Podcasts about executive presence

A confident executive presence is one of your biggest differentiators at work - it's what helps you stand out as a leader and build a reputation as an impact maker.  If you're ready to develop an executive presence that's truly unstoppable - you must tune into this episode.  I'm teaching you the 3 beliefs that'll help you skyrocket your executive presence in the room - and I think they'll surprise you.    Join the waitlist for The Art of Speaking Up Academy: https://jessguzikcoaching.com/freeresources/

Every leader has them... the language habits that undercut authority before anyone pushes back. This episode Jill Griffin names them, breaks them down, and gives you a way to unlearn yours. The five communication patterns quietly signaling uncertainty, and how to spot them in real timeWhat leaders and colleagues can do when they see it happening in the roomWhy this is a learned pattern, and exactly how to start unlearning itSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Send us Fan MailDo you ever struggle to speak up with confidence, share your expertise, or make a strong impression in business?In this episode of The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast, I sit down with Emmy Award-winning journalist and communication coach Jane Hanson to discuss the communication skills that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals build confidence, credibility, and influence.Drawing from her years of interviewing world leaders, celebrities, and business executives, Jane shares practical strategies for communicating with clarity, showing up confidently on video, and creating meaningful connections both online and offline.Whether you're speaking on a podcast, leading a meeting, recording social media content, or pitching your business, this conversation will help you communicate with greater impact and authenticity.In This Episode, You'll Learn:✔ Why communication is one of the most important confidence-building skills for entrepreneurs✔ What executive presence really means and how to develop it✔ How to make powerful first impressions through body language and tone✔ Tips for showing up confidently on Zoom, video, and virtual meetings✔ Common communication mistakes that may be holding you back✔ How storytelling helps build trust and authority✔ Lessons on reinvention, resilience, and staying relevant in a changing worldAbout Jane HansonJane Hanson is an Emmy Award-winning journalist, speaker, and communication coach who helps executives, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders become more confident and effective communicators. With decades of experience interviewing influential leaders and coaching professionals, she specializes in helping clients develop executive presence, sharpen their messaging, and communicate with greater impact.Connect with Jane Hansonhttps://www.janehanson.com/Connect with AngelaReady to build more confidence in your business and life?Visit mombusinesscoach.com to learn more about coaching, podcast episodes, and resources designed to help mom entrepreneurs create success with more confidence, clarity, and intention.Loved This Episode?If you enjoyed today's conversation:⭐ Follow The Good Enough Mompreneur Podcast⭐ Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform⭐ Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur, business owner, or mom who could benefit from these communication strategiesMentioned in This EpisodeCommunication SkillsExecutive PresenceVideo ConfidenceLeadership CommunicationPublic SpeakingStorytelling for BusinessPersonal BrandingEntrepreneur MindsetProfessional DevelopmentConfidence Building#Mompreneur #CommunicationSkills #ExecutivePresence #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCommunication #LeadershipSkills #PersonalDevelopment #ConfidenceCoach #TheGoodEnoughMompreneurPodcast 

Send us Fan MailA lot of leaders talk about resilience. Far fewer can explain how to turn resilience into something a whole team can actually use when the pressure is on. Grant McGaugh sits down with Jason Gallo to trace that shift from a “power through it” mindset to authentic leadership built on tools, trust, and empowerment, shaped by Jason's Brooklyn upbringing and a Grand Canyon moment where the only goal was “five more steps.” From there, we zoom out to the biggest workplace shift many of us will ever live through: artificial intelligence. Jason lays out why AI will surpass the impact of the internet and cloud, how agentic AI changes the way work gets done, and why trust infrastructure matters as much as technical infrastructure. We talk candidly about the anxiety people feel when new tools show up overnight, the adoption curve that follows every major platform change, and what leaders can do right now with training, communication, and the humility to say, “We don't have all the answers.” Jason also shares a practical story from inside Cisco: “corporate camouflage,” the stuffed elephant that gave a room full of executives permission to be heard, and how that kind of vulnerability can unlock real innovation. We dig into mentorship as a “board of directors” (including devil's advocate mentors), representation in tech, and how Cisco is transforming its ecosystem through the Cisco 360 partner program using co-design with roughly 35,000 partners worldwide. We close with a personal reminder on prostate cancer awareness and prevention. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with a leader navigating AI change, and leave a review. What's one trust-building move your team needs to make this month?Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

