In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle dives headfirst into two of the most uncomfortable career moments we all dread... making a big mistake at work and realising you already hate your new job.From owning your slip-ups without tanking your reputation to navigating the “should I stay or should I go?” panic of a rocky job start, Izzy breaks down exactly how to handle these situations without blowing up your career.I talk about:* Why your recovery matters more than the mistake itself — and the three-step approach to bounce back stronger.* The 90-day rule for deciding whether to stick out a new role or move on (and why Izzy once broke it herself).* How to spot the difference between teething problems and a genuine cultural or role mismatch.* Why talking about your pay can be a career killer if you’re not careful — and when transparency really works.* CV mistakes that instantly kill your chances (and what to do instead to stand out in 7 seconds or less).Plus, in the Corporate Confessional, we hear from someone fired over a pay conversation gone wrong and the hard lessons it taught them. And in the Community Q\&A, Izzy tackles your burning questions on:* Landing a graduate job without internship experience* Handling a micromanaging boss without burning out* Taking a career break without sabotaging your financesWhether you’re recovering from a workplace blunder, settling into a new role you’re not sure about, or trying to level up your applications, this episode gives you the straight-talking, real-world strategies to handle it like a pro.
--------
19:04
--------
19:04
EP 4 - Why Waiting for a Promotion Will Keep You Stuck — And What to Do Instead
In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle tackles some of the toughest and most frustrating workplace dilemmas, starting with one of the most common career bottlenecks: what to do when your boss never brings up your promotion.From building a bulletproof business case for your next step, to having the direct (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversations that put you in control of your career trajectory, Isobelle gives you the strategies, scripts, and mindset shifts you need to move forward... without waiting for permission.But that’s not all. We also dive into:* Winning team buy-in – How to turn “your” idea into “our” idea so it actually gets adopted.* Addressing job-hopping in interviews – Framing your career moves to highlight growth and commitment.* Corporate Confessionals – Real-life workplace blunders (and how they didn’t ruin anyone’s career).* Interview Power Move Masterclass(Part 2) – The final 4 of the Seven C’s of preparation: Culture, Colleagues, Current Affairs, Competitors — and how to use them to outshine other candidates.* Salary talk before the offer – When to bring it up (and when to keep your cards close).* Internal promotions – Why going for it early can actually work in your favour.* Competing with more experienced candidates – Leveraging networks, learning fast, and making your case.* Managing a boss who blows hot and cold – Staying consistent and protecting your own headspace.If you’re stuck in career limbo, battling for your ideas to be heard, or prepping for that all-important interview, this episode is your playbook for taking ownership, showing up prepared, and moving forward, on your terms.Share this episode with a friend who’s ready for their next career move
--------
18:40
--------
18:40
EP 3 - Overqualified, Undervalued, and Possibly Getting Fired? Let’s Talk Strategy
In this packed episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle serves up her trademark no-fluff advice on the corporate dilemmas that leave most professionals spiraling.Whether you’re feeling stuck as an overqualified candidate, suspect your company is trying to push you out, or you're simply prepping for a big interview this one’s a masterclass in career clarity, emotional control, and getting strategic when the stakes feel high.Expect straight-talking career counsel, real-world scripts to protect your professional reputation, and Izzy’s 7Cs framework to ace your next interview prep.What I talk about:✅ Why being overqualified is less about your CV and more about framing your fit✅ How to rewrite your narrative so employers see value, not risk✅ Step-by-step: what to do right now if you think your company is trying to fire you✅ How to create a paper trail that protects your career (with real email templates)✅ The #1 mistake people make when asking for a pay rise — and how to fix it✅ How to explain unemployment gaps without shame and with strategy✅ What to do before taking a leap out of corporate life to avoid future regret✅ The first 3 steps of Izzy’s 7Cs Interview Prep Framework — a bulletproof way to walk in more prepared than the CEO💬 Key Quotes:> “Being overqualified isn’t a curse — it’s a framing issue.”> “Sell your fit. Not your experience.”> “If you think they’re trying to fire you... they probably are. So document everything.”> “Dave’s salary is not a valid reason you deserve more money. You are.”> “Unemployment isn’t a void — it’s a time to bootleg your own development.”Tools & Frameworks Mentioned:* The 7 Cs of Interview Prep (Commercials, Customers, Core Products & Services… and 4 more revealed in Part 2)* Crisis Email Template for Covering Your Back * What to say when you’re getting subtle performance heat * How to write it so you stay professional and protectedCorporate Confessional:Someone once gave a colleague £30,000 too much in redundancy and somehow kept their job. Hear the full story and Izzy’s surprising take on why it wasn’t the end of the world (or their career).