Courage Loading...

About Courage Loading...

Courage Loading... is a podcast for high-achieving women navigating career change, leadership transitions, and professional reinvention — even when everything looks successful on paper. Each episode explores the identity shifts, mindset changes, and inner work behind real career pivots. From imposter syndrome and the proving trap to leadership confidence and decision-making under pressure, we unpack what it truly takes to lead yourself through the messy middle of change. Drawing on coaching psychology, behavioural science, and over 20 years of experience across Big Four firms and FTSE 100 companies, Courage Loading offers practical insight and honest conversations for women stepping into senior leadership, redefining success, or building a more meaningful and sustainable career. Hosted by Alicia Noble, Leadership Coach and Career Transition Strategist. Because every story of change begins with a single moment of courage. So what’s yours going to be?

Publisher

Alicia Noble

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

2 Mar 2026

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   S2 E03: Make the Step Small Enough to Take, with Marcelle Jans

   What if the next step doesn't have to be a giant leap? In this episode of Courage Loading Moments, I'm joined by Marcelle Jans, a trainer, coach and founder of the Self-Leadership Academy, who found the courage to leave a secure role as a results coach and business mentor without knowing exactly what came next. Marcelle shares what it was like to walk away from a job that gave her stability, security and growth, and why the fear that came with that decision was really about trusting herself. We also explore identity, unlearning the need to be perfect, leading from the heart, and how community and self-leadership shape the work she does today. In this conversation, we talk about: Why courage is the only way out when we feel fear How fear often comes down to trusting yourself Identity as a jacket: comfortable and well worn, but not always the one that fits Unlearning the need to be perfect Leading from the head or from the heart What self-leadership means, and why community matters Making the next step small enough to take, and letting momentum do the rest Marcelle also shares who showed her what courage looks like, the advice she'd give her younger self, and the song she's adding to our Courage Loading playlist. It's a conversation about finding your own voice, trusting yourself and taking the next step, however small. My top three takeaways Read my top three takeaways from this conversation, Marcelle's quick-fire answers and the full transcript on the episode page: https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/episodes/make-the-step-small-enough-to-take/ (https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/episodes/make-the-step-small-enough-to-take/) Connect with Marcelle Find out more about Marcelle's work, the Self-Leadership Academy and SPARK!, a month virtual get-together for women who want to grow, share and learn from one another, and it's all about building real connection. You can find out more here: https://theselfleadershipacademy.com/ (https://theselfleadershipacademy.com/) Courage Loading playlist Marcelle's song choice: Confident by Demi Lovato. Listen to the playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/courage-loading/pl.u-55D6677cYX4YlZ (https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/courage-loading/pl.u-55D6677cYX4YlZ) Wondering whether you're ready for your next career move? Take my free assessment, Are You Positioned for Your Next Move?, to reflect on where you are and what might help you move forward. https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com (https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com) Want to share your story? If you've navigated a career or leadership transition, or you're finding the courage to make your next move, I'd love to hear from you. Email enquiries@courageloadingpodcast.com to explore being a guest on Courage Loading. Interested in working with me? I work with organisations and individuals to navigate career and leadership transitions with greater clarity, confidence and purpose. Organisations, Noble Arc: https://www.noblearc.co.uk/ (https://www.noblearc.co.uk/) Individuals, Alicia Noble: https://www.alicianoble.com/ (https://www.alicianoble.com/) Book a Connection Call: https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call (https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call) Courage Loading website: https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/ (https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/) Remember, every story of change begins with a single moment of courage. So, what's yours going to be?

2. 

