In this episode Sarah explores the subtle yet powerful ways imposter feelings show up for high-achieving women-often without them realising. From overthinking to perfectionism to holding back in meetings, Sarah breaks down eight common patterns she sees in her clients and shares a simple but effective mindset tool you can start using today. If imposter feelings have been draining your confidence, energy, or ambition, this episode will help you recognise the signs and take your first steps toward breaking free.

[00:00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:01:00] – Why Imposter Feelings Matter

The hidden ways imposter feelings show up for successful women. Inspired by a recent LinkedIn poll, she highlights overthinking and self-doubt as the two most common manifestations.

[00:02:00] – Awareness Is Step One

Imposter feelings are sneaky, often long-established patterns. Sarah explains why becoming aware of how they show up is crucial before you can change them.

[00:02:30] – Webinar Announcement

Sarah invites listeners to her upcoming webinar: How to Break Free From Imposter Syndrome and Shine as a Leader (25th November).

[00:03:00] – Imposter Feelings in Practice

Sarah shares how imposter feelings affected her early leadership career-leading to over-preparation, comparison, anxiety, and eventually burnout.

[00:04:00] – What Imposter Feelings Really Are

She reframes “imposter syndrome” as “imposter feelings” and describes them as a psychological pattern-not a personal flaw. Patterns can be changed.

[00:05:30] – The 8 Hidden Ways Imposter Feelings Show Up

Sarah introduces eight subtle but common behaviours driven by imposter feelings.

The 8 Hidden Ways Imposter Feelings Show Up

1. [00:06:00] Over-Preparation / Perfectionism

Feeling you must deliver perfectly, leading to burnout, procrastination, and risk-aversion.

2. [00:07:00] Downplaying Achievements

Attributing success to luck or others, which diminishes your visibility and value in the eyes of others.

3. [00:07:30] Holding Back Opinions

Staying silent in meetings to avoid being wrong-reducing influence and visibility.

4. [00:08:00] Avoiding Visibility

Turning down opportunities that stretch you, limiting growth and career progression.

5. [00:09:00] Over-Apologising

Using apologetic language unnecessarily, which can reduce perceived confidence.

6. [00:09:30] Comparisonitis

Measuring your success against others rather than your own criteria, distracting from your own growth.

7. [00:10:00] Second-Guessing & Overthinking

Overthinking minor or major decisions, causing procrastination, missed opportunities, and decision fatigue.

8. [00:11:00] Taking On Too Much

Saying yes to everything or micromanaging to “prove yourself,” often resulting in burnout and appearing less strategic.

[00:12:30] – The Fear of Changing What “Works”

Sarah acknowledges the fear many women have: If I stop doing these behaviours, will I still be successful? She explains why the answer is yes and how letting go can unlock more effective leadership.

[00:13:00] – Mini Mindset Exercise: Naming Your Inner Critic

Sarah shares a practical technique for bringing the unconscious “imposter voice” into awareness:

1. Name your inner critic to separate it from your identity.
2. Identify its triggers.
3. Present evidence to counter its claims.
4. Use self-reassurance

If you’ve ever found yourself holding back from going for that promotion, doubting your readiness for the next level, or replaying “what if” fears in your mind, this episode is for you. Sarah shares practical strategies, neuroscience-based insights, and mindset tools to help you stop getting in your own way so you can move forward in your leadership career with confidence and purpose.

Whether you’re ready to make a bold career move or simply want to stop second-guessing yourself, this episode will help you understand what’s behind your fears and how to take empowering action.

[00:00:00] – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:01:00] – Why Self-Sabotage Happens

Sarah opens up about her own experiences with self-sabotage and how fear often lies at the root of it.

[00:02:00] – Recognising Self-Sabotage in Your Career

What it looks like when you’re getting in your own way - procrastination, overthinking, and talking yourself out of opportunities.

[00:03:00] – The Four Core Fears Behind Self-Sabotage

Fear of change, failure, making the wrong decision, and fear of what others might think.

[00:04:00] – How Fear Keeps You Stuck

The exhausting mental cycle of wanting change but feeling paralysed by fear.

