Episode 6: Gemma Smith; Being a Female CEO, Building Affordable Homes & The Utility of Storytelling

Episode 10: Melissa Jacques; Managing Nerves, Pursuit of Happiness & The Importance of Resilience

In this heartfelt episode, Melissa Jacques shares her journey from childhood dreams to decades of stage performances, highlighting the importance of resilience, preparation, and self-awareness in a demanding industry. Discover how she manages stage nerves, maintains her voice through challenges, and inspires us to pursue what truly makes us happy. Melissa is a highly respected West End actress whose career spans landmark musicals, bold new writing and major international productions. Her theatre credits include leading and featured roles across the UK and internationally, with standout performances in Just for one day, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Kinky Boots, Wicked, Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty, Company, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady and Chess, alongside extensive UK touring work in productions such as NOW That’s What I Call A Musical, I Should Be So Lucky and Spend, Spend, Spend. She has also originated and developed work in new musicals and workshops, contributing to the evolution of several high-profile productions. On screen, Melissa appears in Disenchanted (Disney+) and Wicked (Universal), as well as the BBC drama Doctors. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished recording artist and was one-sixth of the close-harmony group The Unconventionals, who released the album Flower to the People. With a career defined by longevity, range and consistency at the highest level, Melissa remains a trusted and dynamic presence in her profession. Follow Melissa’s socials here: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/melissajacques/?hl=en] ---------------- Timestamps: (02:35) Melissa’s daily routine and work-life balance as a performer (03:59) Just For One Day musical: Melissa on her current West End show (11:55) Theatre inspirations and early memories that shaped Melissa’s career (17:05) Building a career in theatre: passion, discipline, and longevity (30:40) Audition preparation tips and mindset for stage performers (41:40) Managing anxiety and building resilience in performance careers (50:47) Voice, emotion, and storytelling in musical theatre (01:02:27) Career reflections and future goals in musical theatre (01:10:58) Final thoughts --------------- This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I design and deliver bespoke transformative communication training, consultancy and coaching programmes to help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they present the best version of themselves everytime For more information check out my website and social media below: ⁠Website⁠ [https://www.audriewoodhouse.com] ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/audrie_honestlyspeaking/] ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrie-woodhouse/] ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@audriewoodhousehonestly] ------------ This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality. Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game? Drop us an email: theactorsactuality@gmail.com Check out our ⁠website⁠ [https://theactorsactuality.com/producing] Or follow us on our ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsactuality/] & ⁠Linkedin⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-actor-s-actuality-producing ] Our DM’s are always open!

Episode 9: Jamie Marshall; Connecting Through Speech, Pre-Stage Preparation & Smart Communication

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of communication with Jamie Marshall, a visionary tech entrepreneur who has redefined success through the art of speaking. Jamie's journey is a testament to how effective communication can propel personal and professional growth. From overcoming self-doubt to leading a successful tech company, Jamie shares how speaking with authenticity and clarity has been pivotal in building trust and fostering innovation. This conversation offers valuable insights into the role of public speaking in enhancing confidence and driving business success. Whether you're looking to improve your communication skills or seeking inspiration from a leader who has mastered the art of speaking, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the impact of voice in the digital age. Tune in to discover how Jamie's approach to communication can inspire you to harness the power of your own voice. Jamie is an accomplished IT professional and co-founder of Everon, a company dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes through the use of technology for organisations operating in regulated industries. With over 15 years of experience in the IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) industry, Jamie specialises in providing strategic support to professional services companies. His deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses operating in highly regulated industries allows him to develop tailored solutions that alleviate associated burdens and drive efficiency. Follow Jaime’s socials here: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/everonjamiemarshall/] Jaime’s business: [⁠https://www.everon.co.uk⁠] ------- Timestamps: (01:18) Introduction and welcome to Time to Speak (01:32) Exploring the podcast journey (02:27) The evolution of communication skills (03:09) Early life: The young Jamie Marshall (07:41) Advice for young people in today's landscape (10:06) Life after school: The next steps (15:16) Recognizing the importance of communication (28:14) Current communication strategies in the organization (33:56) Understanding the true meaning of service (38:21) Defining success: Personal insights (44:42) Reflections on ambitions and the younger self (47:29) Future plans and what's next This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I design and deliver bespoke transformative communication training, consultancy and coaching programmes to help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they present the best version of themselves everytime For more information check out my website and social media below: ⁠Website⁠ [https://www.audriewoodhouse.com] ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/audrie_honestlyspeaking/] ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrie-woodhouse/] ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@audriewoodhousehonestly] ------------ This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality. Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game? Drop us an email: theactorsactuality@gmail.com Check out our ⁠website⁠ [https://theactorsactuality.com/producing] Or follow us on our ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsactuality/] & ⁠Linkedin⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-actor-s-actuality-producing ] Our DM’s are always open!

