Sarah explores what it really means to step outside your leadership comfort zone and why it's essential for growth, confidence, and success. Whether you're stuck in operational work, feeling stagnant in your role, or facing new challenges that push your limits, this episode offers insightful strategies and personal stories to inspire you to stretch, not stress.
Sarah shares real-life examples from her coaching practice and her own career journey, including tackling imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and those scary-but-worth-it leadership opportunities. Learn how to build courage, embrace optimal anxiety, and use small, manageable actions to unlock your next level of leadership impact.
Show Notes
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Sarah introduces the podcast and sets the stage for why leadership comfort zones matter.
01:00 – Why This Topic?
Inspired by a coaching client stuck in her role after six years as a CEO.
02:00 – The Reality of Leadership Discomfort
Sometimes you don't have a choice — leadership demands stretch.
03:00 – What Is a Comfort Zone, Really?
Comfort = control, competence, and stagnation if you stay too long.
04:00 – Why You Need to Leave It
Introducing “optimal anxiety” – stretch, not stress – for peak performance.
05:00 – The Neuroscience Behind It
How stepping out of your comfort zone activates the courage circuit and releases dopamine.
06:00 – The Strategic Trap
Operational comfort vs. strategic growth — how leaders can get stuck.
07:00 – Real Client Example
A financial controller seen as “operational” because she didn’t delegate.
08:00 – Personal Story: Fear of Live Radio
How Sarah self-sabotaged until she finally said yes — and why it changed everything.
10:00 – Common Fears Blocking You
Fear of failure, judgment, and the unknown — especially for leaders.
11:00 – High-Stakes Leadership Challenges
From board presentations to restructures — you can't always avoid the hard stuff.
12:00 – Regular Stretch Builds Readiness
Why small, regular discomfort makes big challenges easier.
13:00 – Strategy 1: Start Small
Use the “comfort zone box” model to move gradually from comfort to growth.
14:00 – Strategy 2: Set Clear Goals
Motivation and clarity make it easier to leave what's familiar.
14:30 – Strategy 3: Visualize Success
Boost confidence and prime your brain for a positive outcome.
15:00 – Strategy 4: Seek Support
You don’t have to go it alone — mentors, peers, coaching all help.
16:00 – Strategy 5: Embrace Failure
Salsa dancing, anyone? The value of learning through doing.
17:00 – Practical Ways to Begin
Ideas for manageable leadership stretch goals you can try today.
18:00 – Comfort Zones Are Always Moving
Keep expanding your capacity and confidence, step by step.
19:00 – Final Challenge: What Could You Do Today?
Choose one manageable action to get out of your comfort zone — and go do it.
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]
“Stretch, not stress.” Start small, build your courage, and remember — every step you take out of your comfort zone builds your capacity to lead powerfully.
Mentioned in this episode:
Lead With Impact Group Coaching Programme
https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/lead-with-impact
