S2, Ep20: The importance of setting boundaries with Sharon Smith

What if boundaries weren’t just a self-care buzzword but the thing actually standing between you and burnout?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sharon Smith, leadership coach and founder of Own Your Leadership, for a no-nonsense conversation about time, boundaries and why saying yes to everything is a fast track to overwhelm.

Sharon shares the behind-the-scenes of how she went from burned-out teacher to boundary-setting business owner and what she learned the hard way about people-pleasing, capacity and leading well.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, if your calendar is packed but nothing feels meaningful or if you just need someone to tell you it’s OK to not be available 24/7… this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why saying yes to everything nearly broke Sharon and what she did instead

• The difference between managing and leading (and why it matters more than you think)

• Why boundaries aren’t selfish, they’re a leadership skill

• Sharon’s brilliant concept of the “Curiosity File” for managing ideas + distractions

• How to time block like a CEO

• What it really takes to reclaim your calendar and your energy

• The mindset shift that changed everything for Sharon (and might for you too)

Resources mentioned:

• Sharon’s guest blog post on boundaries: https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/blog/the-power-of-boundaries-how-leaders-can-manage-time-and-boost-productivity

• Sharon’s website and links to connect: https://www.ownyourleadership.co.uk

• Free Time Audit Workbook: https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/timeauditworkbook

Your Next Steps:

• Work with Me: https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/links

• Self-study course, Get More Time: https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/get-more-time-course

• Get my free Time Audit workbook: https://www.sarahstewart.co.uk/timeauditworkbook

• Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/sarahstewart.co.uk and https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahstewartglasgow

About Sarah:

I'm your host, Sarah Stewart, Glasgow-based time management expert. My approach combines the wisdom of traditional time management strategies with the transformative power of mindfulness. My commitment is to help you get more time for the things that really matter.

If you are ready to ditch the hustle culture and overwhelm, and instead embrace peaceful productivity; you are in the right place.