Biz

Being a team manager isn't just about hitting targets - it's about helping your team grow and getting them ready for what's coming next. And right now, the skill that matters most is coaching! Let's be honest - most new managers feel like they're drowning. Everything's coming at them, everyone's coming at them, and they're stuck in that old-school "delegate and instruct" mode that leaves everyone frustrated. But here's the thing: coaching isn't some mystical two-hour journey exploration. It can be a five-minute conversation with four simple questions. This week, we break down why coaching is the unlock that transforms you from a micromanager into someone who actually develops their team. They're sharing the practical, no-nonsense approach that builds trust, develops independence, and helps you step back without stepping away. What you'll learn: • Why coaching beats the old "tell people what to do" management style every time • The difference between coaching, mentoring, and managing (and when to use each) • Five game-changing questions you can use right now - no certification required • How to resist your "hero complex" and let your team actually solve problems • The art of "snap coaching" - coaching in the moment when it matters most • When NOT to coach (because sometimes you just need to give direction) Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here Resources Mentioned: Learna:'Start coaching in the moment' - Learna'Stop being the team fixer' - Learna'Empower people with coaching' - LearnaBooks: Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stainer The Advice Trap by Michael Bungay THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling like you need to perform "interesting" at work by cramming business news and sitting in irrelevant meetings? Wondering if there's a secret timing hack for job applications that TikTok swears by? Or maybe you're the boss's unwanted favourite and it's making your work life hell? This week, we're tackling workplace performance anxiety, job application myths, and the tricky politics of being singled out by management. What you'll learn: • The Performative Workplace Trap: Why forcing yourself to seem "interesting" through business news and irrelevant meetings is exhausting and unsustainable, plus authentic ways to stand out that actually showcase your personality • Job Application Timing Truth: Debunking the TikTok theory about the "secret 24-48 hour window" and why you shouldn't game the system, plus real strategies for getting your resume noticed through referrals and connections • Unwanted Favourite Survival Guide: How to set gentle boundaries when your boss overshares and plays favourites, managing the delicate power balance without losing your job or your colleagues' respect Plus: The shocking Microsoft study revealing we're living in the "infinite work day" - from 6am email checks to 10pm inbox raids, and why 48% of us describe our workdays as complete chaos. Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public speaking. Presentations. Speaking up in meetings. It's the stuff of sweaty palms and racing thoughts, and yet, we're all expected to be good at it. Let's be honest - most of us would rather do literally anything else than stand up and speak in front of people. The pressure to "sound confident" when you're internally screaming can feel paralysing. But here's the thing: you don't have to pretend to be someone you're not to get better at this. This week, Lisa and Em get honest about the fear so many of us feel when it comes to using our voice at work. Whether it's a team meeting, a client pitch, or standing on stage with a microphone, they're sharing their own journeys - from awkward silences to the strategies that actually work. What you'll learn: • The public speaking confidence ladder - how to work your way up from "terrified to speak in meetings" to actual presentations • Why recording yourself (audio only) is genuinely life-changing practice • The "headline, proof, connection" structure that stops you rambling • How to recover when your brain completely abandons you mid-speech • Real talk on the classics: saying "um," blanking, and speaking way too fast Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here Resources Mentioned: 'Why your skills have an expiry date, and what to do about it' with Andrea ClarkeTalk like TED by Carmine Gallo 'Managing nerves when presenting' in Learna.Tell stories that stick' in Learna.How to sell ideas' in Learna.'How to structure your thoughts under pressure' in Learna.THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dealing with a colleague who clearly can't stand you? Managing a scattered team across multiple cities? Or trying to function at work while your heart is completely shattered? This week, we're diving deep into three workplace situations that test your emotional intelligence - from navigating hostile colleagues to building team cohesion across state lines, plus surviving the office when you're going through the worst breakup of your life. What you'll learn: • Hostile Colleague Survival Guide: When "kill them with kindness" isn't working, how to recognise when workplace tension crosses into bullying territory, and the exact conversation to have with HR when it's affecting your performance • Multi-City Team Management Reality Check: Why your company might be setting you up to fail, the team leader structure that actually works across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide, and how to push back when you're not given the tools for success • Heartbreak at Work Handbook: The surprising difference between pre and post-COVID heartbreak recovery, why taking mental health leave for relationship breakdown is completely valid, and how being honest with colleagues can turn them into your support network Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah PorgesBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...the leadership playbook that worked five years ago is failing spectacularly right now. The world has fundamentally changed, and clinging to the old "hero leader" approach isn't just outdated, it's actively damaging your team. This week, we're ditching the pressure to have all the answers and exploring why getting curious beats being right. From why self-aware leaders crush those who think they're perfect, to choosing confidence over certainty. We explore why thinking in loops beats linear planning, tackle the self-preservation trap making leaders hoard information, and bust the myth that good leaders always know what to do. What you'll learn: • The one question that separates great leaders from terrible ones: "What's more important - being right or solving this?" • How to use the 70/20/10 planning model when your boss still wants that impossible five-year plan • Why "seeker" leaders outperform "teller" leaders every time (and how to make the switch) • The health monitor trick that spots team problems before they explode • How to set up working agreements that stop you becoming the office firefighter Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here RESOURCES MENTIONED:  Dom Price's FREE Team Playbook Learna: 'Make Better Work Happen' Learna: 'Tell Stories That Stick' Pre-Mortem Exercise Health Monitor Exercise Andrea Clarke: 'Why Your Skills Have an Expiry Date (And What to Do About It)' Loom - Video Messaging Tool   THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Dom Price  SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Been thrown into running team meetings without a clue how to actually run them? Stressing about whether to mention that decade-old school captain role on your resume? Or maybe you're overthinking the "proper" way to call in sick at 3am when you're genuinely unwell? This week, we're tackling three workplace dilemmas that will have you nodding along going "yup, I've definitely been there" - from meeting management that actually works to resume anxiety relief, plus the real protocol for sick days without the guilt. What you'll learn: • Meeting Management That Actually Works: Why agendas are your secret weapon, how to assign roles so people engage instead of zone out, and the psychology trick that makes you the facilitator, not the bad guy • Resume Reality Check: What recruiters actually scan for in 2025, why you need different versions for different roles, and how to leverage LinkedIn as your detailed story while keeping resumes conversational • Sick Day Confidence Script: The timing that actually matters, how much detail to share (spoiler: not much), and why women especially need to stop feeling guilty about using entitled leave Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's one moment that can completely transform your career trajectory, the job interview. Yet most of us approach it with outdated advice, generic answers, and crossed fingers. We rock up thinking we can wing it, hoping they won't ask about our biggest weakness and secretly panicking about whether we've done enough research. Meanwhile, there's always that one candidate who seems to have it all figured out, asking thoughtful questions and making genuine connections. What's their secret? The truth is, interviewing is a skill that can be mastered. And when you get it right, it opens doors you never thought possible. This week on BIZ, we're breaking down how to turn interview anxiety into interview advantage. Whether you're re-entering the workforce, changing careers, or climbing the ladder, this is your roadmap to interview success. Here's what we're covering: • The strategic research that sets you apart before you even walk through the door • Four powerful questions that demonstrate you're serious about the role • The simple preparation technique that calms your nerves and keeps you focused • How to transform rejection into your next opportunity • Eli Gunduz's proven "Pitch–Proof–Ping–Personalise" method that recruiters can't ignore  Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here Resources Mentioned:  • Eli Gunduz's  "Pitch–Proof–Ping–Personalise" method THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got a boss who's lovely but completely useless at giving feedback? Dreading every Monday morning and wondering how everyone else makes their nine-to-five look so Instagram-worthy? Or maybe you've been added to the office gossip Slack channel and don't know whether to stay in the drama or make your escape? This week, we're tackling three workplace situations that'll feel painfully familiar - from getting constructive feedback when your manager won't give it, to romanticising your work life when you've lost that loving feeling, plus navigating the ultimate office drama dilemma. What you'll learn: • Feedback-Free Boss Solutions: Why your manager thinks about you way less than you think, how to schedule monthly feedback meetings that actually work, and why seeking feedback from peers and other leaders is just as valuable • Work Life Romance Revival: How to tell the difference between normal work slumps and serious burnout, why those aesthetic work TikToks are total BS, and practical ways to fall back in love with your job when everything feels like a chore • Gossip Channel Escape Routes: The "toxic" advice vs. the legal-brain approach to leaving workplace drama chats, plus exact scripts for extracting yourself without burning bridges or looking like a snitch Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...thinking you can just pick up where you left off after maternity leave is like expecting to run a marathon after taking a year off training. Everything's changed - including you. This week, we're tackling the messy, meaningful reality of returning to work after maternity leave and how to keep growing your career when your priorities have completely