   9 Oct 2026

   S2 E02: Brave Enough to Change Direction, with Millie McDevitt

   What happens when the career you've built over more than 20 years no longer feels like the right fit? In the first episode of Courage Loading Moments, I'm joined by Millie McDevitt, a former British diplomat who made the courageous decision to leave the career that had shaped so much of her identity and start a new chapter as an international executive life coach. Millie shares what it was like to step away from a career she had once dreamed of, and how she navigated the uncertainty of leaving behind the security, purpose and identity that came with being a diplomat. We also explore her experiences of living and working across different countries and cultures, and how communication, connection and belonging have shaped both her career and the work she does today. In this conversation, we talk about: Finding the courage to leave a career that has become part of your identity Recognising the signs that it might be time for a change Navigating identity and belonging across different cultures and environments The power of sponsorship, mentorship and finding your people Why small acts of support can make a lasting difference Creating a life that feels meaningful wherever you are Knowing when courage means taking the leap, and when it means stepping away Millie also shares what her daughters taught her about courage during an unexpected mountain adventure, the advice she'd give her younger self, and the song she's adding to our Courage Loading playlist. It's a conversation about recognising what matters to you, trusting yourself and finding the courage to make choices that fit the life you want to live. My top three takeaways Read my top three takeaways from this conversation, Millie's quick-fire answers and the full transcript on the episode page: https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/episodes/brave-enough-to-change-direction/ (https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/episodes/brave-enough-to-change-direction/) Connect with Millie Find out more about Millie's coaching work and sign up for her weekly email: https://www.milliemcdevitt.com/ (https://www.milliemcdevitt.com/) Courage Loading playlist Millie's song choice: Mr Brightside by The Killers. Listen to the playlist on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/courage-loading/pl.u-55D6677cYX4YlZ (https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/courage-loading/pl.u-55D6677cYX4YlZ) Free career assessment Wondering whether you're ready for your next career move? Take my free assessment, Are You Positioned for Your Next Move?, to reflect on where you are and what might help you move forward. https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com (https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com) Want to share your story? If you've navigated a career or leadership transition, or you're finding the courage to make your next move, I'd love to hear from you. Email alicia@alicianoble.com to explore being a guest on Courage Loading. Interested in working with me? I work with organisations and individuals to navigate career and leadership transitions with greater clarity, confidence and purpose. Organisations, Noble Arc: https://www.noblearc.co.uk/ (https://www.noblearc.co.uk/) Individuals, Alicia Noble: https://www.alicianoble.com/ (https://www.alicianoble.com/) Book a Connection Call: https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call (https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call) Courage Loading website: https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/ (https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/) Remember, every story of change begins with a single moment of courage. So, what's yours going to be?

3. 

   9 Oct 2026

   S2 E01: Welcome Back to Courage Loading...

   Welcome to Season 2 of Courage Loading! Eight months after leaving my corporate career to build my own business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the challenges and what I've learnt about confidence, courage and navigating change. In this episode, I share some personal updates, why confidence comes from taking action (even when we don't feel ready), and what you can expect from the new season. I also introduce my new group programme for women in finance, risk and audit, a free career positioning assessment, and Courage Loading Moments — a new guest series featuring women sharing their stories of courage and transition. Links and resources mentioned Are You Positioned for Your Next Move? – Take the free quiz: https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com (https://positionedforyournextmove.scoreapp.com) Group Programme – Find out more about my small-group programme for women in finance, risk and audit: https://www.positioned.alicianoble.com/ (https://www.positioned.alicianoble.com/) Courage Loading website: https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/ (https://www.courageloadingpodcast.com/) Other events mentioned Speak and Shine: https://kieradair.com/speak-and-shine-summit/ (https://kieradair.com/speak-and-shine-summit/) Ideas Fest: https://ideasfest.uk/ (https://ideasfest.uk/) Want to share your story? If you've navigated a career or leadership transition, or you're finding the courage to make your next move, I'd love to hear from you. Get in touch to explore being a guest on Courage Loading. Interested in working with me? I work with organisations and individuals to navigate career and leadership transitions with greater clarity, confidence and purpose. Find out more here: Organisations – Noble Arc: https://www.noblearc.co.uk/ (https://www.noblearc.co.uk/) Individuals – Alicia Noble: https://www.alicianoble.com/ (https://www.alicianoble.com/) Book a Connection Call: https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call (https://calendly.com/alicianoble/connection-call) Remember, every story of change begins with a single moment of courage. What's yours going to be?

