Welcome to Career & Leadership Real Talk; a weekly podcast full of guidance and advice for ambitious managers who are ready to take ownership of their career. It’s hosted by Pamela Langan, a job search coach and c.v. writing expert, and Jacqui Jagger, a mindset and leadership coach. We’re here for you if you want to have more impact, land a new job or get the promotion you know you deserve. There’s no high level, intellectual theory here – it’s a fluff-free zone We’ll be talking about how to ...
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Ep 129 - When You Don't Get That Promotion: Turning Disappointment into Opportunity with Jude Sclater
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41:45In this episode, we speak with career coach Jude about strategies for handling promotion rejection and how to transform this challenging experience into a catalyst for professional growth. Key points from this episode How to manage the emotional impact of missing out on a promotion Effective ways to process and learn from feedback Strategies to reb…
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Ep 128 - How to Make Better Decisions Under Pressure
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30:15In this episode, we tackle the challenge of decision-making under pressure – a common scenario for leaders at all levels. We explore why making decisions can feel so difficult when you're facing time constraints, stakeholder expectations, and limited information. Join us as we share practical frameworks and strategies to help you make better decisi…
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Ep 127 - 5 Practical Strategies When Lacking Confidence in Your Leadership
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25:00In this episode, we tackle the common yet rarely discussed challenge of leadership confidence dips. We explore how lacking confidence in your leadership abilities can affect decision-making, influence, and overall effectiveness, while providing practical approaches to maintain your leadership presence even during periods of self-doubt. Join us as w…
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Ep 126 - How to Give Feedback that Actually Changes Behaviour
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27:59In this episode, we dive into the art of giving feedback that actually changes behaviour. Many leaders struggle with delivering effective feedback - it often feels awkward, gets avoided, or fails to create the desired impact. We explore why feedback sometimes falls flat and share practical strategies to make your feedback more impactful and drive m…
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Ep 125 - How to Handle Team Conflict Without Becoming the Villain
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26:23In this episode, we tackle the delicate art of managing team conflict effectively. We explore how leaders often get conflict wrong—either by avoiding it completely or jumping in too aggressively—and share practical strategies for navigating disagreements in a way that builds trust rather than erodes it. Join us as we discuss when to step in, when t…
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Ep 124 - How to Spot a Toxic Job Before You Accept It
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33:11Ever taken a role that looked perfect on paper but turned into a nightmare? We explore the red flags that can signal trouble ahead and share practical strategies to protect yourself during the job search process. Join us as we break down how to read between the lines of job descriptions, navigate the interview process, and trust your instincts when…
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Ep 123 - 3 Skills to Master if You Want to Be Promoted
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28:24In this episode, we tackle one of the most frustrating career challenges: watching others get promoted while you're left wondering why it wasn't you. Instead of waiting for promotion opportunities to land in your lap, we share three crucial skills that can help you position yourself as the obvious choice for advancement. Whether you're an introvert…
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Ep 122 - How to Prepare for Your Performance Review (and Actually Benefit from It)
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32:12In this episode, we tackle a challenge every professional faces: making the most of performance reviews. We share practical strategies for transforming what can feel like a box-ticking exercise into a genuine opportunity for career growth and progression. We explore how taking ownership of your performance reviews can help you advocate for yourself…
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Ep 121 - Is This It? The Courage to Change Your Career with Kim Holland
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27:34In this episode, we welcome career coach Kim Holland who shares insights on navigating career transitions. We explore the common triggers that lead people to question "Is this it?" in their careers, how to find the courage (rather than confidence) to make changes, and practical steps to move forward when you know you need a change but aren't sure w…
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Ep 120 - Why People React The Way They Do (And What to Do About It)
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22:59In this episode, we explore why people react strongly in workplace situations and what you can do about it. Through a real coaching example, we unpack the science behind emotional responses at work and share practical strategies for managing both your own reactions and those of others. Whether you're dealing with a challenging boss or leading a tea…
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Ep 119 - 5 Signs Your Team Aren't Fully Engaged (And What to do)
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29:29In this episode, we tackle the crucial leadership challenge of identifying and addressing team disengagement. We explore five key warning signs that your team might not be fully engaged, from subtle changes in meeting participation to increasing isolation in hybrid environments. Join us as we share practical strategies for not only spotting these s…
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Ep 118 - 7 Powerful Questions to Transform Your Leadership 1:1s
