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.

In this empowering episode Sarah dives into a challenge that many leaders face: losing their leadership mojo. Whether it’s burnout, feeling stagnant, or simply being overwhelmed, Sarah shares actionable strategies to help you rediscover your energy, passion, and leadership identity. Packed with practical tips and inspiring insights, this episode is your guide to regaining confidence and leading with purpose.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

[00:01:00] The Mojo Disappears

• Explore common reasons leadership mojo fades, from overwhelming responsibility to a lack of challenge or energy.

[00:03:00] Signs You’ve Lost Your Mojo

• Sarah discusses feelings like stagnation, burnout, and disengagement, and shares her personal experience of losing her business mojo.

[00:06:00] Recognizing the Opportunity for Reflection

• Use the loss of mojo as a signal to pause, reflect, and grow.

[00:07:00] Leadership Identity and Values

• Reconnecting with your leadership identity and values to find renewed purpose and passion.

[00:09:00] The Energy Check-In

• Practical tips for improving energy levels through better sleep, nutrition, and self-care.

[00:10:00] Priming for Success

• Daily practices like meditation, intention-setting, and mindfulness to shift your mindset.

[00:12:00] Reframing Challenges as Growth Opportunities

• Adopt the mindset of “life happening for me, not to me,” and use challenges as opportunities to build resilience.

[00:14:00] Transforming Your Language

• The power of positive self-talk to boost energy and motivation.

[00:16:00] Recap and Closing Thoughts

• A quick summary of the strategies discussed and encouragement to start experimenting with small, impactful changes.

Useful Links

Watch LinkedIn Live version

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

Resources

Insight Timer App: A tool for guided meditations to help you set the tone for your day.

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

Job hunting can be a tough and exhausting journey, especially when you don’t land the offer after pouring so much energy into interview preparation. The sting of rejection can impact your confidence, motivation, and even your sense of direction. But don’t worry—there’s a way forward.

In this episode, Sarah breaks down eight actionable steps to help you bounce back stronger. From managing the emotions of rejection and regaining your confidence to identifying common pitfalls and crafting a stronger personal brand, you’ll discover practical strategies to improve your interview performance. By the end, you’ll be ready to reframe rejection, embrace resilience, and approach your job search with renewed energy and clarity.

If you’re feeling stuck after a job rejection, this episode will guide you toward turning the experience into a stepping stone for success.

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

[00:01:00] Why rejection can feel so hard and its impact on job seekers.

[00:03:00] Step 1: Take time to recharge and regain perspective.

[00:04:30] Step 2: Get actionable feedback and how to use it wisely.

[00:06:00] Step 3: Analyze your fit and identify what’s missing.

[00:07:00] Step 4: Review and refine your interview technique.

[00:08:00] Step 5: Understand your personal brand and create impact.

[00:10:00] Step 6: Reconnect with your confidence and quiet your inner critic.

[00:11:00] Step 7: Build resilience to navigate rejection effectively.

[00:12:30] Step 8: Get back out there and continue your job search journey.

[00:14:00] The importance of seeking help, including interview coaching options.

Useful Links

Watch the episode on LinkedIn LIve

Related Episode: [Episode 8: How to Be Successful at Your Next Interview]

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

In this episode, Sarah Archer explores the critical issue of Leadership Burnout. Sarah shares insights into what burnout looks like, why it happens, and why women in leadership roles are particularly at risk. She discusses the pressures of isolation, unrealistic expectations, multitasking, and work-life imbalance, as well as how traits like perfectionism and people-pleasing can exacerbate the problem. Sarah offers practical strategies to prevent burnout, including setting boundaries, building routines, and prioritizing self-care.

Show Notes

[00:01:30] Why Talk About Burnout? – Insights into burnout's prevalence among female leaders and its consequences.

[00:03:00] Leadership Challenges – The additional pressures leaders face in times of change and high performance demands.

[00:04:30] Burnout Statistics – McKinsey research highlights burnout's higher prevalence among women in management.

[00:05:30] Defining Burnout – Symptoms, causes, and its definition by the World Health Organization.

[00:07:00] Causes of Leadership Burnout – Isolation, lack of support, unrealistic workloads, multitasking, and power stress.

[00:09:00] Recognizing Burnout Indicators – Personal signs and triggers to watch for.

[00:10:30] Practical Tips to Prevent Burnout:

• Creating routines to reduce decision fatigue.
• Setting boundaries around work and emotions.
• Prioritizing self-care, sleep, and joy.
• Understanding capacity and the importance of check-ins.

[00:14:30] Final Thoughts – Key takeaways and an invitation to connect and explore more resources.

Remember: shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable.

Useful Links

How to Boost Your Wellbeing at Work E-book

Women In The Workplace 2023 Mckinsey Report

Watch 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

In today’s episode, Sarah tackles a common challenge faced by high achievers: perfectionism. We explore why perfectionism can be a double-edged sword, the stress and anxiety it causes, and how you can overcome it without compromising on quality. She shares actionable insights, including a 7-step approach to embracing the concept of “good enough,” designed to help you reclaim your time, reduce stress, and achieve sustainable success.

[00:00:00] Introduction

Why tackling perfectionism is crucial for female leaders.

[00:02:00] The Downside of Perfectionism

Perfectionism’s connection to imposter syndrome and stress.

How it impacts performance, well-being, and relationships.

[00:05:00] Personal Story: My Struggles with Perfectionism

Balancing motherhood and a senior HR role.

The transformative power of the “good enough” concept.

[00:07:30] Case Study: Breaking the Cycle

A perfectionist architect’s journey to embracing good enough.

[00:08:00] The 7-Step Approach to Good Enough

Identify Two Tasks to Experiment On

Focus on low-impact tasks.

Define Good Enough for Yourself

Consider time and impact trade-offs.

Give Yourself Permission to Experiment

Use affirmations to reframe perfectionist tendencies.

Focus on the Benefits

Reclaim time for personal priorities like family or self-care.

Monitor Your Progress

Reflect on outcomes and celebrate success.

Engage Support

Seek feedback and accountability from peers or managers.

Address Underlying Beliefs

Work with a coach or therapist to reframe limiting beliefs.

[00:17:00] Recap and Final Thoughts

Quick summary of the seven steps.

Encouragement to embrace imperfection and unlock your potential.

Thank you for listening—remember, you’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock your extraordinary potential. Be unstoppable.

Useful Links

Watch 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

This episode focuses on mastering your mindset to increase your chances of success in job interviews. From mindset tips to practical strategies, Sarah provides the tools you need to ace your next interview and achieve your career aspirations.

Show Notes

[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

[00:02:00] The Growing Complexity of Interviews

• Insights into why interviews are becoming more extensive and the commitment required from candidates.

[00:03:00] Overcoming Negative Mindsets

• Learn how to shift your mindset from dread to confidence for interview success.

[00:05:00] Harnessing Positive Experiences

• Reflect on past successful interviews to boost confidence and frame your preparation.

[00:06:00] Reframing Nerves as Excitement

• Transform feelings of anxiety into excitement and embrace the opportunity to connect and showcase your skills.

[00:09:00] Gaining Perspective

• Put interviews into context: they’re an opportunity to assess fit and not the sole determinant of your career.

[00:11:00] Seeing Interviewers as Allies

• View your interviewers as potential colleagues who want you to succeed rather than as adversaries.

[00:13:00] Power of Affirmations

• Discover how affirmations can rewire your brain to foster confidence and positivity.

[00:15:00] Visualization Techniques

• Learn to use evidence-based visualization to rehearse and enhance your interview performance.

[00:17:00] Final Encouragement and Resources

• Sarah shares additional resources and closes with an inspiring reminder of your potential.

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

Useful Links

Watch the 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