The Lift

Replay: Helen Tupper on “squiggly careers,” vulnerability and why learning IS the job

July 21, 2026·36 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Most senior leaders got to where they are by being the expert. But Helen Tupper has research showing that the moment you start thinking of yourself as an expert is the exact moment you stop growing. If you've been coasting on competence, or are quietly terrified of being a beginner again, this episode is for you.Topic Highlights– How expertise quietly kills curiosity, and what to do before it happens to you– Why the career ladder is a limiting model for both individuals and organizations– The “mistake moments” team practice that makes vulnerability a daily habit– The “What? So what? Now what?” reflection loop that turns any meeting into a learning engineGuest BioHelen Tupper is the CEO of Amazing If, an award-winning company with a mission to make squiggly careers better for everyone. She is the co-author of The Squiggly Career and Learn Like a Lobster. Episode Links:Amazing IfLearn Like a LobsterThe Squiggly CareerValues InstituteLead Like a Learner: Helen Tupper on “Squiggly Careers” and the Power of VulnerabilityConnect with Us:theliftpod.comLet’s stay in touchSubscribe to The LiftFind Ben online: LinkedIn | InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of The Lift and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.