Key points from this episode

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

When your boss is drowning in pressure, it doesn't just affect them—it cascades straight down to you. We've all been there: the chaotic instructions, the constant interruptions, the feeling that nothing you do is quite right. In this episode, we unpack what's really happening when your manager is overwhelmed and share practical strategies to create calm in the chaos without burning yourself out in the process.

We explore why your well-intentioned attempts to help might actually be backfiring, how to reframe your support in ways that land better, and the importance of protecting yourself whilst managing up effectively. Whether you're considering leaving or want to improve your current situation, this episode gives you actionable steps to take back control

Key points from this episode

• Why offering help to an overwhelmed boss often backfires (and what to do instead)
• How to reframe your support as business efficiency rather than personal rescue
• The power of proactive communication to reduce reactive chaos
• Setting boundaries that protect you whilst still supporting your manager
• When to pause and fix the situation vs when it's genuinely time to leave

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Understanding the Cascading Impact of an Overwhelmed Boss

03:00 Why "Rescuing" Your Boss Backfires

05:00 Developing Empathy When You're Frustrated

08:00 The Power of Asking "What Would Make Your Job Easier?"

09:00 Reframing Support as Business Efficiency

10:00 Using Proactive Communication to Reduce Pressure

13:00 Creating Boundaries to Protect Your Time

15:00 Coaching Your Team to Be More Considered

18:00 Protecting Yourself: The Non-Negotiables

21:00 Having Collaborative Conversations About Priorities

23:00 Should You Stay or Should You Go?RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.

High stakes moments can make or break your confidence as a leader. In this episode, we explore the common scenarios where talented professionals falter under pressure, from over-explaining in crucial meetings to freezing when put on the spot. We share practical strategies to help you stay composed, maintain your executive presence, and perform at your best when it matters most. If you've ever left a meeting replaying what you said (or didn't say), this episode is for you.

Key points from this episode

• Three common scenarios where leaders lose confidence in high-pressure situations
• Why mindset preparation is just as important as material preparation
• The power of pausing to calm your nervous system and increase impact
• How to understand the real intent behind challenging questions
• Strategies for buying yourself time without appearing uncertain
• Moving past self-criticism to learn from difficult moments

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Feeling overlooked in your job search, even though you know you’re good at what you do? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack why experienced professionals and senior leaders struggle to get traction when applying for new roles, and what to do differently to stand out in today’s market.

We talk about why the job search game has changed, what “positioning yourself” really means, and how to reframe the process so it feels less demoralising and more strategic.

Key points from this episode

• Why senior professionals are getting overlooked (and why it’s not all down to ageism or the job market)
• How to audit and update your CV so it actually reflects your value at a senior level
• The shift from listing responsibilities to demonstrating impact
• How to stop “winging it” in interviews and start telling your story with confidence
• Why reframing your job search as a learning process can change everything
• The power of building relationships before you need them

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Why so many senior professionals feel overlooked right now

03:00 How the job market has changed for experienced candidates

05:00 The problem with keyword-stuffed CVs and outdated application tactics

07:00 How to audit your CV through a recruiter or hiring-manager lens

09:00 The difference between CVs for mid-level vs senior-level roles

10:00 Interview pitfalls: why “winging it” doesn’t work at senior level

12:00 Moving beyond STAR answers to share your story with impact

15:00 Handling rejection and maintaining confidence

17:00 Reframing the job search as a learning process

19:00 Building relationships before you need them

21:00 Turning experience into a competitive advantage

23:00 Owning your expertise and showing authentic value

25:00 Wrap Up: Positioning, patience, and playing the long game

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Think your team's psychological safety is sorted because everyone gets along? Think again. In this episode, we dig into what psychological safety actually means and why "nice" teams often aren't high-performing ones. We explore the difference between surface-level harmony and true psychological safety, and share practical strategies for building a culture where people can admit mistakes, challenge ideas, and take interpersonal risks without fear.

