Showing up as You on Social Media
In this episode of Be Truly Heard, host Anne Leatherland is joined by Karen Cureton, founder of Cureton Consulting and a social media trainer with over 16 years of business experience, for a conversation about what it really means to show up as yourself online.
Karen brings a refreshingly straight-talking perspective - no vanity metrics, no scattergun strategies, no pretending to be something you are not. Together she and Anne explore the connection between voice, authenticity and visibility, and why the most effective social media presence is always the one that sounds most like the person behind it.
Key Takeaways
Finding your voice on social media takes time - and that is completely normal.
Karen did not feel naturally confident in a sales or networking context early in her career. That journey is part of what now makes her able to help others find theirs.
AI is a useful tool, but only if you train it in your voice first.
A custom GPT built on your own tone of voice produces output that sounds like you. Without that groundwork, AI-generated content sounds like everyone else - which defeats the purpose entirely.
A scattergun approach to platforms almost never works.
Trying to be active on every channel at once dilutes focus and produces nothing of value. Knowing which two or three platforms your ideal clients actually use - and showing up well there - is worth far more.
Closing the gap between who you are in real life and who you are online is the work.
Many women feel that gap acutely. The way to close it is not to perform a polished version of yourself, but to bring your real emotional state, values and perspective into what you share.
Key Moments
"People engage with people. They don't necessarily engage with a brand."
"Be real, be relevant, be you. Because there's no other version of you."
"The really cheeky, quite sweary Karen doesn't come out until I'm off duty."
"AI can't replicate you. That's what makes it even more important to be honest."
About Be Truly Heard
Be Truly Heard is the podcast for women in business who want to speak with authority, warmth and authenticity. Hosted by Anne Leatherland, coach and voice expert, each episode explores vocal skills and personal growth strategies to help listeners overcome confidence barriers and communicate what is inside.
Because your voice matters. And it is time to be truly heard.
How to Get in Touch
Guest this episode:
Karen Cureton - Cureton Consulting
LinkedIn: Karen Cureton
To connect with Anne Leatherland and find out more about her coaching and voice work, visit the show notes for links and resources.
If this episode landed with you, share it with a friend or leave a review - it helps more women find their voice.