
Hosted by Sarah Archer · EN

What happens when your career looks successful on paper… but no longer feels aligned?In this episode, Sarah is joined by Sarah Warrington, Head of Marketing at a private higher education institution, who shares her honest and inspiring career journey - from leaving accountancy after just 18 months, to building a meaningful leadership career in higher education marketing.We explore the realities of career progression, navigating values misalignment, asking for what you really want, and why compassionate leadership can be a powerful advantage rather than a weakness.Sarah also opens up about the coaching process that helped her gain clarity, confidence and the courage to make a career move while protecting the flexibility and family balance that mattered most to her.This episode is full of reassurance and practical insight for anyone feeling stuck, professionally unfulfilled, or ready to redefine success on their own terms.In This Episode We DiscussKnowing when a career path no longer fitsLeaving a “safe” profession early in your careerBuilding a meaningful career in higher education marketingThe importance of values alignment at workWhy visibility and asking for opportunities mattersNegotiating flexible working successfullyCareer coaching and building confidenceManaging your inner criticCompassionate leadership and emotional intelligenceLeadership in fast-paced startup environmentsBalancing ambitious work with family, wellbeing and personal growthTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to Sarah Warrington and her current role01:00 – Leaving accountancy and finding the right career path02:00 – Moving through higher education roles and discovering marketing03:15 – Stepping into leadership for the first time04:10 – The challenge of asking for progression and opportunities05:40 – Why working hard alone doesn’t guarantee promotion06:10 – Feeling stuck and discovering coaching07:20 – Realising something was no longer aligned08:10 – The fear of losing flexibility and work-life balance09:10 – How coaching created clarity and self-awareness10:10 – Managing the inner critic and building confidence11:15 – Trying new things, networking and exploring possibilities12:00 – “Rejection is redirection” and navigating the job search12:45 – Negotiating compressed hours in a new role13:10 – Discovering compassionate leadership as a strength14:20 – Leadership in a startup-style environment15:40 – Balancing leadership, family and wellbeing16:30 – Why hobbies and volunteering create perspective and energy17:20 – Sarah’s reflections on the impact of coaching18:20 – What “unstuck and unstoppable” means to SarahUseful LinksConnect with Sarah Warrington on LinkedInFlexible Working People FaceBook GroupSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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

What really changes when you step into senior leadership?In this honest and insightful conversation, Sarah speaks with Maria Norowzian, Group & UK Hospitality Director at ATG Entertainment, about the realities of career growth, leadership transitions and learning to lead beyond your technical expertise.Maria shares her journey from starting out in marketing at McDonald’s in Australia to leading innovation and hospitality strategy for one of the world’s largest theatre companies. Together, they explore the steep learning curves that come with ambitious career progression, the mindset shifts required at senior level, and why leadership is far more about influence, relationships and vision than having all the answers.This episode is packed with valuable insights for managers, heads of department and aspiring senior leaders navigating growth, confidence and career progression.In This Episode We Discuss:Moving from functional expert to strategic leaderThe leap from “Head Of” to Director level leadershipWhy curiosity and growth mindset accelerate career successLearning through mistakes, failure and discomfortBuilding confidence in a bigger leadership roleLeading teams and managing cross-functional relationshipsHow coaching supports leadership growthThe importance of vision, calm and clarity in leadershipAmbition, hard work and finding flow in your careerCreating success and freedom on your own termsTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to Maria and her role at ATG Entertainment01:00 – Maria’s early career journey and passion for marketing03:00 – Why steep learning curves drive career growth04:00 – The transition into leadership and building teams06:00 – Why moving from Head Of to Director felt so different07:00 – Leadership mindset shifts and learning through mistakes08:00 – Expanding beyond marketing into commercial leadership10:00 – Why Maria sought coaching support11:00 – Transferable skills, confidence and navigating fear13:00 – Leadership blind spots and executive presence14:00 – Maria’s definition