Ever been asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” and wanted to reply, “Surviving”? Same! That’s why this week we’ve called in reinforcements: the brilliant Sarah Davidson—entrepreneur, author and podcasting queen—joins Em Vernen to untangle your trickiest career questions. 

We dive into how to not just survive but thrive during a major career pivot, what to do when your career path feels more like a scribble than a straight line, and whether your work ‘fun fact’ should be heartfelt or just plain fun.

Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to career podcast that turns workplace headaches into actionable solutions, cutting through the corporate jargon to give you straight-talking  advice that actually works! Whether you're dealing with a micromanaging boss, navigating a tricky team situation, or contemplating a career change, we've got your back. Send us your anonymous dilemmas, and we'll help you work smarter, not harder.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.

If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can be anon!

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Follow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast.

HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page

PRODUCER: Sophie Campbell
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BIZ, we completely flip the script on workplace gossip, revealing why it might actually be essential for your career – and when it could destroy it. Discover the surprising truth about which gender gossips more and just how gossip is hardwired into our DNA.

Get the exact strategies for "safe gossiping" that won't damage your reputation, discover what a "reputation ripple" is and how to use it to your advantage, and learn the perfect phrases to gracefully exit a toxic gossip session without making it awkward. Plus, find out why the worst gossip disasters almost always involve one particular communication method that's probably sitting open on your computer right now.

Whether you're trying to navigate office politics or build a healthier team culture, these science-backed insights will transform how you think about workplace communication – and might just save your career.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

You might be interested in our episodes on:
How To Build A Profitable Side Hustle (From Someone Who Actually Did It)
How To Nail Networking, Even When it Feels Super Awkward
How To Talk So People Listen To You
How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can remain anon!

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia's studios are furnished with thanks to Fenton & Fenton. For more head to their website here.

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tackle the awkward situation of what to do when you've accepted a new job, quit your current one, and then discover your new manager has resigned (yikes!). And we debate the ultimate modern workplace dilemma - is it acceptable to answer work calls with foils in your hair at the salon?

Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby answer all those awkward career questions keeping you up at night. Send us your anonymous workplace dilemmas and we'll provide straight-talking solutions from experts who understand the modern workplace.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.

If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can be anon!

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media
Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jefferson Fisher (whose revolutionary communication strategies have generated over 1 billion impressions worldwide) returns to reveal his most powerful techniques for the scenarios that make even the most confident professionals stumble.
No vague advice—just specific phrases you can use immediately that transform how colleagues perceive your competence and authority.

Learn his brilliantly simple "conversational breath" technique that helps you appear more thoughtful and authoritative in any meeting, plus the powerful three-word phrase that lets you disagree with anyone—even your boss—without creating conflict.

Listening to this episode will teach you:
- A foolproof method for connecting with intimidating senior leaders
- The exact phrase that lets you acknowledge your emotions without losing control of difficult conversations
- How to stop your over-explaining habit that's undermining your authority
- A three-word phrase that makes you sound instantly more confident in any situation

We are obsessed with Jefferson’s book ‘The Next Conversation’ which you need to buy here. You can also listen to the audiobook read by Jefferson on Audible or Spotify.

Jefferson has over 10 million followers and 500 million views on socials, follow him on insta or tiktok.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

You might be interested in our episodes on:
How To Talk So People Listen To You
How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can remain anon!

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page and Sophie Campbell.
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we solve the puzzle of networking with colleagues in different time zones (hello, 3am meetings!). Then we dive into the delicate dance of returning to your old workplace as the new boss - is it a career power move or a recipe for disaster? Plus, we share strategic tactics for dealing with that manager who's constantly 'checking in' on your progress.

Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where Em Vernem and Michelle Battersby answer all those awkward career questions keeping you up at night. Consider this your chance to get candid career advice from experts who understand the modern workplace.

If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at [email protected].

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communication powerhouse Jefferson Fisher (whose strategies have revolutionised how millions communicate) shares his innovative approach to workplace conversations that gets results without the drama. 

Discover why trying to "win" arguments is actually sabotaging your professional relationships, and learn his game-changing "conversational framing" technique that career coaches are calling the fastest route to a promotion this year.

