How to Handle Credit-Stealing Co-Workers, Lead Former Peers Without Drama, and Build a Career That Actually Fits YouIf your co-worker’s stealing your ideas, your old workmates now report to you, and your career feels more like a maze than a ladder — here’s how to take back control without burning bridges."In this episode of *Corporate Agony Ant*, Izzy tackles three career curveballs every professional will face at some point:1. The Credit Thief – When a co-worker tries to pass off your ideas as their own, the solution isn’t to seethe in silence. Izzy walks you through how to speak up in the moment without coming off confrontational, and why documenting your contributions is your best insurance policy.2. From Peer to Boss – Getting promoted is exciting… until the people who used to be your workmates start resenting you. Izzy shares exactly how to set boundaries, manage awkwardness, and keep respect high while still leading effectively.3. Career Alignment Masterclass – Forget the perfect, linear CV. Izzy explains how to turn every role (even the ones you hated) into stepping stones toward your ideal career, keep your network alive without burning bridges, and use mentorship to open doors you didn’t even know existed.Plus:

• A Corporate Confessional that turns a potential PR disaster into a masterclass on accountability.
• How to answer “Why did you leave so soon?” in interviews without sinking your chances.
• The right way to ask for a pay rise (hint: it’s not “Dave got more, so I should too”).
• Should you give up your Fridays off for a promotion? Izzy breaks down the decision framework.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-credited, or off-track, this episode gives you the tools to take control of your career narrative—without burning bridges or selling your soul for a bigger title.

In this packed episode of Corporate Agony Ant, Izzy tackles the career roadblocks that leave so many professionals feeling frustrated, overlooked, or unsure of their next move. From breaking free of role stagnation to asking for feedback without sounding insecure, this is your no-nonsense guide to taking control of your corporate trajectory.

We’ll also hear an eye-opening Corporate Confessional about a costly ordering blunder (and the powerful lesson in owning your mistakes), plus Izzy’s interview masterclass for securing your next promotion with confidence and credibility.

And as always, Community Questions, tackling gossip culture, shift pattern misunderstandings, and the smartest way to re-enter the corporate world after a career break.

Whether you’re chasing a promotion, plotting your next move, or trying to stand out in interviews, this episode is bursting with actionable strategies to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a little corporate sass.

What I talk about in This Episode:

* How to audit your skills, interests, and market trends to plan your next career step.

* A simple structure for asking for feedback that gets useful answers instead of awkward silence.

* Why owning mistakes early is a hallmark of strong professionals (and how to do it without panicking).

* The promotion prep framework: from auditing your wins to showing intentional ambition in interviews.

* How to maintain visibility and avoid misconceptions when working different shift patterns.

* The single most impressive trait to hiring managers — and it’s not just your technical skills.

* Two killer end-of-interview questions that can seal the deal.

Corporate Confessional Highlight:

A high-season order disaster teaches the hard way that escalating issues early with a solution, is always better than quietly

shouldering the stress.

Community Q\&A:

* Escaping the drain of office gossip (without making enemies).

* Making your early starts visible when your hours differ from the rest of the team.

* Rejoining the corporate world after a break, and landing stronger offers.

* The question every candidate should ask before leaving the interview room.

How to Hold Your Boss Accountable, Stop Working Late, and Negotiate Like a Pro

If your boss keeps shifting expectations, your evenings are swallowed by unpaid overtime, or you’re too nervous to push for a higher salary, this episode is your toolkit for taking back control.

Izzy tackles four career-defining dilemmas head-on:

* Moving Goalposts: How to lock down agreements in writing so shifting targets can’t derail you — and when to escalate with evidence.

* Chronic Late Nights: How to set boundaries, get work done in reasonable hours, and stop equating “longer” with “better.”

* Salary Negotiation Masterclass: Scripts and strategies to position yourself at the top of the pay range, handle pushback, and negotiate benefits that boost your total package.

* Post-Interview Power Moves: The follow-up tactics most candidates skip that keep you front-of-mind with hiring managers.

