What if the voice holding you back… is your own?
Meet Jamie. She’s a Director of Regulatory Affairs who knows her business inside and out. Her team trusts her. Her results speak for themselves. But in leadership meetings, she gets quiet. While others confidently share their ideas, Jamie finds herself holding back, replaying conversations long after they end and wondering why her voice seems to disappear when it matters most. What she wants isn’t to become someone else. She simply wants the confidence to speak up, be heard, and earn the opportunities she knows she’s capable of handling.
Today, Jay sits down with Allison Shapira, executive communication expert, keynote speaker, bestselling author, Harvard lecturer, and former opera singer. For more than two decades, Allison has helped leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Together, they explore how leaders can move beyond perfection, build trust through authentic communication, and find the courage to speak up when the stakes are high.
Notable Quotes
“You go from nervous to service.” — Dave Bricker
“Your work does not speak for itself. You have to speak for it.” — Allison Shapira
“You can’t communicate with others until you first learn how to communicate with yourself.” — Allison Shapira
About Our Guest
Allison Shapira is a keynote speaker, executive communication coach, bestselling author, and lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School. She works with Fortune 100 executives, entrepreneurs, and public leaders to help them communicate authentically, build trust, and lead with greater impact. Her latest book is AI for the Authentic Leader.
Resources & Links
Allison Shapira
Ai for the Authentic Leader – https://allisonshapira.com/ai-for-the-authentic-leader/
Website – https://allisonshapira.com/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonshapira/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/AllisonShapira
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/allisonshapira/
X – https://x.com/allisonshapira
Jay Abbasi
Website – https://jayabbasi.me/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayabbasi/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jayabbasi_/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thejayabbasi/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@jayabbasipodcast
Join Us Next Time
On Friday, Jay begins a two-part countdown of the most effective communication techniques he has ever learned. Drawing from years of coaching leaders, delivering keynotes, and studying communication, he shares practical strategies to help you influence more effectively, strengthen relationships, and increase your impact. If you want to become a stronger communicator, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.