In this episode of Be Truly Heard, coach and voice expert Anne Leatherland explores what it truly means to move “from strength to strategy” as a woman in business. Building on the series theme of Taking Up Space, Anne delves into the two essential types of strength - inner strength and vocal strength - and how combining these can help you communicate with authority, warmth and authenticity.

Anne discusses how inner strength is the quiet self-belief that helps you stand your ground, even when your voice shakes or you feel uncertain. Vocal strength, meanwhile, is about control, presence and stamina - using your voice effectively so it carries both authority and warmth. Drawing on her experience as a voice trainer and coach, Anne shares practical advice for women in business who want to be truly heard, including how to use vocal variety, show up in your values, and reflect on your impact.

Key Takeaways

Inner strength is the foundation of self-belief and persistence, helping you speak up even when it feels challenging.

Vocal strength is about control, presence and stamina, allowing your voice to carry authority and warmth.

Strategy is the intentional use of your strengths to achieve your desired outcomes - choosing how you want to come across and what impression you want to leave.

Use vocal variety (pace, pauses, tone) to highlight key points and engage your audience.

Show up in your values - align your words, voice and self for authentic communication.

Reflect on your impact and use feedback constructively to improve for next time.

Best Moments

“Inner strength doesn’t always feel like boldness or certainty. Often it shows up more as persistence, quiet courage, that decision to keep going or to speak when you’d normally stay silent.”

“Vocal strength isn’t just about being loud… it’s about having control, presence and stamina.”

“Strategy, after all, is about choice. That’s when you stop simply reacting to situations and instead begin to choose how you want to come across.”

“Strength is not just about holding your ground. It’s about recognising what’s already within you, developing the skills that allow your voice to flourish, and then choosing to use those strengths with intention.”

About the Host

With over 28 years’ experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients develop vocal confidence and personal growth. Her holistic approach bridges science, education and the performing arts, supporting women to be truly heard in business.

Find out more: https://anneleatherland.co.uk/

In this episode of Be Truly Heard, coach and voice expert Anne Leatherland welcomes PR strategist Carrie Eddins, also known as the Blondpreneur, for a candid conversation about visibility, authority and the art of pitching yourself in ways that feel authentic and values led. Carrie shares her journey from struggling entrepreneur to PR expert, revealing how embracing media opportunities transformed her business and confidence.

Together, Anne and Carrie explore the importance of “reading the room” before “leading the room” and why understanding your audience is crucial for becoming a bookable guest. Carrie offers practical advice for women in business who want to be seen and heard, including the need to simplify your message for mainstream audiences and the value of storytelling in building genuine connections.

The discussion also delves into the challenges women face around judgement and self-critique, referencing the authority gap and the impact of societal expectations. Carrie encourages listeners to advocate for themselves, embrace their unique stories, and take courageous steps towards greater visibility - even when confidence feels elusive.

Key Takeaways

Visibility in business is about more than expertise; it’s about understanding and connecting with your audience.

“Reading the room” is essential - do your research, tailor your pitch, and show you understand the needs of each media outlet.

Women often hold back due to fear of judgement, but self-advocacy and authenticity are powerful tools for overcoming these barriers.

Storytelling and simplicity are vital - share real experiences and avoid jargon to resonate with a wider audience.

The B2B and trade press offer overlooked opportunities for sharing specialist knowledge and attracting meaningful work.

Confidence grows through action; courage is the first step to being truly heard.

Best Moments

“You’ve got to be able to read the room to lead the room.”

“If you can read the room, you can lead the room anywhere.”

“It’s about really backing yourself, no matter how you perform in the media.”

“Sometimes telling these stories, even though they were painful for us at the time, helps us connect with our audience.”

“Confidence is a very movable thing… if we’re waiting for it, it will never happen.”

About the Guest

Carrie Eddins is a PR strategist known for her inclusive and holistic approach to helping trailblazing business owners, especially women, gain visibility in the media. Her work focuses on empowering clients to pitch themselves authentically and build authority through storytelling and connection.

Find out more: Connect with Carrie via her website and social channels.

About the Host

With over 28 years’ experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients develop vocal confidence and personal growth. Her holistic approach bridges science, education and the performing arts, supporting women to be truly heard in business.

Find out more: ​​https://anneleatherland.co.uk/

In this episode of Be Truly Heard, coach and voice expert Anne Leatherland explores the subtle ways women “shrink” their voices, speaking more softly, holding back in meetings, choosing minimising language – and how that quietly erodes impact at work. She unpacks where this habit comes from (early conditioning, gender expectations, fear of being judged), then shares practical mindset, body and visualisation tools to help you take up more vocal space without needing to be loud or “pushy”.

She walks you through noticing when you retreat, experimenting with speaking earlier in “low-stakes” situations, shifting the thoughts that sit behind your sound, and using simple visualisations to retrain your nervous system so that being heard feels safe, not scary. The episode is a reminder that while shrinking may once have felt like self-protection, it no longer serves you if you want to be remembered, respected, and truly heard in business.

Key Takeaways

Shrinking shows up in your body and your sound. Rounded shoulders, shallow breath and small posture lead to a quieter, tentative voice that makes it easier for others to overlook you.

Awareness is the first step to change. Start noticing when you lower your volume, delay speaking, or soften ideas with words like “just” and “sorry”; jot patterns down for a week.

Practise speaking sooner in “low-stakes” spaces. In your next meeting or call, aim to contribute early with something simple like, “I’d like to add to that point,” to build the “muscle” of showing up.

Use your body to signal ‘I belong here’. Before you speak, roll your shoulders back, gently lift your chest and feel your feet on the floor; your voice will usually sound clearer and steadier.

Change the thought, change the voice. Catch inner scripts like “What if I’m wrong?” and reframe them into “My point of view adds value” or “I’m sharing something important,” then repeat until they feel believable.

Best Moments

“When your voice shrinks, so does your impact.”

“Shrinking isn’t just metaphorical; your body contracts, your breath becomes shallow and your voice can feel trapped.”

“Staying silent rarely serves us in business.”

“Changing the habit means changing the thought – the voice follows the mind.”

“Shrinking may once have felt safe, but it no longer serves you if you want to be truly heard.”

About the host

With over 28 years’ voice-teaching experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients progress quickly and achieve goals with confidence. Bridging science, education and the performing arts, she is a science graduate, qualified teacher and singing teacher with advanced training in voice practice, vocal habilitation and life coaching. As the only Vocal Process Associate Trainer, Anne mentors and trains other voice teachers. Her holistic, collaborative approach nurtures every aspect of the voice alongside personal growth.

Find out more: ​​https://anneleatherland.co.uk/