Delight in the Limelight

In this episode, I help leadership coach and podcaster Julie Neale work through the discomfort she feels on stage.Though she's right at home behind the microphone, being on stage stirs up something different. Julie may look confident, but inside, she's anxious — silently struggling.Together, we trace her nerves back to early experiences that shaped her identity, including a pivotal moment when her father, with the best intentions, publicly praised her in a way that became a role she felt expected to play — even at the expense of her own truth.We also talk about how to feel more grounded, expand your stage presence, and create a sense of belonging in front of an audience.If you've ever felt unseen, misrepresented, or not fully yourself in the spotlight, this conversation will speak to you.Click here to check the full show notes.

What can professionals learn from champion public speakers—even if they never plan to compete?

In this coaching session, brain nutritionist and podcast host Laurie Hammer, though comfortable on video, feels less so speaking in person. She worries she'll say something incorrect, bore her audience, and wonders if she has anything new to say that's different than others in her field. She also would like to regain confidence she once had and lost, about singing in public.We come up with strategies and mindset shifts to address these concerns. We also explore the root causes of her loss of confidence around singing in public as well as performance strategies to stay focused when emotions arise when singing music that's moving you to tears. By the end, the level of activation from these past performing experiences has substantially diminished.Click here to check the full show notes.

Are you looking to increase your influence and better articulate your expertise? Listen to my conversation with Lisa Gillette - a former senior vice president and now an executive coach - who shares her insights from over 25 years in the corporate world.You'll learn:- Practical strategies for pitching your ideas- How to effectively communicate your expertise- Techniques for building and maintaining authorityIf you want to successfully navigate corporate dynamics while staying true to yourself, this is the episode for you.Click here to check the full show notes.

These coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, allow you to hear me coach a student or client on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, I help Facebook marketing expert Katelyn Coleman prepare for her very first panel appearance. To ensure Katelyn has the best possible experience on the panel, I coach her to shift her mindset and lead her in a visualization to mentally rehearse the event.This is a great episode to listen to if you want to hear how to best prepare for an event so that you are grounded, focused, and energized to have a good time when you speak.Click here to check the full show notes

Small talk is often seen as a bit of a nuisance or a necessary evil. But it doesn't have to be. What if it could serve as a gateway to deeper connections and relationships instead?In this episode, I chat to the hosts of The Opposite of Small Talk Podcast, Danielle McCombs and Kristy Olinger, about the art of meaningful conversation.Listen to our conversation to learn:- When to share personal stories (and when not to)- How to strike a balance between talking and listening- The difference between genuine small talk and disingenuous small talk- How to transition from small talk into more meaningful conversationsThis episode is packed with practical advice to help you turn everyday conversations into moments of genuine connection, whether that's in a professional or a social setting.Click here to check the full show notes

These coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, allow you to hear me coach a student or client on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, I help Shawn Kunkler, the host of the Realtor180 podcast, who, at the time of recording, is gearing up for his biggest talk to date, in front of 400 realtors.We explore the root causes of his speaking anxiety and clear them away with some powerful healing techniques. I then offer Shawn specific practices and techniques to use so that he hits the floor running when he steps up to the mic. If you struggle with speaking anxiety, you'll benefit from hearing the mindset shifts, practices, and rituals covered in this session. Click here to check the full show notes.

If the word “networking” makes you groan, today's episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast is for you!I talk to speaker, networking coach, and business development strategist, Julie Brown, about the art of meaningful networking. Julie shares her insights on building genuine, human-centric relationships that go beyond the exchanges of business cards.Listen to our conversation to learn:- Why you need to expand the “surface area” of your connections- Some surprising statistics on adult friendships- How to ask dopamine-inducing questionsIf you're looking to expand your network and connect on a deeper level, this episode is a must-listen! Click here to check the full show notes

Ever feel like you're wearing two hats at once—trying to get things done while also being the leader who inspires others to do the same? Many leaders struggle to shift from being a doer to guiding and empowering a team of doers.In this conversation, Julie Ellis, an executive coach to top corporate leaders and scaling entrepreneurs, shares practical insights and mindset shifts to help you embody the kind of leadership that attracts respect, loyalty, and results.Tune in to hear:- Practical strategies for transitioning into a leadership role- How to decide when to lead from the front, work alongside your team, or support from behind- Ideas for ways to give team members opportunities for growthThis conversation is full of practical advice, relatable stories, and valuable insights into what it takes to be a successful leader.Click here to check the full show notes

