Disrupt Your Career

In this episode, we speak with Pauline Kiraithe, who reflects on curiosity, lifelong learning, and a passion for helping people live intentionally. She shares her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, the personal crisis that sparked her search for purpose, and the realization that “the gift is in you.” Pauline discusses leadership role models, advice for early-career professionals, the importance of nurturing women leaders, and her legacy of being a catalyst for mindset shifts. Dr. Pauline Kiraithe is a Career Transformation Strategist, Executive Leadership Coach, and Founder of Talentgurus@254, one of Kenya’s most recognized career coaching institutions. With 30+ years across banking, NGOs, telecom, retail, media, and consulting, she helps professionals and leaders re-engineer their careers for intentional impact and alignment. She is the author of Owning Your Career and has shaped thousands of careers, becoming a trusted voice on career ownership, leadership identity, and purposeful growth. Links from the episode: Talent Gurus 254 homepage Pauline’s book Owning Your Career Pauline’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Neri Karra Sillaman about her journey from childhood refugee to entrepreneur and academic, and how education became her North Star. She shares how experiences of inequality shaped her values, her approach to risk and failure as redirection, and why being an outsider can be a strategic advantage. The conversation explores building businesses with limited resources, “frying in your own oil,” and redefining legacy as long-term impact on people, organizations, and society. Neri Karra Sillaman is an immigrant entrepreneur, academic, and author. Born into a persecuted Turkish minority in communist Bulgaria, she moved to Istanbul as a child refugee, where her family later co-founded a company that has grown internationally. She holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is an entrepreneurship expert at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. Her work focuses on building sustainable businesses that combine purpose and long-term performance. Links from the episode: Neri’s book Pioneers Neri’s personal website Neri’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

You’ve built a life that looks successful, but inside, something’s stirring. You’ve done everything “right,” yet you find yourself wondering: Is this it? What now? In Live Your Opus: Reclaim Your Energy, Redefine Success, and Create a Life That Truly Matters, Janine Mathó writes for ambitious, high-achieving people who feel depleted, disconnected, or misaligned, and who sense that the version of success they followed no longer fits. In this edition of Author Chat, Disrupt Your Career speaks with Janine about her book, reclaiming energy, redefining success, and choosing a life that truly fits. She shares the core ideas behind Live Your Opus, that your life is your opus and that you are your greatest work, and offers a practical path for creating sustainable, meaningful success. Order Janine’s book Live Your Opus Janine’s website Janine’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

How often have we been told that success, especially in leadership, starts with “just being yourself”? In his latest book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), renowned psychologist Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic challenges this deeply rooted belief. Drawing on decades of research, he argues that our cultural obsession with authenticity is often misguided and can actually limit individual and organizational effectiveness. The science, he suggests, points to a more nuanced truth: progress comes from adaptability, self-awareness, and attention to how others experience us. In this edition of Disrupt Your Career Author Chat, we speak with Tomas about his book, exploring why authenticity is misunderstood, how leaders really develop, and what it takes to evolve beyond our current selves in today’s complex workplaces. Order Tomas‘book Don't Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead) Tomas' personal website Tomas’ LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Michael Stanford about his journey from business schools to global leadership consulting, reflecting on the pivotal transitions that shaped his professional identity. Drawing on his doctoral research and his book Leadership Transition: How Leaders Turn Chaos into Growth, he explains why leadership transitions often feel like a “torture of the soul” and why tactical checklists fall short. Michael introduces a compass-based framework grounded in post-traumatic growth, helping leaders navigate chaos, reframe assumptions, and create conditions for sustainable leadership and personal growth. Michael Stanford is a facilitator, researcher, author, and leadership coach specializing in leadership transitions. He has over thirty years of experience in leadership development, including nearly two decades at IMD and five years at Korn Ferry. He works with leaders, teams, and organizations to help them navigate the personal and professional challenges of transition. His work draws on doctoral research into post-traumatic growth and narrative psychology, supporting leaders in turning periods of disruption into meaningful development and sustainable growth. Links from the episode: Michael’s book ‘Leadership Transition: How leaders turn chaos into growth’ Michael’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

