7 Podcasts That Changed How I Work, Think, and Communicate

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n a world obsessed with productivity hacks and AI tools, the most underrated edge isn’t tech—it’s you.
Your communication. Your clarity. Your career mindset.
These 7 podcasts shaped how I think, speak, lead, and grow—and they might just do the same for you.

As someone navigating a demanding career in a fast-changing world, I’ve realized one truth: the best meta-skill you can build is how you show up. How you communicate. Think. Connect. Reflect.

Over the past year, I’ve curated my own personal development university through podcasts. I listen while commuting, walking, or at the gym. These episodes often leave me with more clarity than books or courses. Some helped me tackle self-doubt, others sharpened my professional skills.

If you’re in a growth season, career pivot, or just want to build your people skills in the AI age—these 7 shows are my go-to listening library.

But before we dive in:

A Note for My Fellow ESG/Sustainability Professionals:

One thing I often notice in our field is that we consume only sustainability-related content. While it’s very important to stay up to date on regulations and frameworks, specially in a highly dynamic field. It’s just as critical to invest in our personal and professional development.

Why? Because ESG professionals are at the heart of business transformation. We connect with diverse stakeholders—from skeptical CFOs to mission-driven teams—and that requires strong communication, storytelling, leadership, and business acumen. We’re often translating complex ideas into action and navigating environments where change is met with both resistance and momentum.

That’s why I intentionally explore content beyond ESG. I treat communication, leadership, and personal growth as core skills, not side interests. I learn through podcasts, YouTube deep dives, and books. (You can check out my top 7 personal development books here). And in this newsletter, I’m sharing the 7 podcasts that help me grow every week—beyond just sustainability.

And now let’s dive in:

🎙️ 1. The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett

This is the #1 podcast on Spotify for a reason. As Steven often says, “the bigger the podcast gets, the better the guests become.”
But it’s not just about the guests — it’s about the depth, vulnerability, and raw honesty in every episode. While it started as a business-focused podcast, it has evolved into a deep exploration of what it means to be human. The topics range from psychology and leadership to relationships, confidence, and communication. It’s worth every second of your time.

What it’s about:
Hosted by entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star Steven Bartlett, this podcast dives into the minds of world-class thinkers, artists, scientists, athletes, and entrepreneurs. The conversations go beyond surface-level success — they unpack childhood, fears, habits, and what really drives fulfillment and connection.

While I personally tune in for the episodes on personal development — especially around communication, body language, and emotional intelligence — I also walk away with valuable insights on business, career growth, and life purpose.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

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🎙️ 2. The Mel Robbins Show

Mel Robbins isn’t just a great podcaster but she’s a great author and keynote speaker. You might know her from viral TEDx talks like “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over”. Or maybe one of the long list of bestseller books:

“The 5 Second Rule, The High 5 Habit, and The Let Them Theory”

For anyone with a long commute, headphones in at the gym, walks between meetings, or even while cleaning the apartment — this podcast is the perfect companion. You will get a lot from just listening to wonderful and thoughtful conversations.

What it’s about:
A mixture of solo episodes and deep conversations on various topics. I never feel bored or left behind — I pick topics that interest me, and I always walk away with something useful.

Whether you’re building better routines, growing a personal brand or look for a career advancement, you are at the right place.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎙️ 3. How To Be A Better Human

If you’re already a fan of TED Talks — then this is it. The same inspiring storytelling, but in podcast form: science-backed, wonderfully conversational, and often funny. It actually helps you take smarter action.

What it’s about:
this podcast features TED speakers and experts sharing insights on how to grow — not just as professionals, but as humans. What I love most is how actionable it is. The advice here isn’t abstract — it helps you become a better person, a better teammate, a better executor, and even a better entrepreneur. Whether you're navigating a tough conversation at work or just trying to stay sane in a busy life, there’s an episode for that.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎙️ 4. A Bit of Optimism – Simon Sinek

Start With Why was the moment Simon Sinek went from a curious thinker to one of the most influential voices in leadership and purpose. Since then, he’s become a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and now a podcast host who brings the same clarity and heart to every conversation.

