Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice

In this episode of SuccessYourOwnWay, “Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice”, executive coach and leadership advisor Sadie Wackett shares her journey of redefining success. With 20+ years in global HR leadership, a former CHRO, and as co-founder of Life Intended, Sadie empowers women through self-leadership and intentional living.

She reflects on her career and personal challenges—including body dysmorphia, infertility, and resilience—and how these shaped her values and purpose. Sadie now defines success through agency, connection, and alignment between inner truth and outer life.

She shares pivotal choices like moving to the U.S., continuing fertility treatment, and starting a women’s circle during COVID, which sparked her current work.

Common themes that have emerged from women across her circles include feeling stuck despite “having it all,” the need for recognition, and guilt around trying to find some sense of balance.

Sadie offers practical advice: pause autopilot, make conscious choices, filter what you consume, and lead from within. Her story is a powerful reminder to live with intention and redefine success on your own terms.

Success, Self-Leadership, and the Power of Choice

About Sadie

Sadie Wackett is an Executive Coach, Consultant, and former Chief People Officer with over two decades of global experience in strategic HR leadership, organizational transformation, and values-driven performance. She partners with leaders to unlock the full potential of people and culture as drivers of value, purpose, and impact. Having operated across Europe, North America, and Asia, Sadie brings a global, human-centered lens to leadership and culture.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that sustainable business performance arises from developing regulated and resilient leadership, deep self-awareness, organizational clarity, and activating a commitment to people. As an ICF-accredited Executive Coach, Sadie specializes in self-leadership, mindset development, and emotionally intelligent performance. She helps leaders expand their awareness, elevate their capacity, and lead systemic change that aligns with purpose and values. Her coaching is both pragmatic and transformational, blending strategic thinking with deep listening and personal insight.

As co-founder of Life Intended, Sadie now leads a women’s self-leadership movement that supports women in reclaiming clarity, confidence, and agency. She facilitates coaching and community experiences that guide women through life transitions and into their most purposeful leadership.

Sadie holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Westminster University (London), an Advanced HR Executive Diploma from Michigan Ross School of Business, and is a certified practitioner in leadership assessment tools, including the Leadership Circle Profile™ and DISC. She is a counter-voice to the hustle culture and has been a frequent keynote speaker, panelist, and podcast guest on topics including Self Leadership, Resilience, Performance, and Growth.

To learn more or connect with Sadie:

Life Intended

Sadie Wackett Co.

LinkedIn

Instagram

Mindset & Resilience

Mindset and resilience are the inner strength behind exceptional leadership. In the ever-evolving landscape of modern work, technical skills and strategic thinking are no longer enough. What truly sets transformative leaders apart is their mindset—the lens through which they interpret challenges, opportunities, and their own potential. Paired with resilience, mindset becomes a powerful force for navigating uncertainty, leading with authenticity, and thriving through change.

The Power of Mindset 🧠

Your mindset shapes every outcome. It influences how you respond to feedback, how you interpret failure, and how you pursue growth. A fixed mindset sees limitations; a growth mindset sees possibilities. Leaders with a growth mindset embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, not threats to their competence.

They recognize and challenge self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Instead of asking, “Can I do this?” they ask, “What can I learn from this?” This shift in perspective fuels innovation, courage, and long-term success.

Resilience: The Art of Bouncing Forward 🌱

Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about adapting, evolving, and emerging stronger. It’s the ability to stay grounded in the face of adversity, to persist when the path gets tough, and to lead with empathy even when emotions run high.

Resilient leaders:

  • Reframe setbacks as stepping stones
  • Stay emotionally regulated under pressure
  • Demonstrate empathy and self-awareness
  • Cultivate optimism without ignoring reality

They don’t avoid discomfort—they grow through it. And they inspire others to do the same.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Resilient Leadership 💡

Mindset and resilience are deeply intertwined with emotional intelligence. Leaders who understand and manage their emotions—and those of others—build trust, foster collaboration, and lead with compassion. They’re not just reactive; they’re reflective. They listen deeply, respond thoughtfully, and create psychologically safe environments where others can thrive.