shifted. From navigating the emotional whirlwind of feeling like a different person at work, to mastering the art of being visible when you're working part-time. We explore why the "mental load" hits harder than anyone warns you about, tackle the confidence crisis that comes with feeling like people are doing you a favour by giving you part-time work, and bust the myth that career growth stops when you start working flexibly. What you'll learn:  How to have the pre-return conversation that prevents you from drowning in an impossible workload • The salary negotiation reality check - if you were on $100k full-time, that budget still exists for your part-time return • Why being strategic about visibility beats showing up to everything (and the PAYO method that makes every meeting count) Resources Mentioned:  Monday.com (Work Platform) Amanda Blesing  Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling like the office weakest link in your new role? Your partner's "work wife / husband" making you seriously uncomfortable? Or maybe you're just trying to master the art of looking busy on those "done by lunch" WFH Fridays? This week, we're serving up the exact strategies and scripts you need to handle these sticky situations - from reframing new role anxiety to having that awkward work wife conversation, plus tactical Friday WFH hacks. What you'll learn: • New Role Confidence Toolkit: Why the "drowning" feeling means you're doing it right, plus how to reframe imposter syndrome using the HP study that shows men apply at 60% qualified • Friday WFH Survival Tactics: Specific strategies for spreading workload, scheduling emails, and staying available without being glued to your desk • The Work Wife Conversation Script: Exact approaches for discussing boundaries with your partner and red flags to watch for when workplace friendships cross the line Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...waiting until you feel "ready" to make a career move is like waiting for the perfect weather to start exercising. It's never going to happen, and meanwhile, everyone else is getting ahead. This week, we're diving deep into why learning isn't just nice-to-have anymore - it's career insurance. Our guest Andrea Clark has spent her career helping people adapt fast, and she doesn't believe in waiting until you're ready to grow. From recognizing when that "mutual value exchange" with your employer has run its course, to spotting signals of change before they become obvious to everyone else. We explore why Andrea invested $3,000 in an AI course back in 2017 (spoiler: it paid off massively) and tackle the biggest blocker to career growth - thinking you need to feel 100% confident before taking action. What you'll learn: • The "mutual value exchange" test to know when it's time to move on • How to spot signals of change 5 years before your industry • Micro-learning strategies for busy people who think they don't have time • Why courage brings clarity and how to turn experiments into evidence • How to align your learning goals with where your business is heading in 2030 Resources: Future Fit: How To Stay Relevant And Competitive In The Future Of Work by Andrea Clarke Adapt: Mastering change in four steps by Andrea Clarke Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Andrea Clarke SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workplace oversharing making you cringe? Your messy ex just applied to work at your company? And someone definitely overheard you venting about colleagues to your husband? This week, we're tackling the most awkward workplace situations that have you lying awake at 3am wondering how to fix them. We decode the delicate art of telling a colleague they share way too much personal information, reveal what to do when your romantic history collides with your professional life, and share the exact words to use when your private conversation becomes very public. What you'll discover: • The Oversharer's Dilemma: How to address a colleague who won't stop talking about their period and sex life without becoming the office prude • The Ex-Files: Real strategies for when your messy breakup threatens to invade your workplace (plus Em's brutal confession about sabotaging an ex's job application) • The Overheard Conversation: Exactly what to say when someone catches you venting about work to your spouse • The Boundary Setting Masterclass: Why reading the room is everything and how different workplaces have wildly different tolerance levels • The Awkwardness Antidote: Why addressing uncomfortable situations head-on is always better than letting them fester Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest...stuff like "personal branding" and "networking" can feel so cringey. But this kind of work - building relationships, putting yourself out there, making sure people know what you do - isn't optional anymore. This week, we're tackling the awkward space between wanting recognition and not wanting to feel like you're constantly selling yourself. We explore why 70% of Australian jobs happen through the "hidden job market" and how making your "invisible work" visible is key to career growth without the cringe factor. From the difference between visible work (what's in your job description) and invisible work (the relationships you build and unique perspective you bring) to navigating LinkedIn's evolution from professional networking to... whatever it is now. We unpack how to do it in a way that feels like you - not like you're selling yourself - plus practical ways to start showing up without feeling like a walking LinkedIn post. What you'll learn: Why "idea promotion" feels so much better than self-promotion (and gets better results) The low-effort, high-impact strategies to start building visibility this week How to use LinkedIn authentically without becoming one of those people with the em-dashes Why commenting