Let me set the scene. It's somewhere between 11pm and 3am. There's no major crisis, you're not falling apart, you're just lying there and the same thought surfaces again. The one that's been surfacing for weeks, maybe months, maybe longer than you'd like to admit. Something just needs to change. And then immediately the other part kicks in. The part that runs the numbers, reminds you of the mortgage, tallies everything you've built and everything you'd be risking. So you loop. You fall asleep. And a few nights later, it starts again.

The hardest part? You're not even sure what you'd be changing to. There's no clear alternative waiting. Just a feeling that something isn't quite right, and a whole set of invisible filters quietly narrowing what you let yourself imagine.

This episode is about what's actually keeping that loop running, because it's almost never what you think it is.

I'm walking you through the real reason the 2am conversation won't resolve itself: the moment you realise you've been unconsciously collapsing two completely different questions into one, the question of whether to explore what's possible and the question of whether to blow up your career entirely, and why that makes it genuinely impossible to move. I also name the quieter thing underneath all of it, the shame that makes wanting something different feel like a verdict on every choice you've already made, and why that framing is costing you more than you realise. And I share a client story that might completely reframe what you think you're looking for.

I also share three things I want you to take away from this episode: you are not confused, you are conflating two different questions; you are not ungrateful, you are evolving; and you do not have to have the answer before you're allowed to ask the question. Clarity doesn't come from deciding before you've had the chance to look. It comes from finally letting yourself look properly.

As part of my body-mind maturation coaching training, I have a small number of free practice sessions available. If you're curious about what this work feels like from the inside, I'd love to offer you a taster. You can apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc7LlSH8u-v3j82uuXQcbd29RC6ttPeLFqUzBTAFAGifooh6A/viewform?usp=header

I'm also creating a free resource, What the Future of Work Means for Your Career (Especially If You Suspect Your Current Path Has an Expiry Date). Sign up here http://siobhanbarnes.com/what-the-future-of-work-means-for-your-career 

For all the show notes and links mentioned in this episode, head over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/149 

From the outside, your life looks like it's working. Great title, solid income, the kind of stability other people point to as the goal. But on the inside, there's a restlessness you can't shake. A low-level dread on Sunday nights. A moment in a meeting where you think, I don't actually want to be in this room anymore. Maybe you're scrolling LinkedIn watching other women seem to have figured it out, and you realise with a jolt that you said "I can't keep doing this for two more years" two years ago.

The loneliest part? You can't really talk about it. Who complains about a good salary and a stable job? So you keep quiet, keep performing, and hope a different perspective in the morning will make the feeling go away.

This episode is about what's actually happening beneath that feeling of being "trapped", because it's not what you think.

I'm sharing the three layers I see showing up again and again with the women I work with: the very real mismatch between who you've become and the career container you're still inside; how your identity has fused with your role in ways that make any change feel like genuine danger to your nervous system; and the embodied beliefs that keep you frozen even when your heart knows it's time to move. I also give you a personal update on where I've been for the past month, training in body-mind maturation coaching, and why this work is changing how I understand everything I do with my clients.

I also share three things I want you to take away from this episode: you are not broken, you are not confused, and you do not have to choose between security and change. There is a third path, and this episode is about helping you find your footing on it.

As part of my body-mind maturation coaching training, I have a small number of free practice sessions available. If you're curious about what this work feels like from the inside, I'd love to offer you a taster. You can apply here.

I'm also creating a free resource, What the Future of Work Means for Your Career (Especially If You Suspect Your Current Path Has an Expiry Date). Join the waitlist here:

For all the show notes and links mentioned in this episode, head over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/148

Today's guest knows that version intimately.

Maggie McDaris is the co-founder of Phase App, a registered dietitian turned corporate wellness expert turned entrepreneur — and one of the most candid, joyful conversations I've had on this podcast in a long time.

Maggie spent years scaling a high-growth startup, delivering results, ticking every box. And behind the performance, she was approaching breaking point — in ways that the people closest to her could see far more clearly than she could. She shares the full story in this episode with an honesty I deeply respect. It's the kind of conversation that stays with you.

What followed was real recovery, a move to the UK, a wild swimming conversation in Sintra with a woman who would become her co-founder, and the creation of Phase App — a biology-based productivity tool that helps women connect the dots between their bodies and their work.

Because here is what most of us were never taught: across the four phases of your cycle, your hormones directly shape your focus, creativity, stress resilience, emotional attunement, and verbal fluency. Your biology is already influencing the version of you that shows up at work. Phase App makes that visible and actionable. Not as a reason to do less — as a way to do your best work.

We also go deep into career identity in this one. Maggie began as a registered dietitian, moved into corporate wellness, then commercial real estate, then founded a tech startup. From the outside it might look scattered. But the through line has never wavered: she is a builder, in service of the people she builds for.

She talks about the sunk cost fallacy with such joyful pragmatism and her reframe has stayed with me.

The years you spent becoming something do not have to trap you inside it. You take the skills. The values. The parts of yourself that called you there. What you leave behind is only the label.

You are not starting over. You are building on.

If you've ever pushed through when something was quietly asking you to pause, or wondered whether wanting something different means you're ungrateful for what you have,  this conversation is for you.

For all show notes and links mentioned in this episode, head to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/147

Maggie McDaris is the CEO and Co-Founder of Phase and a thought leader at the intersection of human performance and the future of work. 

Connect with Maggie here: 

• Website: http://phaseapp.io
• Link to download the app: https://my.phaseapp.io/app
• Instagram: @phase_app
• Tiktok: @phase_app

From the outside, your life may look “perfect”: you’ve built a real career, a solid reputation, a track record of doing the right things and hitting the right milestones. But inside, there’s a whisper you can’t quite shake—a quiet knowing that says, this isn’t it anymore. Maybe it’s the extra moment you need in the car before walking into the office, the promotion that left you more burned out than fulfilled, or that fleeting thought in a meeting: “I don’t think I want to be in this room… or this version of my life… anymore.”

This episode is about that moment and everything that comes after it.

In our culture, we don’t really have language or rituals for this internal pivot. There’s no LinkedIn announcement for “I’m quietly outgrowing my old self,” no roadmap for “my life looks great but something feels off and I don’t know why.” And because the people who love you are often deeply invested in the version of you they know, this season can feel profoundly isolating—even when nothing is “wrong” on the outside.

In this episode, I’m sharing why this season can feel so confronting when there’s no big external crisis to point to, and why that doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, broken, or self-sabotaging: it means you’re growing. I talk about the quiet “whisper” that something isn’t right as an invitation to listen, not a problem to fix, and how high-achieving women often try to outrun it with more optimisation, better routines, or forced gratitude. We’ll explore the role of embodiment and your nervous system in navigating this foggy in-between, and how to honour what you’re feeling without collapsing into guilt because “others have it worse.”

I also speak to the power of community in this tender season and why you don’t have to figure it out alone. This is the deeper work I support women with inside Pivot Pathfinders, my mastermind for those navigating a career or life pivot who want support with mindset, embodiment, and practical strategy.

If you’re sitting inside a life that looks fine on the outside but no longer fits who you’re becoming, this conversation is here to remind you: you’re allowed to leave something good for something truer. This season isn’t a dead end; it’s a corridor. The woman you’re becoming isn’t a stranger. she’s more of the real you.

To explore Pivot Pathfinders and see if it’s the right fit, you can book an exploration call here:

https://cal.com/siobhan-barnes/pivot-pathfinders-mastermind 

For all the show notes and links mentioned in this episode, head over to:

https://siobhanbarnes.com/146 

In deep conversations with women, especially here in Hong Kong through the Watch Her Lead Academy, I've seen that many of us secretly believe something is “wrong” with us when we feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to move toward our goals. But when you’re holding emotional, mental, and logistical responsibilities for children, parents, teams, clients, and communities, it’s not a mindset problem; it’s a capacity and conditioning problem.

With technology accelerating, restructures becoming more common, and our nervous systems being asked to process everything from funny reels to humanitarian crises in the span of minutes. 

“Just push harder” is no longer a sustainable strategy. The real work is learning how to stay grounded, compassionate, and clear in yourself while the world feels increasingly intense and uncertain.

In this episode, I’m sharing why I believe personal mastery is a core future-of-work skill: not just knowing your identity on paper, but understanding your conditioning, your nervous system, and your embodied responses so that you can hold both the pain of the world and the truth that your own challenges and desires still matter. We’ll explore how to honour your stress and anxiety without collapsing into comparison or guilt because “others have it worse.”

If you’re currently questioning your role, your career path, or your place in the future of work, you may want to join Pivot Pathfinders, my six-month mastermind for women who are ready to clarify their next step, whether that’s leaning into leadership where they are or creating something new and who want structured support in mindset, embodiment, and practical career strategy. You can book your exploration call with me here to discuss if it’s the right fit for you and your goals: https://cal.com/siobhan-barnes/pivot-pathfinders-mastermind

While my work is especially focused on professional women navigating pivots and leadership in Asia, wherever you’re listening from, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not broken, you are not alone, and your inner world matters just as much as what’s happening “out there.” My hope is that you walk away feeling seen, resourced, and more equipped to hold the tension between global chaos and your own very human, very valid experience.

For all the show notes for this episode, head over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/145

In countless conversations with women at different stages of their careers, I’ve realised that “working hard and following the rules” is no longer enough. 

With AI reshaping roles, restructures becoming more common, and traditional ladders breaking down, the safest strategy isn’t to hustle harder, it’s to get radically honest about your strengths, energy, and the kind of work that truly fits you.

In this episode, I’m sharing why I believe 2026 is a pivotal foundational year, and how you can future-proof your career by aligning with your inherent strengths rather than constantly trying to upskill your way out of uncertainty. I’ll also talk about the unconventional tool I’ve been working with, Human Design, and how it’s helped my clients (and me) name our natural gifts, make decisions with more clarity, and step off the burnout hamster wheel.

We’ll walk through a simple, practical framework for setting aligned goals for 2026: from doing an honest review of 2025, to choosing one personal and one professional direction, to creating 90-day “experiments” that help you move forward without perfectionism. You’ll hear real examples of where energy returned far exceeded effort—and where overloading the to-do list led to stagnation and frustration.

Whilst my work is especially focused on professional women navigating pivots, leadership, and career crossroads, wherever you’re based you can use this conversation to rethink how you’re approaching the future of work. My hope is that by the end of 2026, you’ll feel you spent your time and energy on what truly mattered, and that your work is more coherent with who you really are not who you’ve been told you should be.

For all the show notes for this episode, head over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/144

In countless conversations with women at different stages of their careers, I’ve realised that style isn’t a superficial extra or something “nice to have when there’s time.” It’s a practical, embodied way of honouring who we are, how we want to feel, and how we choose to show up in rooms that weren’t always designed with us in mind.

In this episode, I’m joined by Watch Her Lead co-CEO Elaine Champion and Watch Her Lead Academy guest expert Amanda Leigh Wong, a Hong Kong–based personal stylist whose work goes far beyond clothes and trends. Together, we explore how style can be a judgment-free tool for self-expression, a bridge between how you feel on the inside and how you’re seen on the outside, and a surprisingly powerful lever for executive presence and personal branding.

We’ll talk about the difference between fashion and style, how clothes can either drain your energy or fill your cup, and why embracing your unique way of dressing can help you step into rooms, onto stages, and into opportunities with more ease and self-trust. You’ll hear real stories, from TEDx stages to everyday wardrobes, about what becomes possible when women stop hiding and start letting themselves be seen.

Whilst Elaine and I created Watch Her Lead specifically for women working, living, and leading in Asia, if you’re based overseas you can still tune into this conversation to learn how to use style as a tool to support your leadership, your career, and the life you want to live on your own terms.

For those of you in Hong Kong, Amanda is a guest expert in Watch Her Lead Academy and will be joining the kick off in person event in January. If you’re curious to learn more about the Academy and be with Amanda in the room, you can apply for The Academy over at: https://watchherlead.com. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/143

You can check out Amanda Leigh Wong over at her website or on instagram. 

This year, after countless conversations and experiences inside and outside the workplace, I've realised that leadership isn’t just about titles or climbing the ladder, but about taking charge of your own life with authenticity, courage, and community. 

It’s been powerfully clarifying to see how the real work begins in redefining success for ourselves, embracing our inner wisdom, and supporting one another to thrive in ways that honor both who we are and the cultures we belong to.

In this episode, my co-CEO Elaine and I explore the stories, insights, and practical tools that have guided us and the women we serve on this journey of growth. We’ll talk about expanding confidence, setting boundaries, finding your voice, and leaning into the power of collective transformation, so you can lead boldly and on your own terms.

Whilst Elaine and I created Watch Her Lead specifically for women working, living and leading in Asia, if you are living overseas you can still tune into the conversation to learn about the core pillars of leading as a woman. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/142

This year, as the demands of family, work, and life accelerate, I've reflected on how true growth isn't just about doing more, but about expanding our internal capacity to navigate challenges with grace, resilience, and self-compassion. I’ve noticed just how vital it is to regulate my nervous system and honour the seasons of busyness and rest, lessons that have been both humbling and deeply clarifying.

In this episode, I’ll share the insights and practices that have helped me and the leaders I work with move from overwhelm to steadiness. We’ll explore how prioritising well-being, setting boundaries, and tuning into your own needs are foundational, not frivolous, and how this approach can help you thrive for the long haul.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/141

In this Episode We Explore:

• The concept of capacity over hustle and why expanding our ability to handle life’s demands is more important than simply working harder.
• How nervous system regulation and emotional resilience are essential foundations for leadership, well-being, and long-term success.
• Practical strategies to build capacity, including the importance of rest, exercise, healthy boundaries, and social connection.
• The pitfalls of constant busyness and hustle, and how to recognise and honour the seasons of growth versus periods of recuperation.
• Affirmations and mindset shifts that help us build a meaningful career and life from a place of calm, alignment, and sustainable achievement.

The Pivot with Purpose Playbook: https://siobhanbarnespivotplaybook.scoreapp.com/ 

I've been living the very same process that I coach my clients through a pivot, a redefinition of success and a deeper dive into trusting my intuition, and I'll be honest, it's been uncomfortable, really beautiful and clarifying, and honestly, very humbling. 

In this episode I’m taking you behind the scenes of what this journey has looked like for me, what it’s taken for me to evolve my work, to co create a Women’s Leadership Academy and how human design has been at the forefront of every move. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/140

For most busy professional women, the calendar is already bursting at the seams between work deadlines, family commitments, kids activities and the holiday chaos that will eventually creep in. It's easy to feel like the last few months of the year are all about survival and getting through but I don't want you to just survive. 

In this episode I’m inviting you to actually use this time to set yourself up for an incredible 2026 while keeping your peace of mind intact. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/139

Maybe you’ve come across competing priorities or seasons in your life where climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t feel right.

This is something that I’ve personally experienced.

For years, I followed the path that I thought I was supposed to: study hard, get the job, work hard, climb the ladder. But no matter how hard I tried, something always felt a little off.

That’s when I decided to try something a little unconventional to help guide my decisions,

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, my journey to discovering this tool, why and how it’s helpful in designing and aligned career and life, and what I recommend you’re mindful of when reaching for different tools.

This episode is a personal one, but if you’ve ever felt like the “traditional” career path doesn’t work for you, I think you’ll find something here that resonates.

In the episode I share an exclusive offer for me to support you using this unconventional tool. You can check out all the details over at the shownotes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/the-unconventional-career-tool-i-cant-stop-using/ 

The days of a single, upward linear path within a company or industry is fading away.

What's left is a non-linear career with lateral moves, industry changes, downward moves for greater fulfillment, learning new skills and frequent transitions.

This new style of career path comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m sharing the role of AI and technological change in the world of non-linear careers, my own non-linear career journey from real-estate all the way into business coaching, and the role of self-mastery, strategy and action when following a non-linear career path.

It’s time to embrace our skills of adaptability and resilience in the changing career landscape and tap into leaning into roles that fulfill us.

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/137

How much you charge for your service or product, the figure of your salary or your income in general doesn’t define your worth in any way.

Yet, this misconception that price = worth is a common one that keeps women stuck.

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, we unpack why this belief can keep you stuck, the difference between price and worth and how to reclaim your inherent value, and how owning your worth might actually lead you to ask for more, not less. 

It’s time to unhook from the belief that you need to earn more to be more, and link into the belief that you are inherently worthy.

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/136

That’s how we often describe the feeling that comes up when we start to question everything.

In reality though, it’s not sudden, it’s a slow creep that takes us a little while to notice. Then suddenly, we’re staring at our computer at work wondering why we don’t love our career anymore, and questioning everything.

It feels like an unravelling, like everything is slowly coming undone, but when you dive a little deeper, this questioning pops up when you’re at a crossroads.

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, we unpack what this questioning really means, why it's happening now, and what to do with that feeling, especially when you're juggling a million things and showing up for everybody else.

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/135

I’ve heard this question whispered in moments of burnout, career crossroads, life transitions, and even during celebrations. 

While you may not want to say it out loud, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it means you’re paying attention.

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, I explore what this question is, what it really means, and how to begin navigating it with curiosity (not fear). I’ll walk you through five signs that it may be time for a career recalibration, why a full-blown leap isn’t always necessary, and how to begin with small, intentional pivots. 

If you’ve been quietly wondering whether the path you’re on still fits — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/134

Wondered if it’s possible to change careers, prioritise your family, and still thrive professionally?

This week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Renee Conklin, a seasoned HR professional turned executive coach.

With over 15 years of HR experience at companies like IBM, UBS and Barclays and an MBA from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and PCC coaching accreditation, Renee now supports senior female HR leaders who feel stuck to either love their current work or transition into work they love.

In this episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast we dive into the real (and often messy) transitions that come with redefining success, navigating burnout, and claiming a career that aligns with your life and version of success. Renee and I talk all about career transitions, motherhood, building a values-aligned work life and much more!

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/133

What I got was an embodied deep dive into mindset, identity, and the quiet stories we tell ourselves about who we are.

So many women I coach are craving change—but wait until they feel “ready.”
Here’s the truth: You become her by doing the thing.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever, I’m sharing:

• The unexpected link between fitness and career growth
• How to shift your identity through action
• 4 key lessons that apply way beyond the gym

This isn’t about fitness.

It’s about choosing challenge—and meeting the woman who shows up when you do.

🎧 Listen now → siobhanbarnes.com/132

A lot of what I hear from the women that I coach is that they have the skills, the experience, the qualifications, and yet they still feel stuck.

It’s one thing to make sure you’re ticking all the boxes that your boss is looking for or that make your resume stand out, but it’s another thing to address the things you can’t see that are making you unsure or falling back into the same old patterns.

These quiet, unspoken patterns play out behind the scenes, and they’re very real.

In this week’s episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m discussing three of the most common unspoken blocks that I see in women. The ones that aren’t covered in your typical career advice or posted on Linked In.

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/131

It’s not just about learning new skills, making yourself irreplaceable or being tactical.

Some of it starts within. 

This part of future-proofing your career is about knowing who you are, what you stand for and how you can adapt without losing yourself in the process.

In this week’s episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, we’re redefining what it means to future-proof your career and building strong inner foundations that will stand the test of time and allow you to navigate the unknown with ease and intention.

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/130

Some happen quietly - in a meeting, in a moment, in the mirror. 

What if the real pivot isn’t about something you do, but about who you’re becoming?

In this week’s episode of the Aligned Achiever Podcast, we’re redefining what a career pivot really is. It’s not always about a new job or big move. Sometimes, it’s the subtle, powerful shift in how you lead yourself. Because real change? It starts within. 

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/129

It really doesn’t matter if it’s Spring where you are or not, it’s the end of the first quarter. It’s been 90 days or more since you settled into your work plans for this year, and set goals for your life. Whatever it is that you were working towards at the start of the year, now is the time to have a quick check in and see where you’re at.

In this week’s episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m walking you through reconnecting back to your values, energy and direction. We’re checking in with three journal prompts to check in with what’s ready to come into your career and leadership.

The questions we’re reflecting on are:

• What’s ready to bloom in your career or leadership?
• What needs to be cleared or composted to make room for that growth?
• What does aligned momentum look like for you?

I encourage you to objectively reflect on the last quarter so you can adjust and pivot where needed for the season of your career and life that you’re currently in.

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/128

Do you believe you need more qualifications before you deserve that leadership role? Or that it’s too late to change your career or job? Or that your uncertainty and lack of certainty means you’re not good enough?

When we listen to our stories and myths, instead of trusting ourselves, we stay stuck—waiting for the perfect moment, the right title, or external validation before making a move.

But what if these beliefs aren’t facts? What if the path forward is already within you—and all you need is the confidence to take action?

In this week’s episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m breaking down the three biggest career myths that keep women from reaching their next level of leadership. We’ll challenge these outdated beliefs, explore what’s actually holding you back, and give you the mindset shifts you need to move forward with confidence.

If you’re ready to stop waiting and start leading—on your terms—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/127

Many women struggle with self-doubt when making big career moves. Instead of trusting themselves, they look outward—seeking validation from mentors, scrolling LinkedIn for inspiration, or consuming leadership books—hoping to find the one answer that will unlock their next step.

But what if the clarity you’re searching for isn’t out there?

What if the key to making bold, aligned decisions is already within you—and all you need is to strengthen your self-trust?

In this week’s episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I dive into the power of self-trust, why it’s the antidote to self-doubt, and how it can help you navigate your career with confidence.

If you’re ready to trust yourself more, stop second-guessing, and step into your career with clarity, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen here → https://siobhanbarnes.com/126

I know this feeling first hand. Within the first 12 months of leaving my corporate career behind I went from being a professional working woman with my maiden name to an unemployed first-time mother.

With that transition came a crisis of identity and a major pivot point into another version of life and work.

Over the years, I’ve learned that our careers are not linear, and key transitions shape the way we grow, both personally and professionally.

Through my work with clients, I’ve seen how common it is to feel lost when a job no longer feels aligned or when you face a pivotal moment in your career. Whether it's due to shifting values, personal growth, or external changes, career pivots are an opportunity to step into greater fulfillment.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing five pivotal career moments that can redefine your path. 

Whether you’re questioning your current role, seeking more meaning, or navigating uncertainty, this conversation will help you gain clarity and take the next step with confidence.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/124

You may be tuning into this episode and feeling like times are a little uncertain, there might be change happening within your life or your organisation, and it can feel a little overwhelming to navigate the uncertainty or feeling like you’re going backwards.

Managing uncertainty requires resilience, and resilience is a skill that you can build to become better equipped at facing challenges and changes. A great place to start is to hit pause and take some time to reflect about where you’re going, what changes are happening around you and the skills that can support you through this.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m talking about embracing balance in leadership, navigating the changing DEI space in organisations and tools that can help you continue moving forward.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/123

I started this year in bed with the flu, and while that sounds terrible (and it was), it forced me to have a slower start to the year. 

Instead of being in the energy of hurrying and getting as much done as possible, I was forced to slow down and settle into what to get intentionally focused on in 2025. 

Now, I don’t want any of you to get sick and be stuck in bed to be able to be really intentional with the direction you’re heading this year, so instead that’s where we’re starting with our first episode back of the podcast.

I’ve been coaching career focused women for a decade now and the framework that I’m guiding you through to help you be really intentional is the culmination of the hundreds of women that I’ve worked with over those years.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m introducing you to my aligned achievement framework. This three step methodology that will help you redesign your work and life, and to act as guideposts for what is important for you in 2025.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/122

It’s time to close out 2024 in a way that is setting you up for success in 2025.

I strongly believe that before we set any intentions for the new year (or at any time really), it’s imperative that we take a moment to pause, and take stock of what’s been working for us and what hasn’t served us so well.

For this episode I recommend having a pen and paper at the ready and you can either press pause as we go through each of the 6 steps, or make a note of the questions to come back to later.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing with you the 6 steps that I’m taking to wrap up the last year and set myself up for goal setting in the new year to create aligned achievement.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/121

How do you slow down when there’s a never-ending to-do list at work—and home?

Yet, here’s the paradox: making space to pause is often the very thing that creates clarity, energy, and momentum for what truly matters.

This is something I’ve seen transform the careers and lives of so many women I’ve worked with (myself included!) And something 40+ women experienced live with Elaine and I during last week’s webinar training on How To Figure Out Your Next Career Step where we paused together to reassess our priorities. 

Pausing doesn’t have to mean a week-long retreat or a luxury spa day completely switched off from work (though of course that’s great if you can swing it!) 

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m talking all about the power of finding room to pause even in your busiest seasons and how the power of pausing can lead you towards career clarity, as well as some tips for how you can find room in your busy schedule to create this much needed spaciousness.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/120

It’s no small feat to take the leap out of a stable, corporate role with career progression and move into entrepreneurship to find location and financial freedom, as well as your professional calling.

It takes determination, perseverance and a lot of commitment, so to answer this very important question, I sat down with Elaine Champion on this week’s podcast.

Elaine is an ex corporate girl turned entrepreneur. She's an accredited coach, facilitator, mom and mentor who specialises in helping professional women who are feeling stuck get unstuck. She's a seasoned corporate leader and has 25 years of experience spanning across communications, training, leadership, organisation development, DEI and before she exited the corporate world, she was at Cathay Pacific airways, as their head of leadership and organisational development, and also looked after their global DEI strategy. 

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast with Elaine Champion, we sit down to discuss her journey from corporate to entrepreneurship including transitioning out of full-time work, overcoming her fears and financial concerns, and the fulfilment that Elaine has found in following her purpose.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/119

Perhaps you’re in a toxic workplace, working with people that you really don’t want to collaborate with?

Do you feel stuck and like you want to throw in the towel, but that’s just not an option for you right now?

Sometimes the answer to difficult situations is drastic change. A new job, a whole new career, a completely new environment. Other times it’s an opportunity to learn and grow in that difficult spot or it’s just not an option for you to make a drastic change.

It may feel like a difficult and uncomfortable place to be in and that everything is out of your control, but there are still things you can do to navigate this period.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing 5 steps to help you when you feel like you want to quit, but that’s not an option for you right now.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/118

A theme that I see come up time and time again for my clients is letting past setbacks determine what we are capable of now. 

Most of us have had negative, hard or difficult experiences in our careers. 

Now this in itself is completely normal, but what can happen is that we can make meaning from those past experiences that can either hinder us or support us.

When you experience something “negative” it’s easy to tell yourself a story about who you are and what you are and aren’t capable of. We can take those narratives with us even if we try to change our circumstances in new positions, new companies, even entirely new careers. 

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing how you can redefine a set back and turn the obstacles you perceive from it into opportunities that support your growth.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/117

With your well-being?

With your ability to be resilient?

In short, everything.

We live in a very cognitive, cerebral, strategic world, which is an important part of your career strategy, but if you’re not feeling motivated, confident or in alignment, then it’s simply not enough to get the outcome that you desire.

This is where your nervous system comes in so that you can leverage the power of your thoughts and feelings to be able to perform and create change in your life and your work.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I want to help you to begin building that relationship with your body and your nervous system by getting to know your arousal levels using the Yerkes-Dodson Curve.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/116

Regardless of whether you’re in the northern hemisphere, like I am in Hong Kong or in the southern hemisphere, the final few months of the year can bring about some extra time management challenges.

There’s often increased social gatherings, tight deadlines and projects to finish up before holidays, and all the fun festive activities that happen towards the end of the year.

We’re already in September, so now is the time to get on top of your calendar and start setting yourself up for a spacious and present end to the year.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing how you can plan for a busy Q4 this year through identifying the season of life you’re in, setting goals and getting strategic about how you’re going to balance your work and life in Q4.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/115

They pursue excellence and have high standards.

You may not be looking to achieve gold at the next olympics, but my guess is that you too are in pursuit of excellence and have gold medal standards in the work you do.

This requires that you embrace your drive to succeed, beginning with defining your goals with clarity.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m talking about how you can achieve the gold medal standard that you strive for in your career through ambition, hard work, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth…just like the Olympians that we’ve all been watching.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/114

Recently, I’ve been having a number of conversations with people who are in a period of transition or change.

The reasons for change vary greatly. From organisation restructuring, promotions or redundancy, or a change in a personal situation.

This means that navigating change is a crucial skill that can make or break your success and happiness.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing with you why change can be disorienting and stressful and some strategies that you can use as you navigate change to come out the other side stronger.

These strategies can be applied as you navigate transition now, or you can begin to foster them now so that you are prepared as change happens in your life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/113

Perhaps you find yourself procrastinating or you’re not clear on what you want to do. Maybe your self-critic is getting a little bit too loud these days and holding you back from taking action.

Coaches are trained professionals who help you navigate your own path, overcome obstacles that are unique to you and achieve the goals that you desire.

The important thing to know here is that coaches aren’t consultants in that they don’t just provide you with a solution and you go on your way, coaches empower you to find and implement your own solutions so that you develop the tools to do this again and again throughout your life.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I’m sharing with you, your guide to why, when and how to work with a coach so that you can get the most out of your coaching experience and walk away feeling empowered and in charge of your own life and goals.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/112

Maybe you’re unsure if your kindness and empathy belongs in the workplace that you’re in? Or if kindness belongs in leadership and successful companies at all?

Dr Bonnie Hayden Cheng is an Organisational Psychologist, Associate Professor of Management and MBA programme director at the Hong Kong University Business school.

Bonnie is super passionate about corporate wellness and holds a unique position designing and implementing cutting edge, research backed solutions to help companies deliver impact on real world challenges to create awesome corporate cultures where people thrive.

