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

Louise Jefferies
  • 4.8 (4)
  • Language Learning
  • Updated Semimonthly

English Talk is a podcast for introverted, non-native English speakers who struggle to speak up at work, even though their English is good. Hosted by Louise Jefferies, an English trainer and coach with over 25 years’ experience working with scientists and international professionals, especially in Pharma and Biotech. This podcast explores why fluent English does not equal confident communication in meetings, how anxiety and mental chatter block your voice, and how introverts can speak clearly and calmly without pretending or performing confidence.

  1. 1d ago

    Ep 60: Don't Be the World's Best-Kept Secret with Susan Heaton-Wright

    How many talented people stay invisible simply because they've been taught not to "show off"? In this inspiring conversation, Louise and communication specialist Susan Heaton-Wright explore why so many capable professionals hold themselves back, especially women, introverts and multilingual leaders. Susan shares her remarkable journey from being told as a child to stay in the background to becoming an award-winning opera singer, TEDx speaker and international communication expert. Together, Louise and Susan discuss how our early beliefs shape our confidence, why leadership presence has nothing to do with being the loudest person in the room, and how communication is a skill that can be learned rather than a personality trait. They also explore: Why meetings are a performance, but never an actThe hidden strengths introverts bring to leadershipWhy multilingual professionals often underestimate themselvesHow to stop dismissing compliments and own your achievementsPractical strategies for speaking up in meetings with confidenceThe importance of preparation, posture and purposeHow to build authentic executive presence without pretending to be someone you're notWhether you lead a global team, present your ideas to senior stakeholders or simply want to communicate with greater confidence, this episode offers practical tools and a refreshing reminder that your voice deserves to be heard. As Susan says: "Don't be the world's best-kept secret. The world needs you." Watch Susan's TED talk on your tube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ-0Z8v9gMg

  2. Jul 16

    Ep 59 What's Really Holding You Back? with Madeleine de Hauke

    In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and former medical doctor Madeleine de Hauke for an honest conversation about fear, confidence and what really stops talented people from reaching their potential. Madeleine shares the deeply personal story behind leaving medicine after qualifying as a doctor, revealing how fear and self-doubt shaped one of the biggest decisions of her career. Together, we explore how fear often disguises itself as perfectionism, overthinking, procrastination or "logical" decision making, preventing us from speaking up and becoming visible. We discuss why high-achieving leaders, particularly multilingual professionals and introverts, often struggle with confidence despite years of experience. We also look at the role of trauma, the nervous system, and why small, consistent steps are often more effective than trying to eliminate fear altogether. Other topics include: Why fear is a normal biological response rather than a weaknessThe connection between perfectionism, shame and self-worthSupporting multilingual leaders who work across languages and culturesWhy senior leaders still experience imposter feelings after promotionsThe importance of preparing for high-stakes conversationsHow coaching accelerates confidence and leadership developmentMadeleine's concept of "Owning Your Awesome"Why understanding yourself is the first step towards authentic leadershipWhether you're an introvert, a multilingual professional, or someone who's ever questioned whether you're good enough, this conversation offers practical insights and reassurance that confidence isn't about eliminating fear. It's about learning to work with it.

  3. Jun 27

    Ep 58 The Hidden Cost of Overthinking at Work with Linda Terry

    Why do so many capable professionals replay conversations long after they've ended? In this episode, I'm joined once again by coach Linda Terry to explore the overthinking, rumination and self-doubt that many scientists, leaders and high achievers experience, especially when working in a second language. Together we discuss why perfectionism can be both a strength and a burden, how cultural and language differences add another layer of complexity to workplace communication, and why anxiety is often misunderstood. We share some practical insights on recognising when you're caught in a stress response, learning to separate yourself from difficult emotions, and understanding the difference between healthy reflection and unhelpful rumination. Whether you find yourself replaying meetings at 3am, worrying about how you came across, or struggling to switch off after difficult conversations, this episode offers a compassionate and thought-provoking perspective on what might really be happening beneath the surface. Key topics in this episode include: Why scientists and high achievers are prone to overthinkingThe link between perfectionism and ruminationWorking and leading in a second languageAnxiety, stress and emotional awarenessThe difference between "I am anxious" and "I feel anxiety"How coaching helps uncover blind spots and strengthsRecognising the early signs of burnoutDeveloping greater self-awareness and self-compassion

  4. May 23

    Ep. 57: The Habits Keeping You Small with Luke Mathers

    Why do we keep repeating behaviours that no longer serve us? In this episode, I’m joined by author and speaker Luke Mathers to explore the hidden habits, labels, and beliefs that quietly shape how we show up in life and at work. We talk about: why many habits are really forms of self-protectionhow labels like “introvert” or “anxious” can become limiting identitiesthe difference between confidence and arrogancewhy curiosity is one of the most powerful tools for growthhow assumptions and miscommunication create stress in workplaces and relationshipsWe also explore the idea that even our strengths can become defence mechanisms, and how the behaviours that once kept us safe may now be keeping us stuck. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and full of moments that may make you question the stories you tell yourself about who you are. If you’ve ever thought:“That’s just how I am…” …this conversation is for you.

  5. May 7

    Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth Bachmann

    Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth Bachmann You’re doing great work.But are you actually being heard? In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Bachmann, former opera director turned executive communication coach, to unpack a pattern that keeps many talented professionals invisible at work. We explore why hinting doesn’t work, why being “obvious” to you isn’t obvious to others, and how unclear communication quietly blocks opportunities. You’ll learn: • Why people don’t respond to hints, only to clear asks• The hidden gap between what you think you’re saying and what others hear• How early experiences shape your confidence and communication style• Why facts alone won’t get you buy-in and what to do instead If you’ve ever thought, “They know I’m ready”… this episode will challenge that assumption. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to communicate in a way that gets you seen, heard, and taken seriously. You can connect with Elizabeth at:  https://elizabethbachman.com  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethbachman/ You can connect with Louise at: https://www.louisejefferies.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-jefferies-8495a274/

  6. Apr 23

    Ep.55 Why You’re Not Speaking Up and What It’s Costing You with Dagmar Albers

    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 individually If 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

  7. Apr 6

    Ep54 Hard Power vs Soft Power Leadership with Beverly McCluskey

    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.

  8. Mar 21

    Ep 53 The Quiet Advantage: Elevating Introvert Leaders with David Boroughs

    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.

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4.8
out of 5
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About

English Talk is a podcast for introverted, non-native English speakers who struggle to speak up at work, even though their English is good. Hosted by Louise Jefferies, an English trainer and coach with over 25 years’ experience working with scientists and international professionals, especially in Pharma and Biotech. This podcast explores why fluent English does not equal confident communication in meetings, how anxiety and mental chatter block your voice, and how introverts can speak clearly and calmly without pretending or performing confidence.

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