Speak Up, Share Your Story: Finding Your Voice with Siobhan Strode

In this episode, I had a brilliant conversation with Siobhan Strode, an advocacy consultant, mentor for change-makers, and the founder of This Sister Speaks. With her rich background in communications, education, activism, and politics, Siobhan helps people and organisations find their confidence, raise their voices, and make real, lasting change.

We talked about the incredible power that comes from sharing your own story, the importance of leading from your core values, and the idea that true leadership begins with understanding who you are and what you stand for. Siobhan shared such valuable insights into how we, as purpose-driven leaders, can speak up confidently, build movements that truly matter, and create change that endures. This conversation is a reminder that doing good and doing well isn't about having the loudest voice, but about having one that is clear, honest, and true to you.

Key Takeaways

• Your Story is Powerful: Sharing our experiences, even the ones we think are small or ordinary, is a vital act. It helps combat the historical erasure of women's voices and builds connection.

• Lead as Yourself: Trying to fit a mould or maintain a purely 'professional' front can squash us down. Leading authentically, embracing all parts of who we are and what we care about, builds trust and attracts the right opportunities.

• Find Your Sisterhood: Having a community of people who support you is crucial. These spaces offer solidarity, a place to practise using your voice, receive constructive feedback, and gain the confidence to take risks.

• Small Ripples Make Waves: You don't have to run for Parliament to make a difference (though Siobhan did!). Speaking up against injustice or apathy, even in seemingly small ways like challenging a comment or sharing your perspective, creates a ripple effect and shows others what's possible.

• Sustain Your Energy: Activism and change-making require energy. Looking after ourselves through rest, getting outdoors, setting boundaries, asking for help, and nurturing connections isn't a luxury; it's essential for sustaining our efforts long-term.

Episode Highlights

• [04:52] The pivotal childhood experience that ignited Siobhan's drive to combat apathy and speak out.

• [08:37] Discussing the importance of creating safe, encouraging spaces where women can share experiences without taboo.

• [10:55] Exploring why visibility matters and how seeing others speak up, even imperfectly, can empower us.

• [20:51] The shift from trying to 'fit in' and appear professional to the power of leading as your whole self.

• [23:46] How to navigate decisions about work or collaborations when values don't align, and the privilege involved in saying no.

• [35:10] Practical ways Siobhan looks after herself to sustain her energy for activism, focusing on nature, boundaries, and sisterhood.

About Siobhan Strode

Siobhan Strode is an advocacy consultant, mentor, and founder of This Sister Speaks. She helps change-makers raise their voices and lead with impact.

• Instagram: @‌thissisterscribes

• LinkedIn: Siobhan Strode

• Programme: This Sister Speaks Waitlist 

Episode Links:

• Carl Jung quote “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed”.

• Tricia Hersey - Rest is Resistance Rest Is Resistance: Free yourself from grind culture and reclaim your life a book by Tricia Hersey.

• Keri Jarvis Keri Jarvis | Composting- Group Coaching for the Polycrisis. Keri Jarvis, Accredited Coach & Community Activist

• The Portal Collective: A community platform mentioned for finding connection and support. Join The Portal Collective

• Audre Lorde: Influential writer and activist mentioned in the conversation.

• Merlin Bird ID App: The app Sarah uses to identify bird sounds.

Credits

I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please find me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahfoxcoach/).

This episode was written and recorded by me and produced by Lucy Lucraft (http://lucylucraft.co.uk ).

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!