Setbacks in leadership are inevitable — whether it's redundancy, missing out on a promotion, or feeling misaligned with your organization. In this episode, Sarah shares practical strategies to move through the emotional toll of a setback and come out stronger, wiser, and more aligned. Drawing on 16 years of coaching experience, she breaks down a clear 5-step approach to help you reflect, reframe, and rebuild your path to success. Whether you’re currently navigating a career disruption or want to future-proof your resilience, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes

00:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to the Podcast

00:01:00 – Why Setbacks Matter and What You'll Learn Today

Overview of today’s topic and why career setbacks can become pivotal growth moments.

00:02:00 – The Many Faces of Career Setbacks

From redundancy to value misalignment — common scenarios Sarah sees in coaching.

00:04:00 – The Emotional Impact of Setbacks

How setbacks affect identity, confidence, and emotions — and why it's important to honour that process.

00:05:00 – Navigating the Emotional Curve (Kubler-Ross Model)

Grief, denial, anger, blame — and how to begin moving through these emotions.

00:06:00 – Step 1: Reflect with Honesty

Understanding what went wrong, your role in it, and the lessons learned.

00:07:00 – Learning to Spot Red Flags in Hindsight

Real-life client story about ignoring red flags in the interview process.

00:08:00 – Step 2: Ask for Constructive Feedback

How to ask for helpful feedback and why it’s a powerful part of your rebound.

00:09:00 – Step 3: Objectively Consider What’s Next

Don’t rush — instead, reflect on your values and career success criteria.

00:10:00 – Sarah’s Personal Redundancy Story

How Sarah navigated being made redundant as a career coach and started her business.

00:11:00 – Real Client Story: From Employee to Contractor

How a challenging boss led one client to redefine success and change direction.

00:12:00 – Step 4: Mindset Shifts & Reframing Opportunity

From neuroscience to identity, how your brain reacts to setbacks, and how to reframe.

00:13:00 – Why Setbacks Spark Creativity

How dopamine dips create motivation for change and open new doors.

00:14:00 – Step 5: Take Action to Address What Needs to Change

Whether it’s mindset, confidence or leadership style — it’s time to act.

00:15:00 – Make Sure It’s the Right Opportunity (Not Just Any Role)

Avoiding knee-jerk reactions and choosing roles aligned with your purpose.

00:16:00 – Build a Long-Term Resilience Strategy

Practical tips for building internal and external visibility and support networks.

00:17:00 – Key Takeaways Recap

A step-by-step reminder of the framework to turn your setback into a springboard.

00:18:00 – Final Thoughts & Invitation to Connect

Encouragement and invitation to reach out for coaching or access free resources.

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

Kubler Ross Curve

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: [email protected]

You're capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. 🌟

In this episode, Sarah dives into the topic of self-sabotage in leadership careers. If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to take the next step, talking yourself out of applying for a promotion, or feeling paralyzed by fear, this episode is for you. Learn how to identify the root causes of self-sabotage, reframe your mindset, and take actionable steps to move forward in your leadership journey.

[00:00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable: Introduction to the podcast and its mission.

[00:01:00] – The challenge of self-sabotage: How fear and self-doubt hold leaders back.

[00:02:00] – Recognizing self-sabotage: Why we hesitate to take the next step in our careers.

[00:03:00] – The dangers of staying stuck: How prolonged inaction can impact confidence and career growth.

[00:04:00] – Common fears that drive self-sabotage: Fear of change, failure, judgment, and making the wrong decision.

[00:05:00] – The impact of early-life influences: How childhood and career experiences shape our beliefs about success.

[00:06:00] – External pressures: How societal expectations and financial responsibilities contribute to feeling stuck.

[00:07:00] – Visualization as a tool for success: Rewriting the negative movie playing in your mind.

[00:09:00] – Taking action to overcome fear: Creating a plan, identifying skill gaps, and building confidence.

[00:10:00] – Surrounding yourself with positive influences: The power of a growth mindset and a supportive network.

[00:11:00] – Final thoughts and next steps: How to move forward and take charge of your leadership career.

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember, you’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable!

In this episode, Sarah explores an exciting and motivating concept: the career bucket list. Just as we create bucket lists for life experiences, we can do the same for our careers. This list can include things we want to achieve, experience, or learn before retirement.

Show Notes

[00:02:00] – What is a Career Bucket List?

