From The Apprentice boardroom to building and exiting multiple businesses, Richard Woods has used his voice to create real‑world impact — for himself and for hundreds of entrepreneurs.

In this episode of Impact Through Voice, I sit down in the Dubai studio with Richard to unpack how he's:

• Grown, scaled, and sold several businesses (including a plumbing company he ran without ever touching a boiler)

• Built a fast‑growing outsourcing company, Sprint VA, scaling from 3 to 167 VAs in just 18 months

• Leveraged Africa as an underused outsourcing powerhouse to help business owners keep their phones ringing and inboxes pinging

• Turned his TV appearance on The Apprentice UK into a platform for personal brand, opportunity, and media work

• Recovered from a real‑time "freeze" on stage and what it taught him about preparation, courage, and being human on camera

You'll hear Richard and Lisa dive into:

• Why your elevator pitch can change everything — and how to craft one that actually makes people care

• The trap of doing everything yourself and how to step into the million‑dollar CEO role

• Richard's 13‑week LinkedIn content system that keeps you visible without burning out

• The power of story, emotion, and vulnerability in business communication

• How to transition from one‑to‑one work to one‑to‑many impact, without losing connection

If you're an entrepreneur, coach, or expert who knows you need to use your voice more boldly — on stage, online, or on LinkedIn — this conversation will give you both the inspiration and the strategy to step up and stand out.

Listen now to discover how to:

• Pitch yourself without feeling "too big for your boots"

• Turn your expertise into leveraged offers and scalable programs

• Build a personal brand that attracts clients, opportunities, and collaboration

🎙️ Impact Through Voice — empowering you to use your voice to change your life, your business, and the lives of others.

SHOWNOTES:

02:57 The Importance of a Good Pitch

08:28 The Apprentice Experience

17:05 The Power of Storytelling in Business

26:59 Struggling with the Pitch

29:01 Handling Brain Freeze Moments

31:18 The Apprentice Experience

33:42 Business Ventures and Lessons Learned

36:24 Transition to Coaching and COVID Impact

38:50 Building a Scalable Coaching Business

45:23 LinkedIn Strategies for Personal Branding

51:37 Recommended Reads for Entrepreneurs

Have you ever wondered what happens when your voice doesn't bounce back?

We've all had that morning-after moment — you wake up hoarse and raspy after a night of talking over loud music, shouting at a game, or teaching back-to-back classes. Usually, it's just temporary and resolves with rest and hydration. But what if your voice doesn't recover? What if the hoarseness, vocal fatigue, or even pain linger far too long?

In this episode of Impact Through Voice, your host Lisa Hugo sits down with Dr. Marc Muller, an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist, to unpack what really happens when your voice is overused, misused, or neglected. Whether you're a professional voice user — singer, speaker, teacher, or presenter — or someone who simply relies on your voice daily, this conversation dives deep into the mechanics and care of your most valuable instrument.

🎙️ What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The anatomy of your voice box: What actually happens when you "lose your voice."

• The biggest mistake people make when trying to sound louder or more powerful — and how it damages the vocal cords.

• How to recognize early symptoms of vocal strain, nodules, and inflammation.

• Why persistent hoarseness might be a sign of something more serious — and when to see a doctor.

• The surprising connection between your nose, breathing, stomach acid, and vocal health.

• The role of proper breathing, hydration, and rest in maintaining vocal strength.

• How singers, teachers, and speakers can prevent lasting damage by learning correct vocal techniques.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Your voice is a musical instrument — and misusing it is like banging on piano keys instead of playing with finesse.

• Chronic vocal issues often stem from improper technique, acid reflux, or poor nasal breathing — not just overuse.

• Early detection and voice coaching can reverse many voice problems before they become permanent.

• Proper vocal care involves both medical insight and technique training — a partnership between ENT specialists and voice coaches.

👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Marc Muller

Dr. Muller is a renowned ENT specialist with extensive experience in nasal and vocal health. With a focus on breathing, voice restoration, and preventive care, he provides a unique medical perspective on how lifestyle, posture, and speaking habits affect the voice.

🎧 Tune in if you:

• Are a singer, teacher, or public speaker struggling with vocal fatigue

• Regularly wake up with a hoarse or tired voice

• Want to understand how your breathing and voice are connected

• Value your voice and want to protect it for life

Your voice is not just your tool — it's your identity.
Discover how to protect, preserve, and power it up the right way.

Timestamps:

01:04 Understanding Voice Mechanics

02:36 Common Voice Issues and Symptoms

06:49 When to Seek Medical Help

11:36 Diagnostic Procedures for Voice Problems

16:09 The Role of Acid Reflux in Voice Issues

21:41 The Importance of Nasal Breathing

24:15 Understanding the Role of the Nose in Respiratory Health

30:11 Voice Health and Professional Use

34:35 The Voice as a Musical Instrument

40:55 Common Voice Issues and Their Causes

Hey friends, have you ever felt that salespeople have a bad wrap and are just out to get your money?

In today's episode, I dive into a fascinating conversation with Geoff Ketterer, a veteran in high ticket sales who has generated millions in revenue and now runs a coaching business.

We discuss the evolution of sales techniques from the aggressive tactics of the '80s and '90s to the more consultative, question-based approach that Jeff advocates.

You'll learn about the importance of voice in communication, sales, and leadership, along with marketing strategies to grow your business.

Whether you're in sales, public speaking, or leadership, this episode offers valuable insights. Enjoy my chat with Geoff and discover how to build a scalable, profitable business while achieving the freedom you desire.

Shownotes

00:00 Welcome to The Impact Through Voice Podcast

00:11 Introducing Jeff Ketra: High Ticket Sales Expert

03:05 The Evolution of Sales: From Aggression to Consultation

04:39 Understanding High Ticket Sales

07:02 The Sales Call Process: Discovery to Objections

10:36 The Importance of Self-Agency and Leadership in Sales

21:07 Coaching for Freedom: Building a Scalable Business

27:40 Google's 7-11-4 Rule and Its Impact on Sales

28:18 Challenges with Traditional Funnels and Webinars

32:07 The Hybrid Social Engine Strategy

37:23 The Role of AI in Sales and Marketing

41:11 The Importance of Personal Branding and Quality Content

48:27 Recommended Books for Sales and Leadership

Full shownotes can be found here: https://lisahugo.com/67

Visit our podcast page and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes
https://lisahugo.com/podcast

Hey friends, have you ever been afraid to step up and try something new, something which seems ridiculous and embarrassing?

Take Improvisation skills as an example. That's what this episode is all about.

How getting uncomfortable and breaking barriers with simple acting techniques can make you a confident and effective speaker.

In this episode, I dive in with Salman Qureshi, an experienced actor, comedian, and theater improviser.

Salman discusses his unique journey from a corporate HR role to becoming a prominent figure in the Middle East's improv scene and corporate trainer together with the Courtyard Playhouse Theatre in Dubai.

We explore the challenges executives face in public speaking, corporate, leading teams, and how skills from drama and improv can help them become more confident, effective and adaptable.

This is a fun episode. Tune in to hear about the transformative power of storytelling, engaging exercises, and the nuances of corporate training in a theater setting.

00:54 Salman's Background and Career Journey

03:10 Challenges and Realizations in Corporate Training

05:01 The Role of Improv in Corporate Training

08:35 The Courtyard Playhouse and Corporate Training

12:54 Overcoming Invisible Barriers

17:02 Improv Exercises and Their Impact

23:33 Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses

24:38 Adapting Presentation Styles

26:01 The Importance of Authenticity

26:52 Improvised Monologues Exercise

28:45 Storytelling Techniques

34:16 Engaging Corporate Participants

35:50 Voice and Delivery Training

37:39 Interactive Exercise: Word at a Time

39:53 Power Pointless Challenge

00:00 – Introduction & Jason's Backstory
Lisa introduces Jason Graystone, a trading expert and advocate for financial freedom. Jason shares his early life, growing up with little security, and how that shaped his drive for stability and success.

06:30 – The Power of Mindset: From Scarcity to Abundance
Jason discusses how childhood voids become adult values, and how his entrepreneurial journey began with a simple car-washing business. He highlights the importance of using money as a tool for freedom and growth.

12:00 – Path to Financial Freedom
Jason explains his progression from saving and investing to launching his own business and eventually mastering trading. He emphasizes the mindset and skill development required to achieve financial independence.

18:00 – Authenticity & Personal Branding
Jason shares how he built his personal brand by giving away knowledge for free, focusing on radical transparency and authenticity. He discusses the fulfillment that comes from helping others and building a community.

22:30 – The Role of Public Speaking & Confidence on Camera
Jason talks about how sharing his message online led to public speaking opportunities. He reflects on his first YouTube video, overcoming nerves, and how consistency built his confidence on camera.

28:00 – YouTube & Business Growth Strategies
Jason reveals his data-driven approach to growing his YouTube channel, including the importance of thumbnails, retention, and community engagement. He shares actionable tips for creators to boost their own business growth.

36:00 – The Value of Authenticity in the Digital Age
Lisa and Jason discuss the shift toward unfiltered, genuine content on social media. Jason explains how authenticity and congruency are key to building trust and a strong personal brand.

41:00 – Podcasting & Building Loyal Audiences
Jason outlines his podcast strategy: starting with foundational episodes, creating a loop for new listeners, and delivering value in a structured, accessible way.

45:00 – Financial Freedom: What It Really Means
Jason challenges the idea that people want to be rich, suggesting most people truly want freedom. He shares insights from surveying thousands of people and explains how aligning spending with personal values leads to happiness and freedom.

51:00 – The Impact of the Pandemic on Financial Mindset
Jason and Lisa reflect on how the pandemic gave people a taste of true freedom and forced many to rethink their approach to work, money, and fulfillment.

55:00 – Always Free: Jason's Book & Final Thoughts
Jason introduces his new book, "Always Free," which covers how to achieve true freedom—financial, mental, and lifestyle. He encourages listeners to focus on authenticity, personal growth, and using their voice to make a difference.

59:00 – Where to Find Jason & Closing Remarks
Lisa shares where listeners can connect with Jason and access his content. She encourages reviews and feedback, reinforcing the podcast's mission to empower others to use their voice for impact.

Looking to stand out with your brand? Have you ever heard of the term tactical marketing?

Check out these easy ways to elevate your personal branding and marketing tactics. Put in the work and communicate your exceptional qualities with these tips from Lucy Bradly and Lisa Hugo!

In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Bradley, the brand commander of Plug Design, to explore how to find your voice and use it to build a thriving business.

We discuss the importance of having a unique title, the impact of tactical marketing, and the power of personalized communication like handwritten telegrams.

Lucy shares her journey of overcoming fear, building confidence, and finding her passion in ballet at an older age.

We also delve into the significance of personal branding and standing out in a saturated market.

Don't miss this quirky and fun conversation filled with practical tips and inspiring stories.

Here's a run down of what we cover...

01:47 Meet Lucy Bradley: Brand Commander with a vocal warm up

05:53 Tactical Marketing Explained

07:25 The Art of Handwritten Telegrams

13:45 Lucy's Ballet Journey: Passion and Dedication

21:20 Overcoming Public Speaking Fears

25:01 Voice Techniques for Impactful Speaking

26:56 Engaging Your Audience with Storytelling

33:00 The Importance of Personal Branding

37:13 Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges

42:25 Building a Recognizable Brand

Visit our podcast page and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes
www.lisahugo.com/podcast

Full shownotes can be found here: www.lisahugo.com/64

Hey friends, what does it take to build deep and lasting confidence?

In this episode of the Impact Through Voice podcast, I dive into the critical difference between confidence and self-worth. Sharing personal experiences from my singing career and reflections inspired by Jamie Kern Lima's book 'Worthy', I explore how our sense of worthiness can influence our confidence. We discuss challenges like imposter syndrome and the impact on different aspects of life, from professional endeavors to personal relationships.

I'm on a journey to improve my inner self-worth, and I'm inviting you to join me. Let's discover how true, steady confidence stems from deeply believing in our inherent worth. Your voice matters, because you matter.

Here's a breakdown...

01:14 Confidence vs. Self-Worth: A Deeper Reflection

02:13 The Transient Nature of Confidence

02:50 A Personal Audition Story

05:03 The Complexity of Self-Worth

08:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

11:39 The Transformative Power of Self-Worth

12:49 Conclusion: Embrace Your Worthiness

13:48 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Links:
Link to Jamie Kern Lima's Book Worthy
https://www.amazon.ae/Worthy-Believe-Enough-Transform-Your/dp/140197760X

Full shownotes can be found here: www.lisahugo.com/63

Visit our podcast page and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes
www.lisahugo.com/podcast