Welcome to the Start Being Visible podcast. My name is Mildred Talabi. I’ve spent the past decade plus mastering the art of personal branding in my career, as a former journalist and communications professional, and in my business which has taken on various forms over the years. I now spend most of my time championing and coaching women to increase their influence, income and impact through being visible on platforms like LinkedIn and beyond. In this podcast, I’ll be sharing with you some of my insights into the journey to being visible, as well as bringing you amazing candid conversations from professional women who have chosen to step out of the shadows and into the limelight in their work lives. We’ll discuss the highs, the lows and the in betweens of being visible so that you can find the courage, the knowledge and the resources you need to start being visible in your own life. Hit the subscribe button to never miss out on our weekly episodes. If you like what you hear, please leave a review and spread the word. You can find me on all the main social media platforms as "Mildred Talabi".
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41 recent
December 10, 20255 min
Season 4 Epilogue: Thank You & What’s Next for Start Being Visible
This is your Season 4 wrap-up! I want to thank you for listening, remind you of the highlights—from building your brand to sharing your story—and give you a sneak peek of what’s coming in Season 5. Tune in for a quick reflection and a boost to keep showing up and being seen.---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
December 3, 202551 min
From Quietly Brilliant to Confidently Visible – with Dionne Bass [S4, EP8]
In today’s episode of Start Being Visible, I’m joined by Dionne Bass - a mortgage banking and lending expert and a trusted trainer and educator in the finance and real estate space.When I first met Dionne many years ago, she was brilliant at what she does but shy about showing up online. Today, she’s transformed the way she uses LinkedIn and visibility to share her knowledge, build trust, and support professionals across the industry.In this episode, we cover:· The beginnings of Dionne’s career in mortgage banking· The shift from underwriter to mentor and trainer· The moment she decided to stop hiding and startshowing up· The power of representation· Maintaining work-life balance post 50…and much more!Love this episode?Share it with a woman you admire – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Visible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Dionne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-bass-%F0%9F%91%A9%F0%9F%8F%BE%E2%80%8D%F0%9F%92%BB-b944427/---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
November 26, 202548 min
Discipline, Identity, and Visibility – with Colonel Marisol Chalas [S4, EP7]
In this episode of Start Being Visible, I’m joined by Colonel Marisol A. Chalas – a proud immigrant from the Dominican Republic, U.S. Army soldier, aviator, and the first Latina Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the Army National Guard.With more than 35 years of military service and 16 years in corporate leadership, Marisol’s path has taken her across continents and into some of the most demanding operational environments. Today, she serves as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Planning at the Army Reserve Aviation Command, leading global strategy and large-scale organisational change. She’s been recognised by the White House, Forbes, and the Smithsonian – yet remains deeply connected to her roots, her family, and her commitment to helping others rise.This conversation is an honest look at discipline, identity, leadership, and what it really takes to be seen when you come from a background where visibility is not guaranteed.In this episode, we talk about:Growing up as an immigrant and how her early experiences shaped her identity, ambition and beliefLeadership lessons from leading large teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and operating in high-stakes environments across the worldThe discipline behind the uniform and making history as the first Latina Black Hawk pilot The unseen sacrifices of service and the importance of visibility Using LinkedIn intentionally for visibility and mentorshipLove this episode?Share it with a woman you admire – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Visible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Marisol on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisolchalas/ ---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
November 12, 202549 min
Leadership Beyond the Uniform – with Dee Baker [S4, EP5]
In this episode, I’m joined by Dee Baker – a U.S. Air Force Veteran, former federal government leader, and founder of Beyond the Uniforms, a coaching and leadership development company helping women veterans reset, reframe, and reclaim their leadership identity as they transition into civilian, corporate, or entrepreneurial roles.With more than 30 years of experience leading teams of hundreds and managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, Dee knows what it takes to lead boldly – both in uniform and beyond. She’s lived the journey she now helps others navigate, and she’s on a mission to guide women veterans into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and impact.If you’ve ever struggled with transition, identity, or self-belief after a major life or career shift, Dee’s story will remind you that your experience is your strength, and that visibility is part of your mission.Here’s what we covered:✨ What inspired Dee to join the U.S. Air Force – and the leadership lessons she still carries from this ✨ The early influences that shaped her leadership and sense of service✨ The challenges and breakthroughs of transitioning from military to civilian leadership✨ The role of sisterhood and community throughout her journey✨ What visibility means to her – and the turning point that made her start showing up online✨ Her advice for women veterans who are hesitant to share their storiesLove this episode?Share it with a woman you admire – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Invisible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Dee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deebakerveteran/🌐 Visit Dee’s website: https://www.beyondtheuniforms.com/---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
October 29, 202555 min
Claiming Your Seat – with Nisha Chandra [S4, EP3]
In this episode, I’m joined by Nisha Chandra – a detective, TEDx speaker, and passionate advocate for female leadership and empowerment.Known as the Punjabi Cockney Detective, Nisha grew up in East London and went on to build a career in the police force, carving out space in a system where she didn’t “fit the mould.” She now works at the intersection of policing and policy, specialising in domestic abuse, harmful practices, and violence against women and girls.Nisha shares openly about her personal journey – from celebrating seven years of sobriety as a South Asian woman in long-term recovery, to experiencing baby losses – and her visibility journey, which has led her to build a raw and unapologetic presence on LinkedIn where she challenges stigma, inspires representation, and encourages women to stop shrinking and start standing tall in their truth.This is an honest, courageous conversation about resilience, representation, and the power of visibility.What we covered:✨ Growing up in East London and becoming the “Punjabi Cockney Detective”✨ Why she joined the police force and what it was like not fitting the mould✨ Nisha’s seven-year recovery journey from alcohol addiction✨ Speaking out about baby loss and breaking cultural taboos✨ The story behind her TEDx talk, Claiming Your Seat✨ Using LinkedIn as a platform for truth and visibility✨ Finding the balance between vulnerability and authority in professional spacesLoved this episode?Share it with a woman you admire – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Visible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Nisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisha-c-154229281/📺 Watch her TedX talk, Claiming Your Seat, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=g12bLucv6TW-StxO&v=UnR-9Gdgdso&feature=youtu.be---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
October 22, 202552 min
Visibility at 80 – with Melissa Rowe [S4, EP2]
In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Rowe, Emotional Wellbeing & Self-Care Coach for Women in their Prime – and one of my LinkedIn visibility coaching clients.Melissa is 80 years young and still showing up, guiding women home to themselves, and proving that visibility has no age limit. With a background as a social worker, a mother, an author, and a speaker, she brings decades of lived experience, compassion, and wisdom to her work.We talk about her early years, the influences that shaped her path, and the pivotal lessons she’s carried through a lifetime of service and coaching. Melissa opens up about what it means to prioritise self-care, how her perspective has evolved across the decades, and why she’s so passionate about encouraging women to share their stories.If you’ve ever thought it might be “too late” to be visible, Melissa’s story will inspire you to think again.What we covered:✨ Melissa’s early life and the influences that shaped her journey✨ The thread of service that runs through her work as a social worker, author, and coach✨ What motivates her to keep coaching, speaking, and learning at 80✨ How her view of self-care has evolved across the decades✨ The surprising and empowering aspects of becoming visible online✨ The advice she’d give her younger self about visibility and self-care✨ Why she wants to be a catalyst for other women to share their stories---Love this episode?Share it with a friend – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Visible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmelissarowe/ ---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman - https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 - https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here - https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
October 15, 202540 min
LinkedIn Visibility - Is It Still Worth It? [S4, EP1]
In this solo episode, Mildred Talabi explores a question many of us have been asking lately – is LinkedIn visibility still worth it?If you’ve been showing up on LinkedIn for a while, you’ve probably noticed how much things have changed. Engagement isn’t what it used to be, the feed feels noisier, and AI-generated content is everywhere. But does that mean it’s time to give up on being visible?Mildred dives into what’s really happening on the platform, the pros and cons of LinkedIn in its current state, and why it’s more important than ever for women to keep using their voices online.This episode also marks the relaunch of the Start Being Visible podcast – Season 4! Expect fresh conversations, honest reflections, and real stories from women who are using visibility to lead, challenge, and inspire change.We cover:✨ How LinkedIn has changed – and what that means for your visibility✨ The pros and cons of showing up in 2025✨ Why authenticity is still your biggest advantage✨ How to use visibility not just to grow your career or business, but to make an impact✨ The truth about why your voice still matters, even when engagement is lowLoved this episode?Share it with a friend – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Visible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---Start your journey to being visible with Mildred:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/newsletter📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99 -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/book📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here -https://www.startbeingvisible.com/WorkWithMildred
