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

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 la...

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-protection how labels like “introvert” or “anxious” can become limiting identities the difference between confidenc...

Ep. 56: Stop Hinting. Start Asking. with Elizabeth BachmannYou’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...

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 pro...

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 e...

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 a...

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...

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 authent...

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 s...

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.

Can introverts succeed and even lead in an extrovert-friendly workplace? In this episode, Patrick Bartosch shares how he learned to act extroverted when it matters, why it’s not about being fake, and how introverts can recharge, communicate effectively, and get heard without burning out. Practical insights, personal stories, and a reminder: you don’t need to be perfect ... just prepared.

It’s not that selling is bad. It’s the way we approach it that causes the anxiety. The overthinking. The self doubt. But what if selling didn’t mean pushing yourself? What if it meant creating a space for truth with no agenda? That’s something introverts are wired for... They just need to see it differently.

Introverts often feel overlooked in the fast-paced world of Pharma & Biotech. Patrick Bartosch and I discuss how to balance authenticity with visibility, use communication as a career lever, and build leadership presence... even if speaking up isn’t your natural style.

As an experiment I uploaded all my social media accounts and marketing material and asked Chat GPT to interview me as if it were a potential client wanting to know more about me and how I work. The episode isn't scripted, I had no idea what it was going to ask me but I think you might find some of its questions interesting!

Kacie and I talk about the difficulty of measuring language level and progress, as well as how these skills often don't transfer from the classroom to the boardroom or team meeting, when you work in a second or third language in industries such as IT, Pharmaceuticals and Biotech where the working language is English.

Have you ever walked out of a meeting with your heart racing… not because you said too much, but because you didn’t fax anything at all? If so this episode is for you

What introverts process internally extroverts process more externally, how is that event possible? Of course this is a simplification of what's going on but it does give some insight as to how extroverts get more recognition. Introverts have a greater tendency to worry bout the impression the are giving to others. We worry that we're giving the impression that we're not interested or that we don't...

I the main complaint I hear from clients whether they’re coaching clients or language students is not having enough vocab.  Listen in as I talk about the 3 different causes for lack, one way to build you vocab and an alternative way to get better access to the vocab you already know without spending hours making vocab cards. You can download here: https://bit.ly/3NJ1iOi And apply to take Find out...

There are a lot of people who feel they have to be more extroverted, be more loud and that can have a negative impact on how genuinely they come across. Listen in as we talk about authenticity and it importance in gaining trust in all areas of life.

When you’re an introvert, the part of the interview you probably dread most is the section on behavioural questions. Why? Because you can’t predict exactly what the question is going to be and because you have to talk about yourself, your skills and abilities. If you're dreading interviewing in English as an introvert listen in on tips on how to prepare.

Public speaking today is becoming more and more a non-negotiable skill. Find out why as I talk to Lisa Sheerin about the consequences of not speaking up at work.

Why do I care about introverted non-native speakers, especially introverted scientists? That's the topic of this week's episode as I present to you my motivation to working in this field.