The Aligned Achiever with Siobhan Barnes

Did you set big intentions at the start of the year? Maybe you were so sure that this year was the year that you would welcome in the new and say goodbye to the old, once and for all.  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 now...

I recently worked with a client who admitted that she secretly wanted to be fired so that she had a legitimate reason to take an extended break and just relax.  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 w...

I was working with a client recently in a VIP day to support her in getting unstuck in her life and work. At the end she said... “I can’t believe that deep down this one thing was holding me back. I’m both embarrassed and also relieved. Embarrassed that this thing is even an issue and also relieved that it’s not got a grip on me anymore.” And that’s the thing…the things that hold us back in our li...

The other day I received a whatsapp message on my ex work friends group chat. On the chat we reminisced about the “old days” we worked together at the same company. 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 e...

If you’re feeling stuck in your life and work right now….chances are there are just 3 areas that are holding you back from moving forward.  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...

There comes a point in your career or business when you just need to take a break or pause.  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 t...

Many of us have moments when we question our career and life choices….and wonder if the path we’ve chosen is really right and true anymore. It’s 100% normal to feel disillusioned with company politics, dogma and the “way things are.” Which makes you wonder…. At what point is it worth giving up and doing something else? In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Dr. Laurena Law who is a functional medici...

As we continue to live longer and longer, our careers are extending further and further out. If our careers are spanning multiple decades it’s inevitable that we will go through seasons - much like the natural world does around us. Knowing which season we’re in can be super helpful so that we can navigate the specific journey ahead of us as we move forward. We’re constantly changing and evolving a...

Gone are the days where it’s expected and normal for you to work at the same company for your entire career. These days it’s very normal to make a pivot and make changes in your work, relationships and where you live. Which begs the question… How do you navigate pivots and decisions in your career? In today’s episode, I’m interviewing first time author, Sheryl Bolden. Author of the book Sustainabl...

Burnout. I’m sure you’re familiar with the term. Longer work hours and increased demands at home means that many of us are facing new stressors across all domains of life. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, these stressors are more persistent and indefinite - increasing our risk of burnout Rather than make ourselves wrong for burning out, not being able to shake it off and berating ourselves...

Been given the eye roll and told you’re “overly emotional”? 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://siobhanb...

Do you want to make a change in your career and don’t know how? Let alone where to start? It’s so normal to feel overwhelmed with where to begin and how to meet all the different questions that come with “how do I pivot into a career I actually want.” In this episode we explore when you need to make a career change but don’t know the steps to take to make it happen. For all the show notes come on...

Deep down do you feel bouts of anger, frustration or overwhelm with how things are right now (at work, with life, with others) but then quickly shove these feelings down because you know that you’re luckier than a lot of others and shouldn’t be complaining? Do you turn to “gratitude” trying to focus on what’s good rather than what’s not because deep down you worry that if you let yourself feel all...

With the turn of the calendar into a new year, many of us hope for something different Whether you set new year's resolutions, intentions or have a guiding word for the year…the stats show that less than 10% of those who set goals of some kind…will see those through to the end of the year. And there’s a reason why that’s the case. No, there's nothing wrong with you… Turns out that there...

Have you ever said to yourself “I just don’t have the time” or maybe you’ve questioned “What am I working so hard for?” It’s a common complaint I hear a lot. It’s true. Life can be full. Work commitments, kids to look after, aging parents, a household to manage plus all the things you do just for you. It’s no wonder our to-do lists are never done and that our schedules are packed to the brim. In t...

As women we go through so many transitions.  Through it all we can doubt if we’re on the “right” path and who we are meant to be in the process.  If you’re in transition and not sure of where to go next, listen in.  Whether you’re: 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...

For most people “selfish” is a dirty word. Who would want to be selfish? Turns out, I did 😬🤭 A few years ago “being selfish” was the exact assignment my coach helped me uncover as we worked through the challenges I was facing as a mum to 3 young kids whilst growing my coaching business. I learned so many things from my experiment of “being more selfish” and in this episode we explore why more wo...

Are you at a choice point at the moment? Are you being called to make a decision whether that’s in your life or your work? And maybe you’re just not sure quite what to decide. 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 pr...

Are you always busy? A Master pro at planning? And getting things done? Are you living up in your head juggling a million different things? And as a result feel tension in your head, neck and shoulders? Maybe you’re proud of being productive and how much you can get done in any given day YET deep down you’re feeling like life is a bit monotonous, and a bit hamster wheel-ish - especially when life...

Does life look good from the outside? Yet on the inside you’re feeling a bit “off”...like something’s missing or you’re desiring more? 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....

What do Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Bill Gates, Hugh Jackman have in common? They all have coaches. 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 wor...

Whenever I go into a bookstore, I’m immediately drawn to the self development section…. I’m absolutely fascinated with anything to do with understanding humans. Whilst self development is a great thing (I mean who doesn’t want to unlock their potential and enjoy life more fully?) .....Like with anything, there is a shadow side… In this episode we explore the shadow side of self development and how...

We’ve all heard the term “mid life crisis.” Some define it as a transition of identity and self confidence that occurs in middle aged individuals. Or a conflict between a person’s perception of themselves and their lives as they think they are and what they want them to be. Now more than ever, given recent times, more of us are questioning our lives, we’re exploring really what matters and questio...

When I was working in Corporate, it took me a long time to even entertain the idea that I had options. Let alone that I could leave and do something else. 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 wrapp...

Have you taken lots of personality assessments? StrengthsFinder, MyersBriggs, The Enneagram, but still don’t feel like you’re 100% clear on what makes you uniquely you? Whilst these systems are fabulous they don’t take into account a deeper side of you - your soul. The unique essence that you couldn't shake even if you tried. I call this your Soul Archetype. Your soul archetype really explore...