Unstuck & Unstoppable

If you’re working hard but not getting the traction, visibility or progression you want, this episode will help you understand why.

Sarah breaks down the four core Influence Blockers she sees repeatedly in senior female leaders - the hidden patterns that quietly limit confidence, authority, and advancement. Once you can spot your blocker, you can shift it.

[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppabl-

[02:00] Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough

The unconscious patterns that hold capable women back.

[03:30] The Four Influence Blockers Overview

An introduction to the four key categories.

[04:00] Blocker 1: Internal Confidence & Identity

Second-guessing yourself, overthinking meetings, still feeling the need to prove your capability - and how this shrinks your influence.

[06:00] Blocker 2: Communication & Presence

Softening your message, over-explaining, speaking late in meetings, and why executive presence determines how much weight your words carry.

[07:00] Blocker 3: Strategic Positioning

Staying operational instead of visible at a strategic level. Why being excellent at delivery doesn’t automatically position you for promotion.

(Referenced: Episode 66 on strengthening strategic thinking.)

[08:30] Blocker 4: Environment & Power Dynamics

Navigating dominant personalities, organisational politics, and male-dominated cultures - and how your response shapes your influence.

[10:00] The Real Cost of Not Addressing Your Blocker

Staying stuck, being overlooked, watching less capable peers move ahead - and the damage self-doubt can cause.

[11:30] Your Action Step

Identify your primary blocker and decide what action you’ll take to shift the pattern.

[12:30] How to Get Support

How coaching can accelerate your influence and position you for the next level.

Influence blockers aren’t capability gaps - they’re patterns. And patterns can be changed.

If you’re ready to stop playing small and start positioning yourself as the leader you already are, this episode will give you the clarity to begin.

Useful Links

Episode 66 Strengthening Your Strategic Thinking: From Operational to Big Picture

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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 shares a practical four-part framework to help you decide your next leadership move when you’re feeling stuck, flat, or ready for more. If you’re successful on paper but something feels off, this episode will help you turn that restlessness into useful data and make a thoughtful, aligned career decision instead of drifting or making a reactive move.

Whether your next step is redesigning your current role or moving on, Sarah walks you through how to reconnect with your energy, ambition, strengths, and the realities of the market so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

1. Why feeling restless in your role is not a problem, but valuable information
2. The biggest mistake leaders make when choosing their next role
3. How to avoid career drift and make intentional career decisions
4. A simple four-step framework to evaluate your next leadership move
5. How to use your energy, successes, ambition, and market insight as decision tools
6. Why your next move might be within your current organisation, not outside it

[00:00] Introduction to the podcast and Sarah’s mission

[01:00] Why even successful leaders feel stuck

The reality of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and losing alignment in senior roles.

[01:40] Episode focus: Choosing your next leadership move

Who this episode is for and why clarity matters before making a move.

[02:40] The danger of reacting instead of reflecting

How overwhelm and gratitude guilt keep leaders stuck or lead to poor decisions.

[04:00] Restlessness is data, not failure

Why your dissatisfaction is a signal to explore, not suppress.

[05:00] Framework Part 1: Internal Signals – Your Energy

Identifying what energises you, what drains you, and what that reveals.

[06:30] Framework Part 2: Experiential Proof – Your Success Patterns

Looking at your proudest moments and what they tell you about your strengths and direction.

[08:00] Framework Part 3: Ambition – What You Really Want

Clarifying your desired impact, challenge, growth, and learning.

[08:50] Framework Part 4: Market Reality – What’s Available

Understanding how your skills and experience align with real opportunities.

[09:40] Your next move might be where you are

How to assess whether to reshape your current role instead of leaving.

[10:15] Connecting the dots to make the right decision

Using the framework as criteria to evaluate future opportunities.

[11:00] How to access Sarah’s leadership clarity framework

How to request the tool and get support applying it.

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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]

What happens when you’ve achieved the senior role, the title, the salary… and yet something still feels flat? In this episode, Sarah explores why meaning can quietly disappear as your leadership career progresses and why this isn’t a sign you’ve failed, but a signal worth paying attention to. She shares the powerful difference between achievement and fulfillment, introduces a simple but profound framework to help you reconnect with what truly matters, and explains why you don’t necessarily need to change your career to feel more meaning again.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Is this it?” or wondering why your work no longer energises you in the way it once did, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and take practical steps to redesign how you lead so your career feels meaningful again.

1. Why career success doesn’t automatically lead to fulfillment
2. How the “hedonic treadmill” keeps high achievers chasing the next milestone
3. The four essential lenses that create meaning in leadership
4. Why senior leaders often have more agency than they realise
5. Practical questions and small actions to help you reconnect with purpose now

01:00 – Why meaning matters more as you become more senior

How career progression can sometimes lead to unexpected feelings of flatness or disconnection.

