Unstuck & Unstoppable

Have you ever looked at your career and thought, “How did I actually end up here?” You’ve worked hard, progressed and taken opportunities, but perhaps your career has been shaped more by what happened around you than by what you deliberately chose. In this episode, Sarah explores five signs that your career may have become reactive rather than intentional, and shares three simple ways to start taking back control. You’ll discover why being successful at your job isn’t the same as actively managing your career, why your definition of success needs to evolve, and why you don’t need to have all the answers before you start exploring what could come next. Sarah also introduces her free 7-Day Career Reset , starting 25 September, designed to help you step back, get clearer about what you want and create a practical 90-day career plan. In this episode Why successful careers can still happen somewhat by accident The danger of letting the next opportunity set your career agenda Why your definition of career success can change over time Why waiting to feel completely ready can keep you stuck The difference between doing a great job and managing your career Why being too busy to think about your career can become a career problem Three ways to take back more control of your career How the 7-Day Career Reset can help you create space to think about what’s next Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 01:30 – How did I end up here? Why a successful career can still leave you questioning whether you’re on the right path. 03:00 – Sign 1: Your career is driven by the next opportunity What happens when promotions, recruiters and organisational changes are setting the agenda. 04:00 – Taking control through clarity Why knowing what you want makes it easier to recognise the right opportunities and say no to the wrong ones. 04:40 – Sign 2: You’re measuring success by someone else’s scorecard Why job title, salary and responsibility aren't necessarily the things that define career success for you now. 06:00 – Your career success criteria can change How your priorities can evolve as your career and life change. 07:30 – Sign 3: You’re waiting to feel ready Why waiting for more confidence, experience, clarity or time can lead to procrastination. 09:00 – Sign 4: You’re great at your job, but not at managing your career The difference between delivering brilliantly in your role and actively looking after your visibility, relationships, reputation and ambitions. 10:30 – Sign 5: You’re too busy to think about your career Why there will always be something competing for your attention and why you need to create space for career thinking. 11:45 – Three ways to take back control Make time for regular career thinking, get curious about what success means to you now, and create space before your next big career decision. 13:30 – Introducing the 7-Day Career Reset What’s included in Sarah’s free seven-day reset, starting 25 September. 15:00 – From career reflection to a 90-day plan How the Reset can help you move from thinking about your career to taking practical action. 16:00 – Final thoughts A reminder not to let your career simply drift and happen by accident. Join the 7-Day Career Reset on 25 September . Over seven days, you’ll get short coaching emails, a Career Clarity Planner and optional five-minute podcast coaching sessions to help you step back, get clearer about what you want and create a practical 90-day plan. It takes just 10–15 minutes a day . Find the link in the show notes and join Sarah and hundreds of other women taking some time to put their careers back on the agenda. Useful Links Sign Up for The 7 Day Career Reset Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What if you treated your career like a business - and yourself as the CEO? It’s easy to become reactive in your career, especially when the day job is demanding. But if you want a career that continues to work for you, you need to take the lead. In this episode, Sarah shares five practical ways to become the CEO of your career - from creating a clear vision and building your career capital to making decisions and regularly reviewing your direction. In this episode, she covers: Why you need a career vision that goes beyond job title, salary and status Why your career is ultimately your responsibility The five areas of career capital you need to invest in How to stop endlessly considering options and start making decisions The Stay, Grow or Go concept for career decision making Why you should have a regular Career CEO meeting with yourself How small, intentional decisions can keep your career moving in the right direction Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 01:25 – What would you do differently if you were the CEO of your career? 02:35 – Step 1: Have a vision for your career 04:30 – Step 2: Stop waiting for someone else to manage your career 06:15 – Step 3: Invest in your career capital 08:15 – Step 4: Make decisions instead of endlessly considering options 09:40 – Stay, Grow or Go 10:00 – Step 5: Schedule a regular Career CEO meeting 11:00 – Introducing the Seven Day Career Reset 12:00 – What would you stop, start or make time for? 12:45 – Final thoughts A question for you If you were the CEO of your career, what is the one thing you would do differently now? What would you stop? What would you start? And what would you make time for? If you’re ready to take a more intentional approach to your career, join me for the Seven Day Career Reset - seven short coaching sessions designed to help you get clearer about your career future and create a 90-day plan. And remember: you don’t have to make one huge decision to change your career. You can start by making one small, intentional decision today. Useful Links Join The 7 Day Career Reset Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What happens when menopause, burnout, career dissatisfaction, and a loss of confidence all start to feel like the same thing? In this episode, Sarah talks to Debbie Taylor, the Messy Life Coach , about why menopause is much more than a health and wellbeing issue. It can affect how women experience their careers, confidence, identity and performance at work. Debbie shares her own experience of perimenopause, workplace challenges, and ultimately leaving a role when she didn't feel supported. She explains why she believes menopause can be a catalyst for reflection and change – and how women can use this stage of life to reconsider what really matters to them. They also explore what managers and organisations can do to create more supportive, menopause-friendly workplaces where women don't feel that leaving is their only option. In this episode, you'll discover: Why menopause can be a career and leadership issue , not just a health issue How to tell the difference between menopause symptoms, burnout, stress and career dissatisfaction Why brain fog, poor sleep and anxiety can have such a big impact on confidence at work How menopause can challenge your identity when so much of your self-worth has been tied to your career What managers need to understand about supporting women experiencing menopause How to have more effective conversations about workplace adjustments Why values, boundaries, and self-reflection become particularly important during midlife How journaling can help Debbie's Menopause Dashboard for understanding what's really going on Her EMBERS framework for helping organisations become more menopause-ready Why creating the right workplace culture can help talented women stay and thrive Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Debbie's career journey Debbie shares her 25-year leadership and management career and explains how her own experience of menopause, long COVID, fatigue and brain fog ultimately led her to become the Messy Life Coach. 