Unstuck & Unstoppable

Sarah Archer
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Unstuck & Unstoppable is the go-to podcast for ambitious female leaders ready to amplify their impact, boost their income, and achieve career success on their own terms—without burning out or compromising their values. Hosted by Sarah Archer, a leadership coach and career strategist dedicated to empowering women in leadership, this show provides the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to thrive in your career. Whether you’re looking to overcome imposter syndrome, enhance your leadership skills, or create a sustainable path to success, each episode will offer actionable insights, expert interviews, and real-life stories to help you take your career to the next level. It’s time to stop playing small, unlock your full potential, and create the impact you’re destined for. Tune in weekly to discover how you can lead boldly, live fully, and succeed with confidence and integrity.

  1. Episode 75 How to Work Effectively with Executive Recruiters

    7 HR AGO

    Episode 75 How to Work Effectively with Executive Recruiters

    In this episode, Sarah breaks down how executive recruiters actually operate - and why the typical “send your CV and wait” approach doesn’t work at a senior level. If you’re aiming for leadership roles, you’ll learn how to position yourself strategically, build strong recruiter relationships, and stand out as a credible, low-risk candidate. What You’ll Learn The biggest misconception about executive recruitersHow recruiters assess senior candidatesWhy positioning matters more than your CV5 practical ways to work with recruiters effectivelyHow to make recruiters a powerful part of your job search strategy Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & podcast introduction [01:00] Global reach milestone + episode overview [02:00] Client story: feeling stuck and overlooked by recruiters [03:00] The biggest misconception about recruiters [04:00] Why a passive job search strategy fails [05:00] Case study: shifting positioning and strategy [06:00] How executive recruiters actually think [07:00] What makes you “easy to place” [07:30] 5 practical strategies to work with recruiters [07:30] 1. Be specific about what you want [08:00] 2. Lead with value, not your CV [08:30] 3. Build relationships, not transactions [09:00] 4. Prepare properly for recruiter conversations [09:30] 5. Don’t rely on recruiters alone [10:00] The mindset shift: recruiters are part of your strategy [11:00] Final thoughts + how to get support Key Takeaway Recruiters don’t find you a job - you position yourself so they can confidently place you. When you get clear, strategic, and visible, they become valuable allies rather than a frustrating dead end. 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

    12 min
  2. Episode 74 What is Strategic Hope And How to Create it.

    10 APR

    Episode 74 What is Strategic Hope And How to Create it.

    In this episode, Sarah explores the powerful concept of strategic hope and why it is a critical leadership skill for ambitious female leaders who want to prevent burnout and create real momentum in their careers. Many high-performing women find themselves working hard while quietly hoping something changes - hoping for recognition, hoping for opportunities, hoping for better leadership or culture. But hope, in its most powerful form, isn’t wishful thinking. Drawing on the work of positive psychologist C.R. Snyder, Sarah introduces Hope Theory and explains how hope is actually a practical leadership strategy built on three key elements: goals, pathways, and agency. If you’ve been feeling stuck, flat, or unsure about your next step, this episode will help you shift from passive wishing to actively designing your future. What You’ll LearnThe difference between passive hope and strategic hopeWhy high-performing female leaders lose hope in their careersThe link between hope, motivation, and burnout preventionThe three essential skills that build strategic hopeHow to create clear goals, practical pathways, and real agencyReflection questions to help you start designing your next move Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable and episode overview 01:30 – Why hope is the focus of this episode 02:00 – Passive hope vs strategic hope in female leadership 03:30 – Introduction to Hope Theory and C.R. Snyder’s research 04:30 – Reflection: Where are you hoping for change instead of designing it? 05:00 – Why female leaders lose strategic hope: 05:10 – Effort without progress and declining energy 05:45 – Immovable systems and limited pathways 07:00 – Over-responsibility and burnout risk 08:15 – The three strategic hope skills: 08:30 – Skill 1: Clarity and defining your goal Getting specific about what you want next in your career 10:45 – Skill 2: Creating pathways and designing your strategy Examples of pathways (networking, visibility, role design, internal and external opportunities) Planning for obstacles and contingencies 13:00 – Skill 3: Building agency through small actions Evidence-building and confidence through action 14:15 – Hope amplifiers Why power: connecting to meaning and purpose We power: support, accountability, and social connection 15:30 – Three reflection questions to build strategic hope 16:30 – Moving from wishing to designing your career 17:00 – Coaching support and closing message Reflection Questions from This EpisodeWhat am I currently wishing would change in my career?What goal sits behind that wish?What is one pathway I could start this week? 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

    18 min
  3. Episode 73 Navigating the Unwritten Rules of Leadership To Get Ahead in Your Career

    3 APR

    Episode 73 Navigating the Unwritten Rules of Leadership To Get Ahead in Your Career

