2D AGO

Episode 60 Design Your Leadership journey for 2026

In this first episode of the New Year, Sarah invites you to step back from the day-to-day demands of work and intentionally design your leadership journey for the year ahead. Whether you’re listening in January or later in the year, this episode will help you move out of “autopilot mode” and into conscious, values-led career decision-making. Sarah shares practical reflections, coaching insights, and powerful questions to help you clarify what you want for your career – not just what you want at work. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure about what’s next, or driven more by others’ agendas than your own, this episode is for you. Show Notes[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable [01:45] Episode 60: Designing your leadership journey for 2026 Why this is the perfect time to set intentions for your career (and why you can do this at any time of year). [02:45] The danger of running your career on autopilot How slipping into “unconscious mode” can leave you at the whim of organisational decisions, other people’s careers, or knee-jerk reactions. [03:45] The benefits of being intentional about your career How clarity, purpose, authenticity, self-leadership, and alignment support sustainable career success. [05:00] A real-life example of unconscious career decision-making A coaching conversation that highlights why stepping back before making a move matters. [06:30] How to become more intentional: 3 key areas to focus on [06:45] 1. Increase your self-awareness Understanding your why, what drives you, and how your work connects to your values. [07:30] Discovering your “why” Why it can feel hard to articulate – and how values, energy, and enjoyment offer clues. [08:30] What do you love, and what don’t you love? Using simple reflection to identify what to increase, reduce, delegate, or change in your role. [09:45] 2. Develop your career success criteria Why success is more than job title and pay – and how to define success on your own terms. [11:00] Sarah shares her own career success criteria Examples including impact, financial freedom, challenge, learning, and flexibility – and how these guide decision-making. [13:00] 3. Answering the “what next?” question How clarity on your why and success criteria makes future career decisions easier and more confident. [14:00] Creating a plan and checking in with yourself Staying intentional through regular reflection and adjustment. [14:45] Final reflections and encouragement Why it’s never too late to choose intentionality in your career. [15:00] How to get support Invitation to reach out for coaching and explore free resources. Being intentional about your career isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about choosing to lead yourself with clarity, purpose, and courage. ✨ Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable. Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group a...

17 min

12/27/2025

Episode 59 Career Happiness Chceck In: Are you leading the life you want to live?

In this reflective end-of-year episode, Sarah guides you through a powerful Career Happiness Check-In to help you understand whether your work is truly giving you what you need. Using the Career Happiness Wheel, she walks you step-by-step through assessing where you're thriving, where you’re feeling stuck, and what small, practical actions can move the dial toward more joy, purpose, and fulfillment at work. If you’ve been feeling flat, disconnected, or simply unsure about your next step, this episode will help you reconnect with what matters and take back a sense of agency in your career. Show Notes00:00 — Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 02:00 — Why doing a career happiness check-in matters 02:30 — Work takes up 92,000 hours - why it deserves attention 03:00 — The importance of awareness: Are you actually happy at work? 03:30 — Why high-achieving women rarely pause to reflect 03:50 — Overview of today’s framework + three actions to take 04:00 — Three signs it might be time for a shift 04:15 — Sign 1: Successful on paper but feeling flat 04:40 — Episode 58 on Success Fatigue (referenced) 04:55 — Sign 2: You’ve outgrown your role or organization 05:15 — Sign 3: You’re putting everyone else first 05:45 — Introducing the Career Happiness Wheel 06:00 — How to create and label your wheel 06:30 — Possible segment labels: challenge, culture, learning, expertise, recognition, values, balance, team, progression 07:00 — Scoring each segment and shading your wheel 07:45 — Using the visual to spot areas of strength and areas needing attention 08:00 — Taking a macro view: What do you want your wheel to look like in 6–12 months? 08:30 — Choosing one area and breaking it down: example - work-life balance 09:00 — Practical questions to improve balance (boundaries, support, deadlines, delegation) 09:40 — Three actions to take this week 09:50 — Action 1: One small action that energizes you 10:20 — Action 2: Have one honest conversation 10:50 — Action 3: Book 30 minutes of monthly “career thinking” time 11:20 — Revisit your wheel every 3 months to track progress 11:50 — Why this exercise matters: You deserve meaningful, joyful work 12:15 — Invitation to share your Career Happiness Wheel outcomes 12:40 — Where to find resources and how to connect Useful Links Episode 58 What to do if you're experiencing success fatigue Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review...