Her research is dedicated to helping employees achieve and maintain wellbeing in the workplace. This includes understanding how and when workplace anxiety can enhance performance, recovering from daily job demands and maintaining proactivity in the workplace. 

Bonnie's body of work is really about bringing humanity back into the workplace. And so if you find that you can't bring your humaneness to work, and you struggle with your mental health, your leadership style, and you're not sure how to best show up at work, then this episode is for you. 

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast with Bonnie Cheng, Bonnie shares more about the return of kindness, why kindness matters, her journey to becoming an Organisational Psychologist, and focussing on a core purpose and passion to navigate your career journey.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/111

It’s not unusual to look back on 3, 6 or 12 months and realise that somewhere along the way life happened and you feel like you haven’t gotten a whole lot closer to achieving your goals, or that things seem to be taking much longer than anticipated.

Whether this relates to your career goals or life goals, putting aside some time to reflect and review is a critical step in getting back on track to making your goals a reality.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m sharing 4 simple questions that you can use to guide your own mid-year review and get back on track with your goals and intentions.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/110

This thinking is something that a lot of us struggle with (past me included).

When you’re in a toxic work environment, we often feel like we can fix the situation on our own if only we could do more. In reality this usually doesn’t work and we end up leaving or being let go which we can take very personally because our identity is tied up in our career.

Not only is it draining when you’re stuck in an environment that doesn’t work for you, but company culture impacts our mental health, can result in physical pain and memory problems to name a few.

There are some things that you can do to take care of yourself if you’re not in a position to leave right away.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m sharing why it’s so important that we talk about terrible bosses and toxic workplace culture and 4 things that are in your control in these situations, as well as how you can handle a painful ending to a job.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/109

During the podcast I mentioned Magic Mind and how it's been helping me to boost my energy. If you're interested in giving it a try head on over to https://www.magicmind.com/siobhan to secure your special discount with the coupon code: SIOBHAN20. 

Personally, figuring out a routine to stay healthy and fit has been a journey. I’ve transitioned from team sports (netball) in my twenties and early thirties to needing to shift things up to do something else that fits in around my life with 3 kids and a business to run. 

The answer for me was joining a female specific gym: Pherform (here in Hong Kong).  My routine has become so much easier after joining a supportive gym environment, focusing on strength training and getting coaching to help me along the way. Not only do I feel physically strong, I feel the effects it’s had on my personal growth, self-awareness, confidence and habits in other areas of my life. 

The woman behind Pherform is Steph Poelman. She is an incredible human with a passion for empowering women to push their edges around their health, strength and well-being. 

Steph’s background is in HR, with experience managing over 9 multi-disciplinary fitness facilities around the world. 

Now living in Hong Kong, Steph is the owner and managing director of Pherform, a female specific strength and conditioning gym. She was voted as one of Prestige Magazine’s 40 under 40 class of 2023.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast with Steph Poelman, we’re exploring how Steph achieved her goal to own a gym within 10 years of setting her intention. She shares so many juicy nuggets of wisdom from her own entrepreneurial journey, how she balances passion and professionalism, the role of fitness and strength training in personal growth and building confidence, creating habits and finding accountability in fitness programs, and much, much more.

Maybe you’ve had a difficult conversation, faced a micro-aggression or frozen on the spot…

In your mind you want to let things go but physically you find yourself unable to release the residual emotions that are there?

Emotional dexterity is the capacity to effectively recognise, understand and manage a wider range of emotions both within yourself and in others.

If you’re feeling disconnected from your emotions or your body, or perhaps you’re stuck in your head overthinking or in analysis paralysis, or even if you simply identify with being quite a sensitive person then emotional dexterity is a really important skill for you.

The skill of emotional dexterity is a complex one that encompasses empathy, emotional intelligence and the capability to maintain composure and make thoughtful decisions amidst challenging circumstances.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m sharing all about emotional dexterity and why it’s important for you, as an individual to develop and why I encourage organisations to foster environments where emotional intelligence and psychological safety are a given. I also share how you can start to build emotional dexterity to reap the benefits.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/107

During the podcast I mentioned Magic Mind and how it's been helping me to boost my energy. If you're interested in giving it a try head on over to https://www.magicmind.com/siobhan to secure your special discount with the coupon code: SIOBHAN20. 

To me, this is a foundational skill that is overlooked until we’re out in the workforce feeling overwhelmed trying to balance our passion and what makes us feel connected alongside the practical components of our career, like financial stability.

This intersection is what I like to refer to as the career sweet spot.

The intersection between passion and practicality that works for you.

If you’re feeling disconnected in your current role, unsure of your next steps or if you feel like you’ve been self-sabotaging and making things harder than they need to be in your career and need a path to feel good again, I’ve got you covered.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m sharing with you the 6 core elements that are required for you to build a roadmap that directs you towards your unique career sweet spot and the 5 steps you can take to step out of the confusion and overwhelm and dealing with your inner critic.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/106

During the podcast I mentioned Magic Mind and how it's been helping me to boost my energy. If you're interested in giving it a try head on over to https://www.magicmind.com/siobhan to secure your special discount with the coupon code: SIOBHAN20. 

Always being “on” and maximising our productivity sounds good in theory. Like it’s the right strategy that will get you closer to your end goal faster. 

The reality is very different though.

We’re human. We need rest. Our brains have a finite attention span and ability to focus.

With that in mind, it’s important for all of us to be aware of what season we’re in. Whether that’s growth, a bit more work/life integration or reinvention. In this way we can ensure that we’re getting the rest we need and being purposefully productive.

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I’m running through a playbook so that you can manage your stress and optimise your energy by beginning with understanding the season of life that you’re in.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/105


During the podcast I mentioned Magic Mind and how it's been helping me to boost my energy. If you're interested in giving it a try head on over to https://www.magicmind.com/siobhan to secure your special discount with the coupon code: SIOBHAN20. 

I don’t want that for you, and I’m sure that’s not the outcome you want either.

If you’ve been finding yourself juggling a million and one balls in the air, and you’re starting to drop one here or there or maybe you’re at the point that you’re struggling to keep any of them in the air - then you’re not alone.

There are reasons that this is happening to you and there are ways that you can reflect and uncover what it is that is holding you back from achieving the life you want - without having to constantly feel overwhelmed and on the edge.

These reasons often come from our subconscious programming, and things that we’ve internalised from society about what reasonable expectations are or what success looks like. 

Ready to uncover yours?

In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast, I share the 3 ways that I see high-achieving women making work and life way harder than it needs to be so that you can start to get on the front foot in your life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/104

It’s easy to feel trapped in our beliefs that we're failing, if we're not enough.

We run a real risk of burning ourselves out if we don’t take a step back to ask whether the standards or expectations we are putting on ourselves are realistic. 

Burnout is a silent societal epidemic that we need to address because it robs us of our passion, energy and joy, leaving us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and disillusioned. 

Burnout is so much more than simply feeling tired or stressed. It can have serious consequences on our physical, mental and emotional health even if we don’t realise it during the moment.

In this week's episode, I discuss the five reasons why we need to address burnout and the actions you can start putting in place today to help you thrive in a culture of overworking.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/103

According to the IWD website “When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance and empowerment.”

Whilst it’s great that we celebrate International Women's Day and the progress made, I believe that it is just as important for us to reflect on the challenges that persist for women in achieving a sense of inclusion within workplaces. 

After all, it is one thing to feel inspired through these conversations and another to turn these initiatives into practical applications that truly support women to feel a sense of belonging and value in their workplace.  

And to do this, we need to start by addressing the foundational and fundamental challenge that women are facing which is the silent epidemic of burnout.

I believe it’s important to consider the role that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging play within organisations in fostering a better sense of wellbeing for women which, in turn, results in increased retention rates and performance. 

In this week's episode, we’ll explore the relationship between burnout and inclusion. 

I address why burnout is not just a matter of personal well-being, but a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive workplace and society for women. In particular, I dive into the 3 reasons why we need to look at burnout if we’re to inspire inclusion for women in the workplace.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/102

For me, as someone who works mostly from home, I’m a huge fan of maximising my time and making the most of any trips “out”. If I have a meeting in town, I’ll try to run an errand beforehand or go to that special supermarket to pick up that one item I can only get there on the way back home. 

Sometimes, I put things off my to-do list for longer than I want to admit. And the emotional and mental load of the task ends up draining my energy. 

Have you ever put something off your to-do list for longer than you want to admit? (Please tell me I’m not alone in this!) 

For the longest time, I put off (re)organising my kids bedroom and play area. For some reason I was stuck in pinterest paralysis, analysing what the best wardrobe and toy configuration was…that is until I came across Nassim Secci from The Happy Space Co. 

Even when I discovered her, I secretly stalked her Instagram for the longest time before finally deciding to invest in supporting myself to get the job done…. 

This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nassim to hear more about her journey from high flying corporate lawyer to starting her own professional home organising business, right here in Hong Kong where she and her team help busy professionals streamline and organise their physical spaces whilst create calm and ease in their mental spaces. 

I asked Nassim on the podcast because her story of how she navigated her transition from litigation and international arbitration to reassessing her direction to found her own business, is a wonderful example of how to navigate a career transition for yourself. 

All of our paths will be different but I hope you enjoy Nassim’s candid telling of her journey and how she discovered her path to aligned achievement. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/101

I’m taking you behind the scenes of what inspired this podcast and my top reflections and learnings from this journey as an introvert and “quiet” person.

In my 10 years of coaching women, I’ve found a common thread: many of us experience invisible forces that take hold of our thinking without us realising that the narrative we tell ourselves is often derived from societal expectations regarding what the rules are, what success looks like, what we “have” to do and what we “should” do.

The Aligned Achiever Podcast was created because I wanted to speak to these topics in a way that is relatable to the season that you’re currently in and to be able to reach more women and help them navigate their careers.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing with you what I’ve learnt from 100 episodes of the podcast, why I want you to pursue your own growth edges and identify the invisible forces at play that I see women grappling with without realising it.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/100

As this episode goes live it is officially the Lunar New Year and for me, mindset wise, the Lunar New Year feels more like the official start to my year than January 1st.

Reflecting on the year so far, reminded me that there is no arbitrary date that we have to wait for in order to make a change in our lives or career, regardless of the size of the change. 

But I do know that navigating reinvention and transition can be a challenge.

So if the last month or so hasn’t really gone to plan, or if you’ve been navigating a difficult season in your personal or professional life, I’m inviting you to begin again with the Lunar New Year.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing with you the five levels of behaviour change that will help you to create the change that is weighing on your mind so that you can embrace your identity to achieve the desired results.

Wishing you all a very joy-filled, healthy and resilient Year of the Dragon ahead!

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/99

This was something that came up for many of the participants in my recent Work / Life Design course.

This could be changes in relationships, children being sick, an aging parent, or grief and loss.

Regardless of what’s going on in your personal life, we’re often still required to perform at work, but we don’t always have the tools we need to be able to show up, perform and even achieve our career goals at the same time.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing with you the 3 core tools that will not only guide you through the hardest stuff, but also empower you to achieve professional triumphs if that’s what you’re looking for despite the adversity.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/98

Whilst we can’t actually control all aspects of our lives, there are some ways that you can gain a sense of calm and control especially in your career.

The juggling act of having a career and a personal life can feel like complete chaos at times, and being able to find a sense of calm to navigate those hectic periods is key to feeling like you’re still moving forward in a way that is sustainable for you.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring some practical strategies that you can put into place as a professional, career woman to reclaim control, bring a greater sense of balance and make sure you’re prioritising the things that will help you bring calm back into your life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/97

What I realised from that call was that I’m in a unique and lucky position to be able to talk with many incredible women about the same topic. 

From coaching sessions with clients I’ve personally had some really big realisations and takeaways about women, work and leadership that I probably wouldn’t have learnt otherwise. 

I narrowed down the top down the top 3 revelations from coaching powerful women over on the podcast this week. I’m sharing them with you so that you can feel less alone and unpack your best next steps to work through any challenges that keep you feeling stuck. 

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing 3 of the most surprising revelations that I’ve had from coaching powerful women to provide you with some guidance of where you can begin on your own journey.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/96

If you asked me if I believe “more in less time is better” I would say “no - not necessarily” but so much of my goals last year were driven by that narrative. Which if I’m honest made me feel like I didn’t do enough. 

Quicker and faster does not equal “better” and that narrative drives us to set unrealistic standards that lead to beating ourselves up and pushing ourselves towards burnout.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing why I believe in playing the long game when it comes to moving forward in your career and prioritising your long-term goals over getting quick results.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/95

Either way, you’re in the right place if you’re looking to do things differently in 2024.

We live in a culture where achieving more, in less time is the ideal goal. The underlying assumption: Faster is better. 

But this underlying assumption can cause one of two things:

Either we:

a) Push hard out of the gate (only to fizzle out shortly after). 

Or


b) Even if you’re one of those people who can push hard and keep going - it can be a slippery slope achieving goals whilst teetering on the edge of burnout. 

So many of my clients come to me when they’ve pushed too hard for too long only to feel exhausted. Their body is playing up and they physically can’t keep on going as they’ve operated before. 

I don’t want that for you because I know there is a better way…. to be able to achieve the goals that are important to you in your personal life and your career whilst having energy to be present to the journey (yes I know that sounds cliche). 

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re talking about how to achieve what really matters to you in 2024 without exhausting or sacrificing yourself to make it happen.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/94

Truthfully, you can hit reset on your goals and intentions any time, but the global phenomenon of the new year, and businesses taking a bit of a break seems to make it a natural time to bookend your career and life goals and start again in the new year.

It’s time to be done with the old way and find a new way of doing things that will set you up for real career success in 2024.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing the 3 reasons behind why traditional goal setting hasn’t been working for you and the 4 steps to focus on with your 2024 goal setting.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/93

And most importantly support you with how you’re going to get this one thing I want for you.

Spoiler alert: The one thing is all in the name of this podcast - which is all about aligned achievement.

What’s the point in working on goals if they don’t really matter to you?

In this final episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast for 2023 I’m taking a stand for you to create true and real aligned achievement in 2024 so that you can be really intentional about what you’re working towards and creating in your life.

Whatever that may look like for you personally. 

Thank you so much for tuning in to The Aligned Achiever podcast this year, I can’t wait to share with you all of my plans for helping you to create success on your terms in 2024.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/92

Amongst deadlines and social get togethers, we can also be thinking about what’s in store in the year ahead. When we’re reflecting on the year that’s just passed, it can cause us to question ourselves, our choices and our paths, and it brings up the question of, can I do things differently?

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m delving into navigating the uncertainty that comes with career transitions and crossroads so that you are better equipped to explore your options and what really matters to you without adding to your stress and anxiety.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/91

I hope if you’re here, it’s because amongst all the closing down of the year you’re also thinking about planning for 2024, and I want to help get you started so that you can get through what is the end of a season for many of us and step into your new season.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing the 5 questions that I’m asking myself this year as I map out both my life and career for next year so that you can do some reflection and support you to anchor into what will create aligned achievement for you next year.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/90

There are an endless number of reasons for conflict in the workplace, but some of the most common reasons that I hear are that people are feeling stretched, there’s less people on the team to get the job done and the big one is simply, stress.

When there’s a feeling of stress and perhaps a bit overwhelmed in the workplace or your team, conflict becomes more “normal” in our day to day.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore 3 mindset frames to help get some perspective to navigate the difficult situation or time period and how you can navigate if the environment isn’t the right one for you to be in.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/89

And it’s true, gratitude IS important in a world that has us seeking more and better “things” in life. 

The next promotion, a bigger house, a newer car, the latest iPhone.

The desire for more can keep us in a state of lack and always wanting. The desire for more can make us feel like what we already have isn’t enough.

And whilst this is true, there is also a shadow side to gratitude… 

The shadow side is that we can begin to push down some of what we truly want  in order to be grateful for what we have now, leading to resentment, annoyance, or frustration in your life.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m discussing the difference between wanting more for personal growth and wanting more for ego-driven reasons and the 3 signs to know if gratitude is holding you back in your life or work.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/88

Whether it’s the news, your busy schedule or navigating a difficult situation or period in your life, we often try to escape the uncomfortable feelings or the challenge that comes up in these moments rather than facing them head on.

If you’re feeling like it’s time to let go of your less-than-healthy coping strategies through reconnecting with your body this is for you.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I share the need for self-compassion when the pressure on your nervous system begins to build and why I want you to go against what your brain is telling you to do so that you can overcome the disconnection.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/87

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast Kate and I cover her own incredible career journey into the multi-passionate business owner she is today, how she works with her clients to have courageous conversations and how you can confidently take up space in your work and life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/86

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/85

The women I work with are very capable, high achieving, incredibly amazing women who also struggle, so they come to me (and other coaches) looking for support to fully understand their career options and opportunities and to answer the question “where do I want to go from here?”

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore the 3 hidden reasons that career focussed women come to me for support and the 3 signs it might be time for you to seek out some support too.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/84

This means it’s an essential part of the work I do with clients when we’re exploring their career trajectory, aims and opportunities.

Inspired by Mental Health Awareness Day on October 10th, I wanted to speak to you about mental wellbeing and more specifically what hypnotherapy and mindset work has to do with both your career and mental health.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore what mental health is, the impact that mindset has on your career and mental health, and how I integrate mindset work for the personal growth of my clients.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/83

A challenging relationship with your boss can lead to you questioning your career decisions or looking for a way out when you actually love your job and are really good at it.

It’s also one of the biggest challenges in the workplace that leads to burnout.

It’s not easy to be in the position of having a difficult boss whether it’s because they’re micromanaging, communicating poorly or highly critical and whilst you can’t control them or their behaviour there are things within your control that can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore questions to ask yourself and actionable that my clients implement to navigate the complexities of working with a difficult boss whilst preserving your well-being and career trajectory.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/82

How are your New Year's Resolutions and goals holding up?

Do you still have a clear vision of your goals for this year?

It’s often at this point in the year that I have colleagues and clients come to me feeling as though they haven’t been able to get any traction on their goals and feel that they’ve let themselves down by not heading in the direction they intended this year.

If you’re feeling like this, this is for you.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore what you can do when you’re not where you want to be, specifically when you reach the 4th quarter of the year and your goals have slipped from your mind or that you’ve fallen off the bandwagon this year.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/81

Is there a right or wrong when it comes to choosing whether to persevere on your current path or quit and do something else? 

After over 10 years of working with high achieving women, I’ve come to know that there is no right or wrong answer to navigating career pivots. 

There is, however, a perceived “right” from the perspective of societal expectations of what is on your CV or what a prospective employer is looking for. So how do you know which path is the one for you to follow right now?

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore the very big question of: “Do I need to get more gritty and resilient OR is it time to throw in the towel and call it quits?” and how you can navigate this by knowing the 5 components of resilience.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/80

For so many women though, they are chronically stressed, overwhelmed and burnt out, making it increasingly difficult to achieve our big goals and desires.

This is why it is so important that you know how to reclaim your energy and provide yourself with the capacity to be able to choose to go after what it is you desire.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we take a look at why it is so important that we address burnout both individually and as a society, and the 3 secrets to beating burnout and getting back on track in your career and your decision making.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/79

Female senior leaders are 60% more likely to provide emotional support to their teams, more likely to ensure the team’s workload is manageable and help their team navigate work life challenges (McKinsey and LeanIn.org's annual Women in the Workplace 2021 report.)

Women who are climbing the corporate ladder, who are ambitious and driven, often end up considering downshifting their careers because they end up feeling like the odds are stacked against them.

For a lot of women, likeability and success go hand in hand, which can translate to not wanting to disappoint their team or managers and saying “yes” even when their plate is already overflowing.

Holding boundaries is often perceived as being difficult or hard to deal with, and underneath that I often see one of 4 things contributing to this difficulty in holding boundaries. 

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we take a look at these 4 things in greater depth.  

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/78

When we’re always planning our future and looking ahead to what’s next, it’s no wonder we end up stressed and hustling to get to the next stage in our career.

This constant state of being “on” and hustling to be more and more productive is not sustainable and inevitably leads to burnout.

Whilst there are stages of our careers and lives for growth and we often find ourselves doing a little extra when we’re in this stage, it’s important to also have times in our career where we’re not hustling and grinding so that we can avoid burnout.

And to take a minute to think strategically about how we can work smarter rather than harder to achieve our goals. This is where systems and structures come into play. 

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring how you can move beyond hustle to prevent burnout by building resilience and implementing smart habits and systems in your life that support your goals.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/77

When we’re in survival mode, we’re basically just making sure everything that needs to get done, gets done.

You may have slipped into survival mode because you’ve been juggling kids on their summer holidays with your full workload, maybe you have a sick family member or someone who’s needed more of your support recently, or maybe you’ve just been saying yes a lot and now your plate is overflowing.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring the signs that you may have inadvertently slipped into survival mode and 3 questions to ask yourself to begin taking control of what it is that you’re ready to step into for the rest of 2023.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/75

We live in a busy, fast-paced environment. That’s just what the modern world is.

Being able to regulate our nervous system to support ourselves through stressful moments and life periods is an essential part of managing overwhelm and the burnout that can follow.

Both our mind and body play integral roles in navigating the world we live in, which is one of the reasons why I believe understanding the mind-body connection and the role energetics plays in our lives is so important.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring the stress and overwhelm that so many women struggle with, the mind-body connection and the lesser known ingredients for dealing with stress and overwhelm and navigating away from burnout.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/74

Barbie is an iconic representation of the “ideal woman” in society.

She symbolises the unattainable perfection that we as women often strive to achieve and the limitless potential that we as women have.

Sounds empowering, right?

Barbie can do it all, and while that may seem empowering, the idea that doing it all is what will make you happy and worthwhile is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it places an immense burden on women to achieve the unattainable.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring how Barbie relates to burnout in the modern women, how this relates to you and the steps you can take to break free from the cycle of burnout.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/73

Hustle culture is so glorified.

The idea of doing more and saying yes to more is so ingrained in us as a society that we keep saying yes, and putting more on our plate until we physically, mentally and emotionally are unable to keep at that adrenaline filled pace.

There are subtle signs that you might be heading towards burnout, that when addressed in the earlier stages can keep you on the meaningful track where you want to be. 

Whether that’s to keep at your career for the longer term in more sustainable ways or to be in a good headspace to plan your pivot, test out alternative ideas and make a decision on where to next.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re exploring the 5 subtle signs that burnout is showing up in your life and why it is so incredibly important that you address these signs now rather than later.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/72

A common theme amongst all the different seasons of your career journey is centering your well-being and ensuring that you’re moving forward without burning yourself out.

Each of us has skills and talents and gifts that we’re here to share, and because we’re swimming in a culture of hustle, it can take a toll on our health and make us feel like we’re falling behind.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about how you can succeed in your own version of a purpose-driven career without it taking a toll on your emotional or physical health, your relationships or any other part of your life that is important to you.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/71

We live in a culture that assumes that money is happiness, more is better, the higher up the ladder we climb, the better life will be.

Yes, money and financial security is needed, but I’ve spoken to a number of women who have incredibly successful careers, but they’re not happy.

It’s easy to get caught up in chasing success, but if it comes at the expense of our relationships, our values or what we truly desire to create in our lives, then it’s time to do a check in to see if it’s time for a reset and re-evaluation.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about what to do when you have all the trappings of material success, perhaps a seven figure salary or a certain job title, but deep down you’re not happy, an the signs to look out for so you can know when it’s time to make a change.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/70

More importantly, when should you listen to your inner compass and pivot and change in your career to move forward in the aligned direction for you?

There is a time for both, but the idea of simply ‘going with the flow’ comes with costs and consequences that aren’t often thought about when choosing which direction to follow, and in my experience staying in the same place is more often than not moving you backwards in your career.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing with you the 3 hidden costs that come with ‘going with the flow’ in your career instead of making purposeful and intentional decisions and acknowledging when it’s time to make a career shift.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/69

Often, at the start of the year we set ourselves these goals and we have great intentions, but we forget to check in on how we’re going, or if they’re even still the right goals for us 6 months on.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m sharing with you 3 questions that you can ask yourself in your own mid-year review to make sure you’re on the right track for your career or your business.

If you feel like doing your own mid-year review is a daunting task, grab a pen and some paper and let’s walk through it together, and approach this review with a curious mind.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/68

Women exactly like you.

Women with emotional intelligence, empathy and a nurturing and caring approach to leadership to be compassionate, powerful leaders.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about why it’s important to me that my work empowers women and results in more women taking their seat at the table, in leadership positions and how I can support you to become the confident, empowered leader that you know you can be.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/67

Success is a word that holds so much power in society.

Perhaps you associate it with achievement, job status, a luxurious lifestyle, an overflowing bank account, living in a specific location, having your own business, the list is endless.

Have you thought about what “success” really means to you? 

When we think of success it’s easy to find ourselves constantly comparing our journey to others, measuring our worth on superficial indicators, but is that the true meaning of success?

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we’re peeling back the layers and exploring the reality of what success is beyond the superficial perceptions. I’m taking a look at 6 myths of success and the differences between the perception and reality of having a successful career.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/66

Having worked with women from all over the world as a coach and mentor, I have come across 4 key mindset challenges that come up time and time again with the women I work with.

These mindset challenges stop them from taking the next step, asking for the pay raise or promotion, and taking up space.

If you feel like you could be playing a bigger game in your career, whether that’s going for more in your career or refocusing on the goals that really matter to you and if you want to move forward with momentum, then this podcast episode is for you.

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about the 4 mindset challenges that I’ve seen keep women playing small regardless of how experienced they are and the subconscious work you can do to overcome your mindset challenges and become the Untamed CEO of your own life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/65

This is something that I’ve personally found really helpful when navigating a career pivot.

So I want to offer you the same opportunity by sharing my story. Not because I’m perfect, but because I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way. 

I share them with you in today’s episode so that you can benefit from what I wish I knew to help guide your own career 180 and transition. 

In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about my career journey and making the decision to leave real estate to landing in coaching where I am today and the 3 lessons that I want you to take away from my career change.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/64

The idea of changing things up and flipping things on their head is in the air for a lot of people right now.

This could be for personal reasons driven by a change in values or circumstances, or even something externally driven like a change in the organisation or a redundancy where you’re having to change and adapt.

In today’s episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about the five signs that it might be time for a career 180 so that you can begin to get on the front foot and be proactive about the situation that you’re in.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/63

However, who we work with often isn’t a choice that we have, making conflict inevitable, because you’re just not going to get along with everyone all the time.

Conflict and confrontation is not something that a lot of us love, so if the idea of addressing difficult people and situations at work is a challenge for you, this episode has the tools you need to be able to speak up, speak out, and handle these relationships.

In today’s episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about how to handle difficult co-workers, bosses and micromanagers so that you know how to deal with difficult people that you can’t consciously cut out of your life.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/62

Often, it’s up to us to advocate for ourselves in the workplace, put ourselves forward and let people know what our goals are.

This can be a real challenge for a lot of people, especially some women.

In today’s episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about the top 10 challenges I see women face in the workplace when it comes to promotions and opportunities to progress their careers.

As you listen to this episode, I invite you to think about if each one applies to you, and if it does, make a little note, because this is your next area of focus for your work.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/61

Do you know the difference?

It’s one thing to want to put out high quality work and get good results, but if you’re consistently looking for perfection in your work, this is where the lines get crossed and we step into perfectionism.

When we step into the realm of perfectionism, we end up paying the cost associated with it. Hello stress, anxiety, burnout and overthinking. If you resonate with any of this, listen in.

In today’s episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast I’m talking about the 3 core pillars that drive perfectionism and how you can begin to embody the belief that you are enough and kick perfectionism to the curb.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/60

If we’re to enjoy life, we need our health. 

If we’re to do our best at work, we need our health. 

If we’re to enjoy our relationships, we need our health. 

Journeying into health and fitness doesn’t mean you have to give up everything.

Before I started on my own health and fitness journey, I had the idea that I would have to become the person who only ate a certain way, showed up in a certain way, and would have to give up so many things that I love and make me who I am.

I know now that that's not true. It doesn’t have to be either or, or black and white. 

You can prioritise your health, look after yourself AND find a balance between that and the things you love and having a life outside of being in the gym and preparing food.

There’s no one better that I could think to speak to about taking a holistic and well balanced approach to women’s health than Beth Wright from B-Fit The Wright Way.

In today’s episode of the podcast with Beth Wright we’re exploring her journey into both law and health, and the advice that Beth wants every woman to hear about prioritising their health and putting themselves first.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/59

Like you’re living a double life?

This is something that can cause distress and frustration because you end up confused about who you really are, and it disconnects you from your truth and integrity.

While there is often a need to bring a different part of who you are to your corporate role, I do feel there is an opportunity to bring some vulnerability and the “real” you into your work and your work relationships.

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m talking about why we, as women, often end up feeling like we’re leading a double life, the cost that’s associated with doing it and how you can close the gap between who you are at home and who you are at work to bring yourself into alignment.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/58

When I talk about being a CEO, I’m not talking about becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, but rather becoming the Chief Executive Officer, the leader of your own life and career and taking matters into your own hands.

It can feel quite daunting when it comes to navigating how you can create an aligned career into something that feels purposeful to you. 

Truth be told, when I was going on this journey I consulted a lot of assessments and tools to try and help me figure out my path. Whilst these can certainly help…the process is so much deeper. 

I believe that pursuing something meaningful to you is also a journey into becoming the REAL untamed YOU in the process.

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m sharing with you what my journey has been to becoming the Untamed CEO of my own life as a means to share with you the core pillars that have supported me in figuring out the direction that I am being called in.

If “untamed” makes you think “that’s not me” - think again. I’m a naturally introverted, shy and quiet type - and my version of untamed isn’t what you think. 

If you feel like you want to unleash more of your energy, gifts and talents in the world - this one’s for you. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/56

For me, that book is “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle.

This book gave language to some of the challenges that I see myself and women at large facing when it comes to pursuing a career path of purpose both personally and professionally. 

Many women have been conditioned and socialised into this impossible standard of the ‘perfect woman’ and being Untamed is about breaking out of that mould.

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m diving into what an Untamed CEO is, what it looks like and why we need more Untamed CEO’s in the world.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/55

Especially if you’re in your 20’s, 30’s and early 40’s. 

The truth is menopause is an evitable part of every woman’s journey and it WILL have an impact on your life and career. And usually when you are at the top of your game career wise. So it’s wise to think about now. 

There is very little information out there for women in their 30’s and 40’s about menopause and yet this is the period of our lives when we can first begin to experience symptoms and also proactively do something to support ourselves in that inevitable transition that will come.

I don’t know anyone better to talk about this topic with than Dr. Laurena Law, a general practice doctor with training in Nutritional Medicine, Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine. Laurena has a keen passion for lifestyle, integrative medicine and health longevity.

In today’s episode of the podcast with Dr. Laurena Law we’re exploring how menopause can impact your work and career and why it’s so important to think about it even when you’re in your 30’s.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/54

How do you feel about that question? 

For me, I find it hard to answer…before I go to an event I wonder how do I best describe what I do succinctly and easily?

Underneath this question lies so many stories we tell ourselves about our identity, our work and ultimately our self worth. 

We live in a world that wants to define our self worth by what it is that we do, who we work for, what our title is or how much we’re earning…

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m exploring three frames to support you in unraveling your self worth from what it is that you do, so that you can remember the core truths around who you are.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/53

And asked yourself the question…

How do I change this? 

There are three processes that are involved in behaviour change regardless of what behaviour you are changing.

Maybe you want to:

• speak up more in meetings
• stop procrastinating on going to the gym or eating well,
• quit being a pleaser in the workplace

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m unpacking the number one area to focus on in order to change a pattern of behaviour that’s something you would like to change.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/52

We often think that knowing what’s right for us should be simple, but along the journey of life, we get taught that what we think or feel is “wrong” or bad and so our wires get crossed and we start to doubt ourselves and stop listening to our intuition.

In today’s episode of the podcast I’m diving into each of the 6 Achievement Styles in greater depth so you can use your achievement style as a tool to support you where you are in your life right now to understand what it is that motivates you and to make aligned decisions.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/51

Whilst there are things we can learn and do in the realm of productivity and efficiency to get things done, deep down we’re all motivated in different ways…and different strategies work for different people. 

We’re individuals, we’re unique and applying cookie cutter formulas for “success” doesn’t work.

In today’s episode of the podcast I share with you how you can begin to navigate and build your career based on your Achievement Style and gain an insight into the way you are motivated and how you operate so that you can work with yourself instead of making things harder than they need to be. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/50

In today’s episode we’re talking about what to do when you know that something is ok or “good enough”, but something feels off and isn’t quite right for you.

In today’s episode of the podcast I share with you a 3 step framework to think about how to approach the question of “Am I in the right place?” because pretending like everything is OK and just grinding harder isn’t the best course of action.


For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/49

In today’s episode we’re talking about a simple anchor to guide your 2023 especially when life happens. 

We’re zooming in on how you can stay focused with your goals and take action on what’s important for you this year EVEN when life throws curveballs your way. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/48

This is the last episode of The Aligned Achiever for 2022 and I wanted to make sure that you had something to work with as you go into the holiday period.

In this episode I’m guiding you through an A to Z of how you can break down your 2023 planning into tangible projects and goals, and how to make sure that you’re doing the things that matter and not burning yourself out.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/47

It always surprises me how fast time goes and how slowly it can go at the same time.

So often we are focused on setting new goals, and what we need to do to move forward, but to be honest, one of the most effective things we can do is reflect on what has been working and what hasn’t and use that as fuel to change things up if needed or hit the reset button.

In this episode, I share some of my reflections on what my top five life and career lessons have been from 2022 to support you with coming up with what some of your lessons might have been.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/46

Cue: the desire for more meaning and purpose….

When we talk about meaning and purpose though, it can feel really fluffy and a bit ethereal.


But there are things that we can do to work more purpose into our projects and to say yes to initiatives that make us feel purposeful. 

Which begs the question….

What’s the difference between High Achievement versus Aligned Achievement?.

Well, that’s what we’re uncovering over on the podcast today….

In this episode I share the difference between these two types of achievement and why I want to support you in coming over to the aligned achiever camp, to bring more balance, fun and lightness to what you’re doing.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/45

If you’re listening to this in November 2022 it is my intention to help you get clear on how you can map out the right goals for you before 2023. Even if you're listening to this after the fact, follow the steps to hit reset. 

We live in a culture that is hell bent on productivity and sometimes when you stay on that track without stopping to question if you’re working hard towards the right goals, you can wake up wondering “Where did I go wrong?”, “Am I on the right path?”.

In this episode we’re answering the question: How do you get on the right track and get clear on your career trajectory in 2023?


For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/44

Reinvention is really the theme of today’s podcast.

In this episode we’re going to be diving into the 5 signs that it’s your time for a reinvention, and a little backstory on why I decided to revamp the podcast.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/43

Are you really good at making sure that you have down time and rest in your schedule?

Or are you like many of my clients? Someone who doesn’t find the time for rest because your schedule is so full and you’ve just got so much to do.

The truth is we live in a world where there is a lot happening. Particularly post Covid, we now have the chance to do a lot of different things. As a result we can find ourselves really, really busy. And if we’re honest, really really overwhelmed at times too.

In today’s episode we’re exploring strategic down time. Why it matters and how to plan for it….especially when you’re busy. And particularly at this time of year as we lead into Christmas and the end of the year when things can get full on.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/42

But how do you know if you should make a change, or if the grass is greener and actually, you’re better off staying put?

In today’s episode we’re exploring how to pivot and leap in your career without burning your hard work down to the ground

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/41

Do you want to focus on your priorities and your work? 

But yet you feel like you have to say yes to other things like children, other peoples’ demands or commitments that you’ve made in the past?

Today we’re exploring the missing piece that’s needed to make an impact at work without sacrificing yourself. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/40

And yet you might find that sometimes you feel a little bit stuck.

Perhaps you sabotage your success…you hold back..you don’t say the thing you need to say. 

Even though you KNOW you want that next level thing and know what to do…

…..sometimes your body and your heart might not give you the resources to actually do that. 

Subtly and subconsciously it will hold you back. 

In today’s episode we’re exploring the specific 5 ways that high-achievers keep themselves stuck from going after that next level in both life, career and business. 

So you can identify what’s at play for you and more importantly what you can do to get unstuck. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/39

Have you ever asked yourself if you should persevere with something or just give up?

Staying stuck takes up precious energy. 

Sometimes decisions are not easy to make and there are a lot of considerations at play. 

Like when you’re deciding whether to move city or country, change jobs or start a business. 

In today’s episode we’re exploring how you can begin to unpack the question around whether you should persevere or give up so that you can free up that energy and go ahead and "do" or "not do" the thing. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/38

How do I balance my work with my desire to be present with my family?

Personally…my family is entering a new season and chapter.

Our eldest child just entered secondary school this academic year. And with that we’re all navigating new priorities, new ways of being present. I’m feeling into a different chapter for my child and also myself in work…..

Over on the podcast this week we’re unpacking how to think about balancing kids and work and finding your own unique “way” for your situation. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/36

Upon my return I’ve been reflecting on how I want to show up differently and “better” in my life and work…

“Better” being a subjective term which has a personal meaning for this season of my life and work. 

With the benefit of taking a pause from the usual daily and weekly routine, naturally I’ve been able to get some perspective on how I had been operating in less than ideal ways and quite honestly self sabotaging myself and making things waaaay harder than necessary. 

Over on the podcast this week we’ll be exploring why we self sabotage ourselves and specifically how high achiever’s do this to themselves in life and work. 

Once you know what the real problem is then it’s much easier to know where to get unstuck. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/35

For me that involves topics on career, women in leadership, business, money etc) and I stumbled on an article by HBR on Whether An MBA is Really Worth It? 

It got me thinking about the number of conversations I’ve had over the years with professional women debating whether to take an MBA to advance their careers. 

Usually they speak to me to weigh up the pro’s and con’s…

The advantages? 

More career opportunities. Clearer career paths. Networking. And if we’re honest: time away from work (assuming you do it Full Time) 

The disadvantages?

Well that’s the topic of today’s podcast. 

I’ll be diving into the myth of why you DON’T need an MBA for your career and what I believe is important to focus on instead. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/34

If you ask anyone if this is possible and how to do it, the answers will vary…

When I was back in Corporate, earning great money but feeling spiritually bankrupt, I wanted a magic pill to tell me what I should do. 

Unfortunately after doing this work for 9 years, I know that it doesn’t work like that. 

Getting clear on how you can do work you love and get paid for it is a bit like solving a puzzle. 

There are core pieces that you need in order to create the puzzle that makes most sense for you. 

There is no cookie-cutter path or personality test that can tell you which way to go. 

There are however essential pillars to figure out the core elements you need to solve that puzzle. 

In today’s podcast we dive into the 4 essential pillars to doing work you love and getting paid well for it,  so that you’ve got some guideposts to get unstuck and back on track doing work that you love and that allows you to fund the life that you want too. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/33

In my 9 years of coaching I’ve heard women say to me things like:

• I want to switch careers but I don’t want to walk away from my stable paycheque
• I want to take a break and focus on being home with my young kids but I’m not sure if it’s smart to miss out on my career and earning potential this far into my career
• I just found out my colleague who’s way less qualified and experienced than me is earning more than me. I’m angry but I’m also scared to ask for more.
• I know I’m charging too little for my work but I’m worried about raising my rates and “losing” clients….