🎓 Community Q\&A Highlights:* “Can I argue for more pay if Dave earns more than me?” → Short answer: No. Long answer: You can, but not like that.* “What do I say about being unemployed for 18 months?” → Reframe it with proactive personal development, even if it’s free TED Talks and shadowing friends.* “Should I leave my high-flying corporate job to become a yoga teacher?” → Maybe. But here’s why you should ease out, not leap off a cliff.Final Word from Izzy:Your next career move doesn’t need to be perfect — it needs to be intentional. Protect your peace. Own your power. And remember, it’s just a job. You’ve got options.Share this episode with a friend who’s stuck in the corporate spiral, it might just change their path
--------
23:37
--------
23:37
EP 2 - How to Handle a Horrible Boss, Survive a Restructure & Nail Your Next Interview
In this episode of Corporate Agony Aunt, Isobelle dives head-first into some of the toughest situations you’ll face in the workplace, from dealing with a boss you can’t stand, to staying off the redundancy list, to landing your next big role.I talk about:* Horrible boss, dream job – How to figure out if the issue is really them (or the role), and the strategies to protect your sanity without handing in your notice too soon.* Surviving company restructures – The fast-action moves that make you indispensable, visible, and too valuable to let go.* Phishing disaster story – A corporate confessional you won’t forget, and a reminder that scams are getting smarter (and more expensive).* The “always open” interview power move – Why job security is a myth, and how to position yourself for the next opportunity while you’re still in your current role.* Community Q&A : * Standing out in interviews by being memorable (and the sneaky way to engineer instant rapport). * How to announce a career change at networking events without sounding awkward. * Negotiating salary when you really need the job and doing it without burning bridges.Whether you’re plotting your next move, trying to survive a toxic boss, or just want to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with practical advice, cautionary tales, and corporate survival strategies you can use immediately.
--------
18:20
--------
18:20
EP 1 - Counteroffers, Interrupting Colleagues & Olive-Gate: Handling the Hidden Agonies of Corporate Life
Welcome to the first straight-talking, tea-spilling episode of Corporate Agony Aunt the no-BS career advice podcast that cuts through corporate confusion and gives you the clarity you need to climb.This week, Isobelle tackles some of the most frustrating and surprisingly common workplace dilemmas, from counteroffers that trap you, to colleagues who won’t let you finish a sentence. Plus, a career mistake confessional that went viral (thanks, olives), and an interview prep masterclass that might just land you your dream role.If you’ve ever:* Felt tempted to stay at a job just because they threw money at you last minute* Had to grit your teeth while a colleague Dave talks over you in meetings* Panicked about job hunting or being seen as “too junior” to build a personal brand…This episode is for you.What I Cover:✅ Should You Accept a Counteroffer or Walk Away?* Four critical questions to ask *before* you stay for the raise* Why short-term money can blind you to long-term regret* My personal experience with staying and what I’d do differently now✅ How to Deal with Interrupting Colleagues* 4 Power Moves to shut down interruptions (politely but firmly)* Scripts you can use immediately in your next meeting* Why taking control of the room isn’t rude it’s necessary✅ Corporate Confessional: Olive-Gate* A brutally honest (and hilarious) mistake that made it to 500K followers* What to do when you make a public blunder at work* Why owning it and laughing it off might be the best recovery plan✅ Interview Power Move: Treat the Job Hunt Like a Job* The weekday/weekend job search strategy that maximises output* The one spreadsheet every serious job hunter should build* Why practice interviews (even for roles you don’t want) are secretly powerful✅ Career Mailbag with Producer Georgia* Navigating work after maternity leave* What to prioritise if you're graduating soon* Handling a manager who speaks to you like a child (without blowing up)💡 Izzy Says:> “If they only value you after you resign… what’s really going to change?”> “Job searching is a full-time job. Skip the brunch, land the role.”Listen Now: Wherever you get your podcasts don’t forget to subscribe, review, and send this to a friend who needs to shut Dave down in their next team call.Your next big opportunity starts right here.
Welcome to The Corporate Agony Aunt podcast.
The podcast that helps you navigate the corporate world, level up your career, and secure the success you deserve.
Every week, we dive into the strategies, insights, and no-nonsense advice you need to land promotions, build executive presence, and take control of your career trajectory. From handling office politics to negotiating pay raises, growing your network, and positioning yourself for leadership... so consider this your personal career playbook.
Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let’s get to work.
Colombia