In this episode of The EX Conversation, Kaz sits down with Advita Patel, Founder of Comms Rebel and Co-founder of A Leader Like Me, to explore one of the most persistent — and often unspoken — challenges in internal communications: confidence.
Drawing on her 20-year career in internal comms and her personal journey through self-doubt, conformity, and leadership, Advita shares why confidence is more than just personality — and how it underpins influence, inclusion, and impact in today’s workplace. At a time when EX leaders are navigating increasing complexity, uncertainty, and pressure to demonstrate value, this conversation offers a grounded and practical perspective on what it really takes to show up, speak up, and lead effectively.
If you’ve ever questioned your value, struggled to challenge stakeholders, or felt stuck between supporting the business and advocating for your function, this episode will resonate. It’s a thoughtful, honest discussion about building self-belief, redefining confidence, and helping both individuals and teams perform at their best.
🎧 Enjoy the episode and thanks for listening.
Episode timeline
00:00 – 06:37 | From IT to internal comms: a non-linear career
Advita shares her early career journey, from studying IT to discovering internal communications, and the role of mentorship in shaping her path.
06:37 – 11:23 | Early experiences and the roots of resilience
A candid reflection on growing up in a challenging environment, navigating racism, and how those formative experiences shaped confidence and identity.
11:23 – 14:56 | Conformity in comms and the evolution of the profession
Why internal comms has historically encouraged conformity — and how expectations around influence and challenge are starting to shift.
14:56 – 20:36 | The confidence crash and finding identity
Advita talks about her turning point in 2018, unpacking imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the realization that confidence is central to career progression.
20:36 – 23:26 | Redefining confidence: it’s not about being loud
Challenging common misconceptions about confidence and reframing it as trust — in yourself and in others.
23:26 – 28:08 | Practical ways to build confidence at work
The importance of self-discovery, understanding communication styles, and recognizing personal triggers that affect how we show up.
28:08 – 30:04 | The BELIEVE framework: seven habits of confident leaders
An overview of Advita’s seven confidence habits — including boldness, empathy, learning, integrity, vulnerability, empowerment, and energy — and why energy management is foundational.
30:04 – 32:48 | Self-advocacy and demonstrating business value
Why internal comms professionals struggle to advocate for themselves — and how reframing as business leaders can shift influence and credibility.
32:48 – 35:14 | The most overlooked skill in internal comms
Beyond technical expertise, Advita highlights the importance of speaking up, handling challenge, and positioning yourself as an influencer.
35:14 – 39:16 | Navigating sensitive topics and showing up publicly
A discussion on the realities of speaking out on complex issues, especially as an underrepresented voice, and supporting others in uncertain environments.
39:16 – 44:46 | Quick fire: personal insights and career advice
From favorite advice (“you can’t be everyone’s cup of tea”) to what the industry should leave behind — including the “seat at the table” mindset.
44:46 – 47:44 | Confidence in practice: the book and experience launch
Advita shares details about her upcoming book and immersive launch event designed to help people experience confidence in action.
About The EX Conversation
The EX Conversation is a podcast series from Unily that brings together employee experience, internal communications, and digital workplace leaders from across industries.
Each episode features an open, practical conversation with people on the frontlines of EX: sharing what’s working, what’s hard, and how they’re navigating complexity in real time. No hype. No scripts. Just honest perspectives and hard-won insight to help EX leaders learn from each other and move the workplace forward.