D33 38% of People Can’t Communicate Their Value – Here’s How to Fix It with Sharon Lim

Why do so many talented professionals struggle to communicate their impact and value? In this episode of unDUBBED, Fiona and Sarah are joined by leadership coach Sharon Lim to unpack one of the biggest non-technical challenges facing professionals today: articulating your communication, impact, and value. After polling their community, 38% said their biggest struggle isn’t technical skill – it’s getting others to understand what they do and why it matters. Together, they explore: Why smart, analytical professionals often overthink communication How storytelling increases influence and connection The power of radical candor in leadership and advocacy How to influence without authority Why self-management is foundational to communication How LEGO Serious Play unlocks creativity and strategic clarity The importance of listening for the “2% truth” This episode blends coaching, leadership psychology, practical influence techniques, and real-world workplace dynamics to help you communicate your value with clarity and confidence. If you want to increase your influence, strengthen your leadership presence, and articulate your impact without dumbing down your expertise – this episode is essential listening.   Key Topics Covered 1. Why Professionals Struggle to Communicate Impact 38% of the community identified communication of value as their biggest challenge The hidden desire behind “communicating impact”: to be heard, seen, and valued Why listening is as important as speaking 2. Storytelling as a Leadership Skill Translating technical communication into stories Speaking your audience’s language Using metaphor to bridge analytical and non-analytical thinking The neuroscience of narrative and connection 3. Radical Candor in Leadership & Advocacy The difference between being blunt and practising radical candor Challenging directly while caring personally Why timing matters in leadership communication Moving from “yes, but” to “yes, and” 4. Self-Management Before Influence Overcoming analysis paralysis Recognising when you’re in a “funk” Practical reset tools: pause, breathe, reframe Why emotional regulation strengthens leadership presence 5. Influence Without Authority Building trust before pushing ideas Matching energy and communication styles Tailoring your message to your audience Why trust creates more influence than hierarchy 6. LEGO Serious Play & Creativity in Leadership How hands-on building bypasses overthinking Storytelling through metaphor and physical models Unlocking creativity in teams Strengthening collaboration through shared narratives   Key Takeaways 38% of professionals struggle with communicating their impact and value. Effective communication starts with understanding your audience. Listening deeply increases your influence. Everyone is “right, partially.” Ask: “What is the 2% truth here?” Radical candor requires both directness and care. Self-management is essential for effective leadership. You can influence without formal authority. Storytelling strengthens connection and persuasion. LEGO Serious Play fosters creativity and collaboration.   Sound Bites “Everyone’s right, partially.” “What is the 2% truth here?” “You can influence without authority.” “Pause. Breathe.” “It’s not about dumbing it down – it’s about connecting.”   Chapters 00:00 – Introduction to Communication Challenges 02:40 – Sharon Lim’s Journey & Coaching Philosophy 12:40 – Understanding Impact & Value in Communication 22:12 – Overcoming Analysis Paralysis 24:16 – Navigating the Funk 25:59 – Self-Care & Self-Management in Leadership 28:54 – LEGO Serious Play & Creative Communication 33:33 – Radical Candor & Advocating for Yourself 43:15 – Influencing Without Authority   Links Connect with Sharon Lim Robert Cialdini – Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion