Clear Speak GCC

This could make some of you uncomfortable. If you are in a senior role, this post is for you.

The more senior someone becomes, the less honest feedback they receive.
Nobody tells them:

- you speak too long
- your message is unclear
- people are confused

So they continue with less than stellar communication, not because they lack ability, but because nobody corrects them. Communication does not improve with seniority. It improves with feedback and most senior professionals are not getting any.

Most of my clients are in senior roles or at C-suite level. You will never see them on my feed.

I protect their privacy completely. I may share patterns, but never identities.

Here is what I see again and again.
- Highly capable leaders.
- Strong ideas.
- Poor clarity.

Once they receive direct, structured feedback, things change quickly.
- Shorter meetings
- Clearer messages
- Stronger presence

If you are not getting honest feedback, you are likely not seeing the real gap.
I offer a communication diagnostic for this exact reason.
-A focused conversation
-A detailed written diagnostic with quantitative data
-A direct debrief with clear, practical guidance

If you are curious about how you come across when you speak, message me.

Most people don’t get what they want at work for one simple reason.
They never actually ask for it.

I notice smart professionals asking for things vaguely.
“I’d love more support.”
“I was hoping for some visibility.”
“I just wanted to flag something.”

None of these are asks.
Here’s what works instead:
“Could you help me with X so I can deliver Y?”
“Could we set aside 10 minutes in our team meeting for updates and feedback?”

Clarity is not pushy. It’s respectful. If someone doesn’t know exactly what you’re asking for, they can’t say yes.

Save this if you struggle to ask clearly. Follow me for more quick tips about better communication. DM me if you tried this today at work. What happened?

I have been ashamed to admit that I quit drinking alcohol 9 months ago. I was afraid people wouldn’t like me anymore.I was worried that others would judge me for not drinking.
Mostly, I feared that life would feel less fun without wine, and especially prosecco. People associate me with the color red and prosecco; I didn’t want to disappoint them.
Today, I can say, without exaggeration, that life without alcohol is truly better. The benefits far outweigh the challenges. I learned this on a walk with Joint. She told me that she quit 7 years ago and said she was happier. I thought, “Hmmm, a successful woman who doesn’t drink? Maybe that is possible”. She told me she was truly happier without alcohol and I wondered if that could happen for me.
The hardest challenge hasn’t been the drinks themselves. It’s been learning how to slow down, enjoy quiet moments, and be fully present without “going on a vacation in my livingroom”.
At the same time, the biggest gift has been time. I can drive my children anywhere at anytime. I have gone to a few brunches and I don’t “lose the weekend”. I wake up ready to go and fully functional. My brain fog has lifted. I also don’t waste time trying to find drivers if I plan to have a drink, or find that restaurants that serve. Now, I can just choose any restaurant and not worry about logistics. Time and freedom are two benefits I never anticipated. On top of that, my metabolism is returning, my skin is better, my hair is 2x thicker than it was (not kidding), and I “feel better in my skin”.
Here are the books that really helped me rethink alcohol and my relationship with it:
“The Easy Way to Quit Alcohol for Women” by Allan Carr
“The Naked Mind” by Annie Grace
“The Sober Diaries” by Clare Pooley
These aren’t preachy self-help books, they met me where I was, challenged my assumptions, and offered tools (not just tips).
If you’re curious or scared or wondering “what if?”, you’re not alone. If you are doing “Dry January” maybe consider trying for 100 days. Even if this post helps 2 people, it is worth it

Struggle with public speaking? You’re not alone.
The secret to sounding confident often starts with a simple roadmap.

When you create a roadmap in your presentation, you guide both yourself and your audience.

-For you, it brings structure. It helps you stay focused and in control.
-For your audience, it brings clarity. They know where you’re headed, why it matters, and what to remember.
-For everyone, it creates connection. People are more likely to stay engaged when they can easily follow along. Plus, it helps rambling and getting lost in conversation.