• The idea of a career bucket list compared to a traditional life bucket list.
• Why having a career bucket list can be a powerful tool for motivation and personal growth.

[00:03:00] – Personal Career Bucket List Examples

• Sarah shares her own career bucket list experiences, including becoming an HR Director, working for Amnesty International, writing for The Guardian, and launching a group coaching program.
• Future aspirations, such as hosting a radio show and becoming a master coach.

[00:05:00] – Career Bucket List Ideas

• Potential bucket list ideas for different career paths.
• Other career-related aspirations such as serving as a trustee, non-executive director, or magistrate.

[00:07:00] – The Benefits of Having a Career Bucket List

• Brings joy and fulfillment to your professional life.
• Helps maintain motivation and focus in your career.
• Encourages personal and professional growth by stretching comfort zones.
• Provides clarity on long-term aspirations and career direction.

[00:09:00] – Overcoming Self-Doubt and Negative Bias

• Addressing internal doubts and fears that may arise when setting ambitious career goals.
• Strategies to combat self-limiting beliefs and stay motivated.

[00:10:00] – How to Create Your Career Bucket List

• Create a dedicated time and space for brainstorming.
• Use tools like affirmation cards or have conversations with trusted friends or colleagues.
• Ask yourself: What would I love to do if there were no barriers?
• Imagine your future self reflecting on your career—what achievements would make you proud?

[00:13:00] – Bringing Your Career Bucket List to Life

• Integrating career bucket list items into your career plan.
• Keeping your list visible and revisiting it regularly.
• Allowing flexibility and refinement over time.

[00:14:00] – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

• Sarah invites listeners to share their career bucket lists.
• Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the podcast.

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember: You’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock your potential!

In this episode, Sarah dives into the question: Are you having a midlife career crisis? It doesn’t have to be midlife, of course; these career crises can happen at any stage, often triggered by life events like milestone birthdays, having children, losing a loved one, or global events like the pandemic. We explore how to turn these feelings of uncertainty into a positive career opportunity with reflection, values alignment, and actionable steps.

Show Notes:

[00:01:00] Why career crises happen and what triggers them

[00:02:00] Recognizing the signs of feeling stuck or unfulfilled

[00:03:00] Acknowledging career reflection as a positive step

[00:04:00] Three powerful reflective questions to understand your current career state:

1. Where am I right now in my career — what's working and what's not?
2. What are the three accomplishments I'm most proud of in the last five years?
3. Where do I want my career to go?

[00:06:00] Checking in with your values — are they aligned with your career and company?

[00:08:00] How to assess whether your career crisis is a small glitch or a sign of a bigger shift needed

[00:09:00] Turning reflection into action: making a plan for change

[00:10:00] Creating realistic, actionable goals: 3-year, 1-year, 6-month, and 3-month plans

[00:11:00] Identifying your support system — from mentors to peers to coaches

[00:12:00] Staying motivated: How to connect with the positive emotions change will bring

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember: You are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you.

Be unstoppable.

In this episode, Sarah dives into the art of challenging upwards — how to voice your concerns or alternative views to senior leaders without damaging your career or key relationships. Whether it’s pushing back on a strategy, highlighting risks, or setting boundaries, she shares practical strategies to navigate these tricky conversations with confidence and empathy.

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable — intro to the podcast and today’s topic

[00:02:00] Why challenging upwards can feel difficult — the fear of damaging relationships or careers

[00:03:00] Real-life examples: My leadership experience at Amnesty International and recent client stories

[00:05:00] The importance of positioning — it’s not about disrespect, but offering an alternative view

[00:06:00] Connecting with your values and choosing your battles wisely

[00:07:00] Building strong relationships with senior leaders to create trust and credibility

[00:08:00] Developing cognitive flexibility — seeing different perspectives as a leadership skill

[00:09:00] Understanding your unconscious needs — are you driven by the need to be right or liked?

[00:10:00] Recognizing emotional triggers and giving yourself time to respond thoughtfully

[00:11:00] Crafting your message — using facts, logic, and data to resonate with senior decision-makers

[00:12:00] Language matters — why “and” is more powerful than “but”

[00:13:00] The importance of bravery — standing firm as a leader while remaining professional

[00:14:00] Quick recap of strategies for challenging upwards

[00:15:00] How I can support you with leadership coaching — connect with me on LinkedIn or my website

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember, you are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock your extraordinary potential. Be unstoppable.

