Professional Acting to CEO: Naomi's Journey

Naomi was a professional actress for 20 years. Highlights of her career include
playing leading roles in the West End production of “Buddy, ”
“They’re Playin’ Our Song” and “My Cousin Rachel.”
Her first love was the theatre, but she is best known for a 4-year stint on tv in “Emmerdale,” one of the UK’s longest running soaps.

Later, between acting jobs, Naomi worked for luxury brands Charbonnel et Walker, Jack Barclay Bentley, and Tiffany & Co, learning sales and marketing strategies.
After returning to education as a mature student, she graduated as an
Associate of King’s College London with a BA in American Studies and set up
“You Said It” communications consultancy.

Naomi has lived and worked in London, France, Thailand and the US, teaching people how to upgrade their communication skills and present like a Pro.
“You Said It” services include a Presentation Masterclass where clients learn in
a few hours what professional actors learn in three years. The Masterclass includes a brief history of public speaking and how this affects men and women differently, why psychologist Carl Jung called the throat the “ring of fear,” how to overcome nerves, your voice as “instrument,” vocal techniques, projection skills, storytelling, mindset and meditation, how to connect with an audience and more.

Naomi’s colleague Martin Hegloame recently published, “Public Speaking: The Ten Commandments,” available on Amazon

THE INTERVIEW: We are delighted to share your knowledge, experience, and insights with the GallantCEO audience.

Let’s begin with a little introduction.

Tell our audience a bit about yourself and your company.

My name is Naomi Marghaleet, and I am the Director of “You Said It.” The seed idea for “You Said It” was born when all my friends started getting married. After witnessing many good and not-so-good wedding speeches (!), I realized there was a need for people to understand the difference between the written and spoken word.

As a former actress, I am acutely aware of how words need to be lifted off a page or screen to touch an audience, and I enjoy sharing the fruits of a successful career by guiding people on how to make a genuine connection with their audience.

When I returned to education at 37, I was surprised to discover that brilliant academics are not necessarily good communicators. Working for luxury brands and attending meetings with senior management, I realized how very few people receive formal training in public speaking.

“You Said It” provides content, but our focus is on teaching clients how to deliver effectively when giving presentations. We teach solid techniques that are proven to boost confidence and help clients upgrade their communication skills by targeting their audience with specific strategies to inspire, share information, and educate.

Nowadays, everyone lives under the illusion of communicating instantly, especially via video, but many people struggle for clarity in terms of how others perceive and receive them.

“You Said It” shares insights and skills from the luxury brand, theatre, and TV industries and helps clients get their message across successfully. I also work as a Professional Speaker.

2021 and 2022 were extremely tough years for businesses around the globe.

In your experience, can you share how businesses can prosper in 2023?

Businesses can prosper in 2023 by limiting the amount of time spent looking at what others are doing, taking a fast from media addiction, especially social media, and focusing on the unique contribution they want to make.

Daily, go outside (ideally in nature), and then go within for answers that can only be heard by a quiet mind. A positive mindset is crucial because your head creates your world. It is almost impossible to achieve success without clarity of thought and purpose.

Decide to contribute something unique to the world, plant healthy seeds, and treat yourself and others with respect.

The economy has been turned on its head in the wake of the pandemic.

What should businesses focus on in 2023?

In the wake of the pandemic, it is crucial to worry less, make the most of each day, and not be tempted into thinking the world is at an end. Even if it is, you cannot control the world or other people. You can only control yourself and your reactions, which happens to be a divine paradox because you are the world, and the world is you!

Focus on worrying less about what you do not want for your business and use your energy to create what you do want.

A key ingredient to success is having the intention to serve other people. We have found that clients sense that we have their best interests at heart and appreciate our integrity. People recommend our services because we make a genuinely positive impact on their lives by surpassing clients’ expectations.

Many businesses went from working in the office to working at home.

What are the pros and cons of working from home?

If you are lucky enough to live in a beautiful place, as I do, there are many pros to working from home. Daily, I go for a walk in the woods and return with a clear head. I appreciate having the freedom to switch off the computer, breathe fresh air, and then meditate. I have taught Meditation and Reiki for 25 years and found meditation life-changing. The mind clears quicker after exercise, so you might want to go to the gym before meditating. There is no price on having the capacity to observe negative thoughts, let them go, and replace them with more positive intentions. There is no price on inner peace in a chaotic world. Even if you do not live in pleasant surroundings, make the effort to go to a park, wood, or lake and regularly clear your head. When you return to work, you will be much more productive.

