Hit a career wall? Tired of putting in the work without seeing promotions or recognition? You’re not alone. Many experienced women leaders in sales and marketing face hidden challenges that can stall career growth. This episode of Lead Easy kicks off a two-part series where I dive into the barriers that often arise for women with a decade or more in their fields. We’ll explore: 1. what’s holding you back,  2. why once-effective strategies may no longer deliver results,  3. and how my Breakthrough Coaching Program empowers driven professionals to reclaim confidence, authority, and the joy they deserve. If you’re ready to stop chasing the dangling carrot of promotion, this episode is your starting point to break through, align, and finally feel recognized. Resources Mentioned: FREE 15 Minute Leadership Strategy Call: Book today tinyurl.com/FREE-15-Min-Strategy-Call --------------------------------------------------- ***Unlock your authentic leadership potential with the BREAKTHROUGH coaching program—designed to help ambitious women lead with confidence, clarity, and impact; visit saraobriencoaching.com/breakthrough to get started. --------------------------------------------------- Free Guide: 2-Second Confidence Shift for High-Stakes Meetings: Visit saraobriencoaching.com to Download the Guide today. --------------------------------------------------- Keywords: Career coaching, women leaders, sales and marketing, Breakthrough Coaching Program, career stagnation, professional growth, promotion strategies, self-confidence. Timestamps: 0:00 – Overcoming Career Walls as a Woman in Leadership 1:30 – Reasons Behind Career Stagnation for Women Leaders 4:15 – Identifying Hidden Barriers Blocking Your Career Progress 6:23 – Success Stories from the Breakthrough Coaching Program 8:25 – How to Start Your Own Career Breakthrough Journey Music Credit: Track Title: Over You Artist: Atch Source: YouTube License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

Do traditional leadership labels leave you feeling confined like you’re supposed to be someone you’re not? In today’s episode, we’re dismantling the boxed-in definitions of leadership and paving the way for you to build a style that’s as flexible and authentic as you are. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to create a leadership approach based on your unique values, strengths, and energy. Say goodbye to rigid “types” and discover a style that grows with you. What you’ll learn: 1. Why Leadership Assessments Can Hold You Back: Uncover how they box you into rigid roles. 2. Building a Value-Driven Leadership Style: Lead authentically by aligning with your core principles. 3. Harnessing Energy and Purpose: Tap into your unique strengths to lead with resilience. Ready to dive deeper? Don’t forget to download your FREE “2-Second Confidence Shift” guide for those high-stakes moments—head to SaraOBrienCoaching.com. Hit subscribe and tune in now to unlock a more authentic way to lead! ---------------------------------------------------------------- ***Unlock your authentic leadership potential with the BREAKTHROUGH coaching program—designed to help ambitious women lead with confidence, clarity, and impact; visit saraobriencoaching.com/breakthrough to get started!

Ever feel like you’re doing everything right in your career but still not reaching your goals? It might not be about strategy at all—it could be what's going on inside. In this episode, we explore how hidden self-doubt and subconscious beliefs can drive behaviors like micromanaging and people-pleasing, even if you seem confident on the outside. Learn why common feedback like “improve your delegation” often misses the mark and why real change requires addressing the underlying thoughts driving your actions. Plus, I’ll share a simple exercise to help you start uncovering these deeper beliefs. If you’re ready to stop slipping back into old habits, this episode is for you. Tune in! Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

In the last episode, we covered how to position yourself for high-visibility projects. Now that you’re in those roles, how do you show up confidently and make the impact you’re aiming for? In this episode, I share a personal story about navigating a high-stakes presentation. Despite feeling under pressure, preparation and a strong mindset helped me pivot effortlessly while others struggled. The key? Trusting myself and cultivating confidence, which leads to better results in high-stakes environments. I also discuss the importance of: High-stakes = high mindset: Stay focused on growth, not judgment, and avoid the shame spiral. High-stakes = high prep: Preparation is critical, but it’s not always about spending hours—sometimes, it’s just about reflecting on what’s important. Building your own safety net: Trust in yourself is your ultimate safety net, allowing you to pivot and respond under pressure. I’ll guide you through a powerful visualization exercise to experience the difference between forcing yourself to prove something vs. coming from a place of self-trust. You’ll notice how this creates a safety net by shifting your energy and confidence. Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common pieces of advice given to professionals: "You need more visibility." But what does that really mean? I’ll walk you through how to interpret and act on this vague feedback by positioning yourself for high-impact projects. Rather than resorting to hustle and forced effort, we'll explore how collaboration, energy management, and a service-driven mindset can naturally open doors to opportunities. I’ll also share a personal story of how I landed a high-visibility project early in my career by embracing these principles. Tune in to discover a more effective, sustainable path to career growth. Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle change without losing yourself. We'll explore the Change Curve from William Bridges' Transition Model, which starts with an ending before moving toward new beginnings. I’ll share some real-life examples, like dealing with new technology or job changes, and how these can stir up unexpected feelings of loss and stress. Even if you choose the change, like getting a puppy (yep, I did that!), it can still be tough. I’ll talk about how the puppy marked the end of my easier, pre-puppy life and why it’s important to accept the survival mode phase instead of rushing through it. We’ll break it down into three simple steps: Accept Survival Mode: Acknowledge that things are hard right now. Don’t rush or deny it; just accept it. There will be ups and downs, and that's okay. Don’t Let Outer Blocks Become Inner Blocks: When your routines fall apart, don’t see it as a failure. Understand the difference between real obstacles and those we create in our minds. Start taking small actions to get back on track. Embrace Your New Normal: Look for signs of stability and integrate parts of your old life into this new reality. Don’t get frustrated by trying to go back to exactly how things were. Focus on adapting and accepting the new normal. We’ll also chat about how big changes can shift your identity. I'll share stories from my time in Spain and Puerto Rico, where I felt like I lost myself because I thought I had to completely change. It's about finding a balance—embracing new parts of your identity while staying true to your core. If you’re a leader navigating organizational changes, guiding a team, or dealing with personal shifts, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you stay grounded and authentic. Tune in to learn how to handle change like a pro and stay true to yourself, no matter what comes your way. Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

Episode Summary: In this episode, I’ll share a recent story about getting a puppy and the unexpected lessons I learned about leading with empathy—for myself and for others. We’ll explore the top reasons people struggle to lead with empathy and uncover the secrets to making the shift from using force, pressure, blame, or shame to embracing empathy as a leadership style. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of the workplace, managing a team, or just trying to lead a more compassionate life, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with heart and humanity. So, let’s jump in! Segment 1: First Puppy Experience My Idea: Why I decided to get a puppy despite the challenges. Family Influence: How my kids’ ages and my son's affection played a role. My M.O.: Adding complexity to life when things seem smooth. Segment 2: The Struggle Initial Challenges: Sleepless nights, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed. Self-Blame: Feeling I didn’t deserve support because I chose this path. Changing the Narrative: Recognizing the need for empathy and support despite making a difficult choice. External Reactions: How others’ comments reflected a lack of empathy. Segment 3: Empathy and Life Choices Empathy in Hard Choices: Examples like motherhood, big moves, and difficult relationships. Deserving Empathy: Understanding that choosing a difficult path doesn’t negate the need for empathy. Segment 4: Understanding Empathy Definition: Empathy vs. Sympathy. Struggles with Empathy: Segment 5: Empathy in Leadership Leadership Examples: Handling underperforming team members. Traditional Approaches: Pressure, force, blame, and shame. Empathetic Leadership: Believing in the person's best effort and their deservingness of support. Coaching Experience: Transforming a leader’s approach to be more empathetic. Segment 6: Practical Steps and Summary Self-Empathy: The importance of practicing empathy towards oneself. Two Key Beliefs Coaching Insights: How leading with empathy can reveal underlying issues and improve leadership effectiveness. Conclusion: Understanding Conditioning: How life experiences shape responses, especially under stress. Overcoming Blind Spots: Recognizing and addressing hidden barriers to effective leadership. Final Thoughts: Embracing empathy as a core leadership quality for better results and a more compassionate approach. Call to Action: Reflect on your own empathy levels. Practice the two key beliefs in your leadership approach. Share your thoughts and experiences with empathy in leadership on our social media channels. Stay Connected: Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email: [email protected]

Discover the secret leadership weapon - awareness. Move beyond the usual leadership traits like empathy and decisiveness to uncover the underrated power of awareness that top leaders possess. Today I’m sharing  The 2 main types of awareness. Why awareness is so important; not just for your wellbeing, but for your ability to perform at the highest level and reach new levels in your career. How to create and build this quality of awareness for yourself. Download the Leadership Audit and rate your distinctive qualities - https://bit.ly/4c0o0MF

Many leaders are unintentionally "driving from the backseat", meaning they are going very fast, living and working in a constant state of DOING, and reacting to roadblocks vs. having a plan. Not only is this anxiety-producing for you as the leader, but also for the people who are driving people along with you - the team you are leading. In this episode I break down: What it looks like to lead from the front vs. the back seat Why it's easy to default to "back seat" leading, even for great leaders 3 concrete steps you can apply to day to start leading from the front and trusting the process If this has struck a chord with you, I have two invitations - 1. Schedule a 15-min strategy call. We’ll look at the top 3 challenges that might be holding you back from being an effective leader and reaching the next title: https://saraobrienschedule.as.me/strategycall 2. Download the “10 underrated qualities of a great leader” and rank yourself to see how you are doing on each one: https://mailchi.mp/sarakobrien/leadershipqualities

We've all met those leaders who seem to have some intangible quality that makes them great. People want to follow them and they also are able to effortlessly excel in their career and land higher levels roles. In this episode, I'm exploring intangible “great leader” qualities and how you can start to adopt them today so you can step up as a leader and land the next role. Grab the Core Values Worksheet Here: https://mailchi.mp/sarakobrien/values-sheet Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/

What do you do when you have a goal around income, a promotion, health, or relationships, and it's not happening? How do you prevent your confidence from tanking and giving up altogether? In this episode I explore how to maintain confidence when the outcomes or results you are getting are not indicative of your success. In other words, you aren’t meeting your goals. Resources: Download the leadership training: https://saraobriencoaching.com/leadershiptraining Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More & Contact Me: https://saraobriencoaching.com/

If you are a mid-senior leader looking to get promoted, you might be tempted to learn new strategies to do things like work on your executive presence, stop micromanaging, or be more engaged with your team. Usually, people work on these things by trying to be more aware and "not doing it anymore," but it doesn't work. These are all symptoms of something deeper, that, if not addressed, will keep popping up no matter how much you “work on them”. In this video, we break down three key reasons that could be hindering your professional growth. From overlooked skills to subtle office dynamics, discover actionable tips to propel yourself towards that well-deserved promotion. Don't let opportunities pass you by—watch now and take control of your career journey! Grab the Core Values Worksheet Here: https://mailchi.mp/sarakobrien/values-sheet Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More & Contact Me: https://saraobriencoaching.com/

Most people think just because they don't fly off the handle when their buttons get pushed, they are fine. Far from it, unfortunately. Even if you aren't a "hot head", you might shut down, react dismissively, or regret the tone you use when you are triggered. And none of that is helpful when it comes to leading, building relationships, and showcasing your capabilities. In this episode, I'm sharing: The two (unhelpful) ways you likely react when someone pushes your buttons What is actually happening when your buttons get pushed How to respond when someone pushes your buttons so you can be the confident & capable leader you are Resources: Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

When it comes to your goals, you likely are unaware of how your current mindset is blocking you.  This is not about teaching you to instill habits, to do something for 21 days, or to "remind yourself of your why", although I know all those strategies are helpful. This is about changing your entire perception of how you are going after goals, and how to shift your mindset so that you are DRAWN to your goals, don’t let setbacks derail you, and inevitably - and of course effortlessly - exceed your goals.  ----------------------------------------------------------------- A few things: Learn about my coaching program for women leaders: https://saraobriencoaching.com/breakthrough Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Email Me: [email protected]

I’ve talked about imposter syndrome, which is when all the evidence or indicators point to your successes and talents (promotions, special projects, accolades), but you still lack belief or question your abilities.  But what about when you have “evidence” outside yourself that points to you NOT being as capable or talented as you thought? How do you maintain confidence then?  What I mean by outside evidence is either someone gives you constructive criticism or feedback OR the outcomes/results you are getting are not indicative of your success (e.g. you aren’t meeting your goals). Getting difficult feedback has the potential to derail your career, or even your life. I’ll be sharing how to maintain confidence when the “evidence” isn’t there, make peace with past feedback , and handle receiving it moving forward. In part 2, I’ll talk about how to maintain confidence when you aren’t reaching your goals. ------------------- Check out the training: The 7 Levels of Leadership (that help you succeed or hold you back): https://saraobriencoaching.com/leadership-training-video

Have you ever felt bad for having anger or other difficult emotions? If you've ever said, "I'm trying to manage my anger," or "I have anger issues", this is for you. Anger alone is not bad or good - it just is. It’s normal. It’s part of the human experience. And in some cases even helpful. The problems arise when the actions and behaviors that stem from anger are undesirable or unhelpful. Or if you are tired of feeling angry because it’s actually a very draining feeling/energy and not so fun to feel all the time. If you try this exercise, I'd love to hear about your experience! ------------------- A few things: Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

I was so honored to recently be invited to join the podcast Hospitality Daily, hosted by Josiah Mackenzie, to talk about leadership with my former colleague, leader, and dear friend, Mariana Safer. We chatted about our paths and how they intertwined, what leadership means to us, and how we continue to develop as leaders. Josiah graciously gave me permission to post the episode on my podcast. I highly recommend you follow Hospitality Daily no matter which industry you are in - link below - they have a lot of informational and inspiring content on growing your business and reaching your goals with conversations from some of the most interesting people in hospitality. Hospitality Daily Podcast: https://podcast.hospitalitydaily.com/ ⁠Follow the Hospitality Daily LinkedIn page⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hospitalitydaily Follow Mariana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-safer-148952/

Imposter Syndrome can be confusing, feel like a curse, and make you question everything about who you are and what you bring to the table as a leader. I'm debunking myths about imposter syndrome, sharing my top tips for tackling it, and providing some reassurance that nothing has gone wrong, in fact, you are doing something right. A few things: Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Learn More: saraobriencoaching.com Email Me: [email protected]

This episode is a little different -I'm walking you through what centering is, why it's important, and how to do it. I invite you to take what you like and see if it makes sense to incorporate it into your day-to-day life. A few things: Learn about my ⁠coaching program for senior women leaders: https://saraobriencoaching.com/breakthrough Find Me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarakobrien/ Email Me: [email protected]