Despite a successful career, Mathilde long felt held back by a fear of public speaking. Voice coaching changed that. What started as a quest to improve her articulation and presence became a transformative journey toward greater confidence, impact, and personal growth.
Building a career rooted in connection
Mathilde’s international career spans The Coca-Cola Company, Bain & Company, PA Consulting, and now a leading global financial services firm. A French national with experience living and working across France, the US, the UK and Singapore, she’s always been driven by a deep desire to connect with people from different cultures. Now Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer of multiple support functions, she leads with empathy and strategic clarity across a global team of around 1,000 professionals.
For as long as she can remember, Mathilde has been passionate about people. “I’ve always wanted to explore the world. Not just to see it, but to connect with people from different cultures,” she says. That drive to engage across boundaries has led her to senior roles in global transformation.
Her current role is both complex and deeply people-centric: coordinating large-scale transformation programs, engaging senior leaders, facilitating global town halls, and acting as a trusted advisor to leadership.
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When communication skills become career-defining
As her responsibilities grew, Mathilde became increasingly aware that strong communication was essential to her impact. “I’ve always been an introvert. I was extremely shy growing up and had a real fear of raising my voice,” she recalls. “Even as I took on more senior roles, that fear never completely went away. Additionally, as a non-native English speaker, I often worried that my accent would make it harder for others to fully understand me, or that I wouldn’t be able to articulate my ideas as clearly as I would in my native language."
The demands of her role pushed her to confront those doubts head-on. “I was expected to lead conversations, energise teams, and speak with impact in high-stakes situations. I knew I had to do something.”
Transforming fear into strength
That “something” was voice coaching. Encouraged by her commitment to self-awareness and personal growth, Mathilde stepped out of her comfort zone and began working with Susan. What followed was a profound shift.
“With Susan, I didn’t just work on speaking technique. I worked on mindset, posture, and presence,” Mathilde says. “We focused on articulation, pacing, and grounding my voice. But we also worked on how I showed up physically and mentally. Owning the space and trusting myself.”
Real confidence, real impact
The impact was immediate. Mathilde now regularly hosts global town halls, facilitates workshops, and doesn't hesitate to step-in as master of ceremony at executive events. “These used to be my worst nightmare,” she admits. “Now, I approach them with clarity and calm. I know how to prepare, how to deliver, and most importantly, how to enjoy them.”​ Her improved vocal confidence also strengthened her credibility with senior stakeholders, vendors, and colleagues across the globe.
“People respond differently when you speak with assurance. It’s not about being loud. It’s about being clear, grounded, and intentional.”
More than a skill. A leadership advantage
Looking back, she sees voice coaching as more than just a development initiative. “It was a turning point. It gave me the tools I needed and helped remove the internal barriers that were holding me back. I can now share my thoughts and ideas with more ease and confidence.”
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As technology, especially AI, continues to reshape the way we work, Mathilde believes that human qualities such as presence, empathy, and authentic communication are more critical than ever.
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“Machines can process information. But leadership, connection, and trust come from people. That is where our voice matters most.”
Communicate with greater confidence, authority and presence
If you're an HR or L&D leader wanting to improve your people's confidence, presence and communication skills, learn more about my Make Your Mark with Susan Room® framework here.
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