Susan Heaton-Wright - Welwyn & Hatfield Group

At the very first WIBN meeting, Susan had a lengthy discussion with one of the experienced business women who suggested that with her background as a qualified teacher, along with 18 months experience in business training and her 'incredible speaking voice', (and relaxed but effective delivery) that she consider a business as a 'voice coach'.  This sparked an idea, and Susan spend time researching and devising material to offer vocal coaching courses for business people, finding 'guinea pigs' to try the exercises on and consulting with a speak therapist to ensure the training was technically correct. 

The business developed and 'Executive Voice' was formed.  The company's focus is to help both businesses and private clients to develop excellent communication skills through using the voice effectively, empowering clients to use their voices through developing vocal techniques and skills, and support individuals to effectively prepare mentally and physically for presentations, public speaking, meetings and interviews. She also goes into companies working with individuals and teams.  Other areas in development are telephone skills, pod casting, video conferencing and video streaming. She also works with individuals who have strong accents and speak English as a second language.

Many of Susan's clients have come through the networking within WIBN, not only individuals that wanted support in specific areas but clients that wanted to develop their vocal and communication skills.  Not just clients have come out of the networking - Susan worked with the Executive Coach member in the group, Jacky O'Leary, and was able to contribute to the courses she ran with a workshop on vocal techniques, adding a new dimension for the attendees. In addition, and very importantly, she has been able to help her WIBN colleagues with the contacts they need, learning very quickly that being genuinely interested and generous in other people's business opens up opportunities for everyone.

When you are starting a new business there are many aspects that are new and challenging and Susan found she had access to many of the services she needed and quickly found a new accountant to help her sort out the company's finances, as well as support from everyone in her group.  'There are members of my own group that I consider close friends now,' says Susan,  'and I am indebted to Marie Claire, the Regional Support Director for our group, for all her advice and support, also Laura Sanderson – my accountant – but also the lady who introduced me to WIBN. We have known each other since the first day at university, and she has given me great advice, as well as introduce me to a great organisation.'

Susan's business has continued to expand and grow, and she has launched a music entertainment business, providing live music for a range of events.  For this project she has joined forces with two other women business owners that she met through WIBN, Emma Norledge a caterer and Debbie Diggles a Wedding planner and venue co-ordinator, to provide a 'one stop' party co-ordination service 'Effortless events'. They provide as much or little as you need to make your event a success – from the venue, catering, entertainment and any other extras you might need. She also owns and rents out two properties in London, managing tenants and the properties.

Having tried out other networking meetings, Susan felt the support she was given at WIBN as a working mother was very valuable, “I have been to network meetings where I have felt 'ashamed' to admit I only work a limited number of hours in order to care for my son, but WIBN has acknowledged that the majority of the members are 'juggling' in the same way, but we are just as serious about our work and fully committed to being successful. It is good to have that security and recognition within an organisation."

Executive Voice and NSN Productions - Susan Heaton Wright

Susan provides vocal coaching for individuals and corporate clients, assisting people to enhance their vocal skills within the work situation. She focuses on communicating effectively in presentations, public speaking, telephone usage, microphones and meetings. She also works with individuals who have strong accents and speak English as a second language.

NSN Productions is a Live Music and Entertainment Company, providing high quality music and entertainment for corporate and private events, including celebrations, weddings and corporate entertainment.

01707 895 661 or 07721 470 286

www.executivevoice.co.uk                   www.nsn-productions.com

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