2d ago

Episode 94 Rerun | How to boost your leadership confidence

In this episode, Sarah tackles a common challenge: maintaining and boosting leadership confidence amidst high expectations, decision-making pressures, and self-doubt. Tune in for actionable strategies, real-life examples, and tips to help you build a strong inner foundation for sustainable confidence and success. Show Notes[00:00:00] Introduction Overview of the podcast's mission and goals, and the importance of addressing leadership confidence. [00:01:00] Why Leadership Confidence Wobbles The pressures of leadership roles, including expectations from various stakeholders.How new challenges and decision-making responsibilities impact confidence.The influence of role models and past experiences on leadership style and self-perception. [00:04:00] Common Challenges for Female Leaders People-pleasing tendencies and imposter syndrome.Comparing yourself to seemingly confident peers.Recognizing that confidence wobbles are universal and temporary. [00:05:30] The Foundation of Leadership Confidence The importance of inner work to develop a resilient core of self-belief.How inner confidence impacts external trust and decision-making.Leadership confidence as a "muscle" that needs regular attention. [00:07:00] Working on Beliefs and Narratives How unconscious beliefs formed early in life shape leadership confidence.Examples of clients who redefined their narratives to embrace their authentic selves.Practical steps to identify and reframe limiting beliefs. [00:11:30] The Role of Triggers and Stories Identifying emotional triggers and their connection to deep-seated beliefs.Examining the stories we tell ourselves about success and failure. [00:13:00] Amplifying Your Leadership Brand Understanding your unique leadership strengths.The transformative power of redefining your leadership brand through reflection. [00:15:00] Key Takeaways Acknowledging when and why confidence wobbles occur.Practical actions: seeking support, recognizing triggers, and exploring your leadership narrative.The importance of continuous growth in leadership identity. [00:16:30] Invitation for Support Opportunities for listeners to explore confidence coaching.How to access additional resources on the CareerTree Coaching website. [00:17:00] Closing Remarks Encouragement to lead boldly, embrace your unique identity, and unlock your potential. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit. Useful Links Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries Will Change the Way You Live and Work. Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and be Your Full Self at Work with Sophie Jane Lee Episode 2: How to stop feeling like an imposter at work Watch the LinkedIn Live Recording 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. Don’t Forget to Subscribe! 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 Remember, you are unstoppable!

Aug 21

Episode 93 Rerun | How to stop feeling like an imposter at work

Today Sarah dives into the common but often unspoken experience of imposter feelings at work. If you've ever felt like a fraud or doubted your achievements, you're not alone—and this episode will help you kickstart the process of overcoming those thoughts. Episode Show Notes:[00:00] Introduction Meet your host, Sarah Archer, leadership coach and career strategist. Overview of the episode: imposter feelings and their impact. [01:15] What Are Imposter Feelings? Statistics: 70% of adults experience imposter feelings at some point. Triggering situations: new roles, promotions, or stepping out of comfort zones. [04:20] The Disconnect Between Perception and Reality Telltale signs of imposter feelings: doubting accomplishments and fearing exposure. The role of internalized rules and harsh self-judgment. [07:00] Roots of Imposter Feelings Potential origins: childhood, early career experiences, or authority fears. Sarah shares her personal story of overcoming imposter feelings. [10:10] The Brain’s Coping Mechanisms Strategies like perfectionism, avoidance, and overworking to manage feelings of exposure. The exhausting impact on confidence, career growth, and mental energy. [13:00] Breaking the Pattern Understanding imposter feelings as a psychological pattern, not a permanent state. Levels of change: environment, capabilities, beliefs, and identity. [15:30] Real-Life Transformation: Sally’s Story A client’s journey from imposter feelings to confidence in a new leadership role. The importance of embedding new thinking patterns. [17:30] Actionable Strategy: Identify and Reframe Your Rules Unearthing unhelpful rules with prompts: “If I were really smart, I would…”“I know I’ll be competent when…”“I should always…” Reframing rules as if advising a friend. [18:50] Final Thoughts and Next Steps Take time to identify unconscious rules and seek support if needed. Resources and coaching opportunities available on Sarah’s website. 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