13 min

12/19/2025

Episode 58 What to do if you are experiencing success fatigue?

In this episode, Sarah explores a topic many high-achieving women experience but rarely talk about: Success Fatigue. If you’ve reached a point in your career where things look great on paper but inside you feel flat, disconnected, or wonder “Is this it?” - this episode will help you understand what’s going on and what to do next. You’ll learn what success fatigue really is, how to tell it apart from burnout or boredom, the deeper causes behind it, and three practical steps to regain meaning, motivation, and clarity in your career. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What success fatigue is and isn’tWhy high achievers are particularly vulnerable to itThe four common causes that trigger this feelingHow to reconnect with meaning and energy in your workHow to redefine success for the next stage of your careerPractical tools like job crafting to shift things without drastic change Show Notes 00:00 — Introduction 01:00 — Today’s Topic: Success Fatigue Why this topic matters for female leaders. 02:00 — What Is Success Fatigue? How it feels, why it’s not burnout or boredom, and common signs. 03:00 — Emotional & Mental Fatigue That “Is this it?” feeling and the sense of flatness after achieving big goals. 04:00 — Signs You Might Be Experiencing It Disengagement, cynicism, lack of excitement, going through the motions. 05:00 — Four Core Causes Success by defaultEmotional depletionThe goal treadmill & hedonic treadmillMisaligned values 09:00 — Normalising the Experience Why this isn’t a failure -it’s a sign of growth. 10:00 — Step 1: Pause & Acknowledge How to understand what’s really going on without gaslighting yourself. 11:00 — Step 2: Reconnect With Meaning What “meaningful work” actually means and how to identify your personal sources of meaning. 12:00 — Job Crafting Tools Task, relationship and mindset crafting to reshape your current role. 14:00 — Step 3: Redefine Your Success Criteria Updating your definition of success so it reflects your life now, not who you were 10–20 years ago. 15:00 — Recalibrating Your Career Why small shifts not big leaps are often enough. 16:00 — Using Success Fatigue as a Wake-Up Call How reflection can set you up for the next phase of your career. 16:30 — How Coaching Can Help An invitation to connect if you want support navigating this transition. Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank...

18 min

12/12/2025

Episode 57 How To Be A Resilient Leader in Uncertain Times

Sarah explores what it really means to be a resilient leader in a world of constant change, uncertainty, and competing demands. From navigating restructures and shifting expectations to managing your own wellbeing while supporting your team - resilience is no longer optional, it’s essential. You’ll learn three powerful practices to strengthen your emotional resilience, adopt a more adaptive mindset, and lead with empathy, even when everything around you feels unpredictable. Sarah also shares real client stories that show you’re not alone in facing decision fatigue, change fatigue, and the pressures of leadership. If you're ready to stay steady, centred, and impactful no matter what’s happening around you, this episode will support you in putting your own oxygen mask on first so you can lead with clarity and confidence. Shownotes01:00 – Today’s Topic: Navigating Change & Uncertainty Why resilience matters more than ever in the modern workplace. 02:00 – From VUCA to BANI Introducing the BANI framework - brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible - why it feels even more unsettling than VUCA, and what it means for leaders today. 04:00 – The Leadership Pressure Cooker Balancing your own wellbeing while supporting your team, dealing with shifting demands, and why uncertainty affects everyone. 05:00 – Client Story #1: The CMO in Constant Change How one leader navigated restructures, rebrands, and an exhausted team—while integrating enthusiastic new hires. 06:30 – Client Story #2: Leading Under a Changeable CEO Handling unclear priorities, changing direction, and decision fatigue while trying to deliver major projects. 07:30 – You’re Not Alone Why so many leaders feel overwhelmed and how shared experience can help. Three Foundations of Resilient Leadership 08:00 – 1. Emotional Resilience Why responding rather than reacting matters, and the power of a simple pause practice. 08:30 – The Pause Practice Explained Using breath to regulate your nervous system and make better decisions—even in high-pressure moments. 09:30 – Practical Examples How to use pause techniques before senior meetings, tricky conversations, or urgent decisions. 10:00 – 2. Cultivating an Adaptive Mindset How resilient leaders see uncertainty as an opportunity for growth. 10:30 – Reframing Your Self-Talk Shifting from “Why me?” to “What can I learn here?” and why this conscious mindset shift matters. 11:30 – 3. Leading with Empathy & Connection How to anchor your team during uncertainty without feeling like you must have all the answers. 12:00 – A Powerful Question for Your Team “What do you need from me right now?” — and why this creates agency, clarity, and calm. 12:30 – Using the Question for Yourself Applying the same reflection to your own support and wellbeing. 13:00 – Bringing It All Together Sarah recaps the three strategies and invites listeners to reflect on which one resonates most. 13:40 – A Final Reminder You don’t need to be perfect - you just need to stay grounded, compassionate, and willing to support yourself first. Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes a...

