Speak Like A Leader

“Suck It Up” Made Leaders Fear Vulnerability: Are You Silently Depressed? PART TWO

1 week ago

11 minutes 33 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

The success looks impressive, but inside you feel nothing

For decades, leaders were rewarded for being stoic, controlled, and unemotional.

But the “suck it up” culture taught an entire generation of high-achievers to fear vulnerability and disconnect from their own emotions.

Positive Psychology expert Stephen Lew shares why many successful leaders quietly battle disconnection, numbness, loss of joy, and undiagnosed depression.

What You’ll Learn:

Why vulnerability is not weakness but a learned skill that unlocks emotional healing

How depression appears as disconnection, apathy, withdrawal, and feeling stuck.

Why purpose is something you craft through action, contribution, and meaningful engagement with the world.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer who doesn’t feel joy in your success, this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Follow Stephen:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-lew-228aa2138/

https://www.positivepsych.edu.sg/

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Why You’re Burnt Out and Stuck: Let Trauma Become Your Superpower PART ONE

1 month ago

52 minutes 43 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Burnout isn’t weakness.

In Part ONE, Stephen Lew, founder and CEO of The School of Positive Psychology breaks down the symptomatic causes of burnout, the difference between hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness, and how leaders can protect their well-being without sacrificing performance.

What You’ll Learn:

Why burnout is a signal, not a failure

How your hardest moments can shape resilience, clarity, and meaning.

The real causes of misalignment at work

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to reclaim meaning, momentum and mental well-being, this is for you.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-lew-228aa2138/

Follow Stephen:

https://www.positivepsych.edu.sg/

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Hiding To Avoid Judgment: The Visibility Trap

1 month ago

59 minutes 19 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Are you staying silent because you’re afraid of failing in public?

Visibility feels risky.

Judgment feels threatening.

Humility becomes a convenient hiding place.

Avoiding judgment feels protective… until it kills your influence.

You don’t overcome this by thinking your way to confidence.

You overcome it by acting your way into visibility.

What You’ll Learn

The hidden psychology behind why leaders avoid visibility.
The Confidence–Competence Loop that kickstarts your influence
The mindset shift that turns visibility into a credibility

If you’re a senior leader, founder, or high performer who’s built a reputation on competence, but still holds back your voice, your expertise, or your perspective... this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Banker Turned Self-Rejection Into 2 Million LinkedIn Followers: Redefining Success | Eric Sim

1 month ago

9 minutes 42 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

From English language insecurity to global influence.

Eric Sim, former UBS Managing Director turned author and LinkedIn Top Voice with over 2 million followers, reveals how he redefined success by turning self-rejection and invisibility into influence and fulfilment.

He shares timeless wisdom from his father in customer service, how writing consistently helped him overcome his weakness in English, and why a portfolio career gave him more freedom and meaning than any corporate title ever could.

What You’ll Learn

The customer service mindset that builds lasting relationships and credibility.

Writing through insecurity and how publishing consistently on LinkedIn transforms confidence and connection.

Building a Portfolio Career and why fulfillment comes from range, not rank.

If you’ve ever wondered why recognition, purpose, or confidence still feel out of reach, this episode will change the way you define success.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and personal growth.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeric/

Follow Eric Sim:

https://www.instagram.com/instituteoflife/

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Stop Dreading Networking: Strategies for Confidence

1 month ago

52 minutes

Speak Like A Leader

The secret to confident networking? It’s not confidence. It’s neuroscience.

Discover why your brain mistakes connection for danger and how to rewire it for calm, curiosity, and authentic influence.

If small talk drains you or you freeze in a room full of strangers, this will help you shift from survival mode to connection mode fast.

You’ll Learn:

The real reason networking triggers anxiety
Simple tools to network confidently
How to master daily habits that make small talk effortless

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer looking to network with ease, this is for you.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Stuck in Your Career? Visibility Secrets to Get Seen & Get Hired | Shulin Lee

2 months ago

10 minutes 13 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Stop waiting for your big break and start creating it.

Top legal recruiter Shulin Lee reveals the truth about hiring, visibility, and the mindset shift that turns career frustration into breakthrough momentum.

What You’ll Learn:

How to spot and work with the right recruiters for lasting success

Building visibility and authentic growth in your career

The best investment you can make to move forward faster with confidence and clarity

If you're a CEO, senior executive or high performer who wants to get unstuck, this is for you.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Follow Shulin Lee:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/

https://aslantlegal.com/

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

This Speaking Mistake Weakens Your Executive Presence: Fix It Fast

2 months ago

53 minutes 39 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Your voice may be costing you credibility.

Here’s how to fix it before your next high stakes presentation.

What You’ll Learn

The physiological reason your voice betrays confidence under pressure and how to reverse it.
How to align your voice, body, and energy for true executive presence.
How to reprogram your nervous system before every high-stakes meeting or stage appearance.

