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

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 individuallyIf 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

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 ineffectiveHow well-meaning leaders accidentally shame the very people they're trying to includeWhat small but powerful shifts organisations can make to unlock introverted talentWhy diversity without belonging is meaninglessIf 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 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

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.

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.

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.

As an experiment I uploaded all my social media accounts and marketing material and asked Chat GPT to interview me as if it were a potential client wanting to know more about me and how I work. The episode isn't scripted, I had no idea what it was going to ask me but I think you might find some of its questions interesting!

What introverts process internally extroverts process more externally, how is that event possible? Of course this is a simplification of what's going on but it does give some insight as to how extroverts get more recognition. Introverts have a greater tendency to worry bout the impression the are giving to others. We worry that we're giving the impression that we're not interested or that we don't understand. That can result in a lot of mind chatter and stress.Join Jen and I as we discuss the and other topics of introvert life.

There are a lot of people who feel they have to be more extroverted, be more loud and that can have a negative impact on how genuinely they come across. Listen in as we talk about authenticity and it importance in gaining trust in all areas of life.

Public speaking today is becoming more and more a non-negotiable skill. Find out why as I talk to Lisa Sheerin about the consequences of not speaking up at work.

Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach with over 20 years of experience helping technical, analytical and introverted leaders amplify their influence and impact. Join us as we talking how to network and present with confidence as an introvert.

Too many introverts worry about perfection, the truth is that what you have is good enough. Not speaking up and sharing your ideas is a bigger crime than sharing them with imperfections.