01:00 – When health challenges collide with work Debbie explains what happened when increasing stress led her to request a reasonable adjustment at work – and why the response ultimately led her to resign. 03:00 – Why menopause is a career and leadership issue Debbie explains why she sees menopause as much more than a health and wellbeing issue, and introduces the idea of the "double life" many women are living. 05:00 – The tangled knot: menopause, burnout or career dissatisfaction? Why it can be so difficult to understand what's really happening when symptoms develop gradually and affect confidence, energy and how you feel about work. 06:00 – What happens during perimenopause? Debbie discusses hormonal changes, chronic stress and the impact of modern lifestyles on the way women experience perimenopause. 08:00 – The impact of stress and nervous system overload Why the demands of work, family and caring responsibilities can leave women with very little space to rest, reflect and work out what they actually need. 10:00 – The workplace symptoms managers might notice Sleep disruption, anxiety, depleted energy, memory problems, brain fog and changes in performance – and why these can easily be misunderstood. 13:00 – Why workplaces need more human conversations Debbie explains why managers can struggle to know what to say and why creating a culture where people can simply ask, "Are you okay?" matters. 14:00 – When your workplace culture isn't menopause-friendly Sarah and Debbie explore the challenge women face when they don't feel safe being open about what they're experiencing. 15:00 – Menopause policies, workplace support and legislation Debbie explains why women should understand what menopause support their organisation provides and how HR can be an important starting point. 18:00 – How to ask your manager for what you need Practical advice on being specific about the adjustments and support that would make a difference. 20:00 – "Got meno" and the case for more compassionate workplaces Why we need to stop expecting employees to perform at their peak every single day and create cultures where people can be human. 21:00 – When menopause affects your confidence How poor sleep, anxiety and brain fog can knock confidence – and why this can sometimes lead women to question their careers. 22:00 – Using menopause as an opportunity for reflection Debbie shares how reconnecting with her values helped her understand what was and wasn't working in her life and career. 23:00 – Too many tabs open: clearing mental bandwidth Practical ideas including journaling, getting things out of your head and creating more space for your brain to function. 24:00 – What actually nourishes you? Why midlife can be an opportunity to let go of things that drain your energy and reconnect with the things that matter. 25:00 – Boundaries and filling your own cup Why you can't keep pouring from an empty cup – and why boundaries are essential if you want to create space to look after yourself. 26:00 – Debbie's Menopause Dashboard An introduction to Debbie's seven-dial dashboard for understanding symptoms, sleep, bandwidth, nutrition and how much like yourself you feel. 27:00 – The EMBERS framework for organisations Debbie explains how she helps businesses become more menopause-ready and create cultures that help women stay, thrive and progress. 29:00 – Where to find Debbie Taylor Find out more about Debbie, her work, masterclasses and the No BS Menopause Club. A few things to reflect on after listening Are you experiencing symptoms that you've been attributing solely to stress, burnout or getting older? Has your confidence at work changed – and could there be more going on underneath it? What does your current career and lifestyle give you energy for, and what drains you? Are you living in line with your values? What do you need to ask for at work to make things more sustainable? Where might you need stronger boundaries? A note from Sarah If this episode has made you question whether what you're experiencing is menopause, burnout, career dissatisfaction – or a mixture of all three – don't feel that you have to work it all out at once. Sometimes the first step is simply to pause, pay attention and get curious about what's really going on. Useful Links Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries will Change the Way You Live and Work Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn The Messy Life Coach Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

In this episode, Sarah tackles a common challenge: maintaining and boosting leadership confidence amidst high expectations, decision-making pressures, and self-doubt. Tune in for actionable strategies, real-life examples, and tips to help you build a strong inner foundation for sustainable confidence and success. Show Notes [00:00:00] Introduction Overview of the podcast's mission and goals, and the importance of addressing leadership confidence. [00:01:00] Why Leadership Confidence Wobbles The pressures of leadership roles, including expectations from various stakeholders. How new challenges and decision-making responsibilities impact confidence. The influence of role models and past experiences on leadership style and self-perception. [00:04:00] Common Challenges for Female Leaders People-pleasing tendencies and imposter syndrome. Comparing yourself to seemingly confident peers. Recognizing that confidence wobbles are universal and temporary. [00:05:30] The Foundation of Leadership Confidence The importance of inner work to develop a resilient core of self-belief. How inner confidence impacts external trust and decision-making. Leadership confidence as a "muscle" that needs regular attention. [00:07:00] Working on Beliefs and Narratives How unconscious beliefs formed early in life shape leadership confidence. Examples of clients who redefined their narratives to embrace their authentic selves. Practical steps to identify and reframe limiting beliefs. [00:11:30] The Role of Triggers and Stories Identifying emotional triggers and their connection to deep-seated beliefs. Examining the stories we tell ourselves about success and failure. [00:13:00] Amplifying Your Leadership Brand Understanding your unique leadership strengths. The transformative power of redefining your leadership brand through reflection. [00:15:00] Key Takeaways Acknowledging when and why confidence wobbles occur. Practical actions: seeking support, recognizing triggers, and exploring your leadership narrative. The importance of continuous growth in leadership identity. [00:16:30] Invitation for Support Opportunities for listeners to explore confidence coaching. How to access additional resources on the CareerTree Coaching website. [00:17:00] Closing Remarks Encouragement to lead boldly, embrace your unique identity, and unlock your potential. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. Useful Links Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries Will Change the Way You Live and Work. Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and be Your Full Self at Work with Sophie Jane Lee Episode 2: How to stop feeling like an imposter at work Watch the LinkedIn Live Recording Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Don’t Forget to Subscribe! If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Remember, you are unstoppable! Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

Today Sarah dives into the common but often unspoken experience of imposter feelings at work. If you've ever felt like a fraud or doubted your achievements, you're not alone—and this episode will help you kickstart the process of overcoming those thoughts. Episode Show Notes: [00:00] Introduction Meet your host, Sarah Archer, leadership coach and career strategist. Overview of the episode: imposter feelings and their impact. [01:15] What Are Imposter Feelings? Statistics: 70% of adults experience imposter feelings at some point. Triggering situations: new roles, promotions, or stepping out of comfort zones. [04:20] The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality Telltale signs of imposter feelings: doubting accomplishments and fearing exposure. The role of internalized rules and harsh self-judgment. [07:00] Roots of Imposter Feelings Potential origins: childhood, early career experiences, or authority fears. Sarah shares her personal story of overcoming imposter feelings. [10:10] The Brain’s Coping Mechanisms Strategies like perfectionism, avoidance, and overworking to manage feelings of exposure. The exhausting impact on confidence, career growth, and mental energy. [13:00] Breaking the Pattern Understanding imposter feelings as a psychological pattern, not a permanent state. Levels of change: environment, capabilities, beliefs, and identity. [15:30] Real-Life Transformation: Sally’s Story A client’s journey from imposter feelings to confidence in a new leadership role. The importance of embedding new thinking patterns. [17:30] Actionable Strategy: Identify and Reframe Your Rules Unearthing unhelpful rules with prompts: “If I were really smart, I would…” “I know I’ll be competent when…” “I should always…” Reframing rules as if advising a friend. [18:50] Final Thoughts and Next Steps Take time to identify unconscious rules and seek support if needed. Resources and coaching opportunities available on Sarah’s website. Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

This episode focuses on mastering your mindset to increase your chances of success in job interviews. From mindset tips to practical strategies, Sarah provides the tools you need to ace your next interview and achieve your career aspirations. Show Notes [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction [00:02:00] The Growing Complexity of Interviews Insights into why interviews are becoming more extensive and the commitment required from candidates. [00:03:00] Overcoming Negative Mindsets Learn how to shift your mindset from dread to confidence for interview success. [00:05:00] Harnessing Positive Experiences Reflect on past successful interviews to boost confidence and frame your preparation. [00:06:00] Reframing Nerves as Excitement Transform feelings of anxiety into excitement and embrace the opportunity to connect and showcase your skills. [00:09:00] Gaining Perspective P ut interviews into context: they’re an opportunity to assess fit and not the sole determinant of your career. [00:11:00] Seeing Interviewers as Allies View your interviewers as potential colleagues who want you to succeed rather than as adversaries. [00:13:00] Power of Affirmations Discover how affirmations can rewire your brain to foster confidence and positivity. [00:15:00] Visualization Techniques Learn to use evidence-based visualization to rehearse and enhance your interview performance. [00:17:00] Final Encouragement and Resources Sarah shares additional resources and closes with an inspiring reminder of your potential. Remember, you are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable! Useful Links Watch the episode on LinkedIn Live Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

In this episode Sarah tackles a dilemma that most professionals face at some point in their careers: Should I stay in my job, or is it time to leave? She explores the red flags that signal it’s time to move on, how to assess whether your dissatisfaction is fixable, and how to make a robust decision that aligns with your values and goals. Sarah also shares a step-by-step diagnostic to help you gain clarity and confidence in your next career move. Whether you’re feeling stuck, plateauing, or just unsure about your next step, this episode is packed with practical advice to guide you. Episode Show Notes: [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable . Sarah introduces the show and today’s topic, sharing why the decision to stay or leave a job is so challenging. [00:02:00] Clear Indicators It’s Time to Leave: Toxic work environments, mental health impacts, and lack of change or growth opportunities. [00:03:00] Subtler Signs of Dissatisfaction: Boredom, plateauing, or feeling stuck despite great perks or pay. [00:04:00] Diagnostic Questions to Gain Clarity: How to evaluate what’s wrong with your job and whether it can be fixed. [00:05:30] Assessing Growth Opportunities: Looking internally for new challenges, projects, or lateral moves within your organization. [00:06:30] Pros and Cons of Leaving vs. Staying: Weighing the benefits and trade-offs of each option. [00:07:30] Energy and Values Check-In: How energy levels and values alignment impact your career satisfaction and decision-making. [00:09:00] Conversations to Have: Talking to your boss, HR, mentors, or coaches to explore options and gain perspective. [00:10:00] Setting a Deadline for Decision-Making: Avoiding indecision by setting a firm timeline for your next steps. [00:11:00] Preparing for Your Next Move: Defining criteria for your next role, whether internal or external, and making time for your search or preparation. [00:12:30] Sarah’s Final Takeaway: “No decision is ever wrong; it’s simply the decision you made at the time.” Remember: Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable. Useful Links Stay or Go LinkedIn Live Recording Episode 7 Career Change Made Simple Episode 15 How to have a career conversation with your boss Episode 18 Why having a mentor will boost your career Episode 35 How to Fast track your promotion Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