Plus, in Corporate Confessionals, a listener’s holiday horror story sparks a conversation on boundaries early in your career, and Producer Georgia brings audience questions on insecure managers, fear of failing in a new role, and moving from mid-level to senior without imposter syndrome.

Whether you’re fighting scope creep, gunning for a pay rise, or plotting your next big move, you’ll leave this episode knowing exactly how to protect your time, your sanity, and your salary.

In this power-packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles some of the most common and frustrating career dilemmas head-on.

From negotiating the pay you deserve to becoming visible to leadership, recovering from interview slip-ups, and preparing for phone/video interviews like a pro, Izzy delivers straight-talking, actionable advice to help you thrive at work.
Whether you’re angling for a raise, trying to stand out, or navigating your next big career move, this episode is a masterclass in professional self-advocacy.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
* Securing the Pay You Deserve – How to research your market worth, build a fact-based case, and use Izzy’s simple salary conversation script to confidently ask for a raise.
* Becoming Visible to Leadership – Why hard work alone isn’t enough and the practical steps to get noticed, from speaking up in meetings to owning high-impact projects.
* Recovering from Interview Slip-Ups – How to regain composure after a stumble and turn it into a moment that demonstrates confidence and self-awareness.
* Mastering Phone & Video Interviews – Environmental setup, tech checks, and delivery tips that ensure you leave a memorable first impression — even without a handshake.
* When to Switch Jobs – The “Learn or Earn” framework for knowing when it’s time to move on, plus how to use your network strategically to uncover hidden opportunities. Choosing a New Career Path – How to research industries you’ve never considered and leverage AI to match your skills to future-proof roles.
Corporate Confessional:
An anonymous listener shares how slagging off their manager on Teams nearly got them fired… until the manager agreed with them months later.

In this jam-packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle dives into some of the toughest workplace challenges — from surviving a toxic office culture to setting boundaries that actually stick. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job that’s draining your confidence, constantly tethered to your inbox, or undervalued compared to less-qualified colleagues, this one’s for you.

Izzy kicks things off with strategies for planning your exit from a toxic workplace before you hit breaking point. Including how to job hunt quietly, protect your energy, and avoid burning bridges. Then, it’s all about boundary-setting: why it’s essential for your long-term career health, how to communicate working hours effectively, and the tech tricks that help you switch off without guilt.

We also hear a raw corporate confessional about the toll of being overworked and under-supported, and how poor leadership can magnify mistakes. Izzy unpacks why this is about management, not your capability, and when to have a strategic conversation about resources.

In her Interview Power Move Masterclass, Izzy shares creative ways to land opportunities before they hit the job boards, the eight questions you should always be ready for, and why you need to talk in “I” not “we” in interviews.

Finally, Producer Georgia brings in your community questions on moving to a new city for work, preparing emotionally and financially for big career moves, and navigating pay inequality, including why “But Dave earns more” isn’t the winning argument for your raise.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

* How to create a quiet, strategic exit plan from a toxic job

* The right way to set and maintain professional boundaries

* A real-life cautionary tale of bad management and its impact

* How to stand out in a crowded job market before roles go public

* Eight must-prepare interview questions (and why “I” matters more than “we”)

* Emotional and financial preparation tips for big career leaps

* The smart way to approach pay negotiations, and when to start looking elsewhere

Whether you’re planning your next move, struggling with a micromanaging boss, or gearing up for a major career change, this episode is your guide to taking control, protecting your energy, and moving forward with confidence.

In this packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles two of the biggest career blockers, doubting your own worth when applying for roles, and knowing when (and how) to pivot before your industry collapses.

First, Izzy breaks down why job descriptions are wish lists, not hard-and-fast rules, and how to reframe your CV, LinkedIn, and interview narrative so you get hired even if you don’t tick every box. You’ll learn the 70% rule for applying, how to identify and highlight transferable skills, and why confidence trumps perfection when chasing your next role.