In this re-release episode of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer sits down with former world champion debater and author Dr. Kate Mason to discuss how effective communication can help you build trust, increase your influence, and navigate challenging workplace dynamics with greater confidence. Kate shares practical strategies for becoming more approachable, strengthening relationships, overcoming self-doubt, and communicating effectively in situations where power dynamics are at play. Whether you're looking to elevate your leadership presence, advance your career, or simply become a more confident communicator, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Tune in now! Key Takeaways From This Episode: A look into Kate Mason Ph.D.'s book, Powerfully Likeable:  A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication Tips to increase approachabilty Ways to build trust Suggestions to navigate power imbalances A look into something called Imposing Syndrome and how to counter it Tips to boost likeability How many overachievers may be over preparing ABOUT KATE MASON PH.D. Kate Mason Ph.D. is a former world-champion debater, coach and author.  Her book, Powerfully Likeable is the result of over twenty years of working in fast-paced environments of excellence. Her particular niche? Unlocking communication for high-performing women who are at the crossroads of power and likeability. Mason has spent her career working with founders and executives from tech startups to major global brands, like Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Uber and many more. Connect with Kate Order: Powerfully Likeable:  A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication Website: https://www.katemason.co/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkatemason/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/  About the Host of the Live Greatly podcast, Kristel Bauer: Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel's healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel's keynotes provide insights to "Live Greatly" while promoting leadership development and team building.   Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success. Kristel has presented to groups from the American Gas Association, Bank of America, bp, Commercial Metals Company, General Mills, Northwestern University, Santander Bank and many more. Kristel has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine and she has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4's WDAF-TV's Great Day KC, and Ticker News. Kristel lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area and she can be booked for speaking engagements worldwide. To Book Kristel as a speaker for your next event, click here. Website: www.livegreatly.co  Follow Kristel Bauer on: Instagram: @livegreatly_co  LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer Twitter: @livegreatly_co Facebook: @livegreatly.co Youtube: Live Greatly, Kristel Bauer To Watch Kristel Bauer's TEDx talk of Redefining Work/Life Balance in a COVID-19 World click here. Click HERE to check out Kristel's corporate wellness and leadership blog Click HERE to check out Kristel's Travel and Wellness Blog Disclaimer: The contents of this podcast are intended for informational and educational purposes only. Always seek the guidance of your physician for any recommendations specific to you or for any questions regarding your specific health, your sleep patterns changes to diet and exercise, or any medical conditions.  Always consult your physician before starting any supplements or new lifestyle programs. All information, views and statements shared on the Live Greatly podcast are purely the opinions of the authors, and are not medical advice or treatment recommendations.  They have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.  Opinions of guests are their own and Kristel Bauer & this podcast does not endorse or accept responsibility for statements made by guests.  Neither Kristel Bauer nor this podcast takes responsibility for possible health consequences of a person or persons following the information in this educational content.  Always consult your physician for recommendations specific to you.

The communication habits that earned you a VP title can quietly stall your climb to the C-suite. In this episode, Sean Barnes breaks down five shifts that separate mid-level managers from top executives, drawing on a career that has spanned almost 50 acquisitions and two IPOs. He explains why executives lead with the answer and provide context second, why thinking out loud erodes confidence, and why taking a clear position matters more than playing it safe. He also makes the case that real leaders set the tone in the room instead of mirroring it, and shows how vocal range keeps people locked in. These are learnable skills, and stacking them is what gets people to pay attention, listen, and follow.   Key Moments 00:00 - Why VP-level communication habits stall your shot at the C-suite 00:50 - Shift one, lead with the answer and provide context second 01:45 - What answer-first communication sounds like in practice 02:44 - Shift two, stop thinking out loud 03:39 - Pause, gather your thoughts, then deliver 04:37 - Shift three, take a position or become irrelevant 05:36 - You can be wrong and still be respected 06:32 - Shift four, set the tone instead of mirroring the room 08:19 - Stepping into a leadership vacuum 08:19 - Shift five, using vocal range to keep people locked in 10:16 - Recap of all five shifts 11:06 - The executive presentation and public speaking course   Key Takeaways Executives lead with the answer and provide context second, because people decide in seconds whether you are worth listening to. Taking a clear position earns more respect than hedging, and you can be wrong and still be respected. Real leaders shape the energy in the room instead of matching it, especially in high pressure moments.   Podcast Show Notes – Episode 285 | 06.09.2026 Episode Title: Executive Presence: The 5 Communication Shifts That Get You Promoted   Host: Sean Barnes Website: https://www.wolfexecutives.com   https://www.seanbarnes.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanbarnes/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfexecutives https://www.linkedin.com/company/thewayofthewolf/ LinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7284600567593684993/   Twitter: https://x.com/seanbarnes https://x.com/wolfexecutives   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_seanbarnes https://www.instagram.com/wolfexecutives   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_seanbarnes   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseanbarnes

Send us Fan MailA stroke or heart attack rarely happens in a doctor's office, it happens on an ordinary day when nobody is watching the subtle warning signs. We sit down with healthcare innovator and RM2.ai CEO Corlette to talk about the invisible gap between appointments and why that gap is where preventable crises quietly build. If you're caring for aging parents, managing chronic disease, or simply trying to stay independent longer, this conversation is a practical look at how prevention can finally come before panic. We get personal about caregiving, the “sandwich generation,” and the cost of waiting until there's a fall, a missed medication, or a sudden ER visit. Corlette explains how an early warning health intelligence platform integrates with select wearables to pull vitals like blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen, and temperature and then turns those readings into trend-based visibility and alerts. We also dig into how a shared care team dashboard can assign different alerts to different family members, plus why geofencing and location monitoring can be life-saving for loved ones at risk of wandering with dementia. We also tackle the big question: should people be afraid of AI in healthcare? Corlette makes the case for AI as an enhancement, not a replacement for human care, and introduces live vital intelligence for telehealth so clinicians can see real-time vitals during a virtual visit and review months of trends without relying on handwritten logs. Along the way, we connect prevention back to everyday lifestyle choices and why “know your numbers” matters for hypertension and other chronic conditions. If this resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a caregiver or family group chat, and leave a review so more people find tools and ideas that help prevent the next crisis before it starts.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Send us Fan MailExecutive presence shows up most clearly in the moments that test you. The hard question. The skeptical room. The presentation that matters. In this finale of the Executive Presence Series, we follow Diane, a composite client you may remember from Episode 172, into her first high-stakes boardroom moment as a new operations director. We walk through her presentation in four chronological moments: the walk-in, the opening sentence, the hard question, and the close, so you can experience how the visual, vocal, and verbal pillars actually work together when the pressure arrives.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton closes the four-part Executive Presence Series by bringing all three pillars together in one real high-stakes moment. The episode is built around a single scenario: Diane, the composite client from Episode 172, now presenting a major vendor contract restructuring proposal to senior leadership. Through four chronological moments- the walk-in, the opening sentence, the hard question, and the close - Kele shows how the Three Anchors of Embodied Presence, the four vocal behaviors, and the language of authority all integrate when the pressure is real.This is the finale of the four-part Executive Presence Series. Each part built one layer of presence: Episode 168 on the visual pillar, Episode 170 on the vocal pillar, and Episode 172 on the verbal pillar. This episode integrates all three into a single high-stakes moment. The series moves from being seen, the throughline of the April visibility series, to being felt, which is what executive presence delivers.What You Will Learn:How to enter a high-stakes room so the people inside it have already started calibrating to your leadership before you make your case.The grounded breath that settles your pitch in the seconds before you speak, so your opening sentence lands with weight instead of nerves.What to do in the two seconds after a hard question that separates a defensive answer from an authoritative one.Why you cannot consciously think about three pillars in a live moment, and what to practice instead, so executive presence shows up automatically when it counts.How to close a presentation in a way that lands the ask cleanly, without the apologetic trailing-off that signals you are unsure of your own recommendation.The single most important reframe of the entire series: executive presence is not a costume you put on to look like a leader. It is the practice of letting the leader you already are come through clearly.Your Action Step:Pick one upcoming high-stakes moment and prepare for it across all three pillars:Choose one behavior from each pillar: one anchor from Episode 168 (visual), one vocal behavior from Episode 170, and one language swap from Episode 172.Write your three choices on a sticky note before the meeting. Then, in the moment, do not run a checklist. Be present.Afterward, reflect on which of the three came most naturally and which one needed the most attention. That tells you where to keep practicing.Listen to the Complete Executive Presence Series:Start the series with Episode 168: How to Build Executive Presence: 3 Anchors for Women Leaders (Part 1 of 4), on the visual pillar and the Three Anchors of Embodied Presence.Continue with Episode 170: Vocal Presence for Women Leaders: 4 Behaviors That Build Authority (Part 2 of 4), on pitch, pace, volume, and intentional pauses.Then Episode 172: The Words That Undermine Your Presence (Part 3 of 4), on the verbal pillar and the language of authority.About Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle management build the communication and leadership strategies that get them recognized, sponsored, and promoted.Connect with Kele:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.comBook a Leadership Strategy Call (30 minutes, complimentary): https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-call

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, "I wish I had said something"? Whether it's a condescending remark, an inappropriate comment, or a socially awkward moment that catches you off guard, knowing what to say in the moment can feel impossible. In this episode, I share practical, powerful responses you can use to navigate uncomfortable conversations with confidence, without becoming defensive, escalating the situation, or shrinking yourself. You'll learn simple phrases that help you maintain your authority, set boundaries, and protect your peace when someone says something that leaves you speechless. Because confidence isn't about having the perfect comeback. It's about knowing how to respond in a way that reflects who you are. Key Takeaways How to respond when someone says something condescending Simple phrases to handle inappropriate or uncomfortable comments What to say when you're interrupted or talked over How to set boundaries without sounding rude Why pauses can be more powerful than comebacks The communication skill that helps you stay calm under pressure Memorable Quote "The goal isn't to win the moment. It's to protect your peace, your authority, and your presence." Challenge for the Week Choose one response from this episode and practice it until it becomes second nature. Confidence grows when preparation meets opportunity. Favor If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease. Some resources for you: Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here. Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn't that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I'm now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world's most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/

If you've ever felt hard to explain who you are o what you do this episode is for you. Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton breaks down why professional identity is complex, and how to finally articulate your full value. Jill Griffin and Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton discuss: Why capable professionals struggle to explain who they are even when they know they bring real valueHow job titles flatten your identity and leave others seeing only part of what you offerA research-backed framework to describe yourself beyond roles, skills, and keywordsGuest bio: Dr. Sarabeth Berk Bickerton is a professional identity researcher, TEDx speaker, and author of More Than My Title, helps mid-career professionals articulate who they are beyond job titles and be fully seen at work.Mentioned on the show: Listen:  The Great Reassessment: Preparing Your Mindset, Managing Perfectionism, Ageism, and the New Midlife CrisisRead: Jill's Forbes.com article on grieving lost opportuntiesSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

What if the biggest thing holding leaders back from the next level isn't skill but identity? In this episode, I break down the powerful connection between executive presence and leadership identity. Drawing from personal life transitions, client success stories, and real coaching examples, I'll explain why leaders often struggle to fully step into bigger roles, even after they've earned the promotion, title, or opportunity. You'll hear practical coaching tools for uncovering your current leadership identity, creating "bridge thoughts," embodying executive presence, and emotionally preparing for the next level. If you'd like immediate support with the issues you're facing as a Leader, then book a call with Elisia at https://elisiakeowncoaching.com/call You can find show notes, resources, and more here: https://tinyurl.com/5x437fuk 

Send us Fan MailMost men don't collapse all at once. They drift, they numb out, they get busy, and then one day they realize they've been “fine” for years while quietly losing their edge, their joy, or their family. Grant McGaugh sits down with Derek Jackson, a longtime healthcare leader and the author of Men Dying Garden Moments: The Hidden Crisis of Masculinity and the Journey Back to Life, for a direct conversation about men's mental health, masculinity, and what accountability actually looks like when nobody's watching.Derek introduces the idea of “garden moments,” those decision points where the consequences outlast the emotion. We talk through the four areas where men often start to check out: stature (how we respond to changing roles and expectations), spirituality (having an anchor and core beliefs), physical health (including lifestyle and finances, not just the body), and relationships (the growing friction and mistrust between men and women). Along the way, we dig into authenticity, the influence of algorithms and culture, and why “perform, provide, protect” isn't enough if you never learn to process.We also get practical: how to build a safe circle of men, Derek's “board meeting,” where mentorship happens and accountability becomes normal. If you want to lead better, love better, and live with fewer regrets, this conversation is a strong starting point. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review. What's one “garden moment” you're facing right now?Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

