Unstuck & Unstoppable

Receiving feedback, especially the difficult kind, can feel disorienting and emotional. But as a leader, learning how to process and respond to it effectively is key to your growth and success. In this episode, Sarah shares practical strategies to help you deal with tough feedback, reframe your response, and decide what’s useful to take on board, all while staying true to who you are.

Whether you're facing recent criticism or want to build a feedback-positive culture in your team, this episode is full of valuable insights to help you feel more empowered and less reactive.

[00:00:00] - Welcome & Podcast Purpose

Sarah introduces Unstuck and Unstoppable, her mission, and who the podcast is for: ambitious female leaders who want to thrive with authenticity.

[00:02:00] – Why Difficult Feedback Is So Hard

Explores the emotional reactions feedback can trigger and why it’s not always objective or helpful.

[00:03:00] – Feedback Isn't Always Fair

Understanding that feedback can be inaccurate, biased, or based on others' projections, and why discernment matters.

[00:04:00] – A Personal Story of Tough Feedback

Sarah shares a pivotal early-career experience of receiving difficult feedback and how it helped her grow.

[00:05:00] – The 8 Strategies:

1. Don’t React Immediately

How to give yourself space to process emotions using reframing techniques like cognitive reappraisal and self-affirmation.

[00:06:00] – 2. Get More Data

Seek feedback from multiple sources to validate, challenge, or contextualise the criticism.

[00:07:00] – Client Examples: Reframing Feedback

Real-life stories of clients using 360 feedback and peer insights to shift perspective and regain confidence.

[00:09:00] – 3. Find the Wisdom in the Feedback

Work with a coach or reflect independently to determine what to take forward and what to let go.

[00:09:30] – 4. Make Your Changes Visible

Use symbolic or public actions to shift perceptions, especially in leadership roles.

[00:10:30] – 5. Don’t Isolate Yourself

Why avoiding people who gave you feedback or playing the victim doesn’t serve your growth, and how to reconnect.

[00:12:00] – 6. When Change Isn’t the Answer

What to do when feedback conflicts with your core strengths or style, and how to ask for understanding instead.

[00:13:00] – Balancing Preferences with Expectations

Navigating differences in working styles, like structure vs. spontaneity, and finding a shared understanding.

[00:14:00] – 7. Don’t Shrink or Play Small

Why negative feedback shouldn’t diminish your confidence—and how to check if external factors are impacting your performance.

[00:14:30] – 8. Create a Feedback Culture

Modeling feedback-seeking and giving behaviors as a leader to encourage a growth-focused environment.

[00:15:30] – Recap of the 8 Key Strategies

A quick summary of all the tools and ideas shared in the episode to manage and learn from difficult feedback.

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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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.

In this episode, Sarah dives into how you can make those all-important first 90 days in a new leadership role really count. Whether you’re stepping up into a bigger role, moving organisations, or navigating a complex transition, she’ll share the practical mindset shifts, strategies and leadership moves that will help you feel confident, purposeful and in control from day one.

We’ll talk about the different types of transitions, common traps to avoid, and the smart, simple steps you can take to set yourself up for success – all in a way that feels authentic, aligned and impactful.

[00:00:00] Welcome to the show & what Unstuck and Unstoppable is all about

[00:01:00] Why the first 90 days in a leadership role matter so much

[00:02:00] Understanding the different types of transition you're making

[00:03:00] Promotion, new teams, new culture – what kind of shift are YOU in?

[00:04:00] Business transitions: startups, growth, change, contraction – know the context

[00:05:00] 3 Transition Traps to avoid (inspired by Michael D. Watkins)

[00:05:30] Trap #1: Sticking with what you know

[00:06:00] Trap #2: Prioritising action over learning

[00:06:30] Trap #3: Neglecting your broader network

[00:07:00] Why your onboarding should be led by YOU

[00:08:00] A real client story: designing your own powerful onboarding experience

[00:09:00] Showing up as a proactive, strategic leader – before you even start

[00:10:00] Building a learning plan – getting curious before jumping into action

[00:11:00] Acting like a consultant: observing, listening, reflecting

[00:12:00] Identifying your quick wins – small moves, big impact

[00:13:00] Spotting your key supporters and stakeholders early

[00:14:00] Recap: Leadership purpose, learning mindset, quick wins, alliances

[00:15:00] How to get support to plan your 90-day success strategy

Useful Links

The First 90 Days, Michael D Watkins

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

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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 extraordinary potential.

In this episode, Sarah dives into a topic that comes up all the time with the women she works with - how to find your voice in meetings and boost your visibility. Whether you're holding back out of fear, overthinking your contribution, or feeling overlooked, you're not alone. There are many reasons this can feel so hard - from internal confidence gremlins to external gender dynamics, and today we’re unpacking it all.

✨ If you’re ready to stop shrinking and start speaking with impact, this one is for you.

