Bahar Selman, PCC

Uphuman

Our mission is to inspire professionals to become agents of positive change in their workplaces and communities.

Become Uphuman: Unlock Your Human Capital!

We create energising coaching and training programs that move organisations and professionals forward so they become truly Uphuman.

We offer world-class corporate training and coaching programs that focus on Learning and Development, Professional Coaching, and Personal Coaching Programs. Our Corporate Training Programs help close the skills gap between your workforce and drive innovation, productivity, and efficiency. Our coaching services are evidence-based and tailored to your needs and goals, providing you with the results you need to see in your people and organization.

Our Personal Coaching Programs are designed to empower individuals to become Uphuman in their life and careers. Whether you need to recharge your career, boost your energy, or improve your communication skills, we offer coaching programs to help you achieve your goals.

If you want to maximize your human capital, foster collaboration and create a sense of unity within your team, or become better leaders and innovators, Uphuman is here to help. We understand that finding the right training and coaching program for your organization's needs can be difficult. That's why we offer customized solutions that will help you achieve your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve success.

Executive Coach, Team Coach and Trainer  - Founding Partner 

Confidential Government or Semi-government Entity

Trusted coach to top-tier UAE executives through the prestigious Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), guiding the nation’s future leaders toward impactful transformation

Executive Leadership Coach

Consultant 

Hayat Kimya

• Spearheaded the global diaper category (+1,2billion USD sales revenue) as the #1 priority within the organization, reporting to the Global Marketing Director.
• Directed 5 Local Marketing Teams comprising marketing managers, brand managers, and assistant brand managers (9 people).
• Executed global brand strategies and integrated commercial plans for subsidiaries (Turkey, Iran, Algeria, Nigeria, and Pakistan) for the Global Diapers Category.
• Formulated a global growth strategy for Molfix and Bebem brands, boosting consumer acquisition and retention across new and existing markets.
• Devised a global digital growth strategy for Molfix and Bebem brands in all social media channels.
• Developed E-commerce strategy for new and existing markets, with end-to-end responsibility.
• Led the global marketing research budget to unearth customer insights and trends, crafting a strategy to shape Molfix and Bebem as a brand.

Global Marketing Manager

Danone Dairy

Senior Brand Manager

Diageo

Brand Manager

Red Bull

Brand Specialist

Evyap

Brands: Arko Skin Care & Duru (all categories)

Assistant Brand Manager

Mondelēz International

Trade Marketing Assistant

Radyo ODTÜ 103.1

Broadcaster

⏩ Struggling to Get Recognized & Influence as a Leader?

Many highly skilled professionals especially in technical fields are overlooked in leadership discussions despite their expertise.

They bring results but struggle to:
-Command attention in high-stakes meetings
-Gain visibility and recognition for contributions
-Position themselves as influential leaders

Technical skills alone don’t guarantee career growth. To step into senior leadership, you need executive presence, charisma, and strategic influence—skills rarely taught in traditional education.

⏩ Why Influence & Charisma Matter

As AI reshapes industries, your ability to communicate, lead, and influence is your greatest asset.
✔ Hard skills open doors—your impactful presence keeps you in the room.
✔ Technical expertise makes you valuable—charisma makes you indispensable.

That’s where I come in…👇

I help ambitious professionals & corporate teams develop leadership charisma, personal brand, and influence so they can be recognized, promoted, and well-compensated for their value.

⏩ Who I Work With
✅ Mid-to-Senior Level Professionals & Technical Leaders Who Want To:
✔ Be seen, heard & respected in high-stakes meetings
✔ Develop leadership charisma that captivates & inspires
✔ Fast-track career growth & earning potential

✅ Organizations & Teams Seeking To:
✔ Develop high-impact leaders through coaching & training
✔ Enhance leadership charisma & executive presence
✔ Equip teams with skills for engagement, innovation & influence

⏩ Work With Me & The Outcomes You Can Expect

For Individuals:
✔ Speak with confidence, charisma & authority and  gain recognitio
✔ Influence decision-making & boardroom discussions
✔ Build a personal brand that commands attention

For Organizations:
✔ Stronger executive presence & leadership pipelines
✔ More confident, high-performing teams
✔ Improved collaboration & strategic influence

⏩ How We Can Work Together
1:1 High-Impact Coaching – Master influence, charisma & leadership presence.
Corporate Workshops & Training – Customized programs on executive presence & communication.
Team Coaching – Build high-impact leadership teams.
Keynotes – Executive presence, communication & branding.

