Squiggly Careers: “Sign up for the Squiggly Careers ‘Learn Like A Lobster’ Sprint 2026 🦞”

Episode Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Sarah Ellis & Helen Tupper (The Squiggly Career, founders of Amazing If)

Overview

This special announcement episode introduces the upcoming Squiggly Careers “Learn Like A Lobster” Skill Sprint for 2026. Hosts Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper invite listeners to join a unique, community-driven learning experience, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and overcoming development barriers at work. The “lobster” metaphor is central, symbolizing resilience, adaptability, and embracing growth—qualities the hosts believe everyone can benefit from in their careers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Need for Learning at Work

• Learning is More Important Than Ever:
  The hosts stress how rapidly changing work environments have increased the need for ongoing skill development, but many people feel it’s harder than ever to focus on learning.

• Barriers to Growth:
  They acknowledge common obstacles, such as time constraints, lack of support, or uncertainty about where to start, and position their Skill Sprint as a solution:

  “...learning has never been more important at work, but it’s also never felt harder to do.”
  – Host (00:07)

The Lobster Metaphor

• Why Lobsters?
  The hosts introduce the lobster as an unlikely yet powerful symbol for career growth. Like lobsters, who must molt their shells to grow despite the uncomfortable and vulnerable process, professionals also need to “shed” to continue developing.

  “We think that lobsters are the role models that we’ve all been missing.”
  – Host (00:14)

• Embracing Discomfort for Growth:
  The episode encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones—just as lobsters do—to achieve meaningful progress.

The “Learn Like A Lobster” Skill Sprint

• What is a Skill Sprint?
  A focused, time-bound learning challenge designed to help participants tackle real career obstacles alongside a supportive community.

• Past Success:
  Over 25,000 past participants have benefited from previous sprints, highlighting the program’s popularity and impact:

  “Over 25,000 people have learned with us on our sprint, and we’d love you to come and learn with us in January.”
  – Host (00:03)

• How to Join:
  Sign up at squigglysprint.com for the January event.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Community:
  “...you’ll join a community of people who all get to learn like a lobster and overcome those barriers that are getting in the way of their growth.”
  – Host (00:18)

• The Lobster as Inspiration:
  “We think that lobsters are the role models that we’ve all been missing.”
  – Host (00:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Introduction to the new Skill Sprint and its significance
• 00:03 – Highlighting over 25,000 past participants
• 00:07 – Addressing why learning feels harder than ever at work
• 00:14 – The case for lobsters as exemplary role models for growth
• 00:18 – Invitation to join the lobster learning community

Summary & Takeaway

This bite-sized episode builds anticipation for the 2026 “Learn Like A Lobster” Skill Sprint, using the lobster’s molting process as a fresh lens for embracing personal and professional transformation. The hosts invite listeners to confront discomfort for meaningful learning and to join a large, supportive community on this journey. As always, the Squiggly Careers podcast delivers practical inspiration for anyone seeking to take ownership of their career development.

To join or learn more: squigglysprint.com