Speak with Impact & Own the Room

Issue #10

Hello Hello!

I know I've been missing in action for the last 2 weeks. Now, I'm back after the hiatus and no, I haven't resorted to automating this newsletter yet so you didn't receive it for 15 days. I was moving countries and taking a break for that, hence was completely off work - even the fun parts of it - like writing this newsletter!

Four days after the Air India Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, I found myself boarding an Air India flight from New York to Mumbai.

As you can imagine, my family was anxious with the headlines still fresh. And truth be told, everyone on the flight was on edge too.

But I boarded. Because I’ve always believed:

In the crash report, what stood out wasn’t just the tragedy - it was this fact:
​The pilots had just 32 seconds to make a decision.

32 seconds.
Not enough time for analysis. But enough time for instinct. For clarity. For communication under pressure.

And that’s a lesson I took with me:
In life, as in leadership, high-stakes moments don’t wait. You have to respond, not react. Communicate, not just panic.

It reminded me of something I say often to my clients:

So whatever's worrying you today - a difficult meeting, a hard conversation, a high-stakes opportunity - remember: you don’t need more time. You need a clearer voice.

🎙From the Journalist’s Chair

The “Return on Intelligence” of Scaling AI

Last week, I anchored a special edition of IBM AI Dialogues on CNBC-TV18. I spoke to industry leaders from Reliance General Insurance, IBM, Axis Capital and Tata Motors about investing in AI and the expected Return on Intelligence.

We often ask: what’s the ROI of scaling AI? But I think a better question is: What intelligence are we returning to the organisation?

✅ Intelligence in decision-making
✅ Intelligence in customer relationships
✅ Intelligence in how we lead teams

From Gen AI pilots to agentic AI rollouts, what excites me most is when technology becomes a thinking partner, not just a tool.

And as a journalist, it’s my job to unpack these ideas with business leaders so even non-tech audiences feel the impact, not just understand it.

So, if you're a founder or professional looking to make your AI story land better on panels, podcasts or media, remember this:

👔 From the Coaching Room

For the Overloaded Woman Who Never Says No

I’m working this week with a woman leader from the media. A top performer. A great team player. But one habit has been holding her back:
​She says “yes” to everything.

Projects. Favours. Calendar holds. Extra work. Emotional labour.

Because saying no feels like she’s being selfish. Or not “nice.”

Here’s what we’re working on:
​Boundary Scripts - so she can say “no” without guilt or conflict
​Reframing Niceness - being kind ≠ being available 24/7
​Micro-assertions - ways to push back without sounding pushy

ACTIONABLE TIP​
Here’s one sentence you can use right away:

It signals willingness. But also capacity awareness. Assertiveness isn’t confrontation, it’s clarity with care.

Communication Tip of the Week 🗣️

Be concise. But leave a curve.

What’s a curve? It’s the lingering effect of what you say. The aftertaste.

When you make a point, follow it up with a line that:
✅ Opens a door
✅ Makes people think
✅ Signals warmth or intrigue

Example:​
“I think we’ve solved the short-term need. What we choose next will shape the next 3 years and that’s where we need to pause and zoom out.”

Let your words land. Then let them linger.

🚀 Want to work with me?

I help leaders speak and speakers lead!

Here’s how I can help you:

✅ 1:1 Coaching – Speak like a leader and build your executive presence in your industry. Get hyper customised coaching + skilling.
✅ Workshops for Teams – Build communication capability and executive presence across levels in storytelling, leadership communication, personal branding and executive presence.
✅ Pitch & Panel Coaching – From investor decks to industry forums, I help you own the room.
✅ Media & Podcast Training – Speak in soundbites, stay sharp, and bring your best voice forward. I am a journalist, I know what journalists want to hear in your messaging - happy to help!

My 1:1 coaching slots are now open for August 2025. Hit reply and book your free discovery call!

📩 You can also DM me on LinkedIn Let’s find the right format for you.

If this edition of my newsletter sparked a thought, a smile, or a shift, forward it to a colleague or friend who could use it today.

And if you’re new here, you can read previous editions here ​

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Meanwhile, take that mic and speak up. Make yourself seen and heard!
Until next week, it's goodbye! 😊

Warmly,
​Mridu Bhandari 💫🎤​
Public Speaking Coach | Leadership Communication Expert | TV Anchor & Journalist
Founder & Chief Mentor, Mentorleap
​Helping you own the room & speak with impact!