Have you ever been told you need more presence… more gravitas… or that you’d have more impact if you were just a bit more confident?

On the surface, that can sound like helpful development feedback.

But for many working mums, it lands in a much more complex reality – one shaped by the mental load, the pressure to prove yourself, and the challenge of being taken seriously without becoming someone you’re not.

Because the truth is, you can be capable, experienced, and exceptional… and still not always be perceived with the same weight or credibility.

And when your bandwidth is already stretched, communication becomes one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, levers you have.

About this episode

In this episode, I’m joined by Louisa Preston and Luisa Baldini, co-founders of Composure Media and former BBC journalists, to explore how to communicate with more composure, confidence and impact in high-stakes moments.

Between them, they’ve spent years performing under pressure – live, on camera, in front of millions. And now they bring those insights into the corporate world, helping leaders communicate with calm authority and clarity.

This conversation is full of practical tools, but it’s also deeply reassuring.

Because it reminds us that confidence isn’t something you either have or don’t have, it’s something you learn to work with.

Why this matters for working mums

For so many women I work with, communication isn’t just about skill.

It’s about:

navigating the authority gap
balancing warmth and credibility
managing self-doubt in high-stakes moments
and doing all of that while carrying the invisible load of work and home

That can show up as:

over-explaining
softening your message
second-guessing yourself
or staying silent until you feel completely ready

And the cost isn’t just career progression – it’s your energy, your confidence, and how you experience your work.

This episode offers a different way forward.

In this episode, we explore:
– what executive presence really means (beyond the buzzword)
– the difference between gravitas and confidence
– how body language and energy shape how you’re perceived
– why women often undermine their own message without realising
– how to stay calm and composed when things don’t go to plan
– the power of slowing down, simplifying and using silence well
– practical tools for meetings, presentations and high-stakes conversations

About my guests:
Louisa Preston has been a recognisable face on British television for nearly 20 years and is a former BBC News presenter and reporter. She has presented major national events, including the General Election, the London 2012 Olympics and the Royal Wedding, and became the youngest national newsreader at just 22.

Luisa Baldini spent 12 years at the BBC as a correspondent, covering major global stories and later serving as Deputy Royal Correspondent. Her work spans international media, corporate events, and high-stakes reporting worldwide.

Together, they are the co-founders of Composure Media, where they help leaders communicate with confidence, clarity and calm authority.

Final thoughts

If you’ve ever held back in a meeting, over-explained your point, or questioned your voice in a high-stakes moment, this episode is for you.

Because this isn’t about becoming more polished or more perfect.

It’s about making small, intentional shifts so that you can be seen, heard, and taken seriously – without burning yourself out in the process.

You can read the transcript here.