Are you constantly asking yourself, "What's next?" The next promotion, pay rise or leadership opportunity? What if, instead of chasing more, you paused to ask a different question: What is enough? In this episode, Sarah explores how ambitious women can redefine success on their own terms. We'll look at the hidden cost of constantly moving the goalposts, why many of us inherit other people's definitions of success, and how to create success criteria that reflect what's truly important to you in this season of your life and career. If you've ever felt guilty for resting, struggled to celebrate your achievements, or questioned whether you're striving for goals that no longer feel aligned, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll discover: Why "enough" is a question more successful women need to ask themselves. How inherited beliefs about success influence our careers. The hidden costs of constantly striving for more. Why ambition isn't the problem – unconscious ambition is. Practical ways to define your own success criteria. Two powerful coaching questions to help you decide what enough looks like for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 01:35 – Why asking "What is enough?" matters 03:00 – Have you ever stopped to define success for yourself? 04:00 – Why success often becomes a moving target 04:45 – How we inherit our definitions of success 06:10 – The success criteria many women unconsciously adopt 07:00 – The hidden costs of never reaching "enough" 07:45 – Why this isn't about having less ambition 08:00 – Rest, guilt and constantly moving the goalposts 09:00 – What has your ambition given you – and what has it cost you? 09:40 – Identifying your personal success criteria 10:45 – Looking for clues in the lives of others 11:45 – My four personal success criteria 13:40 – Two coaching questions to define what enough looks like for you 15:00 – Designing the next season of your career and life 15:40 – How Sarah can help you create a career and life that's right for you Key Coaching Questions Take a few moments to reflect on these questions after listening: If no one else's expectations mattered, what would "enough" look like for this season of your life and career? Imagine yourself at 80 years old, looking back on your life. What would tell you that you had lived a good life and achieved enough? Useful Links Episode 77 Rethinking rest: What high performers need beyond time off Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

Do you struggle to say no, even when you're overwhelmed? If you're constantly putting other people's needs before your own, taking on too much or feeling guilty whenever you try to protect your time, this episode is for you. Sarah explores why setting boundaries feels so difficult, especially for ambitious women in leadership. She explains how people pleasing is often a nervous system response rather than simply "being nice", and shares practical tools to help you communicate boundaries with confidence, maintain them consistently and create more space for the work and life that matters most. You'll learn four simple ways to express a boundary, discover the different areas where boundaries may be missing in your life, and understand how listening to your body's "embodied yes" can help you make decisions that align with your values. Small boundaries build self-trust, and self-trust changes everything. In this episode you'll discover: Why people pleasing is rooted in nervous system safety What healthy boundaries really are (and what they aren't) The four simple ways to communicate a boundary How to confidently say no without over-explaining The 3R method for holding boundaries when they're challenged The eight areas of life where boundaries matter most How to recognise your body's "embodied yes" Why boundaries are an essential leadership skill for preventing burnout Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and why boundaries matter 02:00 Why people pleasing makes boundaries feel unsafe 04:20 What healthy boundaries really are 06:20 The four simple ways to set a boundary: 10:45 How to make your boundaries stick with the 3R Ladder: 13:30 The eight types of boundaries 16:00 Listening to your body 18:10 Why small boundaries build self-trust 19:20 Your challenge for the week Useful Links Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and Be Your Full Self at Work (with Sophie Jane Lee) Episode 19 How to Be More Assertive at Work Sophie Jane Lee's book Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What if confidence isn't the thing you're missing? So many successful women have spent their lives being capable, dependable and high-achieving, yet still find themselves holding back at work and in life. They say yes when they mean no, struggle to set boundaries and worry about being seen as too much, too ambitious or too full of themselves. In this powerful conversation, Sarah is joined by author, speaker and founder of Electric Peach, Sophie Jane Lee, to explore the hidden ways women abandon themselves in pursuit of being more palatable to others. Drawing on the themes of her book Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women, Sophie shares why the stories we tell ourselves shape the lives we create and why becoming unstuck isn't about fixing yourself – it's about becoming more fully yourself. Together they discuss self-abandonment, visibility, boundaries, people pleasing and why doing the inner work matters if we want to stop shrinking ourselves and step into our brilliance. In this episode you'll discover: • What self-abandonment looks like at work and in everyday life • Why successful women struggle to own their value and take up space • The connection between our nervous system, safety and visibility • How unconscious stories shape our careers, relationships and confidence • Why boundaries feel so uncomfortable and how to navigate the guilt that comes with saying no • Practical ways to build self-awareness and create space for reflection • Why being 'full of yourself' is something we should aspire to rather than avoid Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Sophie's career journey and why she wrote Beyond Palatable 03:00 - Why women shrink themselves and make themselves smaller 04:00 - Understanding self-abandonment and the nervous system 06:30 - What self-abandonment looks like in the workplace 08:15 - The triad of oppression and the systems women navigate 13:45 - Are we making progress as women? 16:00 - Visibility, confidence and becoming 'full of yourself' 19:00 - Why there isn't a quick fix for confidence and self-worth 22:00 - Creating space for reflection and doing the inner work 26:15 - Setting boundaries and managing the guilt of saying no 30:00 - The stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives 32:30 - Sophie's final message for women who want to stop shrinking themselves Connect with Sophie Jane Lee Website: beyondpalatable.com Website: electricpeach.co.uk Instagram: @beyondpalatable LinkedIn: Sophie Jane Lee Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another woman who needs the reminder that she doesn't have to become somebody else to succeed – she simply needs permission to become more fully herself. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Remember, you don't have to stay stuck. You can become Unstuck & Unstoppable. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

