Working Your Way

When your first instinct is to seek possibility, stay stimulated, and move toward joy, what might that reveal about how you protect yourself from pain?In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Fung, a learning, leadership development, and inclusion practitioner, career coach, father of two, and aspiring stand-up comic, for a nuanced conversation about Enneagram Type 7 and the core patterns of possibility, stimulation, joy, and avoidance. Together, we unpack how those traits show up in Aaron’s life, from his love of novelty and connection to his directness, intensity, humor, and deep commitment to fairness.Aaron brings a rare mix of candor, humor, and self-awareness to this conversation. Across three separate discussions, we sort through two possible Enneagram types, Type 7 and Type 8, and explore the deeper motivations underneath his behavior: his drive for autonomy, his resistance to feeling trapped, his relationship with anger and justice, his need for stimulation, and the role comedy has played in helping him process difficult experiences.This conversation became a fascinating look at what it means to move through life by seeking possibility. We talk about joy, distraction, gluttony, vulnerability, power, and what happens when staying busy becomes both a strength and a shield. Aaron also shares openly about major life changes and how those experiences shaped the way he understands himself now.If you’ve ever wondered why you keep chasing the next idea, plan, experience, or source of joy, this episode offers a nuanced and very human window into those patterns. And, if you’re curious about the Enneagram, this episode gives you a glimpse into what exploring and understanding your type can actually sound like in real life.Want to explore this tool for yourself? Here’s my Enneagram Typing Self-Reflection Guide:I just want to download the docI want emails to guide me through the processWant to connect with Sandhya for yourself or your team? Here’s how:Set up a call with SandhyaConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

How well do we actually know what we’re great at—and how much does it shape the way we work? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our own strengths journeys as we revisit the CliftonStrengths assessment after 15 years and compare what’s changed (and what hasn’t) along the way.Together with design and innovation consultant (and my good friend) Sandeep Pahuja, we dig into why leaning into your strengths can lead to more authentic success, and how easy it is to miss the value in what comes naturally. We share stories from our corporate and entrepreneurial experiences, explore what it looks like to build teams and careers around our unique strengths, and reflect on why “fixing” our weaknesses is rarely the answer.If you’re curious how to make your work feel more aligned—or want practical ideas for maximizing your talents—this episode will help you see your strengths with fresh eyes, and encourage you to work your way.Resources:Connect with Sandeep on LinkedInGallup CliftonStrengths: gallup.com/cliftonstrengthsConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

Human Design isn’t just another personality tool—it’s a way to understand your unique energy type and how you’re meant to use it to impact the world. In this episode, I sit down with holistic business coach and Human Design expert Jess Parvin to explore how this system blends ancient wisdom and modern insight to help us work (and live) in greater alignment.We share how discovering our own Human Design types gave us both a new sense of permission, whether that’s embracing a multi-passionate approach to business or finally trusting our natural instincts, even when they go against the grain. We break down the five energy types, talk about what it really means to work “in alignment,” and offer practical ways to use your chart to avoid burnout and find more flow.Whether you’re new to Human Design or looking to go deeper, this episode will help you see your quirks and career choices in a new light. Learn how to read your own chart, why it’s a lifelong tool, and practical ways to use it to spark growth in your work and life.Resources:Learn more at jessparvin.comPull your chart (free), schedule a reading, learn more: jessparvin.com/human-design-readings/Follow Jess on Instagram: @holisticbizgrowthListen: Human Design as a Tool for Business Strategy & Personal DevelopmentListen: Using Your Human Design Undefined Energy Centers to Clarify Your Niche + MessagingConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

What if your biggest leadership blind spot isn’t what you’re doing—but how you’re being?In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow coach Seth Yelorda for a conversation about a tool that’s changed the way we both lead and support others: the Leadership Circle Profile (LCP). Seth and I met while training in this framework, and it’s become a cornerstone in how we help leaders grow, starting with self-awareness.We unpack how the LCP goes beyond personality or strengths assessments to reveal the inner stories and patterns that drive our leadership. It shines a light on the reactive strategies many of us default to—like micromanaging, people-pleasing, or becoming defensive—and helps us move toward creative leadership grounded in integrity, purpose, and connection.We also share how it’s impacted our own journeys, how we started noticing behaviors we thought were helpful to our impact and success, and realized they were actually becoming protection strategies. This isn’t about fixing people. It’s about understanding ourselves deeply enough to choose how we want to lead.If you’re a leader, coach, or someone who wants to grow with more intention, this episode is for you.Resources:Learn more about the Leadership Circle ProfileFollow Seth’s work at visionclarityconsulting.comConnect with Seth on LinkedInConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