Aug 14

Episode 92 Rerun | How to be successful in your next job interview

This episode focuses on mastering your mindset to increase your chances of success in job interviews. From mindset tips to practical strategies, Sarah provides the tools you need to ace your next interview and achieve your career aspirations. Show Notes [00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction [00:02:00] The Growing Complexity of Interviews Insights into why interviews are becoming more extensive and the commitment required from candidates. [00:03:00] Overcoming Negative Mindsets Learn how to shift your mindset from dread to confidence for interview success. [00:05:00] Harnessing Positive Experiences Reflect on past successful interviews to boost confidence and frame your preparation. [00:06:00] Reframing Nerves as Excitement Transform feelings of anxiety into excitement and embrace the opportunity to connect and showcase your skills. [00:09:00] Gaining Perspective Put interviews into context: they’re an opportunity to assess fit and not the sole determinant of your career. [00:11:00] Seeing Interviewers as Allies View your interviewers as potential colleagues who want you to succeed rather than as adversaries. [00:13:00] Power of Affirmations Discover how affirmations can rewire your brain to foster confidence and positivity. [00:15:00] Visualization Techniques Learn to use evidence-based visualization to rehearse and enhance your interview performance. [00:17:00] Final Encouragement and Resources Sarah shares additional resources and closes with an inspiring reminder of your potential. Remember, you are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable! Useful Links Watch the episode on LinkedIn Live 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

Aug 7

Episode 91 ReRun | Stay or Go? When to quit your job

In this episode Sarah tackles a dilemma that most professionals face at some point in their careers: Should I stay in my job, or is it time to leave? She explores the red flags that signal it’s time to move on, how to assess whether your dissatisfaction is fixable, and how to make a robust decision that aligns with your values and goals. Sarah also shares a step-by-step diagnostic to help you gain clarity and confidence in your next career move. Whether you’re feeling stuck, plateauing, or just unsure about your next step, this episode is packed with practical advice to guide you. Episode Show Notes: [00:00:00] Introduction: Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable. Sarah introduces the show and today’s topic, sharing why the decision to stay or leave a job is so challenging. [00:02:00] Clear Indicators It’s Time to Leave: Toxic work environments, mental health impacts, and lack of change or growth opportunities. [00:03:00] Subtler Signs of Dissatisfaction: Boredom, plateauing, or feeling stuck despite great perks or pay. [00:04:00] Diagnostic Questions to Gain Clarity: How to evaluate what’s wrong with your job and whether it can be fixed. [00:05:30] Assessing Growth Opportunities: Looking internally for new challenges, projects, or lateral moves within your organization. [00:06:30] Pros and Cons of Leaving vs. Staying: Weighing the benefits and trade-offs of each option. [00:07:30] Energy and Values Check-In: How energy levels and values alignment impact your career satisfaction and decision-making. [00:09:00] Conversations to Have: Talking to your boss, HR, mentors, or coaches to explore options and gain perspective. [00:10:00] Setting a Deadline for Decision-Making: Avoiding indecision by setting a firm timeline for your next steps. [00:11:00] Preparing for Your Next Move: Defining criteria for your next role, whether internal or external, and making time for your search or preparation. [00:12:30] Sarah’s Final Takeaway: “No decision is ever wrong; it’s simply the decision you made at the time.” Remember: Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable. Useful Links Stay or Go LinkedIn Live Recording Episode 7 Career Change Made Simple Episode 15 How to have a career conversation with your boss Episode 18 Why having a mentor will boost your career Episode 35 How to Fast track your promotion 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