of great leadership15:00 – Career advice for ambitious professionals17:00 – Working hard, ambition and finding flow18:00 – The value of coaching for leaders20:00 – What “Unstuck and Unstoppable” means to MariaUseful LinksConnect with Maria on LinkedInYour First 100 Days by Niamh O'KeeffeSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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 explores how toxic stakeholders and difficult bosses can quietly erode confidence, visibility, and influence at work. She shares personal experiences, client stories, and practical strategies to help ambitious female leaders navigate challenging workplace dynamics without shrinking themselves or losing credibility.Timestamps[00:00] Welcome & Introduction Sarah introduces the episode and explains why navigating difficult bosses and toxic stakeholders is a critical leadership skill.[01:20] Why This Topic Matters How workplace dynamics can quietly impact confidence, credibility, and career progression.[02:15] The Confidence Impact of Difficult Stakeholders Why toxic interactions linger long after meetings end and can lead to overthinking and self-doubt.[03:40] Sarah’s Personal Leadership Story Sarah shares her experience working with an unpredictable CEO and how it affected her confidence and behaviour.[05:00] The Hidden Behaviour Changes Leaders Make How high-performing leaders unconsciously shrink themselves through hypervigilance, over-preparing, and holding back.[06:10] The 3 Types of Toxic StakeholdersThe ControllerThe Political OperatorThe Inconsistent Leader[07:40] Client Coaching Story A real-life example of how one senior leader regained her confidence and influence by changing the dynamic.[09:45] The Turning Point Why managing the relationship differently matters more than trying to “handle” the person better.[10:05] Strategy 1: Stop Personalising It How separating yourself from the behaviour creates clarity and emotional distance.[10:55] Strategy 2: Understand the Dynamic Learning what drives difficult behaviour so you can respond strategically.[11:35] Strategy 3: Change How You Show Up Practical ways to communicate with more calmness, clarity, and authority.[12:20] Strategy 4: Decide Your Boundaries Knowing when to address behaviour, escalate concerns, or leave an unhealthy environment.[13:20] Leadership Reflection Exercise Sarah shares one powerful question to help you notice where you may be adapting yourself to manage others.[13:55] Final Thoughts Why strong leadership is about staying intentional and grounded in difficult dynamics — not becoming harder or more aggressive.[14:35] Closing & Resources Where to connect with Sarah and access additional career and leadership resources.Useful LinksEpisode 76 How To Position Yourself For Promotion In The Next 6 MonthsSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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

Are you doing everything “right”- sleeping, exercising, pushing through your workload yet still feeling drained?In this episode, Sarah challenges the way we think about rest. For high-performing female leaders, exhaustion isn’t always about doing too much - it’s often about recovering in the wrong way.You’ll learn why traditional ideas of rest fall short, and how to restore your energy more effectively using seven powerful (and often overlooked) types of rest.What You’ll LearnWhy sleep alone isn’t enough to restore your energyThe hidden reason high performers still feel exhaustedThe 7 types of rest and how to recognise what you’re missingSimple, practical ways to build recovery into your working dayWhy rest isn’t a reward - it’s essential maintenance for performanceTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable 01:00 – Why rest needs a rethink for high performers 02:00 – Energy check: where are you right now? 03:00 – The real problem: under-rested, not burned out 03:30 – Default habits: pushing through, scrolling, switching off 05:00 – Why high performers struggle with recovery05:30 – Mental rest: calming an overactive mind 06:30 – Physical rest: micro-recovery during the day 07:30 – Emotional rest: managing the invisible load08:30 – Reflection: which type of rest are you missing?09:00 – Social rest: balancing interaction and energy 10:00 – Sensory rest: reducing constant stimulation 11:30 – Creative rest: bringing in new input 12:30 – Spiritual rest: reconnecting with meaning and values13:00 – Personal example: using values to shift energy14:00 – Why rest is not a reward but maintenance 14:30 – Client story: rebuilding energy after promotion 15:00 – How to choose the one type of rest to focus on15:30 – Final thoughts and next stepsKey TakeawayYou don’t need to push harder - you need to recover better.When you identify the right type of rest your body and mind need, everything from your energy to your confidence and performance becomes easier.Want