Does the thought of discussing politics with someone on "the other side" make you want to run the other way? Do your conversations devolve into heated arguments, leaving you frustrated and disconnected? Are you worried that political divides are harming your relationships and our sense of community?I've found it more challenging than ever to discuss politics with those who hold different views, and perhaps you feel the same way.That's why I'm inviting you to join me for a meaningful conversation with Liane Davey, author of The Good Fight, and Heather Hansen, author of Advocate to Win. Both are experts in effective communication and teamwork within the business world.Together, we explore how the same principles that drive successful collaboration and handling conflict in teams can be applied to civil conversations.My hope is that we can lessen the undercurrent of stress of these times. I'm convinced that creating a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere in our communities will help us heal these divides so that together, we can build the cohesion needed to tackle the big issues of our time.Listen in to learn:- Practical strategies for finding common ground- How to handle misinformation- How to know when a relationship is worth letting goJoin us for this enlightening conversation and be part of the movement toward a more connected, creative, and resilient society—where you feel safe to both listen and speak with confidence.Click here to check the full show notes

How do the very best leaders cultivate team confidence? In this interview, I speak with leadership expert Glain Roberts-McCabe about the role leaders play in building confident and empowered teams.Tune in to explore:- The main factors that contribute to team confidence- Tactics you can use to foster a resilient and cohesive team culture- The difficulties in balancing team output with team moraleThis is an insightful conversation for leaders of all kinds who want to give their teams the best possible chance of success and fulfilment.  Click here to check the full show notes.

In these coaching episodes of Delight in the Limelight, you'll get to hear me coach a student on a specific speaking confidence issue.In this episode, Linda Ugelow coaches Abby O'Sullivan, co-founder of a podcast management agency who struggles with forgetting what she wants to say, speaking too fast, and worrying she'll lose her audience, particularly when speaking live in person.Linda helps her uncover the root causes of this feeling, tracing her fears back to certain childhood and adult relationships and messages she received. Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode of Delight in the Limelight, Leslie Ehm, author of Swagger, dives deep into the concept of confidence. Listen in to learn:- How embracing your unique traits could make you unstoppable- How to reframe “negative” traits as superpowers- How to handle the challenges of being authentic in a professional settingIf you know you're not being your full, authentic, confident self, this episode is for you.Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode, Linda Ugelow coaches Marcia Dawood, an angel investor and author, who struggles with blanking out on what she wants to say, and her concerns about what others think, particularly when she knows people in the audience.Linda helps her uncover the root causes of this feeling tracing her fears back to childhood experiences of feeling silenced and judged.Click here to check the full show notes.

Is a fear of cameras and being photographed holding you back in your business?Join me in this conversation with branding photographer Raj Bandyopadhyay to tackle the fear of being in front of the camera. We talk about overcoming perfectionism, getting personal branding photos that show who you really are, and finding the balance between "looking good" and "being yourself.”Listen in to learn:- The true goal of branding photography (and it's not to look good!)- How to choose a photographer who will make you feel safe- Strategies to make sure you feel comfortable during personal branding photoshootsTune in and let's help you shine in front of that lens! Click here to check the full show notes.

Do you ever think your presentations could be more engaging? Join me in learning how to use humor in public speaking, in my conversation with stand-up comedian Blake Green.Blake shares his journey from making his family laugh as a kid to becoming a seasoned entertainer. Together, we unpack the importance of laughter for human connection, share our funniest anecdotes, and explore practical tips for infusing humor into public speaking.Listen in to learn:- How to use self-deprecating humor to handle awkward on-stage moments- How to find the funniest material in your everyday life- The best place to try out and improve your jokesThis is a fun conversation for anyone looking to delight their audience using humor.Click here to check the full show notes.

In this episode, we explore silence—how societal and internalized pressures stifle our self-expression, and the profound liberation that comes with unlearning these patterns. My guest Elaine Lin Hering talks about the impact of silence on our relationships, and she shares practical advice on how to improve communication, assertiveness, and self-expression.Listen in to learn:- Why we stay silent and how our silence negatively impacts our self-worth and relationships- Practical strategies for speaking up and asserting agency- How to use AI to manage negativity and reframe communicationGet ready to unleash the full power of your voice!Click here to check the full show notes.

What if you could reframe your relationship with awkwardness and learn to manage awkward moments with ease?Join me in this episode of Delight in the Limelight, where I speak to Henna Pryor - Workplace Performance Expert and author of Good Awkward.In this episode, you'll learn:- What the spotlight effect is and why you shouldn't trust it.- Strategies for dealing with nervousness and a lack of audience engagement.- Practical examples and benefits of using improv in your speaking.Click here to check the full show notes.

