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.

Subscribe to The Career Equation Podcast for more inspiring guests and actionable insights to help you design a thriving career. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends, rate the show, and leave feedback—it shapes how we bring you the best content!

This week on The Career Equation Podcast, Erica Sosna welcomes Ollie Thorn, an accomplished speaker, advisor, and consultant specialising in resilience, culture, and diversity. Ollie’s inspiring career spans the military, professional sports, the charitable sector, and corporate leadership. From an unexpected spinal cord injury that drastically altered his life to becoming a father earlier this year, Ollie shares his incredible story of reinvention and growth.

The episode dives deep into Ollie's transition from feeling lost after his injury to becoming a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, leveraging storytelling to drive cultural change, and helping businesses create environments where everyone can thrive. Currently navigating his new chapter as an independent consultant, Ollie opens up about balancing his professional aspirations with fatherhood, building sustainable practices for his career, and championing inclusion for the 24% of the working-age population living with disabilities.

• The Power of Life Events in Career Changes Ollie discusses how becoming a father has reshaped his priorities and inspired him to create a work-life balance that allows him to fully be present at home while pursuing meaningful work.
• Resilience and Reinvention After Trauma Ollie shares his experience navigating life with a spinal cord injury, from training as a military officer to adjusting to life in a wheelchair. His reflection on overcoming society's negative perceptions of disability is both moving and empowering.
• Creating Inclusive Workplaces With 24% of the working-age population living with disabilities, Ollie highlights the importance of building inclusive workplaces where employees feel safe sharing their needs. He discusses how storytelling can humanise disability and help shift corporate cultures towards belonging.
• The Career Equation Framework Erica guides Ollie through the Career Equation framework, identifying his core strengths, passions, and drivers. Together, they map out Ollie’s formula for success, including his skills in forging impactful relationships, passion for storytelling, and mission to drive sustainable cultural change.
• Insights for Leaders and Managers Ollie emphasises the need for career conversations, especially after significant life changes. Managers play a critical role in fostering open dialogue and understanding how an employee’s priorities might shift. Practical tips on maintaining empathy and nurturing high-performing teams are shared.
• Advice for Freelancers Reflecting on his new venture into freelance work, Ollie shares tips on staying focused, the importance of networking, and finding a rhythm when balancing family and professional goals. His candid look at the challenges and rewards of self-employment offers actionable inspiration for anyone considering a similar leap.

• “Going through trauma gave me the ability to see the world from different perspectives and develop empathy. It’s why I focus on building relationships based on trust.”
• “Disability isn’t a deficit; it’s a lens that allows innovation and creativity to thrive in the workplace.”
• “Becoming a father made me reflect deeply on what truly matters in life—and how I can adapt my career to align with those priorities.”

1. The Importance of Resilience – Challenges can pave the way for reinvention and growth, whether they arise from personal or professional life.
2. Storytelling as a Tool for Change – Personal stories can create a ripple effect in changing perceptions and driving inclusion in the workplace.
3. Balancing Parenthood and Passion – Ollie's perspective on time management and prioritising family offers valuable insights for any working parent.

Discover more about Ollie’s work and impactful storytelling by connecting with him on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for the launch of his personal website, where he will share more about speaking engagements, consulting services, and his mission for creating inclusive spaces.

Follow The Career Equation on socials and subscribe for more inspiring stories and strategies to ignite your career transformation. Don’t forget to rate and share this episode—your feedback shapes the future of our show.

Nina Bainbridge is an executive coach who designs leadership programmes and looks to empower people with the skills to transform their everyday conversations in order to solve problems and make lasting connections.

Having worked with young people in a prison and matrons in a teaching hospital, she wants to change the view that coaching is only available to a select few, and encourage a broader range of people to understand the positive impact that it can have on their lives.

