9 to 5 with Avi & Anita

Welcome to 9 to 5 with Avi and Anita a podcast where we talk with excellent women in the middle of their career journey about how they got where they are and where they're going. We're perptually curious about how people ended up in their jobs - maybe because neither of us have ever had a plan. There's a lot out there for women at the start of their careers and lots out there too following women at the top of their careers. But what about those of us in the middle? That's who we want to hear from. We've booked in friends and colleagues working in all kinds of fields to chat about how they juggle life and a career that feels worth it. A little about your co-hosts: Anita Dullard is studying a MSc Climate and Energy Policy, taking time out from media advocacy; Avigail Shai is a diplomatic and policy adviser, and former diplomat – they met working in the international humanitarian sector, stayed for the chat and shared hilarity. Hit up your regular podcast platforms to find 9 to 5 with Avi and Anita and subscribe. If you love it, don't forget to drop us a review and share where ever these good things get shared.

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9 to 5 with Avi & Anita

On being difficult

February 16, 2022 • Lára Jónasdóttir • Season 1 • Episode 10

Lára Jónasdóttir joins us for our last episode of the season from Reykjavík. She’s a Senior Project Manager at Reykjavik University, managing the largest EU grant that the university has ever been granted into sleep research. Before this role, Lára worked in the humanitarian sector Médecins Sans Frontière (MSF) in Liberia, Burundi, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Lebanon, Greece, Nigeria, and Australia.

We spoke about making big career transitions – pros and the cons of starting fresh in a new industry that offers a different lifestyle in a familiar place; how to give and receive feedback constructively; being a difficult Vs likeable woman; AND IMPORTANTLY some sound advice on sleep.

Key facts about Lára

Last meal: My mom's Christmas lamb

Currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine

Currently watching: Selling Sunset

Listening to: music from the Middle East

Favourite unwind: Sauna. It is fantastic. Sauna and the ocean.

What advice would you give to someone who's wondering about the next step in their career?
Everyone worries about not getting a job and money is an issue. But if you possibly can take yourself out of the situation, you're in and take a break, do. If you're thinking about your boss every night before you go to sleep, you're not in a good place and you need to step out of it. It's not a place to take decisions. Don't overthink it.

A little about your co-hosts

Anita Dullard is a media and advocacy strategist; Avigail Shai is a diplomatic and policy adviser, and former diplomat – both currently work in the international humanitarian sector.

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