Sophie Hirst: A New Generation of Ambition

The traditional career playbook promised that success would come from climbing faster, working harder, and always being visible. Increasingly, a new generation is questioning whether those rules were ever worth following in the first place.

Former Google senior manager and Workbaby founder Sophie Hirst explores what happens when ambition becomes more intentional, energy-aware, and values-led. Rather than rejecting ambition, she argues for building a career that’s sustainable enough to enjoy, and successful enough to last.

Together, we explore:

• What life inside Google taught her about modern careers

• Why Gen Z is challenging long-held assumptions about success

• How to manage up without burning out

• The role of visibility, reputation, and self-worth at work

• How to build a career that’s aligned with your values, not just your résumé

Beyond practical career advice, the conversation explores a broader cultural shift: why success no longer has to be loud, linear, or all-consuming to be meaningful.