Key points from this episode

• What psychological safety really means (and why it's not just about being nice to each other)
• The high support, high challenge framework and why both are essential for performance
• Warning signs that your team lacks psychological safety (even if everyone seems to get on)
• How to role model vulnerability and normalise mistakes as a leader
• Simple language reframes that make challenge feel safer

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Defining Psychological Safety: Taking Interpersonal Risks

03:00 The Problem with "Nice" Teams and Surface-Level Harmony

05:00 Why Psychological Safety is the Foundation for High Performance

06:00 The Impact of Psychological Safety on Team Culture

08:00 The High Support, High Challenge Framework

10:00 Signs Your Team Has (or Lacks) Psychological Safety

12:00 Creating Space for Honest Conversations

15:00 Building Psychological Safety in Practice

18:00 Role Modelling: Admitting Mistakes as a Leader

19:00 Holding Learning Reviews and Reflective Practice

21:00 Structured Challenge: Using Devil's Advocate

22:00 Language Reframes: "I See That Differently" vs "I Disagree"

24:00 The Power of the Pause in Maintaining Psychological Safety

25:00 Wrap Up: High Support AND High Challenge

Useful Links

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Are you the reliable one who always delivers but never seems to get promoted? This episode tackles the frustrating reality many high performers face: excelling in your current role can actually become a barrier to career progression.

We explore why organisations often struggle to see top performers as leadership material and share practical strategies for breaking free from the "expert trap" – whether you choose to make changes internally or seek fresh opportunities elsewhere.

Key points from this episode

• The hidden trap of becoming "too valuable" in your current role and making everything look effortless
• Why staying in your lane and seeking external validation can sabotage your career progression
• How to decide whether to fight for change internally or pursue opportunities elsewhere
• The power of saying no and building boundaries to shift perceptions
• Why updating your CV should be your first step, even before you're ready to move

00:00 Introduction: When Excellence Becomes a Career Obstacle

01:00 The Expert Trap: Why Being Indispensable Can Limit Growth

02:00 Common Patterns That Keep You Stuck

04:00 The People-Pleasing and Praise-Seeking Combination

07:00 Can You Change Perceptions Internally?

10:00 Building the "No" Muscle: Setting Boundaries for Career Growth

12:00 Recognising When It's Time for a Fresh Start

15:00 Overcoming Loyalty That Limits Your Progress

16:00 Taking the First Step: Why Your CV Is the Key to Clarity

18:00 Using CV Updates to Create Career Direction

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.

Starting a new role can feel like navigating uncharted territory, but building trust doesn't have to be a mystery. Whether you've been promoted internally or joined a new organisation, the first few months are crucial for establishing the relationships that will define your success. We break down five practical strategies that will help you move beyond just "fitting in" to genuinely connecting with the stakeholders who matter most.

Key points from this episode

• Understanding communication preferences of different stakeholders and adapting your style accordingly
• Making strategic use of one-to-ones to build relationships and gather valuable insights
• Identifying who really holds influence beyond what the org chart shows
• Staying curious about your observations rather than rushing to judgement
• Setting clear expectations about your working style and preferences from the start

00:00 Introduction: Building trust in new roles

01:00 Mapping stakeholders and learning communication preferences

03:00 Making your one-to-ones count with all stakeholders

06:00 Using targeted questions to gain advice and shortcuts

08:00 Understanding informal influence networks and alliances

10:00 Real-world example: When your boss lacks influence

12:00 Being curious about observations vs making quick judgements

14:00 The "bull in a China shop" trap and why listening comes first

16:00 Setting your stall out: Communicating your working style upfront

18:00 Planning your approach before you start the role

20:00 Quick recap of all five trust-building strategies

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.

Ever found yourself trapped in a cycle where your boss is piling on pressure for targets that just aren't realistic? You know your role inside out, but they don't seem to understand the constraints you're working within. We've all been there, and it's incredibly frustrating. In this episode, we explore how to break free from this destructive pattern and turn a challenging situation into an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with your boss.