The hidden habits behind calm, confident communicators.What does it really take to become a more confident communicator? In this special collaboration between Think Fast, Talk Smart and Headspace, host Matt Abrahams shares practical, mindful strategies for speaking with clarity, managing anxiety, listening more deeply, and connecting more authentically with others.Across five short lessons, Matt outlines how to calm speaking nerves, become a better listener, structure your ideas clearly, engage any audience, and strengthen your presence — whether you're leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or navigating everyday conversations.Whether you're speaking to a crowd or having a one-on-one conversation, these tools can help you communicate with more confidence, calm, and connection.Episode Reference Links:Headspace Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:36) - Speaking Anxiety (08:42) - Mindful Communication (13:51) - Clarity & Structure (17:28) - Creating Engagement (24:53) - Building Presence (29:55) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Send us Fan MailExecutive presence is not only about how you carry yourself or how you sound. It lives in the words you choose. Consider this: "Sorry, I just wanted to quickly jump in here. This might be a silly question, and I could be totally wrong, but I was kind of wondering if maybe we should look at the numbers again before we decide? Does that make sense?" In a few seconds, that leader undermined herself nine times. Her idea was strong. Her language was apologizing for it. If you have ever walked out of a meeting wondering why the room did not respond to a recommendation you knew was right, this episode hands you the exact words working against you, and the swaps that turn your competence back into authority.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton goes deep on the verbal pillar of executive presence: the actual words coming out of your mouth. She walks through four categories of language that quietly drain authority from strong ideas, the apologies, the minimizers, the hedges, and the filler words, and gives you the specific swaps that change how the room hears you. Through the story of Diane, a composite client twice passed over for a director role until she changed her language, Kele shows what shifts in your executive presence when your competence is no longer hidden by the words around it.This is Part 3 of the four-part Executive Presence Series. It follows Episode 168 on the visual pillar (the Three Anchors of Embodied Presence) and Episode 170 on the vocal pillar (pitch, pace, volume, and pauses). Each part builds your executive presence one layer at a time, leading to Episode 174, where all three pillars come together in a real high-stakes moment.What You Will Learn:Why women learn these speech patterns early, so you can stop blaming yourself for habits that were once rewarded.The gratitude reframe that lets you stay warm without lowering your standing in the room.Why the word "just" is a verbal apology for the size of your own thought, and the one-second fix that makes any sentence stronger.How a hedge at the front of a sentence quietly instructs the room to dismiss what you are about to say, before you have even said it.The phrase Kele gives every client to replace the question "Does that make sense?", which keeps your authority intact and still invites a real conversation.Why filler words are not the villain, except in the moments that matter most, and how the pause does the same job with the opposite effect.Your Action Step:Pick one word and hunt it for one week:Choose either "just" or" sorry", whichever shows up more in your speech.When you catch it before it comes out, delete it. When you catch it after it comes out, notice it without self-criticism, and keep going.Bonus: Write your three favorite swaps on a sticky note. "Sorry" becomes "thank you". "Just" gets deleted. "Does that make sense?" becomes "What questions do you have?"Mentioned in This Episode:Continue building your executive presence with Episode 170: Vocal Presence for Women Leaders (Part 2 of 4), on pitch, pace, volume, and pauses.Start the series from the beginning with Episode 168: How to Build Executive Presence with 3 Anchors (Part 1 of 4), on the visual pillar.Book a Leadership Strategy Call (30 minutes, complimentary): https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-callAbout Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle management build the communication and leadership strategies that get them recognized, sponsored, and promoted.Connect with Kele:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com

Send us Fan MailIf your content is consistent but your opportunities are not, you might be dealing with a problem most leaders cannot name: the authority gap. I define it as the distance between looking visible online and being genuinely trusted by the people who can hire you, fund you, or partner with you. After 30 years in healthcare technology and now building an AI-powered business accelerator for underserved entrepreneurs, I keep seeing the same pattern: brilliant experts and founders with real solutions still get overlooked because the market cannot quickly recognize their authority signals. AI is accelerating that pain. Tools can produce polished marketing in seconds, which means the internet is filling up with generic ideas and copycat expertise. Buyers are responding with tougher reputation due diligence: they search your name, scan your LinkedIn, review podcast appearances, and look for proof that holds up. Trust is becoming the scarce resource, and digital discoverability is now inseparable from leadership reputation, personal branding, and business brand growth. I break down my Brave Authority Index, a practical authority-building framework built on five connected pillars: Boldness, Resilience, Authenticity, Vision, and Execution. You will hear how to sharpen a specific market position, build durable credibility across platforms, show real human coherence without oversharing, publish future-facing ideas your audience can use, and create follow-up systems that turn visibility into revenue. I also walk through a case study where a B2B firm moves from commodity IT vendor to inbound demand by connecting thought leadership to clear next steps and measurable pipeline. If you want to stop sounding like everyone else and start getting believed, subscribe, share this with a friend who is “visible but stuck,” and leave a review so more leaders can find it.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Celeste Warren spent 28 years institutionalizing equity at a Fortune 100 company. Now she's breaking down what equity actually means for your career navigation and leadership presence. In this episode we discuss: Why equity is a career navigation strategyThe difference between being included and being influential, and how to close that gapWhat managers owe their talent beyond performance reviews and how to work the system when yours falls shortShow notes:Visit: Celeste Warren ConsultingRead: The Truth About EquityConnect: LinkedInSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

