Elevating the Power of Women’s Voices with Harper’s BAZAAR
By Terri Martin
The relationship between NIDA and Harper’s BAZAAR is built on a shared belief in the power of women’s voices, stories and influence. While our industries may appear different on the surface, both organisations understand the importance of presence, communication and representation in shaping culture and leadership.
Over the past year, that relationship has continued to grow in meaningful ways. From featuring NIDA CEO Liz Hughes within the pages of Harper’s BAZAAR, to hosting events at the NIDA campus with our extraordinary alumni. The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to championing women across business, media, arts and leadership.
Most recently, I had the privilege of presenting at two Harper’s BAZAAR events focused on women’s leadership and confidence. While the topics were different, both conversations explored a similar idea: the way we communicate has a profound impact on how we are perceived, how we progress in our careers and how we show up in the world.
At Harper’s BAZAAR’s International Women’s Day event, the focus was on everyday communication and the role it plays in career growth. We often think communication is reserved for big presentations, keynote speeches or boardroom moments, but in reality, careers are built in smaller interactions. The way we contribute in meetings, navigate difficult conversations, advocate for our ideas or build relationships day to day shapes how others experience us professionally.
For many women, communication can also be tied to confidence. Research consistently shows women are more likely to downplay expertise, apologise unnecessarily or hesitate before speaking up. These behaviours are often subtle, but over time they can impact visibility, influence and leadership opportunities.
The second event, an Influential Women gathering, explored the connection between presence and imposter syndrome. It was a topic that deeply resonated with the audience because imposter syndrome is not something that disappears with success. In many cases, it grows alongside opportunity.
One of the key ideas we discussed was that confidence is not always a feeling that arrives before action. Often, it is something we practise physically first. The way we hold ourselves, use our voice, breathe, make eye contact and occupy space communicates long before words do. Presence is not about pretending to be someone else. It is about learning how to project credibility and calm, even in moments of uncertainty.
This is where NIDA’s expertise becomes uniquely valuable. At NIDA Corporate Training, we apply techniques drawn from performance training to help professionals communicate with greater impact and authenticity. Not to perform in a theatrical sense, but to communicate under pressure, connect with others and lead with clarity. These are skills that matter across every industry.
What made both Harper’s BAZAAR events particularly powerful was the openness in the room: women sharing experiences honestly, supporting one another and recognising that many of the challenges they face are shared. There is something incredibly important about creating spaces where these conversations can happen without judgement.
Partnerships like the one between NIDA and Harper’s BAZAAR play an important role in that. They bring together different industries, perspectives and communities with a shared purpose: supporting women to be seen, heard and valued.
Whether through storytelling, leadership, communication or representation, both organisations understand that empowering women’s voices has a ripple effect far beyond the individual. When women communicate with confidence and presence, they influence teams, organisations, industries and culture itself.
Photo credit: Karina Lee
