“Who are you, and what does your organisation pay you to do?”
That question sounds simple. For many women, it’s where credibility leaks.
In this episode, Mel Butcher and Michelle Redfern draw on the research and coaching work of Susan Colantuono to examine why women so often undersell their leadership when they introduce themselves at work — and how to change that.
This is not about elevator pitches or personal branding theatre. It’s about learning to describe your role, contribution, and impact in language that signals judgment, authority, and leadership intent.
Mel and Michelle explore how women can move beyond task-based descriptions of their work and instead speak clearly about outcomes, value, and why their role matters to the organisation.
What we cover
Why self-introductions shape how others assess your leadership credibility
The common patterns that cause women to minimise their authority
How to talk about your role in terms of business impact, not activity
What Susan Colantuono means by “personal greatness” and how it shows up in language
Practical guidance to introduce yourself in a way that reflects the level you want to be recognised for
Who this episode is for
Women who are:
Leading teams or functions
Preparing for senior roles, stretch assignments, or board pathways
Tired of being seen as capable but not quite “senior enough”
Ready to speak about their work with clarity and authority
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