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

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