UNSHAKEABLE HER: Get Promoted by Building Leadership, Influence and Confidence (For Women Done Being Overlooked)

Caroline Esterson from Inspire Your Genius
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You're already leading. So why does it still feel like nobody's noticed? Unshakeable Her is the leadership podcast for ambitious women who are done second-guessing themselves in systems that weren't designed for them. Every week we get into the promotion strategies that get you recognised for the leader you already are by exploring the real science of leadership confidence, the unwritten rules of influence, and how to build the kind of presence that makes promotion inevitable. Hosted by Caroline Esterson - a leadership development specialist with 30 years inside hundreds of organisations, who knows exactly why brilliant women get overlooked and what to do about it. This podcast offers practical, repeatable ways to build influence, confidence, and career momentum. Each week you'll learn: How to build the visibility and strategic positioning that gets you promoted.How to lead with more influence without losing yourself in the process.The science behind imposter syndrome in leadership (and what actually shifts it) so you can get promoted.With new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, ‘Unshakeable Her’ delivers stories, strategy, and insight to help you become someone nobody can shake. New here?  Episode #7 is your imposter syndrome reset. Episode #56 is where leadership finally clicks.

  1. 2d ago

    #106 | Why Being Attacked at Work Could Become Your Greatest Leadership Advantage & Amplify Your Influence, If You Respond Like THIS

    Have you ever felt like someone was quietly trying to damage your reputation at work while everyone else carried on as though nothing was happening? Being attacked at work can leave you questioning yourself, replaying conversations, and wondering how to protect your reputation without making the situation worse. In this final episode of the trilogy, you'll learn practical strategies to safeguard your influence, strengthen your leadership advantage, and respond with intention instead of emotion. By the end of this episode, you'll discover: Three practical strategies to protect your reputation, influence, and leadership advantage when you're attacked at work.A mindset shift that helps you transform a reputational attack into an opportunity for stronger leadership.How emotional regulation, documentation, and strategic thinking can help you build credibility that outlasts workplace gossip and misinformation.If you're ready to stop letting workplace attacks define your story and start building the kind of influence that lasts, this episode will give you practical tools you can use immediately. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  2. 4d ago

    #105 | The Most Important Leadership Skill That Resets Your Influence After An Attack On Your Reputation

    Ever found yourself lying awake at 2 A.M., replaying a conversation and wondering how your reputation ended up under attack? If you've ever been falsely accused, misrepresented, or watched your credibility quietly erode through gossip or insinuation, this episode explains what's really happening inside your brain. You'll discover why reputational attacks trigger the same neurological response as physical danger, why your mind refuses to let the situation go, and how developing the right leadership skill can help you protect both your reputation and your influence—even before the external situation is resolved. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your brain treats attacks on your reputation as a genuine survival threat—and why your first instinct is often your amygdala, not your best judgment.How the Zeigarnik Effect keeps unresolved situations replaying in your mind, and what you can do to begin closing the loop internally.Practical leadership strategies for supporting colleagues under reputational attack, disrupting workplace gossip, and strengthening your influence through calm, consistent action.Listen now to understand the science behind reputational attacks and learn practical strategies that will help you protect your reputation, strengthen your leadership skill, and build lasting influence when it matters most. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  3. 6d ago

    #104 | The Reputation Mistake That Makes Brilliant Leaders Lose Influence & Get Overlooked for Promotion

    Have you ever watched your reputation take a hit even though you know you've done nothing wrong—and wondered whether staying silent makes you look guilty? When your credibility comes under attack, your first instinct is often to explain, defend yourself, or fight back. But that reaction can sometimes make the situation worse. In this episode, you'll discover why reputation is something you need to actively protect long before a crisis appears, how workplace narratives are formed, and what to do when your promotion is at risk because of someone else's agenda—not your performance. You'll hear real-world examples of how reputations are quietly damaged through gossip, insinuation, and stolen credit, along with insights inspired by reputation expert Jon McLeod on why your reputation should be treated like an organ of the body: something that requires ongoing care rather than emergency intervention. By listening, you'll discover: How to identify the reputation mistake that quietly undermines your chances of promotion—even when your work is exceptional.Why timing matters when responding to attacks on your credibility, and how reacting too soon can strengthen the narrative against you.Practical strategies to protect your professional reputation, regulate your response, and position yourself for long-term career success.If you want to strengthen your reputation, avoid costly career setbacks, and improve your chances of your next promotion, this episode will help you respond with confidence instead of reaction. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  4. Jul 17

    #103 | People Aren't Mind Readers & Your Silence Is Slowly Costing You Leadership Influence and Promotion Prospects

    Have you ever walked away from a conversation convinced you communicated clearly—only to discover the other person heard something completely different? Your leadership influence isn't determined only by what you say. It's shaped by how your message is received. In this episode, you'll discover why communication breakdowns quietly erode trust, how to rebuild relationships before they're beyond repair, and why adapting your communication style is one of the fastest ways to strengthen your influence and position yourself for promotion. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify what different people need from conversations so you can build trust faster and strengthen your leadership influence.A simple framework for preventing misunderstandings before they become lasting relationship problems that affect your promotion opportunities.Three practical actions you can use immediately to rebuild trust, communicate with greater impact, and become the kind of leader people genuinely want to follow.Resources: Identify you communication preference and apply the four communication styles in your workplace. Download HERE. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  5. Jul 15

    #102 | How To Flex Your Communication To Influence Anyone, Anywhere So You Get Noticed And Promoted