4. 

   8 May 2026

   E9: Bold Enough to Own Your Story: The OWN Framework for Career Identity

   EPISODE SUMMARY Alicia shares the talk she delivered at Speak and Shine Summit (7 May 2026), exploring her nine-month journey from audience member to speaker. Using the OWN framework (Origins, Worth, Narrative), she breaks down how identity - not career moves - drives real change. A raw, personal exploration of what it means to stop playing it safe and start living authentically. KEY TOPICS Framework: OWN (Origins, Worth, Narrative) | Core Concept: Identity before strategy Keywords: Career identity, career transition, leadership, burnout recovery, authenticity, mid-career change, women's empowerment, executive coaching EPISODE BREAKDOWN Cold Open (0:00–1:30): The Promise — Speak and Shine Summit journey (Sept 2025–May 2026) Intro (1:30–2:30): Welcome + Event context (12 speakers, Andrea Rainsford keynote) Main Talk (2:30–17:30): Bold Enough to Own Your Story Nelson Mandela quote: "There is no passion to be found in playing small" Living a B+ life: mortgage, pension, adulting league table The three inner voices: "This isn't it" | "This is not you" | "There's something missing" Playing safe vs playing small (the difference matters) Origins: Apartheid South Africa → unsegregated school → bold 21-year-old → corporate masking → burnout Worth: Outsourcing validation to performance metrics (companies, qualifications, ratings) Narrative: Inherited stories ("not the right time," "not the right person," glass ceilings) The turning point: Leaving corporate from trust, not desperation New script: Truly mine, trusts my worth, owned WHO THIS IS FOR Women navigating mid-career transitions | Professionals stuck in "B+ lives" | Anyone considering a bold move held back by fear | Leaders seeking authenticity over performance | People rebuilding after burnout Special mention: Speak and Shine Collection - Kier Adair (https://kieradair.com/speak-and-shine-summit/) Contact Alicia: Website: Alicia Noble | Leadership Coach & Career Transition Coach | Alicia Noble (https://alicianoble.com/) Email: alicia@alicianoble.com Linkedin: Alicia Noble | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-noble-1b377923/) Instagram: @alicianoble.co

5. 

   24 Apr 2026

   E8: Procrastination in Your Career Is a Signal: What You’re Really Avoiding (And Why)

   Why you’re procrastinating on your career change isn’t laziness — it’s emotional regulation. Learn the 4 feelings behind it and 5 questions to move forward. Episode summary In this episode of Courage Loading, leadership coach and career transition strategist Alicia Noble reframes procrastination as an emotional regulation strategy, not a time management problem. When you’re in the messy middle of a career change, stepping into leadership, or building professional visibility, procrastination often gets louder — and for good reason. It’s trying to protect you. The question is, from what? Alicia looks at three dynamics that make procrastination spike during career transitions, the four feelings that most often sit underneath it, and a five-question framework you can use the next time you catch yourself putting something off. Key themes covered Why procrastination is emotional regulation, not poor discipline The three dynamics that amplify procrastination during career transitions: uncertainty, identity, and the performance gap How procrastination can quietly fuel burnout in high achievers The four feelings underneath procrastination: fear, shame, overwhelm, and boredom — and what each one is really telling you How to treat procrastination as information, not a character flaw The one action The next time you notice yourself procrastinating, pause and work through the five questions in the episode. Don’t shame yourself out of it — get curious about what it’s trying to protect you from. Reflection prompts What exactly am I avoiding? What am I feeling, and where is it showing up in my body? What might this be trying to tell me? What needs to shift? What’s one small action that will help me make this shift? Your next step If this episode landed, download the BRAVE Life Audit — https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com) Alicia offers 1:1 coaching and you can book a call to explore the options here: https://calendly.com/alicia-noblearc/connection-call (https://calendly.com/alicia-noblearc/connection-call) Follow and subscribe to Courage Loading wherever you listen, and if this episode helped, a review makes a real difference in helping others find the conversation.

