On being difficult

9 to 5 with Avi & Anita

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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