Little Moves, Big Careers is the podcast for people who want to build high-performing careers in a messy, fast-moving world.
Hosted by Caroline Esterson, career strategist and co-founder of www.inspireyourgenius.com, this show reveals the unspoken rules of modern work and teaches you the small, smart moves that make a big difference.
From visibility and confidence to self-leadership and influence, every episode mixes bold insights, cheeky truths, and practical takeaways that actually work inside real organisations.
No corporate waffle; just unapologetically honest career talk for people who want to perform, progress, and stand out for all the right reasons.
Sign up for your Genius Files weekly - your backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.” https://inspire-your-genius.kit.com/a162791a94
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Little Moves, Big Careers is the podcast for people who want to build high-performing careers in a messy, fast-moving world.
Hosted by Caroline Esterson, career strategist and co-founder of Inspire Your Genius, this show lifts the lid on the unspoken rules of modern work and gives you the small, smart moves that make a big difference.
From visibility and confidence to self-leadership and influence, every episode mixes bold insights, cheeky truths, and practical takeaways that actually work inside real organisations.
No corporate waffle, just unapologetically honest career talk for people who want to perform, progress, and stand out for all the right reasons.
Sign up to the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Or "Why Hard Work Alone Doesn’t Get You Noticed at Work"
You’ve been told to keep your head down, work hard, and wait your turn. Sound familiar? This episode reveals why that advice is holding you back and what to do instead.
From laugh-out-loud real talk to smart shifts that boost your visibility, I’ll show you why capability means nothing without clarity and how to start showing up like you mean it.
Quickfire career moves included. Slightly savage, encouragement guaranteed.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Episode 1 BONUS: Don't wait to be managed - Take control of your career.
If you've ever felt like your manager was more “in the way” than “in your corner,” this one’s for you.
In this sharp-tongued but clear-eyed bonus episode, Caroline takes us on a safari through the modern workplace zoo, spotting characters like The Deflector, The Bouncer, The Squirrel, The Chameleon, and yes, even the elusive Amplifier.
It’s not about moaning. It’s about naming the pattern so you can stop internalising the chaos and start working around it like the savvy human you are.
Learn how to:
Handle managers who deflect, dodge, and disappear
Respond (not react) to dodgy leadership
Use E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome) to take back control
Amplify yourself—even if no one else is
You’ll laugh, wince, and probably recognise a few of your former line managers… but most importantly, you’ll leave equipped with cheeky scripts, smart strategies, and a whole lot more control over your career than you thought you had.
Because waiting to be noticed? That’s a system that’s failed you before. This time, you’re moving first. With style.
Listen now and reclaim your agency, one bold move at a time.
How Invisible Power Networks Shape Your Career (Without You Even Knowing)
Ever had that sinking feeling that the real meeting happened before the meeting? Or that someone less capable got the nod while you’re still “being patient”?
Welcome to The Club; no badges, no invites, just power.
In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson lifts the velvet rope on how influence really works at work. You’ll learn how unspoken rules, subtle loyalties, and quiet confidence shape who gets picked, praised, and promoted; and how to stop waiting for permission to join.
You’ll discover:
Why effort doesn’t equal visibility (and what does)
The neuroscience of exclusion — and why it literally hurts to be left out
How to spot informal power patterns and play smarter, not louder
Why The Club isn’t always evil — it’s often emotional
Three bold-but-doable moves to get noticed without faking it
Inside the episode:
Are YOU in The Club? Take the cheeky, too-close-to-home quiz
Real or Rubbish? Decode whether that weird workplace moment is Club Code or just corporate chaos
What Would Caro Do? A listener from Preston is done being overlooked.
Quickfire Career Moves: 3 fast shifts to move from helpful to highly strategic
Career Quote Crime: “If you work hard, you’ll be recognised.” Nope. You’ll be tired. Caro serves the smarter truth.
This episode exposes the unspoken rulebook of modern careers and helps you rewrite it with intention, clarity, and a bit of sass.
The Tiny Career Moves That Build Massive Momentum Ever feel like you’re doing everything right but still getting overlooked? Spoiler: it’s not your effort, it’s your radar.
In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caro shows you how to stop missing the moments that matter and start training your brain to spot the real career-shifters.
You’ll discover:
Why big opportunities rarely come with bold font or a calendar invite
How to notice patterns like Zara’s merch team and Daniel Kahneman’s brain
What to do when Greg gets credit for spotting what you already knew
The crucial difference between action and insight — and which one gets you promoted
Plus:
The “curiosity filter” trick to replay your week differently
One power question that shifts how people see you in meetings
How to turn those vague “loop ins” into actual leaps
This episode will tune your radar, sharpen your strategy, and prove that momentum doesn’t come from waiting; it comes from noticing, then moving.
In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson gets gloriously real about the messy truth of career paths, emphasising that success is not linear, no matter what the old-school career ladder crowd wants you to believe. Instead, we’re talking zigzag moves, surprise sliding doors moments, and the wild power of zigging when you're told to zag.
Caroline takes aim at the myth of the straight line and hands you a better map, one where detours, pivots, and “Wait, how did I end up here?” moments are actually rocket fuel for personal and professional growth. If you've ever felt like you took the long way round, good news: you’re not lost, you’re levelling up.
You’ll walk away with practical advice, a dash of cheek, and full permission to define success on your own (gloriously unpredictable) terms.
Key takeaways
Careers are not straight lines; they are weather systems.
Success is often found in unexpected pivots.
Recognising sliding doors moments can change your career trajectory.
The traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete.
Zigzagging through your career can lead to valuable experiences.
Chase experiences rather than titles or positions.
Curiosity and awareness are key to spotting opportunities.
It's important to trust patterns over rigid plans.
Don't let conventional wisdom limit your potential.
Progress is not always perfect, but it is still progress.
Sound Bites
"Progress doesn't always look like sunshine." "Chase experiences, not jobs." "Start trusting pattern over plan."
Quick Fire Career Moves You’ll Learn
Stop asking “Is this the right move?”, start asking “What will I learn?”
Trust the pattern over the plan. Your instincts are wiser than your CV.
Not Confidence. Not Cleverness. Curiosity Is Your Secret Weapon.
The boldest careers aren’t built on perfect plans; they’re built by people who stay curious. Strategically. Unapologetically. And often, just a little cheekily.
In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caro unpacks why curiosity beats confidence every time and how to use it as your secret career edge.
You’ll hear:
A story about 208 seconds that proves calm curiosity saves the day
A listener wondering if trying something new makes them “flaky” (spoiler: nope)
The truth about “Jack of all trades” and why it’s time for its redemption arc
This episode will get you thinking differently, asking smarter questions, and spotting opportunities before everyone else does.
Because you don’t need to be fearless. You just need to stay curious long enough to find out what’s possible.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt at Work
Ever had that “who let me in here?” moment? Yeah. Welcome to the club no one applied to join.
In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson dives into the messy middle of imposter syndrome: where self-doubt isn’t a flaw, it’s feedback that you’re stretching.
No toxic positivity. No “just be confident” nonsense. Just straight talk about:
Why imposter thoughts hit hardest right before a breakthrough
How your prehistoric brain confuses growth with danger
Practical tools to shrink the spiral and move anyway
You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you’ll probably text a friend, “You need to hear this.”
Because you don’t need to be fearless. You just need to keep moving; even with the wobble.
Listen if You’re:
Newly promoted and wondering if it was all a mistake
Secretly convinced someone’s going to “find you out”
Tired of pretending you’re fine while Googling acronyms under the table
Ready to stop spiralling and start owning your brilliance, even with wobbles
Download the Gremlin Check-In , your brutally simple, fill-in-the-blank worksheet to help you name the thought, reframe it, and take a bold micro-move anyway.
Progress over perfection. Movement over manicured.
Ever spent hours watching webinars, highlighting your notes, colour-coding your to-do list… and still felt stuck? That’s planning disguised as progress, and it’s one of the sneakiest ways we stall our careers. In this episode, we call out perfectionism for the joy-thieving con it is, and champion messy, scrappy, unpolished action that actually gets results.
Caroline spills some of her most cringe-worthy (but career-defining) moments, including mismatched shoes at a pitch, a coffee-soaked disaster, and the reply-all apocalypse and prove that magic doesn’t come from polished plans… it comes from movement. Even wobbly ones.
Key Takeaways
Messy action beats perfect planning every time, especially when it comes to career momentum.
Perfectionism is productivity in a tuxedo, it looks smart but gets you nowhere.
Procrastination isn’t laziness, it’s emotional self-protection. Understand the brain science behind why we stall.
Every cringe is a clue. Mistakes aren’t failure, they’re intel.
Clarity is earned through action, not overthinking.
Sign up for the - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ever smiled through a team meeting while mentally planning your escape to a remote cottage in Wales? Or replied “No worries!” to a Friday 5pm request while quietly Googling “how to become a llama farmer”?
This episode is not about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about real optimism - the kind that doesn’t require vision boards, scented candles, or toxic positivity. Just one honest check-in, one tiny shift, and one decision to climb above the line.
If you’ve ever felt flat, burnt out, or stuck smiling through the madness, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
Optimism isn’t personality - it’s strategy.
Burnout doesn't always look like collapse. Sometimes it looks like “fine.”
Real resilience comes from reflection, not denial.
Protecting your spark is leadership, not laziness.
You don’t have to feel great to move - you just need to move with intention.
Sound Bites
“Optimism doesn’t always wear sparkles. Sometimes it just says: let’s give it another go.”
“You don’t have to collapse to justify recovery.”
“Forced positivity is about as comforting as a soggy sandwich.”
“You can’t reframe if you don’t reflect.”
“Even the best jobs have parts you’d happily launch into the sun.”
FLAMEKEEPER PROMPT LIST: 20 bold reflection prompts to help you reconnect, reframe, and refuel (no toxic positivity required)
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Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Ask people how they really got where they are. Note to self: it’s never the five-year plan.
Listen if You’re:
Second-guessing a job change that doesn’t look neat
Tired of chasing titles and ready to chase truth
Trying to explain your zigzag to your Dad, your boss, or your inner critic
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Want to bring this energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. caroline@inspireyourgenius.com
Subscribe + Share Love this? Forward it to someone who’s quietly plotting a bold pivot. Please rate & review so the algorithm sends it to the brave ones.
Because success doesn’t come from staying put, it comes from knowing when to zag.
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
Want to bring this kind of truth-telling, high-impact energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. caroline@inspireyourgenius.com
#careertips #careeradvice #personaldevelopment
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
Sign up for the Genius Files - your weekly backstage pass to the unspoken rules of high-performance careers. Smart shifts that make you say, “Oh damn, that’s exactly what I needed.”
🎧 Listen now to stop faking the flame and learn how to fuel it for real.
Ready to make your next bold move? Grab the free Bold Move Audit and join the insider crew.
Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all.
