Podcast & Power Moves

If you’re a twenty-something navigating the corporate world, congrats! You’ve entered a thrilling game of office politics, acronyms you pretend to understand, and emails signed off with "Kind Regards" that are anything but kind. Whether you're trying to boss up, survive your first performance review, or just stop crying in the office loo, podcasts are a great way to level up your career without reading a 500-page leadership book.

Here are the ten best podcasts to shape your corporate career, with just the right balance of motivation, real talk, and existential dread.

1. The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett

If you want to know how to succeed in business from someone who’s been there, built that, and is now chilling on a pile of cash, this one’s for you. Steven interviews top leaders and entrepreneurs, extracting nuggets of wisdom that will make you rethink your entire approach to work (and possibly life).

Takeaway: One episode that stuck with me was when Steven talked about the importance of self-discipline over motivation. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline is what actually makes things happen.

How I applied it: I stopped waiting to feel like being productive and just started doing the thing. Do I love waking up at 6 AM to prep for work? No. But do I do it anyway? Also no. But I’m getting there.

2. WorkLife with Adam Grant

Adam Grant is a psychologist who basically tells you how to work smarter, not harder. He breaks down what makes great workplaces, how to avoid burnout, and why your boss might be a sociopath (or just really bad at emails). Essential listening if you’d like to be a high achiever without hating your job.

Takeaway: One of the best lessons I learned from this podcast is that ‘givers’ in the workplace (people who help others) actually get ahead more than ‘takers’ – but only if they set boundaries.

How I applied it: I used to say yes to every single task dumped on me, which led to severe burnout. Now, I still help people, but I also say, "I’d love to help with that, but I need to prioritise my current workload. Can we revisit this later?" Boom. Life changed.

3. How I Built This – Guy Raz

Ever wondered how successful companies started? Guy Raz dives deep into the struggles and triumphs of iconic entrepreneurs. It’s a great reminder that behind every multi-million-pound company is someone who once had no clue what they were doing. Just like you, babe.

Takeaway: Every founder he interviews talks about the importance of resilience. Everyone fails; it’s what you do after that matters.

How I applied it: I used to spiral into despair every time I made a mistake at work. Now, instead of overthinking for three days, I fix it, learn from it, and move on. Okay, maybe I still overthink for one day, but that’s progress.

4. The Squiggly Career – Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis

Gone are the days of a linear career path. The Squiggly Career is all about embracing change, learning how to pivot, and developing skills that make you actually happy. Perfect if you’re feeling lost in the corporate maze.

Takeaway: The traditional career ladder is dead. It’s more like a jungle gym now, and that’s okay.

How I applied it: I used to feel guilty for job-hopping, but now I see it as gaining new skills and experiences. Also, updating my LinkedIn profile now feels like a flex instead of a confession.

5. HBR IdeaCast – Harvard Business Review

Listening to this podcast will make you sound 87% smarter in meetings. From leadership insights to productivity hacks, HBR IdeaCast is your go-to for understanding how work actually works.

Takeaway: Effective leaders aren’t just good at strategy; they’re excellent at communicating that strategy.

How I applied it: I stopped assuming my boss could read my mind and started articulating my ideas more clearly. Turns out, speaking up in meetings makes people take you seriously. Who knew?

6. The High Performance Podcast – Jake Humphrey & Prof. Damian Hughes

If you want to think (and work) like an elite athlete, this podcast is for you. It’s all about mindset, resilience, and what separates top performers from the rest of us mortals. Spoiler: It’s discipline, not magic.

Takeaway: Success isn’t about talent alone – it’s about consistency and mindset.

How I applied it: I stopped expecting instant success and started focusing on small daily wins. No, I’m not a millionaire yet, but I do manage my inbox like an absolute pro.

7. No Bullsh*t Leadership – Martin G. Moore

The title says it all. If you’re tired of vague leadership advice, Martin breaks it down in a way that’s brutally honest but actually useful. You’ll leave each episode thinking, "Damn, I should really step up my game."

Takeaway: Being nice doesn’t mean being weak. You can be kind and firm at the same time.

How I applied it: I used to apologise for everything. Now, instead of saying, "Sorry to bother you," I say, "I need a moment of your time to discuss this." Assertive, not aggressive. Game changer.

8. Call Me Candid – Haley Pham & Lilly Ann

If you prefer a more casual, chatty style, this one’s for you. It’s like listening to your older sister dish out career (and life) advice over coffee. A great mix of motivation and realness.

Takeaway: Imposter syndrome never fully goes away, but you have to show up anyway.

How I applied it: Every time I feel out of my depth at work, I remind myself that everyone else is winging it too.

9. The Tony Robbins Podcast

Yes, he claps too much. Yes, he yells. But there’s a reason Tony Robbins is one of the biggest names in personal development. His episodes will either make you want to quit your job and start an empire – or at least finally ask for that raise.

Takeaway: Fear is what keeps most people stuck. Action is what moves you forward.

How I applied it: I asked for a raise. Did I get it? Not yet. But at least I finally grew the courage to have the conversation.

10. Girls That Invest – Sim & Sonya

Your corporate career isn’t just about climbing the ladder – it’s also about securing the bag. These two women break down investing and financial independence in a way that’s actually fun and easy to understand.

Takeaway: Your salary won’t make you rich; investing will.

How I applied it: I finally opened a stocks and shares ISA and started investing. Future me is going to be thriving.

Look, corporate life is a wild ride. Some days you feel like you’re killing it, and other days you contemplate running away to a remote island. But the secret sauce to career success? Learning, growing, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.

So, plug in your earphones, press play on one of these gems, and remember: You’ve got this. Now go forth and boss up!