Squiggly Careers – Skills Sprint: How to Learn as You Go (Without Finding More Time)
Hosts: Helen Tupper (A) & Sarah Ellis (B)
Date: January 19, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode launches day one of the Squiggly Careers Skills Sprint, focusing on practical ways to integrate learning into everyday work—without carving out extra time. Using the metaphor of “learning like a lobster,” Helen and Sarah encourage listeners to outgrow self-imposed limits, rethink the notion that learning always require additional time, and discover ways to “learn as you go” through intentional, data-driven reflection.
Key Themes & Discussion Points
1. The “Lobster Mindset”: Never Stop Growing
[01:09]
- Lobsters continuously grow throughout their lives; the hosts draw parallels to career growth.
- They challenge the common belief that time is the main barrier to learning.
- Reframe: Instead of finding more time, maximize learning in everyday activities.
“We want that to be the same for our careers. We never want to stop learning, but we know the biggest barrier to that is time.” – Sarah [01:26]
2. Gathering “Data for Your Development”
[02:35]
- Being intentional in tracking and measuring your development can make progress tangible and boost confidence.
- The episode presents three actionable areas for data collection: Strengths, Listening, and Productivity.
- Real-time examples demonstrate how the hosts apply these practices themselves.
a. Strengths Spotting: What Do You Want to Be Known For?
[03:38]
- Identify the top 3 strengths you want as your personal brand.
- Rapidly collect data by asking colleagues/managers: “What three words would you use to describe me at my best?”
- Compare your self-perception with others' feedback: look for overlaps, gaps, and surprises.
Live Example:
- Helen’s chosen attributes: “energy, clarity, pace.”
- Sarah’s feedback: “energy, agile, solver,” sparking reflection on undesired strengths.
“I don’t think I want to be known as a solver. It makes me think… I'm probably fixing too many things that I think I have the ability to, but it's not what I want to be known for.” – Helen [06:11]
Takeaway:
Look for alignment between intent and reputation—and note where you’re putting effort into strengths you’d rather shift.
b. Listening: The “Listen/Talk Ratio”
[06:55]
- Effective learning requires active listening; if you’re always talking, you’re not growing.
- Assess your listen/talk ratio during meetings.
- Methods include self-reflection, tech tools (like Poised, Fireflies), or asking colleagues for feedback.
“If we’re not listening, we’re not learning. So if you’re in meetings and you are predominantly talking, you’re telling people what you know, but you’re not listening, really, so that you can grow.” – Helen [06:56]
- People often overrate their own listening skills compared to peer assessments.
- Notice when and why you’re least likely to listen (e.g., in moments of stress or lack of control).
c. Productivity: “Smart Time” and Notification Awareness
[09:25]
- The distraction of notifications is an often overlooked time drain.
- Live demo: Sarah had 1 notification in a day; Helen had 371.
- Every notification chips away at your attention and learning ability.
“Every time you are distracted by a notification, your brain is less likely to be able to be present and learn from whatever you’re doing.” – Helen [10:30]
- Calculating your notifications can be eye-opening and direct you to small, impactful changes.
Inspirational Quote
“The most successful people aren’t necessarily the brightest in the room…but they listen and learn better than most.”
– Ed Weiner (from Learn Like a Lobster) [11:17]
24-Hour Action
[11:40]
- Take a screenshot of your daily notifications.
- Share with a friend or your team for accountability.
- Turn off one notification and check the number again the next day.
- Reflect on the impact—did you feel more present, focused, or less distracted?
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Lobster Facts: “Lobsters never stop growing…We want that to be the same for our careers.” – Sarah [01:09]
- Strengths Reflection: “Does my intent, what I want to be known for, match my impact, what other people say about me?” – Sarah [04:18]
- Self-Awareness Prompt: “It makes me think that I’m probably fixing too many things…It is not what I want to be known for.” – Helen [06:11]
- Listening Challenge: “If we’re not listening, we’re not learning.” – Helen [06:56]
- Productivity Shock: “371…Seeing the data makes the problem quite real.” – Helen [10:30]
- Growth Mindset: “Let go of time as a barrier and think differently about how we go through our weeks at work.” – Sarah [01:44]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:09 – Lobster growth metaphor
- 02:35 – Introducing “Data for Your Development”
- 03:38 – Strengths: What three words?
- 06:11 – Helen reflects on unwanted strengths
- 06:56 – Listening and learning
- 09:25 – Productivity: Notifications exercise
- 10:30 – Helen’s notification confession (371!)
- 11:17 – Inspirational quote from Ed Weiner
- 11:40 – 24-hour action: Know your notifications
Overall Tone
Warm, playful, and practical with a focus on honesty, experimentation, and supportive self-reflection. The episode encourages trying small changes, finding fun in gathering personal “data,” and embracing curiosity about your own working habits.
Next Up:
Tomorrow’s episode will cover learning in hard moments, with a focus on feedback.