#5 | Why the Career Ladder Is Broken and How the Smartest Leaders Use Zigzag Moves to Get Promoted Faster.

In this episode of Little Moves, Big Careers, Caroline Esterson gets gloriously real about the messy truth of career paths, emphasising that success is not linear, no matter what the old-school career ladder crowd wants you to believe. Instead, we’re talking zigzag moves, surprise sliding doors moments, and the wild power of zigging when you're told to zag.Caroline takes aim at the myth of the straight line and hands you a better map, one where detours, pivots, and “Wait, how did I end up here?” moments are actually rocket fuel for personal and professional growth. If you've ever felt like you took the long way round, good news: you’re not lost, you’re levelling up.You’ll walk away with practical advice, a dash of cheek, and full permission to define success on your own (gloriously unpredictable) terms.Key takeawaysCareers are not straight lines; they are weather systems.Success is often found in unexpected pivots.Recognising sliding doors moments can change your career trajectory.The traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete.Zigzagging through your career can lead to valuable experiences.Chase experiences rather than titles or positions.Curiosity and awareness are key to spotting opportunities.It's important to trust patterns over rigid plans.Don't let conventional wisdom limit your potential.Progress is not always perfect, but it is still progress.Sound Bites"Progress doesn't always look like sunshine.""Chase experiences, not jobs.""Start trusting pattern over plan."Quick Fire Career Moves You’ll LearnStop asking “Is this the right move?”, start asking “What will I learn?”Trust the pattern over the plan. Your instincts are wiser than your CV.Ask people how they really got where they are. Note to self: it’s never the five-year plan.Listen if You’re:Second-guessing a job change that doesn’t look neatTired of chasing titles and ready to chase truthTrying to explain your zigzag to your Dad, your boss, or your inner criticReady to make the brave, weird move… and own itResources + ExtrasBold Moves Brief The Career Story Prompt PackRun the Big Conversation session with your teamConnect with Caroline hereWant to bring this energy into your organisation? Let’s talk. [email protected] + ShareLove this? Forward it to someone who’s quietly plotting a bold pivot.Please rate & review so the algorithm sends it to the brave ones.New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at [email protected] - I read them all.And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her.Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.