Why Your Next Career Breakthrough Requires Blank Space with Sabina Nawaz

In this transformative final episode of the season, global CEO coach and author Sabina Nawaz shares her journey from Microsoft software engineer to executive leadership expert, offering practical strategies for career transitions and authentic leadership.
Discover the power of “blank space” – intentional quiet time that can unlock career clarity and creative solutions. Sabina reveals how pressure can either corrupt your leadership or fuel innovation, and why many successful women fall into the “sole provider trap” that leads to burnout.

Learn actionable techniques for managing workplace pressure, getting honest feedback as a leader, and staying authentic while meeting business needs. Whether you’re considering a career pivot, struggling with leadership challenges, or seeking more fulfillment in your professional life, this episode provides concrete tools for transformation.
Key topics include executive coaching strategies, women in leadership, career development, workplace authenticity, feedback culture, and finding purpose in your professional journey. Perfect for aspiring leaders, current managers, and anyone navigating career transitions in today’s competitive workplace.

Guest: Sabina Nawaz, author of “You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need,” former Microsoft executive, and faculty member at Northwestern and Drexel universities. https://sabinanawaz.com/

Takeaways:
Deciding to work at Microsoft was a pivotal moment.
Quiet time can lead to significant insights.
Pressure can corrupt leadership behavior.
Finding joy in work is essential for fulfillment.
Authenticity in leadership is multifaceted.
Managing pressure is crucial for effective leadership.
Successful transitions require self-awareness and assessment.
Building a supportive network is vital for women in leadership.
Feedback quality is determined by the questions asked.
Success is about spending time wisely and fulfilling personal values.

Chapters:
00:00 The Importance of Blank Space
03:43 Facing Fears and Embracing Quiet Time
06:23 The Shift from Titles to Fulfillment
09:09 Managing Pressure and Power Dynamics
11:07 Authenticity in Leadership
13:59 Women in Leadership: Balancing Roles and Values
18:11 Navigating Authenticity in Leadership
19:21 Understanding Productive vs. Harmful Pressure
24:43 Career Transitions: Finding Fulfillment
28:11 Building Supportive Networks in Leadership
32:25 Common Leadership Pitfalls
33:59 Defining Personal Success
35:12 Transformative Feedback and Growth
39:17 Introduction to Transformation and Change
40:15 Insights from a Leadership Expert
41:32 Anticipating a Powerful Conversation
41:53 Introduction to the Influencer’s Impact
41:54 Exploring the Reach of Articles