6. 

   17 Apr 2026

   E7: Are You Coping or Thriving? Why "Fine" Is the Hardest Place to Leave

   Courage Loading | Episode 7 Are You Coping or Thriving? Why “Fine” Is the Hardest Place to Leave Most of us were never taught to recognise when a career that looks successful on paper is quietly wrong for us. In this episode, Alicia Noble explores why “fine” is often the hardest place to leave — and the psychology behind what keeps high-achieving women coping instead of thriving. What You’ll Learn The Region-Beta Paradox (Daniel Gilbert) - why moderate dissatisfaction is harder to escape than misery The sunk cost fallacy - and how to stop letting past investment drive future decisions James Clear’s 'hats, haircuts, and tattoos' - a different way to look at risk and career decisions Why many decisions that feel permanent are far more reversible than fear suggests Connect Follow Alicia on LinkedIn - Alicia Noble | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-noble-1b377923/) Download the free BRAVE Life Audit - The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/)

7. 

   10 Apr 2026

   E6: Leading Your Career Starts With Self-Leadership

   Most leadership development focuses on leading others. But the skill that actually determines whether you can navigate a career transition successfully? Leading yourself. In this episode, I break down what self-leadership really means, why the knowing-doing gap isn’t a willpower problem, and the four dimensions of self-leadership you need to work on right now. I talk about: Why self-leadership is the most overlooked skill in leadership development The belief iceberg: why surface behaviour change doesn’t stick How Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, relatedness) explains why career transitions leave us feeling stuck The four dimensions of self-leadership in a career transition Resources & Links 📥 Download the free BRAVE Life Audit: The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) 🎤 Subscribe to Courage Loading on Spotify / Apple Podcasts 🔗 Connect with Alicia: Alicia Noble | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-noble-1b377923/)

8. 

   1 Apr 2026

   E5: What Playing It Safe Is Really Costing You?

9. 

   27 Mar 2026

   E4: Hidden Habits Holding You Back

   IN THIS EPISODE From quietly competent to visibly credible — why letting the work speak for itself could be costing you more than you think, and how to share your achievements using the who, what, so what framework From automatic yes to intentional choices — how over-commitment quietly competes with your future ambitions, and why learning to pause is the first step to making intentional choices From proving to trusting — why you're still waiting for permission that only you can give, and a four-step reflection to help you move from proving to trusting yourself THE FOUR-STEP REFLECTION: FROM PROVING TO TRUSTING What are you putting off - and what's it really costing you? Use questions to find out: What am I trying to prove? What am I really waiting for? What permission do I need to give myself? What is the one trust-based step I can take today? REFLECTION FOR THIS WEEK Which of these three shifts is costing you the most — and what's one thing you're willing to do differently, starting now? RESOURCES MENTIONED How Women Rise — Marshall Goldsmith & Sally Helgesen - Amazon.co.uk : how women rise book (https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=how+women+rise+book&adgrpid=1181975898104985&hvadid=73873697276541&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=133668&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-73873627407803%3Aloc-188&hydadcr=24405_2219357&mcid=0ca1a97a26353e76a83a795512827a43&msclkid=5c46379689e01659c89e5e50e6cef937&tag=mh0a9-21&ref=pd_sl_3sz8n14kkn_e) McKinsey & LeanIn Women in the Workplace report - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace-2024 BRAVE Life Audit — The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) Book a discovery call — https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id LinkedIN - Alicia Noble | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-noble-1b377923/) Insta - @courage_loading

10. 