more ideas for each type of rest? Send Sarah a message for her free guideRequest the Emotions Wheel to help you better identify and process how you feelUseful LinksSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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 challenges a common belief about promotion: that it’s purely based on performance. Drawing on her experience in HR leadership and executive coaching, she reveals why promotions are often blocked by hesitation, not capability, and what you can do to change how decision-makers see you.If you’re aiming for your next senior role, this episode will show you exactly how to position yourself so that promotion feels like the obvious next step.What You’ll LearnWhy performance alone doesn’t get you promotedThe real reason senior leaders hesitate in promotion decisionsThe 4 key signals that show you’re ready for the next levelHow to shift perception in the next 6 monthsA simple but powerful communication shift that changes how you’re seenTimestamps[00:00:00] Introduction to the podcast and who it’s for [00:01:00] A powerful mindset shift: imagining the promotion discussion happening without you [00:02:00] Why promotions are blocked by hesitation - not performance [00:03:00] The hidden gap: “certainty of perception” [00:04:00] Case study: why Client B got promoted over Client A [00:05:00] Overview of the 4 signals that get you promoted[00:05:30] Signal 1: Thinking beyond your function [00:06:30] Signal 2: Handling ambiguity and pressure [00:07:30] Signal 3: Stepping out of the operational “weeds” [00:08:00] Signal 4: Already operating at the next level[00:09:00] Why making your ambition visible matters [00:09:45] The risk of silence: being seen as “content” where you are [00:10:00] One strategic shift: stop reporting, start interpreting [00:10:30] Final takeaway: promotion is about perception, not just performanceKey TakeawayYou don’t get promoted because you’ve done a great job—you get promoted when people can already see you operating at the next level. Your role is to remove any doubt that you’re ready.Useful LinksBook a Free 121 Clarity CallSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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 breaks down how executive recruiters actually operate - and why the typical “send your CV and wait” approach doesn’t work at a senior level. If you’re aiming for leadership roles, you’ll learn how to position yourself strategically, build strong recruiter relationships, and stand out as a credible, low-risk candidate.What You’ll LearnThe biggest misconception about executive recruitersHow recruiters assess senior candidatesWhy positioning matters more than your CV5 practical ways to work with recruiters effectivelyHow to make recruiters a powerful part of your job search strategyTimestamps[00:00] Welcome & podcast introduction [01:00] Global reach milestone + episode overview [02:00] Client story: feeling stuck and overlooked by recruiters [03:00] The biggest misconception about recruiters [04:00] Why a passive job search strategy fails [05:00] Case study: shifting positioning and strategy [06:00] How executive recruiters actually think [07:00] What makes you “easy to place” [07:30] 5 practical strategies to work with recruiters [07:30] 1. Be specific about what you want [08:00] 2. Lead with value, not your CV [08:30] 3. Build relationships, not transactions [09:00] 4. Prepare properly for recruiter conversations [09:30] 5. Don’t rely on recruiters alone [10:00] The mindset shift: recruiters are part of your strategy [11:00] Final thoughts + how to get supportKey TakeawayRecruiters don’t find you a job - you position yourself so they can confidently place you. When you get clear, strategic, and visible, they become valuable allies rather than a frustrating dead end.Useful LinksSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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 explores the powerful concept of strategic hope and why it is a critical leadership skill for ambitious female leaders who want to prevent burnout and create real momentum in their careers.Many high-performing women find themselves working hard while quietly hoping something changes - hoping for recognition, hoping for opportunities, hoping for better leadership or culture. But hope, in its most powerful form, isn’t wishful thinking.Drawing on the work of positive psychologist C.R. Snyder, Sarah introduces Hope Theory and explains how hope is actually a practical leadership strategy built on three key elements: goals, pathways, and agency.If you’ve been feeling stuck, flat, or unsure about your next step, this episode will help you shift from passive wishing to actively designing your future.What You’ll LearnThe difference between passive hope and strategic hopeWhy high-performing female leaders lose hope in their careersThe link between