Unstuck & Unstoppable

In this episode, Sarah talks about a topic that every leader faces but few like to discuss -failure. She explores why it feels so uncomfortable, what’s really going on in your brain when you fail, and four practical ways you can reframe, recover, and grow stronger from failure -so it becomes fuel for your success, not a roadblock.

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

[00:02:30] – Why We Struggle with Failure

• The higher you rise, the greater the perceived risk.
• Failure feels more personal and visible for women in leadership.
• Internal fears (imposter syndrome, self-doubt, confidence dips).
• External factors (organizational culture, risk aversion).
• The impact of gender conditioning — women are socialized to “get it right.”
• The double bind: be strong but not too strong; warm but not weak.
• The representation pressure women feel when there are fewer female leaders at the top.

[00:07:30] – Sarah’s Personal Failures and Lessons Learned

From HR initiatives that didn’t land, to failed business launches and missed job opportunities -Sarah shares how she’s learned to view failure as part of growth rather than something to avoid.

[00:08:30] – The Benefits of Failing

Failure can:

• Build resilience and risk tolerance
• Offer powerful learning and clarity
• Strengthen leadership authenticity
• Model a growth mindset for your team and organization

[00:10:00] – Four Ways to Get More Comfortable with Failure

1. Rewrite Your Failure Narrative
2. Understand the Neuroscience of Failure
3. Use Positive Psychology to Reframe Failure
4. Build Self-Compassion

[00:16:30] – Start Small & Build Your Risk Resilience

Experiment with low-stakes risks to grow your confidence over time. Failure tolerance is a muscle - the more you stretch it, the stronger it gets.

[00:17:00] – Quote to Inspire You

[00:17:30] – Final Thoughts & Coaching Invitation

Sarah encourages listeners to see failure as an essential part of leadership growth.If you’d like to explore your own relationship with failure and unlock your next level of confidence and success, book a Career Breakthrough Call with Sarah.

Useful Links

Free Break Free From Imposter Syndrome Webinar

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 dives into how to confidently sell yourself in your next leadership interview, without feeling fake, boastful, or uncomfortable.

Drawing on her extensive experience coaching senior leaders, Sarah shares practical mindset shifts, communication strategies, and evidence-based techniques to help you move from self-doubt to self-assurance. Whether you’re interviewing for a director or CEO role, this episode will help you show your true value with confidence and impact.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:01:00] Why This Topic Matters

Inspired by a client’s recent success in securing a director-level role, Sarah explains why interview confidence is a crucial skill for senior leaders and why “selling yourself” doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable.

[00:02:30] The Challenges of Leadership Interviews

How senior-level interviews differ from earlier career ones - more stages, more scrutiny, and higher expectations - and how preparation and mindset make all the difference.

[00:04:00] What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How to shift your mindset from “Am I good enough?” to “How can I show the value I bring?”
• What interviewers really want to know about you
• How to convey your strengths without downplaying them
• How to communicate with impact and authenticity

[00:05:00] Reframing ‘Selling Yourself’

Instead of thinking of interviews as sales pitches, Sarah reframes them as opportunities to present evidence-based data about your value and achievements.

[00:06:00] Managing Your Inner Critic

Practical ways to silence self-doubt and build a positive mindset before interviews - from affirmations to perspective shifts. Includes real client examples of how mindset work leads to interview success.

[00:08:00] Defining Your Unique Value

How to identify your unique selling points and demonstrate how you make a measurable difference to an organisation - whether through growth, people, innovation, or efficiency.

[00:10:00] Understanding the Interview Panel

How to tailor your responses based on who’s on the panel - your future boss, HR, peers, or board members - and what each is looking for in a candidate.

[00:12:00] Communicating Your Strengths with Ease

Why humility can hold leaders back - and how to practice talking about your achievements naturally so it feels authentic, not boastful.

[00:13:00] Balancing Strategy and Delivery

A reminder that senior roles require both operational experience and strategic thinking and how to showcase both effectively.

[00:14:00] Creating Personal Impact

How to let your enthusiasm and authenticity shine through, show your human side, and build rapport with the panel. How small moments of honesty can create connection.

[00:16:00] Be Intentional About Your Impact

Tips for being deliberate about how you want to come across - whether as a visionary leader, safe pair of hands, or collaborative people person.

