English Talk — Speaking up in English at work for introverts with Louise Jefferies

You chose your career because you loved the work, not because you wanted to be in the spotlight. Then, somewhere along the way, leadership, presentations, networking and high-stakes meetings made visibility unavoidable. That's exactly what happened to my guest, Lee Schneider. Lee is an introvert, filmmaker, playwright, author and coach who helps people communicate ideas that are difficult to explain. We talk about what happens when technically brilliant, thoughtful people have to step into rooms where there is no script, no familiar role and nowhere to hide behind the data. We explore stage fright, networking anxiety, embodiment, visualisation, storytelling and the surprising power of having a framework or “home base” when pressure rises. But underneath all of this is a bigger question: what does it take to be genuinely present when the stakes are high? For me, that's where confidence and leadership presence meet. You don't necessarily need to become more outgoing or learn to perform confidence. You need to understand what happens to you under pressure and find a way to stay connected to yourself, your purpose and the people in the room. It's exactly what my 'Stirred not Shaken' series of workshops and programs work on, building confidence from within rather than putting on an act. Because people may forget your numbers. They may forget your slides. But they're much more likely to remember how you were during the presentation and how you made them feel. Want to stay up to date with workshops and offers? Click to join my mailing list. You can find out more about Lee and get in contact here: https://www.redcupagency.com/red-cup-agency-media

What happens when you realise you don't actually know what you want? In this episode, I talk to Tanja Fauti about self-awareness, confidence, self-trust and finding your inner compass. We explore what happens when we become disconnected from our values, our bodies and our sense of what feels right, and why confidence is much more than something we can learn to perform. We talk about the physical experience of confidence and anxiety, the old inner voices and patterns that can still influence us years later, the difference between self-confidence and self-trust, and why quick confidence hacks may help in the moment but don't necessarily create lasting change. We also discuss the connection between identity and our roles, particularly for people working in high-pressure environments or communicating in a language that isn't their own. Tanja shares her perspective as a scientist, coach and advocate for reconnecting with yourself, while we both explore how our work can help people become less dependent on external validation and more able to trust their own judgement. A conversation about knowing yourself, listening to what your body is telling you, and discovering that self-trust doesn't require certainty. It requires trusting yourself to handle whatever comes next. The techniques I talk about can be found in my book Enough and How to get out the door - The reluctant networkers workbook If you're interested in finding out more about working with me you can book a free consultation call here You can read more about me on my website or connect with me on LinkedIn You can contact Tanja via her website at: https://www.coaching.fauti.ch

What if trying to sound confident is actually getting in the way of confidence? In this episode, I talk to communications and vocal coach Helen von Dadelszen about finding your authentic voice rather than trying to perform confidence. We explore voice, nerves, accents, identity and the small courageous actions that help us speak up before we feel ready. A conversation about sounding like yourself, trusting your voice and communicating with greater confidence and impact. You can Connect with Louise here: https://www.louisejefferies.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-jefferies-8495a274/ https://www.youtube.com/@Louisejeffferiescoaching Louise's book Enough: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/475403/190876035828418299/share And with Helen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-von-dadelszen https://www.instagram.com/present_potential?igsh=a3p0NXNxMnlwYzM5 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_2NMosqJQBBiv5ux3mYHg https://courageousaction.ch/

How many talented people stay invisible simply because they've been taught not to "show off"? In this inspiring conversation, Louise and communication specialist Susan Heaton-Wright explore why so many capable professionals hold themselves back, especially women, introverts and multilingual leaders. Susan shares her remarkable journey from being told as a child to stay in the background to becoming an award-winning opera singer, TEDx speaker and international communication expert. Together, Louise and Susan discuss how our early beliefs shape our confidence, why leadership presence has nothing to do with being the loudest person in the room, and how communication is a skill that can be learned rather than a personality trait. They also explore: Why meetings are a performance, but never an act The hidden strengths introverts bring to leadership Why multilingual professionals often underestimate themselves How to stop dismissing compliments and own your achievements Practical strategies for speaking up in meetings with confidence The importance of preparation, posture and purpose How to build authentic executive presence without pretending to be someone you're not Whether you lead a global team, present your ideas to senior stakeholders or simply want to communicate with greater confidence, this episode offers practical tools and a refreshing reminder that your voice deserves to be heard. As Susan says: "Don't be the world's best-kept secret. The world needs you." Watch Susan's TED talk on your tube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ-0Z8v9gMg

