All Episodes

August 30, 2025 55 mins

Motivate Collective: https://www.motivatecollective.com 

Heidi K. Brown: www.heidikristinbrown.com 

Melanie Suzanne Wilson: https://www.melaniesuzannewilson.com

 

 

Show Notes

 

 

Keywords

 

Heidi Brown, public speaking, authenticity, imposter syndrome, personal branding, self-care, law professor, introverted lawyer, vulnerability, performance anxiety, self-care, public speaking, anxiety, authenticity, criticism, personal branding, communication skills, fear management, law, education

 

 

Summary

 

In this conversation, Heidi Brown shares her journey from being a lawyer to a law professor, emphasising the importance of authenticity in professional settings. She discusses the challenges of public speaking, particularly for introverts, and how she overcame her own struggles with performance anxiety. Heidi highlights the significance of vulnerability and self-care in public speaking, advocating for a more authentic approach to personal branding. Through her experiences, she encourages others to embrace their true selves and connect with their audiences on a deeper level. In this conversation, Heidi K. Brown and Melanie Suzanne Wilson explore the intricate relationship between self-care, public speaking, and the management of anxiety. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the challenges of facing criticism, and the significance of finding one's audience. The dialogue emphasises the need for personal branding in a world increasingly influenced by AI, advocating for a balance between utilising technology and maintaining one's unique voice.

 

 

Takeaways

 

Heidi Brown transitioned from a lawyer to a law professor.

She emphasises the importance of authenticity in professional settings.

Introverts can leverage their strengths instead of faking extroversion.

Vulnerability in public speaking can create stronger connections with the audience.

Self-care strategies are crucial for effective public speaking.

Heidi's boxing lessons helped her manage performance anxiety.

Overcoming imposter syndrome requires holistic approaches.

Creating a unique public speaking style can enhance audience engagement.

Personal branding should reflect one's true self and values.

Mistakes in public speaking are normal and should be embraced. Self-care is essential for feeling comfortable and professional.

Public speaking training often lacks focus on managing anxiety.

Preparation should include personal rituals to ease nerves.

Understanding fear is crucial for effective public speaking.

Authenticity is key in a world dominated by AI.

Criticism can be reframed as a reflection of the critic's perspective.

It's important to focus on reaching your intended audience.

Not everyone will resonate with your message, and that's okay.

Finding your unique voice is vital in personal branding.

Embrace the learning process from each speaking experience.

 

 

Titles

 

Navigating the Intersection of Self-Care and Professionalism

Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety: Strategies and Insights

Finding Your Rhythm: Preparation Techniques for Public Speaking

Understanding Fear: The Science Behind Public Speaking Anxiety

Authenticity in Communication: The Key to Connection

 

 

Sound bites

 

"I kept listening to all this well-meaning advice"

"Give yourself permission to not fake it"

"It's about overcoming our imposter syndrome"

"I had to completely create a ritual"

"It's okay to stumble over your words"

"There's no real training, except workshops."

"What do I do the 10 seconds before?"

"I used to always over-prepare and practice."

"It's pure science."

"Haters are just confused admirers."

"We don't need everyone to like us."

 

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Heidi Brown's Journey: From Lawyer to Law Professor

02:07 Embracing Authenticity in Tough Industries

05:38 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Faking It

10:02 The Power of Vulnerability in Public Speaking

13:53 Creating a Unique Public Speaking Style

18:05 The Importance of Authenticity in Personal Branding

22:11 Self-Care Strategies for Public Speaking

27:07 The Intersection of Self-Care and Professionalism

28:34 Navigating Public Speaking Anxiety

30:32 Finding Your Own Rhythm in Preparation

33:26 Understanding and Managing Fear

36:13 The Importance of Authenticity in Communication

40:42 Embracing Criticism and Find

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