If you're a CEO, senior leader, or high performer who wants to sound as powerful as how you think, this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Anxiety About Uncertain Times: The CEO Blueprint for Thriving | Terry O'Connor

2 months ago

9 minutes 39 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Most leaders panic in uncertain times.

Here’s how the best don’t.

Terry O’Connor, former CEO of Courts Asia shares how the best leaders stay calm, communicate with clarity, and thrive in times of uncertainty.

What You’ll Learn:

The smartest way to prepare for job uncertainty.

How CEOs balance vulnerability and strength to earn lasting trust.

Why leading with a curious learning mindset drives innovation and growth.

This is battle-tested advice from the boardroom to the Brick-and-Mortar.

Whether you’re a senior executive, retail leader, or ambitious professional, this will help you lead with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on leadership presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-o-connor/

Follow Terry O'Connor

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Get Noticed at Work: The Secret Pillar of Presence

2 months ago

43 minutes 44 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Stop being the best-kept secret.

Ever Feel INVISIBLE, while others command the room Instantly?

They walk in and the energy shifts. They're respected AND admired.

What do they have that you don't?

I share the Secret Pillar of Presence that can transform quiet professionals into powerhouse leaders.

This is the same quality that gives top-tier celebrities their "star power.

What You’ll Learn

The 3 pillars of presence and why most leaders miss the most powerful one.

How celebrities project their “star power” that makes people lean in

Neuroscience-based techniques to build your vibe presence and transmit confidence.

If you’re a senior leader who wants to command the attention you deserve, this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

instagram.com/richardbranson

Credits:

Richard Branson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqm2TTRmNpw

Michelle Yeoh

https://www.youtube.com/@UniversalPicturesIndia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUbwHpOcR-8

https://www.youtube.com/@WarnerBros

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ-YX-5bAs0&t=1s

Tony Robbins

https://www.youtube.com/@TonyRobbinsLive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=QOLzURdopV4

Oprah Winfrey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IWuARoBJo4&t=578s

https://www.youtube.com/@OWN

https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/oprahs-entire-audience-are-surprised-with-new-cars-video

3 months ago

6 minutes 29 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Why Great Leaders Fail in a Crisis: Failure to Adapt Destroys Careers

Most leaders don’t realize they’re becoming irrelevant… until it’s too late.

They’re losing influence because they fail to adapt.

SuYen Wong, Board Chairman and Leadership Professor shares how to adapt, reinvent, and stay indispensable.

What You’ll Learn:

Why even great leaders must reinvent or risk becoming irrelevant

What to do at networking events where you don’t know anyone

How to become an effective board member

If you want to lead with confidence, stay respected, and expand your influence, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Want More Respect at Work? Develop Your Executive Presence

Follow SuYen Wong:

https://linkedin.com/in/suyenwong/

3 months ago

49 minutes 3 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Stop being overlooked, and start commanding respect.

You’re told you need to increase your Executive Presence but you don’t know what it is or how to get it.

It’s about how you show up.

In Part 1 of the Presence Series, I share the first 2 pillars of Executive presence: Visual and Vocal Presence

Gain self awareness of these to start building your Executive Presence.

What You’ll Learn:

It starts the moment you walk in
Use micro-adjustments to build trust
How top speakers impact audiences by doing nothing
Simple tips to elevate your public speaking
Everyone can have a powerful voice that people love

Elevate your Visual and Vocal Presence to command attention, influence decisions, and be remembered in every room.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to speak with confidence, this is for you.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and public speaking performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxxVM_Vfcck

Credits:

Barack Obama speech on ABC News

https://youtube.com/@ABCNews

Morgan Freeman Interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIiNuLgUInk

https://youtube.com/@conanobrien

Steve Jobs Photo Wikimedia Commons

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Steve_Jobs_WWDC07.jpg

Anna Wintour photo

Myleskalus, Cropped and color-corrected by Daniel Case

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=anna+wintour&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=image

Jensen Huang 總統府

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Jensen+Huang&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=image

Video by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/video/woman-in-dentist-waiting-room-6192962/

Video by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/video/a-man-holding-a-pencil-at-the-office-7841867/

Video by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/video/shocked-woman-looking-at-the-camera-8626657/

Video by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/video/a-woman-looking-away-while-talking-8724221/

Video by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/video/man-and-woman-handshake-for-agreement-7426713/

Music by Music by u_98o9hlkn7r from Pixabay

4 months ago

8 minutes 20 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Overcome Fear of Visibility: CEO Breakthrough to Growth | Winnie Chan

Fear of being seen is costing your business and career.

Many senior leaders underestimate the impact of visibility and it can stall growth opportunities.

Winnie Chan, CEO and Co-founder of Bynd Artisan shares how she overcame her fear of visibility, pivoting her business, and the mindset of resilience for results.

What You’ll Learn:

Overcoming the fear of being seen
What entrepreneurs need to achieve success
Pivot strategies to thrive

Why starting a business later in life is an advantage

Turning visibility into business growth

Fix The top 5 Public Speaking Mistakes that Leaders make:

https://tinyurl.com/Top5Fix

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to speak with confidence, this is for you.