Have you ever felt like you needed to become a different person to succeed as a leader? In this episode Sarah is joined by senior HR leader Sarah Holey, who shares her inspiring journey from retail shop floor assistant to leading international people functions across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and APAC. Together, we explore what it really takes to grow into senior leadership without losing yourself along the way. Sarah speaks openly about navigating self-doubt, moving from being the expert to becoming a beginner again, building credibility in a new organisation, and discovering that her collaborative leadership style wasn't something to change - it was one of her greatest strengths. If you're stepping into a bigger leadership role, managing challenging stakeholders, or wondering whether your leadership style is "enough", this conversation will leave you feeling reassured, empowered and inspired. In this episode we discuss: Sarah's unexpected journey from studying textiles to becoming an international HR leader Why working on the shop floor shaped her leadership philosophy The confidence challenges that came with moving from one market to leading across 16 countries Learning to stop expecting yourself to know everything Why senior leadership can feel surprisingly lonely The value of proactive coaching before starting a new role Building trust and credibility with new stakeholders Why you don't need to copy louder leadership styles to earn respect The power of leading with your values What authentic leadership really looks like in practice Sarah's advice for women stepping into leadership for the first time Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Holey and today's topic 02:00 From textiles graduate to international HR leader 06:00 Career turning points and moving into global leadership 07:00 From expert to beginner: rebuilding confidence in a bigger role 09:20 Why Sarah invested in coaching before starting a new job 11:00 The hidden loneliness of senior leadership 12:00 Leaving a successful role and overcoming imposter syndrome 14:10 Leading senior stakeholders with confidence 15:30 Why authentic leadership is more powerful than trying to fit in 16:30 Speaking up without being the loudest voice in the room 17:15 Leadership values and avoiding burnout 18:45 Why coaching isn't just for people in crisis 19:45 What it was like to work with Sarah Archer 20:45 Defining authentic leadership 21:30 What 'Unstuck & Unstoppable' means to Sarah Memorable Quotes "Curiosity will take you much further than being the expert." "I don't need to match someone else's leadership style to earn their respect." "There is such power in being the last person to speak in the room." "What gets you here won't necessarily get you there." Useful Links Connect with Sarah Holey on LinkedIn Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

You're successful on paper. Capable, still showing up, still the person colleagues message when something needs sorting. And yet - something's shifted, and you can't quite name what. In this episode, Sarah unpacks the career crossroads: that disorienting in-between space where what used to fit no longer does, and what's next hasn't taken shape yet. Whether it's shown up through redundancy, burnout recovery, hitting a milestone, or being offered a promotion that should feel exciting but doesn't - the internal experience underneath is strikingly similar. Sarah breaks down the six patterns that keep ambitious women stuck at the crossroads longer than they need to be (hint: it's rarely about effort), and walks through the first, most important step forward - one that has nothing to do with having a plan. If you've ever felt quietly unsettled despite "having it all," or caught yourself hesitating at an opportunity you'd have said yes to in a heartbeat five years ago, this episode will help you understand exactly what's going on - and what to do about it. Timestamps [00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable [00:01:36] What is a career crossroads? The four different triggers [00:05:38] The common thread underneath: your relationship to your next step has changed [00:06:00] Naming it: why this is a liminal space, not a crisis [00:06:30] What it actually feels like day to day - redundancy, burnout, milestones, promotions [00:10:13] Why nothing's "wrong" but it still feels hard to move through [00:10:30] The six patterns that keep you stuck at the crossroads [00:13:46] The real first step: space and perspective, not a perfect plan [00:14:00] How to start - naming what's changed, separating urgency from clarity [00:14:50] Giving yourself permission not to decide immediately [00:16:30] Exploring options without commitment [00:17:30] Why an outside perspective (or a coach) can shortcut the stuck phase [00:19:00] Wrap up and where to find more resources Useful Links Episode 84 The Sign There is More for You in Your Career (even if you can't see it yet) Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

In this episode, Sarah is joined by former client Kate Dunstone, who shares her inspiring career journey from a long and successful career in higher education marketing to a senior leadership role in a completely new sector. After 17 years at the University of Portsmouth, Kate knew she was ready for something more aligned with her values, interests and long-term ambitions. In this conversation, she shares what it was really like to leave the security of a role and organisation she’d known for years, how she built the confidence to change sector, and how coaching helped her step into a more strategic, senior role with greater flexibility. If you’re wondering whether it’s too late to change direction, whether your skills will transfer to a new sector, or whether you’re really ready for a bigger role, this episode will give you both practical ideas and a confidence boost. In this episode, we cover: Kate’s career journey from course administrator to senior marketing leader What made her realise she’d outgrown higher education after 17 years How she built the