Key topics discussed

1. The beginnings and essentials of coaching

• Starting out by solving the problems of Barbie and Sindy dolls as a child
• Learning the importance of being a good listener and not interrupting people while they are sharing
• Bringing humanity to conversations to encourage people to share
• Stepping away from the pressure to rescue your client as a coach

1. Reaching a broader audience

• Coaching in schools to create a coaching culture and reach a younger audience
• How to package coaching into soundbites and onto platforms so that it is accessible and immediately impactful

1. Overcoming self-doubt

• Putting your hand up for development opportunities even though on paper you may not feel qualified for them
• Trusting that your skills and strengths can be adapted in different environments like prisons

1. Seeing the 'ripple effect' of your work

• Working with a teaching hospital with matrons who were under pressure, working somewhere where there is one answer in medical terms
• Getting fulfilment from seeing the transformational journey of others, including impact beyond just their working lives
• Forming a strong bond with an organisation and giving back to the NHS, having received great care

1. The Career Equation in Action

• Skills: Enabling and framing coaching in a way that is meaningful
• Passion: People learning to have coaching conversations
• Impact: Having conversations that ignite people's thinking
• Environment: Human, safe and meaningful

Inspiring takeaways

• The importance of maintaining a human element in all interactions
• Not putting yourself down for finding a difficult environment really challenging
• If you frame your conversations correctly, there is nothing wrong with trying to appeal to a broad range of clients

Actionable Insights

• To learn new skills to broadcast and produce videos to achieve greater impact and online presence
• To use self-belief in innate skills as a grounding for scaling up the business through new connections

Resources and links

• Connect with Nina via LinkedIn or Everyday Coaching Skills
• Discover the Career Equation framework at www.thecareerequation.com

Don’t miss this great episode with Nina Bainbridge on The Career Equation podcast. Hear fascinating insight from her broad range of experiences - from prisons to hospitals - as she shares her journey as a coach who has come to realise the importance of being a good listener and bringing an element of humanity to conversations.

What happens when entrepreneurial spirit meets a passion for social impact? Join Erica Sosna and guest Dan Wallman, social entrepreneur and founder of both DV8 and TechNative, as they tackle the critical technical skills gap in the workforce. On this episode of The Career Equation, Dan reflects on his two-decade legacy building creative and skills-focused education programs and his newest mission to deliver employer-ready talent through an innovative, industry-led bootcamp model. Through the lens of the Career Equation framework, Erica and Dan explore his strengths in vision and innovation, his passion for empowering others, and his goal to create impactful, sustainable businesses. Dan shares lessons from his entrepreneurial ventures, the value of disrupting the status quo, and what it means to “be more pirate” in today’s world.

How do successful leaders transition into roles that truly align with their strengths and aspirations? Join Erica Sosna as she sits down with Annabelle Thebaud, a global HR and ESG expert, on this episode of The Career Equation. With over 20 years of corporate leadership experience spanning continents, Annabelle shares her inspiring career story, her passion for building human connections, and her ongoing quest to identify her zone of genius.

Through candid reflections, Annabelle explores her unique approach to connecting with diverse teams, navigating leadership transitions, and creating human-centered environments that foster success. Erica uses the Career Equation framework to help Annabelle reflect on her experiences and identify the ideal environment for her talents to thrive. Tune in for actionable insights and advice on being in transition, knowing your value, and designing a career that aligns with who you truly are.

Balancing a purpose-driven career with personal fulfilment can feel like solving an equation with too many variables. Join Erica Sosna in this episode of The Career Equation as she sits down with Larry Pearlman, a seasoned safety consultant and founder of Safety and Consulting Associates. With over 30 years of experience, Larry is an expert in safety culture, change management, and building systems that protect lives.

Larry discusses his career evolution from HR to becoming an industry leader in safety, guided by pivotal moments and a passion for keeping people safe. Erica helps Larry unpack his conundrum of striking a balance between continuing impactful work and planning for a fulfilling semi-retirement. Using her Career Equation framework, they explore the key components of a meaningful career, finding purpose in work, and maintaining balance.

Through captivating stories of life-saving interventions and strategies for cultural transformation, Larry reflects on how small changes and strong relationships create immeasurable impact. From partnering with global organisations to teaching the next generation of safety professionals, Larry’s mission is to leave a lasting legacy. Listen in for expert insights, compelling reflections, and actionable advice on thriving in career and life.