In this episode, Sarah dives into a critical leadership skill: building powerful alliances. Whether you’re navigating tricky internal politics, dealing with big personalities, or simply looking to amplify your impact, strong alliances can make all the difference.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why alliances are essential for your leadership and career growth
• The five categories of workplace alliances—and how to manage each one
• How to navigate adversaries and fence-sitters without draining your energy
• Practical steps to build trust, boost collaboration, and expand your influence
• Actionable takeaways to map your alliances and start building strategic connections today

This is a must-listen if you want to lead with more confidence, create positive change, and develop a leadership style that’s collaborative, influential, and impactful.

[00:00:00] Introduction to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:01:00] The challenges of leadership and career progression for women

[00:02:00] Why building alliances is essential for female leaders

[00:03:00] Barriers to building alliances: politics, fear, and time

[00:04:00] The difference between sponsors, mentors, and allies

[00:05:00] The Tiara Syndrome and why sponsorship matters

[00:06:00] How to attract a sponsor and build your leadership brand

[00:07:00] Mapping alliances: the five categories of players

• [00:07:00] Allies – natural supporters
• [00:08:00] Confederates – aligned but cautious
• [00:09:00] Opposers – good relationships but different views
• [00:10:00] Adversaries – tricky relationships and energy management
• [00:10:30] Fence-sitters – unknown loyalties

[00:11:00] Considering trust and functional needs in alliance building

[00:11:30] How to be strategic and intentional with your alliances

[00:12:00] The power of diverse perspectives and constructive challenge

[00:12:30] Adapting your communication style for better influence

[00:13:00] The law of reciprocity: giving before you get

[00:14:00] Celebrating others’ successes to build collaborative credibility

[00:15:00] Building trust through integrity and follow-through

[00:15:30] Radical responsibility: solving problems beyond your role

At the end of the episode, Sarah shares simple actions you can take right now:

1. Map out your alliances – Identify where you have strong connections and where you need to build relationships.
2. Pick three people – Choose three individuals who could support your career or leadership goals.
3. Identify how you can add value – Think about how you can help them before asking for support.
4. Take one action this week – Build or strengthen at least one of these relationships in the next 7 days.

Useful Links

Research by The Center for Talent & Innovation on having a Sponsor

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In this episode, Sarah dives into a topic that many clients feel confused about: How do you become a Non-Executive Director (NED)? Whether you’re considering a portfolio career, want to broaden your strategic experience, or are curious about how to take on a board role alongside your current job, this episode will give you a practical roadmap for getting started. We’ll cover the benefits of becoming an NED, the types of roles available, and the steps you can take to position yourself for these opportunities. If an NED role is part of your career plan—whether now or in the future—this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The different types of NED roles (paid, unpaid, governance vs. advisory)
• Why it’s not just a post-retirement option
• How to assess your readiness and identify gaps in your experience
• The role of personal branding and visibility in securing a board position
• How to leverage your network (and find mentors or champions)
• Where to find NED opportunities, including specialist platforms and agencies

Show Notes:

00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable: Helping female leaders thrive without burning out

02:00 – Why becoming an NED is on the radar for many women leaders

03:00 – Can you be an NED alongside your day job? Yes, here’s how

04:00 – The benefits of becoming an NED: Portfolio careers, strategic growth, networking, and financial reward

05:00 – Understanding your motivation: Why do YOU want to become an NED?

06:00 – Types of NED roles: Paid, unpaid, public bodies, small businesses, trusteeships

07:00 – Key skills and gaps to consider: Risk, governance, board processes, decision-making

08:00 – Building your leadership brand and increasing your visibility

09:00 – Networking for NED success: Mentors, champions, door openers

10:00 – Strategic networking: Focus on your target sector or organisation type

10:30 – Joining NED-specific networks for support and opportunities

11:00 – Should you invest in NED training or governance courses?

11:30 – Crafting your NED CV: Highlighting strategic thinking, independence, and leadership

12:00 – How to find NED roles: Search firms, agencies, and specialist platforms

13:00 – Where to look: Women on Boards, Nurole, Guardian, FT, and public appointments

14:00 – Recap: Your action plan for becoming an NED

15:00 – How I can help: Get support for your personal NED strategy

Useful Links

Women on Boards UK

Nurole

UK Public Appointments

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Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

In this episode, Sarah shares the key steps to fast-tracking your next promotion. Whether you're feeling overlooked, craving a challenge, or unsure if you're truly ready for the next leadership level, this episode will help you clarify your direction and take intentional action.

You’ll learn how to recognise the signs you're ready, overcome self-doubt, identify gaps, build your leadership brand, and position yourself for internal or external opportunities all in a realistic 3–6 month window.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Intro

[00:01:00] Why Promotions Can Feel Elusive

• The tension between leadership ambition and time constraints
• How self-doubt and imposter feelings show up, even at senior levels

[00:02:00] Are You Ready for Promotion? Signs to Watch For

• Seeing others get ahead while you feel stuck
• Feeling bored or underutilised
• Frequently acting up or being asked to take on more
• Strategic thinking beyond your own team

[00:04:00] Self-Doubt vs. Self-Awareness

• The difference between questioning your readiness and making a conscious, values-aligned choice
• A story of a client who chose not to go for promotion—intentionally

[00:05:00] 8 Strategies to Fast Track Your Promotion

1. Be intentional - promotions rarely happen passively
2. Do a gap analysis - skills and visibility
3. Clarify your leadership brand - ask for feedback or work with a coach
4. Scan for stretch opportunities - projects, strategic challenges, or acting-up roles
5. Demonstrate value - be proactive, solve problems beyond your remit
6. Build key relationships -with your boss, senior leaders, and potential mentors
7. Get comfortable with self-promotion - articulate achievements with depth and context
8. Time it right – leverage business wins or personal successes

[00:16:00] Final Reflections & Next Steps

• Be strategic and give yourself permission to aim higher
• Consider both internal and external promotional routes
• Take the first step by creating space to think and plan

[00:17:30] Get in Touch

• Sarah invites listeners to message her if they take action and land that promotion

Useful Links

Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration

Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes

Book a Free 121 Clarity Call

Join The Love What You Do Facebook Group

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: