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  • Episode 83 From Operational HR to People Director - the Power of Authenticity with Helen Cook

    Episode 83 From Operational HR to People Director - the Power of Authenticity with Helen Cook
    2026/06/12

    What does authentic leadership really look like in practice?

    In this episode Sarah sits down with former client Helen Cook, an experienced People Director, to discuss her career journey from hospitality into HR leadership, the lessons she's learned about confidence and career progression, and how coaching helped her gain clarity at an important point in her career.

    Helen shares a refreshingly honest perspective on leadership, including navigating self-doubt, balancing ambition with family life, and staying true to yourself in senior roles. This is a thoughtful conversation for anyone who wants to lead with confidence without feeling they need to become someone they're not.

    In This Episode
    • Finding a career that aligns with your strengths and values
    • Building a successful career in HR and people leadership
    • Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome
    • Leading authentically rather than copying others
    • Balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities
    • Lessons learned from stepping into senior leadership roles
    • Why leadership isn't a race
    • The value of coaching during career transitions
    • Developing confidence and self-awareness as a leader
    • What it means to be unstuck and unstoppable

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction to Helen and her career journey

    02:15 – From hospitality into HR: finding the right career path

    04:30 – Key career turning points and leadership progression

    07:00 – Discovering a leadership style that feels authentic

    09:45 – Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome

    12:20 – Balancing leadership responsibilities and family life

    14:50 – Why leadership isn't a race

    17:10 – The challenges of stepping into senior leadership

    19:40 – Reaching a career crossroads and seeking coaching

    22:15 – What coaching helped Helen uncover

    24:30 – Building confidence and trusting yourself

    27:00 – Lessons learned from leading people through change

    29:45 – Advice for others considering coaching

    32:15 – What being unstuck and unstoppable means to Helen

    33:30 – Final reflections and key takeaways

    Useful Links

    Connect with Helen on LInkedIn

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    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
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    29 分
  • Episode 82 Stop Waiting For Permission To Lead With Natalie Nielson

    Episode 82 Stop Waiting For Permission To Lead With Natalie Nielson
    2026/06/05
    How many opportunities have you delayed because you were waiting for permission?In this episode Sarah talks to Natalie Nielson, Programme Director at Barclays Corporate, to explore the leadership lessons that have shaped her career and helped her thrive in complex, high-pressure environments.Natalie shares how she learned to stop waiting for someone else to tell her she was ready, navigate the inner voice of self-doubt, and develop a leadership style grounded in trust, authenticity and reflection.We also discuss the coaching journey we undertook together following her promotion into a senior leadership role, and the powerful mindset shifts that helped her become more confident, influential and intentional in her career.If you've ever questioned your readiness for the next step, struggled with visibility, or found yourself getting in your own way, this episode will leave you with practical insights and plenty of encouragement.In This EpisodeWhy waiting for permission can hold your career backHow to get out of your own way and quiet self-doubtThe relationship between confidence and experienceNavigating the transition into senior leadershipWhy reflection is an underrated leadership superpowerThe importance of asking for help and building support networksCreating trust and meaning within teamsDeveloping an authentic leadership styleLearning from role models and increasing your influenceReflection before reaction as a leadership habitWhat it really means to be unstuck and unstoppableTimestamps00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Natalie Nielson03:45 – Natalie's role as Programme Director and leading complex transformation05:00 – The leadership challenge of waiting for permission06:00 – Why confidence is a by-product of experience06:40 – Getting out of your own way and managing self-doubt08:30 – Why senior leaders still experience uncertainty09:30 – The promotion that led Natalie to seek coaching10:45 – Stepping into a new leadership identity11:00 – Reflection as a leadership superpower12:00 – Why asking for help is underrated13:00 – Building trust, meaning and connection within teams14:00 – Creating a high-performance culture through authentic leadership15:00 – Aligning leadership with personal values16:00 – Why your identity is bigger than your job title16:45 – Possibility, potential and opening unexpected doors17:20 – What Natalie wishes she'd known earlier in her career18:30 – Managing worry and learning through experience19:00 – Building visibility and influence at senior levels19:45 – Learning from role models and observing successful leaders21:00 – The importance of practice and confidence building21:30 – Advice for anyone considering coaching22:30 – Natalie's experience of coaching23:30 – A leadership habit Natalie swears by: Reflection before reaction24:15 – What being unstuck and unstoppable means to Natalie25:00 – Key takeaways and closing reflectionsUseful LinksEpisode 40 How to Get Your Voice Heard in the Leadership SpaceConnect with Natalie on LinkedInSign 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
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    27 分
  • Episode 81 Why Smart Successful Women Stay Stuck in Careers They've Outgrown

    Episode 81 Why Smart Successful Women Stay Stuck in Careers They've Outgrown
    2026/05/29

    In this episode, Sarah explores a career experience many ambitious women silently struggle with: looking successful on the outside while feeling disconnected, exhausted, or emotionally flat on the inside.

    If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this really it?” despite having the title, salary, or career others admire, this episode will help you understand why smart, capable women often stay stuck in roles they’ve outgrown - and what to do about it.

    This episode is for you if:

    • You feel successful externally but unfulfilled internally
    • Your work no longer feels meaningful or energising
    • You’re questioning your next career move but don’t know where to start
    • You’re stuck between security and wanting something more

    Time Stamps[00:00] Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable[01:35] Why this topic matters

    The hidden experience of feeling disconnected from a career that looks successful on paper.

    [02:15] Sarah’s personal experience as an HR Director

    Why reaching a senior leadership role didn’t bring the fulfilment she expected.

    [03:00] Signs you may have outgrown your role

    Common indicators including:

    • Emotional flatness
    • Chronic overthinking
    • Loss of confidence
    • Sunday dread
    • Feeling underutilised
    • Burnout and exhaustion
    • Fantasising about escape

    [04:40] Burnout, exhaustion, and the need for different types of rest

    Sarah references Episode 77 and explains how high performers often need more than just time off.

    [05:25] Why smart women stay stuck in careers too long

    The deeper reasons women struggle to move on, including:

    • Identity attachment
    • Responsibility to others
    • Fear of regret
    • Financial pressure
    • Perfectionism
    • Waiting for certainty
    • Loyalty
    • Confidence erosion
    • Fear of disappointing others

    [09:10] Why clarity comes through action

    Why you do not need to have everything figured out before making a move.

    [09:50] The 3 levels of career change

    Sarah explains:

    • The Shift
    • The Pivot
    • The Leap

    Including real client examples of successful career transitions.

    [11:40] Practical ways to regain clarity

    Questions and exercises to help you explore what needs to change:

    • Notice your energy patterns
    • Reconnect with your values
    • Explore possibilities without pressure
    • Have career conversations
    • Increase confidence and visibility
    • Consider what kind of life and work you want now

    [14:15] Final thoughts and encouragement

    Outgrowing your role does not mean you’ve failed - it means you’ve changed.

    [14:35] How to work with Sarah

    Information about booking a free career clarity call with Sarah.

    Useful Links

    Episode 77 Rethinking Rest - What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    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
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    16 分
  • Episode 80 Reinventing Your Career: From Comfortable to Courageous with Sarah Warrington

    Episode 80 Reinventing Your Career: From Comfortable to Courageous with Sarah Warrington
    2026/05/20
    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
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    24 分
  • Episode 79 From Marketing Expert to Global Leader with Maria Norowzian

    Episode 79 From Marketing Expert to Global Leader with Maria Norowzian
    2026/05/15

    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 leader
    • The leap from “Head Of” to Director level leadership
    • Why curiosity and growth mindset accelerate career success
    • Learning through mistakes, failure and discomfort
    • Building confidence in a bigger leadership role
    • Leading teams and managing cross-functional relationships
    • How coaching supports leadership growth
    • The importance of vision, calm and clarity in leadership
    • Ambition, hard work and finding flow in your career
    • Creating success and freedom on your own terms

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Introduction to Maria and her role at ATG Entertainment

    01:00 – Maria’s early career journey and passion for marketing

    03:00 – Why steep learning curves drive career growth

    04:00 – The transition into leadership and building teams

    06:00 – Why moving from Head Of to Director felt so different

    07:00 – Leadership mindset shifts and learning through mistakes

    08:00 – Expanding beyond marketing into commercial leadership

    10:00 – Why Maria sought coaching support

    11:00 – Transferable skills, confidence and navigating fear

    13:00 – Leadership blind spots and executive presence

    14:00 – Maria’s definition of great leadership

    15:00 – Career advice for ambitious professionals

    17:00 – Working hard, ambition and finding flow

    18:00 – The value of coaching for leaders

    20:00 – What “Unstuck and Unstoppable” means to Maria

    Useful Links

    Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

    Your First 100 Days by Niamh O'Keeffe

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    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
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    27 分
  • Episode 78 Navigating Toxic Stakeholders and Difficult Bosses

    Episode 78 Navigating Toxic Stakeholders and Difficult Bosses
    2026/05/08

    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 Stakeholders

    • The Controller
    • The Political Operator
    • The 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 Links

    Episode 76 How To Position Yourself For Promotion In The Next 6 Months

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    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
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    16 分
  • Episode 77 Rethinking Rest: What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off

    Episode 77 Rethinking Rest: What High Performers Need Beyond Time Off
    2026/05/01

    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 Learn
    • Why sleep alone isn’t enough to restore your energy
    • The hidden reason high performers still feel exhausted
    • The 7 types of rest and how to recognise what you’re missing
    • Simple, practical ways to build recovery into your working day
    • Why rest isn’t a reward - it’s essential maintenance for performance

    Timestamps

    00:00 – 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 recovery

    05:30 – Mental rest: calming an overactive mind

    06:30 – Physical rest: micro-recovery during the day

    07:30 – Emotional rest: managing the invisible load

    08:30 – 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 values

    13:00 – Personal example: using values to shift energy

    14:00 – 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 on

    15:30 – Final thoughts and next steps

    Key Takeaway

    You 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 guide

    Request the Emotions Wheel to help you better identify and process how you feel

    Useful Links

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    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
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    16 分
  • Episode 76 How to Position Yourself For Promotion in the Next 6 Months

    Episode 76 How to Position Yourself For Promotion in the Next 6 Months
    2026/04/24

    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 Learn

    • Why performance alone doesn’t get you promoted
    • The real reason senior leaders hesitate in promotion decisions
    • The 4 key signals that show you’re ready for the next level
    • How to shift perception in the next 6 months
    • A simple but powerful communication shift that changes how you’re seen

    Timestamps

    [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 performance

    Key Takeaway

    You 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 Links

    Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

    Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

    Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

    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
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    12 分