Speaking to Influence

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Angelo J Valletta, CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, about leadership communication and taking risks. They discuss the importance of concise communication, the challenges of being an expert in a specific field, and the need for empathy and servant leadership. Angelo shares a personal story about dealing with a toxic team member and the lessons he learned from that experience. He also talks about taking a big risk in his career and how he communicated that decision to key stakeholders. In this conversation, Angelo J. Valletta discusses the risks he took in his career and the importance of understanding the core drivers of revenue in an organization. He shares his experience in advocating for mobile banking and the challenges of persuading others to invest in new technology. Angelo also emphasizes the value of empathy in communication and the importance of storytelling to effectively convey messages. He challenges listeners to practice empathy and find ways to help others within their organizations. Angelo also shares his journey of developing concise storytelling skills and the impact of having mentors in his career. In this episode you will learn: Master your subject to communicate complex ideas simply and concisely. Listen more than you speak to engage your audience effectively. Empathy and servant leadership are crucial for building a cohesive and successful team. Dealing with toxic team members requires addressing the issue directly and setting clear boundaries. Taking risks in your career can lead to growth and new opportunities, but it's important to communicate your decisions to key stakeholders. Understanding the core drivers of revenue in an organization is crucial for success. Advocating for new technology and innovation may require persuading others to invest in the future rather than focusing solely on immediate revenue. Empathy is a powerful communication skill that can help build relationships and drive success. Storytelling is an effective way to convey messages and engage others. Having mentors can greatly impact your personal and professional development.   About Angelo J. Valletta Angelo has close to forty years of progressively responsible managerial experience in diverse industries with companies ranging in size from small consultants to multi-national firms. He has a proven track record of developing and building effective internal and outsourced distributed teams and is a turn-around specialist in operations and customer service. He has held multiple board-level leadership roles and had his book “7 Rs of Leadership and Life” recently published by Newman Springs. Angelo currently serves as President and CEO for the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Ben Franklin Northeast, he served in several executive leadership roles at FISGlobal, one of the largest FinTech's in the world; President and CEO of an independent Community Foundation; Senior Vice President and Chief Bank Operations and Information Officer at Sun National Bank; and Philadelphia Market Chief Information Officer at PNCBank. Angelo earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Temple University and his MBA from Philadelphia University. He serves on several non-profit boards and mentors students at a number of fine universities.  You can connect with Angelo J. Valletta in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aundrea-mitchell-06746370/  “7 Rs of Leadership and Life” book: https://www.newmansprings.com/release/?book=7rs-of-leadership-and-life Ben Franklin Technology Partners: https://benfranklin.org/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Speaking to Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Aundrea Mitchell, president of Customer Contact Services. Aundrea shares her experiences of handling a major error, turning a crisis into trust. Hear how she faced the challenge head-on, communicated transparently, and built trust through teamwork and honesty. It's a testament to the strength of partnership and the importance of owning up to mistakes.

Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen to a direct report, leading to a strained relationship. Dr. Combs also discusses the significance of engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions. She shares a story about a project where she had to pivot from building housing to creating a park based on community feedback. She highlights the importance of humility and being willing to admit mistakes as a leader. In this episode, you will learn: How important active listening is Engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions is essential for effective leadership. Humility is important for leaders to admit mistakes and be willing to change course when necessary. Learning from personal experiences and mistakes can lead to valuable lessons that can be shared with others to help them become better leaders. Focus on solutions and progress rather than dwelling on problems. Complimenting others can have a positive impact and increase influence. Speaking up as the lone voice of dissent or disagreement is important, especially in planning efforts. About Dr. Sarah Combs As the Executive Director and CEO of University Area CDC, Dr. Sarah leads a community development corporation that empowers and supports residents in one of the most underserved areas in Tampa, Florida. With a doctorate in business administration, she applies strategic thinking and innovative solutions to address the complex challenges of poverty, crime, health, housing and education in our community.Dr. Sarah has 14 years of experience in this role, and she is also a published author and a courtesy assistant professor at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. She has developed and implemented multiple programs and services that have improved the quality of life, well-being, and self-sufficiency of thousands of families and individuals. She has also forged strong partnerships with local and national stakeholders, secured significant funding and grants, and enhanced the visibility and reputation of her organization. Dr. Sarah's mission is to create a vibrant and sustainable community where everyone can thrive and belong. You can connect with Dr. Sarah Combs in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahkcombs/ University Area CDC website: https://www.uacdc.org/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different personality types, and the power of going to bat for others. Misty shares her experiences of taking risks, delivering hard news, and finding humor in everyday situations. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others. In this episode you will learn: Authenticity is key in effective communication. Understanding different personality types can improve communication and collaboration. Taking risks can lead to personal and professional growth. Delivering hard news requires finesse and empathy. Finding humor in everyday situations can lighten the mood and humanize conversations. Acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others is important for building a positive and supportive work environment. About Misty Davis As Chief Marketing Officer at Circana, Misty Davis drives multiple marketing and sales initiatives to align with the company's growth strategies, with the goal of accelerating demand, awareness, and ecosystem growth. She leads the continuous evolution of corporate messaging, positioning, and execution of the company's narrative in key marketing assets, including digital presentations, campaigns, events, demos, sales enablement, and strategic communications. Davis is laser-focused on pipeline generation, ensuring the company communicates the right message at the right time and in the right place to all target audiences. She supports the company's brand to employees and the community, as well as manages internal communications and industry relations efforts. Previously, Davis had a 16-plus year career at Google, where she held several positions, the most recent of which was Director, Global Client and Agency Solutions, Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Health, and Tech. She began her career at Google working across U.S. teams, then in various markets throughout APAC in 2011, which catapulted her into the previous decade of global leadership opportunities. She is a thought leader and trusted confidant to her colleagues and a well-respected consultant with expertise in her field with clients.   You can connect with Misty in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistymuscatel/ Circana website: https://www.circana.com/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transparency caused disruption and unrest within her organization. Liz emphasizes the need for leaders to communicate the big rocks and immovable objects in a business, while acknowledging that there may still be uncertainties. She also highlights the value of having opposing force personalities in a team to challenge and push against strengths and weaknesses. In this episode you'll learn: Transparency within a framework is crucial in leadership communication to address uncertainties and prevent disruption. Leaders should communicate the big rocks and immovable objects in a business, while acknowledging that there may still be uncertainties. Having opposing force personalities in a team can lead to better decision-making and growth. Having a point of view and being willing to disagree is essential for effective communication and growth. Having a point of view and expressing it is crucial for effective communication and influence. The difference between disagreement and resistance. Why her philosophy is “never look backwards“ How to decide when to push an issue How she had to redirect on a $300 million campaign Advocating for others and building a team that complements your strengths is essential for success. About Liz Liz Ross is the President and CEO of Shift Paradigm and brings more than 26 years of experience leading some of the world's most progressive and fastest-growing agencies. She is passionate about challenging the norm and inspiring marketers to be early adopters of innovative ideas and technology. As a dynamic leader accustomed to navigating today's complex marketing world, Liz has pioneered brand-consumer relationships for clients such as General Motors, Delta, HP, General Electric, United Health Group, Michelin, Citibank, IBM, Clorox, Cox Communications, Hillshire Brands, Visa and Pepsi-Cola, to name a few.   You can connect with Liz Ross in the following ways: Shift Paradigm Website: https://www.shiftparadigm.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethross/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communication and the benefits of asking for help. Kate shares a missed opportunity where she didn't speak up and the lessons she learned from it. They also talk about taking risks in marketing and the importance of combining digital and physical outreach. In this conversation, Kate McQuade discusses her approach to risk-taking in marketing, the importance of delegation, and the dynamics of team collaboration. In this episode you will learn: Why collaboration is a crucial aspect of leadership communication. Asking for help can lead to better decision-making and empower the team. Missed opportunities can occur when you don't speak up or advocate for your ideas. Taking risks in marketing, such as combining digital and physical outreach, can yield positive results. Follow-up and proactive communication are essential to ensure ideas are considered and implemented. Laying out the cost, timeline, resources, and expected results can make new initiatives seem more manageable and increase stakeholder buy-in. Delegation is a valuable skill that can lead to more efficient use of time and leverage the expertise of team members. Speaking up and dissenting, even as the lone voice, can lead to better outcomes and the exploration of alternative ideas. Updating your resume with future goals in mind can help set a clear vision and guide your career path. The dynamics of a team and effective collaboration are crucial for achieving success in projects and goals. Being adaptable and able to laugh at oneself is important in navigating unexpected situations and maintaining a positive attitude.   About Kate Experienced technology-savvy executive adept at navigating dynamic regulatory and reimbursement landscapes. Trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic insights to gain a competitive edge in swiftly changing market dynamics. Enthusiastic about assisting clients in devising and executing impactful solutions that yield tangible results. Possess a well-rounded background having worked on both vendor and client fronts, supported by an extensive network of valuable connections.   You can connect with Kate McQuade in the following ways: P360 Website: https://www.p360.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemcquade/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in communication and the negative consequences of being secretive with employees. Reed also discusses a time when he made a wrong hiring decision and had to let someone go, highlighting the importance of admitting mistakes and seeking input from others. He shares his experience as an investment banker and offers advice on building influence and overcoming communication challenges. Reed suggests seeking feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess one's abilities and areas for improvement. The conversation also touches on the importance of initiating conversations, developing storytelling skills, and simplifying complex concepts for clients. In this episode you will learn: Transparency in communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment. Admitting mistakes and seeking input from others can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. Negotiation is a valuable skill that can help find win-win solutions and avoid missed opportunities. Being open to new opportunities and exploring alternatives can lead to personal and professional growth. Approach negotiations as win-win situations to find mutually beneficial solutions. Seek feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess your abilities and areas for improvement. Initiate conversations and find common ground to build relationships and influence. Develop storytelling skills to engage and connect with others. Simplify complex concepts to make them more accessible and understandable for clients. About Reed With over 29 years of experience as a CEO and co-founder of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, Reed has successfully built and led one of the world's premier investment banking firms focused on the media, marketing, information and technology sectors. He has also expanded their global presence as the chairman and president of Oaklins International, which has 850 investment bankers in 45 countries.   