In this episode, Sarah tackles the important topic of assertiveness at work — a crucial skill for communicating your needs, setting boundaries, and advocating for yourself with confidence. You’ll learn about different assertive communication techniques, how to assess your current communication style, and practical steps to start experimenting and building your assertiveness muscle.

Show Notes

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable - Introduction to the podcast and its mission.

[00:01:00] Why assertiveness matters — The link between confidence and assertiveness in leadership.

[00:02:00] What it means to be assertive at work — Balancing your needs while respecting others.

[00:03:00] Why people struggle with assertiveness — Common fears and self-doubts.

[00:04:00] Assess your current communication style — Identifying whether you're passive, aggressive, or assertive.

[00:05:00] Six types of assertive communication

• Basic Assertion — Clearly stating what you need.
• Empathic Assertion — Acknowledging others’ situations while expressing your needs.
• Consequence Assertion — Highlighting the outcomes of others’ actions.
• Discrepancy Assertion — Addressing conflicting priorities and seeking clarity.
• Negative Feelings Assertion — Expressing the impact of others’ actions on you.
• Broken Record Technique — Repeating your stance calmly and consistently.

[00:11:00] How to practice assertiveness — Start small, rehearse, and reflect.

[00:12:00] Observe and learn from others — Spot assertive behaviors in your environment.

[00:13:00] Wrap-up and next steps — Experiment, reflect, and grow your assertiveness skills.

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember: You are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock your extraordinary potential.

Be unstoppable!

In this episode Sarah explores the power of mentorship in career growth. She shares the key benefits of having a mentor, how to identify what you need from a mentoring relationship, and practical ways to find the right mentor for you. Whether you're looking for guidance, career development, or industry connections, mentorship can be a game-changer. Learn how to take a proactive approach to finding and working with a mentor!

[00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable and introduction to the episode

[02:00] – Why mentorship is your career secret weapon & why so few people have mentors

[03:00] – The research: 76% of professionals believe in mentorship, but only 37% have one

[04:00] – 12 key benefits of mentorship, including career growth, networking, confidence-building, and navigating leadership challenges

[06:00] – Sarah’s personal experience with mentors & how they helped her career transitions

[08:00] – How to identify what you need from a mentor (role model, industry expertise, networking, leadership support, etc.)

[09:00] – Finding the right mentor: Industry fit, seniority, chemistry, and shared values

[10:30] – Different routes to finding a mentor: Workplace programs, LinkedIn networking, professional groups, and mentorship platforms

[12:00] – How to build a connection and approach a potential mentor with confidence

[13:00] – Setting up a successful mentorship relationship: Time commitment, expectations, and boundaries

[14:00] – The value of becoming a mentor yourself and how it benefits your career

[15:00] – Final thoughts, free career resources, and how to stay connected

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

You’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable!

In today’s episode, Sarah's tackling a big topic: how to position yourself for a promotion. Whether you're aiming for an internal step up or seeking opportunities externally, Sarah shares actionable steps to make your next career move a certainty.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:02:00] Recognising When You're Ready for Promotion

• Signs it’s time to move up (boredom, lack of challenge, outgrowing your boss)
• Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Ensuring the next level is the right move for you

[00:04:00] Managing Self-Doubt and Career Confidence

• How to prevent self-doubt from holding you back
• Engaging your inner coach and reinforcing your strengths

[00:05:00] Preparing for Promotion: Gap Analysis

• Evaluating what the next level role requires
• Identifying skill and experience gaps
• How to develop the necessary competencies

[00:06:00] Seeking Opportunities to Stretch & Lead

• Finding opportunities for projects and presentations
• Showcasing leadership skills at the next level
• Demonstrating your ability to operate beyond your current role

[00:07:00] Increasing Self-Awareness & Knowing Your Value

• Understanding your strengths and worth
• Recognising when your organisation underestimates your potential
• Making informed decisions about internal vs. external moves

[00:08:00] Being Proactive & Building a Strong Reputation

• Positioning yourself as a problem solver
• Demonstrating a positive and solution-focused mindset
• Navigating organisational challenges effectively

[00:09:00] Building Key Relationships & Securing Advocacy

• Strengthening relationships with your line manager and senior leaders
• The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and networking
• Engaging with HR and other decision-makers