confidence to change sector and go for a more senior role The role coaching played in clarifying her direction and helping her take action Why a trustee role helped strengthen her CV and support her sector move How she negotiated a role with more flexibility and better fit for her life What helped her move from Head of Marketing to Director Why empathy and emotion can be leadership strengths rather than weaknesses What being “unstuck and unstoppable” means to Kate Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Kate and her career journey 01:50 – Kate’s current role as Director of Membership, Marketing and Digital 03:35 – Starting out in higher education and moving into marketing 06:20 – Growing into leadership and becoming more strategic 08:15 – Confidence, career progression and balancing ambition with motherhood 10:45 – Why Kate decided to get coaching support 13:00 – How coaching helped with clarity, confidence, CV and LinkedIn 15:00 – Taking on a trustee role to support a sector change 17:20 – Landing the Head of Marketing and Communications role at the college 20:05 – Going for the Director role and backing herself to step up 22:40 – What Kate wishes she’d known earlier in her career 23:35 – Reframing emotion and empathy as leadership strengths 25:10 – Kate’s experience of coaching and what helped most 27:10 – What “unstuck and unstoppable” means to Kate 28:20 – Why networking, visibility and LinkedIn still matter even when you’re not job searching Key takeaways from this episode Kate’s story is such a good reminder that getting unstuck isn’t always about making a dramatic leap. Sometimes it’s about paying attention to what no longer fits, getting honest about what you really want, and taking the next step before you feel 100% ready. It’s also a powerful example of how career change doesn’t mean starting again. Kate took years of leadership, marketing and stakeholder experience and repositioned it into a new sector that felt much more meaningful and aligned. And perhaps most importantly, this conversation highlights that qualities many women dismiss in themselves - like emotion, empathy and sensitivity - can become some of their greatest strengths as leaders. Useful Links Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Episode 61 How to Create a Personal Board for Your Leadership Career Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Is this really it?" From the outside, everything looks successful. You're performing well, earning good money, and progressing in your career. Yet something feels different. Not wrong exactly, but no longer quite right. In this solo episode, Sarah explores the often-overlooked signs that you've outgrown your current role, even when you can't yet see what comes next. She shares insights from her work with senior professional women who are navigating career transitions, questioning their direction, and searching for greater meaning, purpose and fulfilment. If you've been feeling disconnected, restless or drawn towards something different, this episode will help you understand what's really happening beneath the surface and why uncertainty may be a sign of growth rather than a problem to solve. In This Episode You'll Discover Why successful women often struggle to recognise when they've outgrown a role The hidden reasons career clarity can feel so elusive How your professional identity can lag behind your personal growth Four subtle signs there may be more for you in your career Why uncertainty is often a natural part of career evolution A simple reflection exercise to help you reconnect with what matters most Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and introduction to the podcast 01:45 Why so many successful women ask, "Is there more for me?" 03:00 The feeling of success without fulfilment 04:05 Sarah's personal story of leaving corporate HR for the voluntary sector 05:00 The LinkedIn profile test: when your career story no longer feels like you 05:40 Why you can't see what's next yet 05:50 Reason 1: You're too close to your current identity 06:30 Reason 2: Your career identity hasn't caught up with your personal growth 07:20 Reason 3: External success can mask internal change 08:20 The awareness phase that comes before clarity 08:45 Sign #1: Feeling disconnected from your current identity and work 09:50 Sign #2: Being drawn to different careers, lifestyles or choices 10:50 Sign #3: Inconsistent motivation and what it might be telling you 11:45 Sign #4: Asking questions without having answers yet 12:30 Expansion versus exhaustion: understanding the difference 13:15 Why uncertainty is not a problem to solve immediately 13:40 A simple daily exercise to help uncover what's changing 14:35 Trusting the process of career transition and growth 15:00 How coaching can help you gain clarity and confidence 15:45 Final reflections and closing thoughts Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Remember "You don't have to know what's next. You just have to trust that something is shifting, and that shift is giving you valuable information about what matters most." Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What does authentic leadership really look like in practice? In this episode Sarah sits down with former client Helen Cook, an experienced People Director, to discuss her career journey from hospitality into HR leadership, the lessons she's learned about confidence and career progression, and how coaching helped her gain clarity at an important point in her career. Helen shares a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, including navigating self-doubt, balancing ambition with family life, and staying true to yourself in senior roles. This is a thoughtful conversation for anyone who wants to lead with confidence without feeling they need to become someone they're not. In This Episode Finding a career that aligns with your strengths and values Building a successful career in HR and people leadership Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome Leading authentically rather than copying others Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities Lessons learned from stepping into senior leadership roles Why leadership isn't a race The value of coaching during career transitions Developing confidence and self-awareness as a leader What it means to be unstuck and unstoppable Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Helen and her career journey 02:15 – From hospitality into HR: finding the right career path 04:30 – Key career turning points and leadership progression 07:00 – Discovering a leadership style that feels authentic 09:45 – Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome 12:20 – Balancing leadership responsibilities and family life 14:50 – Why leadership isn't a race 17:10 – The challenges of stepping into senior leadership 19:40 – Reaching a career crossroads and seeking coaching 22:15 – What coaching helped Helen uncover 24:30 – Building confidence and trusting yourself 27:00 – Lessons learned from leading people through change 29:45 – Advice for others considering coaching 32:15 – What being unstuck and unstoppable means to Helen 33:30 – Final reflections and key takeaways Useful Links Connect with Helen on LInkedIn Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