15 min

12/05/2025

Episode 56 Are you a self-compassionate leader?

In this episode Sarah explores one of the most overlooked yet transformational leadership skills: self-compassion. So many ambitious women lead with empathy for others but are relentlessly hard on themselves. Sarah breaks down why self-compassion isn’t soft or indulgent - it’s a strategic leadership advantage. If you’ve ever felt “not good enough,” replayed mistakes, or pushed yourself to burnout levels, this episode will help you shift into a kinder, more effective, and more sustainable leadership style. What You’ll Learn What self-compassion really is (and isn’t)The three pillars of self-compassionHow your inner critic gets in the way of leadership effectivenessSimple techniques to create a more compassionate internal dialogueHow self-compassion improves team performance, resilience, and confidenceA weekly practice to start becoming a more self-compassionate leader Show Notes 01:00 – Why Feeling “Stuck” Happens at Every Level Normalising self-doubt and imposter feelings — even for senior leaders. 02:00 – Today’s Topic: Are You a Self-Compassionate Leader? Why self-compassion matters and how it affects leadership performance. 02:30 – How High-Achieving Women Talk to Themselves Common phrases Sarah hears from clients and the toll this negative self-talk takes. 03:00 – A Client Story: The Compassionate Leader Who Was Brutal with Herself A powerful example from a senior tech leader who created a safe, high-performing team — but silently battled her inner critic. 04:00 – Consequences of an Unmanaged Inner Critic Burnout, indecision, perfectionism, and career self-sabotage. 04:45 – Why We Don’t Notice Our Inner Critic Understanding how long-held thought patterns become automatic. 05:00 – Why We Don’t Need to “Eliminate” the Inner Critic Its protective role — and why the goal is to develop an inner coach instead. 05:40 – Introducing a Self-Compassion Practice How compassion builds the foundation for managing fear-based self-talk. 06:00 – The Research: Why Self-Compassion Is a Strength Resilience, emotional intelligence, stress reduction — and why kindness is strategic. 06:40 – The Three Pillars of Self-Compassion Self-kindness over self-judgmentCommon humanity over isolationMindfulness over over-identification 07:20 – How Over-Identification Fuels Rumination Why noticing your thoughts is more powerful than believing them. 08:00 – Technique 1: Awareness & Noticing Your Inner Critic How to identify triggers and write down the language you use with yourself. 09:00 – Technique 2: What Would You Say to a Friend? Reframing your self-talk with compassion and perspective. 09:40 – Technique 3: Reframing Critical Thoughts Turning “I failed” into “I’m learning” — without damaging your sense of self. 10:30 – Technique 4: A Micro Self-Compassion Check-In A moment to breathe, acknowledge difficulty, and ask: What do I need right now? 11:00 – Using Tone & Touch to Soothe the Nervous System How gentle tone, a self-hug, or hand-stroking can reduce stress. 12:00 – Bringing It All Together A summary of the steps and how to blend them into daily leadership. 12:40 – Weekly Reflection Questions Where does your inner critic show up? What triggers it? What’s one act of self-compassion you can choose this...

