Unstuck & Unstoppable

Sarah Archer
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

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 83 From Operational HR to People Director - the Power of Authenticity with Helen Cook

    3d ago

    Episode 83 From Operational HR to People Director - the Power of Authenticity with Helen Cook

    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 EpisodeFinding a career that aligns with your strengths and valuesBuilding a successful career in HR and people leadershipNavigating self-doubt and imposter syndromeLeading authentically rather than copying othersBalancing career ambitions with family responsibilitiesLessons learned from stepping into senior leadership rolesWhy leadership isn't a raceThe value of coaching during career transitionsDeveloping confidence and self-awareness as a leaderWhat it means to be unstuck and unstoppable Timestamps00:00 – 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

    29 min
  2. Episode 82 Stop Waiting For Permission To Lead With Natalie Nielson

    Jun 5

    Episode 82 Stop Waiting For Permission To Lead With Natalie Nielson

    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 EpisodeWhy waiting for permission can hold your career backHow to get out of your own way and quiet self-doubtThe relationship between confidence and experienceNavigating the transition into senior leadershipWhy reflection is an underrated leadership superpowerThe importance of asking for help and building support networksCreating trust and meaning within teamsDeveloping an authentic leadership styleLearning from role models and increasing your influenceReflection before reaction as a leadership habitWhat it really means to be unstuck and unstoppable Timestamps00:00 – 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

    27 min
  3. Episode 81 Why Smart Successful Women Stay Stuck in Careers They've Outgrown

    May 29

    Episode 81 Why Smart Successful Women Stay Stuck in Careers They've Outgrown

    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 internallyYour work no longer feels meaningful or energisingYou’re questioning your next career move but don’t know where to startYou’re stuck between security and wanting something more Time Stamps[00:00] Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable[01:35] Why this topic mattersThe hidden experience of feeling disconnected from a career that looks successful on paper. [02:15] Sarah’s personal experience as an HR DirectorWhy reaching a senior leadership role didn’t bring the fulfilment she expected. [03:00] Signs you may have outgrown your roleCommon indicators including: Emotional flatnessChronic overthinkingLoss of confidenceSunday dreadFeeling underutilisedBurnout and exhaustionFantasising about escape [04:40] Burnout, exhaustion, and the need for different types of restSarah 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 longThe deeper reasons women struggle to move on, including: Identity attachmentResponsibility to othersFear of regretFinancial pressurePerfectionismWaiting for certaintyLoyaltyConfidence erosionFear of disappointing others [09:10] Why clarity comes through actionWhy you do not need to have everything figured out before making a move. [09:50] The 3 levels of career changeSarah explains: The ShiftThe PivotThe Leap Including real client examples of successful career transitions. [11:40] Practical ways to regain clarityQuestions and exercises to help you explore what needs to change: Notice your energy patternsReconnect with your valuesExplore possibilities without pressureHave career conversationsIncrease confidence and visibilityConsider what kind of life and work you want now [14:15] Final thoughts and encouragementOutgrowing your role does not mean you’ve failed - it means you’ve changed. [14:35] How to work with SarahInformation 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

    16 min
  4. Episode 80 Reinventing Your Career: From Comfortable to Courageous with Sarah Warrington

    May 20

    Episode 80 Reinventing Your Career: From Comfortable to Courageous with Sarah Warrington

    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 DiscussKnowing when a career path no longer fitsLeaving a “safe” profession early in your careerBuilding a meaningful career in higher education marketingThe importance of values alignment at workWhy visibility and asking for opportunities mattersNegotiating flexible working successfullyCareer coaching and building confidenceManaging your inner criticCompassionate leadership and emotional intelligenceLeadership in fast-paced startup environmentsBalancing ambitious work with family, wellbeing and personal growth Timestamps00:00 – 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

    24 min
  5. Episode 79 From Marketing Expert to Global Leader with Maria Norowzian

    May 15

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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5
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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
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Sarah Archer
  • Show Website
    Unstuck & Unstoppable

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