The gang welcomes back Rachel Wexler, a leadership development partner who helps leaders and teams get unstuck and build new ways of operating aligned to their goals. Wexler discusses executive presence as showing up with confidence and conviction by knowing strengths and development areas, clarifying the gap between identity and reputation, defining a bigger “why,” and understanding needs and boundaries. She describes working with both women and men, including executives with egos, and using data-driven tools like the Hogan Assessment to ground “soft” topics in statistically reliable insights about how people are perceived. Wexler shares her career pivot from education product development and workforce development work at Penn Foster (2015–2023), deciding to leave as she approached 50 to avoid regret, and learning resilience and iteration through social media. She outlines her business focus on coaching/consulting and sharing ideas about humanity, authenticity, trust, and high-performance teams. Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlwexler/ Instagram: @ RWexlerLeadership https://www.rachel-wexler.com/ Topics 00:32 Rachel Is Back 01:52 Executive Presence Basics 03:02 Identity Versus Reputation 05:05 Handling Ego With Data 07:52 Friendship And Business Plans 08:58 Pivoting Into Entrepreneurship 12:15 Turning 50 Leap 12:46 Social Media Growing Pains 14:34 Where The Business Goes Next 16:15 Presence Tip Before Meetings 17:11 Socials And Farewell

I grew up shy, introverted, and terrified of public speaking.A bookworm in Hong Kong. A wallflower who couldn't hold a room. A kid who went into investment banking because that's where smart people were supposed to go, not because it was right for me.So I walked away.Professional football. BBC radio. The Premier League. A microphone. A stage.And somewhere along the way, the worst public speaker in the room became one of the most sought-after communication coaches in the world.But here's what I'll tell you: it wasn't talent. It was never talent.It was one conversation with a stranger every single day, for years.What I discovered through football, banking, 15 years on stage, and six years coaching some of the most senior executives on the planet is this: communication is not a gift. It is a skill. And most leaders are operating at seven out of ten of their potential without even realizing it.The expertise is there. The knowledge is there. The years of experience are there.But if you can't make people feel something, none of it lands.I sat down with Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment Group and host of the HR L&D Podcast, for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations I've had on communication, leadership, and influence.We go deep on public speaking, the art of listening, why preparation is the only thing that separates great communicators from average ones, and why in a world flooded with AI-generated content, the human touch has never been more valuable.Nick and I unpack the real reason most presentations fail, why following your passion is terrible career advice, what every great leader he's ever interviewed has in common, and the one question you should ask before you build your next deck.This is one of the most practical and honest conversations I've been part of on communication and leadership.I hope it changes the way you speak.Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/This episode is from the HR L&D Podcast hosted by Nick Day.Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Learn more about JGA Recruitment Group: https://jgarecruitment.com/I'm a Hong Kong-born, UK-based professional speaker, executive coach, and corporate trainer with over 15 years of experience on the global stage. Before stepping into this world, I worked in investment banking and played professional football, representing the Hong Kong national team and competing in the Premier League.Today, I help senior leaders and high-performing teams unlock their communication potential. I'm also a Partner and Head of Corporate Training at Quinlan and Associates, working with organizations across Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and the Middle East.My one-line thesis is simple: talent is practice in disguise.(00:00) Why Communication Is the Skill Every Leader Is Missing(01:26) Human First, Not Resource First(02:23) From Banking to Professional Football, Michael's Story(07:56) Talent Is Practice in Disguise(09:35) Curiosity Beats Chasing Passion(15:58) The Communication Gap Most HR Leaders Don't Know They Have(21:07) Preparation Is the Only Thing That Earns Confidence(23:41) The Art of Listening on Stage(40:09) AI and the Rising Value of Human Connection(44:38) Design Emotion, Not Slides

For more, visit: https://www.BishalSarkar.comMessage us directly: https://wa.me/918880361526Many professionals are talented, hardworking, and knowledgeable—yet they still get overlooked for bigger opportunities. Why? Because they lack executive presence. In this episode, Bishal Sarkar reveals the 5 signs that you might be missing executive presence—and how to fix them.You'll learn:The subtle mistakes that weaken your authorityWhy confidence is not enough (and what's missing)How to be perceived as a trusted leader in any roomIf you want to lead, inspire, and command respect, this episode is a must-listen.

What if the thing standing between you and the promotion, the client, or the leadership opportunity isn't your preparation? What if it's what your body is communicating before you've said a single word? In this episode, Susan Callender breaks down why executive presence in 2026 is a physical signal first, and why even the most prepared, knowledgeable professionals can lose the room before they open their mouth. You'll learn: Why we form competence and trustworthiness judgments in as little as 100 milliseconds Why physical presence acts as the filter for everything else you bring to the table The five physical signals that are either building your executive presence or eroding it How stress leaks through your body in high-stakes settings and what to do about it Why hybrid work has doubled the executive presence challenge and how to show up with authority on camera Resources mentioned: Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett   Free resource: The 7 Biggest Social Mistakes High-Potential Professionals Make    **  Don't even know where to begin in improving your people skills? Are you ready to leave social stress behind and go from where you are to where you want to be? The Step Into the Spotlight Intensive The School of Social Mastery Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com  LinkedIn Instagram TikTok