You can connect with Reed in the following way: Website: https://www.oaklins.com/dp/en/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipsreed/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success. In this episode you will learn: Character during chaos is an important leadership trait. Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel. Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members. Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world. Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance. Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence. Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression. Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others. About Richard Blank At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica's Call Center since 2008.   You can connect with Richard in the following way: Website: https://costaricascallcenter.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessprocessoutsourcingcallcenter YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ST99AEp7COEWS4q4VUw4Q LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, including the importance of precision in word choice, the need to be a translator between the C-suite and the team, the power of timing in communication, and the challenge of explaining things to teenage kids. Katie also shares her experience of going to bat for someone on her team and the lessons she learned from it. In this episode you will learn: Precision in word choice is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and potential problems. Being a translator between the C-suite and the team is an important leadership skill. Timing plays a significant role in effective communication. Explaining things to teenage kids can be challenging, but building a strong relationship and providing guidance can help. About Katie: Ms. Ekaterina (“Katie”) Curry is a global business & operations leader with deep expertise in financial services and insurance. She currently leads Operations, Quality, Process improvement and Agency teams at Millennial Specialty insurance multifamily. 2x Fortune 500 leader, she has led colleagues on 5 continents through transformation and rapid growth. Katie transitioned from Financial Services to insurance at the end of 2022 and is focused on bringing best practices to the insurance industry. Katie is originally from Bulgaria but has lived and worked in the U.S. for over 20 years. She holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Yale University. She is a frequent industry speaker and author on operations,leadership, and working with Gen Z and Millennial colleagues. When she is not working, you might find Katie hiking with her husband, kids and their dog Flynn. You can connect with Katie in the following way: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinacurry/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key elements that make them powerful. She emphasizes the need for simplicity, relatability, and passion in delivering an elevator pitch. She also invites listeners to join her for an event where they can practice and improve their own elevator pitches. In this episode you will learn: Crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch is essential for effectively communicating one's value proposition. An elevator pitch should be simple, relatable, and value-driven. It is important to show passion and enthusiasm when delivering an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is an invitation to a longer conversation and should pique the listener's interest. Practice and feedback are crucial for refining and improving an elevator pitch.   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius. They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, and conflict in teams, as well as the six types of working genius. Patrick shares personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for effective communication and leadership. The conversation explores the five dysfunctions of a team, emphasizing the importance of trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and attention to results. It also delves into the significance of effective communication, vulnerability, and understanding individual working genius. Pat also shares insights on team dynamics, leadership, and the impact of dysfunctional behaviors on organizational success. In this episode you will learn: Trust and vulnerability are essential for effective team communication and collaboration. Conflict avoidance can hinder team progress and innovation. Constructive conflict is necessary for growth and improvement. Understanding the six types of working genius can help individuals and teams leverage their strengths and work together more effectively. Trust is the foundation of effective teamwork, and without it, healthy conflict and commitment cannot thrive. Healthy conflict is necessary for teams to address issues openly and make decisions that everyone can commit to. Lack of commitment leads to passive agreement, which results in a lack of accountability and inattention to results. Avoidance of accountability hinders team performance and requires peers to hold each other accountable for behaviors and commitments. Inattention to results occurs when individuals prioritize their department's success over the collective success of the organization, leading to dysfunctional team dynamics.   About Patrick: Pat is one of the founders of The Table Group and is the pioneer of the organizational health movement. He is the author of 13 books, which have sold over 9 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages. As President of The Table Group, Pat spends his time speaking and writing about leadership, teamwork, and organizational health, and consulting with executives and their teams. After more than twenty years in print, his classic book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, remains a fixture on national best-seller lists. His most recent book, The Six Types of Working Genius, was released in September 2022. He is also the host of the popular business podcast, "At The Table with Patrick Lencioni".   You can connect with Patrick Lencioni in the following ways: Websites: https://workinggenius.com/ https://www.tablegroup.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/working_genius LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-lencioni-orghealth/ Read The 6 Types of Working Genius: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637743297 Read The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: https://www.amazon.com/Five-Dysfunctions-Team-Leadership-Fable/dp/0787960756   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Orlando, the Chief Learning Officer for Bristol Myers Squibb, about leadership communication. They discuss the importance of simplifying complex concepts and using the rule of three to convey messages effectively. Jeff shares a story about missing an opportunity because he held back and waited for more support, instead of moving forward with a smaller group of influential leaders. They also discuss the value of engaging in conversations with senior leaders and asking them what they want to hear. In this episode you will learn: The importance of influence in leadership and how to effectively communicate decisions to key stakeholders The value of seeking advice from influential individuals and using them as sounding boards. The power of storytelling and using data to support your message. Taking risks and successfully managing change by setting expectations and mitigating potential issues. About Jeff: Jeff is Chief Learning Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), overseeing the company's learning and leadership strategy and execution. Jeff believes we have a special responsibility in the healthcare sector to stay on the cutting-edge – our skills, capabilities and performance directly translate to the medicines and therapies we deliver for our patients. Prior to BMS, Jeff led learning, organization development and talent teams at Medtronic and Deloitte. At Medtronic, Jeff led learning and development evolution and supported the company's multi-year culture change journey. At Deloitte, Jeff oversaw various functions including executive development, leadership development and performance management and related talent practices. Earlier in his career, Jeff advised Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical and entertainment sector on human capital matters. Jeff has a M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology and French from Susquehanna University, where he served as a Presidential Fellow and was a member of the Honors program. Jeff regularly speaks on topics related to talent, learning and innovation – having shared the stage with leading academics, NFL coaches and prominent educators. Jeff's work has also been featured in publications such as People & Strategy and Harvard Business Review. Jeff's professional affiliations include the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP). Jeff is engaged in community service, having recently served on the board of Heights Philadelphia, a leading non-profit focused on college success, economic mobility and workforce success. Jeff lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two school-aged daughters.   You can connect with Jeff in the following ways: BMS Website: https://www.bms.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyworlando/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martha Sharkey, founder and CEO of Today Is a Good Day, shares her experience in nonprofit leadership and the mission of her organization to provide support for families who have experienced the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She discusses the inspiration behind the organization's name and the importance of celebrating the good moments in the NICU journey. Martha also talks about the leadership communication lessons she has learned, including empowering her team members to take the lead and solve problems, and the challenge of asking for financial support. She reflects on missed opportunities and the importance of hiring additional staff to support the organization's growth. Martha shares her experiences with taking risks and making big decisions in her organization. She discusses the importance of acknowledging others who are going through difficult times and shares a personal challenge for listeners to reach out to someone in their network who may be struggling. Martha also talks about the skill of thinking on the spot and distilling information into soundbites for media interviews. Finally, Martha discusses the importance of acknowledging others and the power of a simple message of support.   In this episode you will learn: How Martha empowered team members to take the lead and solve problems. Why asking for financial support is essential for the sustainability of nonprofit organizations. How hiring additional staff can support the growth and expansion of an organization. Acknowledging others who are going through difficult times is important and can make a significant impact. Short, concise communication can be powerful and effective in various contexts. A simple message of support and acknowledgement can mean a lot to someone who is struggling. Mentioned in the Episode: “Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity: 9 ½ Steps for Improving Your Profits and Cashflow” – Book by Dan Bradbury “Breeding Gazelles: Fast Growth Strategies for Your Business” – Book by Dan Bradbury About Martha: Martha Sharkey is the Founder & CEO of Today is a Good Day, a non-profit providing personal and financial support for families who experience the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Martha and her husband, Paul, founded Today is a Good Day in honor of their daughter, Claire, and in memory of their daughter, Mary. They welcomed their identical twin girls at just 23 weeks and 5 days on November 14, 2010. Mary was with them only two weeks before passing away. Claire beat incredible odds and came home after 103 days in the NICU at Jefferson Abington Hospital. Following their extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the Sharkeys recognized a gap in care for parents and families navigating the NICU journey. They founded Today is a Good Day to fill that gap to support families. Martha has led the effort to advance the mission of Today is a Good Day expanding its reach to 29 hospitals and organizational partners in seven states over the past ten years. Programming for hospital partners includes care packages for families, Navigate the NICU Sessions with current families navigating the NICU journey, Vital Needs Support grant programs for families in need, a podcast, Advocacy resources, and an online community of support. In addition to programs within the hospitals, Today is a Good Day sends care packages upon request across the country and internationally. Prior to focusing fully on advancing the mission of Today is a Good Day, Martha served in several non-profit leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Business District and Assistant Director of Corporate Sponsorship for The Franklin Institute. She has received several awards for her non-profit work, including Parent of the Year by Main Line Parent Magazine and the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Glenside Inter-Service Clubs. You can connect with Martha in the following ways: Web: https://www.todayisagoodday.org/ Instagram: @nicutoday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicutoday LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nicutoday/?viewAsMember=true You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of measuring and improving executive presence and leadership communication. She introduces a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and competencies that are essential for a leader's brand. The tool measures confidence and effectiveness in areas such as public speaking, storytelling, charisma, reading the room, nonverbal communication, diplomacy, inspiring others, networking, handling impromptu speaking situations, and reflecting the company's brand. Take the assessment and find out how to join a live group call to debrief your scores and receive guidance on developing your communication and influence skills. In thie episode, you will learn: Why measuring executive presence and leadership communication is important for improvement. How to access a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and competencies. Mentioned in the Episode: Take the Quiz You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jane Boulware, author of Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft, shares her journey from rural Iowa to becoming a top executive at Microsoft. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth. Boulware discusses the need to adapt communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic. She also highlights the difference between managing and leading, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and motivating others. Boulware shares her experiences of being dismissed and how she used the word 'yet' to fuel her determination. She encourages others to never give up and to keep pushing forward. In this conversation, Jane Boulware discusses various challenges and strategies related to leadership and personal growth. She addresses the issue of dealing with toxic individuals in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and removing toxic behavior. Boulware also explores the difference between feeling afraid and being good enough, highlighting the need to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth. Additionally, she shares insights from her experience at Microsoft, where she learned the value of leadership and collaboration. Boulware concludes by discussing the relevance of the Gottman Institute's four horsemen of the apocalypse in both personal and professional relationships. In this episode you will learn: Overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth is essential for success. Adapting communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic is crucial. Leadership involves inspiring and motivating others, while management focuses on tasks and deadlines. Using the word 'yet' can fuel determination and help overcome obstacles. Never giving up and pushing forward is key to achieving goals. Recognize and remove toxic behavior in the workplace. Embrace fear as a catalyst for growth. Focus on collaboration and leveraging the strengths of team members. Celebrate successes and recognize personal worth. Apply relationship-building strategies to both personal and professional contexts. About Jane: Jane is an inspiring and dynamic catalyst for change whose stories, humor and honesty empowers all to rethink what's possible. From the cornfields of rural Iowa, Jane Boulware defied expectations to build billion-dollar businesses, lead the US's largest merger and rise to top Microsoft executive. Jane's unconventional career and approach blazed a trail for many. “My failures and success show worth isn't defined by what you have or have not, but by what you make, claim, and give of what you got.” All proceeds from her book Worthy go to Boys & Girls Clubs scholarships.   You can connect with Jane Boulware in the following ways: Website: www.Janeboulware.com Book: Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft, Stories of Overcoming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554463565081 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeboulware4/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janeboulware/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Wetzler, co-founder and co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education. They discuss the need for education reform and the challenges of communication in leadership. Wetzler emphasizes the importance of listening and creating a safe space for open communication. He also highlights the power of curiosity and asking questions to learn from others. The conversation concludes with a listener challenge to practice no BS listening. Overall, the episode explores the role of effective communication in driving educational innovation and leadership success. In this episode you will learn: Schools need to be reinvented to meet the changing needs of students in the 21st century. Effective communication requires active listening and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Curiosity and asking questions are essential for learning from others and fostering innovation. Avoid jumping to conclusions and be willing to laugh at yourself. About Jeff: JEFF WETZLER is co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization and author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You. Wetzler combines unique leadership experiences spanning more than 25 years in business and education, as a management consultant to the world's top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. He earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a bachelor's in psychology from Brown University. Based in New York, he is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow. See his new Harvard Business Review article here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this compelling episode, Amy Bernstein, esteemed editor at Harvard Business Review, delves into the nuances of leadership communication and the transformative power of relinquishing control. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Amy underscores the importance of motivating over micromanaging, advocating for a leadership style that empowers others and fosters trust in their capabilities. Through candid reflections, Amy navigates the challenges of self-doubt and missed opportunities, urging listeners to embrace risk-taking and cultivate unwavering self-belief. She shares a poignant personal anecdote of confronting workplace bullying, emphasizing the indispensable role of integrity in leadership. As the episode unfolds, Amy issues a powerful call to action, challenging leaders to reevaluate their approach by stepping back from micromanagement and embracing a culture of empowerment. Listeners are bound to glean invaluable insights into fostering effective leadership communication, navigating adversity with resilience, and championing integrity in the workplace. Join us for a transformative journey as we explore the keys to empowering leadership and communicating with enduring impact. In this episode you will learn: Leadership communication involves motivating rather than micromanaging Empowering others and trusting their abilities is essential for effective leadership Self-doubt can hinder personal and professional growth, but taking risks and believing in oneself is crucial Standing up against workplace bullying demonstrates integrity and sets a positive example Stepping back from micromanaging and empowering teams can lead to better outcomes About Amy: Amy Bernstein is the Editor of Harvard Business Review, where she oversees the magazine and its team of editors. She's also the Vice President and Executive Editorial Director for Harvard Business Publishing, responsible for the editorial strategy and content development of the learning and educator assets for HBP's Corporate Learning and Higher Education businesses. You can connect with Amy Bernstein in the following ways: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amybernstein Twitter: https://twitter.com/asbernstein2185   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Robert Cavagnol, President of St. Luke's Clinic, shares insights on communication and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of listening and empathetic listening as key communication skills. Dr. Cavagnol also discusses the use of the DISC profile for understanding communication styles and adapting to different individuals. He shares personal experiences of taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them. Additionally, he highlights the importance of advocating for others, especially in challenging situations. Overall, Dr. Cavagnol's insights provide valuable lessons for effective communication and leadership. In this episode you will learn: Listening is a crucial communication skill, and empathetic listening is particularly important for leaders. The DISC profile can help understand communication styles and adapt to different individuals. Taking risks and making mistakes are part of leadership, and it's important to learn from them. Advocating for others, especially in challenging situations, is an essential aspect of leadership. About Rob: Dr. Robert Cavagnol, MD, MHA, FACS, currently serves as the president of St. Luke's Clinic, based in Boise, Idaho. Rob joined St. Luke's in 2020, just as the COVID pandemic took off. He continues to practice clinically, participating in acute care surgery shifts in the Treasure Valley. He leads a clinic of 1600 providers as the accountable executive for the physician enterprise at St. Luke's, which is the largest health system and largest private employer in the state of Idaho. Dr. Cavagnol received his bachelor's degree in health sciences from Kalamazoo College and his medical degree from Wayne State University, School of Medicine. He completed his surgical training at the University of Cincinnati. Following his general surgery residency, Dr. Cavagnol spent three years on active duty with the U.S. Navy, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During his naval career, Dr. Cavagnol deployed twice, first on the hospital ship USNS Comfort in support of humanitarian relief after hurricane Katrina, and then as a trauma surgeon to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After completing his commitment to our country, Dr. Cavagnol joined Mercy Health System in Springfield, Missouri, as a practicing general surgeon. He attended Missouri State University during his time with Mercy and earned a master's in healthcare administration. While at Mercy, Rob was recognized with the Young Physician of the Year award in his third year with the health system. He also held numerous leadership positions with Mercy, including medical director of patient safety and quality, section chair for general surgery, vice-president of surgery, chief physician officer, and president of the Mercy Springfield clinic. You can connect with Rob Cavagnol in the following ways: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertcavagnol Twitter: https://twitter.com/RCavagnol Medium: https://medium.com/@drcavagnol Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.cavagnolmdphysician   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Marian Baldini, the CEO and president of Kencrest, a human services and early learning provider. Marian shares her experiences and insights on leadership communication, including the importance of enrolling people to their giftedness and the power of silence in conversations. She also discusses the challenges she faced in starting a new company and the importance of speaking up as the lone voice of dissent. Overall, Marian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and connect with their team members' strengths and interests to create a positive and productive work environment. In this episode you will learn: Enrolling people to their giftedness is an important aspect of leadership communication. Overcoming the fear of public speaking can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills. Authentic inclusion is essential in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Making wrong calls is a part of leadership, but it's important to learn from them and make necessary adjustments. Taking risks can lead to innovation and growth, but effective communication is crucial in navigating the challenges..   About Marian: Marian Baldini is the CEO and President of KenCrest, a human services and early learning provider throughout Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware; that serves over 12,500 people annually. She is an unwavering advocate for the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities, as well as access to early education for all. Marian has over 40 years of leadership in executive planning, administration, academia, and operational oversight; and began her career as a Direct Support Professional in the 1970s, at the same Agency where she now serves as CEO. She has been recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one the “Most Admired CEOs” (2019) in the region, as well as a “Woman of Distinction” (2015); as one of Main Line Today's “Power Women” in 2021; as Lutheran Services of America (LSA)'s first ever Paragon Award (2022); as Drexel University College of Medicine's first non-doctorate recipient of their Biomedical Sciences Graduate Recognition Award (2022); and most recently recognized by Metro Philadelphia as a “Power Women” on their annual Power Player list (2022). You can connect with Marian Baldini in the following ways: Website: http://www.kencrest.org Marian Baldini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-baldini-90745728 KenCrest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kencrestservices/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Speaking To Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola engages in a captivating conversation with Jason Scott, CEO of 120VC, unraveling the core elements of winning teams and effective leadership. In this episode you will learn: Connecting employees to the company's mission is crucial for their engagement and satisfaction. Shifting from advocacy to inquiry in leadership communication can lead to better team collaboration and problem-solving. Leaders who focus on inquiry and active listening can empower their team members and set them up for success. Servant leadership requires a balance of leadership and management, with a focus on discipline, trust, transparency, and accountability. Inquiry is essential for effective leadership. Instead of immediately judging or dismissing someone's ideas, get curious and ask questions to understand their perspective. Developing empathy is crucial for effective leadership. It allows leaders to understand and connect with their team members, leading to better relationships and improved results. Being the lone voice of dissent can be challenging but necessary. It requires courage to speak up and offer a different perspective, but it can lead to better decision-making and innovation. Improving communication skills is an ongoing process. Leaders should continuously work on their ability to explain ideas clearly and listen actively to ensure effective communication. Jay's book 'It's Never Just Business, It's About People' offers valuable insights and lessons on leadership and communication. About Jason Scott: Scott, a talentless, real-life anti-hero who doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Growing up in the streets of Los Angeles with less-than-ideal parents, J. learned early on that actions speak louder than words. After dropping out of high school at 17, J. joined the Navy and learned firsthand that grit and courage could overcome any lack of talent. He embraced every opportunity to learn and eventually became a Naval Rescue Swimmer, jumping out of helicopters to save lives.Rewind, two decades ago, J. founded 120VC to help people, leaders, and teams get things done that really matter. He's uncovered some universal truths along the way: organizations are optimized for the results they're getting, and to get different results, humans need to perform their jobs differently. But here's the kicker: humans crave success in all areas of their lives, and nobody knows how to be successful doing their job differently. That's where leaders come in - to help people feel safe to experiment and slay new ways of working. Scott is the epitome of the anti-thought leader, proving that leadership isn't about being the most talented or successful person on the team. It's about helping your team members define and deliver success. If you surround yourself with talented people and inspire them to reach for THEIR potential, the leader doesn't need to be talented. They just have to play for the team. J. Scott is a regular guy who's proven that actions speak louder than words. You can connect with Jason Scott in the following ways: Website: www.JasonScottLeadership.com Jason Scott LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonscott120vc/ Jason Scott's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Never-Just-Business-People-ebook/dp/B07Q62L9P4/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?tag=scribemedia-20&keywords=its%20never%20just%20business%20j.