Imagine standing in front of an audience, maybe a group of colleagues or friends. You feel stuck, words escape you, and anxiety creeps in. What if I told you that confidence doesn’t come from appearances or external factors but from something deeper? Caroline Goyder talks about just this: how to unleash your authentic confidence, the kind that comes from within, enabling you to face the world with a steady voice and a light heart.

Your voice is much more than sounds and words; it’s a true musical instrument. Learn to understand and train it just as you would a guitar or a saxophone. The key is to practice: sing in the shower, in the car, or even in your kitchen. The more you practice your voice, the stronger and more confident it becomes. Don’t worry if you think you’re “off-key” or “not very expressive”—the secret lies in consistency and practice.

Have you ever noticed that those who seem the most confident are often the calmest? This is because confidence is rooted in breath: calm, deep, diaphragmatic breathing. The diaphragm is a part of the body we rarely think about, yet it’s essential for managing stress and grounding our voice. Try this: place a hand on your diaphragm, just below your chest, and breathe. You’ll feel the breath deepen, calm spreading within you, and that sensation of being anchored and present.

Start to think of breathing as a source of positive thoughts and energy. When you breathe mindfully, you start to “breathe in” emotions like calm, love, or excitement for what you want to say. Imagine speaking with a clear intention; your message will carry meaning and warmth, a wave that comes from deep within and resonates around you.

Finally, remember: those who speak confidently also know when to “keep quiet.” It’s no joke—it’s true. The ability to take your time, to close your mouth for a moment and let the breath come in, creates space within you. Only then can you find the calm that turns each word into an authentic message.

Rediscovering your voice and breath is like awakening a power that was already inside you, ready to emerge when you need it most. With a bit of training and mindfulness, you’ll be able to speak with the confidence of someone who knows what they’re saying—and why.

Imagine this: your workday ends, and as you step through the door, you leave behind the stress, the hustle, and everything that came with it. But do you really?

In the words of a wise leader, our emotions at work spill over into other areas of life. Think about those days when everything seems to go wrong. You snap at a colleague, rush through a project, or just can’t seem to catch a break. It doesn’t stop there, does it? That mood follows you home. Suddenly, even the simplest things at home feel off. And it works the other way, too. A great day at work? You’re upbeat, the world seems brighter, and everyone around you notices.

This isn’t just a coincidence. It’s called the “spillover effect.” It’s that phenomenon where our work mood carries into our personal lives. And it doesn’t stop with just us. There’s also something known as the “crossover effect.” Picture this: after a tough day, you go home feeling grumpy, and before you know it, everyone else is a little off too. It’s contagious. But when we’re happy and engaged, that positivity crosses over to others just as easily.

Now, here’s the real insight: engaging your team isn’t about keeping them “happy” in some shallow way. It’s about fostering an environment where people feel emotionally committed. It’s about creating that spark where they genuinely care. Because, as research has shown time and time again, engaged people aren’t just more productive—they’re healthier, less stressed, and yes, they stick around longer.

And what drives this kind of engagement? It boils down to three big things: growth, recognition, and trust.

Growth: People need to feel they’re advancing in their careers and evolving as individuals. If someone’s just coasting, their engagement drops. But when there’s a sense of progress, they’re energized.

Recognition: This isn’t about employee-of-the-month plaques. It’s about feeling genuinely appreciated. Recognition comes from small moments—being listened to, having your ideas respected, knowing your efforts matter.

Trust: This goes two ways. People need to trust their leaders and believe in the future of their company. Confidence that the business is on the right path inspires loyalty and dedication.

Here’s a simple way to remember it: GRT—Growth, Recognition, Trust. Together, they form the backbone of an engaged and thriving team, AND you’re creating a ripple effect that touches families, relationships, and communities.

Leadership isn’t just about profits and productivity; it’s about people. And it’s time we start leading with that in mind.

Imagine being face to face with someone threatening you. It’s not just a casual argument, but a life-or-death situation. Chris Voss, a former FBI negotiator, teaches us that in these cases, you should never split the difference. Compromise isn’t always the answer, especially when the stakes are high.

But what does this mean in everyday life? We often think compromise is the solution, but Voss tells us that settling in the middle can mean losing. The key is tactical empathy: deeply understanding the other person, even when you disagree. It’s about describing their emotions without judgment, letting them know you're listening.

Voss shares how, in a tense situation, simply using his name diffused an aggressive encounter. He was no longer a stranger but Chris, a person. That small gesture completely changed the dynamic, because when people feel understood, they lower their defenses.

This technique isn’t just for hostage negotiators. It works in every area of life, from work to personal relationships. Instead of reacting defensively, try reflecting the other person’s emotions. You don’t have to agree, but making the other person feel heard can transform the interaction.

So, next time you face a conflict, don’t rush to compromise. Use tactical empathy to build a deeper connection and find a solution that truly respects both sides. Even in the toughest situations, remember: we’re all human.