Permission to Speak, Bestselling Book by Samara Bay

Changing what
Power Sounds Like

Ever notice how even the most brilliant people get quiet when it matters most? My bestselling leadership and personal development book digs into why that happens (hint: it's not your fault) and offers a fresh take on finding your voice and using it to get what you want.

Imagine transforming your relationship with your voice so speaking in public actually feels good. That's revolutionary. That’s how we create the change we want to see.

Brought to you by Crown Publishing, an imprint of Penguin Random House, and now available in 15+ countries and 5 languages.

Rachel McAdams says: "I love this book—funny, surprising, stirring, and so important! What a beautiful accomplishment and gift to put into the world."

Publisher’s Weekly says: “Bay’s tone is spirited and encouraging, and there’s no shortage of takeaways. Anyone looking to sharpen their speaking skills will want to give this a go." 

A READER SAYS: “Read this book ASAP. You will like yourself better, stand a little taller, feel a little braver, and get a little kick in the butt to use your voice for good.” 

Bestselling Author, Samara Bay

THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU IF:

You feel a frustrating disconnect between how you naturally speak and how you think you "should" sound to be taken seriously. You've received so many messages about who deserves to be heard and how you’re doing it wrong—whether because of your gender, background, accent, or simply sounding different from those who've historically held power.

You've felt pretzeled—be authoritative, but not too strong; be authentic, but fit the mold—and you're ready for a different way.

I wrote this guidebook and love letter for you.

Bestselling Author, Samara Bay

Here's What’S POSSIBLE:

What if instead of chasing an outdated standard of power, you could redefine what authority sounds like? This isn't just about public speaking—it's about creating a world where every voice is heard and everyone can thrive. It’s about healing and reclamation and revolution.

We all feel the leadership crisis across culture and industry. This book offers a new way forward—one where we don't have to choose between being powerful and being ourselves. Where our unique voices becomes our advantage.

This book gives you the tools to stop seeking permission elsewhere and start claiming your own authority—for you and for those who need you in charge.

When we change what power sounds like, we change who has power.

Praise for the Book

  • “Women, people of color, and other historically excluded folks are taught not to be too big, too loud, too demanding, or too ambitious. This book gives them permission to speak up—and command the room.”

    – Rachel Rodgers, Author of “We Should All Be Millionaires”

  • “A totally beguiling and richly informative primer for anyone who struggles to say what they think out loud.”

    Soraya Chemaly, Author of “Rage Becomes Her”

  • “Samara’s brilliant expertise helps us understand that when we find our permission to speak, we are able to step into our full power as women [and] change the way we are heard in the world.”

    – Eve Rodsky, New York Times Bestselling Author of “Fair Play”

  • “No one knows more about voice than Samara Bay. This is a brilliant, user-friendly guide to speaking up. I love it.”

    – Viv Groskop, Author of “How to Own the Room”

  • “I LOVE this book—funny, surprising, stirring, and so important! What a beautiful accomplishment and gift to put into the world.”

    – Rachel McAdams, Oscar-Nominated Actress

  • “Permission to Speak is bursting with charm and originality, clear-eyed critiques, and gentle nudges, like the greatest business bestie in your ear, whispering the courage you need to speak up and take over.”

     – Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan, Co-Founders of CHIEF