Finding Your Voice: How Clarisse Saam Helps Emerging Leaders Become Creatively Courageous

Written by Heather Anderson

Clarisse Saam knows firsthand the impact of a loud inner critic. As a leadership and confidence coach, she’s built her work on the belief that self-doubt and perfectionism shouldn’t stand in the way of pursuing big dreams. Drawing from her own transformative journey—overcoming rejection wounds and rediscovering her voice as a singer—Clarisse helps her clients find joy, purpose, and a way forward. In this conversation, we explore how she confronts the inner critic, empowers her clients, and proves that self-care is productive.

Your journey is such a fascinating blend of corporate leadership, coaching, parenting and singing. Can you share a moment from your own life that made you realize the inner critic was something you needed to confront—not just for yourself, but for others too?

Absolutely. About halfway through my decade-long journey of rediscovering singing, I realized I was still deep into codependency and people-pleasing—one of the “4 Ps” of the inner critic I now teach about. I didn't even know what made me valuable if I wasn't directly serving others, and I started to struggle with depression and anxiety.  I realized singing had been my first true act of self-care, something just for me. It had become a lifeline during a time when I was supporting loved ones struggling with severe mental illness while also balancing my career and being a new parent. Trying to appease my inner critic was leaving me burned out and impatient at home. When I realized how rapidly I was getting angry at my son, who deserved none of it. I knew I had to figure out how to live for myself—and that’s when everything started to change.

How did singing become such a meaningful part of your life?

I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember. My grandfather would always tell me, “I know how much you love to sing, and I hope you never stop.” But like many people, life got busy—college, a “real job,” and other priorities took over. For nearly a decade, I only sang in the shower or the car, and it felt like I’d lost touch with a vital part of myself. Rediscovering singing wasn’t just about the music—it was about reconnecting with who I am at my core.

You’ve mentioned the “4 Ps” of the inner critic. Can you break those down for us?

Of course! The “4 Ps” are the patterns the inner critic uses to keep us stuck:

  • Perfectionism: The need to be flawless and fear of making mistakes, often tied to imposter syndrome.

  • People-Pleasing: Overgiving of yourself to gain validation and avoid conflict.

  • Procrastination: Avoiding tasks out of overwhelm or fear of not meeting high expectations.

  • Pessimism: That critical, negative voice that tries to keep you small and safe by discouraging risk. Recognizing these patterns is the first step to managing the inner critic’s voice.

How does your background as a singer and trauma survivor shape your work with clients?

Singing became my roadmap to resiliency. Growing up, I adapted myself to survive, suppressing what I really wanted to meet others' needs. Rediscovering singing taught me to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, and that’s what I aim to offer my clients. I know how it feels to be stuck and scared, and I meet people where they are, walking alongside them at their own pace.

You’ve worked with individuals in high-stress corporate environments. What patterns or struggles do you see most often, and how does managing the inner critic help address those challenges?

In competitive, high-pressure environments, the inner critic thrives. It whispers things like, “Don’t make mistakes,” or “You’re not good enough,” fueling perfectionism and burnout. People can get so caught up in work that they lose sight of the bigger picture. Managing the inner critic helps people set boundaries, rediscover their strengths, and show up authentically, which ultimately makes them better leaders and team members.


What’s unique about your approach to leadership and business coaching for those that are in earlier stages of their journey?

I think it’s the combination of my own experiences and the space I create for my clients. As someone who has faced deep-seated rejection wounds and worked hard to overcome them, I understand what it’s like to feel stuck. My approach is gentle but effective—I walk alongside my clients, helping them find their own pace. For my clients who identify as introverts or have ADHD, this can be particularly powerful because they often need permission to show up authentically and trust that they’re enough just as they are.

“Start by giving your inner critic a name. Picture it as a character—someone separate from you. Then, have a conversation with it. Ask it why it’s so loud and what it’s trying to protect you from. Often, just acknowledging its presence can bring a sense of calm and control.”
— Clarisse Saam

Your philosophy emphasizes joy as a pathway to effectiveness. How do you help clients lean into joy, especially when anxiety and self-doubt feel overwhelming?

Joy doesn’t have to be big or time-consuming—it can start small. I encourage my clients to carve out even 15 minutes to do something that brings them joy, whether it’s cooking, writing, or just moving their bodies. When they allow themselves that space, they often find it fuels their energy and clarity for other areas of life.

Do you have a favorite client transformation story?

One of my favorite stories is about a client struggling with negativity and shame, especially in her work relationships. We named her inner critic, started conversations with it, and practiced asking it to step aside. A few weeks later, she told me she’d struck up a conversation with a stranger at a theater and realized she was more outgoing than she’d ever given herself credit for. She began showing up differently at work, too, with more confidence and less fear of judgment.

I just spoke with a client whose growth continues to amaze me. He went from feeling burned out and frustrated by slow career progress to achieving better results in half the time. He’s prioritizing self-care, embracing travel opportunities, and even considering a side hustle. While he’s a rockstar on his own, he credits our work together—learning to let go of the need to prove himself, delegate effectively, and give feedback—for these changes. Now, he’s working less, enjoying life more, and bringing even greater value to his team.

For readers who feel stuck in overwork and self-doubt, what’s one practical step they can take today to start quieting their inner critic?

Start by giving your inner critic a name. Picture it as a character—someone separate from you. Then, have a conversation with it. Ask it why it’s so loud and what it’s trying to protect you from. Often, just acknowledging its presence can bring a sense of calm and control. My free ebook dives deeper into this exercise.

What has balancing creativity and business looked like for you?

It’s definitely a dance. Singing serves me best when it’s a source of joy rather than income. But finding balance is about giving each part of your life the space it needs. When I ignore my creativity, I burn out. When I let it take over, other parts of my life suffer. The key is setting boundaries and honoring your needs without shame.

If there’s one thing you’d like readers to take away from your story and your work, what would it be?

Self-care is productive. Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s how you fill your cup to overflow and support others effectively.

For someone curious about working with you, what’s the first step?

I offer a free Critic-Calming Call where we explore your challenges, goals, and inner critic patterns. We’ll create a plan to help you move forward with more confidence and peace. I also offer monthly coaching packages that include a flexible blend of 1:1 and group time for those who want to grow alongside a supportive community.

Curious about working with Clarisse?

Connect with Clarisse Saam on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

You can also find her on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with Clarisse inside The Club membership for women founders.

Heather Anderson