In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and former medical doctor Madeleine de Hauke for an honest conversation about fear, confidence and what really stops talented people from reaching their potential. Madeleine shares the deeply personal story behind leaving medicine after qualifying as a doctor, revealing how fear and self-doubt shaped one of the biggest decisions of her career. Together, we explore how fear often disguises itself as perfectionism, overthinking, procrastination or "logical" decision making, preventing us from speaking up and becoming visible. We discuss why high-achieving leaders, particularly multilingual professionals and introverts, often struggle with confidence despite years of experience. We also look at the role of trauma, the nervous system, and why small, consistent steps are often more effective than trying to eliminate fear altogether. Other topics include: Why fear is a normal biological response rather than a weakness The connection between perfectionism, shame and self-worth Supporting multilingual leaders who work across languages and cultures Why senior leaders still experience imposter feelings after promotions The importance of preparing for high-stakes conversations How coaching accelerates confidence and leadership development Madeleine's concept of "Owning Your Awesome" Why understanding yourself is the first step towards authentic leadership Whether you're an introvert, a multilingual professional, or someone who's ever questioned whether you're good enough, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance that confidence isn't about eliminating fear. It's about learning to work with it.

Why do so many capable professionals replay conversations long after they've ended? In this episode, I'm joined once again by coach Linda Terry to explore the overthinking, rumination and self-doubt that many scientists, leaders and high achievers experience, especially when working in a second language. Together we discuss why perfectionism can be both a strength and a burden, how cultural and language differences add another layer of complexity to workplace communication, and why anxiety is often misunderstood. We share some practical insights on recognising when you're caught in a stress response, learning to separate yourself from difficult emotions, and understanding the difference between healthy reflection and unhelpful rumination. Whether you find yourself replaying meetings at 3am, worrying about how you came across, or struggling to switch off after difficult conversations, this episode offers a compassionate and thought-provoking perspective on what might really be happening beneath the surface. Key topics in this episode include: Why scientists and high achievers are prone to overthinking The link between perfectionism and rumination Working and leading in a second language Anxiety, stress and emotional awareness The difference between "I am anxious" and "I feel anxiety" How coaching helps uncover blind spots and strengths Recognising the early signs of burnout Developing greater self-awareness and self-compassion

Why do we keep repeating behaviours that no longer serve us? In this episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Luke Mathers to explore the hidden habits, labels, and beliefs that quietly shape how we show up in life and at work. We talk about: why many habits are really forms of self-protection how labels like “introvert” or “anxious” can become limiting identities the difference between confidence and arrogance why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools for growth how assumptions and miscommunication create stress in workplaces and relationships We also explore the idea that even our strengths can become defence mechanisms, and how the behaviours that once kept us safe may now be keeping us stuck. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and full of moments that may make you question the stories you tell yourself about who you are. If you’ve ever thought: “That’s just how I am…” …this conversation is for you.

Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth Bachmann You’re doing great work. But are you actually being heard? In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Bachmann, former opera director turned executive communication coach, to unpack a pattern that keeps many talented professionals invisible at work. We explore why hinting doesn’t work, why being “obvious” to you isn’t obvious to others, and how unclear communication quietly blocks opportunities. You’ll learn: • Why people don’t respond to hints, only to clear asks • The hidden gap between what you think you’re saying and what others hear • How early experiences shape your confidence and communication style • Why facts alone won’t get you buy-in and what to do instead If you’ve ever thought, “They know I’m ready”… this episode will challenge that assumption. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to communicate in a way that gets you seen, heard, and taken seriously. You can connect with Elizabeth at: https://elizabethbachman.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbachman/ You can connect with Louise at: https://www.louisejefferies.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-jefferies-8495a274/

In this episode, I’m joined by Dagmar Albers, who spent over 20 years in pharma and successfully reduced a company’s gender pay gap from 15.9% to 6.6%. But this conversation isn’t really about pay. It’s about what actually holds capable professionals back from stepping into more senior roles, especially when working in a second language. We explore the patterns that quietly limit visibility and progression, even when the expertise is there. In this episode, we discuss: • Why the gender pay gap is more about progression than pay • The difference between equal pay and structural imbalance • Why many professionals wait too long before speaking up or applying • The hidden cost of downplaying your achievements • How imposter syndrome shows up at senior levels • Why language mistakes feel bigger than they are • The link between visibility, confidence, and career progression • Cultural differences that can amplify self-doubt at work • What needs to change in organisations and what needs to change individually If you’ve ever held back in a meeting, second-guessed your voice, or felt like others are more confident than you, this episode will challenge that assumption. 🎧 Tune in to hear a more honest conversation about confidence, communication, and career progression in international environments. #IntrovertLeaders #NonNativeEnglish #SpeakUpAtWork #CareerConfidence