[00:17:00] Recap & Key Takeaways

Summary of the five key areas to focus on for your next leadership interview:

1. Reframe selling as sharing evidence.
2. Manage your inner critic and mindset.
3. Know your unique value and what the panel needs to hear.
4. Communicate your strengths with ease and authenticity.
5. Create personal impact through presence and enthusiasm.

[00:18:00] Closing & Resources

Sarah encourages listeners to connect for 1:1 interview coaching

Useful Links

Free Break Free From Imposter Syndrome Webinar

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]

Do you ever feel like your hard work is going unnoticed? Or that your peers are getting promoted while you’re left behind? In this episode, Sarah shares practical strategies to help you raise your visibility, get the recognition you deserve, and move your career forward without feeling like you’re bragging or selling out.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why visibility matters for your career growth.
• The mindset shifts you need to stop playing small.
• Authentic ways to showcase your impact.
• How to create a strategic visibility plan.

If you’re ready to step into the spotlight, amplify your influence, and get noticed for all the right reasons, this episode is for you.

• Why “just doing your job well” isn’t enough anymore.
• How to reframe visibility so it feels authentic, not arrogant.
• The three mindset and strategy shifts to help you shine.
• A simple audit to check how you’re showing up in meetings.
• How to create a plan for long-term visibility and recognition.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable & Sarah’s mission

[00:01:00] The challenge of balancing leadership with career aspirations

[00:02:00] Listener shoutout + free resource announcement

[00:03:00] Why visibility matters: career advancement, growth & recognition

[00:05:00] Common challenges: fears, beliefs & mindset blocks

[00:07:00] The perception gap: why saying “it’s fine” holds you back

[00:08:00] Why your voice matters for your organization’s success

[00:09:00] Top Tip #1 – Shift your mindset about visibility

[00:10:00] Top Tip #2 – Be authentic in your own style

[00:12:00] Case study: Creating a visibility strategy in financial services

[00:13:30] Top Tip #3 – Be strategic & intentional with your plan

[00:14:30] How to do a visibility audit (meetings & contributions)

[00:15:30] Free resource: Five Steps to Powerful Presence as a Female Leader

[00:16:30] How coaching can support your visibility journey

[00:17:00] Closing message: Shine brightly, lead boldly, be unstoppable

Useful Links

Free resource: Five Steps to Powerful Presence as a Female Leader

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]

Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about stepping into the best version of yourself. In this episode

Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about stepping into the best version of yourself. In this episode, Sarah shares her 4-step Glow Up Formula to help you move the dial on your leadership career with confidence, visibility, and strategy.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to stand out as a leader, this practical guide will help you unlock your next level. Expect mindset shifts, real-life client stories, and actionable takeaways you can apply right away.

• Why leadership "glow ups" are about confidence and transformation—not just appearances
• How to own your leadership identity and stop waiting for permission
• Ways to be seen, be heard, and amplify your presence in meetings and beyond
• How to make smart, strategic career moves that elevate your influence
• The power of stepping into your future leadership self right now

Show Notes

[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:02] Why a “glow up” approach to leadership matters

[00:03] Step 1: Own your leadership identity

[00:05] Practical action: Identify strengths, blind spots & mindset shifts

[00:06] Step 2: Be seen and heard—amplify your presence

[00:08] Client example: Finding your voice in senior leadership meetings

[00:10] Practical action: Choose one area to be more intentional

[00:10] Step 3: Make strategic career moves

[00:12] Client example: Using networks to unlock promotions & new roles

[00:13] Practical action: Learn from role models & network strategically

[00:14] Step 4: Step into your future leadership self

[00:15] Maintaining energy and embodying your next-level self

[00:16] Wrap-up & invitation to share your leadership glow 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]

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with a colleague. Your support helps more women shine brightly, lead boldly, and step into unstoppable leadership.

Are you waiting for the “perfect” moment to take the next step in your leadership journey? Here’s the truth: there will never be a flawless time - but there is a right time, and that time is now.

In this episode, Sarah breaks down why this year is the year to make your move, whether that’s stepping up into a more senior leadership role, changing organisations, or exploring an entirely new direction.

You’ll discover the real reasons we hesitate to leap, how to overcome those doubts, and the six steps to prepare yourself for a successful transition. By the end, you’ll feel inspired to stop waiting, start planning, and claim the leadership role that excites and challenges you.

If you’ve been thinking, “Maybe next year…” this episode is the nudge you need.

00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

Why this podcast exists and how Sarah helps ambitious women thrive in leadership roles.

02:00 – Why now is the right time to leap

Understanding why waiting for the “perfect” moment is holding you back.

03:00 – What’s really stopping you

Mindset, confidence, burnout fears, and practical barriers that keep leaders stuck.

06:00 – The importance of scanning your industry

Balancing realism with ambition when making a career move.

07:00 – The cost of waiting

Why avoiding action can lead to regret — and how authentic leaders are in high demand.

08:00 – Recognizing your career cycles

How to spot when you’re naturally ready for your next challenge.

09:00 – Step 1: Pause and reflect

Clarity on what you want, your values, and aligning with your “why.”

10:00 – Step 2: Decide what leap excites you

Career change, seniority shift, or fresh challenges at the same level.

11:00 – Step 3: Learn from past job searches

How to focus your time and energy on what works for you.

12:00 – Step 4: Define your personal brand

Standing out through emotional and cultural intelligence.

13:00 – Step 5: Find the right type of organization

Matching your leadership style to the organizational maturity and challenge.

14:00 – Step 6: Identify what you need

Support, resources, and mindset shifts to sustain your job search.

16:00 – Recap of the six steps

A practical roadmap to prepare for your next leadership role.

17:00 – Closing inspiration

Why 2025 can be your year to shine, lead boldly, and 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]

In this episode, Sarah dives into the concept of the Glass Cliff—what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to avoid stepping into leadership roles that may be set up for failure. Whether you're considering a promotion or navigating a crisis leadership role, Sarah shares practical strategies and insights to help you make informed decisions and set yourself up for success.

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

[00:01:00] Why the podcast exists – supporting ambitious female leaders

[00:02:00] Introducing today’s topic: The Glass Cliff

[00:03:00] What is the Glass Cliff and why does it happen?

[00:04:00] Real-world examples and crisis scenarios

[00:05:00] Why women are often appointed during challenging times

[00:06:00] The risks of taking on a Glass Cliff role

[00:07:00] Career strategy considerations before saying yes

[00:08:00] Doing your due diligence: past, present, and future challenges

[00:09:00] Gathering external insights and understanding support structures

[00:10:00] Case study: A leader navigating a Glass Cliff role during COVID

[00:11:00] Lessons learned: The importance of board and stakeholder support

[00:12:00] Creating a plan and negotiating resources

[00:13:00] Spotting red flags and making the final decision

[00:14:00] Recap: Key steps to avoid the Glass Cliff

[00:15:00] Resources, coaching support, and next steps

Key Takeaways

• Understand the risk: The Glass Cliff often occurs when women are appointed during times of crisis.
• Do your due diligence: Assess the past, present, and future realities of the role before accepting.
• Negotiate for success: Ensure you have the right resources, support, and clarity before saying yes.
• Make informed choices: Walking away can be the right decision if success conditions aren’t in place.

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 episode, Sarah explores why success is an inside job and how your mindset, beliefs, and self-talk directly shape your career success, confidence, and fulfillment. Discover practical strategies to identify limiting beliefs, reframe your thinking, and step into your full leadership potential at work and beyond.

• How your mindset influences your performance, confidence, and experience at work
• The power of rewriting the “stories” you tell yourself about success
• How to identify and challenge limiting beliefs holding you back
• Practical ways to shift from negativity to curiosity, learning, and inspiration
• Real-life examples of mindset breakthroughs that changed career trajectories

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable and your host, Sarah Archer

[01:00] Why mindset matters as much as external achievements

[02:00] Defining success on your own terms

[03:00] How mindset shapes performance, confidence, and workplace experiences

[04:00] The link between habitual thinking patterns and career outcomes

[05:00] Becoming the director of your own story

[06:00] Increasing awareness of negative self-talk and workplace narratives

[07:00] Real-life client example: How mindset blocks affected career progression

[08:00] Self-sabotage: How unconscious beliefs hold us back

[09:00] Reframing challenges through curiosity, learning, and inspiration

[10:00] Practical strategies for rewriting your career story

[11:00] When it’s time to make bigger career decisions

[12:00] How mindset work supports career change and confidence

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]

Feeling like your to-do list never ends and your workload is spiraling out of control? You’re not alone. In this episode, Sarah shares practical tips and mindset shifts to help you manage your workload, protect your boundaries, and avoid burnout.