Jul 31

Episode 90 What is Enough? Success, rest and redefining what you really want

Are you constantly asking yourself, "What's next?" The next promotion, pay rise or leadership opportunity? What if, instead of chasing more, you paused to ask a different question: What is enough? In this episode, Sarah explores how ambitious women can redefine success on their own terms. We'll look at the hidden cost of constantly moving the goalposts, why many of us inherit other people's definitions of success, and how to create success criteria that reflect what's truly important to you in this season of your life and career. If you've ever felt guilty for resting, struggled to celebrate your achievements, or questioned whether you're striving for goals that no longer feel aligned, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll discover:Why "enough" is a question more successful women need to ask themselves.How inherited beliefs about success influence our careers.The hidden costs of constantly striving for more.Why ambition isn't the problem – unconscious ambition is.Practical ways to define your own success criteria.Two powerful coaching questions to help you decide what enough looks like for you. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 01:35 – Why asking "What is enough?" matters 03:00 – Have you ever stopped to define success for yourself? 04:00 – Why success often becomes a moving target 04:45 – How we inherit our definitions of success 06:10 – The success criteria many women unconsciously adopt 07:00 – The hidden costs of never reaching "enough" 07:45 – Why this isn't about having less ambition 08:00 – Rest, guilt and constantly moving the goalposts 09:00 – What has your ambition given you – and what has it cost you? 09:40 – Identifying your personal success criteria 10:45 – Looking for clues in the lives of others 11:45 – My four personal success criteria 13:40 – Two coaching questions to define what enough looks like for you 15:00 – Designing the next season of your career and life 15:40 – How Sarah can help you create a career and life that's right for you Key Coaching Questions Take a few moments to reflect on these questions after listening: If no one else's expectations mattered, what would "enough" look like for this season of your life and career?Imagine yourself at 80 years old, looking back on your life. What would tell you that you had lived a good life and achieved enough? 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

Jul 24

Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries Will Change the Way You Live and Work.

Do you struggle to say no, even when you're overwhelmed? If you're constantly putting other people's needs before your own, taking on too much or feeling guilty whenever you try to protect your time, this episode is for you. Sarah explores why setting boundaries feels so difficult, especially for ambitious women in leadership. She explains how people pleasing is often a nervous system response rather than simply "being nice", and shares practical tools to help you communicate boundaries with confidence, maintain them consistently and create more space for the work and life that matters most. You'll learn four simple ways to express a boundary, discover the different areas where boundaries may be missing in your life, and understand how listening to your body's "embodied yes" can help you make decisions that align with your values. Small boundaries build self-trust, and self-trust changes everything. In this episode you'll discover: Why people pleasing is rooted in nervous system safetyWhat healthy boundaries really are (and what they aren't)The four simple ways to communicate a boundaryHow to confidently say no without over-explainingThe 3R method for holding boundaries when they're challengedThe eight areas of life where boundaries matter mostHow to recognise your body's "embodied yes"Why boundaries are an essential leadership skill for preventing burnout Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and why boundaries matter 02:00 Why people pleasing makes boundaries feel unsafe 04:20 What healthy boundaries really are 06:20 The four simple ways to set a boundary: 10:45 How to make your boundaries stick with the 3R Ladder: 13:30 The eight types of boundaries 16:00 Listening to your body 18:10 Why small boundaries build self-trust 19:20 Your challenge for the week Useful Links Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and Be Your Full Self at Work (with Sophie Jane Lee) Episode 19 How to Be More Assertive at Work Sophie Jane Lee's book Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women 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

Jul 17

Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and be Your Full Self at Work with Sophie Jane Lee

What if confidence isn't the thing you're missing? So many successful women have spent their lives being capable, dependable and high-achieving, yet still find themselves holding back at work and in life. They say yes when they mean no, struggle to set boundaries and worry about being seen as too much, too ambitious or too full of themselves. In this powerful conversation, Sarah is joined by author, speaker and founder of Electric Peach, Sophie Jane Lee, to explore the hidden ways women abandon themselves in pursuit of being more palatable to others. Drawing on the themes of her book Beyond Palatable: A Manifesto for Unapologetic Women, Sophie shares why the stories we tell ourselves shape the lives we create and why becoming unstuck isn't about fixing yourself – it's about becoming more fully yourself. Together they discuss self-abandonment, visibility, boundaries, people pleasing and why doing the inner work matters if we want to stop shrinking ourselves and step into our brilliance. In this episode you'll discover: • What self-abandonment looks like at work and in everyday life • Why successful women struggle to own their value and take up space • The connection between our nervous system, safety and visibility • How unconscious stories shape our careers, relationships and confidence • Why boundaries feel so uncomfortable and how to navigate the guilt that comes with saying no • Practical ways to build self-awareness and create space for reflection • Why being 'full of yourself' is something we should aspire to rather than avoid Timestamps00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Sophie's career journey and why she wrote Beyond Palatable 03:00 - Why women shrink themselves and make themselves smaller 04:00 - Understanding self-abandonment and the nervous system 06:30 - What self-abandonment looks like in the workplace 08:15 - The triad of oppression and the systems women navigate 13:45 - Are we making progress as women? 16:00 - Visibility, confidence and becoming 'full of yourself' 19:00 - Why there isn't a quick fix for confidence and self-worth 22:00 - Creating space for reflection and doing the inner work 26:15 - Setting boundaries and managing the guilt of saying no 30:00 - The stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our lives 32:30 - Sophie's final message for women who want to stop shrinking themselves Connect with Sophie Jane LeeWebsite: beyondpalatable.com Website: electricpeach.co.uk Instagram: @beyondpalatable LinkedIn: Sophie Jane Lee 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 this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with another woman who needs the reminder that she doesn't have to become somebody else to succeed – she simply needs permission to become more fully herself. 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 Remember, you don't have to stay stuck. You can become Unstuck & Unstoppable.