How many opportunities have you delayed because you were waiting for permission? In this episode Sarah talks to Natalie Nielson, Programme Director at Barclays Corporate, to explore the leadership lessons that have shaped her career and helped her thrive in complex, high-pressure environments. Natalie shares how she learned to stop waiting for someone else to tell her she was ready, navigate the inner voice of self-doubt, and develop a leadership style grounded in trust, authenticity and reflection. We also discuss the coaching journey we undertook together following her promotion into a senior leadership role, and the powerful mindset shifts that helped her become more confident, influential and intentional in her career. If you've ever questioned your readiness for the next step, struggled with visibility, or found yourself getting in your own way, this episode will leave you with practical insights and plenty of encouragement. In This Episode Why waiting for permission can hold your career back How to get out of your own way and quiet self-doubt The relationship between confidence and experience Navigating the transition into senior leadership Why reflection is an underrated leadership superpower The importance of asking for help and building support networks Creating trust and meaning within teams Developing an authentic leadership style Learning from role models and increasing your influence Reflection before reaction as a leadership habit What it really means to be unstuck and unstoppable Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Natalie Nielson 03:45 – Natalie's role as Programme Director and leading complex transformation 05:00 – The leadership challenge of waiting for permission 06:00 – Why confidence is a by-product of experience 06:40 – Getting out of your own way and managing self-doubt 08:30 – Why senior leaders still experience uncertainty 09:30 – The promotion that led Natalie to seek coaching 10:45 – Stepping into a new leadership identity 11:00 – Reflection as a leadership superpower 12:00 – Why asking for help is underrated 13:00 – Building trust, meaning and connection within teams 14:00 – Creating a high-performance culture through authentic leadership 15:00 – Aligning leadership with personal values 16:00 – Why your identity is bigger than your job title 16:45 – Possibility, potential and opening unexpected doors 17:20 – What Natalie wishes she'd known earlier in her career 18:30 – Managing worry and learning through experience 19:00 – Building visibility and influence at senior levels 19:45 – Learning from role models and observing successful leaders 21:00 – The importance of practice and confidence building 21:30 – Advice for anyone considering coaching 22:30 – Natalie's experience of coaching 23:30 – A leadership habit Natalie swears by: Reflection before reaction 24:15 – What being unstuck and unstoppable means to Natalie 25:00 – Key takeaways and closing reflections Useful Links Episode 40 How to Get Your Voice Heard in the Leadership Space Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

In this episode, Sarah explores a career experience many ambitious women silently struggle with: looking successful on the outside while feeling disconnected, exhausted, or emotionally flat on the inside. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this really it?” despite having the title, salary, or career others admire, this episode will help you understand why smart, capable women often stay stuck in roles they’ve outgrown - and what to do about it. This episode is for you if: You feel successful externally but unfulfilled internally Your work no longer feels meaningful or energising You’re questioning your next career move but don’t know where to start You’re stuck between security and wanting something more Time Stamps [00:00] Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable [01:35] Why this topic matters The hidden experience of feeling disconnected from a career that looks successful on paper. [02:15] Sarah’s personal experience as an HR Director Why reaching a senior leadership role didn’t bring the fulfilment she expected. [03:00] Signs you may have outgrown your role Common indicators including: Emotional flatness Chronic overthinking Loss of confidence Sunday dread Feeling underutilised Burnout and exhaustion Fantasising about escape [04:40] Burnout, exhaustion, and the need for different types of rest Sarah references Episode 77 and explains how high performers often need more than just time off. [05:25] Why smart women stay stuck in careers too long The deeper reasons women struggle to move on, including: Identity attachment Responsibility to others Fear of regret Financial pressure Perfectionism Waiting for certainty Loyalty Confidence erosion Fear of disappointing others [09:10] Why clarity comes through action Why you do not need to have everything figured out before making a move. [09:50] The 3 levels of career change Sarah explains: The Shift The Pivot The Leap Including real client examples of successful career transitions. [11:40] Practical ways to regain clarity Questions and exercises to help you explore what needs to change: Notice your energy patterns Reconnect with your values Explore possibilities without pressure Have career conversations Increase confidence and visibility Consider what kind of life and work you want now [14:15] Final thoughts and encouragement Outgrowing your role does not mean you’ve failed - it means you’ve changed. [14:35] How to work with Sarah Information about booking a free career clarity call with Sarah. Useful Links Episode 77 Rethinking Rest - What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What happens when your career looks successful on paper… but no longer feels aligned? In this episode, Sarah is joined by Sarah Warrington, Head of Marketing at a private higher education institution, who shares her honest and inspiring career journey - from leaving accountancy after just 18 months, to building a meaningful leadership career in higher education marketing. We explore the realities of career progression, navigating values misalignment, asking for what you really want, and why compassionate leadership can be a powerful advantage rather than a weakness. Sarah also opens up about the coaching process that helped her gain clarity, confidence and the courage to make a career move while protecting the flexibility and family balance that mattered most to her. This episode is full of reassurance and practical insight for anyone feeling stuck, professionally unfulfilled, or ready to redefine success on their own terms. In This Episode We Discuss Knowing