As we wrap up 2025, it’s the perfect moment to pause, reflect, and draw insights from some of the most inspiring conversations we’ve had this year on the Disrupt Your Career podcast. Throughout the year, we had the privilege of speaking with executives, thought leaders, authors, and coaches who generously shared their experiences of experimentation, resilience, reinvention, and purpose driven career choices: Celeste Warren, Stéphanie Daudier, Navid Nazemian, Bridget Farrands & Ian Hardie, Naeema Pasha, Elizabeth Lotardo, Julia Milner, Neil Courtis, Irina Cozma, Peter Attfield, Sheila Buswell, and Michelle Prince. In this special “Best Of” year end episode, we revisit a powerful quote from each guest, highlighting their most insightful ideas on building careers that are not only successful but also sustainable, meaningful, and aligned with one’s values. These curated moments offer key takeaways and practical advice to help you reflect on your own career journey and consider your next steps with greater clarity. Tune in to hear expert wisdom and discover fresh inspiration to design the career you truly want in 2026 and beyond. Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In this episode, we speak with Navid Nazemian, executive coach and author of Mastering Executive Transitions. Navid shares insights from his career across seven industries and hundreds of C-suite clients, revealing why nearly 40% of executives fail in their first 18 months. He explains his Double Diamond framework for successful transitions, highlights the critical role of culture, politics, and soft skills, and explores gender gaps in executive support. Navid also discusses emerging trends and his new coaching and eLearning initiatives. Navid Nazemian, PCC, speaks on executive transitions with authority grounded in research and complemented by demonstrated real-world experience. Working with C-level coaching clients worldwide, Navid distills key insights, guidance, and strategies for maximizing leadership impact in his book Mastering Executive Transitions. He has been recognized as HR’s Most Influential Practitioner by HR Magazine, Coach of the Year by CEO Today, and received the Outstanding Leadership Award from Education 2.0 in 2022. Links from the episode: Navid’s executive coaching homepage Navid’s book ‘Mastering Executive Transitions’ Navid’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Many professionals work hard, deliver strong results, and uphold high standards—yet still feel their career progression slipping further out of reach. Traditional advice like “let your work speak for itself” or “play the game” often traps people between burnout and becoming someone they don’t want to be. But this cycle can be broken, allowing you to advance with clarity, integrity, and confidence. In this edition of Author Chat, Disrupt Your Career speaks with May Busch, Founder of Career Mastery™, speaker, executive coach, and former COO of Morgan Stanley Europe, about her book ‘Visible: How to Advance Your Career Without Playing Politics, Selling Your Soul, or Working Yourself into the Ground’ (Summit Press Publishers, October 2025). In her book, May explores the hidden capabilities senior leaders look for when deciding who progresses and who plateaus, offering practical guidance on navigating office politics without compromising your values, building strategic relationships authentically, and developing the presence to command attention—all while taking ownership of your career at every stage. Order May’s book ‘Visible: How to Advance Your Career Without Playing Politics, Selling Your Soul, or Working Yourself into the Ground’ May’s personal website May’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In a world where many leaders struggle to be seen and heard, Dr. Sheila Gujrathi offers a fresh approach. The Mirror Effect provides a practical roadmap for women and marginalized professionals to reclaim their power, navigate challenging environments, and thrive authentically. In this edition of Author Chat, Disrupt Your Career speaks with Sheila about her debut book, exploring her three-part framework—know yourself, understand your environment, and set yourself up for success—to help leaders build clarity, resilience, and meaningful impact. Order Sheila’s book The Mirror Effect: A Transformative Approach to Growth for the Next Generation of Female Leaders Sheila’s TEDx Talk ‘Shattering the glass ceiling by finding the right mirrors’ Marianne Williamson’s poem ‘Our Deepest Fear’ Sheila’s personal website Sheila’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Celeste Warren, Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leader about her unconventional path from journalism to HR leadership and her impact as Merck’s Chief Diversity Officer. She shares candid insights on challenges faced, lessons learned from allies, and why equity is essential for thriving organizations. We also explore her new book, The Truth About Equity, her thoughts on the future of DEI, and her vision for workplaces where inclusivity and equity drive collective success. Celeste R. Warren is the author of “The Truth About Equity” and a Global HR and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader with nearly 40 years of experience in major global corporations. Throughout her career, she has championed DEI, elevating the importance of understanding diverse cultures, perspectives, and beliefs within corporate strategies. Her visionary approach reshaped Merck's culture and influenced the broader business landscape, empowering organizations worldwide to embrace inclusivity as a cornerstone of success. Links from the episode: Celeste’s Website: https://crwdiversity.com/ Celeste’s book The Truth About Equity Celeste’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In this episode, Bridget Farrands and Ian Hardie open up about the twists and turns of their career and leadership transitions. Bridget reflects on stepping out of the corporate fast lane into a portfolio of advisory and board roles, while Ian shares lessons from moving across industries, countries, and cultures into top executive positions. Bridget also talks about her book Lost in Transition, which introduces a three-phase framework—Arriving, Surviving, and Thriving—to help leaders navigate new roles. Together, they discuss earning trust in unfamiliar territory, balancing