Leaders Who Speak Up, Shape Southampton

Sarina Mann

I moved to Southampton in 1997 at the age of 17, just before starting my Philosophy and Politics degree at the University of Southampton. Before then, my family lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Canada and New Zealand, eventually returning to the UK.

In 2021 I came back to Southampton to care for my mother after she was diagnosed with dementia, and it was from there that my journey of helping people in the city find their voice truly began to grow.

Southampton holds a very personal place in my life. It’s where I first found independence, where I began meditating and volunteering, and where I learned the value of community. In the early 2000s I served on Southampton’s Council of Faiths as one of the Buddhist representatives, an experience that deepened my belief in the power of service and connection.

This city has shaped some of my most meaningful chapters. Professionally, it has also given me a community to serve. Many of the people and organisations I work with are based here, and I’ve seen first-hand the talent and ambition that runs through Southampton’s business and community sectors.

For me, Southampton is a place where people genuinely care and where collaboration thrives. That spirit is reflected in the two pillars of my life: my business, Breakthrough Public Speaking, where I help people communicate with clarity and confidence; and my voluntary work at the Kadampa Meditation Centre, supporting others to find happiness and inner peace through meditation.

I came into public speaking from the opposite direction – I grew up with severe stage fright. All through school and university I avoided speaking in front of people, until my Master’s at the University of Southampton required weekly presentations. The feedback was good, but the stress was intense, and meditation was the only thing that helped me cope.

Everything changed in 2018 when I delivered the eulogy at my father’s funeral after caring for him through cancer. Speaking for him shifted something in me. I decided to face my fear, joined Toastmasters International, learned the foundations of good speaking and slowly built my confidence. I pushed myself into contests and eventually became the District Champion for impromptu speaking in London in 2023.

My biggest realisation was that public speaking is a skill, not a personality trait. Most nerves come from not knowing how to structure a message or handle the moment. Once I understood that, everything became easier – and it’s why I’m passionate about helping others find their voice.

After experiencing my own successes in public speaking and helping more clients achieve theirs, The Speakers’ Community was born. Many wanted a supportive space to practise their talks and build confidence, so I created this year-long programme for business owners and leaders to develop their speaking skills together. Our first cohort has just finished, and applications for the next group are now open.

Because so many wanted to continue, I’ve also launched the Advanced Speakers’ Club and we’re hosting our first Speakers’ Event for alumni and guests. Looking ahead, I’m planning regular speaking events across Southampton to give people more opportunities to practice and grow. My goal is to create a strong local network that values clear, confident and impactful communication.

My recent involvement with Southampton Forward’s Ignite Leadership programme came through a referral, and I was delighted to join. Supporting the local community is important to me. I’ve volunteered for more than 20 years at the Kadampa Meditation Centre, so working with people dedicated to positive change feels especially meaningful.

What stood out about Ignite was the mix of passionate individuals, all focused on making Southampton better. It was a privilege to help them develop their confidence and leadership voice.

Although I run many types of workshops, my focus is always the same: clear, impactful communication. When leaders can communicate well, they make stronger decisions, build better relationships and create more meaningful change.

What I’ve seen in Ignite is a group that genuinely cares about the city. If they keep building their skills and working together, the ripple effect could be significant – stronger projects, more inclusive conversations and more confident leadership. Leaders who communicate with clarity and empathy help shape a city where people speak up, share ideas and feel part of something bigger. In a place as forward-looking and community-minded as Southampton, that makes all the difference.