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This page contains links, resources and books that I think might be useful to you in your search for a more fulfilling career. There are also links to other courses that might fit where you are on your journey. organisations that I have worked with or recommend. 

Books

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These are a few of the books that have inspired the content of this course, or shaped the wider approach behind it.

This course is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or formally connected to any of the authors, publishers, organisations, or estates associated with these books. All titles, author names, cover images, quotations, concepts and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

References to these books are included for educational, commentary and signposting purposes only. Any summaries, interpretations, frameworks, exercises or reflections in this course are my own unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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Other courses and routes /

I'd rather you found the right room than my room. Here's an honest map of the good options, sorted by where you're standing.



If you can take a year out and want full immersion:

On Purpose. Their year-long, full-time Associate Programme pays you to develop the skills, experience and network to move into purpose-led work: a real social impact job, structured learning, and a brilliant community. I delivered part of this programme myself and the team are fantastic, genuinely passionate about helping people explore purpose and impact.

If you're staying in your role and want deep sustainability expertise:

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Serious, credentialed courses for people in post that can bridge you toward sustainability-focused work without leaving your job. I know people who've been through it and recommend it highly.

If you're already leading in the social impact space:

The Clore Social Leadership programme develops leaders who are already in the sector and want to grow their practice and their reach.

If you're looking for a new role in sustainability and impact:

Acre are the recruitment firm the sector actually uses, twenty years of placing people into sustainability, ESG and impact roles, from first moves to leadership. If a straight job search is your route, start there.

If you're close to the jump and want coaching through it:

Walk of Life run group career coaching for people nearer the moment of change.

  • walkoflifecoaching.com/career-coaching-group

If you want to find work with meaning from where you are:

This programme is for the people who slip through the cracks. The ones without a clear destination. The ones whose experience doesn't point to an obvious next step in impact work. The ones who can't yet afford the time, the mental load, or the financial hit of jumping into a new career, but who want to do something. It's about building something on the side, or inside the job you have, that could become the next thing. Or that might turn out to be what was needed all along.​

Links and articles

Understanding Meaningful Work
 

The Purpose Code | Jordan Grumet

The book that inspired the audit used in the first part of the programme. A thoughtful exploration of purpose beyond “finding your passion.”

Working Identity | Herminia Ibarra

The single biggest influence on this programme. Shows how career transitions happen through experimentation rather than perfect planning.

Designing Your Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

Applies design thinking to careers and life decisions. Practical and optimistic.

Good Work | Shannon Houde

A practical guide for people looking to move into sustainability and impact careers.

The Pathfinder | Nicholas Lore

A classic guide to career exploration through curiosity rather than certainty.

Systems Thinking & Impact
 

Leverage Points | Donella Meadows

A short essay on where meaningful change actually happens in systems.

Thinking in Systems | Donella Meadows

One of the best introductions to systems thinking.

Three Horizons Framework

A simple but powerful framework for understanding transition, innovation and long-term change.

Theory U | Otto Scharmer

A deeper look at change, leadership and how new futures emerge.

Designing Regenerative Cultures | Daniel Christian Wahl

A thoughtful exploration of regenerative systems and how people contribute to them.

Coaching, Learning & Behaviour Change

Implementation Intentions | Peter Gollwitzer

One of the strongest evidence bases for turning intentions into action.

Experiential Learning | David Kolb

The learning cycle of experience, reflection and experimentation.

Action Learning | Reg Revans

The thinking behind peer learning and real-world problem solving.

Immunity to Change | Robert Kegan & Lisa Lahey

A brilliant exploration of why people struggle to change even when they genuinely want to.

An Everyone Culture | Robert Kegan & Lisa Lahey

How organisations can support continual personal growth.

Career Development Research
 

Career Intervention Meta-analysis | Whiston et al. (2017)

One of the largest reviews of what actually makes career support effective.

Career Construction Theory | Mark Savickas

The foundation of much modern career development thinking.

Planned Happenstance | John Krumboltz

A reminder that many careers emerge through unexpected opportunities.

The Changing World of Work

Deloitte Gen Z & Millennial Survey

Annual research into how younger generations think about work, meaning and security.

LinkedIn Green Skills Report

How sustainability skills are spreading across all sectors.

Green Careers Hub

Research and articles on the changing sustainability job market.

Trellis

News and analysis on sustainability careers and the changing ESG landscape.

Civil Society & Governance

NCVO

Research and practical guidance on charities and volunteering in the UK.

Reach Volunteering

Find skilled volunteering and trustee opportunities.

Getting on Board

Helping people become effective charity trustees.

CharityJob

The UK’s largest charity jobs board.

Civil Society

News and research on charities, governance and trustee recruitment.

Organisations Worth Exploring
 

On Purpose

Leadership development for people seeking purpose-driven careers.

School for Social Entrepreneurs

Supporting people who want to create social change through practical action.

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)

Escape the City

Impact Hub

Acumen Academy

80,000 Hours

Evidence-based thinking about careers and impact.

Podcasts

WorkLife with Adam Grant

The Ezra Klein Show

The Knowledge Project

EconTalk

Acumen Podcast

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