⏩ Snapshot of My Impact
-500+ professionals coached, 2,500+ coaching hours, 10+ years leading Fortune 500 global marketing
-Trained 10,000+ professionals across 30+ countries
-Coaching and training professionals from companies including: NEOM, MoTF, HSBC, Google, Allianz, GSK, Pirelli, Unilever, Nestlé, L’Oréal & more

Corporate Inquiries: bahar@uphuman.co
For 1:1 coaching: DM me

Consultant

Bahar Selman

Just joined the Wirtschaftsjunioren – Young Leaders UAE Kick-Off Event tonight at SLS Dubai.

Dubai is full of ambitious minds, but it’s rare to find a space where business leaders, entrepreneurs and young professionals come together not to talk titles but to talk growth, collaboration and real impact.

That’s exactly what this community stands for.

Grateful to be part of a network that believes in building the future of leadership not individually, but collectively.

P.S: If we met yesterday, drop me a message and I’d love to stay connected beyond the room

Noelia Weber  Dr. Kim Dede  German Emirati Joint Council for Industry & Commerce (AHK) 
Kunyishu Lyu Khusshboo Mehta

Bahar Selman,PCC

The Personal Brand Architect for Corporate Leaders │ I Help You Build an AI-Proof Personal Brand That Turns Corporate Expertise Into Freedom │ Corporate Workshops & Keynotes @ Uphuman

No alternative text description for this image

Hard work is not a career strategy.
It’s a personality trait.
And confusing the two is why so many high-achievers burn out before they break through.

A strategy is a plan to get from A to B.

“Working hard” is not a plan. 

It’s just pedaling faster on a stationary bike.

You feel the burn, but you’re not going anywhere.

Strategy is what turns effort into recognition. 
Strategy is what turns your technical expertise into executive presence. Strategy is what turns your silent execution into visible value.

Here’s the brutal truth:
No one is going to give you a medal for your exhaustion.

Your overflowing inbox and back-to-back meetings are not a proxy for your value.

They are a sign of a broken system.
Your system.

Stop wearing burnout as a badge of honor.
Start treating your career with the same strategic intent you give your most important projects.

What if the one thing holding you back isn’t your ability, but your addiction to being busy?

The Personal Brand Architect │ I Help You Build AI-Proof Personal Brands That Turn Corporate Expertise Into Freedom │ Design Your Corporate Exit │ Ex-Fortune 500 │ 500+ Leaders Coached and 10K+ Trained globally│ Dubai

How to Speak Up in Meetings Without Hesitation: 

1.     Stop self-censorship

Don’t miss the opportunity to share your views by over thinking, jump in there and share your thoughts and ideas. You see that you‘ll soon automatically speak up more often. 

2.     Don’t forget to prepare

Review the agenda before, collect your thoughts in advance, think about the possible questions you will be asked.

3.     Ask Questions (But Clever Questions!)

Be an active participant by simply asking questions. “Where is that coming from?”
Don’t be afraid to leverage your knowledge.

4.     Use the Language of Declaration

Instead of opening up with “I think”, instead say “Here’s what I know…” or “My experience tells me…”

5.     Say the first thing that comes to mind. (Sometimes!)

Along with preparing to discuss a specific topic, commit to expressing one thought that comes to mind during the meeting. Do this at least once per meeting so that speaking without censorship becomes a habit.

Use these points in every meeting and observe the impact you create.

Summary 

1.No Self-Censorship
2.Be prepared
3.Leverage the Power of Questions
4.Use the Language of Declaration
5.Practise saying the first thing that comes to mind at least one time.

Hello, confidence.

Goodbye, hesitation.


#baharselman 
#speakup 
#confidencebuilding

I thought visibility meant louder.
Turns out, it meant smarter.
Here are the lessons that changed everything.

When I wanted that Marketing Leadership role: 
↳ I didn't just work harder and hope for the best 
↳ I mapped out the key stakeholders who mattered 
↳ I started communicating my strategic thinking, not just my results

When I left my corporate career to start coaching: 
↳ I didn't try to help "everyone with everything" 
↳ I focused on the specific problem I knew best: invisible expertise 
↳ And built my entire methodology around that one challenge

When I started building my presence on LinkedIn: 
↳ I didn't chase viral content or generic motivation 
↳ I shared real insights from my coaching sessions 
↳ And ignored the "post daily at all costs" advice


When I developed my coaching programs: 
↳ I didn't copy what other coaches were doing 
↳ I spent months understanding my clients' real struggles 
↳ And created frameworks that solved their actual problems

It's tempting to spray and pray rather than focus. 