hope, motivation, and burnout preventionThe three essential skills that build strategic hopeHow to create clear goals, practical pathways, and real agencyReflection questions to help you start designing your next moveTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable and episode overview 01:30 – Why hope is the focus of this episode 02:00 – Passive hope vs strategic hope in female leadership 03:30 – Introduction to Hope Theory and C.R. Snyder’s research 04:30 – Reflection: Where are you hoping for change instead of designing it?05:00 – Why female leaders lose strategic hope: 05:10 – Effort without progress and declining energy 05:45 – Immovable systems and limited pathways 07:00 – Over-responsibility and burnout risk08:15 – The three strategic hope skills: 08:30 – Skill 1: Clarity and defining your goal Getting specific about what you want next in your career 10:45 – Skill 2: Creating pathways and designing your strategy Examples of pathways (networking, visibility, role design, internal and external opportunities) Planning for obstacles and contingencies13:00 – Skill 3: Building agency through small actionsEvidence-building and confidence through action14:15 – Hope amplifiers Why power: connecting to meaning and purpose We power: support, accountability, and social connection15:30 – Three reflection questions to build strategic hope 16:30 – Moving from wishing to designing your career 17:00 – Coaching support and closing messageReflection Questions from This EpisodeWhat am I currently wishing would change in my career?What goal sits behind that wish?What is one pathway I could start this week?Useful LinksSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your leadership role - delivering results, working hard, supporting your team - yet still being overlooked for promotion?In this episode, Sarah lifts the lid on the unwritten rules of leadership that shape career progression at senior levels. Many ambitious female leaders are told that hard work and strong performance will naturally lead to advancement but in reality, leadership decisions are often influenced by visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception.Through a powerful coaching story and practical reflection questions, this episode explores why brilliant women sometimes get passed over and, more importantly, what they can do differently to position themselves for the leadership roles they deserve.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy working hard isn’t always enough to get promotedThe hidden leadership dynamics many organisations don’t talk aboutThe 4 unwritten rules that shape career advancementHow visibility, relationships, and perception influence leadership decisionsPractical actions you can take this week to position yourself for your next roleTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 01:00 – Episode introduction: The leadership rules nobody talks about02:00 – Coaching story: “It feels like there’s a game being played and nobody told me the rules” A real-life example of a senior female leader being overlooked for promotion.03:30 – The myth of hard work leading to promotion Why performance alone doesn’t guarantee career advancement.05:00 – Leadership advancement is about more than delivery Understanding the gap between doing a great job and being seen as ready for senior leadership.The 4 Unwritten Rules of Leadership05:45 – Rule 1: Visibility matters more than effort Why leaders can’t promote what they can’t see and how to create strategic visibility. Reflection question: Where might you be working hard but staying invisible?08:00 – Rule 2: Relationships shape opportunities The importance of networks, sponsors, and trust in career progression. Reflection question: Who are the key people who need to know and trust you?10:00 – Rule 3: Strategic thinking gets rewarded Moving from operational excellence to future-focused leadership thinking. Reflection question: Are you spending most of your time delivering or thinking about the future?11:45 – Rule 4: Perception drives promotion How executive presence and leadership perception influence decisions. Reflection question: How do senior leaders currently perceive you?13:00 – One practical action to take this week Choose one conversation with a senior leader to increase visibility, influence, or strategic contribution.14:00 – Key takeaway: Understand the system and position yourself within it Visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception are the keys to leadership advancement.14:30 – How to get support and access free resources Information on coaching support and additional resources.Useful LinksEpisode 66 Strengthening Your Strategic ThinkingEpisode 31 How to Develop Executive PresenceSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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.ukShine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable.

