Episodes
Focus on the audience. Lead with empathy. Ask great questions. That’s how my guest this episode, Juli Lassow, describes a great communicator. Juli spent 17 years at Target in progressively responsible leadership roles in sourcing, inventory management and buying. So, if you’ve ever gone into target for just a few things and came out with an overflowing cart, Juli is part of the reason for that. In this episode we chat about the importance of providing context for your questions, the...
Published 12/19/23
Connect. Involve. Upgrade. That’s the process my guest this episode, Shawn Harper, has used to make a successful transition from the NFL to the board room and stage as a keynote speaker. Shawn spent 7 years as a professional athlete and now is the President of American Services and Protection and a sought after motivational speaker. In this episode, we discuss being present, how to connect with people, and why listening and repeating back is such a critical skill.
Published 12/05/23
Communication is a triangle and at any given time, we as communicators, only have visibility to two of its sides. That’s how my guest this episode, Roger Martin, approaches effective communication. Roger is the Co-founder and CEO of RockBox Fitness and beem Light Sauna. In this episode we discuss the difference between being IN communication and simply transmitting information, how office design can impact communication, and the difference between persuasion and manipulation.
Published 11/21/23
Use your words to paint a picture in someone else’s mind. That’s how my guest this episode, Ryan Estes, describes a great communicator. Ryan is a leader in the podcast space, having co-founded both Wildcast, a podcast advertising platform, and Kitcaster, a service that helps get you booked for podcast interviews. In this episode, we discuss how to use repetition to get your message across, why you need to adapt your approach based on your communication venue, and how communication is a lot...
Published 11/07/23
Listen to your employees. It seems like common sense, but it isn’t common practice. In this episode, I chat with Ollie Craddock, CEO of Rungway, a firm disrupting the employee listening space. We discuss how to avoid blind spots, strategies to be more present, and the implications of the recent shifts in the workplace for leaders. I hope you enjoy.
Published 10/24/23
Get out of the echo chamber. Solid leadership advice from my guest, Matthew Krayton. Matthew is the founder of Publitics, a public affairs, politics, PR, and strategy consultancy. In this episode, we discuss the importance of patience in communication, why empathy matters, and how the combination of the two will help you to avoid appearing tone deaf. I hope you enjoy.
Published 10/10/23
Practice. Practice. Practice. That is the advice from my guest, Kelly Ann Doherty. Kelly Ann is the Chief Administrative Officer for Mr. Cooper where she has responsibility for HR, Corporate Communications, Brand Marketing, DEI, and much more. In this episode we discuss why you need to communicate via multiple channels multiple times, the importance of authenticity, and how practice will transform your skills. I hope you enjoy.
Published 09/26/23
Intelligence opens doors, but it is your communication skills that enable you to walk through them. My guest, Jorge Camacho, taught high school Honors and AP Chemistry for 25 years before starting his own company, Virtually There Teaching, where he develops engaging videos and lessons to help turn Chemistry from a GPA killer to a class rank booster. In this episode we discuss the importance of meeting your audience where they are at, developing self-awareness, and how technology has changed...
Published 09/12/23
Brand is built from the inside out. So, if you want a strong brand, focus on internal communication first. My guest, Pam Nemec, is the Founder and CEO of InsideOut, where she helps executives build leadership and communication systems. In this episode we chat about the importance of focusing not only on what you say, but also how, when and where. We discuss how to identify the various layers of your audience and why you should strive for reasonable. I hope you enjoy.
Published 08/29/23
Remove your assumptions. Otherwise, you are just going throughout your day guessing. Sage advice from my guest, Heather Younger. Heather is a TEDx Keynote Speaker, Author, and the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix. In this episode, we discuss the importance of closing the communication loop, how to balance action with curiosity, and building positive employee experiences. I hope you enjoy.
Published 08/15/23
What does a 340 pound NFL lineman and a 7 year old have in common? When communicating with either of them, you better focus on the “why”. In this episode I am joined by 7-time All American and University of South Carolina Hall of Fame Swimmer, Jenn Brunelli. Jenn is a Registered Dietician and Founder of Sports RD Pro where she has worked with the Carolina Panthers, Roush Fenway Racing, and athletes of all shapes and sizes to ensure they are fueled for success. I hope you enjoy.
Published 08/01/23
Do you suffer from calendar clutter? Is clutter causing tension at home? My guest, Laurie Palau, is the founder of Simply B Organized, a lifestyle service designed to help you live simply and work smarter. In this episode we talk about how communication skills are a key driver for reducing clutter in all aspects of your life, the importance of goals, and why you need to be specific in your communication. I hope you enjoy.
Published 07/18/23
Listen with empathy and practice conversational intelligence. Sound advice from my guest Dr. Aaron Bishop. Dr. Bishop is a multifaceted transformational leader with experience in education, politics, philanthropy, and is the author of For Such a Time as This. In this episode we talk about the power of stories, empathy, and how to develop main character energy. I hope you enjoy.
Published 07/04/23
Make every word count and aim for progress not perfection. According to this episode’s guest, those are two great ways to become an effective communicator. Joining me is Alejandro Cornejo. Alejandro is a Learning and Organizational Development Consultant who eats, drinks, and sleeps development. In this episode, we talk about how to become a better listener, the importance of asking pertinent questions, and how words are like a chainsaw. I hope you enjoy.
Published 06/20/23
Focus on your audience and use stories. That is the key advice from my guest, Rob Lauber. Rob is a career learning and development executive for brands such as McDonald’s, YUM!, and Cingular Wireless. He is also the Founder and CEO of XLO Global where he helps learning teams drive more business value. In this episode we talk about the importance of focusing on your audience, how to use stories to convey your message, and being confident that you don’t know something. I hope you enjoy.
Published 06/06/23
Confidence is courage plus commitment. My guest, Lisa Guillot, is the Founder and Lead Coach at Be Bright Lisa where she helps her clients bring their vision to life through her Clear Vision Framework. In this episode we talk about the formula for building confidence, the important role self-awareness plays in growth, and how to deal with imposter syndrome. I hope you enjoy.
Published 05/23/23
Clarity is kindness. It is so simple, yet so powerful. That’s the message from my guest, Dr. K.L. Allen, who is the Chancellor of WGU Ohio. K.L. has spent his career in higher education and has seen firsthand the impact communication skills can have on career outcomes. In this episode we talk about providing clarity, the role preparation plays in listening, and why you should “give people their flowers.” I hope you enjoy.
Published 05/09/23
Celebrate the small successes along the way. That’s the advice from my guest, Ingrid Christensen, who is the President and Founder of INGCO International, published author, entrepreneur, and advocate who is passionate about providing equal access to information to everyone, no matter what language they speak. In this episode we talk about how to develop trust, working through the grind, gratitude, and why you should just say yes and then figure it out. I hope you enjoy.
Published 04/25/23
From interviewing celebrities on the red carpet and working for top entertainment news outlets such as Entertainment Tonight and US Weekly magazine, to founding a PR and media company that amplifies the voices of emerging thought-leaders, Kayley Hamilton knows a thing or two about effective communication. This 2X Emmy award winning producer and reporter shares her expertise around listening, awareness, and why intention is so important in communication. I hope you enjoy.
Published 04/11/23
Are we in a trust recession? Are you viewed simply as an “Answer ATM”? And why do we feel the need to use so many qualifiers before giving someone an honest answer? Listen to my conversation with organizational and leadership development expert, Ron Carucci, to get the answers. In addition to being the Managing Partner for organizational and leadership development consulting firm, Navalent, Ron is also a contributor to Harvard Business Review and Forbes, a 2-time TEDx speaker, and author...
Published 03/28/23
In this episode, I am talking with the CEO and Co-founder of OnLoop, Projjal Ghatak, who envisions a world where work is designed to make people better (while getting things done). Check out the episode to hear Projjal discuss the importance of expression and influence in communication. We also chat about how to prepare so that you can easily adapt to your audience and how the world of virtual work has changed how leaders need to lead. I hope you enjoy.
Published 03/14/23
In this episode, I am talking with Ella Wright, who is the Founder of Start The Conversation, where she teaches leaders and teams how to solve problems better through strategic 1 to 1 coaching. Check out the episode to hear Ella discuss why it’s important for companies to have a common language, how to develop your personal “user’s manual”, and why you should always ask your question. I hope you enjoy.
Published 02/28/23
In this episode, I am talking with Ben Higgins. Ben has had such an amazing journey: Working in Fin-Tech. Star of hit reality TV show "The Bachelor". Podcast Host. Investor. And now co-founder of Generous Coffee Company which invests 100% of its profits from coffee and apparel into life-changing partner organizations that create jobs, feed children, improve education, and empower communities to eliminate poverty. Check out the episode to hear Ben’s take on what he looks for when hiring...
Published 02/14/23
In this episode, I am talking with Marlene Chism. Marlene helps C-suite leaders build drama free cultures that drive growth and reduce costly mistakes. Check out the episode to hear Marlene’s take on why almost every costly mistake in an organization can be traced back to a conversation that didn’t happen. We also talk about the inner and outer game of communication and why writing is so important in business today. I hope you enjoy.
Published 01/31/23
In this episode, I am talking with Liz Kislik. Liz is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review and Forbes. Through her work as a management consultant and executive coach, she helps organizations and individuals reach the next level of growth and success. Check out the episode to learn strategies that will help you improve your self-awareness, hone your listening skills, and develop a common language at your organization. I hope you enjoy.
Published 01/17/23