitality industry. Annelies reflects on how her current role differs from her previous corporate positions. "The freedom you get with that is unbelievable. It's so worth it, to be honest. And, that's compared to all the management roles I had before. They were also challenging in a different way, a different hectic, different dynamics. I'm now more relaxed than ever." Moving Abroad and Embracing Change Relocating to France during the pandemic was a bold move. But one that Annelies and her husband felt compelled to make. They've embraced the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Annelies shares, "The French are so kind. You can ask them anything, so that's cool." Career Coaching and Personal Growth Annelies's experience with career coaching played a significant role in her journey. She explains, "The career coaching helped there to look at it like that, right? You think about, okay, what is my passion? Where do I get my energy from? And sometimes you don't realise it. So talking about it and pinpointing or writing it down, it makes it real." Conclusion Annelies Kleyweg switched from corporate management to running a gîte in the French countryside. It is a powerful example of how finding the right career equation can lead to a more fulfilling life. She has created a thriving career that brings her joy and purpose. She did this by aligning her skills, passion, and ideal environment. Her story serves as an inspiration for those considering a switch to whatever their dream career is. About Annelies Kleyweg Annelies Kleyweg is the owner and "gites executive officer" of Le Moulin de Clapier. It is a beautiful mansion with gite accommodation in the Dordogne area of France. She has a background in corporate management and program leadership. Annelies made a bold change to ...
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    38 mins
  • From A&E to Sports Medicine: A Junior Doctor's Journey in Shaping His Medical Career

    From A&E to Sports Medicine: A Junior Doctor's Journey in Shaping His Medical Career
    Sep 14 2024
    In today's episode of the Career Equation Podcast, host Erica Sosna sat down with Charles Hillman. He is a junior doctor working in A&E focusing on sports and rehabilitative medicine. Amid recent NHS strikes, Charlie provides a rare glimpse into emergency medicine today. He illuminates the realities of life on the medical frontlines. As he balances the pressures of the NHS with his aspirations in sports medicine, Charlie's experiences offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of healthcare. His perspective reveals both the challenges and potential solutions within the healthcare system. Charlie's journey into medicine began with a passion for science. His initial inspiration was shows like CSI. But, he realized the reality of medical practice. It was far different from its portrayal on television. He explains, "In school, you're, no matter how much work experience you do, you don't know what it's about. Um, you know, you see people with injuries and with illnesses. And you read books that describe what it's about, but it's not, it's nothing like what it is." Challenges of Emergency Medicine Charlie highlights the unique pressures faced by those working in A&E departments. He notes, "People say it takes a special kind of person to work every day in an A&E department because it is so busy, so noisy." The fast-paced environment and constant influx of patients can contribute to doctor burnout. This makes it crucial for medical professionals to develop coping strategies. Importance of Patient Care Despite the career challenges, Charlie emphasizes the rewarding aspects of emergency medicine. He shares a memorable experience. Charlie says, "I saw the nurses called me to see a patient who was quite unwell and hadn't been seen yet. And you see him with this massive distended abdomen, absolutely writhing out in pain... In my head, I was like, this is bowel obstruction. So send him straight for a CT scan and was correct." This quick diagnosis and helping patients gives Charlie and other emergency doctors a lot of job satisfaction. Balancing Efficiency and Compassion A key challenge in emergency medicine is balancing speed with compassionate care. Charlie reflects on this dilemma. He says, "Sometimes you have the time to flex and spend a bit longer with patients. You know, to do a job as you would want to do it very holistically. Whereas other times, a hundred people are waiting or something like that." Career Pathways and Professional Development Charlie discusses his future career aspirations. He talks about a potential move into sports and exercise medicine. He highlights, "I plan to move across to sports and exercise medicine. Where, you know, you have longer clinic times. You know, you can develop long relationships with patients, understanding them." This highlights the importance of considering various career pathways within medicine. And finding a specialization that aligns with one's personal and professional goals. Improving Work Environment Charlie shares an anecdote about taking the initiative to improve the work environment. He addresses the issue of high temperatures in a hospital area. He emphasizes the importance of speaking up and persisting when faced with workplace challenges: "What I find also within the NHS as a whole is people sometimes are too burnt out or too apathetic to report things because they just think oh nothing is going to change... I said I'm going to report this." Leadership and Mentorship Throughout the conversation, Charlie highlights the significance of leadership and mentorship in medicine. He aims to be a doctor who gives great care to patients. He aspires to help train future medical professionals. "I think so much medicine also is about training up the next generation of doctors," he notes. Conclusion Charles Hillman shares helpful views on the challenges of working in NHS emergency medicine. He highlights both the difficulties and the rewards. His insights offer a valuable perspective on the job. His experiences underscore the importance of addressing doctor burnout. He focuses on improving work environments and maintaining quality patient care. The medical field is changing quickly. Strong leadership, mentorship, and continuous learning are key to its future. These will help shape the future of healthcare. About Charlie Hillman Charles Hillman is a junior doctor currently working in A&E (Accident and Emergency) departments in the UK. Charlie is passionate about emergency medicine and interested in sports and rehab medicine. He offers a unique view of the challenges young NHS doctors face. His diverse interests highlight new opportunities in healthcare. Charlie has consistently worked to improve patient care and healthcare workplaces. His experiences in emergency medicine have shaped his views on the importance of compassion in patient care. He continues to advocate for positive changes within the healthcare system. Charlie plans to combine his interests in ...
