In this episode of the Career Success, Sarah Makris speaks with Hannah Jones, Executive Manager of Payments and Customer Success at Commonwealth Bank, about what really happens when accomplished leaders decide to become visible.

Hannah shares her career reinvention journey — from event planning in New York, to corporate banking, fintech, and back into one of Australia’s largest financial institutions — and the mindset shift required at each transition. Central to the conversation is the fear many senior professionals experience when they consider putting their ideas, opinions, and expertise into the public domain.

Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, career plateaus, and the hidden risk of relying too heavily on internal reputation. Hannah explains how strategic visibility, consistent thought leadership, and intentional networking helped her expand her influence, grow her external profile, and create career optionality — without compromising credibility inside large organisations. 

This episode is a practical and honest conversation for senior leaders who know they are capable, but suspect that capability alone is no longer enough. Sharp lesson: your work may be excellent — but if no one beyond your immediate circle sees it, opportunity stays limited. 

Learn more about Shine Career Accelerator -  https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-corporates/ 

Download - 10 networking stragtegic  - https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/ 

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You can be senior — and still invisible.
And for many experienced leaders, that’s the real career risk.

In this episode, Sarah Makris unpacks how highly capable, well-respected leaders quietly lose momentum — not because they lack talent, but because their visibility doesn’t match their value.

Through a real corporate leadership story, Sarah shows how “quiet excellence” can make you indispensable to your team, yet invisible to the people who decide roles, budgets, and succession.

Inside the episode:

• What invisibility really looks like at senior levels
• Why hard work no longer “speaks for itself”
• How being respected differs from being recognised
• The hidden cost of staying heads-down for too long
• Why relevance fades before capability does

Sarah also shares five practical actions leaders can take this week to raise their visibility with integrity — no bragging, no posturing, no political nonsense.

If you’ve ever felt:

• Trusted but overlooked
• Capable but not considered
• Senior, yet oddly unseen

This episode will feel uncomfortably familiar.

Invisibility is subtle.
Its impact on your career is not.

Doors to SHINE are now open for leaders ready to ensure their visibility finally reflects their value. - https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-corporates/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Petra Davison for a sharp, honest conversation about leadership, transition, and what it really takes to stay relevant at senior levels. 

We explore the gap many accomplished leaders experience between capability and visibility — and why performance alone is no longer enough. Petra shares grounded insights on navigating career inflection points, making intentional moves rather than reactive ones, and building influence in complex, fast-moving environments. 

This is a conversation for leaders who know they’re capable of more — and are ready to be deliberate about their next chapter. 

Key Themes & Insights 

• Why high performers get overlooked 
   Strong execution doesn’t automatically translate to recognition, influence, or opportunity. 
• Career transitions are a leadership skill 
   The most effective leaders manage their narrative before change forces their hand.  
• Visibility without ego 
   Being seen and heard is not self-promotion — it’s strategic leadership. 
• Clarity creates momentum 
   When leaders articulate what they want and how they want to be known, decisions become easier and opportunities more aligned.  
• Playing the long game 
   Sustainable careers are built through positioning, relationships, and timing — not just hard work. 
  
  

Who This Episode Is For 

• Senior leaders questioning their next move 
• Executives feeling under-recognised despite strong track records 
• Leaders navigating change, uncertainty, or transition 
• Anyone who wants to lead with greater influence, not just effort 

If this conversation resonates, it’s likely time to step back and get intentional about how you’re positioning yourself for what’s next. 

Listen in, reflect honestly — and if you’re ready to be more deliberate about your career and leadership impact, explore how we can work together. 

Resources mentioned 

Learn more about SHINE - Career Accelerator - https://sarahmakris.com.au/shine-for-executives/ 
Download 10 Proven Networking Strategies  - https://sarahmakris.com.au/10-proven-networking-strategies/ 

Books 

Do Hard Things
https://www.amazon.com.au/Hard-Things-Resilience-Surprising-Toughness/dp/006309861X 

Extreme Ownerships - https://www.amazon.com.au/Extreme-Ownership-Jocko-Willink/dp/1250067057 

Chronicles of Narnia 
https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-chronicles-of-narnia-all-seven-books-in-one-paperback-volume--c-s-lewis/book/9780007117307.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21611718657&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hNVPSuEGA86Lhvm9_JP2qUQ1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7LzLBhAgEiwAjMWzCDXAAYvu6rOOuMV56W3q_kXBBM6wAXk5IO50ZNCLv8-z5RGaMWHj9hoCx70QAvD_BwE 

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Technology Leader Sheena Peeters joins me to share her career journey, from consulting to starting her own business in personalized stationery to transitioning back into the corporate world. She discusses the challenges she faced and the lessons she learned along the way, including the importance of maintaining relationships.

