High Notes

In Conversation with Margaret Heffernan: Voice, Creativity, and Embracing Uncertainty

In this episode, Melissa sits down with professor, writer, and deep thinker, Dr. Margaret Heffernan, to explore creativity, uncertainty, and the power of authentic voice.Together, they talk about how artists and leaders can not only survive but thrive in unpredictable times, the importance of cultivating a personal style, and the art of communicating with clarity and impact.Margaret reflects on lessons from her childhood and career, shares insights from her latest book Embracing Uncertainty, and offers thoughtful guidance on building meaningful, creative lives.Tune in for inspiration and practical wisdom on navigating change, fostering creativity, and finding your voice at work and beyond.Links:https://www.mheffernan.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/99633.Margaret_Heffernanhttps://www.ted.com/speakers/margaret_heffernanReady to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast01:19 Meet Margaret Heffernan: Early Life and Influences05:54 Embracing Uncertainty: Insights from Margaret's Latest Book09:28 The Importance of Creativity and Adaptability16:49 The Power of Voice in Leadership21:19 Effective Communication: Avoiding Jargon and Clichés29:00 The Power of Storytelling in Business30:23 The Craft of Effective Communication35:32 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome37:11 The Importance of Curiosity and Noticing45:52 Creativity in Science and Engineering46:38 The Value of Arts in Education51:17 Building a Meaningful Creative Career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leading with Wisdom: Voice, Visibility & Purpose - with Lynne Franks

In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with trailblazer Lynne Franks, a visionary in PR, fashion, and women’s empowerment. From shaping modern communications to founding movements that uplift and connect women, Lynne’s story is one of courage, creativity, and community.Together, we explore her remarkable journey, from her early career breakthroughs to her transformative work with initiatives like the SEED community and the What Women Want campaign. Lynne opens up about the lessons learned along the way, the power of intergenerational wisdom, and why creating safe spaces for women’s stories is key to meaningful leadership.Join us for a conversation on resilience, visibility, and purpose and discover how using your voice can spark real, lasting change.Links:https://lynnefranks.com/TED Talk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8Mi1YtGHwchttps://seednetwork.com/https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Lynn Franks: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership01:20 Early Influences and Career Beginnings02:49 Pioneering in PR and Fashion05:17 Empowering Women's Voices07:18 Creating Safe Spaces for Women11:30 The Seed Handbook and Sustainable Business15:17 Wise Leadership and Community Change23:27 What Women Want Campaign31:45 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Executive Presence: Power, Clarity and the Courage to Speak Up with Janey Lee Grace

In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with legendary broadcaster, author, and coach Janey Lee Grace. From her days on BBC Radio 2 with Steve Wright to her work as a coach in heart-centred communication, Janey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.She opens up about her memoir From Wham to Woo, her path to sobriety, and the transformative power of living, and communicating, with authenticity.Together, we explore the art of meaningful connection: how preparation, presence, and joy can elevate your message and your work. Janey also reflects on the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, and how helping others discover their true voice has become her greatest passion.Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.Links mentioned in the show:https://janeyleegrace.com/Janey’s books - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/432760.Janey_Lee_GraceThe Sober Club Podcast - https://www.thesoberclub.com/podcast/The Sober Diaries book by Clare Pooley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301974-the-sober-diariesWhat Women Want - https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/ Find out more about this campaign in the next episode!Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Janie Lee Grace: Broadcaster, Author, and Coach01:38 Janie's Early Years and Path to Radio03:10 Lessons from BBC Radio with Steve Wright05:29 The Art of Connection and Presence06:53 Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience11:28 Writing a Memoir: From Wham to Woo16:07 Empowering Others to Find Their Voice19:58 Heart-Centred Communication in Business23:23 The Power of Nonverbal Cues24:15 Balancing Acting in Corporate Settings24:42 Finding Your Authentic Business Voice27:57 The Journey to Sobriety36:09 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers38:50 Emerging Voices in Broadcasting and Coaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Influence & Impact: Owning your Voice in the Boardroom with Dr Rockford Sansom

In this episode of High Notes, Melissa chats with Dr Rockford “Rocky” Sansom, a renowned voice coach and author, about the power and presence of the human voice. Together, they unpack how to manage nerves, why simplicity can transform communication, and how to make your voice truly resonate.Rocky shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for building vocal confidence, connecting with your audience, and thriving in high-pressure situations. The conversation also touches on being authentically yourself, understanding what matters to your listeners, and using effective vocal tools to enhance impact.They round out the discussion exploring cultural differences in communication, the evolution of voice science, and how emotion shapes the way we sound and connect.Links:https://www.rockfordsansom.com/https://www.brava.uk.com/post/internationally-acclaimed-voice-coach-dr-rockford-sansom-joins-bravaWhy Should Anyone Be Led by You?: What It Takes To Be An Authentic Leader - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Should-Anyone-Led-You/dp/1578519713https://historyofenglishpodcast.com/Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Dr Rockford Sansom: Voice Coach Extraordinaire01:29 The Essence of Presence and Overcoming Nerves03:29 Finding Your True Voice06:48 Impact and Influence in Business Communication07:12 The Power of Breath and Storytelling09:59 Comfort in Being Seen: Lessons from Leaders14:52 Voice Actors in Professional Settings17:10 Dispelling Myths About Public Speaking23:55 Voice Pedagogy: Teaching and Techniques27:27 The Wine Cork Technique28:39 Voice Science in Coaching31:06 Voice Analysis and Training34:24 Changing Voices and Science37:36 Voice in the Boardroom43:02 Cultural Differences in Voice46:55 Joining BRAVA as a Master Coach48:25 Improving Vocal Presence50:16 A Transformative Coaching Story53:36 The Dynamic Nature of Voice Work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creative Confidence: Finding Your Voice with Tricia Duffy

In this episode of BRAVA High Notes, we dive into what it truly means to build creative confidence and find your voice with Tricia Duffy.Tricia takes us through her inspiring journey, from a childhood filled with song and poetry to becoming a consultant, speaker, award-winning podcaster, creative mentor, and accomplished musician.Together, we explore:Overcoming imposter syndromeThe value of vocal trainingThe magic of authenticity in creative expressionTricia also shares insights from her own podcast, In Ten Years Time: How to Live a Creative Life, revealing how to think long-term about your creative journey and stay inspired along the way.Whether you’re a voice actor, business leader, or simply looking to reconnect with your creative side, this episode will leave you motivated to speak, and live, with confidence.Connect with Tricia: intenyearstime.comReady to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:38 Exploring Creative Confidence with Tricia Duffy01:20 Tricia's Early Years and Formative Experiences03:01 Evolving Relationship with Voice05:37 The Craft of Voice Acting06:39 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome11:42 Maintaining Vocal Health21:14 Tricia's Podcast and Long-Term Planning28:35 Applying Method Acting to Songwriting38:59 Final Thoughts and Future Vision Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.