Elisia Keown breaks down what it really means to develop your executive presence.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) 
What it really means to have “more executive presence”2) The sentences hindering your executive presence3) How to show up more confident for your next meeting Subscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1154 for clickable versions of the links below. — ABOUT ELISIA — Elisia Keown is an Executive Coach and Founder of Keown Coaching, with 26 years of experience in Coaching, Leadership, Talent Acquisition, and Human Resources. Direct, honest, and kind, she helps executive leaders strengthen their executive presence, elevate their impact, and achieve measurable results through strategic planning. Elisia is also the host of The Executive Coaching Podcast, where she shares practical insights for today's leaders. Known for her no-nonsense yet fun approach, she brings energy and real-world experience to every coaching conversation. She lives in Wesley Chapel, FL, with her husband and their blended family of five children.• LinkedIn: Elisia Keown• Podcast: The Executive Coaching Podcast• YouTube: Elisia Keown Executive Coach• Website: ElisiaKeownCoaching.com— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Tool: Self Coaching Model (CTFAR Model)• Study: 2025 Global Coaching Study: Strategic Advantage & ROI• Book: Start With Yourself: A New Vision for Work & Life by Emma Grede• Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho• Past episode: 465: The Cure for Impostor Syndrome: How to Feel Less Like a Fraud and Appreciate Your Successes with Dr. Valerie Young— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Scribe. Book a personalized enterprise demo with scribe.how/awesome• Narwhal. Treat your home to spotless, fresh floors with us.narwhal.com/pete.• Monarch.com. Get 50% off your first year on with the code AWESOME.• Shopify. Sign up for your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/awesomepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If You're a FAN leave me a message :-) But more importantly, let us know what you think, suggestions, topics, constructive criticism... ALL WELCOME!!In this episode of The Executive Five, I challenge one of the most damaging myths in leadership: that focus is a personality trait. The real issue is not busyness, but unprotected attention. This five-minute executive brief shows senior leaders how distraction at the top creates noise across the business, and how to build the kind of disciplined focus that sharpens judgment, protects strategy, and improves executive performance.#ExecutiveLeadership #LeadershipFocus #StrategicThinking #DecisionMaking #HighPerformanceLeadership #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #ProductivityForLeaders #FocusDiscipline #OrganizationalLeadership #TheExecutiveFiveSupport the showContact me:Daniel@the-success-blueprint.co.zawww.mindworx.bizdaniel@mindsworx.comInstagram: @Mindworx_Coaching

Send us Fan MailYou had the right answer. You knew the numbers cold. You made your case, and ten minutes later, the room shifted toward someone else's version of the same idea. In the debrief, your manager said: you had the right answer, but you did not sound like you knew it. If you have ever been told you need more gravitas, more confidence, or more executive presence without anyone explaining what that actually means, this episode breaks it down into four vocal behaviors you can practice this week.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton goes deep on vocal presence: how you say your words, not what you say. She breaks down the four behaviors that determine whether your voice supports or undermines your message, namely pitch, pace, volume, and intentional pauses, and names the gendered penalty around women's voices. Kele also looks at what the most recent vocal fry research from 2025 and 2026 shows, and it contradicts a decade of leadership advice given to women.This is Part 2 of the four-part Executive Presence Series, following Episode 168 on the visual pillar and the Three Anchors of Embodied Presence. Part 1 covered what your body is doing while you speak. Part 2 covers what your voice is doing with the words.What You Will Learn:The breath technique that settles your pitch in high-stakes moments, so you sound grounded instead of tense, without forcing a lower voice.What the newest vocal fry research reveals about who uses it, so you can stop fixing a voice that may not need fixing.The one moment to slow your pace that makes the whole room calibrate to you instead of talking over you.How to project authority when you are naturally soft-spoken, the way Dr. Lisa Su commands a room without raising her voice.The three exact moments where a three-second pause reads as authority instead of hesitation.When upspeak costs you, and the targeted fix that does not require changing how you naturally speak.Your Action Step:Pick one of the four behaviors and practice it this week:Choose the behavior you suspect is your biggest growth opportunity: pitch, pace, volume, or pauses.Identify one specific high-stakes moment on your calendar where you will deploy it on purpose.Notice what shifts. Optional: record a sixty-second voice memo and listen back once, using the four behaviors as your lens.Mentioned in This Episode:Episode 168: How to Build Executive Presence: 3 Anchors for Women Leaders | Part 1 of 4Book a Leadership Strategy Call (30 minutes, complimentary): https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-callAbout Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle management build the communication and leadership strategies that get them recognized, sponsored, and promoted.Connect with Kele:•       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/•       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/•       Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com

Explore insights from Debbie Lundberg, a performance mindset and resilience coach, as she discusses building emotional intelligence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and enhancing executive presence to thrive in leadership and entrepreneurship. This episode offers practical strategies to improve mental resilience, influential communication, and authentic leadership. If you want to improve your Executive Presence from one of the best in the industry, this episode is for you.“Who are the people you can really trust? Not those who will commiserate only or agree with everything you say, but those who will uplift you and be there for you and sometimes give you some pushback."Chapters 00:26 - Practical example of respectful communication in emotionally charged situations01:43 - Navigating displacement and personal setbacks with mindset strategies 04:00 - How to keep your business and mental health intact during crises 07:23 - Understanding imposter syndrome and how it affects men and women differently 08:21 - Tips for combating feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt 10:01 - The importance of executive presence and how to cultivate it 10:59 - How you start a meeting shapes its success 11:23 - Valuing time and maintaining professionalism in virtual interactions 13:15 - Emotional intelligence as understanding your emotions and others' 14:42 - Utilizing emotions effectively without suppressing them 15:12 - The role of optimism versus positivity in personal growth 16:23 - Debbie's Podcast 18:58 - How to connect with Debbie online and start building your leadership presence  "Emotional intelligence is utilizing your emotions in your emotional bank, so to speak, well for your situation."Other Takeaways*Her work with high-level clients, including C-suite executives and emerging leaders*How to stay resilient and optimistic during life's challenges*Building strong executive presence: communication, articulation, and perceptionAfter the show, be sure to follow her journey by checking out her January 22, 2024 episode here!Send us Fan MailSupport the showRemember to subscribe for the next episode. Show Sponsor: ComingAlive PodcastProduction.com (Download your Podcast Launch Checklist for only $1 here)Music Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.

