Welcome to the feature where we sit down with hosts of podcasts and find out more about them! Today we speak to Sarah Collins about the podcast She Speaks To Scale. The show is released every Thursday and today we find out all about it.
Hello, nice to meet you! How did the idea of your podcast come around?
‘She Speaks to Scale’ was born from my mission to help women in business own their voice, be heard and create the impact they want in the world. I believe women of our generation weren’t taught the communication skills they need to succeed in business today – podcasts, social media and even networking for women didn’t exist back then. I spent over 20+ years working in TV Production for ITV & ITN, and saw many brilliant contributors and spokespeople crumble under the pressure of the camera and the high stakes media interview and so when I started my business, as a Media Trainer and Communication Coach, a podcast seemed like the perfect format for my audience to gain the practical tools they needed to succeed.
Tell us about the team behind the show!
It’s me, myself and I! Having produced podcasts as a Senior Television Producer, I’m doing everything myself at present, but thoroughly enjoying it. From sourcing guests and conducting interviews, to editing and scheduling, it takes me right back to the parts of my career I absolutely loved. I’m in the early stages, and I’m remembering what a joy it is to build something entirely from scratch.
There are so many podcasts out there, how do you stand out from the rest?
She Speaks to Scale fills a gap, which I couldn’t find out there already – media insights with coaching expertise. I’ve spent over 20 years in television production, working in newsrooms and studios and I’m also a coach with a qualification accredited by the International Coaching Federation. That means the advice I give isn’t just theory, it’s built on real experience and expertise. Every episode is practical, specific and designed to give women in business a communication insight they can actually use – whether they’re preparing for a podcast appearance, a pitch or simply wanting to use their voice in a more confident way.
Who have been some of your favourite guests you have interviewed?
I’ve genuinely enjoyed every interview to date – all of my guests have been either in the speaking space or have brilliant stories about finding and using their voice. My very first guest was TV Presenter, Reporter and Broadcast Journalist Sangeeta Kandola, who has been on our screens for over 20 years across ITV, ITN and News UK radio. Sangeeta and I worked together at ITN, and what she revealed was eye-opening to me – not only was it her first ever interview, but she still gets nervous before every live broadcast – something I know so many of my listeners will relate to.
Do you use any specialised equipment to record your show?
I keep things simple by using my laptop and earphones, but I did invest in a Samson Q2U microphone. I also use Riverside to record, edit and schedule the podcast.
What are the challenges of running a podcast?
Finding the balance between releasing episodes weekly and keeping up with my business as a Media Trainer and Communication Coach. It helps that the format is two guest episodes and two solo episodes a month. There’s a lot that has to happen behind the scenes to produce an episode and I learnt early on to only commit to recording one guest episode a week for the time being – I recorded two in a day at one point and it was safe to say not much else got completed on that day!
What are the highlights
Providing a space for other people’s voices to be heard. My guests have all been very willing to be open – sharing the highs and the lows, which you often don’t hear. I didn’t have that space myself for many years and held back from using my own voice for a long time. It’s taken years of inner work and self-development to get to where I am today, but having this platform to share what’s worked for me – and what I’ve seen work for others – has given me an enormous sense of purpose. And from the lovely messages and comments I’ve received, I know it’s helping other women in business too, which means everything to me.
Tell us about your company – what sort of work do you do as well as podcasts?
I’m a Media Trainer & Communication Coach and Founder of Sarah Collins Coaching, with over 20 years of experience at ITV and ITN – many of them as a Senior Producer. I work with founders who are stepping into their expert era and want to become a credible, confident voice in their field, and organisations who need their spokespeople to perform at their best in front of cameras, in interviews and on panels.
My services range from one-to-one coaching and my structured founder programme, Your Expert Era, through to half and full day media training and workshops for organisations and communities. I’m also an ICF-accredited coach, which means the work goes beyond the practical skills – it’s about building the clarity, confidence and self-belief that makes for a great delivery – because when you communicate well, that’s when people truly listen, and when they remember who you are.
What other shows are you a fan of and why?
Ted Talk Daily, for a daily fix of great communicators sharing thought-provoking ideas.
Life Changing with Dr Sian Williams, as I love to hear other people’s inspiring real-life stories.
Women in the Coaching Arena, with Joanna Lott – For inspiration on how to build a thriving coaching business.
Three words why people should check out your show!
Practical, empowering, relatable
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