Episode 8: Vasavi Nanthakumar; Overcoming Barriers, Imposter Syndrome & Cultivating Assertiveness

Join me as I talk to Vasavi Nanthakumar, a pioneering director and family business owner, as she shares her inspiring journey of expanding a petrol station business while overcoming industry barriers and imposter syndrome. We delve into her strategies for cultivating assertiveness, managing cultural biases, and setting herself up for success in business and communication. A must listen for women in male-led industries and young professionals, Vasavi offers stories and insights which are invaluable. Vasavi works within her family business, founded by her father, where she’s gained first-hand experience in leadership, responsibility, and navigating growth. As part of the second generation, she is looking to expand within the forecourt industry while also exploring other avenues with her sisters. Alongside this, following her own fitness journey, she’s training to become a spin instructor, which she hopes will give her a space to inspire others, build community, and explore a more people-focused side of her career. --------- Follow Vasavi’s Socials here: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasavi-nanthakumar-0121b318a/] --------- Timestamps: (01:44) Introduction and conference reflections (04:49) The family business journey (10:54) Navigating male-dominated spaces & growing up in a family business (15:22) Career aspirations, education & the changing landscape (18:44) Mental health, social skills post-COVID & personal growth (24:56) Transitioning to leadership & developing assertiveness (28:13) The introverted leader & fitness journey (32:19) Empowering South Asian women in fitness & embracing fitness (36:31) Envisioning the future: goals, aspirations & the power of changing your mind (43:27) Finding balance: work, personal life & navigating regrets (52:13) The pressure of drinking culture & reflecting on life: legacy and impact --------- This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I design and deliver bespoke transformative communication training, consultancy and coaching programmes to help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they present the best version of themselves everytime For more information check out my website and social media below: ⁠Website⁠ [https://www.audriewoodhouse.com] ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/audrie_honestlyspeaking/] ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrie-woodhouse/] ⁠TikTok⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@audriewoodhousehonestly] ------------ This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality. Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game? Drop us an email: theactorsactuality@gmail.com Check out our ⁠website⁠ [https://theactorsactuality.com/producing] Or follow us on our ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsactuality/] & ⁠Linkedin⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-actor-s-actuality-producing ] Our DM’s are always open!

Episode 7: Izak van Heerden; Authentic Leadership, Cultural Connections & Self-awareness.

This episode offers a deep dive into authentic leadership, cultural connections, and the significance of self-awareness in impactful communication. Izak van Heerden, a seasoned Nuffield Scholar and leader in agricultural development, shares insights from his extensive global experience, emphasising how authenticity and human connection fuel effective leadership. Izak van Heerden is a 2023 Nuffield Farming Scholar with his topic “AgriLeadership for Tomorrow’s World.” He leads the AgriLeader programme at AHDB (the UK’s levy board), overseeing leadership, people development and behavioural insights for the farming industry. He is an experienced facilitator, having planned and delivered leadership and agricultural events internationally, including major conferences in Brazil and Japan. Izak is also a Founding Board Member of Unstoppable World, developing immersive leadership and resilience programmes for global agriculture, and a Board Member of NGIN – NextGen Ag Impact Network, amplifying youth voices in agriculture worldwide. Follow Izak’s socials here: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/izakagrileader/] Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/izakagrileader/] Izak’s website [https://ahdb.org.uk/agrileader] ------------ Timestamps: (01:42) Introducing Izak Van Heerden and his global leadership journey (04:17) How cultural roots shape leadership and communication styles (08:36) The transformative power of Nuffield Farming Scholarships (10:59) Broadening perspectives: agriculture's societal impact beyond farming (14:26) Greetings and human connection in diverse cultures (18:03) The meaning of deep connection through words, tone, and body language (20:22) The significance of authentic presence over perfection in speaking (23:21) The concept of masks and choosing how to show up in life (26:02) Building confidence through mindset tools like “Ace Cards” (29:05) The importance of authenticity in leadership and personal growth (36:06) The Brazil near-death experience and life lessons in resilience (39:20) Preparing for international speaking engagements: lessons learned (41:14) Mentoring and learning from innovative Japanese farmers and entrepreneurs (45:38) Boosting energy and enthusiasm at the Contemporary Scholars Conference in Japan (47:52) The power of young voices in shaping the future of agriculture (51:55) How impact networks like Engine empower next-generation leaders (54:43) Finding balance: downtime and personal interests ------------- This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I design and deliver bespoke transformative communication training, consultancy and coaching programmes to help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they present the best version of themselves everytime For more information check out my website and social media below: Website [https://www.audriewoodhouse.com] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/audrie_honestlyspeaking/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrie-woodhouse/] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@audriewoodhousehonestly] ------------ This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality. Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game? Drop us an email: theactorsactuality@gmail.com Check out our website [https://theactorsactuality.com/producing] Or follow us on our Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsactuality/] & Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-actor-s-actuality-producing ] Our DM’s are always open!

Episode 6: Gemma Smith; Being a Female CEO, Building Affordable Homes & The Utility of Storytelling

In this episode, I chat with Gemma Smith, CEO of Strata Homes, about her journey from joining a family-run housebuilder to leading as a female CEO. We explore how she fosters team culture, drives meaningful change through charity work, and balances a busy career with family life. Gemma shares her insights on leadership, public speaking, and building both homes and communities.  As CEO of Strata, a Yorkshire and Midland based homebuilder, Gemma leads the company’s strategy, operations and communications with a focus on creating distinctive, people centred places. Under her leadership, Strata has delivered a diverse portfolio of projects, from multi-tenure schemes that foster inclusive communities to large scale land led developments that transform greenfield and brownfield sites into vibrant neighbourhoods. Gemma joined Strata in 2003. Her drive for continual improvement, paired with a blend of analytical thinking and creative vision, has shaped her progression through the business to her current role. Today, she is responsible for monitoring the overall health of the organisation and guiding the brand and cultural experience from end to end. Passionate about making a meaningful difference to people’s lives, Gemma is dedicated to forging strong emotional connections between the Strata brand and its customers, ensuring that every development reflects the values and aspirations of the communities it serves. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Gemma’s Socials here: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-smith-855829109?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app] Gemma’s business website: Strata Homes [https://strata.co.uk/about-us/?_gl=1*14u39ps*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTk0MDMwNzIxMy4xNzY2MTU2NjIy*_ga_X758ZFHCP6*czE3NjYxNTY2MjEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjYxNTY2MjEkajYwJGwwJGg3NTE1MjE4OTg.] -------------------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: (01:56) Background on strata homes. (03:26) Affordable housing and impact. (04:48) Gemma’s career journey. (08:01) Becoming a CEO. (10:38) Team culture and values. (15:03) Strata stories and charity work. (18:12) Charity events highlights. (21:38) Annual meeting and storytelling. (27:48) Overcoming nerves and public speaking. (36:21) Female leadership and perspective. (40:36) Work-life balance. (44:01) Communication and time. (48:50) Mindset and relaxation. (52:56) Closing reflections. ------------------------------------------------------------------- This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they deliver faultless performances every time.  For more information check out my website and social media below:  Website [https://www.audriewoodhouse.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/audrie_honestlyspeaking/] LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/audrie-woodhouse] TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@audriewoodhouse] ------------------------------------------------------------------- This podcast is produced by The Actor’s Actuality.  Looking to start your own podcast? Or upgrade your social media game?  Drop us an email: theactorsactuality@gmail.com [theactorsactuality@gmail.com] https://theactorsactuality.com/producing Or follow us on Instagram… [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsactuality/] Our DM’s are always open!