Spot the pattern. Take control of your career
BONUS: DON'T WAIT TO BE MANAGED.
IF THIS EPISODE SPARKED SOMETHING IN YOU, PASS THE FLAME RIGHT HERE. SHARE BELOW.
DON'T WAIT TO BE MANAGED: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER
Ever felt like you’re showing up, doing the work, and still waiting for someone to notice?
This bonus episode is for you. Because let’s face it: some managers lead, some… just happen to be in charge.
So if you've ever found yourself stuck under The Deflector, dodging The Chameleon, or being low-key sidelined by The Bouncer, this one’s for you.
We’re not here to moan. We’re here to decode. To laugh a little. And to take strategic control.
Join Caroline as she introduces the modern workplace manager zoo (binoculars ready), helps you spot the patterns, and shows you how to lead yourself around the chaos with style, savvy, and zero martyrdom.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why waiting for better management is a career-limiting move
How to spot The Deflector, The Bouncer, The Squirrel, The Chameleon… and the rare but beautiful Amplifier
The game-changing equation: E + R = O (Event + Response = Outcome)
Exactly what to say when your manager blocks your growth—or simply ghosts your development
Practical strategies to build clarity, agency, and career momentum no matter who's (not) leading you
BOLD MOVES YOU'LL LEARN
How to advocate for yourself when your manager won’t
Why documenting your impact can be a career superpower
What to say when you’re “not ready” (according to someone with a clipboard)
How to become your own Amplifier (until the right people catch up)
TOOLS MENTIONED
Bold Move Brief: How to Lead When No One’s Leading You
Listen now right here or on your favourite platform
Share it with that colleague quietly surviving The Squirrel
And don’t forget: clarity is louder than chaos.
TIME STAMPS
01:15 Welcome to The Workplace Zoo
01:44. The Deflector
02:51. The Bouncer
04:03. The Squirrel
05:05. The Chameleon
06:24. The Amplifier
08:39. E + R = O
10:27. Taking Ownership
If you want to dig around a bit more... we've got your back
Want to scribble? Use this transcript.
Want to reflect?
Remember reflection is how you turn experience into momentum. This tool is your thinking space-minus the post-it chaos.
You don't need courageous conversations or radical rethinks. Our conversation tools help leaders have simple conversations about how, together, the team can get better and better.
Before you go ....
Take a minute. Not for us, for you.
What made you nod?
What made you wince?
That’s where the magic lives.
If something clicked today, don’t let it stay a passing thought. Scribble it down. Say it out loud. Try it tomorrow, even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy.
Oh, and if someone popped into your head while listening? That’s not random. Send this their way. Share the episode. Share the fire.
And finally, don’t forget your Pocket Power-Up. Because bold moves start with tiny, intentional ones. We made this bit for the you-who-takes-action.