02:00 – The warning signs that meaning may be missing

Recognising the thoughts and emotions that signal it’s time to pause and reflect.

03:00 – The hedonic treadmill explained

Why promotions, pay rises, and achievements create only temporary satisfaction and keep you chasing more.

05:00 – How your definition of success evolves over time

Why what motivated you earlier in your career may no longer be enough.

06:00 – Common struggles senior leaders share about meaning

“I’m so busy I don’t have time to think.”

“I’m not sure I’m on the right path.”

“I can’t remember the last time I felt excited by my career.”

07:00 – Introducing Eudaimonic Wellbeing

The deeper form of fulfillment that comes from purpose, values, and alignment.

07:45 – The Four Lenses of Meaning Framework

The four key areas that determine how meaningful your leadership career feels:

1. Impact
2. Alignment
3. Agency
4. Growth

08:15 – Lens 1: Impact

Understanding the real difference your work makes and how reframing your impact can change everything.

09:30 – Lens 2: Alignment

The importance of using your strengths and working in line with your values.

10:00 – Lens 3: Agency

Why having choice, autonomy, and influence is essential for meaningful leadership.

10:45 – Lens 4: Growth

Why development and challenge still matter, even at the most senior levels.

11:15 – Three powerful reflection questions

Simple questions to help you identify what’s missing and what needs to change.

12:00 – Small actions that can quickly restore meaning

Why you don’t need to blow up your career to feel fulfilled again.

13:00 – How senior leaders can recraft their role

Using your leverage to redesign your work, relationships, and focus.

14:00 – Success and fulfillment are not mutually exclusive

How you can create a leadership career that delivers both.

Meaning doesn’t disappear overnight. It fades when impact, alignment, agency, or growth are missing.

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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 unpacks what strategic thinking really means and how to move from an operational comfort zone to big-picture influence. If you’ve ever been told to “be more strategic” and wondered what that actually looks like in practice, this episode breaks it down into practical, doable shifts.

You’ll learn how to create space for strategic thinking, ask better questions, and position yourself as a leader who shapes direction - not just delivers results.

1. Why strategic thinking can feel uncomfortable (especially if you’ve built your reputation on delivery)
2. The real difference between operational and strategic leadership
3. How mindset blocks may be holding you back
4. Three practical shifts to strengthen your strategic capability
5. How to signal your strategic value in senior conversations
6. A powerful reflection question to move you into action this month

[01:00] Why strategic thinking feels hard - and why it matters for your career

[03:00] The cost of staying in operational comfort

[04:00] What strategic thinking actually means (the “where” vs the “how”)

[06:00] Radical responsibility and thinking beyond your function

[07:00] Shift #1: Move from task thinking to outcome thinking

[08:00] Linking everyday work to bigger organisational purpose

[08:30] Shift #2: Create space for strategic thinking

[09:00] Practical tools: SWOT and PESTLE frameworks

[09:45] Engaging diverse perspectives to avoid groupthink

[10:00] 10-minute CEO check-ins - thinking like a strategic leader

[11:00] Getting comfortable saying no to operational pull

[11:30] Shift #3: Ask better strategic questions

[12:00] Big-picture questions that elevate your presence in meetings

[13:00] The career benefits of being seen as strategic

[13:30] Client case study: Reframing efficiency as strategic strength

[15:00] Reflection: Where do you want to be more strategic this month?

Strategic thinking isn’t about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about asking better questions, spotting patterns, and connecting today’s actions to tomorrow’s outcomes.

If you want more influence, credibility, and progression - it starts with shifting how you think and how you show up.

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]

In this practical episode, Sarah explores why so many capable leaders struggle to delegate, what it’s really costing you when you don’t, and how to shift your mindset so delegation becomes a leadership strength rather than a stress point.

Drawing on real client examples and her own experience as a senior leader, Sarah breaks down common delegation blocks (from perfectionism to fear of losing control), explains the difference between dumping, delegating and developing, and shares simple, effective tools you can use immediately to delegate with more confidence and impact.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or worried about how delegation affects your reputation and progression, this episode will help you lead more strategically while growing your team’s capability.

[01:00] Why delegation is such a common struggle for leaders

[02:00] What gets in the way of delegating (perfectionism, time, guilt and control)

[04:00] Identifying your personal delegation blocks

[05:00] The real costs of not delegating: burnout, bottlenecks and missed development

[06:00] Client example: why delegation affects how strategic you’re perceived to be

[08:00] Reframing delegation as leadership and capability-building

[09:00] The three types of delegation: dumping, delegating and developing

[11:00] How to tell if you’re setting someone up to succeed

[12:00] A simple four-step approach to delegating well

[13:00] Tools to identify what you can delegate

[13:30] Start / Stop / Delegate method

[14:00] Eisenhower Matrix: urgent vs important

[15:00] Auditing your workload and matching tasks to team strengths

Useful Links

Episode 9 How to Stop Being a Perfectionist at Work

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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]

Are you constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, and running on empty as a leader? In this episode, Sarah explores why so many ambitious women find themselves stuck in survival mode and shares a simple but powerful tool to help you restore balance, manage your energy, and avoid burnout.