Subscribe to this podcast for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and high-stakes performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

https://instagram.com/the_paperqueen/

Follow Winnie Chan:

https://linkedin.com/in/winnie-chan-b08b51ba/

https://byndartisan.com/

4 months ago

51 minutes 29 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

C-Suite Secrets: 3 Communication Moves They Never Teach You

Want to speak with confidence and be memorable in meetings?

I share 3 communication secrets that C-suites and master communicators use to command the room and influence decisions.

What you’ll learn

• Speak with authority even under pressure

• Earn trust in the first few seconds of any meeting

• Deliver points so they land with impact and stay memorable

Watch until the end to discover the bonus move that world-class leaders use to lock themselves into the audience’s memory.

You’ll have practical techniques you can use in your next meeting, keynote, or presentation to change how people respond to you.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to speak with confidence, this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and high-stakes performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

#publicspeaking #speakconfidently #communicationskill

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

From CEO to Unemployed: Leaving Without A Job | Colin Low

4 months ago

6 minutes 48 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

He left the CEO role… without another job lined up.

In this candid conversation, Colin Low, former CEO of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) shares why he walked away at his peak without another role in sight.

From facing uncertainty to finding purpose beyond the corner office, his story is an inspiring example of bold decision-making.

For leaders at a crossroads, professionals feeling stuck, or anyone curious about life after leadership, this episode will make you rethink what it means to win.

What You’ll Learn:

- Why a CEO would choose to resign at the height of success

- The surprising benefits of stepping away from corporate life

- Lessons from surviving retrenchment and uncertainty

- Creating a winning culture for the company

- Being authentic whilst adapting to different audiences

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to project your presence, this is for you.

Subscribe & join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginachang/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/georginachang/

Follow Colin Low:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-low-70462310/

Gratitude to Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

This Will Change How You Speak At Your Next High-Stakes Presentation

4 months ago

44 minutes 44 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

When the pressure is on, what you do before you speak is what sets you apart.

I’m taking you behind the scenes of a high stakes presentation I gave years ago.

I was struggling with anxiety and sleepless nights, until I found the 5 rituals I used to steady my nerves, sharpen my focus, and show up with calm authority.

These are tools I now teach to new CEOs, senior executives, and high-performing managers preparing for their high-pressure moments.

Whether it's a board presentation, investor pitch, or a global stage.

These rituals blend neuroscience, NLP, and performance psychology.

What You’ll Learn:

The breathing technique that activates calm under pressure

How to anchor into purpose to quiet the inner critic

Visualization methods that top athletes use and how execs can adapt them

NLP tools for reframing fear and grounding into power

The simple way of creating a connection with senior stakeholders

Let’s get you ready for the room.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to speak with confidence, this is for you.

Subscribe to this channel for more strategies on executive presence, communication mastery, and high-stakes performance.

Join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

The Price of Fame: Joanne Peh Reveals the Painful Truth

5 months ago

7 minutes

Speak Like A Leader

The Price of Fame, Power of Presence

Award-winning actress, director, and podcaster Joanne Peh shares what it really takes to thrive under the spotlight.

In this raw and powerful conversation, she opens up about surviving public scrutiny, false rumors, and the quiet pain of being misunderstood.

From battling imposter syndrome to rising above controversy and betrayal, Joanne shares the mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and personal rituals that helped her stay grounded in a world that can be unkind to celebrities.

Whether you're a leader, influencer, or navigating your own version of the spotlight, this episode will remind you that:

You ARE a big deal.

Even if the world doesn’t see it yet.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, business owner or high performer ready to project your presence, this is for you.

Subscribe & join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow for quick public speaking tips:

https://instagram.com/joannepeh/

Follow Joanne Peh:

https://tiktok.com/@joannepeh

Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room

Video production by POCO Productions

Feel Invisible in Meetings? Discover the #1 Skill That Gets You Promoted

5 months ago

54 minutes 52 seconds

Speak Like A Leader

Do you wonder why when you speak up in meetings, you’re ignored?

In this episode, I reveal the #1 leadership skill most professionals are never taught but absolutely need to get ahead in their careers.

You’ll learn 5 science-backed steps to build executive presence and get the recognition you deserve.

If you're a CEO, senior executive, or high performer ready to project your presence, this is for you.

Subscribe & join the journey to Speak Like a Leader.

Follow to get quick public speaking tips:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginachang/⁠

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/georginachang/⁠

Executive Presence Survey Findings from COQUAL:

https://coqual.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26_executivepresence_keyfindings-1.pdf

Daniel Goleman's Framework of Emotional Intelligence by Changing Point:

https://changing-point.com/emotional-intelligence-in-the-workplace/

Box Breathing:

https://time.com/4316151/breathing-technique-navy-seal-calm-focused/

Podcast Partners:

Speak Like A Leader is powered by The Great Room