Joy At Work

Is Listening a Luxury? A Conversation with Colin Smith, The Listener

Most of us are pretty rubbish at listening, aren't we? In this episode, I’m joined by Colin Smith, aka The Listener — a man on a mission to change the way the world listens. We explore what it really feels like to be deeply heard (spoiler: it’s calming, empowering, and makes you feel safe), and what’s at stake when we’re not. Think disconnection, disengagement, even depression. But we also get practical. Colin shares two beautifully simple listening practices you can try today — at work, at home, or even with your kids — to spark trust and connection in minutes. If you’ve ever felt unheard, or you suspect you might be doing more talking than listening... this one’s for you. 🎧 Mentioned: 1. Two mini listening experiments that deepen trust quickly 2. Why “don’t fix it” might be the best career advice you’ve never heard 3. The real cost of not listening inside companies (hint: it’s not just talent loss) 👉 Want to begin your own joy-at-work redesign? Start with my self-assessment tool ‘Derailed’ — it takes just 30 mins and might just change how you see everything: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailedhttps://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed] 👉 Want to learn more? Dig into Practical Tactics for Better Listening: A Joy At Work Experiment with Lucia Knight: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/active-listening [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/active-listening]

From Stuck to Energised: One Former Client’s Joy-at-Work Breakthroughs

Ever wondered if loyalty is keeping you stuck? In this episode, I’m joined by former client Lara, who bravely reflects on three career design insights she never wants to forget. These are not surface-level tips—they’re hard-won truths shaped through deep experimentation and support inside our Fierce Emporium programme and 1:1 work. We talk about: 1. The blurry line between loyalty and unhealthy boundaries 2. How your body knows the truth before your brain does 3. Why working on someone else’s passion will eventually drain you Lara also shares her new direction—supporting people navigating grief while executing estates—and how she discovered her “fourth superpower” along the way. If you’re in a season of stuckness, questioning what’s next, or need a gentle nudge to prioritise your kind of meaningful work, you’ll feel seen in this one. 🔗 Curious what working together might look like? Explore how we can redesign your career: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-meWork With Me [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me] Listen to another client transformation: 1. Scott’s Three Career Design Insights He’ll Never Forget [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/scott-midlife-career-redesign] 2. Learn More About How To Find Your Superpowers [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/midlife-superpowers-joy-at-work]

The One Small Shift That Increases Joy at Work (It’s Not What You Think)

Have you ever had that gut-feeling that something’s off at work? You’re good at your job, but it just doesn’t feel good enough? In this episode, I share the one powerful concept that’s helped hundreds of my clients feel more alive, energised, and fulfilled in their careers—superpowers. Not the comic-book kind, but those unique things you do so effortlessly and joyfully that time disappears. Together, we’ll explore: 1. What superpowers actually are (and how to spot yours) 2. Three ways to uncover your own hidden brilliance 3. Simple, real-life tweaks to build joy into your workday 4. Why using your superpowers more often leads to promotions, pay rises, and feeling less drained at home And yes, there’s a free tool to help you begin. 📥 Download the Superpower Starter Worksheet 👉 https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17 [https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17] Let’s design a workday (and a work life) that actually feels like you.

Ditch Small Talk: Ask This Instead of "How’s Work?"

As we head into the festive season and spend more time with family and friends, there's one question that always seems to show up: "How’s work?" In this short episode, I share why that question is a total conversation killer—and what to ask instead if you want to spark a deeper, more joyful connection. I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful question you can use at your next gathering, whether you're chatting to a burnt-out sibling, a newly retired uncle, or a friend who secretly hates their job. I’ll even show you how to ask it well—and why it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful conversations. This one shift can bring more joy not just to their work, but to yours too. 💬 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment If you’re ready to reflect on your own work and life, try the Derailed Assessment. It’s a guided 30-minute deep dive into what’s bringing you joy—and what’s not. A brilliant place to begin your joy-at-work redesign. 👉 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailed]

Scott’s 3 Career Design Insights: A Midlife Reinvention Story

Ever wonder what it really takes to shift from quiet burnout to joy at work? In this special episode, I’m joined by one of my former clients who generously shares the three career design insights he never wants to forget. These insights came from our deep work together and his own fierce curiosity about what a joyful working life could actually feel like. We talk about how boredom can spiral into stress and anxiety, how understanding your personal kryptonite can transform how you show up at work, and why leaning into your real self (and your superpowers) is the key to sustainable joy. If you’ve been stuck in autopilot, or you’re craving a new way to make decisions about your next career move—this one’s for you. Ready to design work that matters? 👉 Work with me [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me] Mentioned in this episode: 🔹 Midlife Worklife Satisfaction Report [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2025/midlife-worklife-satisfaction]