When Tamara joined the Make Your Mark with Susan Room® programme, she didn’t expect it to be a defining moment in her leadership journey. But, as she reflects on the experience, it’s clear the 14-hour coaching programme created meaningful, lasting change.
Not just another coaching programme
The programme, delivered during Tamara's previous role at WeFox, brought together a cohort of senior women with a shared ambition: to lead with more confidence and presence. Tamara immediately sensed that this learning experience would be different. What stood out most was Susan herself - someone who had walked the same path, navigated similar challenges, and now guided others with empathy, clarity, and credibility.
"What struck me most was that Susan didn't just approach the sessions as a coach - she led them with the wisdom and empathy of someone who has walked the same path. It wasn’t theoretical or abstract. Instead, she shared real stories and moments, making us feel truly understood. We weren’t just participants in a program; we were in the presence of someone who had “played our sport” herself."
A new relationship with her inner critic
One of the most memorable parts of the programme for Tamara was an exercise exploring the inner critic - often a persistent and limiting voice for many high-achieving women.
“We gave our inner critics personalities - mine was Regina George from Mean Girls - which allowed me to recognise her presence without giving her power. By visualising my inner critic, I found it much easier to silence her and stay focused."
“When I stopped prioritising her voice, everything shifted - how I spoke, how I presented myself and how I engaged with others. I no longer fixated on my weaknesses. Instead, I leaned into my strengths.”
A ripple effect on those around her
When leaders create space for psychological safety - by modelling calm, confident behaviour - others often follow suit. That’s exactly what Tamara experienced. With fewer distractions from self-doubt, the teams she led became more engaged and more effective.
"When the "tone from the top" is calm and self-assured, it sets the stage for others to embrace their own strengths as well. Susan’s approach fostered an environment where we felt safe to share ideas and give feedback without fear. The result? Better, faster outcomes, with our collective energy focused on the task at hand rather than on self-doubt. Less stress and judgment led to stronger performance overall."
A long term investment
Today, Tamara continues to draw on what she learned with Susan. The investment in her voice, confidence, and mindset has paid dividends - not only for her own leadership but for the women she leads and mentors. It continues to unfold in the conversations she has, the confidence she brings, and the example she sets for others.
"I remain incredibly grateful for everything I gained from Susan's program, and for the continued impact it has on both myself and the female leaders around me. It’s an investment that keeps delivering returns - both personally and professionally."
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