Using the Four Rooms of Life framework, Sarah walks you through a practical exercise to help you understand where your energy is going, what’s missing, and how to rebalance your life without adding yet another thing to your to-do list.

1. Why burnout is often about energy imbalance, not weakness
2. The Four Rooms of Life: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual
3. How to identify which “room” you’re spending most of your time in
4. Simple, realistic ways to “air” neglected rooms without overwhelm
5. How habit stacking can help you nourish yourself more easily
6. Why thriving (not just surviving) makes you a better leader - and a happier human

[01:00] Why burnout is showing up so frequently for senior women

[02:00] From surviving to thriving: why balance matters

[03:00] A real client story: when life feels like an elastic band about to snap

[04:00] Introducing the Four Rooms of Life framework

[05:00] The Physical Room: doing, busyness, and exhaustion

[07:00] The Mental Room: learning, stimulation, and inspiration

[08:00] The Emotional Room: connection, creativity, and feelings

[09:00] The Spiritual Room: meaning, values, purpose, and awe

[10:00] The simple 4-quadrant exercise you can do today

[11:00] How one client reduced overwhelm and reclaimed energy

[12:00] Habit stacking: nourishing yourself without adding more to do

[13:00] Practical examples you can apply immediately

[14:00] How to revisit the exercise whenever you feel out of balance

[15:00] Final reflections, next steps, and resources

Tonight, grab a piece of paper and divide it into four quadrants: Physical, Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual. Notice where your time and energy are really going and where you might need to gently reconnect. Small changes, done consistently, can make a powerful difference.

Useful Links

4 Rooms of Life Blog

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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 explores what it really means to bring your whole self to work and why authentic leadership matters more than ever in today’s uncertain and demanding world.

Many female leaders feel pressure to appear strong, controlled, and “together” at all times, often at the expense of their own energy and wellbeing. Sarah challenges the outdated leadership model that equates vulnerability with weakness and instead shares evidence-based insights on how authenticity, empathy, and values-led leadership build trust, credibility, and high performance.

1. Why authenticity at work builds trust, loyalty, and engagement
2. How vulnerability (done well) strengthens your leadership credibility
3. The link between empathy, better decisions, and high performance
4. How authenticity shapes your leadership brand
5. What to do when your values don’t align with your organisation’s culture

[01:00] Why authentic leadership feels challenging in uncertain times

[02:30] The cost of wearing a “mask” at work

[03:40] Why authenticity matters and what the research says

[04:40] Vulnerability, trust, and connection at work

[06:00] Why female leaders often struggle to show vulnerability

[06:45] Case study: Creating a compassionate, high-performing culture

[08:00] Takeaway #1: Vulnerability builds connection (and how to do it well)

[09:45] Takeaway #2: Empathy strengthens credibility

[10:45] Pairing empathy with data-driven decision making

[11:45] Takeaway #3: Authenticity as the foundation of your leadership brand

[12:45] When your values don’t align with your organisation

[13:30] One small way to bring more of your true self to work this week

What is one small way you could bring more of your true self to work this week?

Whether it’s sharing a story, listening more deeply, or consciously leading with one of your values, even small shifts can make a powerful difference.

Useful Links

Global Leadership Forecast 2023 research

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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 explores the confidence gap many women experience at work and why, despite equal competence, women are often less likely than men to back themselves, speak up about achievements, or go for opportunities.

Drawing on compelling research from leadership, psychology, and neuroscience, Sarah explains why confidence shows up differently for women – and, crucially, what you can do about it. She shares three practical, immediately actionable techniques to help you own your achievements, increase your visibility, and build genuine, sustainable confidence at work.

If you’ve ever played down your success, waited to be noticed, or felt uncomfortable talking about your impact, this episode is for you.