Ever been trapped in the meeting that never ends, or the person who can't seem to land the plane? In this episode, Karen unpacks the hidden cost of talking too much, and why even smart, successful people do it. You'll learn how overexplaining and overtalking can unintentionally weaken your authority, dilute your message, and cost you influence. Whether you're leading meetings, speaking on stage, or communicating in everyday conversations, this episode will help you say less and make a bigger impact. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✨ Why more words often equal less influence ✨ The surprising link between overtalking and insecurity ✨ How talking too much can slow decisions and erode trust ✨ The communication shift that makes people lean in and listen ✨ Why pauses, not more words, create presence and authority Key Reminder: The most powerful communicators aren't the ones who say the most. They're the ones who say what matters most. Call to Action: If this episode resonated, share it with a friend. Favor If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease. Some resources for you: Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.   Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial  Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos   About me: Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).  Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did." Why didn't that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission? That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom. I'm now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins. Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™. This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career! Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world's most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Episodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/

You're delivering at a high level but your influence isn't keeping pace. In this episode Jill Griffin breaks down the thinking patterns that keep high performers stuck and how to shift into strategic leadership that actually advances your career.What you'll learn: The hidden pattern that keeps you overperforming but under-recognized  Why effort doesn't translate into influence at senior levels  How to shift from execution to strategic leadership in real timeSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Send us Fan MailAI can generate a thousand posts before lunch, but it cannot manufacture empathy. That's the tension we dig into with David J. Ebner, founder of Content Workshop, as we talk about what actually makes brand storytelling work when buyers are skeptical and content feels interchangeable.We break down the practical difference between story-first marketing and content-first output. A strong brand story doesn't spotlight the company, it makes the customer the hero and gives them a believable path from problem to progress. David explains why emotional connection is the real driver of recall, how testimonials capture a transformation arc, and why better word choice and tighter editing can separate you from the sea of sameness that AI has amplified.Then we zoom out from words to full brand experience. We talk about where stories live (especially on your website), why mismatched web experiences weaken even great messaging, and how experiential marketing at events can create memorable moments without relying on expensive gimmicks. Finally, we land on leadership: setting values, living them visibly, and using a simple filter for every deliverable: who does this help and how does it help them?Subscribe for more conversations like this, share this with a founder or marketer who needs a sharper brand voice, and leave a review with the one story you think your audience actually remembers.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

High-stakes sales puts pressure on the mind before it tests the deal strategy. Reps and leaders have to stay present through judgment, rejection, complex stakeholders, and the weight of the number. Dr. Michael Gervais joins John Kaplan and John McMahon to unpack FOPO, the fear of other people's opinions, and its impact on executive presence, listening, trust, and decision-making. Drawing from his work with Olympians, world champions, Fortune 100 leaders, and elite teams, Dr. Gervais explains how mental skills like awareness, breathing, self-talk, imagery, and honest team dynamics help people operate with more clarity under pressure. The conversation brings performance psychology into the realities of enterprise sales, where long cycles, executive buyers, and high-consequence conversations demand discipline before the moment arrives. Dr. Michael Gervais is a performance psychologist, the founder of Finding Mastery, host of the Finding Mastery podcast, co-creator of the Performance Science Institute at the University of Southern California, and author of The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You. He has worked with Olympians, world champions, MMA fighters, Fortune 100 CEOs, and elite teams to help them train their minds for high-pressure performance. Connect with Dr. Gervais: Website Podcast IG Facebook LinkedIn Resources mentioned: Dr. Michael Gervais' Morning Mindset Routine The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What Other People Think of You by Michael Gervais, PhD Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life by J. Douglas Holladay Hit Refresh by Satya Nadella Key takeaways from this episode: 00:00 – Why FOPO quietly turns high-stakes sales conversations into moments of self-protection. 06:32 – A look inside the brain pattern that pulls leaders away from listening when presence matters most. 19:47 – What it really takes to tell the difference between useful pressure and activation that disrupts execution. 25:42 – Why elite performers treat mental training as a discipline, not a reaction to pressure. 41:18 – How rehearsing adversity helps leaders stay composed when the moment starts to break pattern. 48:20 – What leaders often overlook about the trust required for honest challenge on high-performing teams. 56:34 – Why psychological skill development is becoming part of how serious organizations prepare their people. Hosted by five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management Co-Founder John Kaplan, the Revenue Builders podcast goes behind the scenes with the sales leaders who have been there, done that, and seen the results. This show is brought to you by Force Management. We help companies improve sales performance, executing their growth strategy at the point of sale. Connect with Us: LinkedInYouTubeForce Management