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your leadership role - delivering results, working hard, supporting your team - yet still being overlooked for promotion? In this episode, Sarah lifts the lid on the unwritten rules of leadership that shape career progression at senior levels. Many ambitious female leaders are told that hard work and strong performance will naturally lead to advancement but in reality, leadership decisions are often influenced by visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception. Through a powerful coaching story and practical reflection questions, this episode explores why brilliant women sometimes get passed over and, more importantly, what they can do differently to position themselves for the leadership roles they deserve. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy working hard isn’t always enough to get promotedThe hidden leadership dynamics many organisations don’t talk aboutThe 4 unwritten rules that shape career advancementHow visibility, relationships, and perception influence leadership decisionsPractical actions you can take this week to position yourself for your next role Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 01:00 – Episode introduction: The leadership rules nobody talks about 02:00 – Coaching story: “It feels like there’s a game being played and nobody told me the rules” A real-life example of a senior female leader being overlooked for promotion. 03:30 – The myth of hard work leading to promotion Why performance alone doesn’t guarantee career advancement. 05:00 – Leadership advancement is about more than delivery Understanding the gap between doing a great job and being seen as ready for senior leadership. The 4 Unwritten Rules of Leadership05:45 – Rule 1: Visibility matters more than effort Why leaders can’t promote what they can’t see and how to create strategic visibility. Reflection question: Where might you be working hard but staying invisible? 08:00 – Rule 2: Relationships shape opportunities The importance of networks, sponsors, and trust in career progression. Reflection question: Who are the key people who need to know and trust you? 10:00 – Rule 3: Strategic thinking gets rewarded Moving from operational excellence to future-focused leadership thinking. Reflection question: Are you spending most of your time delivering or thinking about the future? 11:45 – Rule 4: Perception drives promotion How executive presence and leadership perception influence decisions. Reflection question: How do senior leaders currently perceive you? 13:00 – One practical action to take this week Choose one conversation with a senior leader to increase visibility, influence, or strategic contribution. 14:00 – Key takeaway: Understand the system and position yourself within it Visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception are the keys to leadership advancement. 14:30 – How to get support and access free resources Information on coaching support and additional resources. Useful Links Episode 66 Strengthening Your Strategic Thinking Episode 31 How to Develop Executive Presence 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 Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable.

    16 min
  4. Episode 72 How The Power of Weak Ties Can Open Doors in Your Career

    27 MAR

    Episode 72 How The Power of Weak Ties Can Open Doors in Your Career

    In this episode Sarah explores the powerful but often overlooked role of weak ties in career growth and job searching. If you're an ambitious woman looking to advance your career, increase your visibility, or access new opportunities, this episode will change how you think about networking. Sarah explains why the people you barely know may be the ones who open the biggest doors, and shares practical strategies to help you build and leverage these connections in a way that feels natural and authentic. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat weak ties are and why they matter in your careerWhy most job opportunities come from people outside your inner circleHow weak ties increase visibility and career mobilitySimple and practical ways to build and maintain weak tiesA quick exercise to start leveraging your network this week Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 02:00 – What Are Weak Ties? Understanding second and third-order connections and why acquaintances matter in career growth. 03:00 – Why Weak Ties Open More Doors How weak ties access different networks and opportunities that your inner circle may not see. 04:00 – The Spiderweb Analogy A powerful visual explanation of how networks work and where opportunities really come from. 05:00 – Research and Career Mobility Why people who leverage weak ties find jobs faster and access hidden opportunities. 05:30 – How to Leverage Weak Ties (Practical Steps) Intentional outreach during job search and asking for advice or connections. 05:50 – Using Introductions Strategically Getting insider information and increasing your chances in recruitment processes. 06:00 – Maintaining Light Contact Simple ways to stay visible through LinkedIn and quick check-ins. 06:30 – Networking Coffee Conversations How short, informal conversations can strengthen weak ties. 07:00 – A Simple Networking Exercise Identify one or two weak ties and reach out this week. 07:30 – Weak Ties as Part of Your Visibility Strategy Why career growth is about who knows you and what you can do. 08:00 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement Nurturing weak ties to open unexpected career doors. 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 Your next career opportunity may not come from your closest contacts - it may come from someone you’ve only spoken to once. Nurture your weak ties and watch new doors open.

    9 min
  5. Episode 71 Have you stayed in your current role for too long?

    20 MAR

    Episode 71 Have you stayed in your current role for too long?