meaningfully beats posting your own content when you're starting out The art of casual networking that doesn't feel like networking at all How to reconnect with former colleagues without it being weird Our BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do networking events make you want to hide in the bathroom? Your colleagues keep dumping their disasters on your desk? And everyone's talking about "conscious unbossing" like it's the career move of the century? This week, we're diving deep into the workplace trends that are reshaping how we think about success. We decode the viral conscious unbossing movement that's got Gen Z turning down promotions (and whether it's genius or career suicide), plus we tackle the networking game without sounding desperate and reveal the diplomatic ways to tell colleagues their chaos isn't your problem. What you'll discover: • The Conscious Unbossing Reality Check: Why turning down promotions might be the smartest move you never considered • The Zookeeper's Power Move: How one woman refused every promotion to stay happy (and why her boss loved it) • The Networking Breakthrough: The one question that transforms awkward coffee chats into real connections • The Boundary Setting Bible: Diplomatic ways to say "that's not my job" without burning bridges • The Small Talk Truth: Why everyone who says they "hate small talk" is missing the point Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks. Want $10 + a free month of Mamamia? We've got you.We're cooking up something exciting and need your brilliant opinions to help us make even better content.It's just 20 minutes of your time, and you'll get: $10 e-gift card 1 month Mamamia subscription (or gift it to someone if you're already a subscriber) Survey hereT&Cs here THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever suggest something new at work only to hear "that's just how we do things here" and watch the energy completely deflate? Yeah, we've all been there. This week, we're chatting with Wade Kingsley about breaking free from status quo thinking and actually getting your ideas heard without being shut down or laughed at (been there too). Wade breaks down why most workplaces are set up to reward playing it safe, how to identify whether you're a Dreamer, Doer, or Doubter on your team, and the genius strategy of testing ideas in kitchen conversations before you pitch them to the boss. Plus, we dive into why creativity isn't about having the most artistic job - it's about getting curious and asking "but what if we tried this instead?" when everyone else just accepts the way things are. What you'll learn: The Three Creative Types and why your team needs all of them (spoiler: it's not just about the big idea people) Why you should never pitch your brilliant idea to the boss first - and who to talk to instead The 'Five Whys' technique for getting to the real problem (not just what's on the surface) How to frame risky ideas as "experiments" so people actually want to try them The art of separating brainstorming from reality-checking so ideas don't get killed instantly How to build creative confidence even when you've been shot down before Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em Vernem GUEST: Wade Kingsley SENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your boss just stole your brilliant idea. Again. While you're sitting there feeling invisible, they're presenting "their" genius solution to the entire leadership team. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Idea theft is alive and well in Australian offices, and this week we're giving you the tools to fight back. We're also tackling the mortifying moment we've all had - crying at work - and helping a millennial navigate the tricky waters of managing a team of boomers. This week we're solving workplace dilemmas that hit close to home, from generational clashes to protecting your intellectual property! What you'll learn: • The Authority Paradox: How to earn respect when you're the youngest person in charge • The Credit Protection System: Simple tactics to stop your boss stealing your ideas • The Crying Recovery Plan: How to bounce back professionally after showing emotion at work • The Generational Bridge: Why adapting your style (temporarily) isn't selling out • The Paper Trail Strategy: Creating evidence that protects your contributions • The Salary Reality Check: Australia's highest-paying jobs revealed (surgeons still dominating at $472K) Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Leah Porges BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working your way up isn't just about putting in more hours or waiting your turn. It's about being strategic, being visible, and knowing how to navigate the messy middle - like relationships, timing, and office politics. This week, we're giving you the exact playbook to stop waiting around for someone to tell you that you're ready for a promotion and how to actually make it happen instead. We dig into how to know if you're actually ready to move up (spoiler: time in seat doesn't equal readiness), the art of asking for advancement without sounding pushy or awkward, and how to build the kind of reputation that makes people want to champion your career. Plus, we tackle what to do when you tick all the boxes but still don't get the promotion - and why that might actually be the best thing that could happen to you. What you'll learn: The Readiness Reality Check: How to get honest feedback about where you stand and what a "10 out of 10" performance actually looks like The Promotion Conversation Reframe: Why you should never use the word "promotion" and what to say instead to get results The Trust Factor: Why promotions go to the most trusted person, not the loudest, and four quiet ways to build your reputation The Sponsor vs Mentor Distinction: Understanding the difference and why having a sponsor is crucial for career acceleration The Rejection Recovery Plan: Four strategic experiments to try when you don't get the promotion (that set you up for success either way) Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon!  HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hardest worker in the office used to get ahead. Now they just get... tired. While you're burning out at your desk, your colleagues are booking year-long "micro retirements" and somehow still getting promoted. This week we're cracking the code on why grinding harder isn't working anymore - and revealing what actually gets you ahead instead. We decode the viral micro retirement trend that's got twenty and thirty-somethings quitting their jobs to travel (spoiler: it's not for everyone), plus we tackle the corporate jargon takeover and expose a workplace trick that's stealing your paycheck. What you'll discover: • The Hard Worker's Trap: Why staying late is sabotaging your success • The Micro Retirement Test: Should you quit your job to travel? (The honest answer) • The Deathbed Reality Check: What people actually regret about their careers • The Jargon Shutdown: How to kill corporate speak without looking difficult • The Part-Time Scam: The simple trick to stop doing full-time work for part-time pay Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! Resources That Actually Help:  The Top Five Regrets Of Dying SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Tina Matolov BIZ UPDATE: Sarah Davidson has been sharing her career wisdom with us, and now she's officially here to stay. She's joining BIZ Inbox full-time as co-host alongside Em Vernem and honestly, we couldn't be more excited. 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going from mate to manager can get weird, fast. One day you're in the group chat laughing with your colleagues, the next day they might be laughing at you behind your back. This week, we're tackling one of the trickiest workplace transitions: becoming the boss of your former teammates. We dig into why this shift feels so bloody awkward (spoiler: it's not just you), how to navigate the immediate identity crisis when suddenly nobody wants to gossip with you anymore, and the art of setting expectations without turning into a micromanager overnight. Plus, we reveal the coaching trick that gets people to solve their own problems, why letting your team do "B plus work" is actually good leadership, and when to recognise that management might not be for you - and that's completely okay. What you'll learn: The Reset Conversation: How to acknowledge the shift without making it weird The B Plus Work Philosophy: Why perfectionist managers fail their teams The Question Technique: The coaching trick that creates ownership instead of dependency The Identity Shift Reality: Why your value isn't in doing the job anymore, it's in helping others do it well Our new BIZ hosts are Lisa Lie - a former Head of People & Culture and Organisational Coach - and Mamamia’s Em Vernem. Learna is Lisa’s microlearning app for practical people skills at work. Expert-led lessons to build confidence, solve challenges, and work smarter - in under 7 minutes. Get it on Apple or Google Play.Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here THE END BITSSupport independent women's media.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 podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain anon! HOSTS: Lisa Lie and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Tina Matolov 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When workplace flirting gets dangerously hot, should you risk everything for a colleague you can't stop thinking about? This week we tackle the steamiest workplace dilemma we've ever received: months of "dangerous flirting" that's reached breaking point. Then we solve what happens when your dream job becomes a nightmare faster than you can update your LinkedIn, and reveal why three weeks is the worst possible time to make any career decisions, plus the one conversation that could save you from a massive mistake. Plus, is there a colleague at work who makes you feel like the awkward new kid while they're the popular one everyone knows? We tackle workplace insecurity head-on, revealing the simple strategy that transforms your biggest workplace threat into your secret career weapon. What you'll learn:  The Insecurity Antidote: How to transform workplace jealousy into career advancement The 3-Week Rule: Why this timeline is too early to judge any new role (and what to do instead) The Safety vs Challenge Framework: How to know if you're craving security or genuinely unhappy The Office Romance Risk Calculator: The one question that determines if workplace attraction is worth pursuing The Colleague Dating Commandment: Why casual dating rules don't apply at work (and what does) The Worst-Case Scenario Test: The mental exercise that prevents career-destroying decisions Welcome to BIZ Inbox, your go-to workplace advice podcast where awkward career questions get real-world solutions. Got office politics nightmares or boss-from-hell situations? Send us a voice note or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au. You can remain completely anonymous! Resources That Actually Help:  When I started dating a coworker, all the men in my office suddenly treated me differently Looking for an office romance? You want to be in one of these professions. SHOW MENTIONS:  Get more Sarah Davidson in her sensational podcast Seize The Yay!Sign up to the BIZ newsletter here to get all our tips and tricks.THE END BITSSupport independent women's mediaFollow the Biz Instagram and Sarah's very own podcast: Seize The Yay Podcast. HOSTS: Sarah Davidson and Em VernemSENIOR PRODUCER: Sophie CampbellAUDIO PRODUCER: Thom Lion 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/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.