Catch Your Wave with Nicole Est

About Dragons and carving out time! 🐉

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:00:00 +0200

#063 There is a very simple exercise that you can do whenever you feel overwhelmed by a sheer endless list of too many tasks on your plate... 5 minutes, pen and paper are all you need to feel relieved and to regain the overview and control. And of course, you will then find the time to carve out time for your career change. Enjoy!

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The 3 typical phases before a career change...

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0100

#062 There are 3 typical pre-phases before any career change. In which one are you? This episode explains what you will typically say in each phase, what is holding you back and how to get to the next phase. So, where are you: at the beach, sometimes in the water or in the line-up trying to catch a wave? Enjoy!

Welcome 2026! The new yearly theme and how to find yours! 🌀

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0100

#061 Hello 2026 👋 No worries, for me January is for me is just a slow down month, a reset. This episode shows you how to find your yearly theme, in simple steps (and no, it's not about new years resolutions). And I'll give 5 book recommendations for this month of wintering. PS My yearly theme emoji is displayed in the title 🌀
Catch Your Wave,
x Nicole

Closing 2025 to prepare the theme for 2026 (part 1 of 2)

Sun, 14 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

#060 For the transition from 2025 to 2026, there is a double episode: this one to celebrate the current year and to close it and another one on January 11th to create the theme and intention for 2026! Enjoy 🧚🏻‍♀️

We are celebrating 8 years of Catch Your Wave. 8 Moments.

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:00:00 +0100

#059 Catch Your Wave turned 8! We are celebrating 8 special moments of the 8 years of self-employement that motivate, inspire to find your own way (and wave). Enjoy! 🥳

How to find your natural talents! (without running a marathon)

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 20:00:00 +0200

#058 You natural talents are in most cases not hidden in your school grades. The simple exercise I show you in this episode brings you one step nearer to unpack your natural talents! Enjoy 🌊

The original version of Catch Your Wave (not what you might think)!

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 01:00:00 +0200

#057 Today it's about those early, often pathetic, ideas that we need to finally get to the brilliant idea afterwards. Also Catch Your Wave was something very different at the start. Enjoy!

The Summer Session Special! 🌊

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0200

The Summer Session Special is here! 🌊

👉 Book your spot here!

Catch Your Wave,

x Nicole

Just One Wave. And a special announcement: The Summer Sessions Special! 🌊

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0200

#056 It starts with an announcement: The Summer Sessions Special will launch next Sunday and begins on August 18th. Join in and secure your Summer Session(s) to gain clarity on your next professional steps, generate momentum, and create your roadmap. It's a true special, something I've never offered before, and it's limited in time (until summer ends).

My newsletter subscribers will get all the information first:

catchyourwave.de/news

Since we're currently in the middle of summer, I've brought you a surfing story – how to deal with fear, still take small or big steps, and thus not miss out on the most beautiful waves ;)

Enjoy!

00:00 Special Announcement: Summer Sessions Special!

00:51 How to book your Summer Session(s)

04:05 The Just One Wave Approach

06:55 Personal Surfing Story

13:03 Applying the Just One Wave Approach to your career

15:06 Final Thoughts

The Tiny Magic Project Plan.

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 12:00:00 +0200

#055 The tiny magic Project Plan: My secret tool for those truly special projects. I'll explain my plan for implementing challenging projects that require courage, perseverance, and a certain magic. Enjoy!

Your Ideal Day.

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 17:00:00 +0200

#054 This episode is about a simple exercise with a big impact: your ideal day. I've prepared it to be fun, push aside major objections, and open tiny or large doors to your career change. Enjoy!

🌊 I'll be back on June 22nd with a new episode! 🌊

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 18:00:00 +0200

🌊 Back on June 22nd! 🌊

Hi - I'm deeply immersed in a project (a pretty good one! ☺️) and decided to allow myself to only focus on this one for the next 2 weeks. I also wouldn't like to just quickly create an episode but not being 100% into it.