This episode communications coach Beverly McCluskey and I challenge common assumptions about leadership, communication, and confidence at work. We discuss the difference between “hard power” and “soft power” leadership, why resilience is often misunderstood, and how introverts and non-native English speakers can lead effectively without forcing themselves into a more extroverted style. If you’ve ever felt pressure to speak perfectly or act differently to be taken seriously, this episode will show you a more sustainable and authentic way to build presence and influence.

What if everything you were told about needing to speak up, be more visible, and "put yourself out there" was actually the wrong advice? In this episode I speak with David Burroughs, retired corporate leader and author of The Extrovert's Guide to Elevating Introvert Leaders in the Workplace , about the hidden personality bias that quietly holds introverted talent back, not because introverts lack ability, but because the system was never designed with them in mind. We explore: Why changing yourself to fit the culture is exhausting and ultimately ineffective How well-meaning leaders accidentally shame the very people they're trying to include What small but powerful shifts organisations can make to unlock introverted talent Why diversity without belonging is meaningless If you've ever felt like you were performing a version of yourself just to be taken seriously, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I’m joined by Arijana Filipic to explore why strong communication is no longer optional in science. We talk about what sits beneath presentation skills, why fear of speaking is often mistaken for a lack of ability, and how storytelling helps people follow scientific thinking. We also discuss the risks of asking scientists to be more visible without giving them the support to feel safe and confident using their voice. A thoughtful conversation about voice, trust, and what science needs if it’s to be truly heard. You can contact Arijana via her website: https://arijanasacademy.com/

In this episode I talk with Sonya Snedecor about turning complex science into clear, influential messages. We explore why clarity builds trust, how focusing on the “why” helps research get recognised, and what holds scientists back from speaking up. If you're interested in working with Sonya you can find out more about her newsletter The Ambitious Scientist . here: https://science-clarity.com

Why do so many brilliant scientists stay silent and what does it cost? In this episode, I speak with Tamas Shohajda about fear, introversion, misinformation, and why LinkedIn is the safest place for scientists to start sharing their work. A must listen for anyone who knows they should speak up, but hesitation keeps winning.

Even senior leaders and seasoned experts can feel their confidence vanish the moment they speak in English under pressure. In this episode, Louise Jefferies and executive speaking coach Peter Novak explore why stage fright is so common, especially for non-native speakers and what actually helps. They discuss why “calm down” is the wrong advice, how to reframe anxiety as excitement, and why authenticity always beats performance. A grounded, honest conversation about turning fear into focus and finding your true voice in high-stakes situations.

What does it take for an introvert to thrive in leadership? In this episode, Charlotte Boujassy, Director of Talent Development , shares how she learned to navigate networking, public speaking, and career growth as a “well socialised introvert.” We discuss the limits of “fake it until you make it,” why genuine connections matter more than technical skills, and how introverts can turn their natural strengths into a powerful leadership advantage. 🎧 Listen now to discover how introversion can fuel authentic leadership and sustainable career success.

In this episode of English Talk , I’m joined by Amira Koraiem to explore how empathy shapes the way we connect and communicate at work. We talk about the hidden barriers behind language perfectionism, inner mental chatter and fear of judgement... and why empathy, both for ourselves and others, is the real key to speaking with confidence.

Think confident speakers are born that way? Think again. In this episode, Douglas shares how anyone can train for confidence like athletes train for sport. Together we discuss how ditching scripts, harnessing fear, and learning to speak with authority is possible without pretending to be an extrovert.

Can introverts succeed and even lead in an extrovert-friendly workplace? In this episode, Patrick Bartosch shares how he learned to act extroverted when it matters, why it’s not about being fake, and how introverts can recharge, communicate effectively, and get heard without burning out. Practical insights, personal stories, and a reminder: you don’t need to be perfect ... just prepared.

It’s not that selling is bad. It’s the way we approach it that causes the anxiety. The overthinking. The self doubt. But what if selling didn’t mean pushing yourself? What if it meant creating a space for truth with no agenda? That’s something introverts are wired for... They just need to see it differently.