(02:00) Why speaking up in meetings can be such a challenge — and why it's not just you

(03:00) The hidden dynamics that affect women’s visibility and credibility in meetings

(04:00) The role of socialisation, confidence, and unconscious bias

(06:00) How to shift your perspective so the pressure doesn’t paralyse you

(07:00) Practical prep tips to help you feel confident and ready

(08:30) How introverts and extroverts can approach meetings differently

(09:30) Why speaking early in a meeting can be a game-changer

(12:30) Tips to show engagement and presence, even when you're not speaking

(13:30) Power gestures that can subtly increase your authority and presence

(14:30) How to manage interruptions and assert your voice when talked over

(15:30) The importance of post-meeting reflection to build confidence over time

Try This

Choose one or two of the ideas shared and put them into practice at your next meeting. Then take a few moments to reflect:

What went well?

What will I try differently next time?

Remember: this is a skill you can build. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard - you just need to find your voice and use it with purpose.

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 are capable of more than you know. Speak up. Show up. You don’t need permission to take up space.

Be unstoppable.

In this episode, Sarah walks you through a simple but transformative process: a 15-minute quarterly career review. If you’ve been feeling stuck, off track, or overwhelmed by your career goals, this episode is a must-listen. With practical prompts and mindset-boosting tips, you’ll learn how to reflect, refocus, and re-energise your career journey—all in under a quarter of an hour.

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

Sarah introduces the podcast, its mission, and why it’s vital for women in leadership to take time for career reflection.

01:30 – Why You Need a Career Review

How a 15-minute check-in can stop your career from drifting and help you stay intentional.

02:50 – The Struggle is Real

Acknowledging how busy jobs and lives make it hard to prioritise career development—and why it’s still crucial.

03:40 – The Benefits of Quarterly Reviews

Clarity, confidence, goal-setting, and recognising what’s working (and what’s not).

04:50 – Step 1: Create Space

Ideas for when and where to do your review—whether it’s at your desk, in a café, or on your commute.

06:00 – Step 2: Reconnect to Your Goal

Whether you set a goal in January or not, now’s the time to reflect on what you want this year.

06:45 – Step 3: Ask Yourself Key Questions

What went well?

What could have gone better?

What have I learned?

Who did I enjoy working with and why?

What still needs to happen?

08:45 – Step 4: Refocus Your Energy

Use the review to shift your energy and attention toward what matters most in the next quarter.

09:15 – Step 5: Boost Your Motivation

Tips for creating a compelling “towards” goal vs. a reactive “away from” goal.

10:30 – Use Visual Anchors to Stay Focused

Examples of using images, words, or symbols to stay connected to your goal.

11:30 – Celebrate Wins to Build Confidence

Why celebrating your progress helps balance your mindset and boost your belief.

12:30 – Check Your Mindset

Noticing negative self-talk, managing blocks, and staying positive.

13:00 – Stay Accountable

How regular check-ins or support (like a coach or accountability buddy) help you stay on track.

14:00 – Recap & Final Encouragement

A summary of the process and encouragement to book your 15-minute review today

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]

As a female leader, knowing how to advocate for yourself is a game-changer. But let’s be real—doing it can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even risky. In this e episode, Sarah dives into why self-advocacy is often difficult for women in leadership and shares practical steps to build your confidence, communicate your value, and ask for what you need to thrive. With reflections from her own leadership journey and client experiences, Sarah walks you through the mindset shifts and strategies to become your own best advocate—without feeling pushy or inauthentic. Whether you're feeling stuck, overlooked, or just want to lead with more purpose and presence, this episode will give you the tools to stand tall and speak up.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable – Helping ambitious female leaders thrive with purpose

[00:01:00] Why self-advocacy matters and how it helps unlock your potential

[00:02:00] What is self-advocacy—and why is it so crucial for women in leadership?

[00:03:00] Sarah’s personal story of learning to self-advocate at Amnesty International

[00:04:00] Why it’s hard to advocate for yourself: stats, fears, and systemic barriers

[00:05:00] The inner rules and beliefs that hold us back (“I want doesn’t get”)

[00:06:00] A client story: when confidence in self-advocacy gets shaken by toxic leadership

[00:07:00] Step 1: Get clarity on what you want, need, and where you thrive

[00:08:00] Understanding your boundaries and available resources

[00:09:00] Step 2: Talk about your work and position your value

[00:10:00] How visibility of your contributions influence career opportunities

[00:11:00] Step 3: Know your worth and don't be afraid to ask for support

[00:12:00] Expect pushback: how resilience builds stronger self-advocacy

[00:13:00] Step 4: Advocate with others—collective action for greater change

[00:14:00] Step 5: Do the inner work—confidence, mindset, and belief in your value

[00:15:00] Why advocating for yourself benefits everyone, especially your team

[00:16:00] Quick recap + free resources and a reminder: you are 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]

Remember: Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Unlock the extraordinary potential within you. You are unstoppable. 💥

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.