May 8, 20251 hr 27 min
Inbound vs Outbound – Which LinkedIn Strategy Actually Gets You Clients? [S3, EP10]
In this special season finale of Start Being Visible, Mildred Talabi is joined by business strategist and powerhouse Yinka Ewuola to unpack one of the most debated marketing questions on LinkedIn: Inbound vs Outbound – which one actually gets you clients?They dig deep into both strategies, share personal experiences and success stories, and help you figure out which approach might work best for you, especially as a woman in business. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your client attraction methods, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, honest truths, and a lot of laughs.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The key differences between inbound and outbound marketing on LinkedInWhy visibility is non-negotiable for both strategiesHow to make cold outreach feel natural – not spammyWhen outbound gives you control, and when inbound builds your brandPractical tips for growing your audience and converting lurkers into clientsWhy women in business often shy away from sales – and how to shift that mindsetHow to build a sustainable client pipeline without burning outWhat it really takes to generate consistent revenue on LinkedInResources Mentioned:Mildred’s 30-Day ABC Challenge: Want to start attracting more of the right people on LinkedIn? Join the Audience Breakthrough Challenge in June! Learn more: www.startbeingvisible.com/abcUse code LINKEDINLIVE20 for 20% off (valid for 24 hours)Yinka's Inevitable Cashflow Series: Learn how to build predictable, mission-driven revenue in your business. Connect with Yinka for more details.Connect with Mildred Talabi:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildredtalabi/🌐 Website: startbeingvisible.comConnect with Yinka Ewuola:🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinka-ewuola/Enjoyed the episode?Leave a review, share it with a fellow businesswoman, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
April 30, 202553 min
Becoming a Visible Leader – with Marnee Downing [S3, EP9]
In this episode, I'm joined by Marnee Downing, Call Centre Director at Amen Clinics – and a former LinkedIn visibility coaching client. Marnee shares her inspiring career journey, from working in the auto insurance sector to leading a thriving care team in the healthcare industry. We talk about finding purpose at work, becoming more visible in leadership roles, and what it means to be a “people gardener.”Marnee opens up about her childhood, the impact of her father’s schizophrenia, and how those experiences shaped her desire to serve others. She talks candidly about the turning point in her career – when she found her voice, spoke up, and discovered her unique leadership style.We also dive into Marnee’s mentoring philosophy, her leadership transitions, and the value of showing up – both in person and online. If you’ve ever doubted your leadership potential or struggled with visibility, Marnee’s story will remind you of the power of purpose, persistence, and owning your voice.What we covered:✨ How Marnee transitioned from the insurance industry to healthcare✨ The eight-interview process that brought her to Amen Clinics✨ The impact of childhood experiences on her leadership style✨ Why she calls herself a "people gardener" – and what that means✨ Her approach to mentoring and helping others grow✨ Navigating leadership with care, clarity, and compassion✨ The role faith, purpose, and values played in her career✨ Why it’s time to stop keeping your brilliant thoughts to yourselfLoved this episode?Share it with a woman you admire – and don’t forget to rate and review Start Being Invisible wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more women step into their power and visibility.---🔗 Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marneedowning/---Start your journey to being visible:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Instagram📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here
April 23, 202542 min
How to be visible on LinkedIn – without losing your day job! [S3, EP8]
In this solo episode Mildred Talabi dives into the tricky but totally doable task of growing your visibility on LinkedIn while holding down a 9-5. She shares practical tips on how to build a strong personal brand without crossing any boundaries at work. From understanding what your employment contract says, to using the right language in your content, this episode is all about showing up online in a way that protects your job and promotes your side business.We also talk about how to stay consistent with your content, use your time wisely, and keep work and business activities separate. This episode covers:• How to position your LinkedIn profile around your business, not your job• When (and if) you should tell your boss about your side hustle• How to speak about your business in a way that won’t raise red flags• A realistic daily engagement routine that fits around a full-time job• How personal branding now sets you up for future opportunitiesSubscribe now so you don't miss any episodes in this season!---Start your journey to being visible:🌐 Connect with Mildred on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Instagram📩 Subscribe to Mildred's weekly email newsletter, The Visible Woman📙 Buy Mildred's LinkedIn playbook, Start Being Visible, for just £4.99📌Want to work with Mildred? Explore her services and programmes here
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