In this episode Sarah explores one of the most overlooked yet transformational leadership skills: self-compassion. So many ambitious women lead with empathy for others but are relentlessly hard on themselves. Sarah breaks down why self-compassion isn’t soft or indulgent - it’s a strategic leadership advantage.

If you’ve ever felt “not good enough,” replayed mistakes, or pushed yourself to burnout levels, this episode will help you shift into a kinder, more effective, and more sustainable leadership style.

What You’ll Learn

• What self-compassion really is (and isn’t)
• The three pillars of self-compassion
• How your inner critic gets in the way of leadership effectiveness
• Simple techniques to create a more compassionate internal dialogue
• How self-compassion improves team performance, resilience, and confidence
• A weekly practice to start becoming a more self-compassionate leader

Show Notes

01:00 – Why Feeling “Stuck” Happens at Every Level

Normalising self-doubt and imposter feelings — even for senior leaders.

02:00 – Today’s Topic: Are You a Self-Compassionate Leader?

Why self-compassion matters and how it affects leadership performance.

02:30 – How High-Achieving Women Talk to Themselves

Common phrases Sarah hears from clients and the toll this negative self-talk takes.

03:00 – A Client Story: The Compassionate Leader Who Was Brutal with Herself

A powerful example from a senior tech leader who created a safe, high-performing team — but silently battled her inner critic.

04:00 – Consequences of an Unmanaged Inner Critic

Burnout, indecision, perfectionism, and career self-sabotage.

04:45 – Why We Don’t Notice Our Inner Critic

Understanding how long-held thought patterns become automatic.

05:00 – Why We Don’t Need to “Eliminate” the Inner Critic

Its protective role — and why the goal is to develop an inner coach instead.

05:40 – Introducing a Self-Compassion Practice

How compassion builds the foundation for managing fear-based self-talk.

06:00 – The Research: Why Self-Compassion Is a Strength

Resilience, emotional intelligence, stress reduction — and why kindness is strategic.

06:40 – The Three Pillars of Self-Compassion

1. Self-kindness over self-judgment
2. Common humanity over isolation
3. Mindfulness over over-identification

07:20 – How Over-Identification Fuels Rumination

Why noticing your thoughts is more powerful than believing them.

08:00 – Technique 1: Awareness & Noticing Your Inner Critic

How to identify triggers and write down the language you use with yourself.

09:00 – Technique 2: What Would You Say to a Friend?

Reframing your self-talk with compassion and perspective.

09:40 – Technique 3: Reframing Critical Thoughts

Turning “I failed” into “I’m learning” — without damaging your sense of self.

10:30 – Technique 4: A Micro Self-Compassion Check-In

A moment to breathe, acknowledge difficulty, and ask: What do I need right now?

11:00 – Using Tone & Touch to Soothe the Nervous System

How gentle tone, a self-hug, or hand-stroking can reduce stress.

12:00 – Bringing It All Together

A summary of the steps and how to blend them into daily leadership.

12:40 – Weekly Reflection Questions

Where does your inner critic show up? What triggers it? What’s one act of self-compassion you can choose this...