Is This A Silly Question?: Recent Episodes
Melanie Nguyen
In the 'Is this a silly question?' podcast, we answer your career-related questions that may be too 'silly' or 'awkward' so you can get an experts' perspective on the topic.
From Melbourne to Sydney; from corporate to start-up. Our Striver Community Manager, Melanie Nguyen, shares her story of life-changing decisions and words of wisdom for young career starters.
Passion. Fulfillment. Success. How closely are these things intertwined? Sue Viskovic answers this question by sharing her own experiences of how following her passions has lead her to amazing career opportunities on this week's episode.
A long term role in advice - what's that look like and how has Insignia Financial's Samatha Sun transformed her own career and the lives of young career starters entering the employment market as the industry landscape evolves?
Most of the time, your professional career will not be a straightforward trajectory. We sit with Anthony Takyi through anecdotes of his career so far, and how he went from studying management strategy to his role as the Head of Careers Engagement at Chartered Accountants.
How much do you really know about financial advisory? This week we squash some common misconceptions about the industry with Cara Williams, financial adviser at Sufficient Funds.
A good resume? Extracurricular activities? A high distinction WAM? What are recruiters ACTUALLY looking for in 2023 and how do you go about fitting upskilling into your work-life routine?
At the end of the day, financial planning is less about crunching numbers, and more about the people. Can financial planning change lives? Esther Althaus, founder of Perspective Financial Services talks to us about how she uses her career to empower women and the communities around her.
What if we told you that nailing the interview isn't the most important part of the recruitment process? To kick off the season, we sit down with Striver's very own Whitney Wilson to talk about communication and why it could make or break your early career.
Need a job for experience but need experience for a job. Do you know the meme? We do!
'But I'm just a student!' Actually no - not just a student but an individual with plenty of experience to offer. But they way you sell your story can differentiate you from an 'okay' candidate to a 'top' candidate. Shailan Patel from MYOB, shares his approach to shaping a compelling self-introduction, advice on handling the good and bad days at work and how you can interpret The Great Resignation to your advantage.
Struggling to judge if a workplace culture suits you? Asking the right questions worded in the right way in the interview is key to find if the "work family" culture is genuine. Andrew Dunbar from Apt Wealth shares with us his tips on finding success in your career with the right company. Listen now!
Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Feeling lost or unsure in the office? Life feel out of balance as it competes with work? Honing your networking skills and organising the week ahead may help life fall back into place. Amy Parsons, Business Development Manager at Futurity Investment Group chats with us over some "silly" questions. Listen now!
Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Tired of keeping up your work persona? Your authenticity in the workplace can get you moving up in the workplace. Jenni Li, Vice President, Client Service manager at ClearBridge Investments from Sydney Australia joins us on this episode to share her tips on maintaining your authenticity and mastering persuasion without being pushy. Listen now and send us your questions! Listened to this episode and have questions you want answered? Send them to us here and we'll ask them to a guest on a future episode! [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Ever wanted to meet the perfectly welcoming and easy to talk to mentor? You can now, because Dawn Thomas is on this week's episode! She drops nugget, after nugget of golden tips on living your life and succeeding in your career. Listen now!
Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode?
Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion].
Check out our socials [https://linktr.ee/isthisasillyquestion].
This episode we try something NEW and read Reddit Horror Stories about hiring and the workplace! Indulge yourself in hearing these dramatic stories and let us know if you agree or disagree with the advice we give.
Leave a comment on our Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn if you agree, disagree or have any thoughts on the stories or the advice we give. Check all our socials out here [https://linktr.ee/isthisasillyquestion]
The thought of being a CEO ever cross your mind? Your early career could be shaping your future right now. Annick Donat, the Chief Executive Officer at Clime Investment Management Limited shares her career tips that have gotten her to the top. Listen now, see our notes and ask your questions!
Have you listened to this episode and want more? Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Feeling the pressure to walk the tightrope between life and work? Find your way in your career and life by building your personal brand and staying authentic to your passions. Vy Pham from Zurich Financial Services Australia answers your questions on finding a job you actually enjoy. Listen now, check out our notes and find your balance!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Do you get awkward speaking to your client or manager? Your approach to the conversation could be all wrong... Mark Akeroyd, Head of Advice, Delivery, Strategy and Innovation at Lumiant knows the feeling. He has 10+ years of experience with conversations to just about everyone and shares his tips on how to communicate effectively. Listen now, see our notes and converse with confidence!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Not sure how and when to make the move up from an entry level position? The way you make yourself heard in the workplace and in your network is essential in taking a leap in your career. Sosha Jay from Australian Financial Planning Group chats with us and answers questions about her journey from university to her career. Listen now, see our notes and take that leap!
Have you listened to this episode and want more? (1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management. (2) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Executive of Sales and Distribution at Futurity Investment Group shares his journey of working overseas. Listen now, see our notes and expand your horizons!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Feeling a bit awkward and shy when expanding your network? Skip the generic LinkedIn cold messaging and stand out from the crowd with tips from Striver's Partnerships and Growth Lead, Scott Bunny. Listen now, see our notes and grow your network!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Are you hearing they've chosen someone else for the role? Your nerves during the interview might be stopping you from shining. Alisdair Barr, the CEO of Striver knows all the tips and tricks to nailing the interviewing and being easily liked. Listen now, check out the notes and get that congratulations phone call!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Check out our interview guide at [https://www.striver.careers/resources?utm_source=student&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=itasq]
(3) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it here [https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion]
Are you coming last in the race for a role? Your resume could be the pivotal reason why you’re not the top pick from the talent pool. Whitney Wilson, National recruiter at Striver reviews 100s of resumes per month and shares her do’s and don'ts to get your resume to the top of the pile while answering your ‘silly’ questions. Listen now, see our notes and take 1st place!
Have you listened to this episode and want more?
(1) See how Striver can help you get your first professional role in Accounting, Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
(2) Check out our less-is-best resume template at https://www.striver.careers/resources?utm_source=student&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=itasq
(3) Got questions for this podcast guest or topics for the next episode? Share it with us at https://bit.ly/isthisasillyquestion
As a student, graduate or career-changer, you probably want to know how to make the best next career move. The problem is who should you ask for advice? Or how do you ask your questions without sounding 'silly'? This can be frustrating and it can often make you alone on your career journey or lost on your next step.
In the 'Is this a silly question?' podcast, we ask your career-related questions (that seem too silly to ask) to experts in field to gain a better perspective on the topic and get you ahead in your career.