In the meantime, ideas for new episodes are flowing and I'm scribbling them all down. 📝

Sending you lots of my new project energy (I've got plenty of it atm 🌊).

Enjoy solstice on June 21st and I'm looking forward to be back with a fresh episode on June, 22nd!

x, Nicole

Contagious Enthusiasm & Copacabana 🍹

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +0200

#053 We are heading to Brazil this time and it's about this contagious enthusiasm when you are overdoing something, in its best way, and therefore inspire everyone, carry them away and fascinate them! Enjoy.

Freestyle your job - Part 3!

Sun, 04 May 2025 01:00:00 +0200

#052 This episode continues the freestyle-your-job series with 3 simple and impactful approaches:

- create your own academy

- an exercise around sabbaticals

- using your regular 1:1 with your manager in a smart way

Wishing you a wonderful week + enjoy!

Paddle with commitment! 🌊

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0200

#051 Today I'll take you to the ocean, where you'll learn how important determination is for your career change, what stupid questions I asked when I first started surfing, and why there are some steps you simply can't avoid. Enjoy!

The right moment to hand in your notice.

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 17:00:00 +0200

#050 In case you are wondering if it is the right moment to hand in your notice ... I'll reveal a much better question to ask ;)

PS Also listen to episode #020 with the same topic.

What the Costa Rican jungle taught me about job applications!

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 21:00:00 +0100

#049 Today, we’re heading into the Costa Rican jungle, followed by two frequently asked questions about job applications. Enjoy!

How to Find Your Next Direction or Career Change!

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 20:00:00 +0100

#048 Today, I’m sharing a simple exercise from my 3-month program for a major career change. You can use it to optimize your current job (or business) or take on a big career shift. Enjoy!

Career change? Start by unpacking your idea 👩‍🍳

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 02:00:00 +0100

#047 A career change can be daunting, and you want to be confident about your next step and direction. In this episode, I'll dive into one essential step: unpacking your idea first to avoid heading in the wrong direction and missing out on your next exciting job. I'll also reveal why I won’t be opening a restaurant 👩‍🍳 Enjoy!

Why a career change is not an all-or-nothing-decision 🤩

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 17:00:00 +0100

#046 In this episode I'll take you to Playa Guiones Costa Rica and I'll de-mystify why a career change is easier than you think. It is luckily not an all-or-nothing-decision. It's feasable, learnable and gives you lots of momentum. Enjoy!

Welcome 2025! The yearly theme. 🪴

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 20:00:00 +0100

#045 Welcome back! We are allowed to be curious about this new, fresh 2025! This episode makes you excited about finding your theme for the year, is very personal, and full of ideas. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Inbetween-Phase + celebrating 1 year of podcasting!

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0100

🥳 Next episode: 12 January 2025 🥳
#044 We are celebrating the 1st anniversary of the podcast and closing the year 2024, or rather, entering this beautiful "inbetween the years" phase with:

3 questions about 2024
2 book recommendations
1 TV series recommendation

🥳 On January 12, 2025, I'll be back, continuing in a biweekly rhythm! 🥳
Thank you so much for listening!

How to start exploring new ideas for a career change...

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0100

#043 This one is for you when you are not even at the start of a career change but only playing vaguely with the idea, not wanting to risk anything, not even admitting that there might be a better career direction. Enjoy!

7 Years Catch Your Wave - 7 inspirations to create your business 🥳

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 22:00:00 +0100

#042 Catch Your Wave is celebrating its 7th anniversary! This episode includes 7 things that surprised me, that are essential for creating a business and that will inspire you to do the same 🥳

Answers to three listener questions

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 20:00:00 +0100

#041 Today's episode answers three listener questions:
1. How can you create small 'islands' in your work routine?
2. How to handle failure?
3. How do you know when it’s time for a career change?"
Enjoy 🥳

Wearing Multiple Hats: The 5 Roles in Your Business 🎩

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 20:00:00 +0100

#040 Today’s topic is the 5 roles you inevitably take on in your business or side business (or even in your corporate job). It brings so much more clarity when you can clearly distinguish these 5 roles—enjoy!

