Claim OwnershipJoy At Work
Subscribed: 3Played: 126
Subscribe
© Copyright 2025 Lucia Knight
Description
The Joy at Work podcast offers time-poor professionals in their 40s, 50s and 60s ideas on how to increase their joy at work.
Lucia Knight dives right to the heart of the value each guest offers so that you can make deliberate change to bring more enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment to your work. Beyond expert interviews, you'll get practical reflections following guest interviews, recommends on experiments to try this week and answers to call-in career questions from listeners.
Lucia Knight dives right to the heart of the value each guest offers so that you can make deliberate change to bring more enjoyment, satisfaction and fulfillment to your work. Beyond expert interviews, you'll get practical reflections following guest interviews, recommends on experiments to try this week and answers to call-in career questions from listeners.
105 Episodes
Reverse
As we head into the festive season and spend more time with family and friends, there's one question that always seems to show up: "How’s work?" In this short episode, I share why that question is a total conversation killer—and what to ask instead if you want to spark a deeper, more joyful connection.I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful question you can use at your next gathering, whether you're chatting to a burnt-out sibling, a newly retired uncle, or a friend who secretly hates their job. I’ll even show you how to ask it well—and why it can lead to unexpectedly beautiful conversations.This one shift can bring more joy not just to their work, but to yours too.💬 Take the Life Satisfaction AssessmentIf you’re ready to reflect on your own work and life, try the Derailed Assessment. It’s a guided 30-minute deep dive into what’s bringing you joy—and what’s not. A brilliant place to begin your joy-at-work redesign.👉 Take the Life Satisfaction Assessment
Ever wonder what it really takes to shift from quiet burnout to joy at work?In this special episode, I’m joined by one of my former clients who generously shares the three career design insights he never wants to forget. These insights came from our deep work together and his own fierce curiosity about what a joyful working life could actually feel like.We talk about how boredom can spiral into stress and anxiety, how understanding your personal kryptonite can transform how you show up at work, and why leaning into your real self (and your superpowers) is the key to sustainable joy.If you’ve been stuck in autopilot, or you’re craving a new way to make decisions about your next career move—this one’s for you.Ready to design work that matters? 👉 Work with meMentioned in this episode: 🔹 Midlife Worklife Satisfaction Report
I want to talk about something I’ve been hearing over and over again from brilliant, experienced professionals: boredom at work. Not the low-level kind we all get from time to time—but chronic, energy-draining, soul-dimming boredom.This episode is grounded in new research from the Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report, which drew insights from over 1,000 midlife professionals. And one thing was glaring: 97% said they want to do more meaningful work. That’s not a typo.In this episode, I walk you through:What chronic boredom really looks like at midlifeThe 3 distinct types of boredom I uncovered in my researchHow each type chips away at your joy, energy, and engagementA more nuanced way to reconnect with work that matters moreYou’ll also hear a bit about my own experience with boredom coma—and how I found my way out.If any of this feels painfully familiar, you’re not broken. But you might be overdue for a redesign.👉 Ready to do something about it? Work with meMentioned in This Episode:Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report
This episode is a little different.I’ve been experimenting again, and this time, I teamed up with my younger brother to bring a long-simmering idea to life — a short film about one of the most overlooked emotions at work: boredom.We talk about how stress gets all the attention in work dissatisfaction stories, but boredom — quiet, creeping, and often ignored — is doing damage in the background. And if we miss its early signals, we often end up with a combo of burnout and boredom that’s hard to escape.I share a personal story, a client vignette, and an invitation to notice boredom earlier — when it can still guide us to something more joyful.🎬 Want the visual version? Watch the 3-minute video here: The Most Dangerously Overlooked Emotion at WorkIf you’re suffering from chronic boredom and want help to redesign more enJOYment into your work life, go to MidlifeUnstuck.com to learn how.Mentioned in This Episode:A special thanks to Brendan and Sam at Kaios Media for bringing this to life.The Derailed Diagnostic: A 30-minute life satisfaction assessment