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32:06In this episode, we dive into how to transform your one-to-one meetings from basic status updates into powerful leadership tools. We explore why many managers struggle with these crucial conversations and share seven specific questions that can help you get more value from your one-to-ones, whether they're weekly check-ins or strategic career discu…
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Ep 117 - What to do if You're at Risk of Redundancy
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29:57In this episode, we share our own redundancy experiences (between us we've been through it 5-6 times!) and pack in all the practical advice we wish we'd had when facing it for the first time. If you're at risk of redundancy, you might be feeling a whole mix of emotions right now - from shock and fear to anger and uncertainty. We get it, and we're h…
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Ep 116 - 5 Hidden Habits Undermining your Leadership
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25:37In this episode, we tackle those subtle habits that could be holding back your leadership impact. Drawing from real coaching conversations, we explore five common patterns that leaders often don't realise are undermining their authority and career progression. Join us as we share practical strategies to identify and overcome these hidden habits, he…
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Ep 115 - How Not to Have Sh*t Online Meetings
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42:46In this episode, we tackle the challenges of online meetings with expert facilitator Steph Vidal-Hall. If you've ever sat through endless virtual meetings wondering if they could be better (spoiler: they definitely can), this episode is for you. Building on our popular episode about in-person meetings, we explore what makes online meetings differen…
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Ep 114 - The Advice Trap: How Leaders Can Stop Fixing and Start Developing Their Team
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28:59In this episode, we tackle a critical leadership challenge: the habit of constantly giving advice rather than developing your team through coaching. We explore the concept of 'The Advice Trap' and why so many leaders find themselves stuck in the role of problem-solver rather than developer. Join us as we share practical strategies to shift from fix…
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Ep 113 - How to Plan for a Career Change (Without Taking a Pay Cut)
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31:02In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest career myths out there - that changing careers means taking a pay cut. We explore how proper planning (not just jumping ship!) can help you make a successful transition. As career coaches, we see fantastic professionals staying stuck because they think career change isn't possible for them. Join us as w…
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Join us for the last episode of the year where we take the real talk to a whole new level, sharing our answers to some of the questions included in the Career Reflection Guide for 2024! Useful Links Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/ Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn:…
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Ep 111 - How to Lead When You're Not the Expert in the Room
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23:37Leading a team of experts when you're not the technical expert yourself can be daunting. In this week's episode, we explore how to make that transition from being the expert yourself to leading a team of experts effectively. We dive into why it's natural to feel vulnerable in this situation and share practical strategies to help you embrace your le…
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Ep 110 - Imposter Syndrome: The 5 Hidden Identities Holding You Back with Aoife O'Brien
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47:18In this episode, we're joined by researcher and podcast host Aoife O'Brien to explore imposter syndrome - one of the most common challenges facing leaders at all levels. Drawing on her extensive research, Aoife reveals five distinct imposter identities and shares practical strategies for recognizing and managing imposter syndrome. Whether you're ex…
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Ep 109 - What to Expect at Different Interview Stages
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29:15In this episode, we break down what to expect at each stage of the interview process for senior roles, from initial screening to final rounds. Having supported countless job search & outplacement clients through successful job searches, we share insider knowledge on how recruiters and hiring managers think at each stage and what they're really look…
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Ep 108 - How to Find and Secure Career Changing Mentors
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25:23In this episode, we tackle the often misunderstood topic of mentoring and how to make it work for your career development. We explore why the traditional view of mentoring might be limiting your growth and share practical steps for finding and approaching potential mentors. Key points from this episode Common misconceptions about what mentoring loo…
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Ep 107 - Leading Through Change with Paula Brockwell
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27:17In this episode, we tackle one of the biggest challenges leaders face: implementing culture change without losing your team (or your sanity) along the way. If you've ever been tasked with driving change or found yourself wondering why culture initiatives seem to fizzle out, this conversation is a must-listen. Our guest expert Paula Brockwell, an oc…
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Ep 106 - Practical Ways to Develop Emotional Intelligence as a Leader
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34:50In this episode, we tackle the often-misunderstood topic of emotional intelligence (EQ) and provide practical ways to develop it as a leader. We explore how EQ differs from personality traits and share actionable strategies to enhance your emotional awareness and leadership effectiveness. Key points from this episode Understanding the difference be…
