Finding your voice in a world full of noise.
Hello you, welcome to another Monday moment with Coach Ed.
Following on from last week’s newsletter about stepping into your first leadership role, this week we’re zooming in on something just as vital, finding your voice in a world that often feels like it’s shouting over you.
Whether you are a graduate stepping into your first real job, or a new leader thrown straight into the messy middle, the truth is the same, transitions test your authenticity.
And let’s be honest, the working world can be a noisy place.
There are company values pinned to walls that no one reads, group chats that ping more than your brain can process, and endless opinions on who you should be and how you should show up.
It is easy to lose your voice in all of that.
But authenticity is not about ignoring the noise, it is about learning to hold your tone within it. You do not need to be louder to be heard. You need to be clearer. Truer. More you.
Because your voice, when it is real and rooted, cuts through. Not like a megaphone, but like a tuning fork, steady and unmistakable.
The world will be full of noise, advice, expectations and unsolicited opinions from people who still cannot figure out how to send a calendar invite properly. But here’s the good news 👉 Your greatest strength is keeping your voice real and steady.
Not the loudest voice. Not the most polished. Your voice. Clear, grounded and unshakably you.
🧠 The Mindset Shift: From Finding Your Feet to Trusting Your Voice
When everything is shifting around you, it is tempting to put on a bit of a show. A version of yourself you think will impress.
What if you skipped the performance and chose authenticity instead?
Here is how to keep your voice strong without losing yourself along the way:
✅ Anchor to your values. Know what matters most and let that steer your decisions and conversations.
✅ Own your story. You are not starting from zero, you are starting from experience, even if it sometimes feels like a half-finished essay written at 2am.
✅ Speak with curiosity, not certainty. Asking good questions can show more leadership than pretending you have all the answers.
✅ Celebrate small wins. Finding your voice is not a one-time event, it is a practice. Every awkward but honest moment counts.
✅ Stay connected to your "why." Titles will change, LinkedIn headlines will change, your core purpose stays the same.
🧭 Coach Ed Values in Motion
🌀 Authenticity: Speak from who you are, not who you think you should be.
⚖ Integrity: Keep your promises to yourself first, then to others.
🫶 Empathy: Everyone else is just trying to sound like they know what they are doing too.
🌱 Compassion: Growth is messy, expect a few bumps and bruises.
😄 Humour: When in doubt, laugh (preferably not during a serious team briefing, unless it really needs it).
📚 This Week’s Recommendations
📘 Book: Start with Why by Simon Sinek A brilliant reminder that knowing your purpose changes everything, including how you show up.
📄 Article: Finding Your Voice as a New Leader, Forbes Straight-talking advice for speaking up without selling out.
🎧 Podcast: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown Start with her episodes on authenticity and belonging, they are a breath of fresh air when you are finding your footing.
📩 Like what you are reading?
This newsletter is my Monday check-in for those of you stepping boldly (and sometimes clumsily) into your next chapter.
If you are not already subscribed, consider this your polite but persistent nudge to join the gang.
Each Monday we start again, with a fresh outlook, a braver voice and a good bit of humour to get us through.
You have got this. And I have got you.
With warmth and a wry smile,
Coach Ed
Leadership & Mindset Coach
Dublin ✈ Brazil ✈ Wherever life leads
[@coached.ie] | [www.coach-ed.ie]