15 min

11/28/2025

Episode 55 How to Increase Your Visibility As A Leader Using LinkedIn

In this episode, Sarah dives into one of the biggest challenges many female leaders face: visibility. Whether you want to create more impact in your organisation, develop your personal leadership brand, or open the door to new opportunities, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to help you get seen, heard and recognised. Sarah breaks down how to use LinkedIn with confidence and authenticity, offering practical tips, mindset shifts and real-life client examples to make visibility feel achievable-not awkward. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership presence online, this episode will give you a clear pathway to start. Show Notes01:00 – The Purpose of Today’s Episode Why visibility matters for leaders and why LinkedIn is one of the most effective platforms to build your leadership presence. 02:00 – Why Visibility Feels Hard How conditioning around humility, not wanting to “show off,” and fear of judgement holds many women back. 03:00 – Visibility Beyond Job Searching Why LinkedIn shouldn’t only be used when job hunting-and how it supports long-term career strategy, influence and recognition. 04:00 – Client Success Story How a senior marketing manager used her leadership brand and consistent LinkedIn engagement to grow her confidence, get noticed internally and step into a Head of Department role. 05:00 – Starting with Your Personal Leadership Brand Understanding who you are as a leader, what you stand for and how you want to be known. 07:00 – Using Your Voice on LinkedIn How to share insights, lessons learned and thought leadership—beyond simply posting achievements. 08:00 – Telling Your Leadership Story Making your experience useful to others, choosing what to share and linking it to your values. 09:00 – Communicating Your Passions & Strengths Highlighting topics that matter to you-such as inclusion, wellbeing, innovation and positioning yourself as the “go-to” person. 10:00 – Noticing Resistance & Mindset Barriers Why caring about visibility can feel uncomfortable, and how to recognise mindset blocks that may need reframing. 11:00 – A Key Question to Ask Yourself “If someone landed on your LinkedIn profile today, would they know what kind of leader you are?” 12:00 – Practical LinkedIn Profile Optimisation Auditing your banner, photo, headline, About section and recommendations to ensure they reflect your leadership brand. 14:00 – Posting & Engagement Strategy Starting from your current comfort level—whether that’s liking, commenting or posting—and stretching gradually. 15:00 – Being Strategic With Your Network Connecting intentionally with peers, industry leaders and potential future hiring managers. 16:00 – What to Post Using visuals, carousels, shared content and storytelling to create engagement and spark conversation. 17:00 – Engagement as a Two-Way Street Replying to comments, uplifting others, tagging people and sharing others’ work to build visibility and community. 18:00 – Your Weekly Action Choosing one small, doable action to increase your visibility this week. 19:00 – Closing Thoughts & Resources A reminder that visibility isn’t about showing off-it’s about sharing your impact authentically and helping others. Plus, access to free resources and a call to subscribe, review and share. Useful Links a href="https://unstuck-unstoppable.captivate.fm/episode/episode-13-how-to-develop-your-personal-brand-authentically/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

20 min

11/21/2025

Episode 54 The Hidden Ways Imposter Syndrome Shows Up For Successful Women

In this episode Sarah explores the subtle yet powerful ways imposter feelings show up for high-achieving women-often without them realising. From overthinking to perfectionism to holding back in meetings, Sarah breaks down eight common patterns she sees in her clients and shares a simple but effective mindset tool you can start using today. If imposter feelings have been draining your confidence, energy, or ambition, this episode will help you recognise the signs and take your first steps toward breaking free. Show Notes[00:00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable [00:01:00] – Why Imposter Feelings Matter The hidden ways imposter feelings show up for successful women. Inspired by a recent LinkedIn poll, she highlights overthinking and self-doubt as the two most common manifestations. [00:02:00] – Awareness Is Step One Imposter feelings are sneaky, often long-established patterns. Sarah explains why becoming aware of how they show up is crucial before you can change them. [00:02:30] – Webinar Announcement Sarah invites listeners to her upcoming webinar: How to Break Free From Imposter Syndrome and Shine as a Leader (25th November). [00:03:00] – Imposter Feelings in Practice Sarah shares how imposter feelings affected her early leadership career-leading to over-preparation, comparison, anxiety, and eventually burnout. [00:04:00] – What Imposter Feelings Really Are She reframes “imposter syndrome” as “imposter feelings” and describes them as a psychological pattern-not a personal flaw. Patterns can be changed. [00:05:30] – The 8 Hidden Ways Imposter Feelings Show Up Sarah introduces eight subtle but common behaviours driven by imposter feelings. The 8 Hidden Ways Imposter Feelings Show Up 1. [00:06:00] Over-Preparation / Perfectionism Feeling you must deliver perfectly, leading to burnout, procrastination, and risk-aversion. 2. [00:07:00] Downplaying Achievements Attributing success to luck or others, which diminishes your visibility and value in the eyes of others. 3. [00:07:30] Holding Back Opinions Staying silent in meetings to avoid being wrong-reducing influence and visibility. 4. [00:08:00] Avoiding Visibility Turning down opportunities that stretch you, limiting growth and career progression. 5. [00:09:00] Over-Apologising Using apologetic language unnecessarily, which can reduce perceived confidence. 6. [00:09:30] Comparisonitis Measuring your success against others rather than your own criteria, distracting from your own growth. 7. [00:10:00] Second-Guessing & Overthinking Overthinking minor or major decisions, causing procrastination, missed opportunities, and decision fatigue. 8. [00:11:00] Taking On Too Much Saying yes to everything or micromanaging to “prove yourself,” often resulting in burnout and appearing less strategic. [00:12:30] – The Fear of Changing What “Works” Sarah acknowledges the fear many women have: If I stop doing these behaviours, will I still be successful? She explains why the answer is yes and how letting go can unlock more effective leadership. [00:13:00] – Mini Mindset Exercise: Naming Your Inner Critic Sarah shares a practical technique for bringing the unconscious “imposter voice” into awareness: Name your inner critic to separate it from your identity.Identify its triggers.Present evidence to counter its claims.Use self-reassurance