It's easier to choose visibility over strategy.

But when you choose strategic precision 
Because you're willing to do the deep work, You create real impact.

And while that may feel slower, It's actually far more effective, long term.

Focused is fast. 
So go use strategic thinking. 

It's harder. It'll feel deliberate. 
But it gets the recognition you've been working for.

If you had to pick one thing to focus on right now for visibility and what would it be?

#executivecoaching #visibility  #becomeuphuman

P.S. Trust me, I've messed up plenty along the way. But when it mattered most, I finally got strategic about my visibility. Ready to do the same?
Check the comments below for more.

“Hard work pays off.”
It’s a half-truth. 
And half-truths are more dangerous than lies.

Hard work pays off… but only if people see the impact.

Otherwise, it’s just burnout with a different name.

For years, you’ve been running on an outdated operating system:
Effort → Results → ??? → Reward

That question mark is where careers go to die.

Here’s the new operating system. It’s not about working more; it’s about being strategic with your impact.

There are only 3 levers that matter:

1. Strategic Priorities: Are you working on the things that the business actually values, or are you just busy?

2. Strategic Visibility: Do the people who make decisions know what you’re working on and the impact it’s having?

3. Strategic Advocacy: Is there someone in a position of power who is telling your story when you’re not in the room?

Stop measuring your worth by the hours you put in.
Start measuring it by the strategic impact you create.

Which of these three levers have you been neglecting the most?
#ExecutivePresence #CareerGrowth #Mindset #Strategy

Imagine leveraging "Tell me about yourself" to land leadership roles at top companies. 
It's not a dream....
It's a strategy. 

Discover the elements that interviewers crave and learn how to make every introduction a showcase of your potential. 
How do you make your first impression count?

Kendini geliştirmek istiyorsun ama nereden başlayacağını bilmiyor musun?
Yılların deneyimine rağmen hâlâ “Acaba yeterli miyim?” diye düşündüğün oluyor mu?
O zaman bu videoyu izle 👇 

Cantekin Ertekin Nil Buyuksahin, MS, MCC

People-pleasing is not a soft skill.
It’s a form of self-sabotage disguised as helpfulness.

In the corporate world, it’s an epidemic.
And it’s killing the careers of the most talented people.

Because the person who always says “yes”...
↳ Is the person whose own priorities are always last. 
↳ Is the person who gets saddled with non-promotable work. 
↳ Is the person who is seen as a reliable “doer,” not a strategic “leader.”

Saying “no” is a strategic skill.

Protecting your time is a leadership move.

Having boundaries is a sign of self-respect that signals to others how you expect to be treated.

When you say “no” to the wrong things, you create the space to say “yes” to the right things.

• The strategic project that will get you noticed.
• The networking opportunity that will open new doors.
• The deep work that will actually move the needle.

Your goal is not to be liked. Your goal is to be respected.
And respect is a consequence of valuing your own time and expertise.

Stop trying to please everyone. 
Start serving your own ambition.

What’s one “yes” you regret from this past month?

#LeadershipMindset #Productivity #CareerGrowth #Boundaries

You're answering their questions perfectly, and you're still not getting the job.
It's because you're being likable, not memorable.
You're delivering facts, not chemistry.

After coaching hundreds of leaders for high-stakes roles, I see the same mistake repeatedly.

High-achievers think the interview is a test of their memory.
So they give perfect, factual, and utterly forgettable answers.

"I managed a team and we hit our targets."

That's not a story. 
It's a status update.

And it makes you invisible.

Winning the role isn't about having the right answers. 
It's about creating a connection that makes you the only choice.

Here's how you shift from being a candidate to being a strategic partner in the room:

1. Stop asking subordinate questions. Start asking strategic ones.
↳ Instead of: "What is the culture like?"
↳ Ask: "What are the biggest opportunities you see for this role in the next 12 months?"

One makes you a job seeker. The other makes you a leader.

2. Stop recalling facts. Start telling stories.
People don't remember data. They remember stories.

Your "greatest hits"...
Those 4-5 powerful stories of challenge, leadership, and results...
They are your most valuable currency.

They are data with a soul.

Your resume gets you in the room.
Your stories are what make them remember you when you leave.

So, let me ask you this:

Is your interview strategy designed to be forgotten, or designed to be remembered?