    20 Mar 2026

    E3: Who’s on Your Career Board? Build the Support System for Career Change

    In this episode of Courage Loading…, Alicia Noble explores why successful career transitions aren’t meant to be done alone. If you’re navigating a career change or feeling stuck in the messy middle, this episode will help you build the support network you need to move forward with confidence. Alicia introduces your personal Career Board of Directors — the four key roles that support women through change: Courage (belief) Truth (honest perspective) Intelligence (guidance) Opportunity (connections) You’ll learn: Why support is a strategy, not a weakness How to audit your current support system How to fill the gaps with intention Resources: Brave Life Audit The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) Book a discovery call https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id Connect: Alicia Noble | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-noble-1b377923/)

11. 

    13 Mar 2026

    E2: Navigating Imposter Syndrome During Career Transitions

    Ever stepped into a new role or opportunity and thought, “What am I doing here?” In this episode of Courage Loading, leadership coach and career transition strategist Alicia Noble unpacks why imposter syndrome often shows up during career transitions, and how it can actually be a sign that you’re growing, not failing. Alicia explores the origins of the impostor phenomenon, first identified by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes, and explains why high-achieving women are especially vulnerable to it. She also introduces William Bridges’ Transition Model, which breaks change into three stages: Ending – letting go of an old identity Neutral Zone – the messy middle of uncertainty New Beginning – when the new identity starts to feel natural If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or questioning your worth, you might simply be in that neutral zone — the space between who you were and who you’re becoming. Alicia shares her simple coaching framework, Spot – Soften – Stretch, to help you move through imposter feelings with more ease and confidence: Spot the imposter thought Soften it with curiosity Stretch by taking one small action Because confidence doesn’t come from waiting to feel ready. It comes from gathering evidence. You’re not faking it. You’re becoming. Links: 🔗 Free BRAVE Life Audit — The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) 🔗 Book a free discovery call — https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id (https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id) Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review — it helps more women find this conversation.

12. 

    5 Mar 2026

    E1: The Identity Question - Who Are You, Really?

    Links: 🔗 Free BRAVE Life Audit — The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) 🔗 Book a free discovery call — https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id (https://link.noblearc.co.uk/widget/bookings/discovery-call-id) Tell me about yourself. If your first instinct is to reach for your job title, your company, your qualifications - you're not alone. Most of us have spent years building our sense of worth from the outside in. And when a career transition comes, it doesn't just feel professionally uncertain. It feels like an identity crisis. In this episode, we start where all real change begins — with identity. Using the acronym OWN (Origin, Worth, Narrative) we explore where your sense of self came from, where you've been sourcing your worth, and what story you've been telling yourself about who you are and what's possible. Three questions to sit with this week: What do I actually value right now — not what I've been told to value? Where have I been sourcing my sense of worth — and is that still serving me? What story am I telling myself about who I am — and where did it come from? Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review — it helps more women find this conversation.

13. 

    2 Mar 2026

    Welcome to Courage Loading...trailer

    Thinking about a career change — even though everything looks successful on paper? Courage Loading is a podcast for high-achieving women navigating career transitions, leadership growth, and professional reinvention. If you’ve done everything “right” but quietly wonder what comes next, this show is for you. In this trailer, you’ll hear what Courage Loading is about, who it’s for, and what you can expect in future episodes — from imposter syndrome and the proving trap to leadership confidence, identity shifts, and the messy middle of change. Drawing on coaching psychology, behavioural science, and over 20 years of experience across Big Four firms and FTSE 100 companies, Alicia Noble brings practical insight and honest conversations to help you navigate your next chapter with clarity and courage. If you’re navigating a career transition or quietly wondering whether it’s time to redefine what’s next, start by taking the free BRAVE Life Audit — a powerful self-reflection tool designed to help you get honest about where you are and what you want. The BRAVE Life Audit (https://alicia-scph0aky.scoreapp.com/) Follow the show now so you don’t miss the first full episode. Because every story of change begins with a single moment of courage.

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Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.