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

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: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk

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: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk

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