18 min

11/14/2025

Episode 53 How to Stop Sabotaging Your Leadership Career

If you’ve ever found yourself holding back from going for that promotion, doubting your readiness for the next level, or replaying “what if” fears in your mind, this episode is for you. Sarah shares practical strategies, neuroscience-based insights, and mindset tools to help you stop getting in your own way so you can move forward in your leadership career with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re ready to make a bold career move or simply want to stop second-guessing yourself, this episode will help you understand what’s behind your fears and how to take empowering action. Show Notes[00:00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable [00:01:00] – Why Self-Sabotage Happens Sarah opens up about her own experiences with self-sabotage and how fear often lies at the root of it. [00:02:00] – Recognising Self-Sabotage in Your Career What it looks like when you’re getting in your own way - procrastination, overthinking, and talking yourself out of opportunities. [00:03:00] – The Four Core Fears Behind Self-Sabotage Fear of change, failure, making the wrong decision, and fear of what others might think. [00:04:00] – How Fear Keeps You Stuck The exhausting mental cycle of wanting change but feeling paralysed by fear. [00:05:00] – Early Beliefs and Conditioning How messages from childhood, school, and early career shape your beliefs about what’s possible. [00:06:00] – The Power of Other People’s Opinions How the need to please, meet expectations, or avoid judgment can hold you back from taking bold steps. [00:06:45] – The Role of Circumstances and Security Why financial or family responsibilities can heighten your fears about making a change. [00:07:00] – Step 1: Understand Your Fears How unpacking where your fears come from helps you manage and move through them. [00:07:20] – Step 2: Visualise a Positive Future Learn how to “direct a new movie” in your mind and why your brain responds powerfully to positive visualisation. [00:09:00] – Step 3: Turn Your Vision Into a Plan How to translate your positive vision into small, concrete actions that build confidence and reduce fear. [00:10:00] – Step 4: Take Action and Build Momentum Why taking even small steps forward helps you feel more in control and less afraid. [00:10:30] – Step 5: Surround Yourself with Positivity The importance of connecting with people who have a growth mindset and believe in what’s possible. [00:11:00] – Final Reflections and Invitation Sarah wraps up with encouragement to take action and invites listeners to reach out for support if they’re ready to stop self-sabotaging and step into leadership with confidence. Useful Links Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes Book a Free 121 Clarity Call Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Rate & Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple...

12 min

Unstuck & Unstoppable

Episode 60 Design Your Leadership journey for 2026

Episode 59 Career Happiness Chceck In: Are you leading the life you want to live?

Episode 58 What to do if you are experiencing success fatigue?

Episode 57 How To Be A Resilient Leader in Uncertain Times

Episode 56 Are you a self-compassionate leader?

Episode 55 How to Increase Your Visibility As A Leader Using LinkedIn

Episode 54 The Hidden Ways Imposter Syndrome Shows Up For Successful Women

Episode 53 How to Stop Sabotaging Your Leadership Career

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Unstuck & Unstoppable

Episodes

Episode 60 Design Your Leadership journey for 2026

Episode 59 Career Happiness Chceck In: Are you leading the life you want to live?

Episode 58 What to do if you are experiencing success fatigue?

Episode 57 How To Be A Resilient Leader in Uncertain Times

Episode 56 Are you a self-compassionate leader?

Episode 55 How to Increase Your Visibility As A Leader Using LinkedIn

Episode 54 The Hidden Ways Imposter Syndrome Shows Up For Successful Women

Episode 53 How to Stop Sabotaging Your Leadership Career

Trailer

About

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