    Have you been in your role for five years or more? Are you there because you love it… or because you feel a bit stuck? In this episode, Sarah unpacks the difference between healthy staying and career stagnation, the subtle signs you might be stuck (even if things look “fine” on the surface), and practical steps to help you regain momentum, confidence, and clarity in your career. If you’ve been questioning your next move or avoiding the question altogether - this episode will give you a powerful reset. Show Notes[00:00:00] Welcome & Podcast Overview [00:01:00] Why This Topic Matters A real client story sparks the question: are you staying because you’re thriving or stuck? [00:02:00] The Big Question: Why Have You Stayed? Exploring the difference between loving your role and feeling unable to leave. [00:02:30] What “Healthy Staying” Looks Like Ongoing learning and developmentExpanding influence and impactIncreasing responsibility and stretchFeeling energised and engaged at work [00:04:00] When Staying Becomes Stagnation Repetitive work with no growthLack of progression opportunitiesDeclining confidenceComfort replacing challenge [00:06:00] The Hidden Risk of Being Too Comfortable Why growth requires “optimal anxiety” (not stress, but not stagnation either). [00:07:00] 5 Signs You Might Be Stuck Your learning curve has flattenedYou’ve stopped advocating for yourselfYou’re known for what you used to doYou feel invisible or overlookedYou keep saying “maybe next year” [00:08:30] Why We Stay Too Long Comfort and securityEroded confidence“Golden handcuffs” (salary, flexibility, benefits)The busyness trapIdentity lock (“this is just what I do”) [00:10:30] The Real Cost of Staying Stuck How stagnation shrinks your confidence, identity, and sense of possibility. [00:11:00] 3 Ways to Get Unstuck 1. Run a Career Audit: Ask yourself: What am I learning?What impact am I having?Where am I growing? 2. Expand Before You Exit Seek stretch projectsIncrease your visibilityRedesign aspects of your role 3. Explore New Possibilities Internal moves or secondmentsNew environments or industriesReimagining your career direction [00:13:30] A Personal Turning Point Why staying in the same type of senior role no longer felt inspiring and what that revealed. [00:14:00] The Wake-Up Call Question “If nothing changed in your role for the next 3 years, would you feel excited or quietly disappointed?” [00:14:30] Reflection & Next Steps Encouragement to pause, reflect, journal, and seek support if needed. [00:15:00] Closing Thoughts You don’t need to blow up your career - but you do need to wake it up. Resources & Next StepstExplore the Strategic Visibility episode for practical ways to raise your profileReach out for coaching support if you’re ready to move from stuck to unstoppable Useful Links Take the Career Clarity Audit for personalised insight Episode 47 How to get noticed in your 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

    16 min
  6. Episode 70 How to Change Your Inner Critic's Story

    13 MAR

    Episode 70 How to Change Your Inner Critic's Story

    In this episode, Sarah explores why the inner critic exists and how it often tries to protect us from perceived risks like rejection, failure, or judgement. The challenge is that while it may have good intentions, it can also keep us stuck, holding back from the opportunities we truly want. Sarah shares three practical strategies to help you quieten your inner critic and strengthen your inner coach so you can move forward with more confidence and self-trust. Show Notes00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 01:17 – Episode introduction: The inner critic Why this topic comes up frequently in coaching sessions and how it affects confidence, career progression, and leadership. 02:15 – What the inner critic sounds like Common thoughts that trigger self-doubt and prevent action. 03:20 – Why we actually have an inner critic Understanding the brain’s role in protecting us from physical and emotional risk. 05:00 – How limiting beliefs fuel the inner critic Where these beliefs come from and how they become ammunition for self-doubt. 06:10 – Your inner narrative and the story you tell yourself How unconscious scripts shape what you believe is possible for you. 07:10 – Strategy 1: Notice and rewrite the narrative Becoming aware of the story you’re telling yourself and consciously editing it. 08:05 – Flipping the script Using the perspective of how you would speak to a friend to create a more empowering narrative. 08:40 – Strategy 2: Evidence-based reframing Using real achievements and experiences to challenge the inner critic. 09:25 – Client example: Recovering confidence after burnout How reframing helped a client rebuild trust in herself and pursue leadership again. 11:20 – Strategy 3: Create distance from your inner critic Naming and externalising the inner critic to reduce its power. 12:20 – Real client example: Visualising and managing the inner critic How one creative technique dramatically quietened a client’s inner critic. 13:10 – Strengthening your inner coach Why self-trust is essential for leadership growth. 14:05 – Reflection exercise for listeners A simple question to help you challenge your inner critic this week. Useful Links Episode 51: How to Change Your Inner Critic into Your Inner Coach Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Your inner critic isn’t trying to sabotage you - it’s trying to protect you. But when you learn how to rewrite the story it’s telling and strengthen your inner coach, you create the confidence and self-trust needed to step into bigger opportunities. 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

    15 min
  7. Episode 69 Influence Blockers -What's Really Holding Back Your Impact as a Leader

    6 MAR

    Episode 69 Influence Blockers -What's Really Holding Back Your Impact as a Leader