Do you ever wish you could approach speaking with ease and confidence instead of stress and anxiety? Then listen to this episode of Delight in the Limelight where I speak with psychology expert and host of the MINDSET ZONE podcast, Ana Melikian.Listen to our conversation to learn how to:- Recognize your limiting beliefs and cultivate a growth mindset- Harness the power of mindset to unlock your full potential as a speaker- Reframe your anxiety and respond to stress instead of reacting to itThis is a conversation for speakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who want to communicate with greater ease and presence.Click here to check the full show notes.

How do you learn to be authentically yourself in your public speaking and writing? And how do you deal with the emotional impact of any negative feedback you get?In this episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast, award-winning copywriter and founder of Talking Shrimp, Laura Belgray, joins me to talk about the challenges (and benefits!) of being authentically yourself.Listen to our conversation to learn:- What it looks like to truly be yourself- How to balance authenticity with professionalism in a work environment- Laura's approach to handling negative feedback- One very effective strategy for building your confidenceThis is a conversation for anyone who wants to be true to themselves in their work and online.Click here to check the full show notes.

Just how important is storytelling for public speaking success? According to today's guest, it's the key to delivering an engaging and entertaining presentation.Mike Ganino is a seasoned public speaker, performance coach, and former executive producer of TEDx Cambridge. In this episode of the Delight in the Limelight show, he joins me to discuss the importance of emotionally honest storytelling, drawing on your individual perspective, and incorporating your lived experiences into your presentations.He also introduces us to his unique approach to public speaking - the Mike Drop Method.Listen to our conversation to learn:- Mike's top strategies for making your presentations more entertaining- What public speakers can learn from method acting- How to explore and use your own lived experience in your presentations- How to talk about data in an engaging and relatable wayThis is a conversation for anyone who wants to bring more of themselves to their speaking.Click here to check the full show notes.

Do you want to draw your audience in more as a speaker, or maybe you want to feel more creative and carefree around your ideas and inspirations?Join me on Delight in the Limelight Live where I'll be having a conversation with Susie deVille, author of BUOYANT: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Becoming Wildly Successful, Creative, and Free.What you'll get in this episode, where Delight meets Buoyant:- Learn how to bring forth the uniquely individual self-expression that draws your market toward you.- How to distinguish what is truly you from everyone else so you can stop caring about what others think.- How to shift into an ultimate energetic state that turns speaking into a peak experience.- An introduction to a whole-brain creative journaling system you can utilize to unlock your brilliant ideas and inspirations.This is a conversation for entrepreneurs, business leaders and speakers who want to unleash their full potential to communicate with freedom and lead their businesses with creativity, confidence, and joy.Click here to check the full show notes

When life is hectic and you're frazzled, it's natural that you would bring that same energy to your speaking. Today on the Delight in the Limelight show, I'm joined by Nina Nesdoly a work stress and burnout prevention speaker and researcher. She draws on her interdisciplinary background in Organizational Behavior and Neuroscience to examine work-related stress from both management and physiological perspectives.We'll be speaking about how to:- Set healthy boundaries and manage expectations to reduce pressure and anxiety around public speaking - Identify high achievement patterns that worsen speaking anxiety - Get over people pleasing and caring what others thinkWe also dissect the differences between type-A personalities, people pleasing, and perfectionism. Click here to check the full show notes

Are you struggling to create a workplace culture where people feel comfortable speaking up? Join me for this live show with Stephen Shedletsky, author of the upcoming book Speak-Up Culture. You'll come away with the tools, mindset shifts, and strategies you need to transform your workplace with a feedback-rich culture of open communication.Click here to check the full show notes

When we speak in public, we tend to focus on the words we want to say and forget that we speak with our body, through our vocal production. By attending to the way we use our voices, we can find keys to what inhibits us, and what sets us free. Join me in conversation with Jennifer Hamady, a voice coach and therapist specializing in technical and emotional issues that interfere with self-expression.Click here to check the full show notes

"Put your head down, do good work, and you'll be rewarded." This familiar adage has left many of us perplexed. Despite playing by the rules, we often witness others who skillfully promote themselves receiving coveted opportunities.Why do so many of us feel uncomfortable speaking up about our own successes?Join me on the Delight in the Limelight show as I sit down with Lisa Bragg, author of Bragging Rights: How to Talk about Your Work Using Purposeful Self-Promotion.Together, we will explore:- What bragging truly means and what it doesn't.- The art of authentic self-promotion– what to include and what to avoid- How to embrace a mindset of joy and celebration around other's success and self-promotion.Click here to check the full show notes

Have you ever felt others didn't recognize your value? Where you felt all your hard work went unnoticed, unacknowledged, or unappreciated? In this conversation, we cover how to:- Build a "value vault" that elevates your excellence- Give voice to the value of your work and character- Stop people pleasing without stopping your care for others- Get your groove back after a hard knockClick here to check the full show notes

Have you ever felt invisible or marginalized at work where you had to hide a part of yourself or felt you don't belong?Maybe you hide or downplay a piece of your identity in order to fit in.We all want to belong– not for who we aren't, but for who we are!Maybe you are a manager wanting to empower each member on your team.Here to discuss this all with me is Tricia Montalvo Timm. Tricia is a board director, venture investor, speaker and author. She is a first-generation Latina whose law career spanned from working with some of the most well-known publicly traded multinational companies to stepping on as the first lawyer at several high-growth start-ups.She rose through the ranks of Silicon Valley advising high-tech companies big and small, culminating in the sale of data analytics software company Looker to Google for $2.6 billion.In new book, Embrace the Power of You, she seeks to inspire those who have felt like an “other” in the workplace how to own your identity at work, show up as your authentic self, and how that leads to the real success you may be seeking.Click here to check the full show notes

Join me in this episode with Susan Barber, author of The Visibility Factor, to learn simple and actionable ways to boost your visibility and make your mark in the workplace. You'll learn how you can shine as an introvert, deconstruct the barriers in communication with higher-ups and peers, and learn to share your accomplishments and wins without coming across as arrogant or boastful.Click here to check the full show notes

In today's episode, we delve into the world of performance psychology with an expert who bridges the gap between physical prowess and mental resilience, offering unique insights that can elevate your speaking confidence.Guest, Dr. Brian Hite, is not just an acclaimed sports psychologist but also an experienced stuntman, bringing a unique perspective on mental strength and readiness. His expertise spans across helping a diverse range of individuals, from athletes and musicians to dancers and even US Army personnel. Dr. Hite's approach combines the rigor of physical training with the subtlety of cognitive strategies, making him an exceptional voice in the field of performance psychology.In this episode, Dr. Hite and host Linda Ugelow engage in a compelling discussion about the significance of mental imagery, the nature of performance anxiety, and the essential elements of building resilience. They explore how these concepts, rooted deeply in sports psychology, are remarkably applicable to public speaking and business presentations. Whether you're stepping onto a stage, leading a meeting, or presenting at a conference, the insights shared in this episode will provide you with the tools to approach these situations with increased confidence, focus, and control, transforming not just how you speak, but also how you perceive and handle the challenges of public performance.Click here to check the full show notes

If you're a leader, innovator, or entrepreneur who's ever told yourself…- I'm not supposed to be here...- I only got lucky; but that leader has the real talent...- I don't deserve an award. It should go to that other person...- One of these days, everyone's going to figure out that I'm in over my head...Then you are well acquainted with The Impostor. Many think that impostor syndrome affects mostly women, but joining me on the show to dispel that myth is Kris Kelso, author of Overcoming the Impostor. Kris has a male view on the experience, both personally and professionally. We'll be looking at how to:- Disarm the inner critic and silence the nagging voice inside your head- Reframe failure, lean on community, and lead with vulnerability- Create new habits of thinking, acting, and reacting that will help you lead with confidenceListen in to reframe this as a journey toward freedom from these limiting beliefs and take your career to the next level. Click here to check the full show notes

In this captivating episode, Howard Glasser shares his incredible journey to recognizing the potential greatness in every child and how nurturing their intensity can lead to empowerment and transformation. Trained as a child pychologist, the methods he first used worsened the family relationships. Remembering how he himself was a difficult child, he used his memory of his own needs to reconstruct what children are craving from adults, which is often in direct contrast to how parents and teachers usually behave. He asserts that intense and challenging behavior in children is a sign of their potential greatness and should not be suppressed or medicated. Instead redirected and seen for the fuel that it is. Howard's unique approach "nurtured heart approach." is being studied by four universities and has been adopted by school districts across the country and around the world. We discuss the implications this approach has on our speaking confidence. Click here to check the full show notes

