In this episode, Leanne Hughes chats with Kathy Oneto, branding expert and host of the Sustainable Ambition podcast.

Kathy shares her philosophy of crafting fulfilling work while living a meaningful life, using a decade-to-decade lens. She challenges the concept of work-life balance and offers a more sustainable framework for aligning career ambitions with personal values.

Kathy reflects on her own career transitions, explores why curiosity matters more than passion, and explains how tuning into yourself is the first step to navigating change. This conversation is packed with practical advice on taking risks, paying attention to your values, and designing a career that evolves with you.

Topics Covered:

• The origins and dual meaning of “Sustainable Ambition.”
• Why work-life balance is unrealistic and how to focus on resilience instead.
• How to navigate career transitions with clarity and purpose.
• Tips for recognising when it’s time for a career shift.
• Why taking risks isn’t just for the young—and how to make them smart.
• Practical tools like Kathy’s 12-month planner for building resilience and alignment.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Kathy’s Sustainable Ambition website: sustainableambition.com
• Books mentioned:
• Making Great Choices by Jennifer Riel and Roger Martin
• Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra
• Kathy’s 12-month workbook and planner: Sustainable Ambition Life + Work Resilience RX

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