Ever hit “send” on a big report or finish a massive project, and instead of feeling relief... you still feel wired, tense, or ready for the next punch? In this solo episode, I answer a listener question about that exact experience—and explain why your brain might think you’re done, but your body is still stuck on the rollercoaster of stress.I’ll walk you through six surprisingly simple, science-backed ways to complete the stress cycle—so you don’t carry tension home or pass it onto your loved ones.If you've ever felt like you're bracing for impact long after the storm has passed, this one's for you.🌀 Key Topics Covered:• Why your body stays in stress even when your mind moves on• The “unfinished rollercoaster” of emotions• 6 practical ways to complete the stress cycle• How to avoid bringing work tension into your home life• Why creativity and laughter are legit biological reset buttons👉 Mentioned in This Episode:2025 Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction ReportCurious what joy might look like for you? Explore what’s possible
If you think conflict at work is something to avoid—or outsource to HR—this episode might just change your mind.My guest, NadeenSivic, has spent nearly three decades leading tech teams across Australia and the UK. She’s known as “the fixer” of messy teams and offers a street-smart, no-nonsense lens on workplace conflict: not as a problem, but as a natural part of work that every manager needs to master.We talk about:Why conflict is not the enemyThe difference between contrast, friction, and true conflictWhy most mid-level managers are thrown into the “execution mosh pit” without proper toolsNadeen’s dead-simple “Said / Done / Produced” framework you can try in your next Teams meetingYou’ll laugh, nod, and quite possibly see your last team meeting in a whole new light.🎯 Ready to lead with more confidence and fewer HR escalations? Join the waitlist for The Manager’s Lab: www.the-managers-lab.com
Ever stumbled when someone asked, “So, tell me about yourself?” You’re not alone—and the good news? You can get better at it.This week, I answer a listener question about the most deceptively simple interview prompt there is—and why your answer might be derailing more than your confidence.I’ll walk you through:What this question really means (hint: it’s not a test)Why reviewing your CV from the past 20 years is not the story to tellThree different approaches that make you memorable—not forgettableWhether you’re in the middle of interviews or just rethinking how you present yourself, this is your reminder: you don’t need to be dull, and you don’t need to shrink. You just need to show up as the version of you that brings energy, clarity, and value.🎧 Press play, and let’s design the joyful version of you they can’t ignore.👉 Need help finding your superpowers? Check out this starter kit: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17
Am I Too Old To Change Careers?This question came from a listener who asked: “I'm 62—am I too old to change careers?”I remember a conversation with a Speedy Sherpa client in his 50s that sent me down a rabbit hole looking for what I began calling "the unicorns"—people in their 60s who weren’t just working, but thriving in meaningful full-time roles. And yes, I found them. But they didn’t get there by accident.In this episode, I’m sharing:Why “Corporate Toast at 50” is still far too commonWhat thriving 60-somethings do differentlyThe real reason career joy is rare—but not impossible—after 60And why you don’t need permission… you just need a plan.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “too late” to make a change—this one’s for you.Mentioned in This Episode:The Speedy Sherpa Programme: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-redesignArticle: 50 Year Old “Corporate Toast” https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2017/9/20/50-year-old-corporate-toastThe (2025) Midlife Work-Life Satisfaction Report - https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/new-blog-1/2025/midlife-worklife-satisfaction
In this episode of Joy at Work, I reconnect with my old friend and ex-colleague Nia Trussler, now an Associate Partner at Page Executive. We worked together in the headhunting world over a decade ago, and today, she joins me to shed light on a powerful shift in how companies are selecting senior leaders.Gone are the days when only linear, polished blue-chip CVs were the golden ticket. Nia shares how companies are now valuing non-linear, innovative career paths—those who’ve zig-zagged, pivoted, and taken unconventional routes.We discuss:The rising demand for complex, multidimensional leadership rolesWhy traditional career ladders are no longer the normThe power of your neglected networkHow to get noticed by headhunters today (even if you’re not marketing yourself)This one is packed with real insight from the other side of the hiring table. Whether you’re rethinking your next move or curious about how the exec job market is evolving, you’ll want to tune in.🔗 Ready to explore what’s next for you? Start with the Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment – it’s the perfect entry point to begin your career redesign.
