Why your career doesn't need a January reset

It's January and somewhere between the break ending and the first full week back, the pressure kicked in. New year, new you. Time to have a plan. Time to finally figure out what you're doing. And if you haven't got all that sorted yet, there's this creeping feeling that you're already behind. That everyone else has it together and you're still just working it out. This episode of Career Espresso is about why you don't need to start over, and why continuing is actually a much stronger position to be in.

What you'll discover

-Why the January reset pressure hits women differently and lands on top of everything else you're already carrying

-The difference between genuine motivation and pressure-driven anxiety, and how to recognise which one is in the driving seat

-Why treating yourself like something that needs demolishing and rebuilding every January keeps you in a permanent state of starting over

-What actually counts as progress, including all the quiet stuff you've been dismissing

-How recalibration beats reset when you're feeling the pressure to change everything

-Perfect for women who feel behind in January but don't actually need to throw everything out and start again.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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You're a better leader than you think you are.

At the end of every day, you notice what went wrong. The conversation that didn't land. The decision you're still second-guessing. The person on your team you're not sure how to reach. What you don't notice is everything that's working. The fact that your team is functioning. That work is getting done. That you're the one making that happen.

This episode of Career Espresso is about seeing something you might be missing. How much you've already grown, and how much better you're doing than you think.

What you'll discover

-Why women leaders underestimate themselves constantly and why it's structural, not a confidence flaw you need to fix

-The signs you're doing better than you think, even when no one's telling you

-What good leadership actually looks like versus the polished ideal in your head

-How to recognise your own growth when you're too close to see it clearly

Perfect for women leaders who care about getting it right but struggle to see how far they've come.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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I can't stop doing everything myself

You're reviewing something your team has done and it's good. But you find yourself tweaking it anyway. Adjusting the wording, reorganising a section, adding something they didn't think of. Or someone asks you a question and instead of pointing them toward figuring it out, you just answer it. Because it's quicker. Because it's easier than watching them work through it.

This episode of Career Espresso is about how to actually let go when letting go feels uncomfortable. Not the theory of delegation. The real work of stepping back when every instinct tells you to stay involved.

What you'll discover

-What genuinely changes when you get this right (not just time back, but the mental load that's exhausting you)

-Why letting go is so hard for women leaders specifically and why it's not just that you haven't found the right system yet

-How to hand things over properly so they actually stay handed over instead of boomeranging back to you

-What "good enough" actually means when you're used to controlling the output

-Why waiting until delegation feels comfortable means you'll be waiting forever

Perfect for leaders who know they need to stop doing everything but aren't sure how to actually let go without things falling apart.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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How to find your people as a leader

You're in a leadership role and something's shifted. The people you used to talk things through with? That's complicated now. Your team can't be your sounding board because you're their boss. Your own boss has their own agenda. And the networking advice you see everywhere feels exhausting when what you actually need is someone you can be real with.

This episode of Career Espresso is about finding people who actually get what you're dealing with. Not networking contacts or professional visibility. Actual people who understand leadership from the inside.

What you'll discover

* Why isolation isn't just uncomfortable - it makes you make worse decisions and lose perspective on how you're doing

* The three criteria that define your actual people (not just professional contacts)

* Where to look for peer relationships that work, including the people you're probably overlooking

* How to start these connections without it feeling awkward

* What keeps leadership relationships alive when you're overwhelmed

Perfect for women leaders who need people they can be honest with, not just a professional network.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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Why doesn't good enough feel good enough?

You're exhausted. You're managing a thousand things at once. At the end of every day, you look back at everything that went wrong, everything you didn't get to, everything that's still not quite right. What you're not noticing? Your team is functioning. Work is getting done. Things are moving forward. You're the one making that happen but it doesn't feel like enough.

This episode of Career Espresso is about recognising what's actually working, even when it doesn't feel like anything is.

What you'll discover

• Why your attention naturally goes to problems and how that creates a skewed picture of reality
• The research on why women attribute success to luck but blame themselves entirely for failure
• The exhausting pattern of constantly preparing for the next crisis instead of noticing what's going well
• How to see the full picture instead of just the problem-shaped bits

Perfect for women leaders who are doing better than they think but can't quite believe it.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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How to have career conversations that help

You schedule a career conversation and both of you immediately feel that slight dread. You ask where they see themselves in five years. They give a polished answer that means nothing. You both tick the box and move on. Nothing actually changes. This episode of Career Espresso is about having career conversations that actually help people—not as a performance review exercise or a tick-box requirement, but as a genuine conversation about what's possible and what you can do to support them.

