Ep54 Hard Power vs Soft Power Leadership with Beverly McCluskey

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

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 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’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.