Joy At Work

What Changes When You Stop Editing Yourself at Work - Deirdre's Story

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that comes from succeeding while only showing up halfway. From doing excellent work that never quite feels like yours. From knowing you’re capable of more, but not knowing how to bring your whole self without blowing things up. In this conversation, I’m joined by former client Deirdre McCarthy, who reflects on what changed when she stopped fragmenting herself to fit professional expectations—and started designing work that aligned with her values, her curiosity, and her humanity. We talk about trusting your inner truth, leading with vulnerability instead of expertise-as-armor, and letting go of the belief that work is a zero-sum game. This isn’t a story about quitting everything overnight. It’s about the quieter shifts that change how work feels from the inside out—and what becomes possible when you stop editing yourself. WHAT THIS EXPLORES 1. What happens when you bring more than just your “competence” to work 2. Why vulnerability can create momentum instead of risk 3. How abundance thinking quietly dissolves comparison and competition 4. The difference between being successful and feeling congruent 5. What “joy at work” actually feels like when it’s real If any part of this conversation stirred something for you, you’re not alone. Sometimes the most important work shift isn’t external at all—it’s the quiet decision to stop abandoning parts of yourself that matter. Curious what joy at work could look like for you? Explore all of my programs at 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-mehttps://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/work-with-me] Catch Other Stories of Midlife Career Redesign: 1. From Stuck to Energised: Lara’s Story [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/career-redesign-midlife-lessons-lara] 2. Escaping Boredom and Finding Your Superpowers: Scott’s Story [https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/podcast-episodes/scott-midlife-career-redesign]

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]