Have you ever felt pressure to follow a path that someone else laid out for you?

Whether it's cultural expectations, gender norms, or just the weight of "what you're supposed to do" — so many of us shrink ourselves to fit a mould that was never made for us in the first place.

My guest today, Paru Radia (AKA the C-Suite Whisperer), knows this better than most. Growing up in a conservative Indian household in England, Paru's life path was mapped out before she was born (ie "get married and become a housewife").

But Paru chose to be courageous, despite the fear. She eventually packed up her life and bought a one-way ticket to New York — risking being ostracised by her family. And it was that leap of faith and belief in herself that became a key part of what she now teaches her clients.

Today, Paru advises CEOs and C-suite leaders at organisations including British Airways, King and Spalding, and Indeed. She believes that you cannot lead well, communicate well, or influence others well, until you truly know yourself.

In this episode, you will discover:

• Why even the most senior executives are still in survival mode — and what that means for how you communicate with them
• How going against cultural and gender norms shaped Paru's approach to leadership and influence
• Why knowing why you want what you want is more powerful than just chasing a title
• How to spot your own natural strengths (even when they're completely invisible to you)
• The one mindset shift that makes fear feel manageable — and helps you take bold action anyway

Links mentioned: Paru Radia's website: https://paruradia.com 

Click here to read the full shownotes.

ABOUT CHRISTINA: I help ambitious leaders and teams achieve more confidence, influence and impact in the workplace through developing powerful public speaking and communication skills.

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

• Group Workshops: https://christinacanters.com/services/workshops/
• Speaking & Keynotes: https://christinacanters.com/services/keynotes/
• Coaching Programs: https://christinacanters.com/services/programs/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever shared an idea in a meeting… only for someone to immediately say, “Yeah, but…”? It’s amazing how quickly those two tiny words can shut down ideas, kill momentum, and make people feel hesitant to speak up.

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple communication technique borrowed from improvisational theatre that can completely change the way you lead conversations, present ideas, and respond to others at work.

The “Yes, And” mindset is a powerful tool for leaders, presenters, and ambitious professionals who want to create better collaboration, stronger engagement, and more psychological safety in meetings and presentations.

When you learn how to replace “but” with “and,” you create space for ideas to grow instead of shutting them down.

This episode will show you exactly how to apply the technique in real workplace situations — without becoming a pushover 😉

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the "Yes, And" technique is and how it originated in improv theatre

• Why saying “no, but” shuts down ideas in meetings

• How to use "Yes, And" during brainstorming sessions and team discussions

• How presenters can handle audience questions with confidence

• A simple way to give feedback without triggering defensiveness

• Why "Yes, And" creates psychological safety at work

• How to set boundaries while still using a collaborative communication style

ABOUT CHRISTINA:

I help ambitious leaders and teams achieve more confidence, influence and impact in the workplace through developing powerful public speaking and communication skills. Learn more about my programs below:

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

• Group Workshops: https://christinacanters.com/services/workshops/
• Speaking & Keynotes: https://christinacanters.com/services/keynotes/
• Coaching Programs: https://christinacanters.com/services/programs/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Struggling to communicate clearly, experiencing all the brain fog, or feeling overwhelmed at work?

In this episode of Stand Out Get Noticed, I am so excited to share this conversation with Business & Wellness Coach Sonya Stattmann about what’s really happening in your nervous system when pressure builds — and how to prevent burnout before it takes over.

You’ll learn why burnout isn’t caused by one bad day, but by accumulated stress, and how small, simple “micro-practices” can help you stay calm, think clearly and communicate effectively under pressure.

If you’re a high-performing professional or leader who wants to build resilience, manage stress and show up with confidence at work, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What nervous system dysregulation is (and why it happens)

• The hidden link between chronic stress and burnout

• Why high achievers are especially at risk

• Simple 5-minute micro-practices to regulate your nervous system

• What to do in the moment when you feel overwhelmed in a meeting, presentation or difficult conversation

• How building resilience improves your communication and leadership impact

Links mentioned:

• Learn more about Sonya's work on her website
• Connect with Sonya on LinkedIn

ABOUT CHRISTINA:

I help ambitious leaders and teams achieve more confidence, influence and impact in the workplace through developing powerful public speaking and communication skills.

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

Want personalised training to take your or your team’s communication and leadership to the next level? Click below to learn more about each training program:

• Group Workshops: ​​https://christinacanters.com/services/workshops/
• Speaking & Keynotes: https://christinacanters.com/services/keynotes/
• Coaching Programs: https://christinacanters.com/services/programs/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to achieve a huge, scary goal? You’ve gotta become a total badass! After a 2.5 year hiatus, I am bringing back Stand Out Get Noticed and I am SO excited! In this episode, I share how insanely challenging it was to build The StudioPod, our one-of-a-kind mobile podcast recording studio, and the huge mindset shift I’ve undergone to help reframe the whole experience. If you’re going through your own tough challenge, or struggling to dream big for yourself, this episode is for you.

Links mentioned:

• The Life Coach School Podcast - How to be a badass
• Cliff Ravenscraft - The Podcast Answer Man
• Our new mobile podcast studio, now available for hire! The StudioPod: https://thestudiopod.com.au/
• AI songmaking app SUNO

This has been Episode 301 of the Stand Out Get Noticed Podcast with Christina Canters.

ABOUT CHRISTINA:

I help ambitious professionals and teams achieve more confidence, influence and impact in the workplace through developing powerful public speaking, communication and leadership skills.

TRAINING PROGRAMS:

Want personalised training to take your or your team’s communication and leadership to the next level? Click below to learn more about what I offer:

• Workshops:https://christinacanters.com/services/workshops/
• Speaking & keynotes: https://christinacanters.com/services/keynotes/
• Group & 1:1 Coaching: https://christinacanters.com/services/programs/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a sample piece of audio to make sure the new podcast feed is working. New podcast and website coming soon!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.