Episode 07: The Modern Career Playbook - Charlotte Davies

<p>In this episode of <strong>The Modern Career Playbook</strong>, Alex speaks with <strong>Charlotte Davies</strong> about the changing reality of early careers, the future of work and what it actually takes to build a career in today’s increasingly competitive and unpredictable job market.</p><p>Charlotte leads Global Consumer Communications Programmes at LinkedIn and is also a LinkedIn Career Expert, advising professionals on career transitions, personal branding and how to use LinkedIn to unlock opportunity.</p><p>Together, Alex and Charlotte unpack insights from LinkedIn’s 2026 Grad Guide and discuss why traditional career paths are becoming less linear, why networks matter more than ever and how young people are increasingly creating opportunities for themselves through side projects, portfolios and practical experience.</p><p>This is a practical and reassuring conversation about adaptability, visibility, AI, confidence and building a career that feels future-relevant in a rapidly changing world of work.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Alex and Charlotte discuss:</p><ul><li>why success and credibility look very different to previous generations</li><li>how careers are becoming more fluid and less tied to traditional ladders</li><li>why networks and visibility now matter so much in early careers</li><li>the growing importance of showing proof of skills, not just listing them on a CV</li><li>how Gen Z are creating opportunities through side hustles, projects and portfolios</li><li>why comparison culture can make career uncertainty feel even harder</li><li>the role AI is beginning to play in productivity, communication and career development</li><li>why adaptability and resilience are becoming essential workplace skills</li><li>how to approach networking if you find it intimidating or overwhelming</li><li>why curiosity and continuous learning matter more than having everything figured out</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Key statistics from LinkedIn’s 2026 Grad Guide:</p><ul><li>32% of Gen Z say not having the right network is the biggest barrier to landing an entry-level role</li><li>26% are creating opportunities through side hustles, businesses or personal projects</li><li>16% are building apps, websites or portfolios to showcase their skills</li><li>24% are taking roles outside their field to gain practical, in-demand experience</li><li>66% of young office workers are considering a switch into skilled trades</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Key takeaways:</p><ul><li>Careers are becoming less linear and more skills-based.</li><li>Networks are increasingly important in helping people access opportunity.</li><li>Showing evidence of what you can do matters just as much as qualifications.</li><li>AI is most powerful when used alongside human judgement, creativity and communication skills.</li><li>Networking does not need to be performative to be valuable.</li><li>Staying curious and adaptable is becoming one of the most important career advantages.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Connect with Charlotte:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-davies-14b49033/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">LinkedIn</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Resources mentioned:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-grads-guide-2026-linkedin-news-svpqe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">LinkedIn’s 2026 Grad Guide</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Follow Favourite Positions:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/favouritepositionspodcast" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/favourite-positions" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">LinkedIn</a></li><li><a href="https://www.favouritepositions.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Website</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>About the series:</p><p><strong>The Modern Career Playbook</strong> is a series of conversations with credible leaders and specialists exploring what progression, leadership and career de