Key Career Themes for 2026

In this week's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, I am looking into my crystal ball and identifying the key career themes for 2026. In this episode, we talk about:The integration of artificial intelligence into our professional lives will be crucial as we move forward, enabling us to enhance our productivity while retaining our unique human qualities that AI cannot replicate. Career resilience is no longer optional; we must adapt to rapid changes in the job market and develop versatile skills that enhance our employability across various sectors and industries. The traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete, and it is imperative that we begin to view our careers as portfolios filled with diverse experiences that showcase our adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. Establishing a strong personal brand is essential in today's competitive job market, as it not only highlights our skills but also ensures we are recognised for our contributions and expertise within our professional networks. The importance of maintaining personal well-being cannot be overstated, as we navigate a fast-paced work environment; setting boundaries and prioritising self-care will help prevent burnout and promote sustainable career growth. I also share how you can get involved and help shape the future of The Career Confidence Podcast when it returns in 2026.NB: I'm taking a break from releasing new episodes but there are over 120 episodes for you to explore!!!About Nicola SempleI help people build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

This week's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast covers an important topic, feeling trapped by the financial security that your current role affords you. In this episode we tak about:The psychological burden of golden handcuffs, where financial security traps individuals in unfulfilling careers. What does success mean beyond financial metrics, particularly in different seasons of life?The importance of financial planning to facilitate career transitions. How increased income can lead to less personal freedom and happiness.Gradual career transitions vs dramatic shifts to achieve sustainable satisfaction. About Nicola SempleI help people build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

Often when my clients hear about a friend/colleague who has made a change to their career, they say "I wish I could be as brave as X". In today's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, I am talking about:The myth that those who successfully change careers are inherently braver than others is completely misleading. Career changes often stem from a tipping point where individuals can no longer tolerate their current situation. Staying in a job that doesn't fulfil you requires its own form of courage, as it can be emotionally exhausting and draining. Taking small, manageable steps towards a career change is more effective than waiting for a moment of exceptional bravery. Recognising and utilising personal strengths and resources can facilitate a successful transition, making it more accessible than you might think. About Nicola SempleI help people build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

Making a change to your career doesn't necessarily mean burning down everything you have worked for to date and starting from scratch. In today's episode, I share: How to leverage your professional experience and skills when pursuing new career opportunities.How to reframe your existing expertise to align with new roles. The power of your network and professional relationships to uncover hidden opportunities.Practical approaches for gradual career change. A reframe that helps you see age and experience as an asset, not a barrier to navigating career transitions. About Nicola SempleI help people build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

So many people feel frustrated and annoyed with themselves because they don’t know what they want from their career. In today's episode I share:This is completely normal! There are probably more people who DON'T know what they want than who do know. Embracing career uncertainty lets you embrace personal growth and change. The idea that people must have a singular passion to achieve career satisfaction is misleading. The notion that career clarity is an ongoing process that requires continuous reflection and adjustment based on our evolving circumstances and valuesAbout Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

In today's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, I'm joined by Lisa Reynolds, Managing Director of ioda, a learning and development provider that focuses on not just developing their learners' knowledge, skills and behaviours to make them better at their job, but also to help them grow as a person. Lisa gives us an insight into her rather unique career path, her passion for diversity, equity and inclusion, and what it really takes to be an inclusive leader. We also talk about the power of apprenticeships, busting the myth that they are just for school leavers and how you can potentially access an apprenticeship to support your own learning and development. Links Mentioned In This Episode:iodaLisa Reynolds on Linked InAbout Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

In this week's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, I am joined by Jude Sclater, a leadership coach, author of Think Like A Coach, and former internal coach at Deloitte. She helps managers step up from doing the work to leading the team, without burning out or losing their best people. Her work focuses on practical coaching skills that make everyday conversations more impactful, even when time is short. We talk about how:Coaching skills can empower team members, fostering their development and ultimately benefiting organisational performance. Managers should actively resist the impulse to fix problems and instead encourage team members to find their own solutions. The importance of nurturing a coaching culture within organisations for higher employee engagement and retention. Building relationships through effective coaching enhances team dynamics and can significantly improve overall workplace morale and productivity. Links Mentioned In This EpisodeJude Sclater on Linked InThink Like a Coach Book About Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

In today's episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, we are talking about how we all need to stop wearing busy as a badge of honour.Key Takeaways: The prevalence of people thinking it's a good thing to wear busy as a badge of honour. Recognising the importance of boundaries for effective time management. The importance of saying no to non-essential commitments. Understanding individual capacity for work is crucial in determining appropriate levels of busyness. Scheduling breaks between tasks can significantly alleviate feelings of stress and enhance productivity. Acknowledge that doing less can lead to better quality work and a more fulfilling life. About Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

In this episode of The Career Confidence Podcast, we are talking about the crucial role that sleep plays in our career success.Key Takeaways: Sleep isn't a nice to have; it plays a fundamental role in cognitive function and emotional regulation. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts our productivity and decision-making abilities in the workplace. By prioritising sleep, we can significantly improve our mood, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for career success. Actionable strategies to enhance sleep quality, including establishing a consistent bedtime routine and minimising blue light exposure. About Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.

This week on The Career Confidence Podcast, I'm talking about how to disconnect from work while you are on holiday.Key Takeaways:Planning and preparation before your holiday can significantly improve your ability to relax. Establish clear boundaries regarding work communication while on holiday to truly disconnect. Engage in activities that are different from your normal routine to get a deeper sense of relaxation and enjoyment. Taking time off allows you to get perspective and return to work refreshed and more productive. About Nicola SempleI help people to build their career confidence and achieve their career goals.You can book a free no-obligation chat about how I can support you to achieve your career goals: https://nicolasemple.com/chatYou can get my free guide "Back Yourself: Your 7 Step Plan to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Career Goals": https://nicolasemple.com/backyourselfYou can buy my book The Career Confidence Toolkit: Take Control of Your Career and Fulfil Your Potential: https://nicolasemple.com/bookConnect with me on Linked In to carry on the conversation: https://linkedin.com/in/iamnicolasempleA new episode of The Career Confidence Podcast is released every second Friday. Hit the subscribe button and you will be the first to know when a new episode goes live.