Unstuck & 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!

In this episode, Sarah dives into the concept of fulfilling your potential at work. She explores what "potential" really means, why timing matters, and how to overcome the challenges of feeling stuck. With practical strategies and real-life examples, Sarah shares four actionable ways to unlock your potential, build confidence, and achieve sustainable career success.

1. Defining Potential: How to identify growth opportunities that align with your energy and timing.
2. Four Ways to Unlock Your Potential:

• Explore and enhance your strengths.
• Develop risk resilience and step outside your comfort zone.
• Create a strategic plan for career development.
• Increase opportunities through curiosity and connections.

3. Practical Strategies: Real-world advice, from mentorship tips to creating a risk recovery plan.

[00:00:00] Welcome and Intro to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:02:00] Understanding Potential: What it Means and Why Timing Matters

[00:03:00] Feeling Stuck at Work: Identifying the Signs and Challenges

[00:04:00] Sarah’s HR Career Example: Choosing Growth Over Stagnation

[00:05:00] Strategy 1: Exploring and Enhancing Your Strengths

[00:07:00] Learning from the Best: Mentorship and Observational Techniques

[00:08:00] Strategy 2: Building Risk Resilience and Mindset Preparation

[00:09:00] Overcoming Fear: Tools to Reframe Challenges and Take Action

[00:10:00] Strategy 3: Creating a Career Development Plan

[00:11:00] Learning Styles and Realistic Time Management for Growth

[00:12:00] Strategy 4: Increasing Opportunities Through Curiosity and Networking

[00:13:00] Recap: Four Steps to Fulfilling Your Potential

Useful Links

Watch this episode 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. Your feedback helps us reach more ambitious leaders looking to unlock their potential.

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]

In this episode Sarah dives deep into a critical yet often challenging topic: personal branding. She explores why personal branding matters, how to create one authentically, and ways to navigate challenges such as the “likability conundrum.” If you’re ready to take control of your narrative and elevate your career, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Why personal branding is essential for career advancement.
• Strategies to develop your personal brand authentically.
• Overcoming gender norms and societal expectations.
• Practical tips on visibility, networking, and storytelling.

Show Notes

[00:00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and host, Sarah Archer.

[00:01:00] - Why personal branding is vital and often overlooked.

[00:02:30] - The benefits of having a strong personal brand.

[00:03:30] - Challenges women face, including the likability conundrum.

[00:05:00] - Strategies to overcome societal biases authentically.

[00:06:00] - Controlling your narrative and crafting your brand story.

[00:08:00] - Identifying your brand elements: value, skills, and impact.

[00:10:00] - Opportunities to enhance visibility internally and externally.

[00:11:00] - Networking strategies that work for introverts and extroverts.

[00:12:30] - The importance of authenticity in leadership and self-promotion.

[00:13:30] - Recap and actionable tips for developing your personal brand.

Useful Links

Watch this episode 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]

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

In this empowering episode Sarah dives into a challenge that many leaders face: losing their leadership mojo. Whether it’s burnout, feeling stagnant, or simply being overwhelmed, Sarah shares actionable strategies to help you rediscover your energy, passion, and leadership identity. Packed with practical tips and inspiring insights, this episode is your guide to regaining confidence and leading with purpose.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

[00:01:00] The Mojo Disappears

• Explore common reasons leadership mojo fades, from overwhelming responsibility to a lack of challenge or energy.

[00:03:00] Signs You’ve Lost Your Mojo

• Sarah discusses feelings like stagnation, burnout, and disengagement, and shares her personal experience of losing her business mojo.

[00:06:00] Recognizing the Opportunity for Reflection

• Use the loss of mojo as a signal to pause, reflect, and grow.

[00:07:00] Leadership Identity and Values

• Reconnecting with your leadership identity and values to find renewed purpose and passion.

[00:09:00] The Energy Check-In

• Practical tips for improving energy levels through better sleep, nutrition, and self-care.

[00:10:00] Priming for Success

• Daily practices like meditation, intention-setting, and mindfulness to shift your mindset.

[00:12:00] Reframing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

• Adopt the mindset of “life happening for me, not to me,” and use challenges as opportunities to build resilience.

[00:14:00] Transforming Your Language

• The power of positive self-talk to boost energy and motivation.

[00:16:00] Recap and Closing Thoughts

• A quick summary of the strategies discussed and encouragement to start experimenting with small, impactful changes.

Useful Links

Watch LinkedIn Live version

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

Resources

Insight Timer App: A tool for guided meditations to help you set the tone for your day.

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]

Job hunting can be a tough and exhausting journey, especially when you don’t land the offer after pouring so much energy into interview preparation. The sting of rejection can impact your confidence, motivation, and even your sense of direction. But don’t worry—there’s a way forward.

In this episode, Sarah breaks down eight actionable steps to help you bounce back stronger. From managing the emotions of rejection and regaining your confidence to identifying common pitfalls and crafting a stronger personal brand, you’ll discover practical strategies to improve your interview performance. By the end, you’ll be ready to reframe rejection, embrace resilience, and approach your job search with renewed energy and clarity.

If you’re feeling stuck after a job rejection, this episode will guide you toward turning the experience into a stepping stone for success.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:01:00] Why rejection can feel so hard and its impact on job seekers.

[00:03:00] Step 1: Take time to recharge and regain perspective.

[00:04:30] Step 2: Get actionable feedback and how to use it wisely.

[00:06:00] Step 3: Analyze your fit and identify what’s missing.

[00:07:00] Step 4: Review and refine your interview technique.

[00:08:00] Step 5: Understand your personal brand and create impact.

[00:10:00] Step 6: Reconnect with your confidence and quiet your inner critic.

[00:11:00] Step 7: Build resilience to navigate rejection effectively.

[00:12:30] Step 8: Get back out there and continue your job search journey.

[00:14:00] The importance of seeking help, including interview coaching options.

Useful Links

Watch the episode on LinkedIn LIve

Related Episode: [Episode 8: How to Be Successful at Your Next Interview]

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]

In this episode, Sarah Archer explores the critical issue of Leadership Burnout. Sarah shares insights into what burnout looks like, why it happens, and why women in leadership roles are particularly at risk. She discusses the pressures of isolation, unrealistic expectations, multitasking, and work-life imbalance, as well as how traits like perfectionism and people-pleasing can exacerbate the problem. Sarah offers practical strategies to prevent burnout, including setting boundaries, building routines, and prioritizing self-care.

[00:01:30] Why Talk About Burnout? – Insights into burnout's prevalence among female leaders and its consequences.

[00:03:00] Leadership Challenges – The additional pressures leaders face in times of change and high performance demands.

[00:04:30] Burnout Statistics – McKinsey research highlights burnout's higher prevalence among women in management.

[00:05:30] Defining Burnout – Symptoms, causes, and its definition by the World Health Organization.

[00:07:00] Causes of Leadership Burnout – Isolation, lack of support, unrealistic workloads, multitasking, and power stress.

[00:09:00] Recognizing Burnout Indicators – Personal signs and triggers to watch for.

[00:10:30] Practical Tips to Prevent Burnout:

• Creating routines to reduce decision fatigue.
• Setting boundaries around work and emotions.
• Prioritizing self-care, sleep, and joy.
• Understanding capacity and the importance of check-ins.

[00:14:30] Final Thoughts – Key takeaways and an invitation to connect and explore more resources.

Remember: shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable.

Useful Links

How to Boost Your Wellbeing at Work E-book

Women In The Workplace 2023 Mckinsey Report

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]