Centre Stage is an interview series aimed at empowering women in insights with the confidence of being in the spotlight.

I’ve been following Belinda, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Gazelle Global, for a while and had the privilege of seeing her in action on stage. Belinda radiates positivity and warmth, so I knew she’d be invaluable to this conversation.

We talked about her journey in public speaking, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her thoughts on empowering women in the workplace. Read below to find out what she has to say…

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Iosetta: What inspired you to start speaking publicly in the industry, and how did you overcome initial fears?

Belinda: I am a singer, so being performative and being a theater kid was in my bones. However, public speaking in the industry was a new challenge. I faced a lot of fear around the typical imposter syndrome…wondering if I had something interesting to say, if I was relatable enough, or if I could handle Q&A sessions. But I learned to manage these fears by focusing on what I could contribute and by doing it scared, knowing that courage isn't the absence of fear but taking action despite it.

I: It sounds like your background in performing arts gave you a natural comfort on stage, but not everyone feels that way. What do you think influences the approach to public speaking?

B: Yes, my background as a singer made being in front of an audience less intimidating for me. But what’s interesting is that my mother, who is the CEO of our company, doesn’t really enjoy public speaking. It’s something that falls into what I call her ‘zone of terror,’ which is ironic because she has so much valuable experience and insights that the industry could benefit from.

Her reluctance to be in the spotlight made me more motivated to step up. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do as a company, and I wanted to ensure that someone was representing that publicly. It became an opportunity for me to shine a light on our team’s efforts and our company’s values, without her having to be the one on stage. It allowed me to take ownership of our public narrative and bring attention to the work we’re passionate about, while also respecting her comfort zones.

This dynamic taught me an important lesson: public speaking doesn’t have to be for everyone, and that’s okay. But if someone else isn’t comfortable taking the stage, it can be a great opportunity for others to step in and represent the collective vision

I: Imposter syndrome is something many women face. How do you personally tackle it?

B: I’ve learned to leave space for my nerves. I have a little ritual before going onstage where I acknowledge my nervousness, give it a moment, and then set it aside to focus on my strengths. I also remind myself that I belong here because I was asked to be here, and I have something important to say. One mentor told me that imposter syndrome isn’t in her vocabulary, which I aspire to embrace fully.

I: What tips would you give to those who are preparing for a presentation?

B: Be conversational and connect with your audience. The most important thing is to bring your authentic self to the stage—let your personality shine through, as that’s what engages and resonates with people.

I: We often see a lack of diversity on stage, with certain groups being underrepresented. What do you think companies and organizations can do to foster and be more mindful of diversity in public speaking roles?

B: It’s crucial for organizations to actively encourage diversity on stage by engaging in ongoing conversations and making mindful choices. For example, something I admire about WIRe is how inclusive it is; they invite men to participate in events centered around women’s issues, which is a significant step in the right direction. We can’t have these conversations in a vacuum - we need to involve everyone, including men, in discussions about women’s roles in the industry.

During the social movements that gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies created roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). But it’s vital that these roles are more than just symbolic. They need to result in tangible changes. Having meaningful, actionable conversations and ensuring that diverse voices are represented in all aspects of the industry, including on stage, is how we make progress.

I: Lastly, what advice would you give to women who are hesitant to put themselves out there?

B: While public speaking isn’t for everyone, I never want the reason someone steps back to be because she’s a woman. We need to support each other and foster interest in these opportunities. Representation matters and having women on stage in our industry can be transformative.

Get involved and stay involved in communities like WIRe. Being in a supportive environment can make a significant difference to your confidence and career. Don’t be afraid to reach out for mentorship and guidance; it can be incredibly empowering.
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About Belinda

While Belinda Brown has been with Gazelle for almost eight years, as a second-generation market researcher, she feels like she was born and bred in the mrx family. Joining the firm in a marketing capacity under the direction of seasoned pros, with Market Research in her blood, she maintains a privileged vantage point from which she feels she touches so many parts of the industry.

Previous to her tenure at Gazelle, Belinda primarily worked in clinical environments with the Westchester Institute for Human Development and the Child Welfare Program for Westchester County in New York. She additionally served under the Director of Communications as a writer for theCoalition to Stop Gun Violence in Washington, DC.

Belinda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and inEnglish from Carnegie Mellon University as well as a Master’s degree in Business from the University of Illinois. She maintains interest in the field of maternal/fetal health as a trained birth doula and is passionate about D.E.I in Market Research and beyond.