In this episode Sarah explores the powerful but often overlooked role of weak ties in career growth and job searching.If you're an ambitious woman looking to advance your career, increase your visibility, or access new opportunities, this episode will change how you think about networking. Sarah explains why the people you barely know may be the ones who open the biggest doors, and shares practical strategies to help you build and leverage these connections in a way that feels natural and authentic.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat weak ties are and why they matter in your careerWhy most job opportunities come from people outside your inner circleHow weak ties increase visibility and career mobilitySimple and practical ways to build and maintain weak tiesA quick exercise to start leveraging your network this weekTimestamps00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable 02:00 – What Are Weak Ties? Understanding second and third-order connections and why acquaintances matter in career growth.03:00 – Why Weak Ties Open More Doors How weak ties access different networks and opportunities that your inner circle may not see.04:00 – The Spiderweb Analogy A powerful visual explanation of how networks work and where opportunities really come from.05:00 – Research and Career Mobility Why people who leverage weak ties find jobs faster and access hidden opportunities.05:30 – How to Leverage Weak Ties (Practical Steps) Intentional outreach during job search and asking for advice or connections.05:50 – Using Introductions Strategically Getting insider information and increasing your chances in recruitment processes.06:00 – Maintaining Light Contact Simple ways to stay visible through LinkedIn and quick check-ins.06:30 – Networking Coffee Conversations How short, informal conversations can strengthen weak ties.07:00 – A Simple Networking Exercise Identify one or two weak ties and reach out this week.07:30 – Weak Ties as Part of Your Visibility Strategy Why career growth is about who knows you and what you can do.08:00 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement Nurturing weak ties to open unexpected career doors.Useful LinksSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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.ukYour next career opportunity may not come from your closest contacts - it may come from someone you’ve only spoken to once. Nurture your weak ties and watch new doors open.

Have you been in your role for five years or more? Are you there because you love it… or because you feel a bit stuck?In this episode, Sarah unpacks the difference between healthy staying and career stagnation, the subtle signs you might be stuck (even if things look “fine” on the surface), and practical steps to help you regain momentum, confidence, and clarity in your career.If you’ve been questioning your next move or avoiding the question altogether - this episode will give you a powerful reset.Show Notes[00:00:00] Welcome & Podcast Overview[00:01:00] Why This Topic Matters A real client story sparks the question: are you staying because you’re thriving or stuck?[00:02:00] The Big Question: Why Have You Stayed? Exploring the difference between loving your role and feeling unable to leave.[00:02:30] What “Healthy Staying” Looks LikeOngoing learning and developmentExpanding influence and impactIncreasing responsibility and stretchFeeling energised and engaged at work[00:04:00] When Staying Becomes StagnationRepetitive work with no growthLack of progression opportunitiesDeclining confidenceComfort replacing challenge[00:06:00] The Hidden Risk of Being Too Comfortable Why growth requires “optimal anxiety” (not stress, but not stagnation either).[00:07:00] 5 Signs You Might Be StuckYour learning curve has flattenedYou’ve stopped advocating for yourselfYou’re known for what you used to doYou feel invisible or overlookedYou keep saying “maybe next year”[00:08:30] Why We Stay Too LongComfort and securityEroded confidence“Golden handcuffs” (salary, flexibility, benefits)The busyness trapIdentity lock (“this is just what I do”)[00:10:30] The Real Cost of Staying Stuck How stagnation shrinks your confidence, identity, and sense of possibility.[00:11:00] 3 Ways to Get Unstuck1. Run a Career Audit: Ask yourself:What am I learning?What impact am I having?Where am I growing?2. Expand Before You ExitSeek stretch projectsIncrease your visibilityRedesign aspects of your role3. Explore New PossibilitiesInternal moves or secondmentsNew environments or industriesReimagining your career direction[00:13:30] A Personal Turning Point Why staying in the same type of senior role no longer felt inspiring and what that revealed.[00:14:00] The Wake-Up Call Question “If nothing changed in your role for the next 3 years, would you feel excited or quietly disappointed?”[00:14:30] Reflection & Next Steps Encouragement to pause, reflect, journal, and seek support if needed.[00:15:00] Closing Thoughts You don’t need to blow up your career - but you do need to wake it up.Resources & Next StepstExplore the Strategic Visibility episode for practical ways to raise your profileReach out for coaching support if you’re ready to move from stuck to unstoppableUseful LinksTake the Career Clarity Audit for personalised insightEpisode 47 How to get noticed in your careerSign up for Weekly Career InspirationLearn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching ProgrammesBook a Free 121 Clarity CallConnect with Sarah on LinkedInRate & Review the PodcastIf 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