%20scott&qid=1554487733&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull&geniuslink=true You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Speaking To Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola engages in a captivating conversation with Eric Watkins, President at Abstract Marketing Group. They delve into various aspects of effective communication, personal growth, and professional development. Key Points Discussed: Audience-Centric Communication: Effective communication isn't just about conveying information; it's about understanding how your message resonates with the audience. Enneagram Type and Communication Style: Eric discusses the influence of Enneagram type on communication styles, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in tailoring communication approaches. The Value of Articulating Intentions: Eric highlights the significance of articulating what you're not trying to do in addition to stating your intentions clearly, using contrasting statements to prevent misinterpretation. Risk-Taking and Growth: Eric shares insights from his journey of taking risks and stepping outside his comfort zone, emphasizing how such experiences contribute to personal and professional growth. Difficult Conversations: Listeners are challenged to engage in a difficult conversation within 24 hours, with an emphasis on starting such discussions by addressing strengths and positive aspects before tackling challenges or weaknesses. In this episode you will learn: Effective communication focuses on how your message lands with the audience, not just your understanding of the content. When delivering difficult messages, prioritize addressing the audience's concerns and emphasizing the 'what's in it for me' aspect. Contrasting statements can clarify intentions and prevent misinterpretation. Taking risks and venturing outside your comfort zone fosters growth. Initiate conversations by highlighting strengths and positives before addressing challenges. About Eric Watkins: Eric Watkins has ascended from an intern to the Executive team in just 11 years, currently serving as the President of Abstrakt Marketing Group. Noteworthy among his achievements is his pivotal role in restructuring the Partner Sales division, contributing significantly to the company's revenue growth while ensuring cultural progression.   You can connect with Eric Watkins in the following ways: Website: Abstract Marketing Group https://www.abstraktmg.com/ Abstrakt Marketing Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abstrakt-marketing-group/ Eric Watkins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-watkins-amg/ Podcast: Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5gBUiVIagy8lvT1juRq0qx   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ian Wendt, the Chief Commercial Officer at Jaguar Health. They discuss various topics related to leadership, communication, and personal development. Ian shares insights about his experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and the unique aspects of Jaguar Health. He also talks about the importance of understanding the needs of executive leaders and adapting communication styles accordingly. Additionally, Ian highlights the value of executive coaching and the impact it can have on leadership development. In this conversation, Ian shares his experience with executive coaching and the value it brings. He emphasizes the importance of being coachable and open to receiving constructive feedback. Ian also challenges listeners to expand their network by reaching out to individuals outside their usual circles. Finally, he discusses the challenge of explaining complex topics, such as drug pricing, to the general public. In this episode you will learn: Understanding the needs of executive leaders and adapting communication styles accordingly is crucial for effective communication. Investing in executive coaching can greatly enhance leadership development. Self-awareness of communication style is important for building productive relationships and interactions. Building strong relationships and active listening are essential for effective communication. Being open to constructive feedback and actively seeking ways to improve is crucial for personal and professional growth. Expanding your network by reaching out to individuals outside your usual circles can lead to new opportunities and perspectives. Initiating conversations with others, even if it feels uncomfortable, can help build relationships and expand your network. Explaining complex topics requires finding ways to simplify and communicate effectively, especially when discussing sensitive subjects like drug pricing. About Ian: Ian Wendt has over three decades of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Ian is currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at an emerging biotechnology company. Prior to his current role, Ian has held leadership positions at a variety of large pharmaceutical companies leading national teams and driving market development outcomes in HIV treatment and prevention, and hepatitis C. His expertise spans business strategy, revenue and profit growth, and cross-functional leadership, making him a sought-after voice in the industry. You can connect with Ian Wendt in the following ways: LinkedIn: Ian Wendt: https://linkedin.com/in/ianwendt - Connect with Ian on LinkedIn to explore his extensive executive leadership experience across sales, marketing, and commercial operations functions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Gain insights into his proven ability to drive outcomes, manage P&L responsibilities across multiple revenue streams, and build new teams for successful drug launches. Website: RealPharma: https://www.realpharma.co - Visit RealPharma's website to engage with Ian Wendt and Dr. Na-Ri Oh in insightful discussions about the pharma world. Listen to their podcast, where they talk with industry leaders to delve into biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. With over three decades of experience, Ian Wendt, as the Chief Commercial Officer at an emerging biotechnology company, offers valuable perspectives on business strategy, revenue growth, and market development outcomes in HIV treatment, prevention, and hepatitis C. X: https://twitter.com/Ian_Wendt - Follow Ian on Twitter to stay updated on his latest insights, industry trends, and engagements in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 200th episode of "Speaking to Influence", Dr. Laura Sicola reflects on the lessons she has learned from podcasting about leadership, communication, and influence. She also shares insights from a panel of experienced podcasters. The key takeaways include the importance of listening as a leader, building trust through clear and concise communication, and focusing on impact rather than just influence. Dr. Sicola emphasizes the value of authenticity and creating assets to share one's story and vision. She concludes by inviting listeners to download her free resource on building a personal brand. In this episode, you will learn: Listening is an essential skill for leaders, as it allows them to gather feedback and make informed decisions. Clear and concise communication is crucial for building trust and engaging an audience. Impact is more important than influence, as it focuses on making a meaningful difference in the world. Authenticity and creating assets, such as podcasts, TEDx talks, and books, can help establish credibility and open doors for opportunities. You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Sardjoe shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of being present, embracing mistakes, and clear communication during change. He highlights the power of accountability partners and self-discipline for achieving goals. In this episode you will learn:  The power of being present and actively listening to build strong connections. How to transform mistakes into growth opportunities through effective communication during change. Strategies for taking calculated risks and making clear decisions with strong communication to stakeholders. Why accountability partners are essential for achieving your personal and professional goals. About Ashley: Meet Ashley Sardjoe, a global People & Organization leader with a passion for driving transformative change that enhances organizational performance and drives sustainable business growth. With over 15 years of experience in the field of HR, Ashley is renowned for his ability to develop and execute human capital strategies that enable organizations to achieve their strategic objectives. Starting his career in management consultancy for both Accenture and EY, Ashley managed and led multiple local & global HR, business, and process improvement initiatives, including all relevant change management activities and system implementations. Since 2011, Ashley has been working with and for Novartis within their headquarters in Basel, Switzerland in different global HR roles. In 2019 Ashley moved to his home country, the Netherlands to assume the role of Country People & Organization Head. Since 2021, Ashley is the VP, Country People & Organization Head for Novartis in Canada. As a natural change agent, Ashley thrives on leading organizations through periods of growth and transformation, working collaboratively with stakeholders to craft compelling visions for the future, and delivering bold and innovative strategies to achieve their goals. He is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and is committed to creating work environments that foster innovation, accountability, and engagement. You can connect with Ashley Sardjoe in the following ways: LinkedIn: Ashley Sardjoe: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sardjoe-1143259 - Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn to learn more about his experience in HR leadership and his passion for change management. Learn more about Novartis: Novartis: www.novartis.com - Visit the Novartis website to learn more about the company and its commitment to innovation and patient care. You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ngozi Okeh, the global head of DEI at NextRoll, a marketing tech company. They delve into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and how it can significantly impact business success. In this episode you will learn: The practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a daily practice shaping workplace dynamics and opportunities. Strategies for effectively engaging executive leaders in DEI by aligning initiatives with organizational goals and priorities. Overcoming common misconceptions about DEI and fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging. How vulnerability in leadership can lead to more meaningful contributions and collaboration among team members. Practical tips for managing nervousness in speaking engagements and enhancing communication effectiveness. The pitfalls of relying on the 'It Factor' in hiring decisions and the importance of grounding assessments in objective standards. Recognizing the influence of bias in decision-making and strategies for avoiding subjective biases. The value of seeking external perspectives and diverse viewpoints to challenge biases and make informed decisions.  About Ngozi: Ngozi Okeh is an accomplished DEI leader with a proven track record of driving initiatives to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategic business processes. She specializes in conceptualizing, defining, and operationalizing DEI principles to align with organizational goals, developing and overseeing policies and programs aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Holding a Master's degree in HR Management from Georgetown University, she brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including mortgage banking, government, and the tech sector. In her role as Global Head of DEI, Ngozi has led teams, collaborates with company executives, and provides strategic guidance to drive organizational change. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is actively involved in community service as a board member for Hunger Free America, demonstrating her commitment to creating a positive social impact.   You can connect with Ngozi in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngoziokeh/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura welcomes Dan Bradbury to the show where he shares his three commandments for success and enhancing confidence, presence, and influence in Mergers and Acquisitions. In this episode you will learn: Why connecting personally is so important in M&A, as it builds trust and rapport- show how much you care, then how much you know. How understanding the other person's motives is essential for effective communication and negotiation Why articulating your numbers is necessary to convey the financial aspects of the deal and actually gain buy in. Get to know your own business inside and out to communicate about it more effectively. Mentioned in the Episode: “Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity: 9 ½ Steps for Improving Your Profits and Cashflow” – Book by Dan Bradbury “Breeding Gazelles: Fast Growth Strategies for Your Business” – Book by Dan Bradbury   About Dan: Dan Bradbury is the owner of a private equity group and his primary focus is as an investor who specialises in taking companies already producing seven figures in revenue and accelerates their growth to over 10 million. His love of numbers and finances is what sets him apart and allows him to find the hidden assets and weaknesses within the businesses that he invests in and the business owners that he consults. He started out with nothing and built himself up from the ground up. Dan has over 15 years of business experience in a huge range of industries. He has founded, built and sold two companies for seven figures and has invested in over a dozen other companies on top of the five businesses that he has purchased outright. Dan's specialty is maximizing the value of a business, whether it be simply to keep the business and reap the rewards or to exit the business for a big payout he has done on seven different occasions.   You can connect with Dan in the following ways: Web: https://danbradbury.com/  – go to Dan's website to find a free business profit maximizer score card. Answer questions to get a custom 20 page report in 10 different areas to maximize the profitability for your business.   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Bussing, Chief Human Resources officer of Springfield Clinic, is Laura's guest this week on Speaking to Influence. Katie shares some tips on how she pulse checks a room when speaking to different groups, especially key stakeholder groups. In this episode you will learn: How Katie is working to change the perception of HR by demonstrating the value of having HR function in a strategic role within the organization. How Katie reads the room to get an understanding of the audience's needs in order to adjust communication style, and then how she pivots her messaging. How job shadowing can provide valuable insights into different roles and departments within an organization, fostering a better understanding and appreciation for the work being done. How Katie approaches receiving feedback from her team. 24 Hour Challenge: Reach out to someone you don't know in your organization, have coffee with them, and job shadow them for an hour or two. What do you learn? About Katie: Katie Bussing, SPHR, oversees all areas of Human Resources, including Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, Training & Organizational Development and Talent Acquisition. Katie considers one of her top priorities to be championing her team to be as successful as possible in their roles. This is what Human Resources is all about, she believes: supporting the rest of the organization to carry out Springfield Clinic's mission every day, because a positive environment for employees helps them create a community of caring for patients. This vision is simple, but the work is not always, and that's what makes each day exciting. Katie has 17 years of human resources leadership that includes all areas of HR, including leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies in the Chicago area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and a Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and sits on the Board and Executive Committee for Sparc. Katie also maintains certification as a senior professional of human resources (SPHR) and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Born and raised in Springfield, Katie has three children, Ryan, Jake and Emily, and her favorite hobby/other full-time job is being a mom and jumping from one kid activity to the next. You can connect with Katie in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rutledge-1034112/ Web: https://www.springfieldclinic.com/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura welcomes Skip Howard, Founder of Spacee, to this episode of Speaking to Influence. Skip talks about a time when he had a vision that no one, his investors, board of directors, or sales teams believed in, and what happened when he decided to execute it anyway. Tune in to find out what happened! In this episode you will learn: Why Skip uses a holistic approach to selling products, with transparency about the risks rather than focusing solely on the benefits of a product with clients. How Skip overcame imposter syndrome by shifting his focus to serving his audience valuable information rather than being judged. How COVID led Skip to implement a ‘burn the ships' mentality of taking risks and failing fast, which inspired his company to be more comfortable taking calculated risks. Why Skip takes his developers to stores to see their tech in action, and how it inspires more buy-in and enthusiasm for the company. 24 Hour Challenge: Sign up for a free Chat GPT account and ask it to write a LinkedIn profile for you. About Skip: Skip founded Spacee, Inc. in 2016 with the idea of building natural user interfaces and reactive intelligence into the physical world. Since then, Skip has been instrumental in developing Spacee computer vision technology, making it one of the leading technology companies in the spatial augmented reality and robotics Sectors. Skip has worked in the technology industry for 20+ years, gaining experience as a Founder and CTO for Cancer Gene Connect, a hereditary cancer risk assessments leader, and Co-Founder of Pave Systems, a judicial software company. From 2007 to 2015, Skip served as an integral member of Ross Perot's technology team at Hillwood Development Company which included building the media department for Hillwood and designing /implementing a family office financial system. Outside of Spacee, Skip is passionate about advancing technology knowledge and runs one of the largest Computer Vision Developers groups in North America. Several publications have recognized Skip as a top CEO and innovator, including DCEO (2020 Winner of Innovation in Retail) and Ernst & Young (Finalist for 2019 Entrepreneur of The Year®). He was named one of the Top 500 most influential business leaders in Dallas by D Magazine in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. He is a member of YPO. You can connect with Skip in the following ways: Web: www.spacee.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiphoward/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glenn Hofmann, Chief Analytics Officer of New York Life Insurance, is our guest on the newest episode of Speaking to Influence where he shares with Laura why we should not be afraid of A.I. and gives tips on how to leverage it for job security. In this episode you will learn: How he has addressed misconceptions about A.I. with his communications team when people believed they would lose their jobs to A.I., and why he believes ‘intelligence' in its title is actually a misnomer. How he learned the importance of ‘info-tainment'-- providing enough entertainment to keep his audience's attention, while still being informative. Why it's important to practice the first few minutes of a presentation before giving it in front of an audience. Why it's important to flex your networking muscles to keep yourself on people's radar.   24 Hour Challenge: Consider being on a podcast! Identify a podcast, pick a topic you would be interested in speaking about, and send a message to the hosts to propose it. (Tune in to the full episode for Laura's quick tip for some specific resources to help you with this!)   About Glenn: Glenn Hofmann is an influential C-level leader in Data and AI, who is known for building and managing successful data organizations within the complex business, cultural, regulatory and technology realities of large corporations. From 2016 to 2023 he was Chief Analytics Officer at New York Life, and leader of the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CDSAI). Glenn built the 100-person team which supported many areas of the company, such as Underwriting, Finance, Marketing, Sales Distribution, Customer Service, Product, HR and Compliance, with data and AI solutions, including generative AI projects. Prior to joining New York Life, he built and led analytics teams in Property and Casualty insurance (at Verisk, TransUnion and Allstate) and held leadership positions at Claritas, ID Analytics, and HSBC. Prior to his business career, Glenn served as Professor of Statistics at the University of Concepcion in Chile. He received his Ph.D. in Statistics from The Ohio State University in 1997 and his MBA from the Wharton Business School in 2009. Glenn was recognized by DataIQ 100 as one of the “100 Most Influential People in Data” in 2022 and 2023. You can connect with Glenn in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennhofmann/ Mentioned in the Episode: “Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice” - Dr. Laura Sicola  You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of ‘Speaking to Influence,' Luke Billeri, president and CEO of Member's Choice Credit Union tells Laura how he used ‘pre-suasion' to gain key stakeholder buy-in before a critical decision.   In this episode you will learn: How Luke learned the importance of adapting communication style based on the audience's competencies by modifying communication to be relevant to the audience How in acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses, Luke's team was able to create a solid group dynamic where they supported each other. How Luke asserted himself with his boss about a risk to the organization, and after a drip campaign of providing data and hints, his boss eventually agreed and Luke's concerns were validated. Luke and Laura discussed the importance of persuasion and inspiration in leadership. Luke shared his experience of using ‘pre-suasion' persuasion to gain support before important meetings, while also inspiring others by explaining the benefits and end goals of organizational change. Why sincerity is key in expressing passion, regardless of one's personality type, and how it can make a candidate stand out   24 Hour Challenge: The art of pre-suasion: we all need support on something. Go in advance of a presentation / meeting and talk to an individual who you might need their support. Your passions might be able to come out easier and any questions they have may come out easier and help build your rapport in advance of the bigger meeting.   About Luke: Luke Billeri is the CEO of Members Choice Credit Union (MCCU), a full-service financial institution based in Houston, Texas. With over 20 years of experience in the credit union industry, he specializes in retail, lending, and strategic financial management. Committed to strengthening community initiatives, Luke spearheaded the creation of the Members Choice Credit Union “Helping Heroes” Savings Program for individuals working in heroic professions such as education, law enforcement, first responders, and healthcare. Having served the Credit Union Industry already for nearly two decades, he joined MCCU as chief lending officer in January 2020, was promoted to executive vice president in September 2022, and assumed the role of chief executive officer in January 2023. As a results-oriented and decisive leader, Luke ensures a member-centric focus and strategic sustainability for MCCU. Passionate about the supporting the various needs of members, he believes wholeheartedly in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Luke enjoys outdoor activities with family and friends in his spare time, such as fishing, boating, and anything on the water.   You can connect with Luke in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-billeri-313a589/ Web: http://www.mccu.com   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Miller is the guest on this week's episode of Speaking to Influence. The Co-Founder and CEO of YESLY Water speaks to Laura about how he handled pushback and set boundaries to move forward. In this episode you will learn: How Scott used individual time with his team members to be vulnerable during a personal diagnosis, which resulted in galvanizing his team to become closer as they ended up opening up new levels of conversation. How Scott used transparency in order to ensure that his company's intentions were understood. How Scott uses his company's pillars to lead conversations with his team to ensure that they are living their ‘We' culture. How to frame your contributions during an interview when you want to avoid sounding like you're bragging…and how showing that you are a contributor' could be the ‘It' factor that CEOs might be looking for.   24 Hour Challenge: Dream something awake! Then think of a process to make that dream awake come true.   Mentioned in the Episode: “The Summit Mindset: Winning the Battle of You Versus You” – Scott Miller   About Scott: Scott Miller is an exceptional visionary leader with a remarkable track record in thebeverage industry. With over 30 years of experience and nearly two decades as ahighly effective CEO, Scott is renowned for his transformative leadership style. As the driving force behind Essentia and acquisition by Nestle, Scott fearlesslynavigated the company through unprecedented challenges during the globalpandemic and economic crises. Under his leadership, Essentia adopted a People-first culture with its foundational 4 Strategic Pillars, empowering the entire team to create a daily positive impact. Throughout his tenure as CEO of Tampico Beverages, Inc., Scott orchestrated the company's successful expansion into a mid-size international organization and skillfully led the sale process of Tampico to one of the largest ESOP funds in the nation. Scott teamed up with Ken Uptain to create their shared vision of the #1 Enhanced Flavored Still Water in the nation, Yesly. Empowering, but edgy, Yesly is set to reach national distribution by the end of 2023 cementing Scott as a leader in the beverage & CPG industry. An avid runner and fitness enthusiast, he lives by the motto of "doing the reps," always striving to bring out the best in others. Scott's leadership is centered around unity and collective success, exemplified by his powerful mantra, "It's never about 'one' of us. It's always about 'all' of us."   You can connect with Scott in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-miller-38a5748b/ Web: https://yeslywater.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeslywater/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola and guest Vivian Wesson explore the importance of curiosity over judgment in inclusive conversations, emphasizing the transformative power of small gestures and acts of kindness in creating an inclusive society and highlighting the positive impact of smiles. In this episode you will learn: The surprising relevance of improv skills in leadership The importance of replacing judgment with curiosity The impact of silence on DEI efforts The power of greeting and acknowledging others 24 Hour Challenge: Stop apologizing! Distinguish when situations require a ‘pardon me' rather than a true ‘I'm sorry'.  Empower yourself by changing your language around the situation, and pass it on! Mentioned in the Episode: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It” - Chris Voss About Vivian: A Fordham law school graduate, Vivian currently serves as Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary and General Counsel for The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Headquartered in Philadelphia, the Board of Pensions offers a broad range of benefits to congregations, agencies, and affiliated institutions, serving more than 65,000 members nationally. Prior to joining the Board of Pensions, Vivian held the position of Chief Intellectual Property Counsel of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., for which she worked for over 16 years. Her areas of expertise include intellectual property, software licensing, mergers & acquisitions, strategic investments, benefits, corporate governance, reinsurance regulation, records retention, and business entity management. Vivian has authored several articles on social justice issues, including “How AI and Facial Recognition Can Chill Access to Justice,” “Why Facial Recognition Technology is Flawed,” and “Environmental Racism: How Lawyers Can Help Close the Climate Gap.” Aside from her work with the Board of Pensions, Vivian chairs the New York State Bar Association's Task Force on Artificial Intelligence and is a member of the Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Asian Hate. In June 2021, Vivian was appointed as a delegate to NYSBA's House of Delegates. Vivian also serves as a Director of Phillips Exeter Academy's General Alumni Association.   