Have you been ignoring the rattles in your career for a while?In this episode of Joy at Work, I answer a heartfelt listener question: “When is the best time to change careers after 40?”If you're over 40 and feeling that something's just... off — like you're driving a car that no longer fits the journey you're on — you're not alone. I talk through the quiet warning signs that we so often ignore, and the real cost of waiting too long to make a change.Midlife career change isn’t about starting over. It’s about tuning up, resetting your GPS, and taking the next small, intentional step.🔧 You don’t need to burn it all down — but you do need to lift the bonnet and take a look inside.🎁 If you’re feeling stuck in a career cul-de-sac, grab this mini-worksheet on questions worth answering: 👉 Download the Free Guided Worksheet
Have you noticed your job applications getting ignored—even when you're asking for less money? You might be in The Squeeze.In this episode, I share a concept I’ve observed for years but only recently named: The Squeeze. It’s a silent career crisis where your value appears to shrink in the market, even though your experience is growing. It’s not just about money—it chips away at your confidence, identity, and joy at work.You’ll hear:The three types of professionals most at riskThe tell-tale signs you're being squeezedWhy bland messaging and generic job titles are costing you interviewsHow Rory, Kieran, and Jolene turned things around (real client stories)Three powerful ways to avoid—or recover from—The SqueezeIf you’re feeling overlooked, underpaid, or unsure how to position your value in your 40s, 50s, or 60s—this episode is for you.🎁 Mentioned in This EpisodeDownload the Superpower Starter KitThe Fierce Accelerator ProgrammeThe Fierce EmporiumJolene’s StoryHow to Stay Highly Paid in Your 40s, 50s, and 60s🛠️ Curious what joy might look like for you? Download the Superpower Starter Kit to begin identifying what makes you truly brilliant—and how to talk about it so people get it.
Have you ever been offered a promotion right when you were thinking about leaving your job? That’s exactly the situation this week’s listener finds themselves in.In this episode of Joy at Work, I share a powerful real-life story of what happened when someone said yes to a role that didn’t align with their superpowers. I also walk you through four essential clarity questions to ask before accepting a promotion that could lock you in for years.If you’re at a career crossroads or simply wondering if your next move fits who you are now, this episode is for you.Want to design a work life that energises you instead of drains you? Learn more about The Fierce Emporium: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporiumMentioned in This Episode:X Change book: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/bookSuperpower Starter Kit (free download): https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/17
When your new boss is 20 years younger than you (and possibly owns trainers your teenager wants), the emotional whiplash is real.In this episode, I respond to a listener who's just landed under the leadership of someone they could have taught to drive. I share seven very practical, very real strategies for navigating this shift—without bitterness, without sarcasm, and with all the self-possession you've built up over decades.This isn't about sucking up or staying silent. It's about dignity, relevance, and choosing to lead in a new way. Whether you're simmering with frustration or simply unsure how to proceed, this one's for you.You’re not too old, and it’s not too late.Join the Midlife Unstuck Community → https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3🔗 MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE7 Dignified Strategies for Working with a Baby BossCase Study Series on Midlife Career Redesign
This week I’m joined by Caroline Clark, a leadership coach, performance psychologist, and analogue space astronaut. Caroline recently spent five days locked inside a simulated space mission in Poland—with no windows, no phones, and no escape. What she discovered is that humour isn’t just “nice to have” in high-pressure environments—it’s a survival tool.Together, we explore how laughter connects us, regulates stress, and creates resilience at work. Caroline shares why humour builds trust, strengthens teams, and even makes leaders more effective. We also talk about what makes humour appropriate (and what doesn’t), and how to bring more playfulness into our everyday working lives without losing professionalism.If work has started to feel heavy, this episode is your reminder that joy, play, and humour aren’t distractions—they’re powerful ways to thrive.👉 Curious where joy is showing up in your own life? Take my Derailed Life Satisfaction Assessment—a 30-minute guided programme that helps you explore what’s bringing you joy and what’s bringing you down: https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/derailedConnect with Caroline Clark: • Website: carolineclark.coach • Substack: Liftoff with Caroline • LinkedIn: Caroline Clark