P.S. Watch the full breakdown in the video above. 
I show you exactly how to craft stories that make you unforgettable. 👆


#InterviewSkills

The Personal Brand Architect for Corporate Leaders │ I Help You Build an AI-Proof Personal Brand That Turns Corporate Expertise Into Freedom │ Design Your Corporate Exit │ Ex-Fortune 500 Marketing Leader

“Become more like that leader.”
“Adopt a new persona.”
“Change who you are if you want to get promoted.”

We’ve been told for years that to reach the next level we need to reinvent ourselves.
Become more like “that leader.”
Switch personalities.
Fit into a mold.

🚨 New Career Upgrade Newsletter just dropped.
If you’re tired of working hard in silence while others get ahead, you need to read this.

#CareerUpgrade #Uphuman

Welcome back to Career Upgrade — the place where we stop pretending, stop playing small, and finally talk about the real mechanics of career advanceme

Open article: Episode #18 — You Don’t Need to Reinvent Yourself to Advance by Bahar Selman,PCC • 3 min read

Episode #18 — You Don’t Need to Reinvent Yourself to Advance

"Tell me about yourself." 
A common interview question, but are you using it strategically?

Open article: Episode #19 — The IMPACT Framework: How to Master "Tell Me About Yourself" by Bahar Selman,PCC • 2 min read

Episode #19 — The IMPACT Framework: How to Master "Tell Me About Yourself"

Global Tech-Leadership Academy’nin tamamını 1 tam günde alacağınız yoğunlaştırılmış bir masterclass formatına dönüştürdük.

“Program harika ama 4 gün boyunca tam zaman ayırmak zor olabiliyor.”
“İçerik çok değerli ama bütçe olarak daha kompakt bir seçenek olsa keşke.” dediniz, biz de sizi dinledik.

Global Teknoloji Liderliği ihtiyaçlarına cevap verebileceğiniz aynı içerik → Daha odaklı, daha erişilebilir, daha hızlı tamamlanabilir.

📅 13 Aralık Cumartesi
⏰ 09:00 – 16:30 (Online)

Bu masterclass’ta:
🔥 Teknik uzmanlıktan stratejik liderliğe geçiş
🔥 İnsan odaklı iletişim, empati ve ekip yönetimi
🔥 Kişisel marka + sunum + storytelling 
🔥 Global kariyer stratejileri & headhunter görünürlüğü

4 modül → tek günde hap bilgiler + direkt uygulanabilir teknikler.

Eğitmenler:
Nil Buyuksahin, MS, MCC  
Cantekin Ertekin Elliott Cherneski  

📌 Detaylar ve ücret bilgisi için görseldeki QR kodu okutabilirsiniz.

Ghostwriter & Messaging Strategist helping leaders achieve 70% opt-ins with a Microstory Journey using the 3-Minute Story Blueprint to build trust and convert hesitant prospects into eager customers.

Most businesses struggle to convert leads because they rely on forgettable downloads and meaningless discounts that fail to create an emotional connection. 

Prospects don't just need information, they need to feel valued, to trust you, and to experience genuine engagement. 

That's why I created the concept of the Microstory Journey, a 5-day emotional experience that uses the 3-Minute Story Blueprint to touch hearts, build authentic connections, and establish unshakable trust, turning hesitant prospects into eager customers ready to take action.

AWAI Verified Copywriter
Case Studies Certification
Sales Enablement Certification

WRITING SERVICES I PROVIDE:

📨 5-Day Education Email Courses
💲 Ghostwriting on Social Media Platforms
📰  Newsletters
🌐   Web Content
✍️   Blog Posting
📧   Email Marketing
🛒   Sales Pages
📱   Facebook/Google Ads 

WHOM I WORK WITH: I help executives, CEOs, founders, & coaches.

3 Simple Steps to Powerful Messaging
1. Define your goals and messaging. 
2. Develop a customized storytelling strategy. 
3. Execute and refine messaging for maximum impact.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Email me at mike@mikehays.net OR
Book a call with me at https://calendly.com/ask-mikehays

Mike Hays

“If I were really that good… wouldn’t people just know?”

I used to think great work spoke for itself.

That thought used to haunt me.

I’d pour my heart into coaching, get referrals 
here and there, and quietly assume that great 
work would naturally lead to great clients.

Meanwhile, I watched others post daily.
Sharing testimonials. Wins. Lessons. Offers.
At first, I judged them. “Must be compensating,” I told myself.

But beneath that judgment?
A fear I didn’t want to name.

The day I tried writing a post about my services, I froze.
It felt like admitting I wasn’t good enough.
Like needing to promote meant my work couldn’t speak for itself.

But then a client said something that cracked the whole illusion:

I had no idea you even did that. 
I would’ve hired you months ago if I knew.