You can connect with Vivian in the following ways: LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-d-wesson-9a71076a/ LinkedIn (business): https://www.linkedin.com/company/board-of-pensions-of-the-presbyterian-church/ You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Laura on this week's episode of ‘Speaking to Influence' is Johann Wrede, Chief Experience Officer at Emburse. Johann shares how he manages group dynamics among key stakeholders to keep them from hijacking meetings with their own agendas so that his plan stays intact. In this episode you will learn: What a great customer experience is really about. What exactly a Chief Experience Officer does, and why more C-Suites should think about adding one to take collaboration of departments to integration. How Johann was able to bridge the divide between his expertise on the technical side and his creativity when it came to talking to customers through sales. How Johann went about getting prepared to be assertive in a meeting with other executives in order to keep everyone focused and achieve his objectives and ensure his meeting didn't get hijacked by other stakeholders' agendas. The approach of a ‘Yes we can do it, here's what I need' perspective during negotiations, and how you can use it to show you are collaborative as well as to highlight alternative options. 24 Hour Challenge: Go to every person you run into in your business and ask them how the work they do impacts the customer experience. About Johann: As the first-ever Chief Experience Officer at Emburse, Johann is responsible for leading a cross-functional marketing and customer success organization, with the goal of delivering a world-class customer experience from first awareness through subscription renewal. Over the course of the last 25 years, Johann has written, implemented, sold and marketed a variety of customer database, CRM and customer experience (CX) products. An evangelist for customer experience, he has spoken to keynote and media audiences in 18 different countries. Prior to Emburse, Johann served as Chief Marketing Officer at Xactly Corporation. Before joining Xactly, he held several executive leadership positions within SAP Global Marketing, including the first-ever Creative Director for SAP. You can connect with Johann in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannwrede/ Web: www.emburse.com You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @drlaurasicola Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year! Dr. Laura Sicola is back with Part II: The Big Reveal. In this episode, she unveils her rebranding journey, discussing the issues and challenges her Vocal Impact brand had, and introduces the audience to her new brand: LauraSicola.com. In this episode you will learn: How and why your brand should accurately reflect the value you provide and resonate with your target audience Why words and language play a crucial role in communicating your brand's message How you can use feedback and the words of others to describe your work and gain a better understanding of how you are perceived Why you should make a practice of looking at other thought leaders in your industry for inspiration and to understand what works Mentioned in the Episode: www.laurasicola.com You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://laurasicola.com Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Laura Sicola: Sneak Peek- What's Even Better than VIP? This week, join Dr. Laura Sicola for Part I of a two part series where she talks about defining and claiming your brand…or more specifically, HER brand! Join us for a sneak peek in the episode of an exciting development.   In this episode you will learn: The beginnings of Vocal Impact Productions and the lessons Laura learned along the way about branding The challenges she originally faced in finding a niche How Sheryl Sandberg's book, Lean In, impacted the evolution of Laura's client base The development of Laura's trademarked ‘three C's': “Command the room, Connect with the audience, and Close the deal”.. And where she's preparing to take them from here.   Mentioned in the Episode: Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of Speaking to Influence, join Clate Mask, CEO of Keap Small Business Automation, as he tells Laura about when he knew it was time to put his career on the line by giving an ultimatum to his company, rather than continuing the battle of trying to persuade. In this episode you will learn: The importance of business automation for business owners and overburdened team members, and the need for entrepreneurs to have effective systems and processes in place to conquer chaos and achieve growth, freedom, and profit How Clate handled his frustration with the direction of his company and finally mustered the courage to send an email to the lead board member, expressing his concerns and giving an ultimatum rather than continuing to try to persuade. How to script conversations to bridge the gap between intentions and actions. How Clate had individual conversations with team members to gather feedback and create a safe environment for open discussion, modeling vulnerability and encouraging others to give and receive feedback, following the principles from Patrick Lencioni's book, "Five Dysfunctions of a Team." 24 Hour Challenge: Have repeat conversations with someone when your message has not landed. Reflect on where there may have been a gap and try again. About Clate: NY Times best-selling author, Clate Mask, is the entrepreneur's guide and the CEO and co-founder of Keap, the leader in small business automation software. Keap is an 8-time Inc 5000 winner and is widely used by savvy small businesses to grow with automation. Clate's passion is helping small businesses conquer the chaos and grow their business using the Six Keys to Success. When Clate isn't serving entrepreneurs and building Keap, he loves to spend time with his wife, Charisse, their six kids, and their grandkids. He also loves playing golf and watching sports, with serious passion for the Arizona pro sports teams. He is intimately familiar with the balancing act of entrepreneurs, which is what drove him to discover and teach the Six Keys. Because success as an entrepreneur means having a great business and a great life. Mentioned in the Episode: “Conquer the Chaos: The 6 Keys to Success for Entrepreneurs” – Clate Mask “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” – Patrick Lencioni “Pre-suasion:  A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade” – Robert Cialdini You can connect with Clate in the following ways: Clate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clatemask/ Keap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keap-growing/ Keap Twitter: https://twitter.com/keapgrowing Keap Website: http://www.keap.com   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura welcomes Dr. Shanil Ebrahim, Partner at Deloitte Canada, where he shares how he learned how to stop using layers of technical jargon that were preventing clients from identifying clear, actionable next steps. In this episode you will learn: How Shanil decided to make the pivot from research clinician to consultant due to his desire to have more immediate impact on more complex healthcare issues. How ‘branding' and identifying your brand is relevant and valuable even for roles outside of marketing and communication departments in organizations…including yours! How Shanil learned to walk the fine balance between showing expertise and ensuring clarity with his team and his clients after making the mistake of bringing in subject matter experts and used ‘consulting speak'... and ended up getting feedback to improve his ability to communicate. How Shanil's reflection on his discomfort with the idea of ‘power' and his personal history influenced him to speak up on issues that mattered to him when he found himself elevated to a leadership position in his company - including on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion within Deloitte.   24 Hour Challenge: Complete a personal ‘SWOT' analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats that you are putting on yourself? What do you excel at? Where do you struggle or what criticism do you receive? Is there a need in your organization where you can step up? What obstacles do you currently face (real or perceived), and what changes can you navigate them?   About Dr. Shanil Ebrahim: Dr. Shanil Ebrahim is a Partner at Deloitte and leads the National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Business in Canada, and served as a Clinical Epidemiologist and a Researcher at multiple institutions in Canada, USA, Switzerland and Netherlands. He is a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders in government, public, and private sectors, and leads complex business and tech-enabled transformations. Shanil is also deeply involved in his community as the Chair of Wellesley Central Residences, which offers supportive housing for low-income seniors and those living with HIV/AIDS, and a Board Director at the Children's Treatment Network, which provides support for children with disability and developmental needs.   You can connect with Dr. Shanil Ebrahim in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanil-ebrahim-75914a7a/ Web: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en.html   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on ‘Speaking to Influence,' Dr. Laura is joined by COO of Expensify, Anu Muralidharan, where Anu shares how she was able to build momentum in her company by having everyone identify their own unique value, and how it mattered in getting the company to their goal. In this episode you will learn: How a COO is like a Swiss Army knife The importance of acknowledging and addressing self-doubt and inner critics, and how Anu sharing her own experience helped a coworker overcome her own fears and take on a challenging task. About how Anu delivered a company all-hands presentation, aiming to bring transparency and inspiration to her team to work towards core growth by breaking down the problems despite her fear of overwhelming with details and creating an atmosphere of anxiety. Anu's criteria for identifying exciting candidates during interviews, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, ambition, and the ability to collaborate creatively.   24 Hour Challenge: Reflect on how you want to feel when you achieve success, and to consider if your current goals align with those feelings. What really would make you happy?   Mentioned in the Episode:  “Remember the Name” – Fort Minor “Grit: The Power of Passion & Perseverance” – Angela Lee Duckworth   About Anu: Anu Muralidharan, a first-generation immigrant, arrived in the US burdened with $120,000 in debt. Today she is the COO and a board member at Expensify (NASDAQ: EXFY). Despite her success, Anu battled self-doubt throughout her journey. The promotion to VP, a title she ardently pursued, led her to a profound low marked by crippling depression. This pivotal moment forced her to redefine success and develop three guiding principles to navigate uncertainty. Now, armed with those principles, Anu empowers young women to embrace their strengths, silence their inner critic, and seek self-approval—a quest that unites and liberates humanity.   You can connect with Anu in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuradhamuralidharan/ Web: www.expensify.com   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We welcome Paul Comfort of Modaxo and Transit Unplugged to this week's episode of Speaking to Influence where he shares stories from his experiences running some of the world's largest transportation and transportation technology organizations through potential powder-keg situations and refocused on new ‘north stars' of safety, efficiency, reliability, and world-class customer service.   In this episode you will learn: How Paul, the newly appointed head of the Maryland Transit Administration, faced a crisis during the Baltimore riots, took immediate action, implemented new standards, demanded accountability, and gained the respect of the senior leadership team. The difference between skills and abilities, highlighting the successful hire of a director of bus operations who had transferable skills and knowledge from a different background. The favorite parts of Paul's work– the significance of creating a fun and engaging environment for the team, such as organizing MTA Day at the Orioles and bus rodeos.   24 Hour Challenge: Sit down and take an inventory of yourself. Analyze: 1) what you're good at (what are your skills?) and 2) what do you enjoy/what are your passions? Focus on where they intersect: your strengths, rather than focusing on improving your weaknesses.   About Paul Comfort: Paul Comfort serves as SVP and Chief Customer Officer for Modaxo Americas, one of the world's largest transportation technology companies, and is host of the industry public transportation podcast, Transit Unplugged, heard in over 100 countries, and the new YouTube sensation Transit Unplugged TV show. Paul has authored three Amazon #1 bestselling books: “Public Transportation– From the Tom Thumb Railroad to Hyperloop and Beyond” and 2022's “Conversations on Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation”.  His most recent bestseller is a cookbook – “Comfort Food”-- featuring recipes, stories, and photos from over 30 top public transportation leaders around the world. Paul also serves as Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance.  Mr. Comfort is an attorney, popular keynote speaker, and the former CEO of one of America's largest transit systems, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore. He has also served as an elected County Commissioner and County Administrator for two Maryland counties. Mr. Comfort is the recipient of the U.S.A's top individual transportation honor: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) “President's Award”.   You can connect with Paul in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcomfort/ Website: https://www.futureofpublictransportation.com/ Podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged/featured   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode, Melissa Schoger, Vice President of Finance for Identification Solutions and Vestcom at Avery Dennison talks with Laura about how she helped teams overcome an instance of mixed messaging to achieve mutual understanding. In this episode you will learn: How Melissa made sure the integrity of a message remained intact after witnessing how different leaders in a meeting had varying takeaways How she learned to take the time to listen to team members on the ground, rather than assume she knew best from a top-down perspective as their General Manager. How she handled her team having the rug pulled out from under them within 24-hours of a deadline, and what she learned about coming to any negotiation with a thoughtful mindset instead of a winning at all cost mindset. Why recording yourself before doing a presentation can be the best preparation.   24 Hour Challenge: If you consider yourself an introvert, challenge yourself to be more vocal in team meetings. Alternatively, if you are an extrovert, give the spotlight to a quieter member of the group.   About Melissa Schoger: Melissa Schoger serves as a VP at Avery Dennison in their investment and business divisions. She previously worked for almost two decades at RPM International where she held fully integrated P&L responsibility including Finance, Sales & Marketing, Research & Development, Manufacturing Operations, Distribution, and Customer Service, transforming and consolidating 5 distinct subsidiary companies operating in 25 countries into 1 pan-European division during her tenure as well as managed the budget of a large division within a reportable segment of RPM and led 1,400 employees. She holds her MBA in Business Administration from The Wharton School and her B.A in Accounting from Ohio Wesleyan University.   You can connect with Melissa in the following ways: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-schoger   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura welcomes Senior Vice President of TD Bank, Chantal Capodicasa, to talk about how she found the courage to speak up in defense of her team and challenge a directive in a time of crisis. In this episode you will learn: How Chantal challenges the misconceptions about ‘lenders' at banks, and illustrates how they are more ‘relationship managers' for bank clients. How Chantal's family's battle with cancer showed her how being vulnerable can leave space for her team to show up for her in ways she didn't realize she needed How speaking up in a meeting, even when it's just to ask a question or gain clarity, can benefit you and your team How storytelling in an interview can show you have the ‘It' factor employers are looking for 24 Hour Challenge: In your next meeting, if you're usually one of the quiet participants, speak up! Ask a question, share a best practice, or encourage participation from other teammates. About Chantal Capodicasa: Chantal Capodicasa is a Senior Vice President for TD Bank, and is the Regional Vice President for Commercial Banking in Southern New Jersey.  Chantal began her career in banking with the former Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo) in 2004. Today she leads a team of dedicated commercial and small business relationship managers as well as customer sales associates who provide legendary experiences and trusted advice around all aspects of commercial financial needs to TD Bank customers throughout Burlington, Camden, and Mercer counties. Chantal is very active within the TD Bank internal team member networks, participating as a mentor for  the Take the L.E.A.D program which is aimed at developing and advancing women in TD's commercial bank, as a mentor for the Impact program, a mentor for the RVP development program, and a mentor for the Relationship Manager Associate program. She also serves on the internal Business Action Committee for the TD Bank and Project Search partnership which focuses on preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment and is also an advocate for the Military Spouse Employment Partnership and Veterans recruitment.   Chantal earned her BS in Finance from the University of Connecticut. She currently serves on the boards for the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA of the Pines, the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce (Treasurer) and the Medford Business Association (President). Most recently, Chantal is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Women's Business Executive honor from the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce Voice of Business awards and was the 2022 Southern New Jersey Golf Classic Honoree for the Alzheimer's Association. Chantal is also active within the NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, is a foster for the Burlington County Animal Alliance and has been an assistant coach for the Medford Youth Athletic Association track team. Chantal's husband, Col Michael Capodicasa, is a veteran pilot and still serving with the USAFR today. Chantal and Michael live in Medford, NJ with their two sons.   You can connect with Chantal in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-capodicasa-aab996a/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our newest episode of Speaking to Influence features Charlie Saffro, CEO and Founder of CS Recruiting, who talks about the importance of resourcefulness and curiosity in a job interview, and how to do it by doing your research on social media and asking the right questions…and even shares what thos best questions are! In this episode you will learn: How Charlie realized that she was better at being a leader than a manager and struggled when she had to manage a new team member, learning the importance of pacing herself, providing structure and context, and empathizing with her team member to ensure effective collaboration. Experiences with onboarding new employees and holding them accountable through recapping action items. How Charlie inspired her team and strengthened their trust in her as a leader by actions that aligned with her business values of inclusion and diversity when she ended a business relationship with a client who made discriminatory comments about an employee with an ostomy bag. The importance of sharing topics that stimulate one's passion and providing value to the audience when speaking publicly. The significance of resourcefulness and research in job interviews, highlighting how it can make a candidate stand out..and which questions are the best to leverage social media information!   24 Hour Challenge: Think about the people in your life who make a difference. Who are two people who don't know each other, who NEED to know each other? Make the introduction!   About Charlie Saffro: Meet Charlie, a passionate recruitment expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, a thriving multi-million dollar organization with over 40 talented recruiters. With a mission to empower individuals to reach their potential, Charlie is a recognized Logistics industry expert serving clients from Fortune 50 companies to SMEs. Her focus on creating lasting connections extends to personal development, mindfulness, and supporting women in the workforce. Charlie, a proud mother of three, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to making meaningful connections to her work and beyond.   You can connect with Charlie in the following ways: Web: https://www.cs-recruiting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesaffro/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Laura on this week's episode is Ossa Fisher, President of Aurora Innovation, where Ossa shares the multi-faceted pow rapport-building techniques to uncover the real problem and get people on board, resulting in enthusiastic participation. In this episode you will learn: About the development of self-driving technology, the current use of autonomous vehicles on Texas roads, addressing concerns of regulators with safety measures and reassuring the public with real-life examples of how the technology enhances road safety. Ossa shared a personal experience of receiving urgent voicemails about her daughter's health, and how her team and CEO showed immense support and flexibility during that time, teaching Ossa the importance of caring for the human beyond the job, and inspiring her to pay it forward by supporting others in their personal crises. Tips for calming nerves during public speaking, such as touching fingers, imagining someone rooting for you, and remembering that the audience wants you to succeed. How Ossa came from a place of curiosity rather than assumption in investigating why local high school students seemed uninterested in participating in Yale Model Congress, and ended up recruiting 15 high school students who got the majority of their bills passed in the program, which helped influence her how to influence and engage people going forward.   24 Hour Challenge: Next time you're in a group setting, and there's a lull in the conversation, try not to break the silence. Observe who is the first to break the silence and what insights you can glean from it. What did you learn from someone else that you might not have learned by jumping in to fill the silence?   About Ossa Fisher: Ossa Fisher is the President of Aurora, a company focused on delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safety, quickly, and broadly. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategy, operations, and business functions that are foundational to her role at Aurora, where she is responsible for overseeing the development and maturation of the company's commercial operations. Prior to Aurora, Ossa spent eight years as President & COO of Istation, a leading education technology provider, and two years as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics at Match. In addition, Ossa spent almost a decade at global consulting firm Bain & Co, ultimately serving as a Partner in the Technology, Media and Telecom practice.  She began her career as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs. Ossa has been recognized by multiple organizations, including, “40 under 40” Corporate Directors to Watch by NACD (National Association for Corporate Directors); “Women in Technology” award from the Dallas Business Journal; “Dallas 500” by D CEO and “Future 50” by Dallas Innovates. She holds a bachelor's in economics from Yale University, an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a master's in education from Stanford Graduate School of Education.   You can connect with Ossa in the following ways: Web: www.aurora.tech Careers at Aurora: www.aurora.tech/careers Aurora Tech's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroradriver/ Aurora Tech's Twitter: https://twitter.com/aurora_inno Ossa Fisher's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ossa-fisher/ Ossa Fisher's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ossaf   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.        See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode of Speaking to Influence is with guest Erik Ryan, Senior Vice President and CFO of Iron Mountain, in a conversation that focuses on the power of ‘no'. In this episode you will learn: About a time Erik found himself in a conversation with Prince Edward where he tried to prove himself but ended up in a ridiculous argument about the similarities between different islands…leading him to learn a lesson of how to meet others where they were, avoid tangential conversations, and steer them back on track. Erik's experiences of initially struggling with saying no but eventually finding it freeing and empowering. How he embraced a moment of being vulnerable with a coworker and came to the realization that most people are looking to forge these deeper connections, aiming not to shy away from them in the future. How he motivated his team by using their own successes as persuasive data.   24 Hour Challenge: Say ‘no' to requests for 24 hours to understand your values and prioritize effectively.   About Erik Ryan: Erik Ryan is the Finance leader Iron Mountain's Global Records & Information Management business. Erik joined Iron Mountain after 19 years with General Electric, where he was focused on long-cycle product line financial management - partnering with teams to drive margin, cash, and improve the commercial position of franchise products such as the T700 rotorcraft engine, GEnx jet engine, and HA-class gas turbine. Erik holds board and advisory roles with small businesses and nonprofits focused on social impact. Outside of work, Erik spends time with his wife Susan and two daughters, Adelaide and Hazel. Erik holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Yale University, with a focus on sustainable business development.   You can connect with Erik in the following ways: Web: https://www.ironmountain.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-mountain/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura sits down with Mary Ellen Harris, Chief Human Resources Officer at Kreischer Miller, to discuss how she is shifting the paradigm on aspects of corporate culture to one valuing vulnerability and integrity in the workplace to champion employees with a culture of respect.   In this episode you will learn: How Mary Ellen aims to change the misconceptions about the HR function and her personal role in treating people with respect and engaging in open dialogue, sharing an example of how they shifted from disciplinary actions to having respectful conversations and co-creating a pathway to success, which resulted in positive outcomes for an employee. Her experience of undergoing brain surgery and how opening up about her insecurities deepened her relationships with others, personally and professionally. How Mary learned the importance of integrity through sharing a story about refusing to lay off employees on Christmas Eve and standing up for her moral values, ultimately deciding not to work for someone she couldn't respect. How Mary found the balance between establishing authority and acknowledging limitations, seeking out feedback from an honest sounding board, and sharing examples of her success and expertise while also acknowledging that she doesn't know everything, which in turn helped to build rapport with the audience.   24 Hour Challenge: Identify a book that you've had on your list..and just start!   About Mary Ellen Harris: Mary Ellen has over 30 years of professional experience providing strategic human resources leadership to a variety of businesses. She is regarded as an expert in the areas of leadership, talent acquisition, employee relations, talent development, talent retention, change management, and company culture enhancement. Mary Ellen subscribes to the Servant Leader philosophy; she actively engages in mentoring, coaching and encouraging others. Mary Ellen is an advocate for communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community and is a leader on the firm's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council as well as its women's network, RISE (Retaining, Investing in, Supporting, and Empowering the Women of Kreischer Miller). Mary Ellen joined Kreischer Miller in 1999. Prior to working for Kreischer Miller, Mary Ellen was the Vice President of Human Resources at a mid-sized software development company headquartered in Fort Washington, PA, where her responsibilities included talent acquisition, talent development, and talent retention as well as providing executive leadership for the organization. You can connect with Mary Ellen in the following ways: Web: www.kmco.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kreischer-miller. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KreischerMiller Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreischermiller/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KreischerMiller   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura is joined this week by Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown Healthcare and Communications Agency, where they discuss misconceptions of healthcare PR and the importance of authenticity in communication with clients, patients, and the team. In this episode you will learn: About misconceptions surrounding PR and celebrities using medical options in the healthcare industry. The importance of collaborative agency-client relationships and how the client's influence sets the tone for the company. Laura's experiences in the 90s working in the pharmaceutical industry during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how it inspired her of the importance of incorporating patient voices in healthcare communications. The importance of confidence, which comes from expertise and experience, but for that ‘IT' factor in interviews. And as an added bonus…Learn about the fun activities her team engages in, such as pre-presentation rituals and annual retreats, to foster camaraderie and teamwork. 24 Hour Challenge: Curate your social media feeds to control how you are influenced. Follow positive thought leaders such as Mel Robbins, Oprah, Tony Robbins, Simon Sinek, and Brene Brown. About Laura Liotta: Laura Liotta is the President of Sam Brown Inc. Healthcare Communications, which she founded in 1999. She is an accomplished healthcare public relations and corporate communications executive with 35 years of experience supporting all sectors of the healthcare industry. Sam Brown Inc. is a fiercely independent, mid-size agency with deep expertise and experience helping a wide range of early- to late-stage biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients communicate their value through all phases of development and direct to patients. The agency has helped numerous public and private companies tell their story creatively and strategically through analytics, public and media relations, outstanding creative services, and digital and social media within the life sciences space. Laura is an experienced and well-respected media and presentation trainer to a variety of spokespeople, including CEOs and executive leadership teams, Board members, Scientists, KOLs, Advocacy, Celebrities and Patients. Laura started her public relations and public affairs career at DuPont Merck, Nexell Therapeutics and Smithkline Beecham. She is a graduate of Rowan University with a BA in Communications with Public Relations specialty. She lives in Villanova, Pennsylvania, is most proud of her 3 children and the Sam Brown team.   You can connect with Laura Liotta in the following ways: Web: www.sambrown.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraliotta/   You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week,Chris Hall, Chairman and Co-Founder of Stacuity Ltd. describes thechallenges of being a small startup grappling with geographical bias in the tech industry,and the need to convince others of their credibility in spite of these biases. In this episode you will learn: How they are trying to change the perception of the industry by offering a betterand more efficient network specifically designed for IoT. The importance of storytelling and the power of asserting oneself in aconversation. Chris shared his experience of convincing skeptical, traditional telecom engineers about the significance of embracing the internet, which ultimately led to successful implementation and adoption. 24 Hour Challenge: Chris also challenged the listeners to practice concise communication in their ownpresentations, emails, and conversations - whatever you are composing, try to cut it inhalf! About Chris Hall:Chris has worked in the telecommunications sector since graduating from CambridgeUniversity in 1984. He has held senior roles for British Telecom and O2 in the UK andEurope, before moving to the Isle of Man in 1999 to become CEO of Manx Telecom. In 2000, he led a ground-breaking project to build and launch Europe's first commercial3G mobile network. The 3G showcase generated a huge amount of interest from theindustry, media and customers and generated valuable learning and insight for ManxTelecoms parent company, O2 which was used to shape their 3G rollout plans in the UKand Europe. In 2011 he returned to his entrepreneurial roots. He is an active angel investor with aportfolio of investments in early-stage technology start-ups and is co-founder andchairman at Stacuity Limited, a new venture providing programmable IoT connectivity. He is also a Board member/advisor for companies across various sectors and isChairman of Hospice Isle of Man. You can connect with Chris in the following ways: Web: www.stacuity.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishallcando/ You can connect with Laura in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Matt Kraft, COO of Mosaic Learning, discusses how he rallied his team through a 17-hour marathon to overcome a total system collapse in the 11th hour before the very first earnings call for their new CEO.   In this episode you will learn: The challenges of e-learning platforms and the need for more immersive and connected learning experiences. The potential applications of AI in everyday life, such as using it to manage children's activities and schedules. Why Matt discarded his past approach of appearing older and more stoic, and instead embraced prioritizing connection. How Matt and his team faced a major crisis when their system experienced a quadruple raid failure, and despite the odds, Matthew motivated his team and worked tirelessly to restore the system, ultimately achieving a successful outcome and minimal data loss.   24 Hour Challenge: Matt challenges listeners to come up with novel ideas on how AI can fundamentally improve their lives and organizations, and share them on LinkedIn.   About Matt Kraft : With a career spanning more than 2.5 decades and billions in enterprise value creation, Matthew Kraft believes in the power of harnessing technology to drive ecosystem change.  Matthew presently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Mosaic Learning, Inc, the leading provider of eLearning Platforms to the Union and Member Trade Organizations.  Prior to joining Mosaic Learning, Matthew served in Executive Capacities for Bonterra, Inc. (acquired by Apax Partners), StraighterLine, Inc, (acquired by BV Investment Partners), and Crawford Media Services, Inc. Prior to Crawford, Matthew served in Management Positions with Advertising.com/Aol (acquired by Apollo Global) and Web.com (acquired by Clearlake Capital.) Previous to that, he served in various capacities for J/K Foods, Inc. and its Affiliates in North Dakota.  In 2012, Matthew successfully merged J/K Foods with an entity primarily controlled by Coborn's, Inc. of St. Cloud, MN.  Matthew graduated from Vista Equity Partners' High Potential Executive Leadership Program in 2017. He is a prior recipient of the Education 2.0 Leadership Awards, along with Business Man of the Year (GA.) Matthew attended the University of Washington and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgia State University in 2005.  He appeared as a nerdy student in 2003's Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd   You can connect with Matt in the following ways: Web: https://combobulate.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkraft2/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mosaiclearning/   You can connect with Laura in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode we are honored to have Dr. Richard Santiago, CFO of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) who shares how he had to become a change agent in order to implement massive digital transformation across more than one hundred locations around the world that absolutely could not afford to fail. In this episode you will learn: How he overcame the challenges of addressing a diverse audience of leaders and individual contributors that would eventually lead to a team with better decision-making skills The importance of surrounding yourself with subject-matter experts How he gave his team more autonomy through honest and positive leadership, resulting in a huge, and successful, transition   24 Hour Challenge: Ask three people for feedback on your communication effectiveness.   About Dr. Richard Santiago: Dr. Richard Santiago was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is a bicultural leader who  has internalized the cultures from both Puerto Rico and the United States (US). He holds a PhD in  Business Management with specialization in Leadership from Capella University; and a  MSA with specialization in Leadership from Central Michigan University. Dr. Santiago has over 33 years of leadership experience. He is currently the Director of  Global Finance Operations / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the US Army Intelligence  and Security Command (INSCOM) while supporting global intelligence and security  operations. He is also  the Vice President of Education at Prospanica DC as well as the Founder of the  Bicultural Leadership Coach, LLC. From 2009 to 2010, he served as the President of  the American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC), Mount Vernon Chapter. Dr. Santiago retired from the Army in 2015 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 25 years of  active service. During his time in the military, he served with the Chairman of the Joint  Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Multi-National Forces, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization  (NATO) partners. For over 10 years, he worked in multicultural environments abroad in  locations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Bosnia, and Hungary,  among others. Some of his job assignments included: (a) Commander for Finance  Operations in support of Multi-National Forces, Baghdad, Iraq; (b), Fund Manager in  support of NATO, Kabul, Afghanistan; (c) Finance & Accounting Officer and Liaison  Officer to the Saudi American Bank, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and (d) Defense Resource  Manager in the Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, DC.    You can connect with Dr. Richard Santiago in the following ways: Web: https://biculturalcoach.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardsantiago1/   You can connect with Laura in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Laura this week is Smitha Murthy, CEO of Beagle Security. Smitha shares the steps she took to build rapport with key decision makers early in her career in order to be recognized as someone truly ready for a leadership role. In this episode you will learn: How Smitha helped build a collective community to mentor other women towards promotion in male-dominated industries. How she bucked the tradition of leadership silence during a period of chaotic uncertainty and instead encouraged open conversation with her team when change was inevitable. How Smitha asserted herself during the implementation of a new team into existing company processes and used qualitative data to prove to her teammates that she was leading them towards winning. Why technical qualifications alone are not enough, and how taking initiative and overcoming inhibitions can lead to growth opportunities. 24 Hour Challenge: Think back on your life and enumerate all the people who have had an impact on your life (both positive and negative) and how that has shaped your leadership style. Are you actively leading the way you would want to? If not, how can you recalibrate? About Smitha Murthy: Smitha has 27+ years of industry experience as a Product Management Executive and General Manager and currently holds the position as the CEO of Beagle Security - an automated AI-driven comprehensive penetration testing platform. With expertise in driving innovative customer experiences through Data Science and Analytics and Digital Transformation, she has a successful track record of managing and growing multi-million-dollar product lines and P&L, commercializing digital products from concept to launch for multiple organizations in the Silicon Valley.  Before taking on the role as CEO at Beagle Security she was the VP of Product and Portfolio Management at Oracle Health. Smitha has previously worked at McAfee, CA Technologies, NetApp, ADP and Axtria, bringing a unique blend of expertise in growing startups & enterprises alike. She also acts as an advisor for multiple startups. Smitha was shortlisted for the “Digital Leader of the Year Award” by Women in IT Awards Series in 2020. She served as an executive sponsor for Oracle's Professional Asian Leadership, a Board Member for Axtria Women's Network and previously was part of ADP's Women in Leadership.   You can connect with Smitha in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithamurthy Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmithaMurthyRao Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beaglesecurity Company Twitter: https://twitter.com/beaglesecure Website: https://www.beaglesecurity.com   You can connect with Laura in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Chris Hood of CH Digital and former Head of Digital Strategy at Google discusses the lessons he learned from the communication culture at Google, and how they can be implemented in any business. In this episode you will learn: How Google established a culture of ‘psychological safety' and appreciation, and tips on how you can do the same for your company. Why internal communication (or lack thereof!) and toxic communication culture may be the main culprit behind companies not being able to deliver on client projects Insights into the Google interview process for consistently hiring candidates with the right ‘fit' for your business 24 Hour Challenge: Conduct a mock podcast interview! Find or have a friend or family member compose 5-10 questions, set up a recording device, and answer those questions on the fly! This will help you become more familiar with topics you WANT to be familiar with, and gives you practice in impromptu speaking. Reference that Chris makes in the episode: ‘Customer Transformation' by Chris Hood About Chris Hood : Chris Hood, a digital strategy expert and author of 'Customer Transformation,' boasts 35+ years in online entertainment, marketing, and business development. Hosting 'The Chris Hood Digital Show,' he guides organizations on innovation and customer-centric leadership. Former roles include heading Google's Digital Business Strategy, crafting transformation programs for Fortune 500 companies, and developing storytelling technologies at Fox Broadcasting & Disney. As a co-founder of Blind Squirrel Games, his influence stretches across multiple industries. Chris also teaches at Southern New Hampshire University. You can connect with Chris in the following ways: Web: https://chrishood.com/ Blog: https://chrishood.com/blog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chrishood Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrishood1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishood/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chris-hood-digital-show/id1671355874 You can connect with Laura in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions Twitter: @LauraSicola Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/ Laura's Online Course: virtualinfluence.today   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.