Part 1: 6 Squiggly Career Trends in 2026 - AI Agents, Disconnection & Employee Influencers

🦞 Join our Learn Like a Lobster Sprint: https://bit.ly/4oZzJ3F In this episode, Helen and Sarah kick off a two-part series exploring six Squiggly Career trends for 2026 — not as distant predictions, but as realistic changes that are already shaping how we work and build our careers. Rather than watching trends happen to you, this conversation is about anticipating what’s coming and choosing how to respond. Helen and Sarah explore three themes that are likely to affect everyone, whatever your role or industry: the rise of AI agents at work, the tension between connection and disconnection, and the growing influence of employees as visible advocates for their organisations. As always, you'll hear honest reflections (including mixed feelings about AI), and simple actions you can experiment with now — so you feel more intentional, confident, and in control as 2026 approaches. Episode 521 🦞 Pre-order Learn Like A Lobster 🇺🇸 PRH US – https://bit.ly/3KxTeBn 🇬🇧 Amazon UK – https://amzn.to/3KcRZaR ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Why we’re talking about career trends for 2026 01:11 How to respond to trends with intention (not fear) 03:31 Theme #1: AI agents at work 05:11 Practical examples of AI agents you could use 08:32 Different reactions to AI — and why that’s okay 10:06 How AI can accelerate career development 11:26 Theme #2: Connection and disconnection at work 12:48 Why being back in the office isn’t the answer 14:28 Practical ways to create meaningful connection 18:13 Theme #3: The rise of the employee influencer 20:30 Risks, inclusion, and finding your own voice 24:41 What’s coming in Part 2 🎯 What You’ll Learn - What AI agents are — and how they could support your work - How to experiment with AI without feeling overwhelmed - Why loneliness at work is rising (and what actually helps) - Simple ways to build connection in hybrid working - What “employee influence” means for careers and organisations 📚 Resources Mentioned Microsoft Copilot and AI agent tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/copilot-101/copilot-ai-agents For questions about Squiggly Careers or to share feedback, please email [email protected] More ways to learn about Squiggly Careers: 📩 Download our free career tools: https://www.amazingif.com/toolkit/ 🏃‍♀️ Join the Skills x AI Sprint: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNQl9gsac8BXnWe2qoGuHkLKwsygjP_Ma&si=l7kODG3JpopH0Irz 📮 Get Squiggly Careers in Action in your inbox: https://bit.ly/SquigglyCareersInAction 📚 Read our books: The Squiggly Career and You Coach You: https://www.amazingif.com/books/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices