In this first episode of the New Year, Sarah invites you to step back from the day-to-day demands of work and intentionally design your leadership journey for the year ahead.
Whether you’re listening in January or later in the year, this episode will help you move out of “autopilot mode” and into conscious, values-led career decision-making. Sarah shares practical reflections, coaching insights, and powerful questions to help you clarify what you want for your career – not just what you want at work.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure about what’s next, or driven more by others’ agendas than your own, this episode is for you.
Show Notes
[00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable
[01:45] Episode 60: Designing your leadership journey for 2026
Why this is the perfect time to set intentions for your career (and why you can do this at any time of year).
[02:45] The danger of running your career on autopilot
How slipping into “unconscious mode” can leave you at the whim of organisational decisions, other people’s careers, or knee-jerk reactions.
[03:45] The benefits of being intentional about your career
How clarity, purpose, authenticity, self-leadership, and alignment support sustainable career success.
[05:00] A real-life example of unconscious career decision-making
A coaching conversation that highlights why stepping back before making a move matters.
[06:30] How to become more intentional: 3 key areas to focus on
[06:45] 1. Increase your self-awareness
Understanding your why, what drives you, and how your work connects to your values.
[07:30] Discovering your “why”
Why it can feel hard to articulate – and how values, energy, and enjoyment offer clues.
[08:30] What do you love, and what don’t you love?
Using simple reflection to identify what to increase, reduce, delegate, or change in your role.
[09:45] 2. Develop your career success criteria
Why success is more than job title and pay – and how to define success on your own terms.
[11:00] Sarah shares her own career success criteria
Examples including impact, financial freedom, challenge, learning, and flexibility – and how these guide decision-making.
[13:00] 3. Answering the “what next?” question
How clarity on your why and success criteria makes future career decisions easier and more confident.
[14:00] Creating a plan and checking in with yourself
Staying intentional through regular reflection and adjustment.
[14:45] Final reflections and encouragement
Why it’s never too late to choose intentionality in your career.
[15:00] How to get support
Invitation to reach out for coaching and explore free resources.
Being intentional about your career isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about choosing to lead yourself with clarity, purpose, and courage.
✨ Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable.
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: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk
Mentioned in this episode:
Lead With Impact Group Coaching Programme
https://www.careertreecoaching.co.uk/lead-with-impact