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    36 mins
  • What are the secrets to this podcasting pioneer's fulfilling career?

    What are the secrets to this podcasting pioneer's fulfilling career?
    Sep 14 2024
    In this episode of the Career Equation Podcast, host Erica Sosna sits down with Gilly Smith, a seasoned journalist, food writer, and podcasting pioneer. Gilly's illustrious career spans television, radio, and print, with a particular focus on the politics and culture of food. Her experience includes working on programs about malnutrition. It focuses on the impact of markets on food security in countries like the Philippines and Guatemala. Erica points out that Gilly's career is fueled by passion and curiosity, which is a key theme in their conversation Gilly's journey into journalism begins with a deep-seated desire to make an impact and do something different every day. "I wanted to make a change in the world and I wanted to do something different every day," she recalls. This drive led her to work for Bob Geldof on Sport Aid. This role cemented her commitment to using storytelling as a tool for change. Her father, a storyteller and PR person for the army, also significantly shapes her narrative skills. "I was surrounded by that kind of capturing and getting people to unpack," she says. In this episode, Gilly shares her insights on the importance of storytelling in journalism. She discusses the challenges of a career change and the power of personal narrative. She also discusses her current career dilemma on how to transition her extensive expertise into a consulting career. The Art of Crafting Stories Gilly Smith's career is a testament to the power of storytelling in journalism. From her early days in television covering malnutrition and market impacts to her current role in podcasting and mentoring, Gilly's work is driven by a passion for storytelling. "It all came out of passion first," she says, reflecting on her career trajectory. Storytelling is not just about sharing facts. It is about creating an emotional connection with the audience. Gilly's ability to weave narratives that resonate with people is evident in her work on food journalism. "I was always communicating about the impact of food on people's lives, the politics of food, and the culture of food," she explains. This focus on the broader implications of food goes beyond mere reporting. It offers a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Finding Your Passion For Gilly, finding her passion is a journey marked by self-discovery and resistance to conventional paths. Initially set to study French and European studies at Sussex University, she experiences a turning point during a gap year in Paris. "I did not want to be a translator for NATO. I didn't want to work in that world. I wanted to be curious," she shares. Encouraged by her mother, Gilly switches to a pioneering journalism course at Coventry and dives into mass media and communication. This decision proves pivotal, allowing her to explore her passion for storytelling and activism. "It was the most important time of my life. I was surrounded by people who were political and talking about ideology and film studies," she recalls. Overcoming Career Resistance Gilly's journey is not without its challenges. Transitioning from a successful career in journalism to consulting requires overcoming internal resistance. "I'm so freelance in nature, so free-spirited. I love the creative, the no rules," she admits. This resistance is not uncommon for many professionals contemplating a career change. Erica and Gilly discuss the importance of valuing one's expertise and positioning oneself as an expert in a more structured way. "It's just a branding question," Erica suggests. She emphasises the need for clarity and conscious positioning. Gilly acknowledges this, noting that she needs to apply the same principles she uses to help others to her own career. The Power of Personal Narrative Gilly highlights the significance of personal narrative in shaping one's career. Her own story, marked by a love for storytelling and a desire to make an impact, serves as a powerful example. "That interior landscape was where I began to play, where I began to make up stories," she says, reflecting on her childhood. This personal narrative is not only a source of strength but also a tool for connecting with others. By sharing her journey, she inspires listeners to reflect on their own paths. She tells people to consider how their experiences can inform their careers. "Finding your tribe, talking to people, discussions, having your mind blown was something that I loved," she concludes. The Career Equation: A Framework for Success The podcast introduces the concept of the Career Equation, a framework for aligning skills, passions, impact and importantly, environmental fit. Gilly's career serves as a prime example of this equation in action. Her skills in "communicating and curating," combined with her passion for "making change," have led her to create "a network of change makers." Conclusion Gilly Smith's insights into podcasting, journalism, and career transitions offer valuable lessons for anyone navigating ...
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    36 mins
Career Success Economics Personal Success
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