What if your career path was written in the stars?In this episode of Working Your Way, part of our Tools to Work Your Way series, Sandhya is joined by professional astrologer and attorney Jules McGill to explore how astrology can be used as a lens for career insight and self-discovery. Jules shows how your natal chart can reveal deep patterns, preferences, and possibilities for how you want to work and lead–demonstrating how astrology is far from being a static personality label.Together, they break down how to look at your chart through the lens of career—focusing on your Midheaven (MC), sixth and tenth houses, rising sign, and the planetary placements that shape your work instincts and style. Jules also shares how her own chart helped her make peace with having two seemingly unrelated careers—and why that duality is actually a perfect reflection of her Gemini identity.Whether you’re astrology-curious or just looking for new ways to think about your professional path, this episode offers an accessible introduction to astrology as a tool for career alignment.Resources:Pull your chart at astro-seek.comLearn more at thecosmicgem.comFollow Jules on Instagram: @julesthecosmicgem Connect with Jules on LinkedInConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

Three years into running my own business, I’ve had countless conversations with friends, former colleagues, and curious onlookers asking what it’s really like to leave corporate and go solo. In this episode, I’m sharing the most important lessons I’ve learned during my transition from corporate leader to self-employed entrepreneur.This isn’t a step-by-step guide or advice disguised as expertise. It’s simply my lived experience—what I’ve had to unlearn, the surprising truths about building a solo business, and what I wish more people understood before taking the leap.We talk about why the 40-hour workweek doesn’t translate, how managing your energy is more important than managing your time, and why the concepts of “success” and “failure” just don’t apply the same way when you work for yourself. I share what it means to build a business that fits your brain, why community matters more than ever, and how perfectionism can stall your progress.Whether you’re dreaming of leaving your job, already testing the waters, or building something of your own, I hope this episode offers support, clarity, and some much-needed honesty about what it takes to work your way.Resources:Episode 11. Should I quit my job? | Career QuestionsEpisode 16. Independent work or self-employment: Is it right for me? | Career QuestionsEpisode 50. Behind the Scenes of Working Your Way | Celebrating One YearConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

How often do you take time to reflect on what you naturally do best?In this episode, I'm joined by Shereen Sater, an organizational change consultant and leadership coach, to dive into the Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE)—a powerful tool designed to help you uncover the strengths that others see in you but that you may overlook.Shereen and I share our own experiences with the RBSE, from the unexpected emotional impact of receiving positive feedback to how these insights have shaped the way we navigate our careers. We also talk about why recognizing and leaning into our natural strengths can transform confidence, work, and leadership.If you've ever wondered how others perceive your unique impact or the traits you embody—or maybe you struggled to see your own strengths—this episode is a must-listen.Resources:Learn more about the Reflected Best Self ExerciseBring RBSE to your group or team: Self At Work Workshops Check out Shereen’s work at the-curve.coConnect with Shereen on LinkedInConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA

Creating an environment where people can show up authentically at work isn’t just about good intentions—it’s about building an inclusive culture that welcomes their uniqueness. If we want our teams to thrive, we need to design workplaces that support them, not force them into a one-size-fits-all mold.In this episode, I explore how to build an inclusive culture by:Recognizing and leveraging peoples’ individual strengths so they can maximize the impact of their effortDesigning for diverse thinking and working styles instead of defaulting to just one way of workingUnderstanding what makes your people tick and managing based on what actually motivates each personThis is part one of a two-part conversation. In part two, I’ll dive into psychological safety and how we can create the kind of trust that allows our teams to take risks, innovate, and grow.Resources:Listen to Episode 20: How do I find my Enneagram type? | Career QuestionsListen to Episode 21: How can I develop my emotional intelligence using the Enneagram? | Career QuestionsConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA