The Art of Speaking Up

Hosted by Jessica Guzik

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Episodes

446

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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About the show

The Art of Speaking Up is a podcast that empowers professional women to achieve their wildest career goals by helping them strengthen their voices and find their inner power. The show aims to motivate, entertain, and remind working women that no matter what they might be struggling with, anything is possible for them in their careers. In addition to providing strengths-based professional empowerment, the show curates practical career advice on topics like career advancement, goal setting, job searching, stress management, salary negotiation and more.

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60 recent

September 7, 202630 min

432 | How to stay confident when the room feels intimidating: the 5 layer model of building confidence

If you want to feel more confident speaking up at work so you can boldly share your voice as a leader - today’s episode is for you. If your confidence disappears the moment the room feels intimidating - it’s not because you inherently lack confidence. It’s because building real confidence is a 5 layer process - and most people are missing one or two key layers. In this episode you’ll learn: • The 5 layer model of confidence and why not all layers are created equal when it comes to building real, lasting confidence • Why your confidence disappears under pressure and the missing layers that are keeping you stuck • How to speak with confidence in intimidating rooms by building the three foundational layers most people overlook • The #1 most powerful layer for feeling more confident at work — and why it unlocks everything else If you’re ready to build those deeper layers of confidence - stay tuned to hear more details about The Art of Speaking Up Academy coming later this week

September 1, 202629 min

431 | How to make speaking feel effortless: getting into a flow state

If you struggle to speak confidently at work and want to be able to express yourself more effectively, today's episode is for you. You may have heard of the concept of a flow state — a state in which you're so absorbed in the task at hand that your sense of self-consciousness disappears. A flow state can happen when you're speaking, and it's one of the most powerful ways to express yourself both effectively and effortlessly. If you're struggling to speak up, it could be because you're blocked from attaining that flow state. In today's episode, I'm breaking down the three things that will help you get into a flow state when you're speaking — so that speaking feels as natural and effortless as driving a car or brushing your teeth. To grab the free training, click here: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/ft-2026/ Learn about Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihaly_Csikszentmihalyi Work with me: The Art of Speaking Up Academy: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/ Private coaching: Email jessica@theartofspeakingup.com

August 24, 202629 min

430 | Speak confidently at work by mastering this one underrated skill

Ever walked out of a meeting thinking "that did not go well"? Maybe you talked in circles. Maybe you didn't sound confident. Maybe a tough question caught you off guard and you froze. If this sounds familiar - you are not alone, and most importantly, you can 100% overcome thi. In this episode, I teach the one skill you need to thrive during those high pressure moments. Most professional development advice ignores what I’m covering in today’s episode - and yet, it’s the most important thing you need. . In this episode, you'll learn: Why working on your speaking skills alone won't fix your confidence at work The two-skill framework behind confident communication (and the one skill they forget to teach you) The real reason you feel like you're "back at square one" after every hard meeting How to speak confidently and feel unshakable even during the tough meetings If you’re ready to unleash your biggest possible voice as a leader - this one’s for you. Grab the free training - Speak Like a Leader: 3 Steps to Communicating With Confidence, Clarity & Influence https://jessguzikcoaching.com/ft-2026/

August 17, 202624 min

429 | The subtle but critical reputational shifts that get you ahead in corporate

If you want to have a successful corporate career - your reputation is the #1 most powerful asset you need to build. But here’s the catch - a good reputation isn’t always enough to propel you into leadership. In fact - certain kinds of GOOD reputations can actually slow down your path towards corporate leadership roles. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down these mechanics in detail. I’m teaching you the 4 types of “good” reputations, how to know which one(s) you have, and I’m explaining which ones get you ahead and which ones make it hard to break into leadership. If you’re hungry to rise up in the 9-5 world, you do not want to miss this one. Book your 1:1 session (limited time promotional rate): https://calendly.com/jguz/private-coaching-session-new

August 11, 202645 min

428 | How to show up confident – even when the room feels challenging (feat. Danya Tesarski, Maya Phillips & Liz Everett)

The dream scenario is you walk into that next meeting feeling totally ready. You’re prepped with talking points, you share them seamlessly, and you leave feeling amazing. But real life is usually much messier than that. You don’t have time to prepare. You’re the least experienced person in the room. The conversation takes a messy turn you weren’t expecting. These moments can feel like uphill battles. But - what if I told you that these uphill battle moments are the most valuable thing that can happen to you professionally? When you prove to yourself you can navigate those tough moments and speak with confidence - even though it felt hard - you build a deep sense of confidence that makes you feel unshakable as a leader. Today’s episode is all about how to do that. Today I’m talking with 3 women who I worked with in The Art of Speaking Up Academy. You’re going to meet Maya, Danya, and Liz Danya Tesarski is an experienced energy industry leader whose career spans engineering, project development, and asset management. Maya Phillips is a strategy, growth, and transformation consultant who specializes in technology implementations at hospitals. Elizabeth (Liz) Everett is a strategic healthcare leader passionate about developing talent, building meaningful partnerships, and creating innovative solutions that advance the future of pharmacy Each of these women have gone on their own journey of building confidence so they can lead effectively in those challenging moments. You’ll hear the stories of how they grew their confidence, and their advice on how to push past the self-doubt so your voice as a leader. Let’s dive in. Join the waitlist for The Art of Speaking Up Academy: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/

August 3, 202623 min

427 | 4 meeting habits that grow your reputation as a capable, strategic leader

The meeting habits you bring into the room at work determine whether you’re seen as a leader (and not just a hard worker). In this episode, I teach you four meeting habits that grow your reputation and get you seen as the capable, strategic leader you know you can be. Most ambitious women are doing great work. But great work isn't enough to get you promoted - you have to show up in meetings as someone who leads, who creates impact, and who knows how to be strategic. I'm breaking down the four habits that make that happen: inspiring, directing, challenging, and resolving. For each habit, I walk you through what it is, how to tell if it's a growth area for you, and how to get good at it — using one simple analogy. You'll learn how to share your work in a way that inspires trust, how to be direct without coming off as aggressive, how to challenge people (even senior ones) without fear, and how to resolve problems out loud so leadership sees how capable you truly are. Ready to become the kind of leader people notice? Join the waitlist for The Art of Speaking Up Academy: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/

July 27, 202630 min

426 | Why it’s hard to share your expertise in the room

Do you struggle to speak up and share your expertise in the room? If you feel like there’s a gap between your skills in your role and the skills you show people in meetings - today’s episode is for you. Today I’m explaining why it can be hard to feel confident speaking up in meetings, even when you have solid expertise you want to share. I’m teaching you the 3 bridge skills that’ll help you bridge the gap between the knowledge you possess, and your ability to speak up and share it in meetings. If you’re ready to start playing a bigger game and you want to show up big and bold in the room - you’re going to love this one. Join the waitlist for The Art of Speaking Up Academy: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/

July 20, 202623 min

425 | Will AI take your job? The 2 communication skills that make you AI-proof

With AI proliferating at a rapid pace - it has professionals wondering: will AI take my job? Today I want to help quell the fear of AI job displacement by highlighting the leadership communication skills that AI can never replace. When you know how to speak effectively and persuasively - it becomes hard for AI to take your job, because AI is incredibly limited in this area. In this episode you’ll learn: -The 3 types of communication that companies value -Why AI can only do 1 out of 3 well -The 2 communication skills that’ll help you become AI proof If you are ready for peace of mind amidst the stress of the AI boom, my hope is that this episode will reassure you. Because the truth is - AI can never quite be as powerful as you are. Links: Bias to Action free worksheet: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/biastoaction/ 1:1 Coaching: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/coaching/ Group Program: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/ An episode to help you dive deeper: Listen to 402 in Apple | Listen to 402 in Spotify I would love to hear what you thought of this episode! DM me on Instagram or email me at jessica@theartofspeakingup.com

July 13, 202621 min

424 | Stop overworking: 4 ways to decline extra work without hurting your reputation

If you’re overworking in your 9-5 job - you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to decline extra work without risking your reputation. Getting asked to do extra work creates an inherent tension - say yes, and you end up overworking and risking burnout. Say no, and you risk looking like you’re not a team player. In today’s episode, I’m teaching you a third, better option to help you stop overworking. I’m teaching you how to decline extra work strategically, in a way that makes you look thoughtful, strategic, and trustworthy. You’ll learn: The 4 situations that cause overworking (so you can spot them before they sabotage you) Specific phrases to use to decline extra work without looking bad How to decline extra work given by senior leadership without eroding trust Why saying yes to extra work isn’t the thing that makes you look good If you’re ready to feel way more in control of how much you work - this is the episode for you. LINKS: Grab the free No Overworking Worksheet here: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/no-overworking-worksheet/

July 7, 202625 min

423 | Why comparing yourself to coworkers who seem more confident stifles your true potential

Stop comparing yourself to others who seem more confident - it's stifling your potential Have you ever watched a coworker speak up in a meeting – calm, poised, totally composed – and immediately felt your own confidence deflate? If comparing yourself to other people leaves you feeling like you're behind, or like everyone else has something you don't, this episode is for you. Here's the truth: constantly comparing yourself to others who seem more confident is one of the most damaging things you can do to your self confidence and the comparison you're making probably isn't even accurate. In this episode, I explain why people who look calm and self-assured on the outside often don't feel that way inside, how your brain invents "evidence" that everyone else is more confident than you, and how to stop comparing yourself to other people so you can build real, unshakable confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between visible comparison and blind comparison – and why one is far more dangerous to your self confidence How confirmation bias makes you imagine that everyone around you feels calm and confident (even when they don't) Why chasing a perfectly calm emotional state keeps your confidence stuck Two powerful mindset shifts to help you stop comparing yourself to other people for good It's time to stop letting comparison shrink your voice, and start building the psychological stamina that makes you unstoppable at work. Work with me: If you're ready to build that stamina, there are two ways to work together: 1:1 Private Coaching — individualized sessions tailored to your exact situation: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/coaching/ The Art of Speaking Up Academy — my group program with a step-by-step curriculum for building unshakable confidence and learning to speak like a true leader: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/academy/