Hi 👋
I’m so happy you’re here.
In this month’s newsletter, I write about how to own the room even when your inner dialogue says you can't, featuring insights from my conversation with Bridgett McGowen, a presence powerhouse. I also spotlight Bridgett’s amazing book Show Up and Show Out and share a few interesting articles/podcasts that you may have missed.
I hope you love it! 🥰
Fran XO
MINDSET IN ACTION 💡
Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly own the room?
I recently had the pleasure of exploring this topic with the amazing Bridgett McGowen for TONE Networks. Bridgett is an international speaker, author, and expert on presence. Our conversation lingered in my mind long after we ended the Zoom call, so I wanted to share the most important takeaways with all of you👇
FRAN: What does it actually mean when we say own the room?
BRIDGETT: It means commanding attention and respect through your presence. It means having the ability to connect with others and demonstrate confidence. That's what it means.
It's about making a positive impression and exuding authenticity. It’s being yourself. You can't be someone else—they’re already taken.
It's exuding authenticity and authority in a way that resonates with everybody around you.
You are unforgettable for all of the right reasons. That's what it means to own the room.
FRAN: Confidence is such a huge part of it. And what do you do when you're feeling off, and maybe you have this inner dialogue that's telling you that you don't deserve to be confident? That you're less than. That you don't deserve a seat at the table. How do you change that conversation in your head?
BRIDGETT: If you were not capable, if you were not worthy, if you were not meant for the position you're in, the opportunity in front of you, then it would not have come your way.
You are where you're supposed to be. And yes, the self-doubt creeps into everyone all of the time—even the most senior person at your company has those moments where she's wondering, ‘I don't know if I can do this,’ or ‘Was that the right move?’
Know this: no one can do what you do, the way you do it, on this planet. Wherever you are right now is where you are perfectly supposed to be.
Have that moment of doubt - it’s human. But make sure you have a cheerleader in your back pocket—someone you can call up, send a text, send a DM, and say, “Listen, I need a pick me up. I need some cheerful words. I need some affirmations. I need something to encourage me.” Because that happens to all of us at the end of the day.
Remember, you are where you are supposed to be. Period.
Here is a VIP link to sign up for a 30-day, no-commitment trial to TONE to view the event and enjoy their other content. Once you’re signed up, here is a link to the replay —I found myself hanging on Bridgett’s every word!
PS. I feature Bridgett’s book, Show Up and Show Out: 52 Communication Habits to Make You Even More Unforgettable, in the next section and share her go-to “power words.”
"You can't be someone else—they’re already taken."
- Bridgett McGowen
YOUR NEXT MUST-READ 📚
Show Up and Show Out by Bridgett McGowen
🌟 Winner of a 2023 Award of Distinction from The Communicator Awards 🌟
My favorite thing about this book is how actionable and digestible it is. Bridgett provides 52 communication habits to make you unforgettable. ✨
One standout chapter covers power words and how using them makes you sound more confident and commanding. Here are a few of my favorites:
DON’T SAY THIS —> SAY THIS:
I don’t know —> I’m going to research that and get back to you.
I may be able to —> I will.
I think —> I know.
These minor tweaks go a long way in conveying strength. 💪
Show Up and Show Out is available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and pretty much anywhere books are sold. 📚 And you can learn more about Bridgett here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 💫
If you’re looking for gifts for colleagues or friends that will be sure to jumpstart creativity & play, look no further than
’s The Unserious Gift Guide.My bookbound partner-in-crime, Bethany Saltman, and I are holding our first-ever Read Like a Writer Book Club for nonfiction writers. From January to July, we’ll be studying books featured on our podcast to highlight what these authors have done masterfully and how you can replicate it. Learn more and sign up today!
If you find yourself in the Westchester, NY/Fairfield, CT, area on January 16th, I would love to see you at this Hayvn coworking space event. Nancy Sheed will be interviewing me about my transition from C-suite to entrepreneur. :)
A little inspiration from
👇
Fran Hauser is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and champion of women in the workplace. She has spoken at over 200 organizations and authored two books, “The Myth of the Nice Girl” and “Embrace the Work, Love Your Career,” that have been hailed as modern-day bibles for professional women. Her author journey proved to be so rewarding that she created Bookbound, a platform dedicated to launching female non-fiction authors. A major bookworm, Fran fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening the first-ever bookstore in her hometown of Bedford, NY. 💗
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please consider:
hitting the ♡ icon below
tapping the 💬 and sharing your thoughts
sending this to a friend who might be interested in subscribing
Fran XO