Just because I’ve put myself on a book-buying-ban doesn’t mean you have to be, dear reader.
Despite being struck down by another sinus infection (yay), I’m feeling pretty positive going into 2023, and I think these books and podcasts might have had something to do with it.
Enjoy, and comment with your own recommendations for a shiny new year!
📖 Books
How to make work not suck by Carina Maggar
Has your 9-to-5 got you feeling flustered? Got a bad case of the Sunday scaries? I’ve got just the thing. How to make work not suck is a straight-talking guide to the real world of work, discover genuinely useful advice that will help you get the gumption you need to go for that promotion, quit your job, break into that industry, nail that pitch or break through a creative wall.
This pocket-sized book comes with 120 irreverent-but-useful insights to help you reach your career goals.
(Dis)connected by Emma Gannon
I love Emma Gannon. She re-appears in the podcast section of this newsletter, in fact. My most recent read, (Dis)connected looks at how, particularly post-pandemic, our focus on community and real connection has been thrown off-course. We're more aware of how algorithms manipulate us, and how our data is a product to be sold.
So, what next? Can we get back on track? The short answer is yes. Emma explores these topics and gives us some no-nonsense tips to help us feel more human in an increasingly online world.
The life-changing magic of not giving a f*ck by Sarah Knight
I read this one a while back and still find my brain going back to some of Sarah’s lines in times of trouble.
Feeling stressed out, overwhelmed, and just a bit blah about life? Done being a people-pleaser? Struggling with the work-from-home life? Sarah has the hands-on tips you need to just stop giving so much of a f*ck, and get more out of what you do care about by caring less about the stuff that doesn’t matter.
Re-readable, underline-able, and the book equivalent of taking a heavy backpack off your shoulders.
🎧 Podcasts
Squiggly Careers
The Squiggly Careers podcast is a binge-able, weekly podcast that helps you take control of your career development, whatever your ambitions may be.
Hosted by founders of Amazing If, Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper, this podcast covers everything from how to manage stress and build your confidence, to how to deal with micro-aggressions, find your strengths, and feel more fulfilled at work. When I got promoted, I listened to their episode on how to be a better manager on repeat!
Ctrl Alt Delete
Another Emma Gannon goodie, Ctrl Alt Delete is essential listening for anyone who wants to shape their work, rather than letting the work shape them.
Emma is a fantastic host, and uses her gentle line of questioning to explore the topics of work, wellbeing, and creativity with her guests. The conversations feel relaxed, but are full of insights that leave you feeling inspired to take on the world (or at the very least, that project you’ve been putting off for ages).
Her past guests include the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Jacqueline Wilson, Lena Dunham, Julia Cameron, Dolly Alderton, and my personal crush, Gillian Anderson.
Sound Advice
I help produce this podcast! If you’re thinking about starting a business or are already running your own gig, this one’s perfect for you. With real, human stories from successful founders like Julie Deane (Cambridge Satchel Company) and the iconic Sharmadean Reid (The Stack World), this podcast brings a fresh meaning to Monday motivation.
Thanks so much for reading, and I’ll see you in the new year!