humility with decisiveness, staying resilient through uncertainty, and shaping a meaningful “next chapter.” Bridget Farrands is a consultant, coach and author specializing in transition and identity. She works internationally with leaders and teams to create thriving workplaces, drawing on over 20 years’ consulting experience across sectors. Co-author of Leadership Transitions, she helps executives navigate the personal and organizational challenges of new roles. Ian Hardie is an advisor, consultant and executive coach who helps leaders and organizations create impactful learning and growth experiences. Formerly with Sephora, LVMH and London Business School, he now works internationally, drawing on decades of experience in talent development. He also chairs Wave for Change, a social inclusion charity. Links from the episode: Bridget’s book ‘Lost in Transition’ Bridget’s coaching and consulting homepage Bridget’s LinkedIn profile Ian’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and course creator who helps organizations build more purpose-driven and emotionally engaging workplaces. She works with companies like Hilton, DraftKings, and Thyssenkrupp, and her LinkedIn Learning courses have reached over 2 million learners. Elizabeth is the co-author of Selling with Noble Purpose and Leading Yourself, and writes regularly for Harvard Business Review. She holds a Master’s in Industrial & Organizational Psychology and is a fellow at the Institute of Coaching. In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth about her journey from advertising and marketing to writing and online teaching, and how she helps individuals and organizations create purpose-driven work. She shares insights on emotional engagement, finding meaning even in imperfect jobs, and the role of purpose in leadership and performance. Elizabeth reflects on the power of small shifts in mindset, how to lead yourself with clarity and joy, and why authenticity is central to career growth. She also offers practical advice for early-career professionals and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas fueling her creative work in 2025. Links from the episode: articles in HBRLeading YourselfLinkedIn LearningLinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Julia Milner is a professor of leadership at EDHEC Business School in Nice, France and has been named in the World’s Top 40 Business Professors under 40. She has extensive experience as a management consultant and coach working internationally with executives and organizations on how to create empowering leadership and organizational cultures. Julia is host of a YouTube channel on leadership and careers, and has given two Tedxtalks on how to be a great leader and how to turn regrets into change. In this episode, we talk with Julia about her global journey from consulting to academia and how she bridges research with real-world leadership. She shares insights on empathy, coaching, and reframing failure, and reflects on embracing curiosity over control. Julia discusses how transitions build resilience, why small habits matter, and the value of self-kindness. She also offers grounded advice for early-career professionals and shares a glimpse of the creative projects energizing her in 2025. Links from the episode: Prof. Julia Milner YouTube Channel Julia’s article in HBR ‘Is Your Career Heading in the Right Direction?’ Julia’s TEDxEDHECNice ‘How to turn Regrets into Change’ Julia’s TEDxLiège: ‘The surprising truth in how to be a great leader’ Julia’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Neil Courtis is the founder of Sensible Media, a London-based e-learning company focused on career advice for professionals. As Managing Director and Head of E-learning, he produces a high volume of high-quality webinars and online courses. An INSEAD MBA graduate, former parliamentary researcher and financial journalist covering central banks and regulation, Neil brings deep experience in translating complex ideas into accessible content. He also writes occasionally for the Financial Times about careers and business education. In this episode, we talk with Neil about his unconventional career journey from political research and financial journalism to founding a leading e-learning company. He reflects on moments of struggle and discovery, shares key insights from working with top thinkers on careers and business education, and champions the value of experimentation and relative skills in career change. Neil also offers advice for early-career professionals, comments on career support in business schools, and explains why great content—and great networking—begin with genuine curiosity. Links from the episode: Sensible Media’s website Article ‘How to be a Leader in your Field’ by Philip Agre Neil’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Peter Attfield is a CHRO-level HR thought partner with a global track record in strategic business partnering and HR leadership across sectors and regions. He is the founder of The Inflection Point and APAC representative of The Talent Strategy Group. Most recently Chief Talent & Learning Officer at Jardine Matheson, he brings nearly four decades of experience in organisation transformation, talent management, and leadership development. A true global citizen, he has lived in 9 countries and worked in over 75. In this episode, we talk with Peter about his diverse, four-decade career journey—from finance to consulting and global HR leadership. He reflects on pivotal moments of transformation, the challenge of adapting to different cultures, and why leadership truly matters. Peter shares insights on how careers unfold through both serendipity and courage, offers advice for younger professionals, and questions traditional models of leadership development. He also discusses his current projects in consulting and executive education. Links from the episode: Peter’s consulting firm The Inflection Point website The Talent Strategy Group website Peter’s LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

