In this episode of the WA Leaders podcast, host Charlie Gunningham interviews the "speaking lady" of Perth, Dr. Paula Smith, to discuss her 40-year career in business and the nuances of influential communication in the booming 2026 Western Australian economy. Dr. Smith, founder of the Global Institute of Training and Presenting, shares why many senior executives struggle with public speaking and offers strategic tips such as the rule of primacy and recency and the importance of using frameworks over "death by PowerPoint".
The conversation explores her journey from starting a personal development school at age 19 to completing a PhD in leadership, while also touching on her personal philosophy of "quiet leadership" and her recent 1,000-kilometer trek across the Camino Francis in Spain. This episode, recorded at Podwave Studios in Leederville, serves as a masterclass for leaders looking to enhance their visibility and reliability through the power of speaking.
Click here to Listen to the full podcast
Guest: Dr. Paula Smith
Website: paulasmith.com.au
Interviewer: Charlie Gunningham
Recorded at: Podwave Studios
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