For too long women have been on the back foot when it comes to money, earning and creating “successful” businesses and careers. 

In today’s podcast we dive into the topic of women, work and money and why it’s imperative that we focus on our own relationships to money to bring back our choices, freedom and power our visions for a new world we want to create. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/32

Over the past few months I’ve been doing some soul searching and clarifying where my work is taking me. 

At the core of what I do I’m here to support you in coming back to the REAL you. To drown out the expectations and “should’s” of what your path is supposed to be. And instead clarify what feels right and true for you. 

I believe that from this place of deep connection and trust to your unique gifts, talents, skills and desires can you then build out the most meaningful and soulful success that you’re deeply desiring. 

It’s not about starting a business, or climbing the ladder. It’s about getting clear on YOU and executing on a STRATEGY that feels exciting to YOU as you define success. 

Which brings me to today’s podcast….where we’ll be exploring how to get clear on your version of soulful success i.e. meaningful work. 

And beyond that whether the path there is about energetics or strategy. 

If you’re desiring to create a career that lights YOU up from within and allows you to get paid being you, then this episode is for you. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/31

I ask them to share how long they’ve been feeling stuck. 

For some people its weeks. For others it's months. Far more often than you think, people have been feeling stuck for YEARS. 

Today we’re talking about the hidden costs of procrastinating on your next career move or change and the importance of making a decision so that you don’t stay stuck in the trap of the status quo. 

If you need a little inspiration or motivation to address your work and how it’s just not working for you, this one’s for you. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/30

Today we’re exploring the burnout solution for compassionate high achiever’s. 

As a giver you’re used to making sure that everyone else is OK and today I’VE got your back. 

I want to make sure that YOU are taken care of, nourished and supported too. 

Why?

Because you matter. And sometimes it’s the nurturers who forget to get some nurturing themselves 💛

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/29

And yet 6 months later, perhaps you haven’t made as much progress as you wanted. Or maybe you did make progress and it’s been a really hard slog.

You are not alone. Most of us set goals and intentions but end up nowhere near them. 

In today’s episode we’re going into workshop mode so grab yourself a notebook and pen.

I’ll walk you through a 4 part process to do a mid-year review that actually works.

We’ll explore 4 steps to setting not only the right goals for you - but arguably more importantly allows you to take action and execute on your unique strategy to create the life, career and business that you actually love.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/28

To be honest after the years that we’ve all experienced globally I don’t blame her. 

We live in a culture where it can seem “lazy” or “bad” to take a break. But the truth is, rest and time to just be is important. 

Surely there must be a way to take a pause and break without going to such drastic extremes to quit your job in order to get it?

Today we explore how to take a break from your career or business without self sabotaging your hard work. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/27

And that’s the thing…the things that hold us back in our life, work and relationships…often live in our shadows. 

They’re things we don’t want to admit, let alone see or give space to explore.

Getting unstuck requires vulnerability and intimacy to meet ALL the parts of you…your strengths and talents as well as the aspects of you that aren’t so perfect or polished. 

In today’s episode we’ll be exploring how to spot the real reason you’re feeling stuck in life and work….

Ready to get real, honest and vulnerable? Let’s do it.

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/26

I mentioned this to my husband who still works at this same company and we started to talk about our journeys since I left.

He asked me what I wish I knew back then that I know now….

I shared that there is so much more that meets the eye when it comes to when something isn’t working and you're feeling stuck. And that unless you address the deeper rooted challenges, they’ll keep following you around. 

For example, back in corporate I suffered imposter syndrome big time. It served me for a time to give 110% to my work. And that dedication paid off. 

I was promoted from analyst to Associate Director in 4 short years before being approached to join an American Investment Bank (my seemingly perfect dream job). 

But this quality had a shadow side.  

Deep down the fundamental belief I held was that I wasn’t enough and therefore had to work harder than everyone else. It meant I said yes to everyone’s demands (hello people pleasing) and it drove me to burnout until I just couldn’t hack it anymore.  

That “not good enough” mentality followed me into my entrepreneurship and still makes an appearance from time to time. 

Naturally I work with women and men who have similar traits - high achievers - who want to do a lot and who’s work deeply matters to them. But that struggle with burnout, overwhelm, perfectionism and more.

In today’s episode I want to share with you what I wish I knew back then, what I believe this stuff is important to look out for as you advance your career. Because if you don’t it might cut it short prematurely. 

With that let’s dive in…

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/25

Whether you’re looking to:

• make a decision on a certain choice point in your work (like quitting your job, changing roles, starting a business etc)
• navigating a tricky situation (e.g. a challenging boss or colleague, a promotion etc)
• Move into something new or different

These 3 areas are what you need to know about to figure out what’s stopping you from making a decision and moving on forward. 

In today’s episode we’re diving into The 3 Areas Holding You Back From Getting Unstuck. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/24

For high-achievers this can be a really daunting prospect. 

If you’re a high achiever you’re likely hardworking with big goals. You likely have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact with what you do. 

And so naturally the thought of taking a break or a pause can feel like taking a step backwards in the wrong direction. 

However the science and data proves that this ISN’T so. 

In today’s episode we’re diving into The High Achiever's Guide to Taking An Effective Pause From Prioritising Work.


Together we’ll explore some of that science and data and why it’s a good thing to take a break and most importantly how you can get started. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/23

Maybe you pick up on other people’s feelings and find it hard to separate your energy out from others….

In this episode we unpack how to thrive in your life and work as a sensitive career woman and we explore 3 guideposts to support you in staying on track and staying in your lane. 

For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/18

• Graduating universe
• Getting married
• Had a baby
• Lost a parent
• Starting a new career path
• Moving countries

….You’re in the right place.  We’ll dive into how to know what the right path is for YOU.


Listen in and grab the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/13

On average we make about 35,000 decisions a day - it’s no wonder we get tired and put off decisions that require a lot of thought and emotional depth.

In today’s episode, we explore how to make “good” decisions and how to practically make those big decisions that you need to make in your life and your work. 

Listen in and grab the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/11

So many women feel this inner knowing but then shut it down.

Plastering on platitudes of gratitude and thankfulness - when truly there’s something more to be felt and experienced.

Why do we do this?

The reason why runs deep.

And we explore this more in the podcast. 

We also explore the 3 core lies women tell themselves to fake fulfilment so that they can avoid the discomfort of feeling the disconnect between: I “should” be happy with what I have BUT deep down I’m just not.

Listen in and grab the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/9

It’s not just famous celebrities who have coaches. Everyday men and women also have coaches.

A coach is someone who can support you to move forward towards your desires and goals through a process of asking powerful questions.  

Maybe you’re new to coaching and wondering how the heck does it work? Or maybe you’ve worked with a coach and had a less than stellar experience? Or worked with a coach in one area and dive deeper into something else. 

No matter where you sit on the spectrum in this podcast we explore in greater depth how to know if you need a coach and most importantly how to find the right one for you.

Listen in and grab the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/8

Now more than ever, given recent times, more of us are questioning our lives, we’re exploring really what matters and questioning how we’re showing up. 

I believe this is a good thing! 

In this episode we explore how to navigate a mid life crisis as a means to grow and come home to the REAL you.

Listen in and grab the show notes here. 

I was adamant that I didn’t have an option or a choice. And that I HAD to stay and somehow make it work. 

The truth is I had the great privilege of actually having a choice. And that really is a privilege.

There was immense guilt and shame wrapped up around having the option to leave a fabulous company and role, with awesome opportunities for career progression….

Even though I had savings in the bank and could “afford” to take time out to reassess, I couldn't even see alternative options for my career because I was so fixated on needing money and that steady paycheque. 

Back then, meaning and money were at odds with each other. I had to choose one.

Option A: I could make a lot of money - but the work wouldn’t be meaningful. Plus I had to work really hard.

Or

Option B: I could choose to focus on meaning - but not make a lot of money.

In any case, I had to make a choice.

These days I believe that you can have meaning and money in your career - with a few caveats. 

Listen in and grab the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/5

If you answered “yes” 🙋🏻‍♀️ I want you to know you are not alone my friend.

I’ve definitely had moments in my life where I’ve had an idea to do somethin else or start a project, only to have my mind promptly swoop in with all the reasons why I “can’t” and “shouldn’t” follow my ideas and heart. 

In this episode we explore the #1 killer that's stopping you from choosing and living out your Soul Aligned Career. 

We also dive deeper to explore the 3 pillars of self-sabotage to be mindful of and how you can identify which one is playing out for you in your life now. 

We’ll also workshop how you can move through what’s holding you back so that you can get on track to doing work that you love.

You can access the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/2

For the longest time I would ask myself these big questions, wondering what the point was to all this working hard, corporate climbing business. 

I brought that same chasing and searching energy to figure out my purpose and ended up looking outside of myself for answers…. only to realise that I had been looking in completely the wrong places 🤦🏻‍♀️

In this episode we explore the 3 most common myths about finding and living your purpose so that you don’t have to waste time focusing on the wrong things and instead let it be easy.

You can access the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/3

Some were destined to act and perform. Some were destined to launch start-ups. Some were destined to become C suite badasses at major professional law firms. Some were destined to teach. 

Because I didn’t have a strong pull to anything, I followed the path that made the most sense and helped “keep my options open”....

• Get a good degree
• Land a job at a Fortune 500 Company
• Climb the corporate ladder

All throughout my career I would question, “Am I really on the right path?” or “Is there more to life than this?” 

My own journey and struggle with this is how I landed on doing this precise work in my business. Helping women figure out what makes them tick and how to build a career and life of meaning and purpose? 

Which I define as a Soul Aligned Career.

If you’ve ever asked yourself these same questions andare questioning your path, this podcast episode is for you. 

Join me as we talk about what a soul aligned career is and isn’t.

You can access the show notes over at: https://siobhanbarnes.com/1