PS There’s an even more detailed episode on this; just scroll back to Episode 3 from December 2023.

PPS There are still a few spots left for my 3-month program starting in January 2025!

Restructuring waves—how to get through this phase in the best way possible!

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#039 In this episode, I’ll share four approaches to help you navigate this phase of restructuring or reorganization—and even make it work to your advantage. Enjoy!

A mini message and 3x inspiration for movies!

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 19:00:00 +0200

A mini message and 3x inspiration for movies! 🥳

My signature talk 'Catch Your Wave' and some more project examples...

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#038 Last week, I gave my signature talk again: 'Catch Your Wave: The Next Right Step - Which Job Makes Me Happy?' and I always get the same reactions, which make me incredibly happy. More about it in today's episode. Enjoy!

Join the next signature talk (in German) in Bonn on Thursday, 10 October, at 1.15pm at Karrieretag! 🎉

Facing the dragon 🐉

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#037 If you currently feel like you have a thousand things to do, accomplish, master all at once, and it seems impossible while your to-do list keeps growing – and career change is completely out of the question – then this episode is for you with a simple, magic exercise! Enjoy!

Mini Projects: your secret tool for the career change

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#036 I can't believe that I haven't yet dedicated an episode to one of my favorite methods: the mini projects. Enjoy!

For all those applying for jobs at the moment 🤸‍♀️

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +0200

#035 A pep talk for those of you who are applying at them moment and who are maybe frustrated and questioning the whole rollercoaster. You got this!

Onboarding in your new job - some ideas how to make it easier 🌱

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 20:00:00 +0200

#034 This episode is about to make your onboarding into your new job at a new company easier. Enjoy 🌱

Salary expectations and the 3 magic numbers!

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#033 Indicating Salary Expectations... before you've even spoken to anyone. In this episode, I share a simple exercise that provides you with more guidance and confidence. Enjoy!

Olympia Break ☺️ Until next Sunday 🙌

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0200

🎉 Olympic Break 🎉 The Olympics have completely captivated me, and I almost spontaneously went to Paris. Unfortunately, the podcast mic will stay off this week. Beautiful moments (for example, google "Olympics Beach Volleyball DJ Imagine"). Enjoy the closing ceremony ✌️

Spotting your natural talents: one surprising sign to consider!

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0200

UPDATED! Now in English 🥳 #032 Here's a safe indication that you're working with your natural talents or strengths, and I'll reveal it to you in this episode. If you want to skip the intro and Olympics, start directly at 03:15!
Enjoy 🏖️

CV basics & olympic surfing 🏄‍♀️

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#031 This episodes covers the basics and FAQs for creating your CV ... AND some thoughts on olympic surfing - woohoo! 🏄‍♀️

How to start a career change in a simple way 🤓

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#030 It is not so easy to make the first step towards your career change. In this episode I'll give you a simple approach that makes the start easy and lets the inner monologue calm down. Enjoy!

Having lots of ideas? How to implement in tiny steps 🤓

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#029 Having lots of ideas e.g. about your career change - but struggling with taking the first step? This episode is for you. Enjoy!

☀️ Solstice ☀️

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0200

#028 We are celebrating the summer solstice and this episode is for participating and celebrating your moments from the past 6 months. Grab a pen and paper or the digital equivalent and get excited!

Serendipity 💫

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 17:00:00 +0200

#027 When you take the first, tiny steps in your new direction, these incredible, happy coincidences usually happen. Why they happen, you will find out in this fresh episode of Catch Your Wave. Enjoy 🌊

MBAs - why I love them, but don't always recommend them...

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#026 MBAs are a topic unto themselves. I am a big fan of these programs, and my MBA was certainly one of the best times of my life. In this episode, I delve into why it can often not be the right program or the best decision, and what you should look out for. Enjoy!

