The ‘Corporate Agony Aunt’ podcast 🎙️

E16 - Staying Visible, Networking Without the Ick, and the Power Moves to Nail Your Job Hunt

Episode Title: Staying Visible, Networking Without the Ick, and the Power Moves to Nail Your Job Hunt Episode Summary: Remote work making you feel like a corporate ghost? Hate networking but know you *should* be doing it? Or maybe you’ve been blindsided by a job loss and need to bounce back — fast? In this jam-packed episode of *Corporate Agony Ant*, Isobelle shares straight-talking strategies to stay visible when you’re out of sight, reframe networking so it actually feels natural, and master the first 48 hours after losing your job. From her own corporate confessionals (yes, she got caught venting on recorded lines — more than once) to practical scripts, power moves, and mindset shifts, this one’s a crash course in levelling up your career presence, resilience, and opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How to stay front-of-mind when working remotely — without being *that* person in every meeting. * Networking redefined: ditch the sleaze, build genuine connections, and make them last. * Three real-life “corporate confessionals” and the lessons you *won’t* forget. * The step-by-step action plan for bouncing back after a job loss (and why speed matters). * Community Q\&A: negotiating time before accepting an offer, going part-time for a side hustle, surviving spam-boss scams, and chasing the job you *really* want. Whether you’re climbing the ladder, planning your next move, or just trying to avoid career landmines, this episode will give you the scripts, strategies, and sanity to do it with confidence. Links & Resources: Connect with Isobelle on [LinkedIn] [https://www.linkedin.com/in/isobelle/] Extra resources & templates: www.corporateagonyaunt.com

E15 - Toxic Workplaces, Imposter Syndrome & Nailing the Final Interview

Toxic Workplaces, Imposter Syndrome & Nailing the Final Interview This week, Izzy tackles some of the toughest career dilemmas you’ve sent in — from surviving a toxic culture (even if you love the work) to kicking imposter syndrome to the curb, plus a masterclass in preparing for your final stage interview. We’ll cover: * Toxic workplaces: How to protect your mental health, set boundaries, find allies, and plan your exit without burning out. * Imposter syndrome: Practical mindset shifts, building a “brag file” (Izzy’s is called *That Bitch*), and why faking it till you make it actually works. * Corporate Confessional: A half-million-dollar mistake, a boss who stayed calm, and what a culture of psychological safety really looks like. * Interview power moves: From researching the panel to leaving a memorable impression, plus the small gestures that make you stand out. * Promotion talk: Why visibility is everything, how to present your receipts, and the exact script to turn extra responsibility into a pay rise. Packed with real-world examples, straight-talking advice, and a few reality checks, this episode is your playbook for thriving in high-pressure situations — and knowing when it’s time to walk away.

E14 - When Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills — Career Moves, Pitch Deck Power & Owning Your Generalism

Episode Title: When Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills — Career Moves, Pitch Deck Power, and Owning Your Generalism Show Notes: Love your job but hate your pay? Thinking of switching careers? In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Izzy shares proven salary negotiation tactics, career change strategies, and her Pitch Deck PowerMoves for interview success — plus why generalists can thrive in today’s job market and the workplace skill everyone overlooks. In this episode of **Corporate Agony Ant**, Izzy tackles one of the trickiest corporate crossroads: > *What do you do when you love your job… but your paycheque doesn’t love you back?* From salary negotiations that actually work, to spotting when it’s time to walk, Izzy breaks down how to balance passion with financial reality. But that’s just the start. You’ll also learn: * Career change without starting from scratch – how to identify and sell your transferable skills so you don’t “start over,” you *level up*. * The Corporate Confessional – a cautionary tale from the pre-slack days about why you should never, ever hit “Reply All” with the wrong attachment. * Pitch Deck PowerMoves – a step-by-step masterclass for interview presentations that hit the brief, nail the timing, and make you unforgettable (for the right reasons). * How to actually articulate yourself at work – practical habits to sharpen your speech, boost confidence, and own the room. * Owning your generalism – why being a jack-of-all-trades can be your superpower in today’s job market. * The most underrated workplace skill – and why being “easy to work with” will open more doors than chasing office popularity. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, fighting for fair pay, or prepping for the interview of your dreams, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you thrive without selling your soul. Listen now and take one step closer to your career glow-up.

E13 - When Climbing the Ladder Isn’t Your Thing – Redefining Career Growth Without Management

"Episode Title: When Climbing the Ladder Isn’t Your Thing – Redefining Career Growth Without Management Not everyone wants to be a manager — and you shouldn’t have to be one to be “successful.” In this episode of **Corporate Agony Aunt**, Izzy tackles the pressure to move into leadership when it’s not the right fit for you, and how to carve out a career path that plays to your strengths. We also cover: * How to frame a conversation with your boss when you don’t want to manage people (without stalling your growth). * Alternative career paths that give you seniority, recognition, and pay — minus the direct reports. * Practical ways to stay employable and competitive as a top-level individual contributor. Plus, Izzy dives into two other career pain points: * **“I keep getting rejected for jobs I’m qualified for.”** – Why it’s not always about your skills, and the small CV, interview, and networking tweaks that can triple your chances. * **Pre-recorded interviews** – Why they’re awkward, how to prepare like a pro, and the “pen trick” to sound more natural on camera. You’ll also hear: * This week’s *Corporate Confessional* – a catering slip-up, a client meltdown, and a masterclass in owning your mistakes. * How to protect yourself if you suspect you’re being quietly pushed out. * The “traffic light” system for stopping workplace oversharing. * The best way to talk about redundancy in interviews without killing your chances. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by the corporate ladder or stuck in a cycle of job rejections, this episode will give you the language, strategies, and confidence to take back control of your career.

E12 - How to Handle Credit-Stealing Co-Workers, Lead Former Peers Without Drama

How to Handle Credit-Stealing Co-Workers, Lead Former Peers Without Drama, and Build a Career That Actually Fits YouIf your co-worker’s stealing your ideas, your old workmates now report to you, and your career feels more like a maze than a ladder — here’s how to take back control without burning bridges."In this episode of *Corporate Agony Ant*, Izzy tackles three career curveballs every professional will face at some point:1. The Credit Thief – When a co-worker tries to pass off your ideas as their own, the solution isn’t to seethe in silence. Izzy walks you through how to speak up in the moment without coming off confrontational, and why documenting your contributions is your best insurance policy.2. From Peer to Boss – Getting promoted is exciting… until the people who used to be your workmates start resenting you. Izzy shares exactly how to set boundaries, manage awkwardness, and keep respect high while still leading effectively.3. Career Alignment Masterclass – Forget the perfect, linear CV. Izzy explains how to turn every role (even the ones you hated) into stepping stones toward your ideal career, keep your network alive without burning bridges, and use mentorship to open doors you didn’t even know existed.Plus: * A Corporate Confessional that turns a potential PR disaster into a masterclass on accountability. * How to answer “Why did you leave so soon?” in interviews without sinking your chances. * The right way to ask for a pay rise (hint: it’s not “Dave got more, so I should too”). * Should you give up your Fridays off for a promotion? Izzy breaks down the decision framework. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-credited, or off-track, this episode gives you the tools to take control of your career narrative—without burning bridges or selling your soul for a bigger title.