What you'll discover

• Why career conversations feel awkward or surface-level for most leaders
• What people actually need from these conversations (it's not "where do you see yourself in five years?")
• How to ask questions that open up real conversation instead of extracting rehearsed answers
• What to do when someone doesn't know what they want
• How to support growth without making promises you can't keep

Perfect for women leaders who want these conversations to feel useful instead of awkward.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges?

Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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Get the full episode transcript

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What if I make the wrong decision?

You need to make a decision but you're not sure what the right answer is. Every option has it's downsides and every choice feels like it could go wrong. The longer you sit with it, the heavier it gets because you're responsible for other people now. This episode of Career Espresso is about making decisions when you can't be certain, trusting your judgment when the information is incomplete, and what to do when things don't work out.

What you'll discover

• Why decision making feels completely different when you're responsible for others
• The legitimacy doubts women leaders face that make second-guessing worse
• How to know when you've got enough information to make the call
• How to explain your reasoning without apologising for the decision
• What to do when the decision doesn't work out the way you expected

Perfect for women leaders who care about getting decisions right but find themselves stuck in the "I need more information" loop.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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How to support your team without doing their work

Someone brings you a problem and you jump straight in with the answer. You think you're helping but you're actually building a team that can't function without you. This episode of Career Espresso is about supporting people without rescuing them, asking questions instead of solving everything, and recognising when stepping in is the right call versus when it just feels faster.

What you'll discover

• Why jumping in to fix things doesn't help anyone long-term
• The impossible balance women leaders face (not supportive enough vs too involved)
• Specific questions to ask instead of providing instant solutions
• How to spot when you're rescuing rather than supporting
• What to do when someone says "I don't know" without taking over
• When stepping in actually is the right move

Perfect for women leaders who want to build capable teams without working late to do everyone else's thinking.

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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Now I’m their boss and it’s awkward

You got promoted and now you manage the people you used to work alongside. It feels odd for you and for them. This episode of Career Espresso is about naming the shift early, resetting how you work together, and staying human while you do it. We'll also talk about the quiet “who does she think she is” undercurrent women can face and how to hold your ground.

What you’ll discover

• why this discomfort is normal when a peer becomes the manager
• what to say in your first 1:1 so no one is guessing
• how to step back from group chats and after-work venting without making a scene
• how to respond if a colleague goes around you to another manager
• a simple coffee-shop check-in that helps clear the air fast

Perfect for women leaders now managing former peers who want steady, practical language they can use this week. 

Want more support with real-world leadership challenges? Head to How to Build a Leader on Substack for in-depth guides and scripts.

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You've given feedback. They nodded. They said they understood. Nothing changed.

Sound familiar? This episode tackles one of the hardest parts of managing - giving feedback that actually works. You host Amanda breaks down why most feedback fails and what to do instead.

What you'll discover

• Why "be more proactive" means nothing and what to say instead
• The hidden challenge women face when giving feedback (we're either "too nice" or "too direct")
• Exactly how to be specific without being harsh
• The one question that ensures people actually understand what you need

The reality check: Research shows 57% of employees prefer corrective feedback over praise. They want to improve. But when you tell someone to "communicate better" without explaining what that means, they're left guessing. And guessing rarely leads to change.

Perfect for women leaders tired of the feedback loop that goes nowhere.

Want more support with your leadership challenges? Check out our How to Build a Leader substack for in-depth guidance on getting onto and staying on the leadership ladder.

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My team doesn't respect me. How women leaders can earn authority at work

Your team talks over you. Questions your decisions. Goes around you to escalate issues. You're wondering if you're imagining it.

You're not.

In this episode, your host Amanda tackles one of the hardest challenges in leadership: when your team doesn't respect you. And if you're a woman leader or new manager, the problem runs deeper than most advice admits.

What you'll learn

Research shows women leaders face competence doubts at higher rates than men, your team is more likely to question whether you should be leading at all. We break down why this happens, what makes it worse, and what actually works. You'll get specific language for addressing disrespect in the moment, how to set clear expectations that stick, and why performing authority backfires completely.

Practical strategies for building respect

• How to address disrespect the first time it happens (not the fifth)
• Three non-negotiables every new leader needs to establish
• The difference between boundary testing and actual undermining
• Why being liked and being respected aren't the same thing

Stop waiting for your team to make this easy. Respect comes from consistent behaviour over time, and this episode shows you exactly how to start.

Perfect for new managers, women in leadership, and anyone navigating team dynamics that feel off.

Want more support with your leadership challenges? Check out our How to Build a Leader substack for in-depth guidance on getting onto and staying on the leadership ladder.