With over 15 years of coaching experience and a background in HR leadership, Sarah provides actionable strategies you can use right away - whether you need help with prioritising, delegating, or simply creating more headspace to breathe.

If you’re ready to move from overwhelm to control and start thriving again, this episode is for you.

[00:00] – Welcome & Intro

[02:00] – Why Overwhelm Happens

Why heavy workloads and mental load outside of work contribute to burnout.

[03:00] – Strategy 1: Get It Out of Your Head

How writing everything down helps create clarity and calm.

[04:00] – Strategy 2: Setting Boundaries

Why boundaries matter and how to communicate and stick to them at work and home.

[07:00] – Strategy 3: Managing Emails & Interruptions

Simple techniques to stop email overload from derailing your day.

[09:00] – Strategy 4: Time Blocking for Focus

How chunking your day creates space for deep work and reduces stress.

[10:00] – Strategy 5: Delegation & Empowerment

How delegating helps your workload and develops your team at the same time.

[12:00] – Strategy 6: Stop Saying Yes to Everything

Why resisting the urge to take on more work is essential for your well-being.

[13:00] – Strategy 7: Prioritisation Techniques

How to focus on what truly matters and learn to say no effectively.

[15:00] – Strategy 8: Redefining Success

Creating new measures of success that protect your time and energy.

[16:00] – Watch Out for Burnout

Why asking for help is essential if overwhelm is affecting your health.

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 episode, Sarah continues the conversation on how to get your voice heard in the leadership space. While Part 1 focused on practical and tactical strategies, this second part dives deeper into the mindset and inner work needed to truly amplify your impact.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked in meetings, had your ideas claimed by others, or struggled to speak with conviction, this episode will help you shift your mindset, quiet your inner critic, and step forward with greater confidence.

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome and introduction

02:00 – Why mindset matters in getting your voice heard

03:00 – Real-life client stories of struggling to be heard in leadership spaces

05:00 – Recap of tactical strategies from Part 1

06:00 – Identifying the story you’re telling yourself and challenging your inner critic

07:30 – Escaping the comparison trap

08:00 – The power of preparation and finding allies in meetings

09:00 – Using feedback to build confidence and presence

10:30 – Posture, body language, and the confidence boost of appearance

11:30 – Speaking with conviction: moving from questions to statements

13:30 – Final reflections and practical next steps

14:00 – Resources, coaching offers, and closing message

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 episode, Sarah dives into one of the most common and frustrating challenges women in leadership face: getting your voice heard in the leadership space.

From being talked over in meetings to having your ideas claimed by others, these situations can leave you feeling disempowered, demotivated, and even disengaged. But there are proven ways to navigate this dynamic while staying true to your values.

In the first of a two-part series, Sarah shares tactical strategies you can use right away to increase your influence, get buy-in for your ideas, and have your contributions recognised. Next week, we’ll focus on the mindset work that underpins these tactics for even greater impact.

• How to build trust and credibility so your voice carries weight
• The importance of mapping allies and creating a “bank of social credit”
• Why likeability matters – and how to navigate the double bind for women leaders
• Using commitment and consistency to get buy-in for your proposals
• Spotting and eliminating undermining communication habits

Show Notes

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

[00:01:00] – Why getting your voice heard is such a common challenge for women leaders

[00:02:30] – Real-life client examples of being silenced, overlooked, or undermined

[00:04:15] – Why this topic deserves two episodes: tactics today, mindset next week

[00:05:00] – Tactic 1: Build trust and credibility – reinforcing your authority through your track record and experience

[00:07:00] – Tactic 2: Map your allies – identifying influencers and decision-makers, building reciprocity

[00:09:20] – Why reciprocity works (and how to use it authentically)

[00:10:00] – Tactic 3: The likeability factor – navigating the “double bind” for women and people of colour in leadership

[00:13:00] – Tactic 4: Commitment and consistency – shaping perception to encourage follow-through

[00:15:00] – Tactic 5: Communication review – removing undermining language, being clear and concise

[00:17:00] – Recap of the five strategies and preview of next week’s mindset-focused episode

[00:18:00] – Resources, ways to connect, and closing encouragement

Useful Links

Robert Gialdini: Influence: The Science of Persuasion

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.

And don't forget to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 on mindset strategies and share it with a friend or colleague who could benefit

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]