How to work "Smart, Not Loud" and accelerate your career

It was 2020 and I just signed off a Zoom call with a new client. This man had reached out to my company, Soulcast Media and was looking for someone to help him with his communication and presentation skills at work.

"I feel like I work hard, but I can't seem to communicate my ideas in meetings," he shared. "I talk in circles, use filler words, and it's clear it's hurting how people perceive me and my abilities."

It was true: he was brilliant. He was smart, educated and hardworking. He did everything right. However, when it came time to talk about opportunities, ask for a raise, or get on a new project -- it was like his voice wasn't heard or even taken seriously.

As I hung up our Zoom call, I couldn't help but feel my client's sense of frustration. I understood his plight because I once felt overshadowed, under-appreciated and stuck at work too.

Growing up, I was never taught the importance of communicating to make myself visible. I was never taught the importance of being proactive or how to speak up with tact in front of my team. I was never taught the importance of staying top of mind.

Instead, I was taught to work hard, keep my head down, and not cause trouble. The promise was as long I did these things, promotions and raises would follow, like clockwork.

However, early in my career as a journalist, I started to realize this formula wasn’t actually what was needed to succeed in the workplace.

What mattered was the ability to showcase myself. Not only that, communication and being visible were required— and rewarded.

Thus, a paradox started to form. How was I supposed to be “loud” when I was only ever taught to embody more “quiet” traits?

This "loud culture" vs "quiet culture" paradox is the crux of my debut book which I am excited to officially announce today.

I wrote "Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons" for people like my client who struggle with communicating clearly and powerfully, despite producing great work.

In my years working as a journalist on television, winning an Emmy-Award, to now teaching over 2 million people how to communicate with clarity and confidence, I’ve discovered there is indeed a group of us who were raised with "quiet culture" traits but are now working in a "loud culture" environment.

People like us were told from an early age to follow instructions, listen to others, talk less, and let our work speak for itself. But those raised in a "loud culture" are told to do virtually the opposite: share their opinions frequently, make a lot of noise, and carve out opportunities for themselves.

It's important to note: one is not better than the other, but when one cultural context is placed in another, the ability to get noticed in a way that feels right becomes difficult.?

Early on, when I started to feel stuck at work, I remember searching for books to learn how to become "louder" and visible. While insightful, I didn't feel any of the teachings answered my most pressing question: Could I still hold on to my "quiet culture" values, or did I need to mold myself and become a loud person to fit in? And if I didn’t, would I just become utterly forgotten?

This paradox goes beyond just being an introvert or extrovert; it’s actually something deeper. It’s the values and beliefs we were taught in our most formative years that have shaped who we’ve become, what we know, and what behaviors we find comfort in.

"Smart, Not Loud," which becomes available worldwide July 9 ??, is a guide, a dedication, and a personal reflection of sorts that explores the question I hoped to answer years ago.

It's written for my "quiet culture" folks, but it is also a communication guide rooted in principles and framework of what to say and how to say it. Even if you were raised in a "loud culture" but resonate more with quiet culture traits, this book is a road map for how you can build influence too.

To celebrate the upcoming launch of this book, I am announcing a series of special events and bonuses. I'll be:

1. Writing four special edition LinkedIn Newsletters highlighting key concepts inside this book so you can get a sneak peak into my tips. You'll know it's a special edition because these upcoming newsletter will look like this one and titled "Book Launch Series Newsletter"
2. Hosting a series of special LIVE events on LinkedIn with amazing guests featuring my top communication frameworks. RSVP for this upcoming session here:

• Wed, Jun 5: Mastering Public Speaking Skills at Work [RSVP here]

3. And when you pre-order the book TODAY, you'll get immediate access to bonus gifts, which you can download right now! Pre-order here.

So glad you're a part of this journey and celebration. We are just getting started! Pre-order "Smart, Not Loud" today ??