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If you've ever been tasked with facilitating a session to generate ideas and get people into a creative headspace you might well have wondered where to start - that was the situation one listener was in So today we're sharing an approach that can help with making sure you get people contributing whilst also enjoying themselves within an idea genera…
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Ep 104 - Career Clinic: Real Answers to Your Burning Questions
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21:38Struggling with the ins and outs of job hunting and career growth? In this episode, we're tackling some real questions that have come up for our listeners and clients lately - the kind of stuff that's probably on your mind too if you're looking to level up your career. 00:00 Introduction to This Week's Episode 00:47 Should You Send a Thank You Note…
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In this episode, we're joined by special guest Katy Walton, an expert in learning and development. We explore the crucial topic of how leaders can stand out by effectively developing others. Katy shares invaluable insights on the benefits of investing in your team's growth and practical strategies to overcome common barriers to development. Key poi…
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If you're at a point in your career where you're asking yourself "Is this it?" or if you know you've got more to give but aren't sure how to tap into that potential, this episode is for you. We're sharing our process from working with clients to create career clarity. Whether you're considering a job change, eyeing a promotion, or just want to feel…
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Ep 101 - How to be Strategic When The Business Isn't
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26:05In this episode, we tackle the challenge of being strategic when the business itself isn't. We explore the common scenario many leaders face: trying to make strategic decisions and contributions in an environment lacking clear direction or communication. Join us as we discuss the frustrations this can cause and share practical strategies Key points…
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Ep 100 - Sharing the Career & Leadership Real Talk Story
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28:11Celebrating 100 Episodes: Reflections and Top Picks Join us for this special milestone episode as we celebrate our 100th podcast episode! We reflect on our journey, the feedback we've received, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into making each episode. Discover the story behind how our podcast started almost by accident and listen as we sh…
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Ep 99 - Rethinking Your CV for Senior Roles
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23:09Ever wonder why your CV isn't landing you those senior role interviews? In this episode, we tackle the common pitfalls that even the most experienced professionals fall into when crafting their CVs. We've all been there - agonising over every word, wondering if we're selling ourselves short or coming across as too boastful. But what if the secret t…
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Ep 98 - How to Develop Executive Presence
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24:12This week, we break down what it takes to develop executive presence, an invaluable skill for leaders. It often seems a nebulous concept, with lots of emphasis but very little actual advice on how to develop it We're discussing the components that make up executive presence, why developing executive presence isn't just for senior leaders and the im…
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Ep 97 - Performance Management Made Simple
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23:30Performance management isn't always easy. Too often, it comes about in the form of formal processes that feel unwieldy, tiring and uncomfortable The BECKS framework is one we have used and shared forever. Not only does it simplify performance management and make it easier, it's incredibly versatile and allows for increasing performance in rising st…
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Ep 96 - How to Deal With Disappointment During a Job Search
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25:41If you've ever had a job search that didn't result in an offer from the first job you applied for, you'll know the all too familiar sting and the way your confidence is shaken In this episode, we're talking about the range of challenging emotions that come up during a prolonged job search and offering our advice on how best to handle disappointment…
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Ep 95 - 5 Steps to Making the Most of Working with an Executive Coach
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28:54Whether you fund coaching yourself or are offered coaching by your employer, coaching is a big investment in terms of time, energy and commitment as well as financially So how can you make the most of that investment and ensure coaching is enjoyable, helpful and worthwhile rather than just another meeting in your diary? This week we're sharing 5 th…
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Ep 94 - Conquer Email Overload: 7 Tips for Leaders
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26:02In this week's episode, we're discussing email overload and sharing practical strategies to regain control. We know just how frustrating it can be to have an overflowing inbox, but with some discipline and strategies around organising yourself, creating a consistent team email culture and writing emails well it can at least get easier Key points fr…
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Ep 93 - How to Assess Your Leadership Abilities
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22:44Understanding and evaluating your competencies are crucial for leadership success, and this week we're sharing our framework that provides a structured approach to self-assessment and development. You can also download your copy of the framework here Key points from this episode 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Assessment 00:18 The Importance of Se…
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Ep 92 - 5 Strategies to Make the Most of Induction Meetings