The beauty of A Bit of Optimism lies in its simplicity — honest conversations with fascinating people. And the best part? You get to absorb wisdom from guests you might never otherwise hear from, in a way that feels deeply human and hopeful.

What it’s about:
For me, this podcast is like a mental reset button. As someone working in business transformation, where clarity, empathy, and human connection are everything, this is the kind of content that helps me re-center. It’s a reminder that optimism is not naïve — it’s strategic.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎙️ 5. Think Fast, Talk Smart – Stanford Graduate School of Business

Whether you're working on improving relationships, trying to move beyond small talk, pitching ideas, asking for a raise, or presenting under pressure — this is the right starting point. It’s everything you need to know about communication, in bite-sized, actionable episodes.

What it’s about:
Each episode tackles a specific communication challenge — from public speaking and storytelling to impromptu speaking, feedback, and negotiation. The advice is backed by research but delivered in a way that’s easy to apply in real life, no matter your job title.

As ESG and sustainability professionals, we're often in rooms full of skepticism, complexity, and tough discussions. Learning to simplify and deliver ideas with clarity is non-negotiable. And that’s exactly why this podcast remains one of my go-to resources — it helps me communicate not just smarter, but more human.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎙️ 6. Secrets of the Career Game – Kendall Berg

Do you want to know a secret? The corporate world is a game — one filled with unspoken rules, hidden expectations, and invisible checkpoints most people don’t even know they’re navigating. Hosted by career coach Kendall Berg, this podcast helps you decode the system so you can play smart and grow faster.

What it’s about:
Unpacking topics like promotions, visibility, performance reviews, self-advocacy, and career transitions. Each episode will give you an opportunity to build the tools and language to own your career with confidence, clarity, and strategy.

As someone who genuinely enjoys the corporate world — the teamwork, the project milestones, the satisfaction of delivering impact — I find this podcast incredibly grounding. In a time where most podcasts glorify quitting your job and building a business, it’s rare (and refreshing) to find a show that champions thriving within the workplace.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎙️ 7. The Career Diet Podcast – Anna Belyaeva

The Career Diet is exactly what it sounds like — a podcast that feeds your career growth without draining your personal life. Hosted by LinkedIn Learning instructor and globally recognized career coach Anna Belyaeva, this show is designed for ambitious professionals who want to grow without burning out.

🎧 Must-listen episode:

🎯 Closing Thoughts: Maximize the Return on Your Time

For the first time in history, access to knowledge is literally frictionless. We carry libraries in our pockets. Podcasts, YouTube, audiobooks, courses — it’s all there, often for free. The challenge isn’t availability anymore — it’s intentionality.

If you want to grow, the question becomes:
Are you getting the highest return on your time?

That’s why I build simple habits into my daily routine — like listening to podcasts while commuting, walking, or hitting the gym. These moments add up. And when you’re consistent, they compound.

I also believe in making the most of free resources — and this list is a great starting point. But at some point, free information stops being enough. Not because the knowledge isn’t valuable, but because it’s scattered. Disconnected. Time-consuming to piece together.

That’s exactly why I created the ESG Masterclass — not to reinvent the wheel, but to organize everything that’s out there in one practical, structured system.

It’s for professionals who don’t just want to understand ESG, but want to implement it and keep moving forward with clarity and direction.

So whether you’re listening to a podcast on your morning commute or investing in a masterclass — always ask:
Is this the highest-value use of my time right now?

That’s the mindset I use to write every edition of this newsletter: clear, direct, and high-ROI — so you get the most value in the least time.

I want to take this community to the next level — and I’d really appreciate your feedback.

I genuinely love writing these articles, sharing ideas, projects, and experiences with you every week.
And I want to make sure you're getting even more value, inspiration, and actionable insights from every email.

I'd love to hear from you: