In this episode, Sarah dives into the concept of the Glass Cliff—what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to avoid stepping into leadership roles that may be set up for failure. Whether you're considering a promotion or navigating a crisis leadership role, Sarah shares practical strategies and insights to help you make informed decisions and set yourself up for success.

[00:00:00] Welcome to Unstuck and Unstoppable

[00:01:00] Why the podcast exists – supporting ambitious female leaders

[00:02:00] Introducing today’s topic: The Glass Cliff

[00:03:00] What is the Glass Cliff and why does it happen?

[00:04:00] Real-world examples and crisis scenarios

[00:05:00] Why women are often appointed during challenging times

[00:06:00] The risks of taking on a Glass Cliff role

[00:07:00] Career strategy considerations before saying yes

[00:08:00] Doing your due diligence: past, present, and future challenges

[00:09:00] Gathering external insights and understanding support structures

[00:10:00] Case study: A leader navigating a Glass Cliff role during COVID

[00:11:00] Lessons learned: The importance of board and stakeholder support

[00:12:00] Creating a plan and negotiating resources

[00:13:00] Spotting red flags and making the final decision

[00:14:00] Recap: Key steps to avoid the Glass Cliff

[00:15:00] Resources, coaching support, and next steps

Key Takeaways

• Understand the risk: The Glass Cliff often occurs when women are appointed during times of crisis.
• Do your due diligence: Assess the past, present, and future realities of the role before accepting.
• Negotiate for success: Ensure you have the right resources, support, and clarity before saying yes.
• Make informed choices: Walking away can be the right decision if success conditions aren’t in place.

Useful Links

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