Terence H Clarke

coach’s corner

If You Don’t Speak Up, You’ll Get Overlooked — Even If You’re Great at What You Do

You’re smart. You’re capable. You work hard. But if no one knows the value you bring, you’ll keep getting passed over for promotions, raises, and opportunities. I’ve spent the past year coaching professionals across India, China, and Singapore—leaders and rising stars at Microsoft, HSBC, eBay, AstraZeneca, and more. And there’s one thing I hear over and over again: “I know I’m doing good work… but I still feel stuck.” Here’s the hard truth: doing great work isn’t enough. In global organizations, the people who move up aren’t just skilled—they’re visible. Whether you like it or not, self-promotion matters. If that idea makes you cringe, you’re not alone. Most people I coach struggle with this. They’ve been told to “speak up more” or “own the room,” but they don’t know how to do that without sounding arrogant or fake. That’s why I’ve put together 10 practical ways to promote yourself with authenticity and impact—no cringey bragging required. Why Self-Promotion Feels So Hard Let’s be honest: most people hate the idea of self-promotion. It feels uncomfortable. Arrogant. Inauthentic. Maybe even culturally inappropriate. I hear this from my clients all the time: But here’s the thing: your work doesn’t speak. You have to. And if you don’t, someone else will. Someone less qualified, less capable—but more willing to talk about what they’ve done. In coaching conversations, we often reach the same conclusion: if you want to grow your career, especially in a complex, global organization, you need to develop a personal brand and learn to communicate your value clearly. What Is Personal Branding? Your personal brand is not your job title. It’s your reputation. It’s what people say about you when you leave the room. It’s the emotional aftertaste of working with you. Are you known for being a fixer? A strategic thinker? A cross-functional connector? A calm leader under pressure? If you don’t shape your brand intentionally, others will do it for you—based on assumptions, limited exposure, or outdated impressions. Your job is to make sure your brand reflects your strengths and aspirations. That’s where self-promotion becomes not just helpful, but necessary. 10 Ways to Build Your Personal Brand and Speak Up Authentically Here are ten practical, field-tested strategies I teach my clients to help them build their personal brand, promote themselves effectively, and gain the visibility they deserve. 1. Track Your Wins Regularly Create a simple habit: every week or month, write down what you’ve accomplished. Projects completed, problems solved, feedback received. You can’t promote what you don’t remember. This list becomes the foundation for performance reviews, presentations, and networking conversations. 2. Talk About Impact, Not Tasks Avoid describing your work like a to-do list. Instead, focus on outcomes. Don’t say, “I managed the budget.” Say, “I optimized the budget to save 12% in costs while improving output.” Impact is what gets remembered. 3. Craft a Powerful Introduction Whether you’re at a meeting, a conference, or a quick coffee chat, be ready to answer, “So what do you do?” with clarity and confidence. Try something like:“I help regional teams grow revenue through strategic marketing that’s data-informed and customer-driven.”Short. Punchy. Results-focused. 4. Speak Up With Framing In meetings, don’t just drop facts—add perspective. Say things like: 5. Use ‘I’ and ‘We’ Strategically It’s great to acknowledge your team, but don’t erase your own role. Try:“We delivered the project on time, and I led the planning and stakeholder engagement.”That’s confident, not arrogant. 6. Ask for Visibility Opportunities often come when you ask. For example: 7. Develop a Reputation on Purpose Ask yourself: What do I want to be known for? Then align your communication, behaviors, and contributions around that. Start shaping the narrative people tell about you. 8. Use the CAR Model (Challenge – Action – Result) This is a simple storytelling structure that makes your contributions stick. 9. Practice Out Loud Confidence comes from repetition. Say your wins out loud. Practice your intro in the mirror. Record yourself and listen back. The more you hear yourself owning your success, the more natural it becomes. 10. Share Your Work Strategically Whether it’s in team updates, LinkedIn posts, or hallway conversations—find natural, professional ways to talk about what you’re working on. Visibility isn’t vanity. It’s leadership. Self-Promotion Is Not About Ego. It’s About Clarity. Self-promotion isn’t about being loud or showy. It’s about making your value clear—so the right people can recognize it. So opportunities can find you. So your career doesn’t depend on being discovered by accident. When done right, self-promotion becomes a service—to your team, your organization, and your future. Final Thoughts If you’ve ever been told to “speak up more,” “take ownership,” or “raise your profile”—don’t dismiss it. That’s your cue to invest in your personal brand. Not with arrogance. But with intention. You already do great work. Now it’s time to make sure people know about it. Because when you learn to promote yourself with purpose, confidence, and clarity—you don’t just stand out. You move up. And when you’re ready to stop playing small, let’s talk. 📩 Book a free 30-minute discovery call with me to learn how executive coaching can help you build your personal brand, gain visibility, and finally get the recognition—and progression—you deserve. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