That hit hard.

Here’s what I finally realized:

The people who need you the most aren’t psychic.
They don’t see the lives you’ve changed unless you show them.
They don’t know the depth of your work unless you talk about it.

Self-promotion isn’t proof you’re not good enough.
It’s proof you care enough to serve beyond 
the ones who already found you.

Quiet brilliance doesn’t create impact.
Visible value does.

Self-promotion isn’t arrogance.
It’s leadership.

If you're a coach or consultant struggling to be seen
what's holding you back from showing up?

Follow Mike Hays for more insights on leadership.

Mike  Hays

Messaging Strategist & Ghostwriter for Leaders - I help you turn short stories into trust, influence, and premium clients with my Microstory Journey using the 3-Minute Story Blueprint.

This One Practice Reveals Your Blind Spots, 

Refines Your Decisions, and Fuels Growth

Most entrepreneurs jump from crisis to crisis without ever 
stopping to learn from what just happened.

They're missing the most powerful tool for growth: systematic learning.

Here's how to turn your business into your personal MBA:

Study yourself first:
→ Note when you procrastinate vs. when you act fast
→ Document what triggers your best ideas
→ Identify your energy peaks and valleys
→ Track your decision-making patterns

Analyze your partnerships:
→ Which collaborations produce the strongest results?
→ When do conflicts arise, and what causes them?
→ What communication styles work best with each person?
→ How do different personalities complement your weaknesses?

Decode your market:
→ When do prospects say yes vs. when do they hesitate?
→ What customer complaints reveal hidden opportunities?
→ Which campaigns generate the highest engagement?
→ How do seasonal patterns affect your business?

The difference between struggling entrepreneurs 
and thriving ones isn't talent or luck.

It's the discipline to treat every interaction, 
every failure, and every success as data worth studying.

Smart business owners don't just experience t
heir business they study it like scientists.

They keep learning logs, review patterns monthly, 
and adjust strategies based on evidence, not emotions.

The question is:

Are you running your business, or is your business teaching you how to run it better?

🔔 Follow Mike Hays for more business strategies

If Your Team Can't Picture Your Strategy…

They'll Never Execute It Properly.

(The visualization gap that kills execution)

Everyone says, "communicate the vision."
But here's what leaders miss:

↳ Abstract strategies create confusion.
↳ Clear mental pictures drive action.

Here's why visualization transforms execution:

1. Cognitive Clarity

↳ Brain processes images 60,000x faster than text
↳ Visual concepts eliminate interpretation gaps
↳ Teams align on the same mental model

2. Emotional Connection

↳ Pictures trigger emotional engagement
↳ People commit to what they can see
↳ Abstract goals feel impossible to reach

3. Decision Framework

↳ Clear vision becomes a filter
↳ Teams self-correct toward the picture
↳ Reduces constant micro-management needs

4. Progress Tracking

↳ Visual goals show measurable progress
↳ Milestones become obvious checkpoints
↳ Momentum builds through visible wins

The Leadership Reality:

↳ Complex strategies overwhelm teams
↳ Clarity beats complexity every time
↳ Simple pictures inspire action

Your team isn't failing execution.
They're failing visualization.

Quick Question:

How do you help your team picture success?

Share your approach below
Follow Mike Hays  for more leadership insights

The Simple Clarity System I Guarded for Years

Now I’m Finally Sharing It

My career has been defined by high-stakes decisions and ticking clocks.

One thing kept me from burning out.

Clarity.

When the pressure hits, your brain 
wants options, not decisions.

More meetings, more messages, 
more browser tabs pretending to be progress.

Early in my career, I played that game.
I was always busy, rarely moving the needle.

Then higher roles raised the stakes even further.

Clients waited on my calls, revenue hinged on my calendar.

That pressure forced a hard truth on me.

Clarity isn't a nice-to-have.
Clarity is survival.

So I built a simple productivity system my career could trust.

Here is the system I use every single day:
→ Decide what you want.
→ Write it down where you will see it.
→ Each morning, choose the ONE task that moves you closest.
→ Block time and do that task before anything else.

No inbox.

No scrolling.

No “quick favors” that hijack your day.

This is how I rebuilt myself, again and again.

I have started companies, sold franchises, and pivoted careers.
Every reinvention began with one clear daily priority.

Most people confuse movement with progress.

Their calendars are full, their results are thin.

You win when your day serves your direction.

Tonight, will you pick tomorrow's one non-negotiable task?

Follow Mike Hays for more leadership advice.