Then, we dive into strategic job hopping when your sector is shrinking. Izzy shares how to spot the early warning signs, pinpoint adjacent industries, and upskill before you’re forced to, along with real-world examples of smooth (and not-so-smooth) pivots.

We also get a brilliant corporate confessional from a listener who managed to book £50,000 worth of hotel rooms… and forget to tell the team about them.

In the Interview Power Move Masterclass, Izzy walks through beating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) with keyword optimisation, simple formatting, and smart title tweaks — before revealing her favourite confidence hacks, including the “bum squeeze”, power posing, and the biro pen smile.

Finally, we hit the community questions:

* How to lead when you’ve just been promoted to manager (without faking perfection)

* Why you should focus on fixing the right problems first

* How to set and enforce healthy work boundaries when your boss expects 24/7 availability

If you’ve been holding back from applying for that “reach” role, wondering how to escape a dying industry, or want to feel bulletproof in your next interview this one’s for you.

Listen now to discover:

* The mindset shift that gets you hired without meeting 100% of the criteria

* How to spot and act on industry decline before it hits you

* Three instant ways to boost confidence before walking into an interview

* Why networking early beats scrambling later

* How to set boundaries your boss can’t ignore

When to Leap, When to Leave And How to Win the Interview

Not “qualified” for that dream role? Apply anyway.

Stuck in a dying industry? Pivot before it’s too late.

In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles two of the most frustrating workplace challenges: working under a micromanager and doing extra work without seeing it reflected in your pay.

First up, Izzy breaks down exactly why some bosses hover, and how you can turn constant check-ins into trust and autonomy.

From anticipating their needs to over-communicating on your terms, you’ll learn how to shift the power dynamic and create space to get your work done without someone breathing down your neck.

Next, she dives into the trap of “extra work for no extra pay.” Izzy explains how to document your contributions, build a strong business case for a raise, time your request for maximum impact, and, if necessary, know when it’s time to walk away.

You’ll also hear:

* A hilarious Corporate Confessional featuring a poolside wardrobe malfunction and an airborne coffee disaster

(and the surprising friendships that followed).

* A Power Move Masterclass on writing standout cover letters and delivering memorable introductions using Izzy’s name-framing technique and the Name, Same, Frame, Aim, Game method.

* Community Q\&A covering whether loving your company is enough to stay, how to make the best impression in your first six weeks, and why building your personal brand now is your best insurance for future opportunities.

Whether you’re navigating an overbearing manager, plotting your next salary conversation, or just want to laugh at other people’s corporate misadventures, this episode is packed with strategies, perspective, and plenty of straight-talking advice.

Listen now and take the agony out of your career progression one episode at a time.

In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle dives headfirst into two of the most uncomfortable career moments we all dread... making a big mistake at work and realising you already hate your new job.

From owning your slip-ups without tanking your reputation to navigating the “should I stay or should I go?” panic of a rocky job start, Izzy breaks down exactly how to handle these situations without blowing up your career.

I talk about:

* Why your recovery matters more than the mistake itself — and the three-step approach to bounce back stronger.

* The 90-day rule for deciding whether to stick out a new role or move on (and why Izzy once broke it herself).

* How to spot the difference between teething problems and a genuine cultural or role mismatch.

* Why talking about your pay can be a career killer if you’re not careful — and when transparency really works.

* CV mistakes that instantly kill your chances (and what to do instead to stand out in 7 seconds or less).

Plus, in the Corporate Confessional, we hear from someone fired over a pay conversation gone wrong and the hard lessons it taught them.

And in the Community Q\&A, Izzy tackles your burning questions on:

* Landing a graduate job without internship experience

* Handling a micromanaging boss without burning out

* Taking a career break without sabotaging your finances

Whether you’re recovering from a workplace blunder, settling into a new role you’re not sure about, or trying to level up your applications, this episode gives you the straight-talking, real-world strategies to handle it like a pro.

