In this episode, Sarah dives into a topic that many clients feel confused about: How do you become a Non-Executive Director (NED)? Whether you’re considering a portfolio career, want to broaden your strategic experience, or are curious about how to take on a board role alongside your current job, this episode will give you a practical roadmap for getting started. We’ll cover the benefits of becoming an NED, the types of roles available, and the steps you can take to position yourself for these opportunities. If an NED role is part of your career plan—whether now or in the future—this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The different types of NED roles (paid, unpaid, governance vs. advisory)
• Why it’s not just a post-retirement option
• How to assess your readiness and identify gaps in your experience
• The role of personal branding and visibility in securing a board position
• How to leverage your network (and find mentors or champions)
• Where to find NED opportunities, including specialist platforms and agencies

Show Notes:

00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable: Helping female leaders thrive without burning out

02:00 – Why becoming an NED is on the radar for many women leaders

03:00 – Can you be an NED alongside your day job? Yes, here’s how

04:00 – The benefits of becoming an NED: Portfolio careers, strategic growth, networking, and financial reward

05:00 – Understanding your motivation: Why do YOU want to become an NED?

06:00 – Types of NED roles: Paid, unpaid, public bodies, small businesses, trusteeships

07:00 – Key skills and gaps to consider: Risk, governance, board processes, decision-making

08:00 – Building your leadership brand and increasing your visibility

09:00 – Networking for NED success: Mentors, champions, door openers

10:00 – Strategic networking: Focus on your target sector or organisation type

10:30 – Joining NED-specific networks for support and opportunities

11:00 – Should you invest in NED training or governance courses?

11:30 – Crafting your NED CV: Highlighting strategic thinking, independence, and leadership

12:00 – How to find NED roles: Search firms, agencies, and specialist platforms

13:00 – Where to look: Women on Boards, Nurole, Guardian, FT, and public appointments

14:00 – Recap: Your action plan for becoming an NED

15:00 – How I can help: Get support for your personal NED strategy

Useful Links

Women on Boards UK

Nurole

UK Public Appointments

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In this episode, Sarah shares the key steps to fast-tracking your next promotion. Whether you're feeling overlooked, craving a challenge, or unsure if you're truly ready for the next leadership level, this episode will help you clarify your direction and take intentional action.

You’ll learn how to recognise the signs you're ready, overcome self-doubt, identify gaps, build your leadership brand, and position yourself for internal or external opportunities all in a realistic 3–6 month window.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Intro

[00:01:00] Why Promotions Can Feel Elusive

• The tension between leadership ambition and time constraints
• How self-doubt and imposter feelings show up, even at senior levels

[00:02:00] Are You Ready for Promotion? Signs to Watch For

• Seeing others get ahead while you feel stuck
• Feeling bored or underutilised
• Frequently acting up or being asked to take on more
• Strategic thinking beyond your own team

[00:04:00] Self-Doubt vs. Self-Awareness

• The difference between questioning your readiness and making a conscious, values-aligned choice
• A story of a client who chose not to go for promotion—intentionally

[00:05:00] 8 Strategies to Fast Track Your Promotion

1. Be intentional - promotions rarely happen passively
2. Do a gap analysis - skills and visibility
3. Clarify your leadership brand - ask for feedback or work with a coach
4. Scan for stretch opportunities - projects, strategic challenges, or acting-up roles
5. Demonstrate value - be proactive, solve problems beyond your remit
6. Build key relationships -with your boss, senior leaders, and potential mentors
7. Get comfortable with self-promotion - articulate achievements with depth and context
8. Time it right – leverage business wins or personal successes

[00:16:00] Final Reflections & Next Steps

• Be strategic and give yourself permission to aim higher
• Consider both internal and external promotional routes
• Take the first step by creating space to think and plan

[00:17:30] Get in Touch

• Sarah invites listeners to message her if they take action and land that promotion

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:

Are you an ambitious woman looking for your next senior leadership role but feeling frustrated by the lack of visible opportunities? You’re not alone. As you progress in your career, the job search becomes more complex—and more hidden.

In this episode, Sarah shares 4 expert, proven strategies to help you find your next leadership job with more confidence and clarity. These practical tools—drawn from her 16+ years of experience as a career and leadership career coach—are especially powerful for women who want to lead with purpose without selling out or burning out.

[00:00:00] Welcome & Episode Introduction

• The challenge of finding time for career planning in leadership roles

[00:02:00] The Hidden Job Market & Why Leadership Jobs Are Harder to Find

• 70% of senior roles aren't advertised
• How positioning matters before jobs even go public

[00:03:00] Why You Might Be Feeling Stuck

• Common barriers: fear, self-doubt, lack of knowledge

🔍 4 Expert Ways to Find Your Next Leadership Job

[00:04:00] 1. Harness the Power of Your Professional Network

• Personal referrals dominate executive hiring
• How to stay top-of-mind with decision-makers
• A client success story on landing a startup leadership role via an old boss

[00:08:00] 2. Connect with Executive Recruiters & Headhunters

• Build relationships before you need them
• Where to find the right recruiters for your industry
• Example: A finance director who transitioned industries thanks to recruiter advocacy

[00:11:00] 3. Position Yourself as a Thought Leader

• Why visibility = credibility
• How to choose between speaking, writing, podcasting, and LinkedIn
• Real story: A marketing manager leveraged thought leadership to step up to a director role

[00:14:00] 4. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile for Search

• Use keywords aligned with the job you want, not the one you have
• Tips for revamping your headline, summary, experience, and skills
• Example: How simple tweaks helped a Director of Ops attract COO opportunities

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

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