Sheena also emphasizes the importance of developing soft skills and becoming a strategic business partner.

We discuss the need to allocate time for self-reflection and the benefits of building your personal brand as Sheena shares her experience with my SHINE program - Career Accelerator for executives. 

Key Takeaways:

• Running her own business provided flexibility but also required breaking the rules and consuming a lot of time.
• Transitioning back into the corporate world was challenging, but leveraging existing relationships helped find opportunities.
• Maintaining connections and deepening relationships is important, as well as being adaptable and problem-solving in one's career.
• Technology leaders need to develop soft skills and become strategic partners in solving business problems through technology.
• Sheena is committed to supporting and championing women in STEM and encourages women to connect and support each other in their careers.

Quotes: 

• 06:24 - “I think one of the greatest advantages of being in technology and in an area of transformation is that we get to create solutions that really help people and change the lives of people.” - Sheena Peeters
• 19:54 - “Building your brand is actually not necessarily about the superficial things. It's about the depth of your knowledge.” - Sheena Peeters

A bit about Sheena Peeters

Sheena Peeters, GM of Product and Technology at Sisu,  is a dynamic leader who specialises in driving growth through innovation and digital transformation. With a wealth of experience across various industries, Sheena's expertise lies in orchestrating complex change, cultivating leadership, and propelling organizations toward commercial success. 

Sheena is also a strong advocate for supporting and championing women in STEM. She believes in creating a community where women can feel supported and celebrated in their careers. 

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success, join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

10 strategies you can use today to build your strategic networks.

SHINE Program

Connect with Sheena Peeters: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheena-peeters-a3a9a429/

Connect with Sarah Makris:

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thank you for listening

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast-paced and competitive world, effective communication is more important than ever. If you are a corporate executive or business leader who wants to make a lasting impression, harnessing the power of your voice is an important element in building a credible personal brand.. In this thought-provoking podcast episode we explore the challenges people face with their voice, the importance of voice warm-ups, and the strategies for overcoming fear and delivering your message with impact.

Summary:

Sally Prosser, Voice  and Public Speaking Coach, shares her insights on using your voice effectively in various situations. She emphasizes the importance of being aware of the power of your voice and understanding how it works. Sally discusses the challenges people face with their voice, such as speaking too softly or using a high-pitched voice. She provides tips on how to improve your voice, including doing a voice warm-up before important presentations or meetings. Sally also discusses the significance of body language and gestures in effective communication. She shares her experiences working with TEDx speakers and highlights the importance of delivering a message with impact. Sally concludes by discussing the importance of mindset and self-belief in overcoming fear and delivering powerful speeches.

Key Takeaways:

• Being aware of the power of your voice and understanding how it works is crucial for effective communication.
• Doing a voice warm-up before important presentations or meetings can make a significant difference in the quality of your voice.
• Speaking from your diaphragm and using proper breathing techniques can help improve the resonance and power of your voice.
• Women can be strong stage speakers by embracing their feminine energy and using their natural voice.
• Maintaining a strong mindset, focusing on your body language, and using effective breathing techniques can help navigate difficult conversations.

Quotes:

• 03:31 - "Our voice is this dynamic instrument, and we can adapt to the scenario that we're in at that time." - Sally Prosser
• 09:12 - "Once we bring the voice down into our body, that's when we truly connect with our own voice, our own voice being the organ of the soul." - Sally Prosser
• 16:20 - "Become rock solid in who you are, and the way to do this is to work with the mind, the body, and the breath." - Sally Prosser

A bit about Sally Prosser

Over the past 20 years, Sally Prosser helped hundreds of professionals speak with more confidence, had a career as a TV reporter, and built a community of more than 300 thousand on TikTok. She's a TEDx Speaker Coach, an expert on using a hairbrush as a microphone, and in 2020, was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year for PR and Media in Queensland.

Sally is your one-stop-shop for everything speaking. From gaining the confidence to put yourself out there to producing a strong voice, crafting speeches for the stage, and designing a strategy to get your spoken message heard. With a strong belief that our voice is the organ of our soul, Sally's all about finding your unique voice and speaking from the heart!

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

FREE Audio Track: Pep Talk in Your Pocket: https://sallyprosser.mykajabi.com/pep-talks-in-your-pocket

That Voice Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/that-voice-podcast/id1475068489

Episode Suggestion: Interview with Leah Mether: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/career-success-coach/id1671222263

Connect with Sally Prosser: 

Website: https://www.sallyprosser.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-prosser/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sallyprosservoice/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/SallyProsserVoice/

YouTube: https://web.facebook.com/SallyProsserVoice/

Connect with Sarah Makris:

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thank you for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Courageous leaders start with strategic and effective communication. When leaders communicate better, they establish trust, credibility, and confidence, making it easier for them to have influence and make a positive impact.

Summary:

Leah Mether, Communications expert and author, joins me to share her valuable insights on effective communication and relationship building. She emphasizes the importance of building trust quickly and keeping messages simple and clear. Leah also highlights the significance of self-awareness and understanding others' communication styles. She advises setting clear expectations and having open conversations to avoid misaligned priorities and overloaded workloads. Additionally, Leah discusses the importance of building a strong network and being generous in your interactions to enhance your influence and credibility. Her book, "Steer Through the Storm," offers practical advice and scripts for leaders navigating change.

Key Takeaways:

• Building trust quickly is crucial in effective communication.
• Keeping messages simple and clear helps ensure understanding.
• Self-awareness and understanding others' communication styles are essential for successful communication.
• Setting clear expectations and having open conversations can help avoid misaligned priorities and overloaded workloads.
• Building a strong network and being generous in your interactions enhances influence and credibility.

Quotes:

• "Get curious, not furious." - Leah Mether.
• "This is a big misconception with networking in general. People think it's about going out there and selling yourself for the take. Actually, it's all about generosity and relationship building." - Leah Mether.
• "Your influence is determined by the strength of your relationships." - Leah Mether.

A bit about Leah Mether

Leah Mether is a communication specialist obsessed with making leadership and work-life easier through developing "soft skills." She is known for her practical, straight-shooting style. Leah's work is based on the belief that soft skills get hard results and no one is a perfect communicator. Everyone can improve.

Leah's first book Soft is the New Hard: How to Communicate Effectively Under Pressure, was published in 2019 and was a finalist in the Australian Career Book of the Year Awards in 2020, and her second book, Steer Through the Storm: How to Communicate and Lead Courageously Through Change was published in July 2023.

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to accelerate your career subscribe to my  Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Join the FREE Private Facebook Community: 

Accelerate Your Career with Sarah Makris: https://www.facebook.com/groups/661141598808497/

Mentioned Resources:

Soft is the New Hard by Leah Mether: https://www.leahmether.com.au/books/soft-is-the-new-hard/

Steer Through the Storm by Leah Mether: https://steerthroughthestorm.com.au/

Connect with Leah Mether: 

Website: https://www.leahmether.com.au/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmetherspeaker/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahmetherspeaker/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahmetherspeaker

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaBYGZ60Mz7D6xVInt63pTL6w9czfFW4g

Connect with Sarah Makris:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-makris/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahmakrisaustralia/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/sarahmakrisaustralia?_rdc=1&_rdr

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsXouofBwzJKhoK1HkOtT_A

Thank you for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a fast-paced world that glorifies the hustle, tuning into the body's intelligence is critical to maintain health and performance and ultimately show up as an authentic, energised leader.

Summary:

Clare Robinson, an executive coach and leadership program facilitator, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of managing energy to avoid burnout in the workplace. She explains that humans operate in 90-minute energy cycles called ultradian rhythms and emphasizes the need to take breaks and recharge throughout the day. Clare also highlights the importance of authenticity and emotional agility in leadership, encouraging leaders to embrace the full range of emotions and create a safe space for their teams to express themselves. She shares practical tips for managing energy and setting boundaries so that we can lead more effectively 

Key Takeaways:

• Humans operate in 90-minute energy cycles called ultradian rhythms.
• Taking regular breaks and recharging throughout the day is essential for maintaining energy and avoiding burnout.
• Authenticity and emotional agility are crucial for effective leadership.
• Leaders should create a safe space for their teams to express their emotions and provide support without trying to fix or solve their problems.
• Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining energy and well-being.

Quotes:

• "We're all so much in our heads, pushing through, numbing out to what's going on in our bodies." - Clare Robinson
• "We cannot selectively numb our emotions. If we numb some of the emotions, we are numbing all of the emotions." - Clare Robinson
• "Emotional agility is about experiencing and expressing the full range of emotions." - Clare Robinson

A bit about Clare Robinson

Clare Robinson, an executive coach, and a leadership program facilitator, joins me to talk about reducing burnout by managing energy being a luminous leader at work.

Clare Robinson spent 15 years of his career as a strategy and business lead in a Marketing agency. With a high-pressure role, Clare found herself stuck in the hamster wheel of burnout. Eventually, she learned to manage her energy effectively, transforming her life and business today. Clare is the founder of Clarety Coaching, one of the leading executive coaching and leadership development businesses in the marketing services space. 

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

Emotional Agility by Susan David: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Agility-Unstuck-Embrace-Change/dp/1592409490

Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Lead-Brave-Conversations-Hearts/dp/0399592520

Connect with Clare Robinson: 

Website: https://claretyinc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinsonclare/

Connect with Sarah Makris:

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thank you for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your career is your business, and you are the Chief Marketing Officer, so building a powerful personal brand and marketing yourself well can set you up for future success.

Bec Chappell, a Marketing Strategist for small businesses, joins me to discuss showing up on LinkedIn and building your online presence so that, like her, you can create opportunities in your career or grow your business.

Bec Chappell works with businesses at the start of their marketing journey to ensure they have clarity around what it is, why they want to achieve it, and a clear pathway of how to achieve that. She is also the host of the Marketing Espresso podcast, where she gives easily digestible, quality shots of helpful marketing advice.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Establishing a marketing-centric focus.
• The imposter syndrome and showing up online.
• Developing the right offers - for those who want to start a service based business.
• Ways to be consistent in building your personal brand.

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

Bec Chappell’s Content Planner: https://becchappell.com.au/content-planner/

Marketing Espresso Podcast: https://becchappell.com.au/podcast/

The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer: https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Experiment-Journey-Lifes-Perfection/dp/080414110X

Connect with Bec Chappell: 

Website: https://becchappell.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bec-chappell-b003b130/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bec_chappell/

Connect with Sarah Makris:

Website: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-website

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thanks for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to keep progressing in your career and attract better opportunities

It's Important you cultivate a strong network of advocates who can support you in reaching your goals. 

One of the most powerful yet commonly avoided ways to do this is through strategic networking.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how you can start building your own strategic networks for career success. 

Top reason to listen to the entire episode:

• The reason why even high-performing executives can find their careers stall
• 3 types of networks every successful professional needs.
• Actionable network strategies  to implement today

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

10 Ways to Network to Build Strategic Network: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/10strategiesforexecs

Connect with Sarah Makris:

Website: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-website

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thank you for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ready to take your career in a different direction? If you've ever thought about moving into a new industry then this episode is for you  

Kathie van Vugt, a former client and accomplished executive, joins me to share her journey from being made redundant during the pandemic to relaunching herself in the deep tech industry and landing her dream role.

Kathie van Vugt is an Operation Executive with a long held passion for Deep Tech. She is committed to advocating for Australia’s technological capabilities to amplify our nation’s competitive advantage. Kathie used my  SHINE - Career Accelerator for Executives formula to build her personal brand, package her knowledges and experience and to network strategically to position herself for career success

Top reason to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn about the emerging space sector in Australia.
• How the co-working sector was impacted and what that meant for Kathie.
• How Kathie applied the learning from the SHINE Career Accelerator.
• Building the right foundation for a personal brand.
• Experience of working with Sarah.
• Kathie’s next move into a space start-up.

If you’re an accomplished professional, ready to attract ideal opportunities, level up your career growth, and create a powerful presence in your industry? I’d love to know, tag me on LinkedIn, or if you need extra help to create your career success join the Career Success Newsletter or go to my website and book a discovery call. I am here to support you!

Mentioned Resources:

SHINE - Career Accelerator Program

The Dish Movie

500 Coffees: Successful Networking Takes Commitment

Connect with Kathie van Vugt:

Website: https://kathievanvugt.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathievanvugt/

Lunar Outpost: https://lunaroutpost.com/lunar-outpost-oceania-epe-consortium-selected-to-participate-in-the-australian-space-agencys-moon-to-mars-trailblazer-initiative/

Connect with Sarah Makris:

Website: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-website

LinkedIn: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-linkedin

Instagram: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-instagram

Facebook: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-facebook

Watch full video episode on YouTube: https://career-success-coach.captivate.fm/sarahmakris-youtube

Thank you for listening!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.