Unstuck & Unstoppable

Sarah Archer
  • 5.0 (2)
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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 79 From Marketing Expert to Global Leader with Maria Norowzian

    5D AGO

    Episode 79 From Marketing Expert to Global Leader with Maria Norowzian

    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 leaderThe leap from “Head Of” to Director level leadershipWhy curiosity and growth mindset accelerate career successLearning through mistakes, failure and discomfortBuilding confidence in a bigger leadership roleLeading teams and managing cross-functional relationshipsHow coaching supports leadership growthThe importance of vision, calm and clarity in leadershipAmbition, hard work and finding flow in your careerCreating success and freedom on your own terms Timestamps00:00 – 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

    27 min
  2. Episode 78 Navigating Toxic Stakeholders and Difficult Bosses

    MAY 8

    Episode 78 Navigating Toxic Stakeholders and Difficult Bosses

    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 ControllerThe Political OperatorThe 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

    16 min
  3. Episode 77 Rethinking Rest: What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off

    MAY 1

    Episode 77 Rethinking Rest: What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off

    Are you doing everything “right”- sleeping, exercising, pushing through your workload yet still feeling drained? In this episode, Sarah challenges the way we think about rest. For high-performing female leaders, exhaustion isn’t always about doing too much - it’s often about recovering in the wrong way. You’ll learn why traditional ideas of rest fall short, and how to restore your energy more effectively using seven powerful (and often overlooked) types of rest. What You’ll LearnWhy sleep alone isn’t enough to restore your energyThe hidden reason high performers still feel exhaustedThe 7 types of rest and how to recognise what you’re missingSimple, practical ways to build recovery into your working dayWhy rest isn’t a reward - it’s essential maintenance for performance Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 01:00 – Why rest needs a rethink for high performers 02:00 – Energy check: where are you right now? 03:00 – The real problem: under-rested, not burned out 03:30 – Default habits: pushing through, scrolling, switching off 05:00 – Why high performers struggle with recovery 05:30 – Mental rest: calming an overactive mind 06:30 – Physical rest: micro-recovery during the day 07:30 – Emotional rest: managing the invisible load 08:30 – Reflection: which type of rest are you missing? 09:00 – Social rest: balancing interaction and energy 10:00 – Sensory rest: reducing constant stimulation 11:30 – Creative rest: bringing in new input 12:30 – Spiritual rest: reconnecting with meaning and values 13:00 – Personal example: using values to shift energy 14:00 – Why rest is not a reward but maintenance 14:30 – Client story: rebuilding energy after promotion 15:00 – How to choose the one type of rest to focus on 15:30 – Final thoughts and next steps Key TakeawayYou don’t need to push harder - you need to recover better. When you identify the right type of rest your body and mind need, everything from your energy to your confidence and performance becomes easier. Want more ideas for each type of rest? Send Sarah a message for her free guide Request the Emotions Wheel to help you better identify and process how you feel 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

    16 min
  4. Episode 76 How to Position Yourself For Promotion in the Next 6 Months

    APR 24

    Episode 76 How to Position Yourself For Promotion in the Next 6 Months

    In this episode, Sarah challenges a common belief about promotion: that it’s purely based on performance. Drawing on her experience in HR leadership and executive coaching, she reveals why promotions are often blocked by hesitation, not capability, and what you can do to change how decision-makers see you. If you’re aiming for your next senior role, this episode will show you exactly how to position yourself so that promotion feels like the obvious next step. What You’ll Learn Why performance alone doesn’t get you promotedThe real reason senior leaders hesitate in promotion decisionsThe 4 key signals that show you’re ready for the next levelHow to shift perception in the next 6 monthsA simple but powerful communication shift that changes how you’re seen Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and who it’s for [00:01:00] A powerful mindset shift: imagining the promotion discussion happening without you [00:02:00] Why promotions are blocked by hesitation - not performance [00:03:00] The hidden gap: “certainty of perception” [00:04:00] Case study: why Client B got promoted over Client A [00:05:00] Overview of the 4 signals that get you promoted [00:05:30] Signal 1: Thinking beyond your function [00:06:30] Signal 2: Handling ambiguity and pressure [00:07:30] Signal 3: Stepping out of the operational “weeds” [00:08:00] Signal 4: Already operating at the next level [00:09:00] Why making your ambition visible matters [00:09:45] The risk of silence: being seen as “content” where you are [00:10:00] One strategic shift: stop reporting, start interpreting [00:10:30] Final takeaway: promotion is about perception, not just performance Key Takeaway You don’t get promoted because you’ve done a great job—you get promoted when people can already see you operating at the next level. Your role is to remove any doubt that you’re ready. Useful Links Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes 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
  5. Episode 75 How to Work Effectively with Executive Recruiters

    APR 17

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

    APR 10

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

    APR 3

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

    MAR 27

    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
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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
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sarah Archer
  • Show Website
    Unstuck & Unstoppable