Procrastination is your friend (approach number 11)!

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 18:00:00 +0200

#025 In this episode, you will learn 13 practical approaches to put an end to procrastination. Starting from approach number 6, there are surprising, hopefully new and simple tricks to finally get that one thing done. Additionally, I'll reveal why procrastination also has its good sides. Enjoy!

Freestyle your job - Part 2 - The Future

Sun, 26 May 2024 21:00:00 +0200

#024 The series Freestyle your job continues with part two! This time it's about a practical example how you can explore a new direction in your current job. You have much more freedom than you think. Catch Your Wave 🌊

🌊 Pentecost Break: Enjoy the holidays 🌷 Next Sunday the podcast will be back with a fresh episode!

Sun, 19 May 2024 18:00:00 +0200

🌊Pentecost Break:
Enjoy the holidays 🌷
Next Sunday the podcast will be back with a fresh episode!
x Nicole

On how to find your next, new, exciting direction! 🌊

Sun, 12 May 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#023 Maybe you are making this one typical mistake while searching your next, exciting, professional direction... It's easy to avoid this common mistake and this is what this episode is about!

How surfing changed my life 🌊

Sun, 05 May 2024 21:00:00 +0200

#022 This episode is not really about surfing but moreover about how to find a turbo accelerator for your career change - be it surfing or anything else.
Enjoy 🏄‍♀️

Freestyle your job - Part 1

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#021 Maybe you are not after a career change but more interested in making your current role more challenging and fun again; in that case, this is your episode. You can freestyle your job much more than you think. Chances are good that this topic might evolve in a mini serie within this podcast. Enjoy!

How to know whether it's the right moment to hand in your notice? 🤔

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#020 Handing in your notice is a tricky process. I often get asked how to know whether it's the right moment. Of course, there is not one-size-fits-all. However, I will give you some cues in this episode to feel much more confident about this step. Enjoy!

How to prepare for job interviews in a smart way!

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 01:00:00 +0200

#019 Job Interviews are a mystery for you? In this episode you will learn the 8 points to prepare so that cover already 80 to 90% of the content in advance. You will be much more relaxed during the interview and it's also more fun! Catch Your Wave.

🎢 The rollercoaster of applying to jobs ... and how to handle the ride 🎢

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0200

#018 Applying for job can indeed feel like a rollercoaster ride. It's like surfing: on one day everything is just working out smoothly, one dream wave after another; on the next day, nothing is working and you are doubting everything. Welcome to the rollercoaster.

This episode in emojis: 🎢😤😢🎢🥳

🐣 Happy Easter 🐣

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 19:00:00 +0200

🐣 Catch Your Wave 🐣

10pm

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100

#017 Staying late in the office until 10pm and questioning it? This episode is for you and will give you a new perspective with a very simple picture that might change the way you work. It certainly changed mine.

This episode in emojis: 🐝🕙🏙️>🙈

The importance to celebrate 🎊 and why you don't need to learn how a car engine works...

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:00:00 +0100

#016 This one is about the importance to celebrate what we have achieved. You will also learn why your new job starts on day one and not before. At the same time, I'll take you on a short excursion to the automobile industry. Enjoy the episode!

This episode in emojis: 🎊🎊🎊🎊

Personality tests, unnecessary boxes and helpful instruction manuals 😉

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100

#015 How and above all, which personality tests can you use to find out what you really want to implement in the next phase? How can you avoid unnecessary boxes - but still gain helpful insights based on your personality type? Enjoy the episode!

This episode in emojis: 🚫📦💡✅

How to discover your natural talents... 🕵️‍♀️

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100

#014 Explore a simple, tiny exercise to discover your natural talents and to get one step further to unpack what job or business truly suits you. Have fun with it and let me know how it goes!

This episode in emojis: 📝🔎🕵️‍♀️😀

An exclusive look behind the scenes 👀

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 17:00:00 +0100

#013 An exclusive look behind the scenes: I reveal on what I'm working right now, why I love to have lots of time, my guiding principles and a lot more.