Have you ever looked at your CV and thought, “This is a total mess”?You’re not alone—and you’re not wrong. But that doesn’t mean your career isn’t valuable.In this short and powerful episode, I unpack why non-linear career stories can actually be your superpower, especially during interviews.Whether you’ve made instinct-led choices, followed opportunities based on relationships, or simply changed direction a few times—you’ve got a story to tell.And it’s not about explaining every twist and turn.It’s about highlighting the single thread that shows who you are, what you bring, and why you’re a fit for that role.If your CV feels messy, this one’s for you.👉 Curious what joy might look like for you? Join the Midlife Unstuck community here: https://midlifeunstuck.activehosted.com/f/3
Have you ever realised you’re holding your breath while answering emails? I hadn’t—until I did. This episode of Joy At Work dives into a phenomenon called email apnea, and trust me, once you notice it, you won’t stop noticing.I’ll share how a former Microsoft exec stumbled on this strange breathing pattern, why it matters to our energy, focus, and joy, and what I’ve been experimenting with to breathe better—even while emailing.You’ll hear:The origin story of email apneaWhat dancers and test pilots know about breath that we don’tSix small, weird (but wonderful) experiments to reset your breathingHow movement, breathing apps, and even watching a dog can help!This one’s short but mighty. If your workday feels heavier than it should, this may be why.🎧 Prefer video? Watch all my Joy at Work Experiments on YouTube: 🔗 Watch the Experiments on YouTube🔍 Explore more episodes on joyful movement & breathing:Pain-Free Work with Rune AboMovement is Medicine with Jon FieldLawrence van Lingen on YouTube🌬️ Curious to experiment more? 👉 Check out all the Joy At Work Experiments
Ever felt the urge to just stop? To hit pause on work, travel a bit, try something new—or just breathe?In this episode, I answer a question I hear often: "If I take a sabbatical, will I ruin my career?"If you’re in midlife and considering stepping off the treadmill—even briefly—you’re not alone. I share stories of people who’ve done it (including me), talk about why the old model of work is crumbling, and offer a perspective that might help you rethink what a meaningful, joyful work life can look like.We explore:Why sabbaticals are no longer career suicideHow midlife reinventions are reshaping what "career success" even meansWhat actually makes a work life feel worth returning toAnd I’ll introduce you to the kind of rethinking we do inside my Fierce Emporium programme—where the first thing we redesign is your idea of work itself.🎯 Learn more about Fierce Emporium: 👉 https://www.midlifeunstuck.com/the-fierce-emporiumMentioned in This Episode:📘 X Change – Lucia's Book🎧 Returning to Uni in Midlife
When a listener wrote in about leaving their job to return to uni for a post-grad, I had flashbacks to my own midlife university adventure — and all the mistakes I made.In this episode, I share why I rarely recommend a full-blown post-grad as the first step in a career redesign, plus the three red-flag scenarios where it’s usually the wrong move. I also tell the very real (and slightly messy) story of my own year back at university, balancing motherhood, academia, and a dwindling supply of energy.You’ll hear the rare situations where post-grad study does work beautifully, the key questions to ask before you enrol, and some low-risk ways to test your interest without draining your savings or sanity.If you’re considering going back to uni, this one’s for you.👉 Join the Fierce Emporium and work through my exact clarity process before you invest your time, money, and self-worth in a huge leap. Explore The Fierce Emporium.
If you’ve got a half-formed career idea that just won’t go away—but you’re afraid it might fail—this episode is for you.I’m sharing the story of “Cliona,” a client who tested her dream career idea in a way that didn’t blow up her finances, relationships, or confidence. She discovered her idea wasn’t the right fit—but that clarity freed her to find a path that doubled her salary, increased her time off, and fit beautifully with her life goals.You’ll learn my approach to testing career ideas without taking blind leaps, the key questions to ask before making any move, and why getting clear on your values, superpowers, and life goals is the best insurance against career regret.Mentioned in This Episode:Case Study: Cliona’s StoryVideo testimonials from Fierce Emporium clients (scroll to the bottom)Learn more about The Fierce Emporium:If you’re ready to redesign your career with clarity, confidence, and a proven process for testing your ideas, explore The Fierce Emporium.
If you’ve ever been told to “just do some informational interviews” when exploring a career change, this episode is for you.I’m sharing exactly why the traditional approach to informational interviews drives me up the wall – from the selfish ask, to the hidden job request, to the way it distracts you from the real work of figuring out who you are and what you want.Instead, I introduce my philosophy of “networking like a midlife human” – a generous, human-centred way to connect that honours people’s time and builds genuine relationships.Mentioned in This Episode:Networking like a midlife humanJoin the Midlife Unstuck Community:You’re not too old and it’s not too late. Here’s your invitation to a space where we talk about career redesign, joy at work, and living a life well-lived.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States