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You've built confidence and started speaking up, so why are less qualified colleagues still getting promoted while your ideas disappear into organizational black holes? The problem isn't your confidence. It's the missing strategy between feeling confident and actually getting ahead. This week's episode was made for women who are tired of working twice as hard for half the recognition and are ready to turn their self-trust into career momentum.

What You'll Learn

Your host Amanda reveals the three strategic bridges that turn inner confidence into workplace influence, plus specific scripts for those cringe-worthy moments we all face: when someone hijacks your idea in meetings, your manager takes credit for your work, or that colleague who won't stop interrupting you.

You'll discover why explaining how hard you worked actually hurts your career, how to showcase impact without feeling like you're bragging, and the 15-minute exercise that maps your real value.

Your work can't speak for itself because work doesn't have a voice. You do.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

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Struggling with workplace confidence? You're not alone. In this episode of Career Espresso, Amanda tackles the myth that confidence is something you're born with, revealing how it's actually a skill you can develop through practice.

Research shows that what looks like "natural confidence" is really the result of deliberate practice. This episode explores the three pillars that transform professional self-trust: competence awareness, boundary setting, and resilience through failure.

You'll learn practical strategies to build your confidence muscle, including how to -

➡️ Create an evidence journal to bank your successes

➡️ Practice "micro-boldness" with small daily actions

➡️ Develop a resilience ritual for bouncing back from setbacks

Plus, we address common confidence traps that hold professionals back and answer frequently asked questions about building self-trust at any career stage.

Whether you speak up first in meetings or prefer to contribute quietly, this episode gives you actionable tools to trust yourself more deeply at work. Your career success starts with trusting yourself first.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

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Are you struggling to build a professional online presence that feels authentic? In this episode of Career Espresso, Amanda tackles the challenge of developing digital authority without compromising your values or becoming just another "hustle culture influencer."

The reality is clear, having zero online presence is increasingly a liability in today's professional landscape. Research shows that 65% of decision-makers check your online presence before meeting you, and professionals with strong personal brands have 14 times more opportunity than those without. But building digital authority isn't about posting constantly or following trends – it's about providing specific value with a clear point of view.

This episode breaks down practical strategies for busy professionals who want to stand out online authentically -

➡️ Why clarity beats consistency in building genuine authority

➡️ How to leverage your specific expertise rather than trying to be a generalist

➡️ Practical approaches like the "expertise spotlight" and "slow content method"

➡️ Tips for engaging meaningfully with others' content to build relationships

Whether you've been hesitant to post at all or feel trapped in content creation that doesn't feel like you, this episode offers a refreshing middle ground.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Learn how to build an online presence that opens doors professionally without becoming a burden or performance.

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Facing redundancy or restructuring? Don't panic, it might be your biggest career opportunity. In this episode, Amanda shares her tested three-part framework for not just surviving but thriving during workplace change.

What you'll learn -

➡️ The critical difference between those who stagnate during change and those who advance

➡️ A practical three-step framework: Read the landscape, Reposition your value, Rebuild your visibility

➡️ How to transform your skills into problem-solving capabilities that remain valuable regardless of job title

➡️ Practical techniques to increase your visibility with decision-makers during times of transition

Drawing from personal experience of three career redundancies and coaching hundreds of professionals through organisational change, Amanda breaks down exactly how to spot hidden opportunities while others are frozen by uncertainty.

The episode includes a simple one-page tool to clarify your unique value proposition beyond any job title, helping you approach your next workplace change with confidence rather than fear.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Listen now and turn your next workplace disruption into your biggest career advancement.

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Worried AI might take your job?

This episode shows you how to make AI your career ally instead of your replacement. In just 20 minutes, you'll learn practical strategies to use AI while strengthening the human skills that truly matter. Discover why the real career threat isn't AI itself—it's refusing to partner with it.

What you'll learn -

➡️ Why AI-confident professionals are twice as likely to get promoted

➡️ Three specific ways to develop your AI advantage without becoming a tech expert

➡️ Common AI partnership mistakes most people make (and how to avoid them)

➡️ A simple 30-minute exercise to identify where AI can enhance your particular role

The research is clear: teams using AI effectively show 40% better creative output and problem-solving. But the advantage only comes when you develop what Harvard researchers call "collaboration intelligence" with technology.

Whether you're in marketing, finance, HR or any other area, this episode provides a practical framework for becoming irreplaceable in an AI-enhanced workplace. You'll walk away with actionable steps to partner with AI while focusing on the uniquely human abilities that will make you more valuable than ever. Stop competing with AI and start collaborating with it. Your career will thank you.

