Today at work I asked myself, “Am I still needed here?” I love learning and using AI but the more I learn and realise its benefits on the job, the more that doubtful question repeats itself in my mind with increasing volume. Can you relate? In the past, I would spend an embarrassing amount of time spiralling down that rabbit hole of a question, with my confidence taking the biggest hit, but this year, I experienced something different. I'm okay with the uncertainty this question of value...
13 days ago • 2 min read
Insight Fear commonly triggers a deeply anchored feeling that you want to run and get far away from a particular speaking situation. This feeling influences your thoughts, how your body responds, and how you make decisions. The more I learn about speaking with fear, and the more I mentor and coach people on how they may speak afraid to be more confident, I see more clearly that the deeper meaning is that you are about to step into new and unfamiliar territory. So What? This new territory...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Insight Big new year resolutions often fizzle because they’re overwhelming. But confidence builds faster through small, repeatable wins that create momentum. So What? If you want to grow your speaking skills in 2026, start with one intentional, manageable action. Do it. Then hit repeat. This quick-win momentum sets the tone for your year, proving to yourself that change is possible and sustainable. Exercise to Apply Choose one speaking opportunity in January: asking a question in a meeting,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Insight Self-doubt often feels louder during transition time: closing out a year makes us replay what we “should have done.” But did you know that doubt is not evidence; it’s simply a habit of thought? So What? If you carry self-doubt forward, it will shape how you speak, lead, and connect in the new year. By challenging doubt now, you create a cleaner slate to build your confidence on. Exercise to Apply Write down one recurring self-doubt thought you’ve had this year (e.g., “I’m not good at...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Insight We set goals for fitness, finance, and career but rarely for how we communicate. Yet your speaking skills are a direct reflection of your confidence and influence. Without a plan, the same habits roll into the next year. So What? A quick audit of your speaking experiences this year gives you clarity on what to grow next. This isn’t about judgement; it’s about noticing patterns and creating intentional change. Exercise to Apply List three speaking moments from 2025: one that went well,...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Insight December often brings a flood of deadlines, family events, and social commitments. This overload can drain your confidence, leaving you tired and reactive rather than clear and intentional in how you speak. So What? When your energy is scattered, your communication follows suit. You don’t need endless time to recover; just a small reset can help you reconnect with confidence before stepping into the new year. Exercise to Apply Choose one “confidence pause” each day this week: a...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Insight At year’s end, many of us review achievements and challenges. Yet one area often overlooked is the fear we’ve carried around speaking up; whether in meetings, presentations, or everyday conversations. These fears rarely vanish on their own; instead, they follow us into the new year unless we choose to reset. So What? Confidence doesn’t come from avoiding fear, it comes from noticing where fear has held you back and choosing to act differently next time. By acknowledging what you’ve...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Insight Studies show that leaders with varied vocal tone and pacing are rated as more engaging and persuasive. A monotone erodes presence, while vocal variety creates connection. So What? Your voice is an instrument of influence. Confidence isn’t just what you say, it’s how you say it. Exercise to Apply Record yourself delivering a short message. Listen back: did your voice rise, fall, pause, or emphasise key words? Try adjusting one element to add impact. All the best, Susan.
4 months ago • 1 min read
Warning: This additional newsletter edition is a little more personal (and longer) but maybe you can relate a little to this in your life, or maybe you’d like to start doing what I am doing. Either way. I invite you to please read this with an open mind. The Background Today a year ago, I officially published my first book, Confidence Booster, Affirmations to Reframe Your Mindset and Boost Confidence. The irony of the title that I didn’t know then, was that I published it one of the the worst...
4 months ago • 4 min read