1. Why confidence is just as important as competence for career success
2. The research behind the confidence gap between men and women
3. How socialisation, brain wiring, and hormones influence confidence
4. Why “fake it till you make it” doesn’t really work
5. Three practical ways to start owning your achievements with confidence

[01:00] Why confidence matters for leadership and career progression

[02:00] Why confidence shows up again and again in client work

[03:00] Introducing the confidence gap: playing down achievements and waiting to be recognised

[04:00] Research insights: how women and men differ in confidence at work

[05:00] Salary negotiations, career expectations, and why women ask for less

[06:00] Why women only apply for roles when they meet 100% of the criteria

[07:00] The neuroscience of confidence: emotional memory, risk, and rumination

[08:00] How brain wiring and threat-scanning impact confidence and risk-taking

[09:00] Confidence vs competence – and why belief drives action

[10:00] Technique 1: Reframing self-promotion as sharing value and leading well

[11:00] A real-life example of reframing visibility without ego

[12:00] Technique 2: Building an evidence bank to strengthen self-belief

[13:00] How an evidence bank helps silence your inner critic

[14:00] Technique 3: Using confident language that doesn’t dilute your impact

[15:00] Noticing and replacing confidence-eroding phrases

[16:00] Final reflections, next steps, and how Sarah can support you further

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn

Research on Gender and Salary Negotiation

Research by Institute of Leadership & Management

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. Be unstoppable. ✨

In this first episode of 2026, Sarah introduces the powerful (and often overlooked) concept of a personal board for your leadership career. Drawing on the idea of organisational boards, Sarah explains how having the right people around you can help you make better career decisions, gain perspective, build influence, and stay motivated as a leader.

You’ll learn about the different roles a personal board can play, how to identify who is already supporting you (often unconsciously), where the gaps might be, and how to intentionally build stronger, more strategic support around your career and leadership journey.

1. What a personal board is and why it matters for female leaders
2. The three key categories of a personal board
3. The 12 different roles people can play in supporting your career
4. How one person can fulfil multiple roles
5. How to identify gaps in your current support network
6. Practical steps to start building or strengthening your personal board
7. How to approach people in a way that feels reciprocal and authentic
8. Why paying it forward is part of sustainable leadership success

[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable and the purpose of the podcast

[01:35] Episode 61 introduction and New Year reflections

[02:00] Why creating a personal board can transform your career

[03:00] What a personal board is (and how it mirrors organisational boards)

[04:00] Overview of the personal board framework and key principles

[05:00] The three categories of a personal board

[05:30] Information roles: Inspirer, Expert, Navigator

[07:00] Power and influence roles: Connector, Sponsor, Unlocker, Influencer

[09:00] Development and support roles: Challenger, Improver, Cheerleader/Anchor

[11:00] Real-life examples from Sarah’s leadership career

[12:00] Becoming more intentional about who supports you

[13:00] Identifying gaps in your personal board

[14:00] Who to consider when building your board (beyond line managers)

[15:00] How to approach people and make it mutually beneficial

[15:45] Paying it forward and supporting others in their careers

[16:30] Practical action to take this week

[17:00] Final reflections and episode close

After listening, write down three people who already support your career or could play a role on your personal board. Reach out to one of them this week to reconnect, say thank you, or start a more intentional conversation.

Useful Links

Who is in your Personal Boardroom? By Zella King & Amanda Scott

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 first episode of the New Year, Sarah invites you to step back from the day-to-day demands of work and intentionally design your leadership journey for the year ahead.

Whether you’re listening in January or later in the year, this episode will help you move out of “autopilot mode” and into conscious, values-led career decision-making. Sarah shares practical reflections, coaching insights, and powerful questions to help you clarify what you want for your career – not just what you want at work.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure about what’s next, or driven more by others’ agendas than your own, this episode is for you.

[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[01:45] Episode 60: Designing your leadership journey for 2026

Why this is the perfect time to set intentions for your career (and why you can do this at any time of year).

[02:45] The danger of running your career on autopilot

How slipping into “unconscious mode” can leave you at the whim of organisational decisions, other people’s careers, or knee-jerk reactions.

[03:45] The benefits of being intentional about your career

How clarity, purpose, authenticity, self-leadership, and alignment support sustainable career success.

[05:00] A real-life example of unconscious career decision-making

A coaching conversation that highlights why stepping back before making a move matters.

[06:30] How to become more intentional: 3 key areas to focus on

[06:45] 1. Increase your self-awareness

Understanding your why, what drives you, and how your work connects to your values.

[07:30] Discovering your “why”

Why it can feel hard to articulate – and how values, energy, and enjoyment offer clues.

[08:30] What do you love, and what don’t you love?

Using simple reflection to identify what to increase, reduce, delegate, or change in your role.

[09:45] 2. Develop your career success criteria

Why success is more than job title and pay – and how to define success on your own terms.

[11:00] Sarah shares her own career success criteria

Examples including impact, financial freedom, challenge, learning, and flexibility – and how these guide decision-making.

[13:00] 3. Answering the “what next?” question

How clarity on your why and success criteria makes future career decisions easier and more confident.

[14:00] Creating a plan and checking in with yourself

Staying intentional through regular reflection and adjustment.

[14:45] Final reflections and encouragement

Why it’s never too late to choose intentionality in your career.

[15:00] How to get support

Invitation to reach out for coaching and explore free resources.

Being intentional about your career isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about choosing to lead yourself with clarity, purpose, and courage.

✨ Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable.

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]