In this episode Sarah explores what it really means to bring your whole self to work and why authentic leadership matters more than ever in today’s uncertain and demanding world.

Many female leaders feel pressure to appear strong, controlled, and “together” at all times, often at the expense of their own energy and wellbeing. Sarah challenges the outdated leadership model that equates vulnerability with weakness and instead shares evidence-based insights on how authenticity, empathy, and values-led leadership build trust, credibility, and high performance.

1. Why authenticity at work builds trust, loyalty, and engagement
2. How vulnerability (done well) strengthens your leadership credibility
3. The link between empathy, better decisions, and high performance
4. How authenticity shapes your leadership brand
5. What to do when your values don’t align with your organisation’s culture

[01:00] Why authentic leadership feels challenging in uncertain times

[02:30] The cost of wearing a “mask” at work

[03:40] Why authenticity matters and what the research says

[04:40] Vulnerability, trust, and connection at work

[06:00] Why female leaders often struggle to show vulnerability

[06:45] Case study: Creating a compassionate, high-performing culture

[08:00] Takeaway #1: Vulnerability builds connection (and how to do it well)

[09:45] Takeaway #2: Empathy strengthens credibility

[10:45] Pairing empathy with data-driven decision making

[11:45] Takeaway #3: Authenticity as the foundation of your leadership brand

[12:45] When your values don’t align with your organisation

[13:30] One small way to bring more of your true self to work this week

What is one small way you could bring more of your true self to work this week?

Whether it’s sharing a story, listening more deeply, or consciously leading with one of your values, even small shifts can make a powerful difference.

Useful Links

Global Leadership Forecast 2023 research

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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 explores the confidence gap many women experience at work and why, despite equal competence, women are often less likely than men to back themselves, speak up about achievements, or go for opportunities.

Drawing on compelling research from leadership, psychology, and neuroscience, Sarah explains why confidence shows up differently for women – and, crucially, what you can do about it. She shares three practical, immediately actionable techniques to help you own your achievements, increase your visibility, and build genuine, sustainable confidence at work.

If you’ve ever played down your success, waited to be noticed, or felt uncomfortable talking about your impact, this episode is for you.

1. Why confidence is just as important as competence for career success
2. The research behind the confidence gap between men and women
3. How socialisation, brain wiring, and hormones influence confidence
4. Why “fake it till you make it” doesn’t really work
5. Three practical ways to start owning your achievements with confidence

[01:00] Why confidence matters for leadership and career progression

[02:00] Why confidence shows up again and again in client work

[03:00] Introducing the confidence gap: playing down achievements and waiting to be recognised

[04:00] Research insights: how women and men differ in confidence at work

[05:00] Salary negotiations, career expectations, and why women ask for less

[06:00] Why women only apply for roles when they meet 100% of the criteria

[07:00] The neuroscience of confidence: emotional memory, risk, and rumination

[08:00] How brain wiring and threat-scanning impact confidence and risk-taking

[09:00] Confidence vs competence – and why belief drives action

[10:00] Technique 1: Reframing self-promotion as sharing value and leading well

[11:00] A real-life example of reframing visibility without ego

[12:00] Technique 2: Building an evidence bank to strengthen self-belief

[13:00] How an evidence bank helps silence your inner critic

[14:00] Technique 3: Using confident language that doesn’t dilute your impact

[15:00] Noticing and replacing confidence-eroding phrases

[16:00] Final reflections, next steps, and how Sarah can support you further

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

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Research on Gender and Salary Negotiation

In this first episode of 2026, Sarah introduces the powerful (and often overlooked) concept of a personal board for your leadership career. Drawing on the idea of organisational boards, Sarah explains how having the right people around you can help you make better career decisions, gain perspective, build influence, and stay motivated as a leader.

You’ll learn about the different roles a personal board can play, how to identify who is already supporting you (often unconsciously), where the gaps might be, and how to intentionally build stronger, more strategic support around your career and leadership journey.

1. What a personal board is and why it matters for female leaders
2. The three key categories of a personal board
3. The 12 different roles people can play in supporting your career
4. How one person can fulfil multiple roles
5. How to identify gaps in your current support network
6. Practical steps to start building or strengthening your personal board
7. How to approach people in a way that feels reciprocal and authentic
8. Why paying it forward is part of sustainable leadership success

[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable and the purpose of the podcast

[01:35] Episode 61 introduction and New Year reflections

[02:00] Why creating a personal board can transform your career

[03:00] What a personal board is (and how it mirrors organisational boards)

[04:00] Overview of the personal board framework and key principles

[05:00] The three categories of a personal board

[05:30] Information roles: Inspirer, Expert, Navigator

[07:00] Power and influence roles: Connector, Sponsor, Unlocker, Influencer

[09:00] Development and support roles: Challenger, Improver, Cheerleader/Anchor

[11:00] Real-life examples from Sarah’s leadership career

[12:00] Becoming more intentional about who supports you

[13:00] Identifying gaps in your personal board

[14:00] Who to consider when building your board (beyond line managers)

[15:00] How to approach people and make it mutually beneficial

[15:45] Paying it forward and supporting others in their careers

[16:30] Practical action to take this week

[17:00] Final reflections and episode close

After listening, write down three people who already support your career or could play a role on your personal board. Reach out to one of them this week to reconnect, say thank you, or start a more intentional conversation.

Useful Links

Who is in your Personal Boardroom? By Zella King & Amanda Scott

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