The Career Equation®: The Formula for Career Clarity

What happens when a creative soul gets thrown into the world of corporate sales? Today, Zoë welcomes Danny Fontaine, who transformed from a struggling salesperson into IBM's experiential sales leader and bestselling author of "Pitch: How to Captivate and Convince Any Audience on the Planet."

Danny's story isn't just about mastering the art of pitching; it's about discovering that the very traits he tried to hide were actually his greatest strengths. From recreating cocktail bars in office spaces to orchestrating Hollywood-style presentations, Danny reveals how bringing genuine emotion and immersive experiences to business can create unforgettable moments that audiences go home and tell their families about.

This episode explores the delicate balance between ambition and burnout, the power of showing up as your authentic self, and how creative rebellion can become your competitive advantage in corporate environments. It's a masterclass in turning perceived weaknesses into career-defining strengths.

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In this conversation:

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So… you’re thinking of starting a podcast?

This episode is a behind-the-scenes guide to launching one, full of practical tips, and a few cautionary tales from Erica and Zoë’s own journey so far. From mics and editing to why clarity matters more than kit, this is the episode they wish they’d had before they started.

They unpack the deeper ‘why’ behind podcasting — not just for the sake of it, but as a way to show what you do, connect with the right audience, and build momentum in a noisy world.

Podcasting is rewarding, but it’s also work. It takes consistency, planning, and a willingness to just get started even if everything isn't perfect.

Whether you’re a coach thinking of going live, a founder building your brand, or someone with something to say and no idea where to start, this is the episode for you!

In this episode:

• Why podcasting has to be driven by purpose, not ego or trends

• The reality of showing up week after week (even when no one’s clapping)

• Tips on planning, kit, guests, and structure, without overcomplicating it

• What they got right — and what they’d do differently now

• The power of starting before you feel ready

Connect with Erica on Linkedin

Connect with Zoë on Linkedin

Find out more at thecareerequation.com

Language is more than words; it’s power, identity, and sometimes a barrier.  Today, Erica welcomes Sarah Jane Seatherton, a trailblazer in empowering women who speak English as a second language.  Sarah Jane’s work isn’t just about language; it’s about liberating voices from the constraints of societal expectations and internalised self-doubt.

Sarah Jane shares her journey from an executive English teacher to a power practitioner, revealing how she helps women access their innate leadership potential.  Her programmes are about more than just fluency; they’re about breaking through the subconscious limitations that hold women back.

This episode dives into the complexities of communication in leadership roles, especially for women navigating international environments.  It’s a fascinating look at how altering your focus and fostering self-acceptance can transform your leadership presence, regardless of the language you speak.

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In this conversation:

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Find out more:

Sarah Jane Seatherton on LinkedIn

Visit Sarah Jane’s website: sarahjane.life

Read Erica’s Book - Your Life Plan

Erica Sosna on LinkedIn

More at thecareerequation.com

We’ve all had those moments — wondering if we’re just drifting through our careers without a map.

In this episode, Erica speaks with Jed Novick, a journalist turned lecturer, now at a turning point as he approaches retirement. Jed’s journey — from writing spoof TV listings to mentoring students — is a reminder that a meaningful career can emerge from the most unexpected turns.

Before becoming an academic, Jed worked at the BBC, The Independent, and other major outlets. Now, he shares what he’s learned about storytelling, legacy, and staying curious.

This isn’t just a story about career change. It’s about stepping back, asking what really matters, and creating a new chapter with intention.

In this episode:

• Embracing career serendipity

• Balancing structure with spontaneity

• Finding fulfilment beyond job titles

• Why journalism still matters

• Mentoring the next generation

• Leaving a “job for life”

• What purpose looks like after retirement

Find out more:

• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn

• Jed Novick on LinkedIn

• More at thecareerequation.com

How much does your work environment really matter? More than you might think.

Erica and Zoë take a deep dive into the role environment plays in career satisfaction and success. It's not just about the job title or company name—it's about where you feel alive and can truly thrive. This episode gets into how the right setting fuels your growth and performance, and how the wrong one can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Join the conversation as they unpack the nuances of environment, offering insights into how to identify what you need to flourish at work. From the physical space to the cultural vibe, every element has the potential to support or stifle your professional journey.