    Have you ever walked away from a conversation convinced you were clear—only to discover the other person heard something completely different? Your leadership and influence aren't determined solely by what you say. They're shaped by how your message is received. In this episode, we explore why different people interpret the exact same communication in completely different ways, how unconscious communication styles create misunderstandings, and why genuine listening is one of the most overlooked leadership skills. You'll also discover the Social Styles framework and learn how adapting your communication can strengthen trust, engagement, and team performance. By listening, you'll discover: Why listening for what people need—not just what they say—dramatically improves your leadership and influence.How the four Social Styles explain why the same message can produce completely different reactions across your team.Simple ways to adapt your communication style so you build stronger relationships, increase trust, and reduce costly misunderstandings.Resources: Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior (or, How to Understand Those Who Cannot Be Understood) by Thomas Erikson If you want to become a leader who creates clarity, earns trust, and develops lasting leadership and influence, this episode will give you practical insights you can apply in your very next conversation. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  6. Jul 13

    #101 | Why Going Silent When You’re Under Pressure Makes Your Team Lose Trust With You & Damages Your Influence.

    What message are your team members hearing when you stop communicating under pressure? When work becomes overwhelming, many leaders naturally turn inward. But while silence may feel like the best way to cope, the people around you may interpret it very differently. In this episode, you'll discover how the gap between intention and interpretation can quietly erode trust, reduce engagement, and weaken your effectiveness as a leader. By listening, you'll learn: How your default communication style shapes your leadership & influence—even when you aren't speaking.Why different people interpret the same silence in completely different ways, and how that impacts trust and retention.One simple question you can ask today to rebuild connection before misunderstandings become lasting relationship problems.Listen now to discover how small communication shifts can strengthen your leadership & influence, build deeper trust, and help your team feel seen—even when the pressure is at its highest. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  7. Jul 10

    #100 | 3 Small Shifts To Ramp Up Your Influence And Make Your Leadership Unshakeable

    Have you ever wondered why being trusted, reliable, and great at your job still isn't translating into the opportunities you deserve? In this milestone 100th episode, we bring together the biggest lessons from this week's series on influence and leadership. You'll discover why promotions aren't just earned through excellent work, how informal moments create lasting influence, and the three practical actions you can take this week to become someone decision-makers can't ignore. Along the way, you'll hear why a determined Belgian Malinois, a career-defining motorway moment, and The Climb by Miley Cyrus all point to the same leadership lesson. By the end of this episode, you'll learn: How to create influence through small, intentional conversations that build stronger leadership relationships.Why solving the need beneath the request makes you indispensable instead of simply dependable.How one courageous decision to stop "driving away" can transform your confidence, visibility, and career trajectory.If you're ready to strengthen your influence, grow your leadership, and take practical steps toward the career that's truly possible, this episode will give you a roadmap you can put into action today. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

  8. Jul 8

    #99 | Which Conversation Are You Avoiding That Your Leadership, Influence And Promotion Actually Depends On?

    What if the biggest obstacle to your influence isn't your ability—it's the way your workday is structured? If you're a leader who consistently delivers results but still struggles to build visibility and influence, this episode reveals why. You'll discover the neuroscience behind why informal conversations create stronger relationships than formal meetings, hear a defining career story about choosing courage over comfort, and learn how today's workplace has unintentionally made leadership influence harder to build. In this episode, you'll discover: Why your brain builds trust and influence more effectively during informal conversations than scheduled meetings.The leadership lesson that transformed a high-pressure client conflict into one of the most important moments of long-term influence.Three practical ways to intentionally create the informal moments that strengthen your influence, leadership, and professional reputation.If you're ready to become the leader people naturally trust, follow, and remember long after the meeting ends, this episode will show you where real influence is built—and how to create more of it. Resources mentioned in this episode: Reinventing the Water Cooler (and Why It Matters) – ZRG Partners: Matthew Lieberman TEDx Talk – The Social Brain and Its SuperpowersNew episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Stuck, simmering, or onto something juicy? I want to hear it. Drop me a line at caroline@inspireyourgenius.com - I read them all. And here is the Spotify Playlist to accompany UnShakeable Her. Unshakeable Her is the podcast for women in leadership who are ready to build real influence, earn the promotion they deserve, and lead with confidence in systems that weren't built for them. Each episode tackles the challenges that shape leadership from the inside out, including imposter syndrome, resilience, credibility, boundaries, conflict, and feedback, while unpacking how pressure, workplace politics, strategic thinking, decision-making, and visibility affect the way ambitious women grow, lead, and get promoted without losing themselves in the process.

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You're already leading. So why does it still feel like nobody's noticed? Unshakeable Her is the leadership podcast for ambitious women who are done second-guessing themselves in systems that weren't designed for them. Every week we get into the promotion strategies that get you recognised for the leader you already are by exploring the real science of leadership confidence, the unwritten rules of influence, and how to build the kind of presence that makes promotion inevitable. Hosted by Caroline Esterson - a leadership development specialist with 30 years inside hundreds of organisations, who knows exactly why brilliant women get overlooked and what to do about it. This podcast offers practical, repeatable ways to build influence, confidence, and career momentum. Each week you'll learn: How to build the visibility and strategic positioning that gets you promoted.How to lead with more influence without losing yourself in the process.The science behind imposter syndrome in leadership (and what actually shifts it) so you can get promoted.With new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, ‘Unshakeable Her’ delivers stories, strategy, and insight to help you become someone nobody can shake. New here?  Episode #7 is your imposter syndrome reset. Episode #56 is where leadership finally clicks.

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