    If you’re working hard but not getting the traction, visibility or progression you want, this episode will help you understand why. Sarah breaks down the four core Influence Blockers she sees repeatedly in senior female leaders - the hidden patterns that quietly limit confidence, authority, and advancement. Once you can spot your blocker, you can shift it. Timestamps[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppabl- [02:00] Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough The unconscious patterns that hold capable women back. [03:30] The Four Influence Blockers Overview An introduction to the four key categories. [04:00] Blocker 1: Internal Confidence & Identity Second-guessing yourself, overthinking meetings, still feeling the need to prove your capability - and how this shrinks your influence. [06:00] Blocker 2: Communication & Presence Softening your message, over-explaining, speaking late in meetings, and why executive presence determines how much weight your words carry. [07:00] Blocker 3: Strategic Positioning Staying operational instead of visible at a strategic level. Why being excellent at delivery doesn’t automatically position you for promotion. (Referenced: Episode 66 on strengthening strategic thinking.) [08:30] Blocker 4: Environment & Power Dynamics Navigating dominant personalities, organisational politics, and male-dominated cultures - and how your response shapes your influence. [10:00] The Real Cost of Not Addressing Your Blocker Staying stuck, being overlooked, watching less capable peers move ahead - and the damage self-doubt can cause. [11:30] Your Action Step Identify your primary blocker and decide what action you’ll take to shift the pattern. [12:30] How to Get Support How coaching can accelerate your influence and position you for the next level. Key TakeawayInfluence blockers aren’t capability gaps - they’re patterns. And patterns can be changed. If you’re ready to stop playing small and start positioning yourself as the leader you already are, this episode will give you the clarity to begin. Useful Links Episode 66 Strengthening Your Strategic Thinking: From Operational to Big Picture 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

    14 min
  8. Episode 68 Stuck or Ready For More? How to Choose Your Next Leadership Role

    27 FEB

    Episode 68 Stuck or Ready For More? How to Choose Your Next Leadership Role

    In this episode, Sarah shares a practical four-part framework to help you decide your next leadership move when you’re feeling stuck, flat, or ready for more. If you’re successful on paper but something feels off, this episode will help you turn that restlessness into useful data and make a thoughtful, aligned career decision instead of drifting or making a reactive move. Whether your next step is redesigning your current role or moving on, Sarah walks you through how to reconnect with your energy, ambition, strengths, and the realities of the market so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy feeling restless in your role is not a problem, but valuable informationThe biggest mistake leaders make when choosing their next roleHow to avoid career drift and make intentional career decisionsA simple four-step framework to evaluate your next leadership moveHow to use your energy, successes, ambition, and market insight as decision toolsWhy your next move might be within your current organisation, not outside it Show Notes[00:00] Introduction to the podcast and Sarah’s mission [01:00] Why even successful leaders feel stuck The reality of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and losing alignment in senior roles. [01:40] Episode focus: Choosing your next leadership move Who this episode is for and why clarity matters before making a move. [02:40] The danger of reacting instead of reflecting How overwhelm and gratitude guilt keep leaders stuck or lead to poor decisions. [04:00] Restlessness is data, not failure Why your dissatisfaction is a signal to explore, not suppress. [05:00] Framework Part 1: Internal Signals – Your Energy Identifying what energises you, what drains you, and what that reveals. [06:30] Framework Part 2: Experiential Proof – Your Success Patterns Looking at your proudest moments and what they tell you about your strengths and direction. [08:00] Framework Part 3: Ambition – What You Really Want Clarifying your desired impact, challenge, growth, and learning. [08:50] Framework Part 4: Market Reality – What’s Available Understanding how your skills and experience align with real opportunities. [09:40] Your next move might be where you are How to assess whether to reshape your current role instead of leaving. [10:15] Connecting the dots to make the right decision Using the framework as criteria to evaluate future opportunities. [11:00] How to access Sarah’s leadership clarity framework How to request the tool and get support applying it. 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

    13 min
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About

Unstuck & Unstoppable is the go-to podcast for ambitious female leaders ready to amplify their impact, boost their income, and achieve career success on their own terms—without burning out or compromising their values. Hosted by Sarah Archer, a leadership coach and career strategist dedicated to empowering women in leadership, this show provides the tools, strategies, and inspiration you need to thrive in your career. Whether you’re looking to overcome imposter syndrome, enhance your leadership skills, or create a sustainable path to success, each episode will offer actionable insights, expert interviews, and real-life stories to help you take your career to the next level. It’s time to stop playing small, unlock your full potential, and create the impact you’re destined for. Tune in weekly to discover how you can lead boldly, live fully, and succeed with confidence and integrity.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Archer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sarah Archer
  • Show Website
    Unstuck & Unstoppable