This episode in emojis: 👀🎧🗣️💙

How to manage a marathon day with several job interviews 😀

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0100

#012 Some companies are creative and create those final rounds with 3-6 job interviews on one day. In this episode, you will learn some ways how to manage those marathon days in a smart way. Enjoy some practical advice as well as mindset methods!

This episode in emojis: 🍏💻🎶😀👍🏾

Someone else is already doing the job or business you might consider impossible...

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 16:00:00 +0100

#011 This episode is about a simple exercise helping you to consider your crazy new professional direction feasible and possible.

This episode in emojis: 😀🏝️🏊‍♀️🏝️

Catch Up with safety rings, smart questions by a client, the theme of the year and lots more 🛟

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 01:00:00 +0100

#010 This Catch Up episode is a mix of personal updates, smart questions by a client, the different themes of 2024 you (and I) have chosen and how many plan B, C, D and safety rings you actually need...

This episode in emojis: 🏄‍♀️,👁️👁️,🛟🛟🛟,😀

It all started with a lunch break ...

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0100

#009 Can everything change with a simple lunch break? Yes. And I'm not talking about lunchtime networking events - but about mini-projects with which you can playfully make changes in small steps. What is your first mini-project?

This episode in emojis: 🥪🚶🏼‍♀️🎧💡

How to quickly update your CV and land job interviews!

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0100

#008 A very practical episode on how to upgrade your CV/resume so that you get invited to job interviews! I'll explain what part of your CV/resume is the most expensive advertisement space and how to use it in a smart way. 🤓

Why Opting Out is actually Opting In...

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0100

#007 In this episode, the focus is on the myth of 'opting out' and why it is more of a 'opting in'. Many examples will show you a different perspective, making it suddenly seem much more possible and achievable to find your own path and next step. Enjoy :)

Shiny LinkedIn job start posts - the un-shiny version of them

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0100

#006 Especially in the first week of 2024, the shiny posts on LinkedIn about new job starts surpassed each other. I always enjoy these posts because I often know the background story and the journey to get there. In this episode, it's about the un-shiny version of those posts, the application process and how you can master it, so that soon you can post your own "shiny" post.

Find your theme for 2024!

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0100

#005 The new year 2024 is ahead of us. We know that new year resolutions don't really work. In this episode you will learn how to create a theme that will guide you through 2024 and is fun at the same time. Happy new year!

Xmas Edition: A universal classroom in Laos

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 01:00:00 +0100

#004 For this Christmas edition, I have chosen a heartfelt story with a surprising twist about an inspiring person in Laos who has left a lasting impression on me and continues to motivate me to this day. Enjoy the episode! 🎄

Five roles: Which one do you enjoy most?

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

#003 This episode revolves around the steep learning curve when you become self-employed. Initially, the enthusiasm is high - but you quickly realize that there are a total of 5 roles that you have to master. Find out which ones suit you best and what to do with the roles that don't appeal to you. The good news is that you can transfer all 5 roles very well to your corporate job. So, this episode is not just for business starters 😉

Sabbaticals and their secret sauce

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 17:00:00 +0100

#002 Sabbaticals have their very own dynamics and impact. In this episode, we talk about:

When a sabbatical might be the next right step,
Why you don't immediately achieve "enlightenment" during your break,
Why sabbaticals are still life-changing,
How I spent my 6-month sabbatical,

... and much more 🙂

Woohoo, welcome to Catch Your Wave!

Sat, 25 Nov 2023 16:00:00 +0100

#001 Get ready for the grand reveal: the premiere of Catch Your Wave® as a podcast! In this episode, dive into

upcoming topics on career change and life design,
my personal journey with two major career pivots,
my 11 years in the corporate business at executive level,
why my surfboard has a name,
why Catch Your Wave became the name of my business more by chance,

... and much more 🙂