Do you ever leave a leadership meeting wishing you’d said something – only to replay it later and think, “Why didn’t I speak up?”

In this solo episode of HR Coffee Time, Fay explores why speaking up in leadership meetings can feel so daunting (even when you know you have something valuable to contribute). She shares practical, realistic ways to build confidence in those moments.

This episode is especially for HR and People professionals who find themselves second-guessing their ideas, worrying about being challenged, or holding back because the meeting feels high-stakes or fast-paced. Drawing on her coaching experience, Fay unpacks strategies to help.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. Why imposter feelings often show up more strongly in leadership meetings – and why that does not mean you do not belong there
2. How your nervous system plays a big role in confidence, and simple ways to feel calmer and more grounded in the moment
3. Breathing, grounding, and physical techniques you can use before and during meetings
4. The different kinds of value you bring to leadership conversations – beyond having the “perfect” answer
5. Why you do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to make an impact
6. Practical strategies to make speaking up feel more manageable, including:
7. Setting a small, realistic goal for your contribution
8. Shaping meetings in advance so you are not waiting for the “right moment”
9. Using professional phrases that buy you thinking time
10. How to zoom out and remember that one meeting does not define your credibility
11. Why confidence grows through familiarity and practice – not by forcing yourself to be someone you are not

1. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
2. Visit Fay’s website
3. The Essential HR Planner website
4. Learn about Fay’s Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

1. Ep 86: How to stop other people taking credit for your ideas in meetings
2. Build Your Professional Skills - HR Coffee Time Podcast...

The start of a new year is the perfect moment to pause and think differently about goal setting, especially when you work in HR or a people role where expectations, pressure and emotional load can be high.

In this episode, Fay Wallis shares her Triple Win Framework, a practical way to set goals that help HR and people professionals deliver real organisational impact, build career momentum and protect their wellbeing at the same time.

If you want goals that feel motivating, aligned and supportive of your long-term success, this framework offers a clear place to start.

You’ll Hear about:

1. The Triple Win Framework explained
2. Choosing impactful HR goals
3. Aligning goals to organisational strategy
4. Career-enhancing skills that matter
5. Why wellbeing must be a goal

1. The Build Your Professional Skills Playlist
2. Connect with Fay Wallis on LinkedIn
3. Learn About Fay's Inspiring HR Leadership Programme
4. Learn More About The Essential HR Planner

Sign up to the free weekly HR Coffee Time email to be notified each time a new episode is released – and get free career tips, tools, and resources.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.

Inspiring HR

Learn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - Personio

Personio

Before we all sprint into 2026, I wanted to create this bonus episode to encourage you to pause and reflect on the year that's just passed. In it, I work my way through the 10 'Look Back to Look Forward' questions from the Essential HR Planner and share my own honest answers - including the achievements I'm proud of, the challenges I faced, what I learned, and the moments that shaped my year both personally and professionally.

This episode includes reflections on expanding the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme, navigating the realities of running a business, experimenting with video, taking a long break from the podcast, and working through some unexpected moments of vulnerability along the way. My hope is that by sharing my experience, you'll feel encouraged to complete the exercise yourself and head into 2026 with more clarity and intention.

1. The Essential HR Planner
2. The free HR Leadership Impact Assessment
3. Read the full blog version of my reflections
4. Connect with me on LinkedIn
5. Learn more about theInspiring HR Leadership Programme

Be notified each time a new episode of HR Coffee Time is released and get access to other free career tips, tools and resources by signing up to receive the free weekly HR Coffee Time email.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Inspiring HR Leadership Programme

Learn more about the Inspiring HR Leadership Programme.

Inspiring HR

Learn More About HR Coffee Time's Sponsor - Personio

Personio