Jul 10

Leading your Way: Sarah Holey on Confidence, Influence & Authentic Leadership

Have you ever felt like you needed to become a different person to succeed as a leader? In this episode Sarah is joined by senior HR leader Sarah Holey, who shares her inspiring journey from retail shop floor assistant to leading international people functions across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and APAC. Together, we explore what it really takes to grow into senior leadership without losing yourself along the way. Sarah speaks openly about navigating self-doubt, moving from being the expert to becoming a beginner again, building credibility in a new organisation, and discovering that her collaborative leadership style wasn't something to change - it was one of her greatest strengths. If you're stepping into a bigger leadership role, managing challenging stakeholders, or wondering whether your leadership style is "enough", this conversation will leave you feeling reassured, empowered and inspired. In this episode we discuss:Sarah's unexpected journey from studying textiles to becoming an international HR leaderWhy working on the shop floor shaped her leadership philosophyThe confidence challenges that came with moving from one market to leading across 16 countriesLearning to stop expecting yourself to know everythingWhy senior leadership can feel surprisingly lonelyThe value of proactive coaching before starting a new roleBuilding trust and credibility with new stakeholdersWhy you don't need to copy louder leadership styles to earn respectThe power of leading with your valuesWhat authentic leadership really looks like in practiceSarah's advice for women stepping into leadership for the first time Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Sarah Holey and today's topic 02:00 From textiles graduate to international HR leader 06:00 Career turning points and moving into global leadership 07:00 From expert to beginner: rebuilding confidence in a bigger role 09:20 Why Sarah invested in coaching before starting a new job 11:00 The hidden loneliness of senior leadership 12:00 Leaving a successful role and overcoming imposter syndrome 14:10 Leading senior stakeholders with confidence 15:30 Why authentic leadership is more powerful than trying to fit in 16:30 Speaking up without being the loudest voice in the room 17:15 Leadership values and avoiding burnout 18:45 Why coaching isn't just for people in crisis 19:45 What it was like to work with Sarah Archer 20:45 Defining authentic leadership 21:30 What 'Unstuck & Unstoppable' means to Sarah Memorable Quotes"Curiosity will take you much further than being the expert.""I don't need to match someone else's leadership style to earn their respect.""There is such power in being the last person to speak in the room.""What gets you here won't necessarily get you there." Useful Links Connect with Sarah Holey on LinkedIn 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 you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk

Unstuck & Unstoppable

Episode 94 Rerun | How to boost your leadership confidence

Episode 93 Rerun | How to stop feeling like an imposter at work

Episode 92 Rerun | How to be successful in your next job interview

Episode 91 ReRun | Stay or Go? When to quit your job

Episode 90 What is Enough? Success, rest and redefining what you really want

Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries Will Change the Way You Live and Work.

Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and be Your Full Self at Work with Sophie Jane Lee

Leading your Way: Sarah Holey on Confidence, Influence & Authentic Leadership

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Unstuck & Unstoppable

Episodes

Episode 94 Rerun | How to boost your leadership confidence

Episode 93 Rerun | How to stop feeling like an imposter at work

Episode 92 Rerun | How to be successful in your next job interview

Episode 91 ReRun | Stay or Go? When to quit your job

Episode 90 What is Enough? Success, rest and redefining what you really want

Episode 89 Learning to Set Boundaries Will Change the Way You Live and Work.

Episode 88 Stop People Pleasing and be Your Full Self at Work with Sophie Jane Lee

Leading your Way: Sarah Holey on Confidence, Influence & Authentic Leadership

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information