We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Glynnis Swan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
- Brand Success
- Apr 23
- 8 min read
Glynnis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
Oh, the agony of naming a business! For five years, I intentionally avoided it, feeling the weight of finding a name that truly embodied my approach and the transformative results my clients experienced. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment last year while contributing to the anthology Triumph in the Trenches 2 with a chapter on toxic leadership that the name finally revealed itself.
In reflecting on my own encounters with difficult leaders, the concept of ‘audacity’ kept surfacing. I recalled being questioned on my ‘audacity’ for simply expecting fundamental respect and a healthy work environment. In fact, my chapter begins with this powerful statement: “The audacity to expect a sense of belonging, psychological safety, recognition and credit, advocacy, allyship, accountability, and the freedom to lead authentically—without the fear of being micromanaged, tokenized, isolated, culturally conditioned, pressured to overperform, or labeled angry or aggressive in the workplace.
”It struck me that the very reason my clients thrived was because I helped them cultivate that same sense of audacity – the courage to step beyond limitations and demand what they deserve. ‘The Edge of Audacity’ perfectly captures this. It’s about guiding professionals to that critical point where they are ready to embrace bold, unapologetic action, understanding the obstacles but empowered by their inner strength and capabilities. It’s about daring to be extraordinary.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Glynnis, the proud Owner and CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer) of The Edge of Audacity; I’m also a multi-credentialed, no-nonsense career strategist. Born and raised on the vibrant island of Bermuda and now a proud US adoptee, I bring a unique blend of perspectives to the field of professional development. In fact, I was honored to be recognized as a 2024 Coach of the Year and a 2025 Top 25 Mentor, accolades that further fuel my passion.
My journey into entrepreneurship was unexpectedly enlightening. For twenty years, I thought I was content navigating the corporate landscape and building a successful HR consulting career with prominent global organizations.
Like many professionals around the world, the seismic shift of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unforeseen changes. I found myself among the millions displaced from the traditional workforce. However, during my corporate tenure, I had unknowingly cultivated a reputation as the ‘ghostwriter’ within my circle of friends and colleagues. I was the go-to person for crafting compelling resumes, articulating career aspirations, and providing strategic advice behind the scenes – something I had always done freely, simply because I enjoyed helping others.
As the pandemic unfolded and more people found themselves navigating job loss and career uncertainty, my informal ghostwriting services became increasingly in demand. Referrals poured in, and I dedicated significant time and energy to helping others articulate their value and navigate the daunting job market. After about a month of this intense, unpaid work, a realization dawned: my skills and experience were genuinely valuable, and the need was immense. It was a moment of recognizing an opportunity to leverage my expertise in a new and impactful way. And just like that, almost organically, my coaching business, was born from a desire to continue supporting others sustainably and impactfully.
My extensive experience working across diverse cultures and various industries has given me a unique perspective on human capital. I’ve witnessed firsthand the universal aspirations for growth, recognition, and fulfillment, as well as the common pitfalls that can derail even the most talented professionals. This cross-cultural and multi-industry experience is the bedrock of my expertise. It enables me to understand the subtle yet significant differences in workplace dynamics, communication styles, and leadership expectations across the globe, making my advice genuinely relevant and impactful for a diverse clientele.
My services are designed to tackle the real-world challenges that professionals face. Does your resume and cover letter sound like it was churned out by a bot? Are your interview skills a bit rusty? Is your LinkedIn profile gathering digital dust instead of attracting opportunities? I’ll fix that. Are you a leader looking to level up your game, or perhaps you’ve received the ‘gift’ of being labeled an ‘abrasive leader’ and need to refine your approach? I’ve got you covered.
I’ve developed signature frameworks like Leadership E.D.G.E.™ (Empower, Develop, Guide, Excel) and E.X.I.T. Strategy™ (Envision, Execute, Integrate, Thrive) because, frankly, we don’t have time for mediocrity. These aren’t theoretical concepts; they are practical, results-oriented roadmaps designed to get you where you need to be.
I proudly serve a diverse range of professionals, from immigrants finding their footing in a new professional landscape to ambitious new and aspiring leaders seeking a powerful boost and seasoned executives ready to conquer their next chapter. I specialize in those pivotal career transitions, helping individuals overcome the often debilitating effects of imposter syndrome, navigating the complexities of relocation, and effectively managing workplace conflict – essentially, all the messy but crucial aspects of career growth that others might shy away from.
What am I most proud of? It’s witnessing the tangible transformations in my clients’ lives and careers. Seeing someone who doubted their worth land their dream job, a leader who was struggling connect authentically with their team, or an individual finally stepping into their full potential – that’s the fuel that keeps me going.
The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about me and my brand are these:
I am authentic and direct. What you see is what you get. I won’t sugarcoat the truth, but I will always deliver it respectfully, with your best interests at heart.
My approach is rooted in real-world experience and proven strategies. This isn’t just theory; it’s based on two decades of navigating the complexities of the global corporate landscape.
I genuinely care about your success. Your wins are my wins, and I am deeply invested in helping you achieve your goals.
I understand the unique challenges faced by diverse professionals. My own background and experiences inform my coaching and allow me to connect with clients on a deeper level.
I am committed to lifting others as I climb. Mentoring, volunteering, and advocating for others are integral to my values.