[00:10:00] Getting Comfortable with Self-Promotion

• Overcoming the fear of self-promotion
• Effectively communicating achievements and challenges
• Framing accomplishments in a way that highlights leadership capabilities

[00:12:00] Researching Industry Trends & Market Insights

• Understanding recruitment trends and promotion practices
• Knowing the market rate for your next role
• Using industry insights to strengthen your negotiation position

[00:14:00] Timing Your Promotion Strategy

• Choosing the right moment based on company performance
• Leveraging recent successes to advocate for your promotion
• Recognizing when it’s time to move up and out

[00:15:00] Recap & Final Thoughts

• Summary of key steps to position yourself for promotion
• Encouragement to take action and plan strategically
• Invitation to work with Sarah on a personalised advancement strategy

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 you. You can always reach her at: [email protected]

Remember, you’re capable of more than you know—shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable.

In Episode 16, Sarah dives into the transformative power of amplifying your strengths at work. She discusses the importance of focusing on your natural talents, explains the difference between character and technical strengths, and provides actionable strategies to help you identify and amplify your core strengths. Learn how understanding and leveraging your strengths can boost your confidence, reduce stress, and enhance your career fulfillment.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] - Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable with Sarah Archer

[00:02:00] - Why strengths matter: Benefits backed by positive psychology

[00:03:00] - Shifting from focusing on weaknesses to amplifying strengths

[00:04:00] - Character vs. technical strengths: What’s the difference?

[00:05:00] - Discover your strengths with the VIA Institute’s survey

[00:06:00] - Real-life client example: Finding beauty in spreadsheets

[00:07:00] - Why we overlook our innate strengths

[00:08:00] - Three pillars of amplifying strengths: Consistency, commitment, curiosity

[00:09:00] - Key reflection questions to amplify your strengths

[00:10:00] - Example: Using the strength of kindness in new ways

[00:11:00] - The power of feedback to uncover hidden strengths

[00:12:00] - Sarah shares her own top strengths and how she uses them

[00:13:00] - Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and access free resources

Useful Links

The VIA Strengths Survey

Watch on LinkedIn Live

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: [email protected]

You are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable.

In this episode, Sarah dives into a topic many professionals overlook: how to have a meaningful career conversation with your boss. Whether you’re seeking growth opportunities, more fulfilling projects, or simply clarity on your next steps, Sarah shares the benefits of these conversations and a step-by-step process to help you approach them with confidence.

What You'll Learn:

• The difference between career conversations and performance reviews
• Why regular career discussions are vital for your growth
• Key benefits for both you and your organization
• Challenges you might face and how to overcome them
• A practical framework to prepare, initiate, and follow up effectively

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable — Introduction to the podcast and Sarah's background.

[00:01:00] Episode Overview — The importance of career conversations and why they matter.

[00:02:00] What is a Career Conversation? — How it's different from appraisals, one-on-ones, and supervision sessions.

[00:03:00] Benefits for You and the Business — How these discussions support your growth and organizational goals.

[00:04:00] How Your Boss Can Help — The role of your manager in unlocking opportunities and providing guidance.

[00:05:00] Taking Ownership of Your Career — Why you need to be proactive and drive the conversation.

[00:06:00] Common Challenges — Addressing time constraints, lack of clarity, and fear of taking action.

[00:08:00] Identifying What You Need — Clarifying the support you seek: time, capacity, connections, visibility, or guidance.

[00:09:00] Turning Challenges into Opportunities — How to navigate uncertainty and use your boss as a sounding board.

[00:10:00] How to Prepare for the Conversation — Tips for getting clear on your goals and needs.

[00:11:00] Structuring the Conversation — From setting the scene to outlining your vision of success.

[00:12:00] Requesting Feedback — How to ask for constructive insights on your career path.

[00:13:00] Exploring Ideas and Agreeing on a Plan — Collaborating with your boss to identify opportunities and next steps.

[00:14:00] Building a Continuous Career Dialogue — Why regular follow-ups are key to sustained growth.

[00:15:00] What If Your Boss Isn’t Supportive? — Finding alternative mentors, sponsors, or career coaches.

[00:16:00] Closing Thoughts — Final reflections, resources, and an invitation to connect on LinkedIn.

Useful Links

Watch the LinkedIn Live

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: [email protected]

Your support means the world and helps more women unlock their extraordinary potential. Remember: Shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable!