Speak Like a Leader: The 5 Elements of a Powerful Voice | with Lisa Hugo

Have you ever wondered why some people instantly command attention the moment they speak? In this episode, we break down how to sound like a leader, and why your voice is the most powerful tool for influence, authority, and confidence.

Before you say a single word, people are already judging your presence. Lisa Hugo reveals the five elements that shape your voice, how to control them, and how to speak in a way that makes people listen.

This conversation is perfect for anyone who wants to speak with more confidence, improve communication skills, and strengthen their executive presence.In this episode, Kelly Lundberg sits down with internationally recognized executive communication coach Lisa Hugo to unpack what truly makes a leader sound like a leader. With over 20 years of experience training C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 leaders, and government officials, Lisa breaks down the five core elements of a powerful voice — and how your tone, pitch, pace, and intention shape the way people perceive you long before they process your words.

Drawing from her background as a performer, vocal coach, keynote speaker, and author of Voice of Influence, Lisa reveals how leaders can improve their executive presence, speak with more confidence, and communicate in a way that inspires trust and authority. Together, she and Kelly explore how your voice impacts your personal brand, why people judge you in the first five seconds, and the practical vocal shifts anyone can make to sound more credible, influential, and magnetic on stage, in meetings, or on camera.Timestamps:00:00 — Introduction: Why your voice matters more than you realize 00:49 — Lisa’s journey from performer to executive communication coach 01:50 — Who Lisa coaches: C-suite executives, founders & leaders 05:12 — The psychology of first impressions: judged in the first 5 seconds 06:45 — The 5 Elements of a Powerful Voice (overview)08:03 — Element #1: Tone 10:20 — Element #2: Pitch 12:41 — Element #3: Pace 15:30 — Element #4: Intention 17:54 — Element #5: Resonance 21:19 — Common weak voice habits (and how to fix them) 25:36 — Understanding vocal resonance 26:11 — Your voice as part of your personal brand 26:41 — Matching your voice to your personality 27:47 — Why most people have no awareness of their voice 29:52 — How your thoughts shape your sound 31:14 — Improving presence for meetings & presentations 33:55 — How vocal confidence transforms leadership 36:45 — Speaking in a way that builds connection 38:19 — Overcoming fear on stage or camera 40:11 — Lisa’s top advice for sounding credible 43:52 — Your “vocal brand” and why it matters 44:57 — Where to find Lisa Hugo 45:47 — Final reflections About the GuestLisa Hugo is an executive communication coach, keynote speaker, and author who has spent over two decades helping C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders strengthen their voice, confidence, and executive presence. She is the author of Voice of Influence and host of the Impact Through Voice podcast.