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In this conversation:

• The underestimated power of environmental fit

• Recognising the signs of a misaligned work setting

• Tools to audit your past environments for clues

• How to design your ideal work environment

• Real stories of transformation through environmental shifts

• The impact of pace and space on your energy and creativity

• Why environment is crucial to your personal career equation

• Practical steps to align your work setting with your needs

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Previous Episodes Mentioned

Jonathan Black

https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/60baa5346f49abdebcbd3129a1b4237b

Susan Emmett

https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/9a7e4b6603b6c3fdd702366e256c4c28

Melanie Rickey

https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/5b4d0bba23a66bcf20ebea16dc50297a

Lucy Cappon

https://pod.link/1767894956/episode/41916adb39e60dafca99b3ed33d60762

Find out more:

• Erica Sosna on LinkedIn

• Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn

• More at thecareerequation.com

Take a moment to reflect on your own work environment—what energises you, and what holds you back? Share your experiences and join the discussion on social media. Let's explore how the right fit can transform your career experience.

What happens when the industry you’ve given decades to starts crumbling — and what comes next?

In this episode, Zoë talks to Jayne Brierley — a seasoned TV producer turned consultant, who’s helping production companies shape stories, win commissions, and keep British storytelling alive. From stepping back during burnout to jumping into consultancy with clarity, Jayne shares what she’s learned from both the highs and lows of a creative career.

It’s a masterclass in adaptation — and a reminder that the magic happens when you stay true to your voice, even in uncertain times.

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In this conversation:

•Why “just enough” might be your sweet spot

•What it really takes to change industry — and why it’s harder than it looks

•The joy of making magic with like-minded creatives

•The four elements of a thriving career (and how to spot them in your story)

•Tips for leaders and hirers on spotting overlooked talent

•Why the best environment brings out your best work

•How Jayne uses the Career Equation to stay on track — and why she’s backing herself

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Find out more:

Jayne Brierley on LinkedIn

Zoë Schofield on LinkedIn

More at thecareerequation.com

We all want to make an impact — but what does that actually mean?

In this episode, Erica and Zoë explore one of the most powerful (and personal) elements of the Career Equation. Impact is the difference you make — in your work, your world, and the lives of others. But it’s also where energy comes from. When you feel like your work matters, everything shifts.

This is a reflective, practical guide to working out what success means to you, and how to measure it on your own terms — not just titles, salary, or what’s trending on LinkedIn. Whether you’re figuring things out or leading a team, it’s packed with tools and questions to help you build a career that truly counts.

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How do you keep going when the path ahead is full of unknowns?

In this episode, Zoë is joined by tech entrepreneur Anya Cheng for a rich, honest conversation about navigating change — and backing yourself when things feel uncertain.

Anya’s story takes us from early career rejection and visa struggles to founding her own company, Taelor, which helps people look sharp without the usual stress of shopping or laundry. Along the way, she talks about the skills she’s carried through it all — resilience, connection, and a knack for solving problems in unconventional ways.

It’s a conversation about the messy, nonlinear path to success — and how our superpowers often come from the things we first had to fight for.

Whether you’re leading something, starting something, or still figuring it all out, there’s something in here for you.

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In this conversation:

• What rejection teaches you — and why it matters

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Find out more:

Connect with Zoë on LinkedIn

More at The Career Equation website

In this episode, Erica and Zoë take a deep dive into one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) parts of career fulfilment: passion.

They explore how to actually figure out what excites you — not just hobbies or dream jobs, but the stuff that gives you energy, matters to you, and makes work feel worth doing. Whether it’s a topic, a cause, or simply a way of working, passion plays a big role in helping us feel like we’re in the right place.

They also share personal stories, coaching insights, and practical ways to make use of your passions — even if you’re not planning a big career change. And for managers and people leaders, there’s plenty in here on how to support others without opening a can of worms.

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In this conversation:

• Why ‘passion’ doesn’t have to mean chasing your dreams or quitting your job