In a world where striving for success often leads to overwhelm, Kathy Oneto offers a refreshing new approach. Sustainable Ambition redefines how we think about work and life—not as a balancing act, but as an opportunity to align our goals with what truly matters. In this edition of Author Chat, Disrupt Your Career speaks with Kathy Oneto about her book, Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work (Greenleaf Book Group, June 2025). Kathy introduces a practical framework—Right Ambition, Right Time, and Right Effort—to help individuals pursue meaningful goals with clarity and ease, without sacrificing their well-being. Pre-order Kathy’s book Sustainable Ambition: How to Prioritize What Matters to Thrive in Life and Work Kathy’s LinkedIn profile: Sustainable Ambition website Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Irina Cozma is an executive coach, speaker, trainer and consultant who helps professionals design more fulfilling career adventures. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and over 20 years of experience, she has coached hundreds of senior leaders and entrepreneurs across industries like tech, healthcare, and finance. An ICF-certified coach, Irina teaches at Purdue University, contributes to Harvard Business Review, and brings global insight from living and working in four countries. In this episode, we talk with Irina about her journey from HR roles in global corporations to launching her own coaching and consulting practice. She shares how a mix of planning and serendipity shaped her career, why she believes every leader is above all human, and what it means to design better career adventures. Irina challenges traditional training methods, discusses her “Go Broad, Go Deep, Go Forward” coaching approach, and offers empowering advice for young professionals. Links from the episode: Harvard Business Reviewpersonal homepageLinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Stéphanie Daudier is a specialist in workplace diversity and the founder of The Inspiration Lab. As an entrepreneur, she is dedicated to promoting senior inclusion in society and advancing gender equality in the workplace. With 30 years of experience in the corporate world across Europe and Asia, Stéphanie spent over 8 years living and working in Asia, including 4 years as an expatriate in Tokyo, Japan. A trained mathematician, she brings precision to her work and makes complex data both tangible and engaging. Stéphanie stands against ageism and stereotypes, advocating for a rebellious life full of joy and energy. In this episode, we talk with Stéphanie about her career journey and the values that have shaped her path. She shares her transition from marketing and leadership roles to entrepreneurship and executive coaching after her time at L’Oréal. She discusses how she navigated career changes, including her shift to building a public presence, underscored by her TEDx speech. Stéphanie reflects on the importance of simplicity in career management, her commitment to promoting equality and career opportunities for seniors, her advice to her younger self and her plans for the future. Links from the episode: Inspiration Lab homepage‘Exister pleinement jusqu'à 100 ans’LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Sheila Buswell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, a US Army veteran, and the author of Is This Seat For Me? After starting her career in engineering, she transitioned to entrepreneurship, driven by a mission to create innovative solutions that improve mobility and independence. Sheila is passionate about leadership and navigating our own journey toward overcoming imposter syndrome—topics she explores in her book and speaking engagements. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Biomedical Engineering. In this episode, we talk with Sheila about her unconventional career path from the US Army to engineering and entrepreneurship. She shares how personal challenges led her to create technology that enhances mobility and independence, the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way, and the connection between technology, upward mobility, and diversity. Sheila opens up about imposter syndrome, the insights from her book Is This Seat for Me?, and practical strategies to overcome self-doubt. She offers advice to her younger self and a glimpse into her future plans. Links from the episode: LinkedIn profileIs This Seat for Me?free audio book chapterhomepage Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast

Dr. Naeema Pasha set up and led the World of Work (WOW) Institute at Henley Business School, which examines the future of work, including the ethical impact of AI on work, workers and workplaces. She is also a leading expert in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion leadership. Naeema has written and spoken extensively for publications such as BBC Worklife, Forbes and People Management Magazine on transformations in workplaces. She is co-author of Futureproof Your Career: How to Lead and Succeed in a Changing World. In this episode, we speak with Naeema about her inspiring career journey and the early influences that shaped her leadership path. She shares lessons from her diverse industry experiences and addresses challenges in advancing diversity and inclusion. Naeema discusses the motivation behind co-authoring Future Proof Your Career and explores its key insights on navigating change in the evolving workplace. She also dives into the rise of the anti-work movement, exploring how side hustles and better work-life balance are reshaping modern careers. Links from the episode: Futureproof Your Career LinkedIn profile Thanks for listening! Visit our homepage at https://disrupt-your-career.com If you like the podcast, please take a moment to rate it and leave a review in Apple Podcast