The cons of working from home are not dressing professionally, which affects one’s posture, online and off. I would advise anyone having a job interview online, for example, not to wear a shirt and/or jacket with tracksuit bottoms hidden off-screen. As a former actress, I know that clothes and shoes affect how you come across, so don’t be lazy! Many meetings happen online now, with some people looking like they just got out of bed. Dress with respect for yourself and others because first impressions are lasting.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has caused a rising effect on inflation.

How can business owners combat the rise of inflation?

I cannot control war, Russia, Ukraine, or the rise of inflation. However, I can stay in my lane and not get bogged down by media doom and gloom. Somebody somewhere, as I type, is giving birth, somebody somewhere has just celebrated their 100th birthday, and out on the lawn, summer flowers are swaying in the breeze. Pay attention to the beauty in life. Seek it out and seek it within yourself so your soul is at rest regardless of world economics. I lived with a top journalist for three years and can honestly say much of what the media churns out is designed to depress people. We are human beings, not human doings. Try not to be taken in by fear-mongering. Create your own reality.

In the last five years, we have seen the rise of Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, NFTs, Digital Marketing, and many more!

What do you think will impact the world most in regard to online selling?

I think people would be wise to trust cash more than any digital currency. Humans, not robots. As for online selling, try to cut out the middleman/chain and deal directly with clients.

On a more subtle note…

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be?

If I could have dinner with three people, I’d invite Barbra Streisand, Barbara Ann Brennan, and Jeremy King. Ms. Streisand’s voice inspired me to find my own. I am impressed by how she has excelled at using her creative skills to the max in a male-dominated industry while working, via her foundation, to help combat heart disease and alleviate poverty. People have attacked her relentlessly for her looks, but no one can doubt Ms. Streisand’s positive contribution to the world. Her voice expresses emotions in a totally unique way. She’s a fabulously talented woman. A rare star.

NASA scientist Barbara Ann Brennan wrote the ground-breaking book, “Hands of Light,” which records the experiences she encountered when working as a spiritual healer.

Humanity desperately needs healing, and many people would benefit from reading “Hands of Light” by Barbara Ann Brennan because it bridges the gap between Science and Spirituality. I heard Barbara Ann Brennan lecture in London and have many questions!

Jeremy King created some of London’s finest restaurants. He is a charming, generous host and an ardent fan of the arts, particularly theater. I would relish an opportunity to return his hospitality and possibly even sing my thanks for all the wonderful times I have enjoyed at The Wolseley and Brasserie Zedel.

Reading is still one of the most popular ways to learn anything.

What are your most recommended book?

My most recommended books are:

“Jonathan Livingstone Seagull” by Richard Bach: This childhood “bible” taught me to ignore what other people said, thought, and did, and to believe in the infinite possibilities life has to offer. Jonathan Seagull flies high, teaches others what he learns, and moves beyond perceived limits to freedom.
“Anatomy of the Spirit” by Caroline Myss: This life-enhancing book unifies the notion of our mind, body, spirit, and soul as being separate and stresses that wholeness is the key to great health. Myss is an extraordinary writer and teacher, and she has written several New York Times bestsellers. She is original in thought, deed, and action.
“The Hero With A Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell: This book is game-changing for storytellers. Hollywood found it too dense, so Christopher Vogler simplified the mythic structure and published “The Writer’s Journey,” which became mandatory reading for everyone from actors and directors to costume and lighting crew. When you know the structure, you can break it.

What is your purpose for getting out of bed each day and what do you aim to achieve in the future?

My purpose for getting out of bed each day is to share my skills as widely as possible to help people communicate clearly. I aim to work with as many business leaders and entrepreneurs as possible because, in the West, we appear to be drowning in plenty yet pining for more. My focus is on quality of information over the quantity of nonsense online. Our Masterclasses give clients a solid foundation of how to present professionally using techniques that work, so the world sees the best of them.

In the future, I intend to set up a TV channel dedicated to material that uplifts and inspires humanity. Potential investors, get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you.