This kind of leadership isn’t soft—it’s strategic. It’s what drives engagement, innovation, and sustainable performance.

How Coaching Builds Mindset & Resilience 🔧

Coaching is a transformative tool for developing both mindset and resilience. It offers a safe, judgment-free space to explore vulnerabilities, challenge limiting beliefs, and reframe obstacles. A coach helps you uncover the stories you tell yourself—and rewrite them with intention.

Through coaching, you gain:

  • Self-awareness: Understand your triggers, patterns, and strengths
  • Confidence: Build belief in your ability to lead authentically and courageously
  • Perspective: Reframe challenges and uncover new possibilities
  • Emotional agility: Respond to change with clarity and composure

Coaching doesn’t just help you survive tough moments—it helps you grow through them. It equips you with the mindset and tools to lead with resilience, even when the path is uncertain.

Lead from Within

Mindset and resilience aren’t traits you’re born with—they’re muscles you build. And in today’s complex world, they’re more essential than ever. When you lead from a place of inner strength, you don’t just weather the storm—you become the calm within it.

If you’re ready to lead with greater courage, clarity, and compassion, coaching can help you unlock the mindset and resilience that already live within you. Because the most powerful leadership begins not with what you do—but with who you are.  Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaching can help!

Elevating Your Career and Leadership Growth

Elevating your career and leadership growth is challenging in today’s dynamic professional landscape.  Career advancement is no longer just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. True leadership is defined not by titles or accolades, but by clarity, presence, and the ability to inspire and influence in high-stakes environments. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, mastering the art of leadership is essential for long-term success and impact.

The Shift from Promotion to Purpose 🚀

Career growth used to be measured by promotions and pay raises. While those milestones still matter, they’re no longer the full picture. Today’s most effective leaders are those who lead with purpose, communicate with impact, and build trust across diverse teams. They don’t just manage—they motivate. They don’t just react—they respond with vision and strategy.

Leadership growth begins with clarity. You need a clear understanding of where you’re headed and why. This means defining your career vision, identifying your strengths, and mapping out a strategic path forward. It’s about aligning your professional goals with your personal values so that your work feels meaningful, not just successful.

What Great Leadership Looks Like 🌟

Exceptional leaders share a few key traits:

  • Vision and Strategy: They know where they’re going and how to get there.
  • Confidence and Presence: They speak with authority, listen with empathy, and show up with authenticity.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: They embrace change, navigate uncertainty, and turn challenges into opportunities.
  • Team Empowerment: They build high-performing teams by fostering trust, collaboration, and accountability.

These qualities aren’t innate—they’re cultivated. And that’s where coaching comes in.

The Power of Personalized Coaching 🎯

Coaching is the catalyst that helps you move from good to exceptional. It’s not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about unlocking what’s possible. A great coach acts as a strategic thought partner, helping you clarify your goals, strengthen your leadership presence, and navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Through personalized coaching, you gain:

  • Clarity: Define your vision and align your actions with your long-term goals.
  • Feedback: Receive honest, constructive insights that help you grow.
  • Strategic Insight: Learn to think big-picture while executing with precision.
  • Confidence: Build the self-assurance to lead boldly and authentically.

Whether you’re preparing for a promotion, leading a new team, or simply seeking more impact in your current role, coaching provides the structure and support to elevate your leadership game.

Ready for Your Next Big Opportunity?

Elevating your career and leadership growth isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a continuous journey. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can become the kind of leader who not only succeeds but inspires others to do the same.  If you’re ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose, coaching can help you unlock your full potential—and step boldly into your next chapter. Reach out to learn more!

Unlocking Your Next Level of Leadership

Unlocking your next level of leadership is no small feat – it takes grit, determination, and growth as well as defining the kind of leader you wish to become.  Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. At McGinty Coaching, we believe that true success is built on four foundational pillars: Career & Leadership Growth, Work-Life Balance & Fulfillment, Clarity & Accountability, and Mindset & Resilience. Mastering these areas doesn’t just elevate your career—it transforms your life.

Career & Leadership Growth 🚀

Leadership is more than a title—it’s about influence, clarity, and presence. Great leaders inspire trust, communicate with impact, and navigate complexity with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your next promotion or leading a high-stakes initiative, coaching helps you sharpen your vision, build executive presence, and lead with purpose. With personalized guidance, you’ll move from good to exceptional, ready for your next big opportunity.

Work-Life Balance & Fulfillment 🌿

Sustainable success means aligning your work with your values and creating space for what matters most. When your career energizes rather than depletes you, fulfillment follows. Coaching helps you set boundaries, manage stress, and design a life that supports both performance and well-being. You’ll reconnect with what drives you—and build habits that protect your energy and passion.

Clarity, Focus & Accountability 🎯

In a world full of distractions and demands, clarity is your superpower. Focus helps you prioritize what matters, and accountability turns intention into achievement. Coaching provides a strategic thought partner who helps you refine your goals, build systems for execution, and stay on track. You’ll learn to welcome accountability—not as pressure, but as fuel for progress.

Mindset & Resilience 💪

Your mindset shapes every outcome. Resilience is your ability to adapt, persist, and thrive through change. Coaching helps you challenge limiting beliefs, cultivate emotional intelligence, and lead with authenticity. You’ll build the confidence to face adversity with courage—and the self-awareness to grow through it.

What’s next?

In future articles, we will unpack each of these pillars in more depth, share why they are critical for growth, and how to build these capabilities.  We are also introducing an assessment you can take to discover where you are on your growth journey.  Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaching can help you grow as a leader.

Andy Nelson’s Path to Purpose

In our first episode of Success Your Own Way, Andy Nelson shares his transformative journey of personal growth, focusing on authenticity, resilience, and pursuing meaningful work. His path involved shedding societal expectations, embracing his true self, and prioritizing values over external ambitions. A stage 4 cancer diagnosis served as a pivotal moment, clarifying life’s priorities and fueling his dedication to executive coaching, leadership development, and public speaking. Faith, self-awareness, and daily alignment with his values guide Andy’s actions, as he aims to inspire others by sharing his story. Rejecting traditional career paths like corporate promotions or advanced degrees that didn’t align with his essence, Andy pursued coaching with clarity and courage, even leaving corporate America to work independently.

Andy attributes his resilience to supportive relationships, physical self-care, and adaptability, while emphasizing that confidence develops through practice and reflection on personal growth. Andy’s current projects include a book, Survivor’s Gratitude,” and a retreat initiative, Begin Again,” in collaboration with his wife, Michael, highlighting their mutual commitment to fostering human connection. Andy’s journey underscores the importance of self-awareness, courage, and intentional living, encouraging others to define success authentically and pursue lives of purpose and fulfillment.

Authenticity, Resilience, & Confidence: Andy Nelson’s Path to Purpose

 

About Andy Nelson

Andy Nelson is an ICF-certified executive coach (PCC) and principal at Nelson Executive Coaching with decades of corporate leadership experience at four Fortune 150 companies, and coaching and leadership development experience across industries as diverse as agribusiness, healthcare, retail, technology, manufacturing, education, & financial services. He coaches to build more authentic, resilient, and confident leaders, at the largest Fortune 500s as well as in smaller companies. His unique mix of technical acumen, emotional intelligence, and leadership development skills makes him a sought-after executive coach, consultant, and featured speaker by leaders at all levels. Fortified by his experience as a stage 4 cancer survivor/thriver, Andy is dynamic, bold, and caring as a coach, to bring forth deep awareness, truth, and action for leaders and their teams.

Let me know what you are interested in hearing about in future episodes of Success Your Own Way!