Listening to this ep will teach you:
- The exact phrases that make you sound instantly more confident (without being arrogant)
- How to replace apologies with something that makes people respect you more
- The perfect way to start any difficult conversation (that gets people on your side instantly)
- A foolproof method for connecting with senior leaders that makes them want to help you
- The simple mindset shift that turns confrontation into collaboration

This isn't just another episode about "speaking up more" – it's the communication blueprint that might completely transform how people perceive you at work.

We are obsessed with Jefferson’s book ‘The Next Conversation’ which you need to buy here. You can also listen to the audiobook read by Jefferson on Audible or Spotify.

Jefferson has over 1 billion Impressions across media platforms, follow him on insta or tiktok.
Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

You might be interested in our episodes on:
How To Talk So People Listen To You
How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can remain anon!

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page and Sophie Campbell.
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s episode will teach you how to have scary conversations at work - seriously, you’ll be learning into those tough chats when you’re done listening!
Plus Em Vernem and Soph Hirst tackle the question of people at the same level earning different salaries, and we’ll show you how to advocate for more cash (let’s face it, we all deserve it).
Also - so, you’ve lied to your boss. Frightening! But we’ll tell you how to fix it.

Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.

This is Lisa Lie’s excellent career development post. 

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can be anon!

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop wasting time with disappointing AI results! This episode of Biz gives you the insider knowledge to transform AI from an occasional helper to your most valuable workplace asset.

Our incredible guest Amantha Imber brings her expertise that will completely transform how you interact with artificial intelligence tools. You'll discover why using AI as just a delegatee for monotonous tasks means you're missing out on its most powerful applications as your "buddy" and "expert" companion, plus she breaks down her game-changing "architecting" method for prompts that delivers consistently excellent results—a technique that 95% of AI users don't know about.

What you'll learn:
- a simple three-question framework to determine if AI is right for your task
- the best way to craft prompts that actually deliver what you want the first time
- how to use AI to test ideas and build confidence before sharing them with others
- the critical mistakes that cause AI to produce worse results over time

Whether you're drafting emails, preparing presentations, or developing strategy, this episode provides the practical blueprint to make AI work for you—not the other way around.

Learn more about Amantha’s company Inventium, listen to her brilliant How I Work podcast or follow Amantha on LinkedIn.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

You might be interested in our episodes on:
How To Talk So People Listen To You
How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can remain anon!

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How important is it to ‘drink the koolaid’ at work? Today Em Vernem and Soph Hirst explain why this argument is flawed, and what you do need to do to get ahead.
Plus we deep dive into career development plans and will teach you how to be the architect, not the passenger, of your own career.
And finally we asked you on our Biz instagram about the most unhinged thing a boss has said to you and we are APPALLED. You won’t believe some of the answers we share.

Welcome to BIZ Inbox, where we turn your anonymous workplace questions into actionable advice. Think of us as your career group chat. Consider this your chance to get free career advice from people who've been there.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get Soph’s framework for reaching your career development goals.
If you want your work life issue solved, send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can be anon!

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

HOSTS: Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether you're looking to earn extra cash or dream of quitting your day job, this conversation delivers the practical blueprint you've been searching for.

We meet creative entrepreneur Georgia Norton Lodge who offers brutally honest advice about what it actually takes to build a sustainable side hustle. She shares the exact steps that helped her transform a $35 product into a $500 one, and how a single email to her database once made her $16,000.

Plus you’ll learn:
- the Venn diagram approach to identifying your perfect side hustle
- six practical steps to get started (even with no time or budget)
- realistic timelines and expectations
- when to know if your side hustle is working (or when to let it go)

Check out Georgia’s courses and workshops, and you can follow her on LinkedIn and Insta.

Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here

You might be interested in our episodes on:
How To Talk So People Listen To You
How To Be More Productive (Without Trying Too Hard)
Time Blocking Doesn't Work (Until You Do It Right)
How To Ask For More Money (Without Dying From Awkwardness)

THE END BITS
Support independent women's media.

Follow the Biz Instagram, Michelle’s startup Sunroom and Soph’s career coaching business Workbaby.

Got a work life dilemma? Send us all the questions you definitely can't ask your boss for our Biz Inbox episodes - send us a voice note or email us at [email protected]. You can remain anon!

HOSTS: Michelle Battersby, Soph Hirst and Em Vernem
EXEC PRODUCER: Georgie Page
AUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.