Do you ever over-prepare for big meetings, only to freeze when it's time to speak up?

If you're a high performer who suddenly loses confidence in front of senior leaders or high-stakes audiences, you're not alone. This episode unpacks why intelligence and preparation aren't always enough—and how your mindset may be the real barrier to owning the room.

By the end of today’s episode with guest Whitney Faires you’ll know:

🔥Why your over-preparation habit might be sabotaging your leadership presence.

🚀How to identify your personal “power zone” and use it to perform under pressure.

🧲The exact mindset shifts and conversational strategies to handle executive pushback with confidence.

If you're ready to finally show up with clarity and command in your biggest meetings, hit play and learn how to bet on yourself—without needing all the answers.

If you’re feeling stuck — like you might actually be your biggest obstacle — constantly battling the inner critic that drives you to overperform but also second-guess yourself… and yet what you really want is to feel in command, clear, and confident no matter who’s in the room.

That’s why we created the Executive Presence Scorecard — to help high-achieving professionals like you identify your unique “Power Zone” so you can lead from strength instead of fear. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And it starts with awareness…

Email me at hello@speakupwithlaura.com and I will send it to you personally.

To get more scoop visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. Our Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning

About our guest:

Whitney Faires is an internationally recognized executive coach, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor with 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Formerly Chief of Staff to the CFO at Intuitive Surgical, she led high-impact organizational health initiatives, launched global leadership development programs, and coached rising professionals into senior roles. Her multifaceted career spans sales, finance, and commercial operations, where she spearheaded the creation of a $2 billion international leasing portfolio.

As the founder of Whitney Faires Coaching, she developed the Courageous Leader Roadmap - a practical approach for leaders to show up authentically, navigate adversity, and drive meaningful results.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

To see if my Executive Presence Mastery System 90-day coaching intensive is right for you, set up a strategy call here.

What if the reason less qualified people get promoted while you—someone who delivers miracles—stay overlooked… isn’t because they’re louder, but because they’re adding value in ways you don’t even see?

If you're a high-performing introvert who's tired of watching others get the credit and advancement you’ve earned, this episode reveals the missing piece most people overlook: you're not just under-visible—you’re under-valued in the eyes of leadership. This episode shows you how to bridge that gap without faking confidence or turning into someone you're not.

By the end of this short episode, you’ll know:

• Why trying harder at self-promotion will probably backfire
• Three ways your executive presence adds visible value to any conversation
• Simple, low-stakes ways to advocate for yourself without feeling fake

Hit play now to learn how to turn your results into recognition—and finally get the leadership opportunities you deserve.

If you've ever said, “I practically run this place, but I’m still not the one they promote,”—listen, you're not alone. But you're also not stuck.

The truth is: promotions don’t go to the loudest voice—they go to the most trusted presence. And if leadership doesn’t see you as the person who can lead 300 people without breaking a sweat, it’s time to show them.

That’s why I built the Executive Presence Mastery System—a 90-day intensive that gives you the tools to build visible value, speak with energy, and lead with meaning—without selling out your personality.

👉 If you’re done waiting and ready to rise, look up in these show notes and click the first link—or head to speakupwithlaura.com to book your strategy call now. Let’s make your next move your biggest yet.

Our Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.

To see if Laura’s Executive Presence Mastery System 90-day coaching intensive is right for you, set up a strategy call here.

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your credibility by being too authentic at work?

If you're a high-performing introvert or senior leader aiming to strengthen your executive presence, today's episode is your wake-up call. We’re breaking down brand-new Harvard Business Review research that reveals how the "bring your whole self to work" movement may be quietly undermining your authority, your team’s stability, and your career progression.

By the end of today’s episode you’ll know:

😭Why unfiltered authenticity can backfire—especially in leadership roles

🔥How power impacts your personality (in ways you might not notice)

🪝5 practical strategies to be authentic without oversharing or weakening your influence

Press play to discover how to lead with purpose, boundaries, and presence—without losing your authenticity or your edge.

So if you’re a high performer with your eye on that next-level leadership role, but you’re not sure where the line is between “being real” and “being reckless” — and maybe that uncertainty is holding you back — but you still want to lead with impact and empathy without slipping into overexposure... that’s exactly why we built the Executive Presence Scorecard.

It helps you assess your current strengths and gaps across the four pillars of executive presence — so you can start showing up like a leader who gets noticed and respected. If that sounds like what you need, email me at hello@speakupwithlaura.com with the word “score” in the subject line. I’ll send it to you personally!

The HBR article by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Why Leaders Should Bring Their Best Self—Not Their Whole Self—to Work.

For more information visit www.speakupwithlaura.com. Our Speak Up podcast episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday early in the morning.

In Speak Up communication and executive presence coaching, high performing leaders and executives learn to enhance their influence and confidence, refining their communication style to increase visibility and effectiveness in promotion opportunities.

By honing communication skills and fostering a trusted advisor mindset, aspiring executives cultivate mastery in public speaking and beat imposter syndrome. Your leadership becomes more strategic and inspiring.