In this episode Sarah explores the power of mentorship in career growth. She shares the key benefits of having a mentor, how to identify what you need from a mentoring relationship, and practical ways to find the right mentor for you. Whether you're looking for guidance, career development, or industry connections, mentorship can be a game-changer. Learn how to take a proactive approach to finding and working with a mentor!

[00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable and introduction to the episode

[02:00] – Why mentorship is your career secret weapon & why so few people have mentors

[03:00] – The research: 76% of professionals believe in mentorship, but only 37% have one

[04:00] – 12 key benefits of mentorship, including career growth, networking, confidence-building, and navigating leadership challenges

[06:00] – Sarah’s personal experience with mentors & how they helped her career transitions

[08:00] – How to identify what you need from a mentor (role model, industry expertise, networking, leadership support, etc.)

[09:00] – Finding the right mentor: Industry fit, seniority, chemistry, and shared values

[10:30] – Different routes to finding a mentor: Workplace programs, LinkedIn networking, professional groups, and mentorship platforms

[12:00] – How to build a connection and approach a potential mentor with confidence

[13:00] – Setting up a successful mentorship relationship: Time commitment, expectations, and boundaries

[14:00] – The value of becoming a mentor yourself and how it benefits your career

[15:00] – Final thoughts, free career resources, and how to stay connected

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

You’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and be unstoppable!

In today’s episode, Sarah's tackling a big topic: how to position yourself for a promotion. Whether you're aiming for an internal step up or seeking opportunities externally, Sarah shares actionable steps to make your next career move a certainty.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:02:00] Recognising When You're Ready for Promotion

• Signs it’s time to move up (boredom, lack of challenge, outgrowing your boss)
• Self-doubt and imposter syndrome
• Ensuring the next level is the right move for you

[00:04:00] Managing Self-Doubt and Career Confidence

• How to prevent self-doubt from holding you back
• Engaging your inner coach and reinforcing your strengths

[00:05:00] Preparing for Promotion: Gap Analysis

• Evaluating what the next level role requires
• Identifying skill and experience gaps
• How to develop the necessary competencies

[00:06:00] Seeking Opportunities to Stretch & Lead

• Finding opportunities for projects and presentations
• Showcasing leadership skills at the next level
• Demonstrating your ability to operate beyond your current role

[00:07:00] Increasing Self-Awareness & Knowing Your Value

• Understanding your strengths and worth
• Recognising when your organisation underestimates your potential
• Making informed decisions about internal vs. external moves

[00:08:00] Being Proactive & Building a Strong Reputation

• Positioning yourself as a problem solver
• Demonstrating a positive and solution-focused mindset
• Navigating organisational challenges effectively

[00:09:00] Building Key Relationships & Securing Advocacy

• Strengthening relationships with your line manager and senior leaders
• The importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and networking
• Engaging with HR and other decision-makers

[00:10:00] Getting Comfortable with Self-Promotion

• Overcoming the fear of self-promotion
• Effectively communicating achievements and challenges
• Framing accomplishments in a way that highlights leadership capabilities

[00:12:00] Researching Industry Trends & Market Insights

• Understanding recruitment trends and promotion practices
• Knowing the market rate for your next role
• Using industry insights to strengthen your negotiation position

[00:14:00] Timing Your Promotion Strategy

• Choosing the right moment based on company performance
• Leveraging recent successes to advocate for your promotion
• Recognizing when it’s time to move up and out

[00:15:00] Recap & Final Thoughts

• Summary of key steps to position yourself for promotion
• Encouragement to take action and plan strategically
• Invitation to work with Sarah on a personalised advancement strategy

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

In Episode 16, Sarah dives into the transformative power of amplifying your strengths at work. She discusses the importance of focusing on your natural talents, explains the difference between character and technical strengths, and provides actionable strategies to help you identify and amplify your core strengths. Learn how understanding and leveraging your strengths can boost your confidence, reduce stress, and enhance your career fulfillment.

Show Notes:

[00:00:00] - Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable with Sarah Archer

[00:02:00] - Why strengths matter: Benefits backed by positive psychology

[00:03:00] - Shifting from focusing on weaknesses to amplifying strengths

[00:04:00] - Character vs. technical strengths: What’s the difference?

[00:05:00] - Discover your strengths with the VIA Institute’s survey

[00:06:00] - Real-life client example: Finding beauty in spreadsheets

[00:07:00] - Why we overlook our innate strengths

[00:08:00] - Three pillars of amplifying strengths: Consistency, commitment, curiosity

[00:09:00] - Key reflection questions to amplify your strengths

[00:10:00] - Example: Using the strength of kindness in new ways

[00:11:00] - The power of feedback to uncover hidden strengths

[00:12:00] - Sarah shares her own top strengths and how she uses them

[00:13:00] - Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and access free resources

Useful Links

The VIA Strengths Survey

Watch on LinkedIn Live

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

You are capable of more than you know. Shine brightly, lead boldly, and unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable.