11th Aug 2025
Meet the Member – Susan Perry Speaker Coaching
Name, business name
Susan Perry Speaker Coaching
Tell us about your businesses, the inspiration behind it and when you launched it?
I sat on Troon beach in January 2023 writing a New Year journal and I realised the answer to one of the questions “what would you like to do more of in your role?” was right in front of me. After 20 years in senior positions in HR, followed by 6 years of working with speakers, leaders, and change-makers develop ideas for business and social change, I identified a gap. I believe there should be accessible opportunities to develop your speaking and presentation skills to help grow your career and business and importantly, affect change.
I launched my business on 1st July 2023. My work is all about helping people communicate in a way that moves things forward. I support individuals and teams to speak with authority, pitch ideas, and show up in the moments that matter. Whether it’s on stage, in the boardroom, or in front of a camera, I help you speak about the things that matter with presence, power and purpose.
Best piece of advice you were given at the start of your business journey?
Join the GGC! I had no clue how or where to start and was given the recommendation to join. Over the last 2 and a half years, I’ve developed my skills, my friendships and my business and I honestly wouldn’t be where I am in my business without all of that. Even when I had to step out of my business for a while, I felt the love and support.
What has been your biggest lesson/ challenge faced so far and how did you overcome it?
Realising that you’re not for everyone and everyone’s not for you and that’s OK. I had some challenging clients initially and I now trust my instinct about what clients and projects feel right for me. Trusting myself and knowing it’s OK to say no or direct people elsewhere if the vibe isn’t right. It’s always about the connection rather than the money for me.
What is your number 1 business tip for success?
Ask for help. There are so many amazingly skilled people in this group that can help you.
What are the big business goals for the next year?
To bring The Speaker Academy to life! This will be my “couch to 5k” signature programme for building speaking confidence from the inside out. I’m also expanding my 1:1 coaching and leadership workshops so more founders, creatives, and teams can communicate with confidence and impact across all kinds of spaces.
How can the GGC Business membership help?
You’re already an incredible community offering so much! But I’d love to see a “Launch Lab” be developed for people launching bigger programmes. What if there was a step by step practical guide that included everything from pricing with confidence, understanding the tech and tools, visibility etc. It would massively help me with The Speaker Academy!
What’s the dream?
To help women use their voice to advocate and lobby for social, business and cultural change and equality. I want more women to take up space – on stages, in leadership, in their businesses without waiting to feel “ready.” Because your voice matters now, not just once it’s perfect. Words have the potential to change the world.
Fave mantra to get you buzzed up for business
What’s the best that can happen??!! Totally shifts your energy and gets you into places of possibility.
Shout out to another local business you admire?
I have to shout out Cat Paterson and Laurie Macpherson for signposting me to the GGC and being amazing supporters. What they’re achieving in their businesses in incredible yet they remain on hand to help. During the last 2 and a half years, I’ve met awesome women running incredible businesses but had it not been for their recommendation, I wouldn’t have the friendships, been able to access amazing learning opportunities as well as developing my business.
Three fun facts about you!
I played roulette at the same table with Tina Turner in Monte Carlo
I am an NLP qualified practitioner
I used to be in amateur dramatics and now sing in a community choir. I’ve sung with Belle & Sebastian and an up and coming Scottish singer Roisin McCarney