In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles some of the toughest and most frustrating workplace dilemmas, starting with one of the most common career bottlenecks: what to do when your boss never brings up your promotion.

From building a bulletproof business case for your next step, to having the direct (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversations that put you in control of your career trajectory, Isobelle gives you the strategies, scripts, and mindset shifts you need to move forward... without waiting for permission.

But that’s not all. We also dive into:

* Winning team buy-in – How to turn “your” idea into “our” idea so it actually gets adopted.

* Addressing job-hopping in interviews – Framing your career moves to highlight growth and commitment.

* Corporate Confessionals – Real-life workplace blunders (and how they didn’t ruin anyone’s career).

* Interview Power Move Masterclass(Part 2) – The final 4 of the Seven C’s of preparation: Culture, Colleagues, Current Affairs, Competitors — and how to use them to outshine other candidates.

* Salary talk before the offer – When to bring it up (and when to keep your cards close).

* Internal promotions – Why going for it early can actually work in your favour.

* Competing with more experienced candidates – Leveraging networks, learning fast, and making your case.

* Managing a boss who blows hot and cold – Staying consistent and protecting your own headspace.

If you’re stuck in career limbo, battling for your ideas to be heard, or prepping for that all-important interview, this episode is your playbook for taking ownership, showing up prepared, and moving forward, on your terms.

Share this episode with a friend who’s ready for their next career move

In this packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle serves up her trademark no-fluff advice on the

corporate dilemmas that leave most professionals spiraling.

Whether you’re feeling stuck as an overqualified candidate, suspect your company is trying to push you

out, or you're simply prepping for a big interview this one’s a masterclass in career clarity, emotional

control, and getting strategic when the stakes feel high.

Expect straight-talking career counsel, real-world scripts to protect your professional reputation, and

Izzy’s 7Cs framework to ace your next interview prep.

What I talk about:

✅ Why being overqualified is less about your CV and more about framing your fit

✅ How to rewrite your narrative so employers see value, not risk

✅ Step-by-step: what to do right now if you think your company is trying to fire you

✅ How to create a paper trail that protects your career (with real email templates)

✅ The #1 mistake people make when asking for a pay rise — and how to fix it

✅ How to explain unemployment gaps without shame and with strategy

✅ What to do before taking a leap out of corporate life to avoid future regret

✅ The first 3 steps of Izzy’s 7Cs Interview Prep Framework — a bulletproof way to walk in more prepared

than the CEO

💬 Key Quotes:

> “Being overqualified isn’t a curse — it’s a framing issue.”

> “Sell your fit. Not your experience.”

> “If you think they’re trying to fire you... they probably are. So document everything.”

> “Dave’s salary is not a valid reason you deserve more money. You are.”

> “Unemployment isn’t a void — it’s a time to bootleg your own development.”

Tools & Frameworks Mentioned:

* The 7 Cs of Interview Prep

(Commercials, Customers, Core Products & Services… and 4 more revealed in Part 2)

* Crisis Email Template for Covering Your Back

* What to say when you’re getting subtle performance heat

* How to write it so you stay professional and protected

Corporate Confessional:

Someone once gave a colleague £30,000 too much in redundancy and somehow kept their job.

Hear the full story and Izzy’s surprising take on why it wasn’t the end of the world (or their career).

🎓 Community Q\&A Highlights:

* “Can I argue for more pay if Dave earns more than me?”

→ Short answer: No. Long answer: You can, but not like that.

* “What do I say about being unemployed for 18 months?”

→ Reframe it with proactive personal development, even if it’s free TED Talks and shadowing friends.

* “Should I leave my high-flying corporate job to become a yoga teacher?”

→ Maybe. But here’s why you should ease out, not leap off a cliff.

Final Word from Izzy:

Your next career move doesn’t need to be perfect — it needs to be intentional. Protect your peace. Own your power. And remember, it’s just a job. You’ve got options.

Share this episode with a friend who’s stuck in the corporate spiral, it might just change their path