Most of us were taught to plan our careers like a journey with a fixed destination. Pick a lane early. Stick to it. Don’t deviate.

But the world of work doesn’t behave like that anymore.

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Kieran Cornwall, a principal consultant who has built his career by doing the opposite — not following a rigid map, but developing a compass that helps him adapt, learn, and move forward when roles, industries, and expectations change.

Together, they explore why being a generalist can be a genuine advantage, how seemingly unrelated skills compound over time, and why adaptability often matters more than deep specialisation alone. Kieran shares three grounding principles that help you navigate change with intent: mastering first principles, connecting complementary skills, and experimenting without blowing up your career.

This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, bored, or quietly unsure whether the path they’re on still makes sense — and wants a clearer way to decide what to do next.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why following the “career map” can limit your options
• How generalists stay relevant when roles keep changing
• The three principles for building a career that adapts
• How to turn a varied background into a coherent story
• Where to start if you want direction without locking yourself into one path

Kieran also shares the OECD Learning Compass, a practical tool you can use to reflect on your skills, values, and direction — and start building your own career compass.

If you’re tired of feeling like you should have it all figured out by now, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.