Being a doctor, lawyer, or consultant actually makes you a worse writer.
Not better....Worse.


Because once you're the expert, your job becomes to "know."
↳To explain.
↳To teach.
↳To correct.

But that same expertise, your years of training, the frameworks you’ve mastered can trap you.

You start writing from reflex.
From what you’ve already decided is true.

And in doing so, you kill the very thing that makes writing online worth reading:

Fresh thinking.

Writing that changes minds doesn’t come from what you know
it comes from what you’re willing to re-examine.

The professionals who win online don’t have the most credentials.

↳They’re the ones who reflect publicly.
↳They question assumptions—even their own.
↳They share what others are afraid to say.
↳They think differently, and then they write from that difference.


In the age of AI and content overload, repeating 
the same “expert advice” makes you forgettable.

But when you write from reflection
not repetition you become magnetic.

People follow professionals who make them think.

Not the ones who explain what they already believe.

You’re not paid to write what’s obvious.

You’re remembered for writing what’s original.

Follow Mike Hays for more insights on growth and creativity

There’s no “magic list” of buyer emotions.

But there is a sequence you can’t skip.

Every time someone says yes to your offer
They’ve walked an invisible emotional path to get there.

Not because you convinced them.
Because you reflected what was already true.

They were feeling something.
They saw themselves in your words.
And something clicked.

It didn’t start with logic.
It started with emotion.

Here’s what that emotional journey looks like underneath the surface:

Desire: “This matters to me.”

Resonance: “You get me.”

Belief: “This could actually work.”

Vision: “That’s what my life could look like.”

Momentum: “I don’t want to wait another day.”

That’s the runway.

Not persuasion.
Progression.

If your story, sales page, or pitch isn’t landing
Check the emotional sequence.

Are you rushing to urgency…
Before someone even believes it’s possible?

Are you pitching transformation…
Before they’ve felt seen?

Every skipped emotion is a drop-off point.
Every honored one builds trust.

Don’t just move people.
Walk with them.

Which step in the emotional journey are you most likely to skip?

Follow Mike Hays for more communication strategies

⚠️ MARKETER WARNING:

Side effects include curiosity, skepticism, and clicks..

Use of the Word “New” May Cause Unexpected Spikes in Attention, Consideration, and Click-Through Rates...

…but only if you know what the heck you're doing.

Side Effects of Reckless “New” Usage Include:

❌ Sudden bursts of hype with no substance
❌ Inflated expectations your product can’t deliver
❌ Momentary engagement followed by long-term brand erosion
❌ Confused buyers who think “new” means “unproven”

Use “New” Responsibly:

✅ Only apply to genuinely novel value
✅ Frame as a trigger for exploration, not a crutch for conversion
✅ Combine with context, contrast, or mechanisms
✅ Treat “new” as a frame, not just a feature

Final Note:

“New” is a match.
Strike it right, and it sparks attention.

Strike it wrong, and you’re just burning through trust.

Use with strategic intent or don’t use it at all.

Follow Mike Hays and look for the release of Story Sells Better Newsletter

She made a decision most people never do.

Did the world’s most famous coaches give her the right advice?

She stopped asking if she should leave her marriage.

And asked something much harder.

They still loved each other. That part wasn’t broken.

But the relationship?
It was stuck.

↳ No spark.
↳ No growth.
↳ Just a subtle decay
Like paint fading in slow motion.

She felt invisible in her own life.
Still loyal. Still present.
But disconnected from the woman she used to be.

She didn’t want a divorce.
She wanted her clarity back.

So she took a chance and asked for help 
from two people known for unlocking human potential.

They didn’t give her an answer.
They gave her a challenge:

What if, for the next 90 days, you led with love, not logic?

What if you stopped waiting to feel it, and became it?

Not the kind of love that feels good to give.
The kind that feels good to receive from him.

↳ Appreciation.
↳ Recognition.
↳ Presence.

Not to change him.
Not to fix anything.

But to clean the lens so she could finally 
see what was real and what wasn’t.

Long-term relationships gather dust.
Old resentments. Recycled assumptions.
Little bruises that go unspoken.

That dust clouds everything.

But clarity doesn’t come from distance.
It comes from immersion.

The question wasn’t:
"Do I stay or go?"

It was:
“Can I show up with zero agenda, total presence, 
and serve the love that’s still alive?”

This isn’t just about marriage.
It’s about ANY relationship that matters.

Whether it's a spouse, a business partner, or your own team:

* Don’t wait for change—>lead it.
* Don’t negotiate love—>demonstrate it.
* Don’t react from fear—>respond from alignment.