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Unlocking the Power of Social Intelligence: A Pathway to Success

When we think of intelligence, we often associate it with academic brilliance, problem-solving abilities, or mastery of logic and numbers. However, there’s another form of intelligence that is equally crucial for navigating the complexities of life: social intelligence. This oft-neglected aspect of human cognition encompasses the ability to understand social cues, manage emotions, and navigate intricate social dynamics. Despite its profound impact on our personal and professional lives, social intelligence is rarely discussed or nurtured in formal educational settings. Yet, a growing body of research highlights the undeniable benefits of developing this essential skill set. In this article, we’ll explore what social intelligence entails and why cultivating it should be a priority. Understanding Social IntelligenceSocial intelligence, a concept first introduced by psychologist Edward Thorndike in 1920, refers to the ability to perceive and respond appropriately to social signals, monitor and manage one’s own emotions, and adapt to diverse social contexts. It’s a multifaceted skillset that allows us to navigate the intricate web of human interactions with finesse. The development of social intelligence begins early in life, with infants exhibiting signs as early as six weeks old. By 18 months, children can comprehend complex social cues and understand others’ intentions. As we mature, our social environments become increasingly complex, necessitating a sophisticated set of social skills that, for most individuals, don’t come naturally but must be learned and refined. The Multifaceted Benefits of Social IntelligenceContrary to popular belief, social intelligence is not merely a “nice-to-have” attribute; it offers profound benefits that extend far beyond interpersonal relationships. Here are some of the key advantages of cultivating social intelligence: Signs of Social IntelligenceSocial intelligence encompasses a range of skills that enable us to navigate complex social situations with ease. Here are some key indicators of high social intelligence: Cultivating Social IntelligenceDeveloping social intelligence is a journey that requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some practical strategies to enhance your social intelligence: While social intelligence may come more naturally to some, it is a skill that can be developed and refined by anyone willing to invest time and effort. By cultivating this crucial aspect of intelligence, we open doors to personal fulfillment, professional success, and the ability to navigate the intricate tapestry of human relationships with grace and empathy.

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The Coach’s Corner Ep 4 Sarah Fraser, MCC

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Coach’s Corner! In this episode, Coach Terry is joined by Sarah Fraser, MCC and owner of Happiness Express Coaching. Sarah is an accomplished leadership coach, ICF mentor, and workshop facilitator with many years of coaching experience. As a Master Certified Coach, Sarah has spent over 2500 hours coaching individuals to help them achieve their goals and has mentored many coaches in gaining their ICF credentials.

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The Coach’s Corner: Ep 02 Andrew Nip Talent Director for LVMH Fashion Group

Welcome to Episode 2 of The Coach’s Corner, where I speak with Mr. Andrew Nip, the Director of Talent for LVMH Fashion Group.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of learning and development in the workplace. Andrew shares his insights and expertise on the value of training, the common challenges organizations face when implementing development programs, and how to stay current with the latest trends and best practices in the industry.

Andrew has a wealth of experience in learning and development, and in this episode, he shares his career journey and how he became an expert in this field. We discuss the importance of training and development for employees in today’s workplace and the impact it can have on employee retention, productivity, and career growth

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