Today we're talking about how to tell better stories to yourself, ones that will create more empowering experiences of ease and confidence when you speak up, put yourself out there, and advocate for yourself. Tammy Heermann is an award-winning leadership expert and author of Reframe Your Story. With over twenty years of experience, Tammy has helped thousands of people shift their mindsets around leadership and personal growth.performance. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing and overcoming Impostor Syndrome to cultivate confidence and success in their careers. We discuss the ways we sabotage ourselves when it comes to putting ourselves out there, and tips for interrupting cycles of negative self-talk and limiting beliefs. You'll hear how traditional corporate training programs fall short and what you can do instead to boost your professional development for confidence when you put yourself out there. Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode of the Delight in the Limelight podcast, host Linda Ugelow is joined by Kim Meninger, a leadership coach and host of The Impostor Syndrome Files podcast to discuss the phenomenon known as Impostor Syndrome and how it affects individuals in the workplace. They discuss the definition of Impostor Syndrome, misconceptions, and provide insight into its root causes and the impact it has on self-perception and performance. Listeners will gain insights into recognizing and overcoming Impostor Syndrome to cultivate confidence and success in their careers. Click here to check the full show notes

Welcome back, delightful listeners, to another captivating episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast! Today, we are diving into the art of persuasion and the power of belief with our guest, Heather Hansen. Heather Hansen, a best-selling author and keynote speaker, brings a unique blend of expertise as a trial attorney, psychology degree holder, mediator, and former TV anchor. She combines these experiences to help her clients advocate for their ideas, their products, and services. In this podcast Heather shares her intriguing journey from a courtroom setup to an unexpected realization about the role of laughter in her profession. We'll explore the importance of building belief within ourselves and convincing others to believe in our abilities. Heather will walk us through her three C's – compassion, curiosity, and credibility – that are vital for winning over any jury, be it inner or outer. Get ready to unlock your potential and discover the transformative power of persuasion in this thought-provoking episode of the Delight in the Limelight Podcast!Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode, sales coach Carole Mahoney shares strategies to boost sales confidence by putting the buyer first, emphasizing the importance of mindset, buyer-focused communication, active listening, and self-awareness.Click here to check the full show notes

Most of us avoid conflict because it's so uncomfortable. What if conflict could be made more comfortable? And what if conflict, handled well, led to better relationships and better teams? Click here to check the full show notes

Many people mistakenly believe that being demanding and aggressive leads to successful negotiations. Listen in to learn an uncommon approach that leans on likability, rapport, and relationship building.Click here to check the full show notes

When you carry anxiety around public speaking, being the center of attention feels uncomfortable or worse. Join me as we explore the magic of delighting in the limelight, and how to turn every speaking opportunity into a transformational experience. Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode we'll take a look at 3 ways to navigate the challenges of comparison, jealousy, and self-discovery.Click here to check the full show notes

Learn how to set the “stage” for a peak experience any time you speak by readying yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.Click here to check the full show notes

When you feel anxious to speak, it's hard to access what is naturally you. Once you've overcome the fear, it's time to let your natural self-expression shine through. Click here to check the full show notes

Most all the speaking you do in your life is spontaneous and impromptu. In this episode, I offer 6 ways to feel more adept with thinking on your feet.Click here to check the full show notes

In today's episode, we're going to uncover your vocal potential. Get ready to explore the joy of expressing yourself with clarity of articulation and resonance.Click here to check the full show notes

In today's episode, we're going to uncover your vocal potential. Get ready to explore the joy of expressing yourself with clarity of articulation and resonance.Click here to check the full show notes

Discover the power of cultivating a positive relationship with your breath, as this podcast episode guides you to breathe easy, release tension, and find inner freedom when speaking in public.Click here to check the full show notes

In today's episode, we explore the elements of a confident speaking presence that allows you to feel grounded, centered, focused, and at ease. Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode, we explore the power of positive regard and its profound impact on our self-belief and speaking confidence. Join me as we delve into the art of receiving compliments and overcoming the common tendencies to deflect or downplay them.Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode, you will learn how to handle mistakes when speaking and not let them disrupt your composure, so you feel like making mistakes is not a big deal. Click here to check the full show notes

In this episode, you'll learn a different approach to feeling comfortable on camera than just jumping in and speaking, with tips on how to practice feeling relaxed, grounded, and connected with your audience.Click here to check the full show notes

Let's look at how a negative self-image gets in the way of speaking confidence and the ways to heal so that it no longer stands in your way.Click here to check the full show notes