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32:07Whether you're stepping into a new job or transitioning within the same organisation, induction meetings play a crucial role in setting the stage for your success. This week we are talking about how to make the most of them to understand your role, build key relationships, and avoid common pitfalls in your first 90 days. 00:00 Introduction to Induc…
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In this episode, we delve into the topic of communicating with impact, inspired by Tara Mohr's book 'Playing Big'. We identify common habits that diminish communication effectiveness, and as ever, offer practical strategies to overcome these habits (and strike a balance between assertiveness and approachability). 00:00 Introduction to Communicating…
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Ep 90 - 6 Confidence Myths that Hold Leaders Back
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34:06Do you struggle with confidence in yourself as a leader or manager? This week, we unpack common confidence myths that we see getting in the way for our 1:1 clients. Discover how to shift your mindset and overcome them with our alternative mindsets to adopt Key points from this episode • Why you don't need to feel confident before taking action • Ho…
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Ep 89 - Ace Your Next Job Interview: How to Prepare Like a Pro
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30:11Are you tired of leaving interviews feeling like you didn't showcase your best self? In this episode, we share our essential tips and strategies to prepare for interviews effectively and boost your confidence. Whether you're facing in-person or virtual interviews, these insights will help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chance…
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Ep 88 - How to be Direct Without Being Perceived as Difficult
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22:48In this episode, we're talking through the topic being direct without being perceived as difficult in the workplace. Drawing from our own experiences as two pretty direct people, we discuss how to build strong relationships and communicate effectively without trying to be fluffy or go against your direct nature Key points from this episode The impo…
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Ep 87 - Specialist or Generalist Career Path - Which is Right for You
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25:57In this episode, we delve into the age-old career dilemma: should you pursue a specialist or generalist path? Whether you're at a career crossroads or simply curious about your options, we explore the definitions, advantages, and strategies for both paths. Join us as we unpack this complex topic, drawing from our extensive experience in career coac…
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Ep 86 - How to Speak up and Be Heard in Meetings
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22:36In this episode, we dive into the importance of speaking up and being heard in meetings, especially as ambitious leaders in management roles. We discuss the frustrations that can arise when you feel like your contributions aren't being valued and explore strategies to ensure your voice carries the weight it deserves. Join us as we consider the barr…
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Ep 85 - Cultivating Curiosity: An Overlooked Skill for Career Progression with Professor Laura Chamberlain
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33:36In this insightful episode, we are joined by the brilliant Laura Chamberlain, an award-winning marketer, career strategist, coach, and professor of marketing at the University of Warwick. Laura shares her expertise on how cultivating curiosity can be a game-changer for your career growth and development. Discover practical tips and strategies to ha…
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Ep 84 - From Good to Great: A Practical Model for Developing High Performing Teams
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22:12Are you looking to take your team's performance to the next level? In this episode, we share an overview of the Catalyst Five Cs framework - a powerful, practical model for supporting team development. We walk you through each of the Five Cs, explaining what they are and how they can combine to support increased team performance Key points from thi…
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Ep 83 - The Do's and Don'ts of Designing a Great Recruitment Process
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33:34In this episode, we dive into the essential do's and don'ts of creating an effective recruitment process. Drawing from our experience as in house and agency recruiters as well as working with clients to support recruitment, we share our insights and practical tips to help if you're a hiring manager who's just expected to know how to design a great …
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Ep 82 - Setting Boundaries: A Leader's Guide to Saying No Without Burning Bridges
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20:58In this episode, we discuss the challenges many leaders face when it comes to setting boundaries and saying no at work. We explore why it can feel so difficult to say no, even when you know you should, and share practical tips and insights on how to get more comfortable with it. If you've ever struggled with being a people-pleaser or found yourself…
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Ep 81 - Key Considerations for Proposing a New Team Structure as a Manager
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23:59In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of proposing a new team structure as a manager. Drawing from real-life scenarios, we explore the key considerations, pitfalls to avoid, and best practices to adopt. Whether it's navigating growth, mergers, or downsizing, proposing a new team structure demands careful planning and insight. Key points fr…
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Ep 80 - How to Write a Brilliant Job Description
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31:42If you've ever been asked to write or update a job description without any training, this week's episode is for you. We discuss how to approach it, what to include and what you need to do before you start writing Key points from this episode Why you should think of a job description as a marketing asset, not just an internal document How to define …
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