[00:05:00] – Early Beliefs and Conditioning

How messages from childhood, school, and early career shape your beliefs about what’s possible.

[00:06:00] – The Power of Other People’s Opinions

How the need to please, meet expectations, or avoid judgment can hold you back from taking bold steps.

[00:06:45] – The Role of Circumstances and Security

Why financial or family responsibilities can heighten your fears about making a change.

[00:07:00] – Step 1: Understand Your Fears

How unpacking where your fears come from helps you manage and move through them.

[00:07:20] – Step 2: Visualise a Positive Future

Learn how to “direct a new movie” in your mind and why your brain responds powerfully to positive visualisation.

[00:09:00] – Step 3: Turn Your Vision Into a Plan

How to translate your positive vision into small, concrete actions that build confidence and reduce fear.

[00:10:00] – Step 4: Take Action and Build Momentum

Why taking even small steps forward helps you feel more in control and less afraid.

[00:10:30] – Step 5: Surround Yourself with Positivity

The importance of connecting with people who have a growth mindset and believe in what’s possible.

[00:11:00] – Final Reflections and Invitation

Sarah wraps up with encouragement to take action and invites listeners to reach out for support if they’re ready to stop self-sabotaging and step into leadership with confidence.

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

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In this episode, Sarah dives into one of the biggest challenges leaders face: leadership confidence. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to the board, or navigating new territory in your role, confidence wobbles are completely normal.

Sarah shares practical tools and mindset shifts to help you strengthen your inner confidence “core,” reframe limiting beliefs, and build an authentic leadership identity that inspires trust and impact.

[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction

[00:02:00] The Pressure of Leadership

Leaders face constant expectations from all directions - team, boss, board, and clients. This pressure, coupled with people-pleasing tendencies or imposter feelings, can shake your confidence.

[00:04:30] Normalising the “Confidence Wobble”

Everyone, even the most confident leader, experiences self-doubt. Understand why these wobbles happen and why they’re a natural part of leadership growth.

[00:05:30] The Importance of Inner Work

Lasting leadership confidence starts within. Understand how it's comparable to building your physical core strength - once your inner foundation is strong, everything else becomes easier.

[00:06:30] What Is “Inner Work”?

Confidence grows when you understand your beliefs and stories about who you are as a leader. A client example of a Head of HR who discovered that being “too professional” was limiting her authenticity and connection at work.

[00:08:30] Understanding Limiting Beliefs

Many of our beliefs were shaped early in life or career. Understand how to spot them, why they persist, and how to reframe them to create new, empowering beliefs.

[00:09:30] Spotting Your Triggers

If something or someone keeps triggering you, it’s a clue to an underlying belief. Hear the story of a Head of Marketing who uncovered a belief about not being “sharp enough” and how awareness led to growth.

[00:11:00] Rewriting Your Leadership Narrative

Notice the stories you tell yourself - both positive and negative. Bringing these narratives into awareness allows you to rewrite them in a more confident, compassionate way.

[00:12:30] Sarah’s Own Experience

Sarah shares her personal journey of self-doubt as an HR Director and how doing her own inner work helped her lead with resilience and authenticity.

[00:13:00] The Leadership Brand Exercise

Through her Ambition Plan programme, Sarah helps clients explore their leadership brand - what they’re known for and what makes them unique. One client’s lightbulb moment revealed how her “challenging” style was actually her greatest strength.

[00:14:30] Owning Your Leadership Identity

Authenticity, self-awareness, and amplifying your unique strengths build trust and make you a more effective, confident leader.

[00:15:00] Practical Takeaways

• Notice when and why your confidence feels wobbly.
• Identify what’s triggering you and what belief might be behind it.
• Pay attention to your inner narrative — and consciously reshape it.
• Reflect on your leadership brand: what makes you unique?
• Recognise that a confidence dip might mean you’re growing as a leader.

[00:16:30] Closing Reflections

Confidence work takes courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. Sarah invites listeners to reach out for coaching support and explore her free resources.

“Remember, you’re capable of more than you know. Shine brightly. Lead boldly. And unlock the extraordinary potential within you. Be unstoppable.”

Useful Links