Your Soul Aligned Career

When I signed up for my first Hyrox race, I expected a physical challenge.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 growthHow to shift your identity through action4 key lessons that apply way beyond the gymThis isn't about fitness.It's about choosing challenge—and meeting the woman who shows up when you do.

Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not holding you back.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.

Future-proofing your career isn't just about keeping up.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.

Not all pivots make headlines. 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. 

Come and do a Spring Reset with me!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.

Are you unconsciously holding yourself back from your next level leadership?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.

How is self-doubt holding you back in your career and leadership?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.

Do you believe that career success follows a single, linear path? One that goes straight up the corporate ladder?The truth is, there's more than one way to build a fulfilling and impactful career, and going in a linear direction doesn't suit everyone.As we celebrate International Women's Day this week, it's the perfect time to explore the different career paths that are available to you as an ambitious woman. Why? So you can choose what aligns with your strengths, values and aspirations.In this week's episode of The Aligned Achiever Podcast I break down 5 career paths that you need to know about and share a framework for making your own intentional career decisions.Whether you're feeling stuck in corporate life, considering entrepreneurship or craving more flexibility in your life, this episode will help you to explore new possibilities and take confident, aligned steps.For all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/125

Many of us reach a point in our careers where we feel stuck, uninspired, or even burnt out. 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

Happy Lunar New Year! We are officially in the year of the Snake and I like to take the Lunar New Year as a great time to pause, reflect and reset.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

Have you been feeling the pressure to get things done this year? To “hit the ground running”?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

This is the last episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast for 2024, and you know what that means?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

In a world that glorifies hustle, pausing can feel wrong.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

What does it take to transition out of corporate and into being a purposeful entrepreneur?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

Do you feel like you're bumping into challenge after challenge at work?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

What's the biggest challenge going on for you in your career right now?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

What does your nervous system have to do with your performance? 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

The busy season is almost upon us and in this episode I want to help set you up to get the most out of the remainder of 2024 whilst feeling present and spacious.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

Olympians are driven by an unyielding ambition.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

Change is the only constant in life.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

Do you find yourself feeling stuck?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

Have you ever found yourself struggling in a work environment, wondering if you're meant to be there?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

The middle of 2024 is fast approaching and whether you feel like everything is going to plan or if you feel like you need to hit reset, this is for you.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

Have you ever had to deal with a “bad” boss, a challenging work culture or felt like you're not sure if you're in the right place to work anymore? 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/109During 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. 

Health and fitness matters…we all know that. Multiple studies speak to not just the physical benefits but the mental and emotional ones too. And yet finding the time and motivation to get healthy can be hard. Especially when you're busy doing all the things at work and at home. 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.

Have you ever made yourself wrong for being too emotional or sensitive at work? 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/107During 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. 

We're not taught at school how to think about our careers, or even the importance of taking the time to get to know ourselves.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

Is the goal to always be productive?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

If you're like many of my clients, then I know you have the endurance to keep on pushing through, but I also know that pushing too hard for too long can come back to bite you in the form of burnout.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

In a world where hustle culture is glorified and even rewarded, burnout has become an all too familiar companion for many people.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

International Women's Day is upon us this week and this year's theme is focused on inspiring inclusion. 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

Most of us have a running to-do list of “things” to get done. Not only at work but in our personal lives too. The mental load is real! 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

Join me in celebrating 100 episodes of the Aligned Achiever Podcast!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

You can always start again.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

It can be challenging to know how to find the time and energy to continue to show up to work in the face of difficult personal circumstances.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

I've seen a theme recently with my clients as well as in my own life, and that is wanting to control and be able to influence our outcomes in life.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

The other day I was catching up with some girlfriends on all things motherhood, work, partners, health…the works! During our call we were talking about what we wanted to do differently in 2024.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

As I was reviewing my lessons from 2023 and thinking about what I want to do the same/and differently in 2024, I realised how much of my goals are still driven by the notion that achieving more, in less time is “better.”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

Have you been raring to jump into 2024, or are you feeling a little slower to start this year and get into your goals?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). Orb) 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

There's something about the new year that just feels so exciting.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

As we close out 2023, I want to share with you my thoughts on what I want for you as you begin to step into the new year….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

The end of the year can be quite overwhelming.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

We've now entered December, a time for most of us of to close out our projects, wrapping up plans, reflecting and getting ready for the holidays.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's been a theme with my clients recently around how to have difficult conversations and handle conflict at work.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

The personal development space is rife with slogans about the power of gratitude. 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

How do you deal with things, when everything around you feels like too much?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

Have you ever met anybody who leans into those difficult conversations and can always keep their composure?There is a level of authenticity required to feel confident and find your voice in the workplace and this is something that a lot of women struggle with.If you're facing a situation where you know you need to have a hard or difficult conversation, now is the time to reframe that into an opportunity to be courageous.There aren't many people that can do that, but it's such a powerful skill to have, and I don't know who else could teach us how to begin having courageous conversations than colleague and friend Dr. Kate Cashman.Kate is an award winning speaker and relationship coach and educator who helps executives and entrepreneurs find their voice and get visible.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

Have you heard of the term “Essentialism?”It was coined by the author Greg McKeown who wrote the book of the same title.Essentialism is fundamentally about designing and taking control of your life so that you can purposefully direct your energy to bring you closer to your goals.It's about knowing the things that will move you forward and putting them before everything else, and living by design rather than default.Non-essentialism is everywhere…our lives become cluttered and we take action based on what we've always done, what other people want for us or what we see as the default action to take.Can you see how this might relate to your work and career?In this episode of The Aligned Achiever podcast we explore the big and little picture of essentialism in your career and how you can embrace being an essentialist to reboot your career in a meaningful directionFor all the show notes come on over to: https://siobhanbarnes.com/85

High achieving women come to me thinking they need career advice or support, but the real reasons they seek me out are a little more hidden.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

Your mental health is paramount to being able to achieve your career goals and live a fulfilling life.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

Do you have a difficult boss? Or have you had one before? 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