I believe in bold ambition, decisive action, and unwavering accountability. I’m here to push you beyond your comfort zone and help you achieve extraordinary results.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One important lesson I had to actively unlearn, which I see holding many professionals back, is the ingrained advice many of us in Generation X received when entering the workforce: ‘Be loyal to your company. Just keep your head down, do whatever they tell you – never say ‘no’ or that you can’t’ – the promise being a ‘good job,’ a pension, and a comfortable retirement. Looking back, it feels like a beautifully packaged yet ultimately flawed load of you-know-what!
For the first two decades of my corporate career, I diligently followed this mantra. I was the loyal soldier, always saying ‘yes,’ always taking on more, believing that my dedication would be recognized and rewarded in a traditional sense. I poured my energy and time into these organizations, often at the expense of my personal well-being.
The irony, of course, is that the very system to which I was loyal repeatedly demonstrated that this model was a fallacy. I witnessed firsthand the waves of layoffs that swept through companies, impacting even the most dedicated employees. I saw colleagues who had devoted years of service passed over for promotions or receive meager salary increases, their loyalty seemingly taken for granted. These experiences chipped away at the foundation of that early advice, revealing its inherent vulnerabilities.
However, the most profound consequence of this unwavering loyalty was the erosion of my own boundaries. Because I was conditioned to never say ‘no’ and to always be available and accommodating, I inadvertently taught others to disregard my limits. I became the go-to person for everything, often taking on tasks that weren’t my responsibility and sacrificing my own priorities. Honestly, for a long time, I didn’t even know how to establish healthy boundaries. The concept felt foreign, almost selfish, and directly contradicted the ‘loyal employee’ archetype I was striving to embody.
This lack of boundaries significantly impacted both my professional and personal life. Professionally, I often felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, and resentful, even though I struggled to articulate why. I was burning out but felt trapped by the very loyalty I had been taught to value. Personally, my relationships suffered. I had little energy left for loved ones, and my own needs were consistently placed last. I was living a life dictated by the demands of my employer rather than by my own values and priorities.
The turning point emerged from a series of challenging experiences – a particularly demanding project that strained me to my breaking point, a personal relationship that deteriorated due to my constant unavailability, and the gradual realization that my ‘loyalty’ was neither reciprocated nor genuinely valued. It was a painful but necessary awakening.
Unlearning this ingrained behavior was a journey. It involved consciously challenging those old beliefs, identifying my own needs and limits, and gradually finding the courage to express them. At first, saying ‘no’ felt terrifying, like an act of rebellion. However, with each small step and every boundary I tentatively set and enforced, I began to reclaim my time, energy, and sense of self-respect.
The lesson I ultimately learned is that true professional success and personal well-being are not about blind loyalty to an organization; they are about loyalty to yourself – your values, your boundaries, and your potential. Learning to say ‘no’ was not about being difficult; it was about being self-respectful and ultimately more effective, both in my career and in my life. It is a lesson I now actively share with my clients, empowering them to define their own boundaries and build careers and lives that are sustainable and fulfilling.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
When I reflect on how I’ve built my reputation in the coaching market, the word that consistently comes to mind is authenticity. It’s not a meticulously crafted marketing strategy; it’s simply the essence of who I am and how I operate.
Firstly, my passion for this work isn’t merely a professional obligation – it’s a genuine love affair. I am deeply invested in seeing my clients thrive, and that energy is palpable. It’s not about clocking in and out; it’s about the profound satisfaction I gain from witnessing their transformations and breakthroughs. If financial constraints were removed entirely, I can honestly say I would still be doing this work, pouring my heart and soul into empowering others – that’s how intrinsically rewarding it is for me.
But perhaps the most significant aspect of my authenticity stems from my lived experience. I am not some detached guru dispensing theoretical advice from an ivory tower. I represent the very professionals I serve: female corporate leaders of color who have navigated the often turbulent waters of being overworked, consistently overlooked for opportunities, and unfairly compensated. I understand the insidious grip of imposter syndrome because I have felt it myself. I have navigated the microaggressions, the unspoken biases, and the pressure to constantly prove my worth.
My professional success story isn’t a fairytale of overnight riches or unrealistic achievements. It’s a testament to resilience, strategic navigation, and the power of claiming your worth – a journey that is absolutely attainable for ambitious professionals I guide. I believe this shared experience creates an immediate and powerful connection with my clients. They know I get it because I’ve lived it.
Because of this deep understanding, I refuse to peddle pipe dreams or offer superficial solutions. My coaching isn’t about fluffy affirmations and empty platitudes. It’s grounded in real-world strategies, actionable steps, and a profound comprehension of the systemic challenges my clients face. I offer practical tools and frameworks that have been tested and proven effective in the corporate arena. I offer a mirror that reflects their inherent strengths while also illuminating the paths to overcome obstacles.
Ultimately, I believe my reputation has been built on this unwavering commitment to authenticity. My clients know they are getting the real deal – a coach who genuinely cares, speaks their language, understands their unique challenges from the inside out, and offers tangible, results-oriented guidance based on both professional expertise and personal experience. It’s about building trust through transparency, delivering true value, and empowering my clients to achieve the success that is not only possible but rightfully theirs.
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