Episode Overview: Do you feel like you’re chasing someone else’s version of success? It’s time to hit pause and ask the question that matters most—what does success mean to YOU?

In this compelling episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna dives deep into the truth about career success. She unpacks how societal pressures, family expectations, and workplace norms influence our goals, often without us realising it. With 21 years of experience as a career coach, Erica shares practical tools and thought-provoking insights to help you redefine success on your own terms.

✨ Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Break Free from the Noise: Erica helps you identify where your career goals may have been shaped by external influences—from social media spotlight reels to family opinions—and how to take back control of your narrative.
• The 4 Pillars of Career Success: Discover Erica’s proven framework for building a thriving career. Get clear on the skills you want to grow, the passions you want to pursue, the impact you want to make, and the environment where you’ll thrive.
• The Power of Experiences: Rethink career metrics—why aiming for growth, joy, and meaningful experiences is far more fulfilling than chasing pay raises and job titles.
• Guided Career Visualisation Exercise: Erica takes you through a calming and insightful visualisation exercise to imagine your ideal career, meet your “career guide,” and uncover the next steps you need to take to align your work with your values.
• Think Beyond Status: Learn how to make decisions that truly reflect who you are, what energises you, and where you want to leave your mark.

🎧 Whether you're feeling stuck, tired of the traditional career grind, or just craving inspiration to move forward, this episode is for you. Erica’s mix of practical advice, heartfelt stories, and reflective tools will empower you to create a career you love—no cookie-cutter paths required.

Why listen now? Because your career isn't about fitting into someone else's mold—it's about creating a life that feels deeply satisfying and meaningful. You spend 80,000 hours at work; it’s worth investing time into making sure those hours align with the real YOU. Imagine waking up every day feeling energized, knowing your work reflects your values and aspirations. That’s the kind of success that’s waiting for you.

#TakeChargeOfYourCareer #DefineSuccessYourWay #CareerClarity #CareerGrowth #WorkYourWay #TheCareerEquation

Get ready to be whisked away on an unforgettable career adventure! On this episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna sits down with the one and only Paul Alborough—better known to his devoted fans as Professor Elemental. From navigating the world of special needs education to donning a pith helmet and rapping about tea, Paul’s career is anything but ordinary.

• From Teacher to Creator: Discover how Paul transitioned from teaching teenagers with special needs to carving out a niche as a steampunk-inspired chap-hop artist.
• Viral Success & Creativity: Paul shares the backstory of his viral hit "Cup of Brown Joy," his take on the DNA of creativity, and what it’s like to create in a genre that thrives on imagination and humor.
• The Joy of Community: With a commitment to inclusivity, Paul speaks about building a vibrant, quirky fanbase and making music that resonates deeply with nerdy, creative, and marginalized communities.
• Educational Roots: Hear how his background in education influences his performance workshops, where audiences young and old are invited to write and perform their own quirky rap lyrics.
• Resilience Through Reinvention: Paul reflects on overcoming setbacks, cultivating community, and staying nimble in the face of change to keep his creative career thriving over the years.

• The Blending of Roles: Paul juggles educator, entertainer, and innovator seamlessly—proving that even the quirkiest career paths can transform into lifelong pursuits.
• The Power of Humor & Authenticity: Through his entertaining alter-ego, Paul brings lightness, joy, and authentic connection to everyone he meets—whether on stage or off.
• Building Creative Confidence: Paul shares how to thrive (even if you stumble along the way) by failing fast and leaning into creative collaboration.

Paul Alborough, aka Professor Elemental, is a unique performer who combines imaginative steampunk storytelling with rap and comedy. Hailing from Brighton, Paul is not only known for his absurdly clever rhymes and theatrical stage presence but also for his dedication to fostering inclusivity and youth development through hip-hop workshops. A self-proclaimed "village idiot," he’s brought laughter, life lessons, and sheer eccentricity to countless audiences worldwide.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to leave a traditional career path behind for a life filled with creativity and connection, this episode is for you. Tune in for a delightful concoction of humor, wisdom, and stories you truly don’t want to miss.

➡️ Listen now and join the whimsical world of Professor Elemental!

On this episode of The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna sits down with Melanie Rickey, Style Director at Good Housekeeping, and founder of the Enoughness Movement and podcast. Melanie shares her remarkable career story, from breaking barriers in the fashion industry to creating a movement centred on living with "enoughness." She offers a fresh perspective on redefining success, finding balance, and reclaiming agency in a world driven by excess.

Melanie reflects on her career highs, including mentoring emerging fashion talent and shaping influential stories in prominent publications like The Sunday Times Style. She also opens up about overcoming personal challenges, including navigating addiction recovery and her ADHD diagnosis, and outlines her mission to embed "enoughness" into cultural discourse. This candid and thought-provoking conversation provides valuable insights for anyone looking to step back, reflect, and shift their priorities towards meaningful work and life.

• The Concept of Enoughness Melanie introduces the philosophy behind the Enoughness Movement, explaining why knowing what is "just enough" can lead to greater happiness, less consumption, and a more balanced life. She contrasts cultural attitudes in the UK with those in countries like Sweden and Bhutan, where the idea of “enough” is deeply ingrained in society.
• Overcoming Personal Challenges to Find Fulfilment Melanie discusses her battle with addiction, her ADHD diagnosis, and how these experiences deepened her understanding of what truly mattered. She shares how these moments of struggle led to the founding of the Enoughness Movement as a way to inspire others to step away from the constant chase for "more” and live life intentionally.
• The Fashion Industry’s Changing Landscape Drawing on her extensive experience as a fashion director, Melanie analyses the evolution of the industry—from exclusive runways to fashion’s expansion as entertainment. She also highlights her efforts mentoring emerging talents through initiatives like British Fashion Council’s "New Gen" and her own project, "Future British."
• Redefining Career Success Using the Career Equation framework, Erica and Melanie explore how Melanie’s career is evolving. They discuss the importance of combining passion with strategy, understanding personal strengths, and creating environments that suit her unique skills and vision. Melanie reflects on the transition from initiating projects to sustaining them, a challenge she’s tackling with renewed focus on team-building and structured planning.
• Impact and Cultural Shifts Melanie offers a hopeful vision for how the Enoughness concept can influence culture, teaching people to consume mindfully, improve self-worth, and create a virtuous cycle of conscious living. Her ultimate aim? To make "enoughness" a celebrated and aspirational concept woven into the fabric of daily life.

• “When you know what is enough, you stop chasing things that don’t add value—and that’s where freedom lies.”
• “I’ve always been at the start of people’s journeys, helping them find their footing in tough industries like fashion—that’s where I know I can make the most impact.”
• “Enoughness isn’t about giving up; it’s about recognising what truly nourishes your life and letting go of the things that don’t.”

1. Chasing ‘More’ Doesn’t Equal Happiness – Melanie challenges the idea that success is defined by constant achievement and offers a new paradigm for fulfilment.
2. Personal Growth Fuels Professional Reinvention – Facing challenges head-on can inspire not only new directions in your career but also a movement others can rally around.
3. Stepping Into Sustainability – Learn how the Enoughness Movement advocates for balance, intentionality, and mindful consumption, benefiting both individuals and the planet.

Discover more about the Enoughness Movement on The Enoughness Podcast and follow Melanie on LinkedIn. For updates on her speaking engagements and insights, stay tuned on her social media and podcast platforms.

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