I came home from a Monday evening cycling class and immediately sat down to record this.

The instructor said something during class that completely stayed with me. And the more I sat with it (or more accurately: sweat through it), the more I realized how much of career ambition, confidence, visibility, and even success seems to come back to that exact thing.

Not following what looks impressive externally.

Not following the same path as everybody else.

But figuring out what actually feels true, warm, strong and deeply yours.

This one is very voice-note style. Unfinished thoughts, real time reflections, sweaty gym clothes and all.

But if it resonates, let me know.

Apparently, speaking in front of people is one of the most feared things in the world. Which… checks out. Especially if you’re listening to this.

This conversation made me want to use my voice more. Not in a performative, “be louder” way. More in a stop overthinking and just say the thing kind of way.

This week, I’m joined by Annelise McCarthy: Speaking coach and the voice behind You’re On Mute. She’s just wrapped a national tour across Australia, teaching thousands of women how to speak with confidence.

We talk about:

• Why you’re not actually “bad at speaking”
• The gap between what you think… and what you say out loud
• Thought-to-speech fluency (and how you can train it)
• Why confidence doesn’t come before you speak
• What “taking up space” actually looks like (and why it’s not about being louder)

We also get into the less visible side of it: the self-doubt, the inner work, and the routines Annelise relies on before she steps on stage.

If you’ve ever sat in a meeting, had the thought… and then kept it to yourself, this one’s for you.

Send it to someone who’s been told to “just speak up more.”

Or save it for the next time you’re about to go off mute.

Connect with Annelise: https://www.instagram.com/theannelisemccarthy/

Follow Awfully Quiet: https://www.instagram.com/awfullyquietpod/

Here’s my confession: I worked five years to get to a senior level position in brand management. But whenever I introduce myself in meetings… I always drop the word "senior".

Because it feels like I shouldn’t be making a fuss. Stressing this little word would feel ego driven. Like I want to make myself more important than I am.

Until I realized… it’s doing myself and the people I introduce myself to a huge disservice.

I talk all about this in what feels like a voice note episode to myself, and to the person who downplays their credentials in the same way.