when a career path no longer fits Leaving a “safe” profession early in your career Building a meaningful career in higher education marketing The importance of values alignment at work Why visibility and asking for opportunities matters Negotiating flexible working successfully Career coaching and building confidence Managing your inner critic Compassionate leadership and emotional intelligence Leadership in fast-paced startup environments Balancing ambitious work with family, wellbeing and personal growth Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Sarah Warrington and her current role 01:00 – Leaving accountancy and finding the right career path 02:00 – Moving through higher education roles and discovering marketing 03:15 – Stepping into leadership for the first time 04:10 – The challenge of asking for progression and opportunities 05:40 – Why working hard alone doesn’t guarantee promotion 06:10 – Feeling stuck and discovering coaching 07:20 – Realising something was no longer aligned 08:10 – The fear of losing flexibility and work-life balance 09:10 – How coaching created clarity and self-awareness 10:10 – Managing the inner critic and building confidence 11:15 – Trying new things, networking and exploring possibilities 12:00 – “Rejection is redirection” and navigating the job search 12:45 – Negotiating compressed hours in a new role 13:10 – Discovering compassionate leadership as a strength 14:20 – Leadership in a startup-style environment 15:40 – Balancing leadership, family and wellbeing 16:30 – Why hobbies and volunteering create perspective and energy 17:20 – Sarah’s reflections on the impact of coaching 18:20 – What “unstuck and unstoppable” means to Sarah Useful Links Connect with Sarah Warrington on LinkedIn Flexible Working People FaceBook Group Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

What really changes when you step into senior leadership? In this honest and insightful conversation, Sarah speaks with Maria Norowzian, Group & UK Hospitality Director at ATG Entertainment, about the realities of career growth, leadership transitions and learning to lead beyond your technical expertise. Maria shares her journey from starting out in marketing at McDonald’s in Australia to leading innovation and hospitality strategy for one of the world’s largest theatre companies. Together, they explore the steep learning curves that come with ambitious career progression, the mindset shifts required at senior level, and why leadership is far more about influence, relationships and vision than having all the answers. This episode is packed with valuable insights for managers, heads of department and aspiring senior leaders navigating growth, confidence and career progression. In This Episode We Discuss: Moving from functional expert to strategic leader The leap from “Head Of” to Director level leadership Why curiosity and growth mindset accelerate career success Learning through mistakes, failure and discomfort Building confidence in a bigger leadership role Leading teams and managing cross-functional relationships How coaching supports leadership growth The importance of vision, calm and clarity in leadership Ambition, hard work and finding flow in your career Creating success and freedom on your own terms Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Maria and her role at ATG Entertainment 01:00 – Maria’s early career journey and passion for marketing 03:00 – Why steep learning curves drive career growth 04:00 – The transition into leadership and building teams 06:00 – Why moving from Head Of to Director felt so different 07:00 – Leadership mindset shifts and learning through mistakes 08:00 – Expanding beyond marketing into commercial leadership 10:00 – Why Maria sought coaching support 11:00 – Transferable skills, confidence and navigating fear 13:00 – Leadership blind spots and executive presence 14:00 – Maria’s definition of great leadership 15:00 – Career advice for ambitious professionals 17:00 – Working hard, ambition and finding flow 18:00 – The value of coaching for leaders 20:00 – What “Unstuck and Unstoppable” means to Maria Useful Links Connect with Maria on LinkedIn Your First 100 Days by Niamh O'Keeffe Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset

In this episode, Sarah explores how toxic stakeholders and difficult bosses can quietly erode confidence, visibility, and influence at work. She shares personal experiences, client stories, and practical strategies to help ambitious female leaders navigate challenging workplace dynamics without shrinking themselves or losing credibility. Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & Introduction Sarah introduces the episode and explains why navigating difficult bosses and toxic stakeholders is a critical leadership skill. [01:20] Why This Topic Matters How workplace dynamics can quietly impact confidence, credibility, and career progression. [02:15] The Confidence Impact of Difficult Stakeholders Why toxic interactions linger long after meetings end and can lead to overthinking and self-doubt. [03:40] Sarah’s Personal Leadership Story Sarah shares her experience working with an unpredictable CEO and how it affected her confidence and behaviour. [05:00] The Hidden Behaviour Changes Leaders Make How high-performing leaders unconsciously shrink themselves through hypervigilance, over-preparing, and holding back. [06:10] The 3 Types of Toxic Stakeholders The Controller The Political Operator The Inconsistent Leader [07:40] Client Coaching Story A real-life example of how one senior leader regained her confidence and influence by changing the dynamic. [09:45] The Turning Point Why managing the relationship differently matters more than trying to “handle” the person better. [10:05] Strategy 1: Stop Personalising It How separating yourself from the behaviour creates clarity and emotional distance. [10:55] Strategy 2: Understand the Dynamic Learning what drives difficult behaviour so you can respond strategically. [11:35] Strategy 3: Change How You Show Up Practical ways to communicate with more calmness, clarity, and authority. [12:20] Strategy 4: Decide Your Boundaries Knowing when to address behaviour, escalate concerns, or leave an unhealthy environment. [13:20] Leadership Reflection Exercise Sarah shares one powerful question to help you notice where you may be adapting yourself to manage others. [13:55] Final Thoughts Why strong leadership is about staying intentional and grounded in difficult dynamics — not becoming harder or more aggressive. [14:35] Closing & Resources Where to connect with Sarah and access additional career and leadership resources. Useful Links Episode 76 How To Position Yourself For Promotion In The Next 6 Months Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk Mentioned in this episode: Sign up For Free 7 Day Career Reset Click Here to sign up for Free 7 Day Career Reset: https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/7-day-career-reset