Key points from this episode

• Why logical arguments and data often fail when your boss is operating from fear or pressure
• The mindset shift that changes everything: positioning yourself on your boss's side rather than against them
• Practical communication strategies including timing, acknowledgment, and offering alternatives
• How to support your boss's relationship with their own manager to reduce pressure on you
• The power of follow-up and documentation in building trust and reducing micromanagement

Access the download for this episode

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 The Client Situation: When Logic Meets Unrealistic Expectations

03:00 Why This Creates Burnout and Relationship Damage

05:00 Understanding the Real Problem: It's Emotional, Not Logical

07:00 Recognising When Your Boss is Operating from Fear

09:00 The Role of Communication in Breaking the Cycle

11:00 Practical Steps: Positioning Yourself on Their Side

13:00 The Foundation: Empathy Over Winning Arguments

14:00 Timing Your Approach and Starting Conversations

16:00 Offering Alternatives Instead of Just Saying What Won't Work

18:00 How This Builds Trust and Opens Progression Opportunities

20:00 Supporting Your Boss's Relationship with Their Manager

22:00 The Power of Simple Solutions: Pam's Dashboard Story

23:00 The Importance of Effective Follow-Up

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.

September is prime time for job searching, with both more opportunities and more competition. In this episode, we share five crucial strategies to help you rise above the crowd and land that dream role. Whether you're returning to job hunting after the summer break or looking to refresh your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights from Pam's extensive client work and recruitment experience.

Key points from this episode

• How to use AI tools effectively without losing your authentic voice
• Demonstrating impact and value rather than just listing responsibilities
• Why trying to be great at everything actually works against you
• Speaking the employer's language and aligning with their culture
• Reading between the lines to deliver what employers need right now

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 September job market dynamics and reset opportunities

02:00 Tip 1: Sound like yourself - avoiding the AI authenticity trap

04:00 The trust factor in recruitment and why consistency matters

06:00 Debunking applicant tracking system myths

07:00 Tip 2: Demonstrate impact and value, not just responsibilities

09:00 Research techniques for understanding what employers really need

11:00 Tip 3: Don't try to be great at everything - focus on relevance

13:00 The recruitment mindset shift - quality over quantity

14:00 Real-world examples of focused applications

17:00 Tip 4: Speaking the employer's language and cultural alignment

19:00 Tip 5: Show you can deliver what they need right now

21:00 Current employer priorities: uncertainty, independence, commercial awareness

25:00 Wrap-up and resources for job search support

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.

Want to accelerate your career progression but feel like you're doing all the right things without getting the recognition you deserve? This final episode in our emotional intelligence summer series tackles the art of strategic relationship building. We explore why good work alone isn't enough and share practical strategies for building the right relationships in the right way to unlock career opportunities.

Key points from this episode

• Why relationship building is crucial for career progression - it underpins everything from team performance to stakeholder influence
• Three common myths that hold people back from strategic networking and relationship building
• The difference between natural relationship building and strategic career-focused connections
• Practical steps to identify and build relationships with influential people in your organisation and industry
• Reflection questions to assess your current relationship portfolio and identify key gaps

Access the Episode Download here

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 Why relationships matter so much for career progression

02:00 The difference between natural and strategic relationship building

03:00 Myth 1: Good work speaks for itself

04:00 Myth 2: I don't have time for office politics

05:00 Myth 3: Networking feels fake and manipulative

06:00 Taking a strategic approach to relationship building

08:00 Starting with your immediate organisation and influence mapping

10:00 The "give first" principle - offering value to senior people

12:00 Reflection questions to assess your current relationships

14:00 Learning to work with difficult personalities instead of avoiding them

16:00 Building deeper trust vs surface-level relationships

17:00 Key takeaway: Start small with one strategic relationship

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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

Enjoyed this Episode?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take the time to rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Mentioned in this episode:

Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent.