UNSHAKEABLE HER: Real-World Leadership, Influence and Promotion for Ambitious Women.

When your confidence takes a hit, overthinking moves in and starts redecorating. Here’s how to kick it out and get back into action. We’ll talk micro-wins, momentum, and the sneaky science behind why movement beats motivation every time.

Quick Move: One 5-minute task that reminds you you’re still a total pro.

Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.

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 [email protected] - 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.

The shock, the shame, the emotional hangover - let’s be honest, redundancy stings. 

In this episode, we’ll unpack what just happened, why it feels personal (even when it isn’t), and how to stop replaying the bad bits on loop.

Quick Move: Write your “Not Lost List” - the things redundancy didn’t take from you.

Download the Redundancy Reset Workbook - 5 power moves, the Impact Translator, the Progress Tracker, and 19 pages built for people who refuse to let redundancy define their story.

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 [email protected] - 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.

Ever been told you need to tone it down, stay in your lane, or “just fit in first”?

This episode of Little Moves, Big Careers is your permission slip to stop sanding down your edges.

Caroline dives deep into the Maverick’s Survival Guide - a bold, honest look at how people who think differently can survive (and actually thrive) inside systems that aren’t built for them.

She explores what happens when “inclusion” quietly becomes “assimilation,” and why true belonging means being valued because of your difference.

You’ll hear Carolin's personal story of being labelled a “maverick” (not as a compliment), the quiet damage that caused, and the lessons she’s learned about turning individuality into impact.

In this episode:

• The Maverick’s Dilemma: You want to belong but not at the cost of your value.
• Culture of Sameness vs. Culture of Difference: How to feel the energy shift when a team truly values individuality.
• The Three Traps of Maverick Thinking:
  The Lone Wolf Trap - when independence becomes isolation.
  The Volume Trap - why louder doesn’t mean clearer.
  The Translation Trap - how passion can make you sound vague (and how to fix it).
• The Collaboration Code: What happens when difference becomes strength, not threat and why true collaboration is productive friction, not endless harmony.
• People Aren’t Difficult, Just Different: The mindset shift that transforms conflict into curiosity.
• Quote Crime: “You just need to fit in before you stand out.” Nope. Stop sanding down your edges. They’re the reason you sparkle.

Resources

Your Bold Moves Brief

The Big Conversation Guide for leaders

Connect with Caroline here

Share this with…

That brilliant-but-frustrated colleague who’s always one idea ahead of the room  and the manager who wants to help them shine, not shrink.

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 [email protected] - 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.

What if excellence isn’t about working harder… but managing your energy, pride, and discipline smarter?

This week, Caroline dives into the difference between commitment and compliance and why whole teams leak energy when excellence turns into exhaustion.

You’ll Learn

• How to spot when effort has become self-harm, not self-respect
• Why excellence starts with calm clarity
• What “energy leaks” are, and how to plug them fast
• The simple shift from “I have to” → “I want to” that transforms culture
• Why real professionals run on pride, not pressure

Research says

• Consistent energy from leaders = +53% engagement (Gallup)
• Emotional regulation = +24% better decision-making (Journal of Applied Psychology)
• Calm brains are creative brains (Yale Centre for Emotional Intelligence)

Quickfire Career Moves

• Rewrite one update from effort → outcome
•  Book a 45-minute 'craft' block to protect your best work
•  Run the 5-minute Leak Audit - check your calm clarity after every meeting

The Takeaway

You can’t fix “bare minimum” people by doing more. You fix them by showing what smart excellence looks like - visible outcomes, calm energy, and boundaries that say: “I care about results, not theatrics.”

Because compliance runs on rules. Commitment runs on pride.

Listen now: Caroline on excellence, energy, and the quiet power of staying disciplined when everyone else is distracted.

Resources

Your Bold Moves Brief

The Big Conversation Guide for team leaders

The Visibility Checklist

Connect with Caroline here

Connect with Wendy 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 [email protected] - 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.

In this engaging conversation, Nash Vracas shares her inspiring journey from winning awards in the automotive industry to her experiences in Olympic sports and charitable work. She discusses the importance of recognition, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the value of taking opportunities. Nash emphasises the significance of discipline, time management, and the lessons learned from failures. She also highlights the importance of building trust in professional relationships and the joy of giving back through volunteering. 

Throughout the discussion, Nash's passion for her work and her commitment to personal growth shine through, making for a motivating and insightful dialogue.

TAKEAWAYS

• Recognition is important but not the main motivation.
• Imposter syndrome can be a sign of growth.
• Taking opportunities can lead to unexpected career paths.
• Discipline and time management are key to success.
• Failures can provide valuable learning experiences.
• Building trust relationships is essential in the workplace.
• Enjoying your work leads to better performance.
• Curiosity and asking questions are vital for growth.
• Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
• Having fun at work fosters creativity and collaboration.

Sound Bites

• "This is finally a little bit of recognition."
• "Take every opportunity that is given to you."
• "You should be enjoying what you're doing."

Resources

Bold Moves Brief

Big Conversation Guide

You can connect with Nash here

You can find out all about Greenpower here

Her incredible photography can be viewed here

You can connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.

In this episode, Caroline expands the conversation on the career flywheel, turning focus to two critical and often overlooked power moves: Find Your Friends and Be Seen. While many professionals focus on the tangible aspects of work like spotting problems, solving them, and delivering results, careers rarely accelerate without visibility and connection.

Caroline explores why hard work alone doesn’t travel, the psychology behind recognition gaps, and how reputation and relationships carry your impact further. Drawing on research from McKinsey, LeanIn.org, and Harvard, she unpacks the hidden dynamics of trust, credibility, and informal influence and offers practical steps to turn quiet effort into visible impact.

TAKEAWAYS

• Most careers don’t stall from lack of skill, but from lack of visibility and connection.
• Networking isn’t about collecting contacts; it’s about building trust.
• People can’t value what they can’t see.
• Women are 43% less likely to be recognised for their ideas, even when contributing equally - a visibility gap, not a capability gap. Many men experience this too, especially those conditioned to believe their work “speaks for itself.”
• The strongest networks are built on Amplifiers, Anchors, and Challengers - people who mention your name in rooms you’re not in, ground you when doubt hits, and push you to play bigger.
• Consistent visibility habits (from sharing progress updates to amplifying others) turn effort into evidence and contacts into champions.
• Quiet credibility becomes unstoppable when it’s seen, shared, and supported.

SOUND BITES

• “Hard work doesn’t travel, reputation does.”
• “Networking isn’t collecting contacts; it’s curating trust.”
• “Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s clarity.”
• “If people can’t see what you bring, they can’t value it.”
• “Turn effort into evidence, and contacts into champions.”
• “Quiet brilliance doesn’t get noticed, visible impact does.”

RESOURCES

What's Your Networking Style? Quiz

Your Bold Moves Brief

The Big Conversation Guide

Connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.

In this episode, Caroline Esterson explores how to apply insights from the previous conversation with Declan Allen into actionable steps for career development. She introduces the concept of the career flywheel, emphasising the importance of adding value over merely being busy, spotting and solving workplace issues, and creating space for deep work. Practical moves are suggested to enhance productivity and challenge the 'do more with less' mindset, ultimately encouraging listeners to focus on what truly matters in their careers.

TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of getting noticed for results, not intentions.
• Understanding the difference between doing your job and adding real value is crucial.
• Most people operate within their job description, missing opportunities for growth.
• Organisations value those who can cut through noise and focus on what matters.
• Creating friction in workflows can lead to better outcomes.
• Tracking time spent on tasks can reveal areas for improvement.
• Challenging the 'do more with less' mentality is essential for sustainable productivity.
• Small, consistent moves can lead to significant career advancements.

SOUND BITES

• "You've got million pound fingers."
• "You can't fix what you won't name."
• "Make the move, even if it's tiny."

RESOURCES

Your Bold Moves Brief

The Big Conversation Guide for teams

Connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.

In this conversation, Declan Allen (MD, Horiba Mira) shares his journey from engineer to managing director, discussing the importance of focusing on the present, building strong relationships, and the value of diversity in teams. 

He reflects on his early career experiences, the transition to leadership, and the lessons learned from mistakes. Declan emphasises the need for adaptability in the ever-changing automotive industry and expresses optimism about the future of innovation and societal impact.

TAKEAWAYS

• Focus on doing your best in the present moment.
• Building relationships is crucial for career success.
• Diversity in teams leads to better problem-solving.
• Managing upwards requires clear communication of successes.
• Don't assume others understand your contributions.
• Adaptability is key in a changing industry.
• Mistakes often stem from staying too long in the wrong place.
• Improving lives should be the core mission of any business.

SOUND BITES

• “You don’t get noticed for saying you want to lead; you get noticed for getting things done.”
• “The best leaders never forget what it’s like on the shop floor.”
• “Don’t wait for someone to tell your story. Tell it yourself, and tell it through your impact.”
• “Titles don’t make leaders. The way you show up, help others, and solve problems does.”
• “When you stop chasing the next role and start focusing on doing this one brilliantly, that’s when opportunity finds you.”
• “Different perspectives aren’t awkward, they’re how progress happens.”
• “No one ever built credibility by talking about potential. They built it by delivering, again and again.”

RESOURCES

Your Bold Moves Brief

The Big Conversation Guide for teams

Connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.

In this episode, Caroline Esterson discusses the importance of meaningful learning experiences, emphasising that true learning goes beyond quick fixes and superficial knowledge. 

She shares insights from her work and draws inspiration from "Limitless" with Chris Hemsworth, illustrating how reframing their roles can lead to significant personal and professional growth. The conversation delves into the science of effective learning, highlighting strategies such as spaced repetition, practice, feedback, and reflection. 

Caroline concludes with practical steps listeners can take to enhance their learning and career development.

TAKEAWAYS

• Learning experiences should challenge old habits and push for growth.
• True learning is messy, repetitive, and requires reflection.
• Spaced repetition helps retain information longer.
• Practice is essential; you learn by doing, not just knowing.
• Feedback accelerates learning and helps correct mistakes.
• Reflection is crucial for growth and understanding.
• Multi-modal learning enhances retention and understanding.
• Avoid treating learning like fast food; depth is key.
• Knowledge without application is just trivia.
• Continuous learning is vital for career advancement.

RESOURCES

Your Bold Brief is here

The Big Conversation Guide for teams is here

Connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.

Christine Reynolds, Talent and Performance Director at Dothings.io, delves into the art of receiving feedback, exploring its crucial role in personal growth and professional development. Discover how mastering feedback can transform criticism into opportunities for high performance.

Takeaways

• Receiving feedback is essential for personal growth and improvement.
• Feedback, though sometimes painful, is a necessary tool for development.
• Understanding the challenges of feedback can lead to significant breakthroughs.
• Psychological insights can aid in effectively processing feedback.
• High performers excel by mastering the art of receiving feedback.
• Feedback and imposter syndrome create a complex dynamic.
• Filtering feedback helps determine its true value.
• Choosing your response to feedback is a personal decision.
• Feedback should be evaluated and utilised, not dismissed.

Resources

Your Bold Moves Brief (including the receiving feedback checklist)

The Big Conversation Conversation Starter

Connect with Christine

Do Things

Connect with Caroline 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 [email protected] - 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.