That’s why I often use the Rule of Three:
1. Start with a hook (“There are three reasons this matters…”)
2. Share three clear points (“First… Second… Third…”)
3. End with a strong takeaway (“That’s why clarity, efficiency, and impact matter most.”)

The Rule of Three keeps your message focused, structured, and memorable , and helps you project true executive presence.

Follow me for me tips about communication and public speaking. If you haven’t met me, I help professionals speak more confidently and clearly so they can make a greater impact in their own fields. Visit our website to learn more.

Grabbing Opportunities Starts with Believing in Yourself

At yesterday’s Female Fusion Coffee Connect, I walked away with two prizes (okay, one was my own voucher 😉) and, more importantly, two new clients.

People often ask why I seem to “win” so much. The truth? I believe in myself. I speak kindly to myself. I ask for what I want, and I follow through. Silja Eatock just knows she will be pulling my number at these events.

Yesterday, I dressed up not just for the event, but to celebrate myself, my business, and the energy I bring into the room. Here’s what I’ve learned: energy attracts energy. When you show up with confidence and openness, opportunities have a way of finding you.

I left with a wellness day to enjoy at , meaningful conversations, and new professional relationships.

🌟 Sometimes, the biggest prize isn’t what you win, it’s the opportunities you create for yourself by showing up.

This Sunday, I’ll be helping others do exactly that at my full-day workshop:
Prepare Yourself for Opportunities: Professional Communication

📌 Date & Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi School of Management

We’ll focus on:
✅ Speaking with clarity and confidence
✅ Perfecting your elevator pitch
✅ Building networking skills and connections
✅ Boosting your visibility and attracting opportunities

👉 If you’re ready to step into your next opportunity with confidence, I’d love to see you there. Scan the QR in the flyer to register. I will also put the link in the comments.
TheBridgeHub

Here is the story of my experience at the BeNeLux Business Council AGM.

As much as I value LinkedIn and the power of AI tools, nothing compares to the connections made in person.

Last week, I attended the BeNeLux Business Council AGM at the Luxembourg Ambassador’s residence. As a new member, I only knew three people walking in, but I left with far more than the hotel stay for two (thank you, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi!).

I walked away with real conversations, new insights, and connections that continue to open doors. I had the pleasure of meeting inspiring professionals like Saeed from Guardian Glass Middle East & Africa, Jessica Constantinidis, Yulia Stark, Saloua Tiar, and Dr.Omar Abed al aziz . PhD. Flore Bachellerie Since then, those moments have sparked even more meaningful introductions and opportunities.

AI is amazing. Social media is powerful. However, in-person events offer something else entirely, trust, presence, and authentic exchange. I didn’t want to go. At 7pm I wanted to be home with my family, but I am delighted I went. Never underestimate the impact of showing up (you could win something too).

3 Reasons to Use Storytelling in Business

When we think about business communication, we often default to slides, stats, and strategy. What actually sticks with people isn’t always what’s most logical, it’s what’s most human.

Here’s why storytelling isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a necessity:
Clarity
Stories can turn complexity into something people actually understand. A case study, a customer journey, a moment of failure and learning. These speak louder than bullet points.

Memory
Research shows people remember stories 22 times more than standalone facts. Think about that. In a world of information overload, storytelling is your best retention tool.

Trust
A well-told story isn’t about embellishment. It’s about connection. It shows who you are, what you stand for, and why people should believe in your message.

By the way, after just two minutes, attention starts to drift, unless emotion is involved. So, if you want people to take action, shift their perspective, or simply remember what you said, don’t just deliver data. Tell a story worth listening to.

I deliveed a storytelling workshop at Cloud Spaces, WTC Mall Branch last week and I can still remember the stories. I remember the “Mountain climbing lady”, “The lady who lost everything in a business deal”, “The coach who changed a client’s perspective”, “The Good Pakistani Woman”. People who were there, what stories do you remember? I would love to hear from you, even in a DM.

I avoided business studies at university because of one thing: math. Miraculously, last week, math helped me connect with a client.

He’s analytical, numbers-driven, and prepping for an extremely big job interview. When PEEL (Point, Explain, Example, Link) didn’t click, I switched my approach.

“What if we think of it like a math formula?” I said.

The value of X = Your Accomplishment + The Numbers to Back It Up

Therefore, if you get a question about leadership, X represents the value of your leadership, which means:

X = what you did + the measurable impact

He lit up, laughed, and actually clapped his hands. “That makes so much sense!”

He was then able to easily structure his answers using this formula. The lesson? Tailor your message to your audience. Communication does not happen unless there is understanding.

Maybe I am a mathematician after all.

This is me on the last day I will look like the version of myself I’ve always known.

When you read this, I will be in surgery for skin cancer on my nose. The diagnosis is thankfully the kind that can be treated. I have an excellent plastic surgeon, and I trust that I will be okay.

Still, I feel fragile.

At first, I believed I was fine. I told myself there was no reason to complain because others are going through so much more, and I am fortunate to have access to good care. After speaking to a few trusted people, I received some meaningful advice.
1. Share your struggles. It is easier than carrying them alone.
2. Your feelings are your own. No need to compare them to anyone else’s experience.
3. Let go of negative thoughts. “This does not belong to you”. Which is the also the name of a blog of someone I know battling cancer.
4. A warrior becomes a warrior through scars.

That last thought stayed with me.

The scar will fade. Healing will come. Today, I am allowing myself to acknowledge the sadness that comes with change. I never knew I was pretty until I saw myself through my husband’s eyes. Jonathan Fulton makes me feel beautiful. Saying that aloud feels both tender and honest.

This post is not meant to seek sympathy or compliments. Words are my love language. If you have been through something similar or have a few words of encouragement to share, I would appreciate a message. Reading those words during recovery would mean a lot.

My son, Sam, took these photos yesterday. We called it a brand photoshoot. In truth, he made sure to catch the good side of me, all sides. That made me smile.

Thank you for reading. I hope to read your messages

One of the most effective tools to overcome the fear of public speaking is the “callback” technique.

It’s simple, powerful, and instantly elevates your presence.

The idea is to introduce a story, phrase, or image early in your talk, and then refer back to it later. This creates a narrative thread that audiences love. It makes your message feel cohesive, intentional, and more persuasive.

I did exactly that today. I told a group of entrepreneurs at Female Fusion about speaking to my father on his deathbed when I was 22 years old. On that day, I asked him what I could in the future to make him proud of me. He said, “Multiply yourself” (which I explained). Then, later in the talk, when I was discussing my business, I said:

“Because I am helping professionals make an impact with their voice, I am “multiplying myself”. I am making an impact by helping professionals make an impact in their own fields and I know for certain that my father would be proud of that”.

What I’ve done is create a loop. That loop helps your audience feel like they’re part of something well-crafted, not a collection of random points.

Callbacks don’t just help your audience, they help you, too. They give structure. They reduce rambling. They bring your focus back, especially when nerves try to take over.

If public speaking feels overwhelming, try this: plant an idea early, and call it back later. The connection you build with your listeners might surprise you.
Have you ever heard a callback that stuck with you long after the talk was over?

Struggling to feel more human in virtual meetings?
These 6 quick tweaks will help you connect better immediately.

Raise your camera to eye level—no more unflattering angles.
Look at the camera (yes, that green dot!) when speaking.
Look at the screen when you’re listening.
Keep gestures near your shoulders so your hands stay in view.
Smile naturally and often because it warms up the space.
Use people’s names throughout the conversation.

Small changes = big impact. This post was created especially for Jeyran Eyvazzade who asked me to answer this question. Send me your communication questions, so I can dedicate a post to you too. Follow me for more tips and repost to help others.