She didn’t find the answer.
She became the woman who could see it.

And the coaches who guided her through that?

Tony Robbins and Sage Robbins.

Follow Mike Hays for more communication insights.

Show Up as Yourself 

Attracts Better Clients Than Any Polished Brand Voice.

If visibility feels like selling out, this is for you.
I used to hide behind my clients’ success instead of my own.

As a coach, I hated those polished, corporate-sounding posts.

Every draft I wrote sounded like a brand deck, not me.
So I stayed quiet and told myself silence meant integrity.

Meanwhile, louder voices defined what “leadership” looked like in my space.
Then a dream client said something that stopped me cold.
“I keep referring you, but your online presence doesn’t sound like you.”

They weren’t asking for a polished version.

They were begging for the real coach they met in sessions.

That day I made one rule for visibility.
I will show up as the room version, not the stage version.

↳ No perfect brand voice.
↳ Just the questions I actually ask clients, written in my voice.
↳ No glossy carousels.
↳ Just simple stories, real stakes, and clear invitations to reflect.

The result surprised me.

Views were smaller, but the right people started reaching out.
They quoted my messy lines, not the polished phrases.

Because leadership and coaching land when they feel human.

If you fear selling out, try this experiment for thirty days.

↳ Post as if you were recapping a session to a trusted friend.
↳ One story, one client moment, one honest insight each time.
↳ Hit publish before you smooth the interesting edges away.

Visibility is not selling out when your values hold the microphone.
What part of you are you still hiding from clients?

Follow Mike Hays for more visibility advice

Sometimes the most obvious solution is staring us in the face…

But we can't see it because we're looking too hard.

(The hiring mistake that costs us millions)

We overthink everything:
↳ The revolutionary marketing agency
↳ The perfect candidate profile
↳ The groundbreaking strategy

But here's what we miss:

What No One Wants to Admit:
↳ 73% of great hires come from internal referrals
↳ Our best marketing ideas already exist in customer feedback
↳ Winning strategies are often simple executions done consistently

Here's why we overlook the obvious:

1. Complexity Bias

↳ We assume harder = better
↳ Simple solutions feel too easy
↳ We discount what's right there

2. External Validation Trap

↳ We chase shiny new agencies
↳ Ignore our internal expertise
↳ Outsource what we already know

3. Strategy Paralysis

↳ We overcomplicate proven methods
↳ Analysis replaces action
↳ Perfect becomes the enemy of good

The Hidden Power:
Our best people are already here.
Our winning message is in our reviews.
Our strategy worked last quarter.

Quick Question:

What obvious solution have you been overlooking in your business?

⤵️ Share below

How a 30-Second Ordinary Moment

Creates Massive Engagement

Most people think great stories need big drama.
They don’t.

I used to believe “epic” moments made content compelling.
Massive wins. Huge failures. Perfectly crafted narratives.

But the posts that resonated most were never the dramatic ones.
They were the small, honest moments I almost didn’t share.

Like the awkward client call.
Or the lesson learned on a random Tuesday.
Or the quiet realization that changed how I lead my team.

You probably don't want to hear this...
Readers connect far more with relatability than spectacle.

They don’t want heroes.
They want humans.

Big stories entertain.
But simple stories connect.

The imperfect detail is what makes people trust you.
The honest moment is what makes people remember you.
The everyday struggle is what makes people engage with you.

You don’t need a dramatic arc to be compelling.
You need clarity, honesty, and a moment someone can see themselves in.

Small stories build big impact.
What “ordinary” moment taught you something recently?

Follow Mike Hays for more microstory tips

If You Think Your Question Isn't Worth Asking…

You're Missing the Biggest Growth Opportunity.

(The mindset shift that changes everything)

Everyone thinks, "My question is too basic."
But here's what I've learned after 15 years:

↳ Your "dumb" question is someone else's breakthrough.
Here's why you should ask anyway:

1. The Expertise Curse

↳ Experts forget beginner struggles
↳ Your question fills knowledge gaps
↳ Creates valuable teaching moments

2. Collective Intelligence

↳ Questions spark deeper discussions
↳ Others have the same uncertainty
↳ Community learning accelerates growth

3. Vulnerability Creates Connection

↳ Admitting confusion builds trust
↳ Shows authentic learning mindset
↳ Attracts genuine helpful responses

4. Question Quality Myth

↳ "Basic" questions often reveal fundamentals
↳ Simple inquiries expose complex issues
↳ Clarity benefits everyone involved

What you should know:
↳ Courage to ask creates breakthrough moments.
↳ Your question validates others' confusion.
↳ Silence keeps everyone stuck.

The smartest people ask the most questions.
Not because they know less.
Because they understand learning never stops.

Quick Question:

What's one question you've been afraid to ask? 
Share below and let's learn together.

Before: Brilliant but Invisible. 

After: Visible, Trusted, In-Demand.

The most talented professionals often remain invisible in their industries.

(And it's not because they lack expertise)

It's because of three limiting beliefs.

But here's what they don't realize about visibility:
It's not about ego.
It's about impact.

The Hidden Barriers:
↳ "My credentials should speak for themselves"
↳ "Good work will naturally be discovered"
↳ "Self-promotion feels arrogant"

Here's why these beliefs sabotage success:

1. The Service Reframe

↳ Sharing knowledge isn't bragging. It's helping
↳ Your expertise solves real problems for people
↳ Staying quiet deprives others of solutions

2. The Credential Trap

↳ Qualifications open doors, but stories close deals
↳ People connect with transformation, not titles
↳ Your experience matters more than your degrees

3. The Discovery Myth

↳ Exceptional work happens behind closed doors
↳ Visibility requires intentional communication
↳ Talent without promotion equals missed opportunities

The Part You Can’t Ignore:
Your expertise sitting in silence helps no one.
Your knowledge locked away serves no purpose.
But your voice sharing wisdom changes everything.

The experts who break through don't abandon humility, they channel it into service.

They understand that hiding their light isn't noble; it's selfish.

Quick Question:

What's one piece of expertise you've been keeping to yourself that could transform someone's business?

Follow Mike Hays for more leadership insights.

Authority isn’t about confidence.

It’s about language.

We often assume people follow the loudest voice in the room.
But in real conversations, especially at work
authority shows up in much quieter ways.

I started paying attention to the people who 
consistently guided discussions.

↳ They weren’t forceful.
↳ They weren’t dramatic.
↳ They simply used intentional phrasing that changed how others responded.

And once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.

Three simple shifts can instantly change 
how people perceive your authority even 
if nothing else about you changes.

1. Use words that imply direction.
Phrases like “I’d like to set the direction here…” 
or “I don’t like the direction this is heading…” 
subconsciously signal leadership.

The moment you reference direction, people look to you to guide it.

2. Frame ideas through experience.
Open with, “In the past, I’ve found…” 
or “In these situations, I prefer…”

These phrases add instant credibility
not because you’re boasting, but because 
you’re grounding your perspective in pattern recognition.

3. Set expectations clearly and calmly.
Statements like “Let’s focus on the issue at hand…” or 
“Here’s what I think we should prioritize…” 

Bring clarity to the conversation.
And clarity creates trust the foundation of authority.

None of this requires a title.
None of this requires dominance.
Authority is simply controlled direction, 
earned clarity, and consistent language.

Credit to Jefferson Fisher, whose ideas inspired this lesson.

If you want more authority, start with your words they shape the room long before your title does.

What phrase do you use to guide conversations?

Follow Mike Hays for more communication insights.

The Day I Realized the Market Wasn’t My Enemy

It Was My Mind.

Most entrepreneurs struggle with the same invisible enemy:
(And it's not competition, market conditions, or lack of resources)

False beliefs about themselves.

I know because I fought these battles:
↳ Wasn't a natural communicator
↳ Struggled with confidence
↳ Came from nothing
↳ Felt "not enough"

Here's what changed everything:

1. Evidence Collection

↳ Document every small win
↳ Track progress, not perfection
↳ Your past proves your capability

2. Reframe Your Origin

↳ "From nothing" = resourceful problem-solver
↳ Scarcity taught you efficiency
↳ Your struggle is your competitive advantage

3. Confidence Through Repetition

↳ Confidence isn't innate, it's built
↳ Every post, every conversation adds up
↳ Action creates belief, not the reverse

4. Communication as a Skill

↳ Nobody is born a great communicator
↳ Clarity beats charisma every time
↳ Practice makes you powerful

The Truth:
Your false beliefs aren't facts.
They're outdated stories you keep telling yourself.

Quick Question:

Which false belief held you back the longest?

⤵️ Share below

Thank you, Holly Moe, for helping me rewrite the story I was telling myself.

taplio

The Battle

Bahar Selman

Mike Hays

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreBahar Selman's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMike Hays's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Bahar Selman

Mike Hays

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Bahar Selman's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreMike Hays's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreBahar Selman's LinkedIn Performance