This conversation is one I’ll be listening to again, especially the end (!). Is there something that has held you back from being more visible, whether it’s sharing a powerful message or standing on a stage in front of an audience? You’re far from alone. As women, we’ve grown up with societal and cultural messages (some subtle and subconscious, others not) that can influence us to keep quiet, not share our strong opinions, or even feel fearful of being seen. My guest is Eleanor Beaton, a women’s leadership mentor and founder of Fierce Feminine Leadership, an organization and a podcast of the same name. This is a powerful and enlightening conversation on the mindset shifts and strategies we can use to be willing to be seen and heard - and why as women it’s so important for us to do so. Eleanor and I talk about: The mixed messages she received growing up about being bold Her work as a journalist and the distance that provided by not having to have an opinion on the story being covered In contrast, my work as a political commentator on TV and having to share my opinions Eleanor’s story of being interviewed for the first time and feeling like it was life and death Why sharing a deeper message feels so vulnerable The 4 mindset shifts Eleanor recommends We both share practical strategies we use to deal with criticism from strangers The importance of living life vividly so you have rich material to work with as a speaker Embodying your message as a speaker, like musicians and performers do This episode is part of our Confidence Series, episodes 127 through 131. About My Guest: Eleanor Beaton is a women’s leadership mentor and founder of Fierce Feminine Leadership, an organization that helps ambitious women develop the confidence, presence, political savvy and influence they need to smash the glass ceiling and take their seats at the tables where the big deals and big decisions are made. Eleanor is also an award-winning journalist and host of the Fierce Feminine Leadership podcast. She has served as Chair of the Visiting Women's Executive Exchange Program at the Yale School of Management. She currently sits on the boards of Innovacorp and Invest Nova Scotia. About Us: The Speaking Your Brand podcast is hosted by Carol Cox. At Speaking Your Brand, we help women entrepreneurs and professionals create their signature talks and gain more visibility to achieve their goals. Our mission is to get more women in positions of influence and power: on stages, in businesses, on boards, in the media, in politics, and in our communities. Check out our coaching programs at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com. Links: Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/128 Eleanor’s website: https://eleanorbeaton.com/ Listen to Eleanor’s podcast Fierce Feminine Leadership: http://www.eleanorbeatonpodcast.com/ Connect with Eleanor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbeaton/ Connect with Carol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox/ Join the free Speaking Your Brand community at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/join/ or text the word SPEAKING to 444-999. Get on the interest list for the Master Your Speaking group coaching program at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/mastery. Sign up for a Strategy Session at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/strategy. Create your signature talk or TEDx talk. Get all the details and apply online at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/coaching. Say hi to me on Instagram and Twitter: @CarolMorganCox. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts and leave a review! Related Podcast Episodes: Episode 40: Why Women Need to Speak Up and Roar with Sophia Eng Episode 92: Deconstructing My TEDx Talk: Why We’re Uncomfortable with Women in Power Episode 94: Speaking and Showing Up Powerfully as Women with Molly Baker McPherson Episode 97: Thinking Bigger – I Get Coached On-Air by Geraldine Carter Episode 118: Push Past Your Speaking Plateau JOIN US: Our in-person Speaking Accelerator Workshop is coming up in Downtown Orlando on October 30, 2025. Create and practice your signature talk in one day using our proven framework, so you can confidently share your message and attract more opportunities. It's a fun, supportive environment where you get personalized feedback, professional photos, and more. Limited to 15 attendees. Get the details and secure your spot at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/orlando/.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.