Career Espresso: Your weekly shot of career wisdom.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Love the episode? Help other women discover these career-changing insights by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Remote work is here to stay, but is it silently hurting your career? In this essential episode, Amanda tackles the "proximity paradox" – the surprising reality that while remote work offers better work-life balance and higher productivity, it might be damaging your long-term career prospects.

Stanford research reveals remote workers are promoted 35% less often than their in-office counterparts. Your professional network shrinks by about 17% per year when working remotely. Yet 90% of us want to maintain flexible work arrangements.

This episode unpacks why being good at your job is no longer enough in a remote environment. You need visibility – a separate skill that requires intention and strategy.

Amanda breaks down the four types of visibility that matter for your career:

- Results visibility: What you produce

- Process visibility: How you work

- Relationship visibility: Who sees you as a trusted colleague

- Value visibility: How others connect your work to what matters

You'll learn practical strategies to overcome the proximity paradox:

- Design your visibility rhythm with consistent touch points

- Use the right communication channels for different messages

- Master micro-visibility techniques throughout your workday

- Curate and share your impacts effectively

This isn't about self-promotion – it's about ensuring your contributions get the recognition they deserve. In a remote-first world, visibility doesn't happen by accident. It happens by design.

Listen now to transform how you approach remote work and take control of your career trajectory, no matter where you're working.

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In Episode 84, your host Amanda questions common career advice that might send you in the wrong direction. If conflicting guidance about staying relevant leaves you confused, this episode offers clarity.

Episode Highlights

➡️ Why technical certifications often miss the mark for long-term success

➡️ Three capabilities that make you valuable regardless of workplace changes

➡️ How to manage your skills like an investment portfolio

➡️ A practical 15-minute exercise to help you apply your strengths across different roles

Amanda challenges three major assumptions about future-proofing -

You need to predict the future to prepare for it - Focus on adaptability instead of prediction.

Technical skills are what future-proof you - Develop the ability to evaluate and leverage innovations rather than mastering current technology.

Future-proofing means adding more - Strategic subtraction is as important as thoughtful addition.

This episode builds on previous conversations about career myths and power dynamics, offering a fresh perspective that values adaptability over prediction.

Try Amanda's coffee shot challenge: a 15-minute value translation exercise to see how your strengths apply across different contexts.

Career Espresso: Your weekly shot of career wisdom.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Love the episode? Help other women discover these career-changing insights by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Got questions or want to share your career transformation story? Reach out to amanda@wearereadytorise.com - we'd love to hear from you!

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Are you stretching yourself too thin trying to master every skill in your industry?

In this episode of Career Espresso, host Amanda tackles "The Generalist Myth" – the misguided belief that career success depends on being a jack-of-all-trades. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by job descriptions demanding 15+ different skills or worried that specialising might limit your opportunities, this episode is your wake-up call.

What You'll Learn -

Why spreading yourself across multiple domains leads to "excellence dilution"

The surprising research showing specialists are 37% more likely to be promoted than generalists

How gender expectations push women particularly toward the "do it all" mentality

The power of finding your unique "genius zone" where your talents, skills, and interests overlap

Practical strategies to develop "strategic depth" instead of shallow breadth

Whether you're feeling burnt out from trying to do it all or simply questioning your career development strategy, this shot of career wisdom will transform how you approach your professional growth.

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Love the episode? Help other women discover these career-changing insights by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Got questions or want to share your career transformation story? Reach out to amanda@wearereadytorise.com - we'd love to hear from you!

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Are your exceptional skills keeping you stuck?

In this episode of Career Espresso, host Amanda tackles the counterintuitive paradox that's holding back talented professionals everywhere: The Expertise Trap.

Discover why the common advice to "keep your head down and do excellent work" might be the biggest career myth preventing your advancement. Through compelling research and real-world examples, Amanda reveals how technical excellence alone isn't enough to climb the career ladder—especially for women in the workplace.

What you'll learn -

The three-part equation for genuine career progression (hint: technical skills are just one piece)

Why organisations often promote based on leadership potential rather than technical expertise

Five warning signs that you've fallen into the expertise trap

Whether you're feeling stuck in your current role or want to proactively avoid the expertise trap, this episode delivers actionable insights to transform your approach to career development. "Sometimes the path up means stepping sideways first."

Don't forget to take a look at this week's podsheet to support your learning and exploration of the key themes and topics

Get a full transcript of the episode here

Love the episode? Help other women discover these career-changing insights by subscribing and leaving a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Got questions or want to share your career transformation story? Reach out to amanda@wearereadytorise.com - we'd love to hear from you!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.