Send us Fan MailYou walk into the meeting. The room has not started yet. People are still settling in. And in the space of about three seconds, something gets decided about you, before you have said one word. You can have done the work, prepared harder than anyone else, and built a track record that speaks for itself, and still feel like something is missing in how you land in that room. That something has a name. It is executive presence.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton kicks off a brand-new four-part series on executive presence by tackling the question most leadership books never answer clearly: what is executive presence, really, and how do you build it on purpose? Kele reframes executive presence as a set of learnable behaviors, not a personality trait, and walks through the three aspects of communication based on Dr. Albert Mehrabian's foundational research. This is Part 1 of the four-part Executive Presence Series, and the natural next step after the April visibility series (Episodes 160, 162, and 164).What You Will Learn:Why executive presence is a set of learnable behaviors, not a personality trait you either have or do not have.The three aspects of communication, verbal, vocal, and visual, and why the body wins when those aspects conflict.The Three Anchors of Embodied Presence and the behaviors under each: Engagement, Aliveness, and Authority, with concrete practices you can use in your next meetingTwo incredible women leaders to study for two different styles of presence: Kat Cole and Mellody Hobson.Your Action Step:Pick one behavior from the Three Anchors and practice it this week:Choose a single behavior. One. It might be holding eye contact a few seconds longer, planting your feet before you walk into a meeting, or letting a three-second pause sit after you make a point.Use it intentionally in one meeting, one conversation, or one call each day this week.At the end of the week, notice what shifted, even slightly. Optional bonus: record yourself for sixty seconds and watch it back, looking for one strength and one thing to refine.Mentioned in This Episode:Episode 160: How Perfectionism Keeps Women Leaders Invisible | Part 1 of 3Episode 162: Why Your Work Environment May Be Blocking Your Leadership Growth | Part 2 of 3Episode 164: How to Communicate Your Value Before You Feel Ready | Part 3 of 3Episode 151: Naming the Tension in Tough Conversations (Mellody Hobson)About Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle management build the communication and leadership strategies that get them recognized, sponsored, and promoted.Connect with Kele:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.comBook a complimentary Leadership Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-call

Want to Get Promoted? You Probably Don’t Know What You Don’t Know… We just wrapped up an incredible episode of A New Direction with Craig A. Fleming, author of The Unwritten Rules of Leadership, and the insights were a major wake-up call for anyone looking to get promoted. If you missed the live conversation, we dived deep into the “hidden curriculum” of the corporate world—those unspoken do's and don'ts that determine who stays in middle management and who gets promoted to the C-suite. The consensus was clear: hitting your KPIs is just the entry fee; understanding the social and political mechanics of your organization is what actually gets you promoted. A standout moment in the interview was Craig's breakdown of why high-performers often fail to get promoted because they fall into the “Technical Trap.” Many high-achievers believe that becoming the ultimate expert in their current role is the fastest way to move up, but the opposite is often true. Craig explained that if you make yourself too indispensable as a “doer,” you become “un-promotable” because leadership can’t afford to lose your technical output. To be promoted, you have to transition your identity from a specialist to a strategist, demonstrating that you have the Executive Presence to lead others rather than just doing the work yourself. We also discussed why Political Savvy is a non-negotiable skill if you want to get promoted. It isn't about “playing games”; it's about building relational equity and finding a sponsor. While a mentor talks to you, a sponsor is someone who talks about you in rooms you haven't entered yet. Craig shared that many talented individuals fail to get promoted simply because they lack an advocate at the decision-making table. By mapping out the power dynamics of your company and building a network of supporters, you ensure that your name is at the top of the list when it is time for someone to be promoted. If you are tired of watching others move up while you feel stuck, this recap is your roadmap to finally being promoted. We covered 7 specific shifts, from mastering “The Brief” to managing your “Leadership Shadow.” Don’t let another year go by wondering why you haven’t been promoted to the level your hard work deserves. Watch the full replay of A New Direction with Coach Jay and Craig A. Fleming to master these unwritten rules and take the final step to get promoted into the leadership role you've been aiming for. Craig Flemings book, “Unwritten Rules Of Leadership: How Executives Decide Who To Trust, Mentor, Promote, and Remember” is a no nonsense, gets right to the point book.  There is no fluff.  No stories.  Just a practical guide to, “if you want to get promoted here is what to do, and here is what not to do.”   Quite honestly I found it refreshing.  No wading through some here is the principle of the story.  Not some fairy tale that is suppose to make me feel better about my life, just the direct approach of, “if you want this, here is what you must do.” There are 25 chapters, each chapter has the same outline.  Here is the title, here is why it is important.  What are the costs and benefits to you on the topic.  Here is what you need to do.  Here are the distortions that will stall your career.  Here is the Application that you need to do on a daily basis in your personal life, your execution, communication etc. I found this book to be so appealing.  Find the area.  Why is it important.  Have the discipline to do what it says…and execute it daily.  Simple. Straight forward. Practical.  We need more books like this with less stories and more application. Get you copy of Unwritten Rules of Leadership by clicking here. Our sponsors are so important to the success of A New Direction.  Please use their services, or recommend their services to others.  Their dedication to the show helps us help more people around the world! Data443: Cyren Cyren Threat Intelligence: Your Business's Cyber Early-Warning System What is it? Think of Cyren as a global neighborhood watch for the internet. Every single day, it scans billions of emails, websites, and files looking for the newest scams, viruses, and hackers. How does it help your business? Cyren automatically creates a constantly updated “most wanted” list of bad links, spam, and hackers. It feeds this list directly into the security tools your company already uses (like your firewall or antivirus software). This empowers your existing security systems to instantly recognize and block new dangers without you or your IT team having to lift a finger. Why it matters: Stops threats at the door: It blocks malicious emails, scam links, and viruses before they even reach your employees’ inboxes or computers. Always up-to-date: The internet moves fast, but Cyren updates in real-time so you are protected against attacks that were just invented today. Trusted by the experts: Massive internet service providers and global tech companies rely on Cyren to protect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. You get the exact same enterprise-grade protection they use. The Bottom Line: Cyren acts as the brain behind your business’s cybersecurity, automatically finding and blocking threats so you can stop worrying about hackers and focus on running your business. Linda Craft  Team, REALTORS®, for more than 40 years they have been helping people all over the world protect their dreams and make new ones. Let's be honest, most of us soon forget how much we paid for our home, or how much we sold our home for…but we all hold on to the memories that were made in that home. The powerful emotions that were in that home.  The gatherings, the people, the joys and even some sorrows, because at the end of the day all our memories are what makes the home…a home. The memories and the emotions of those memories.  The Linda Craft Team continue the tradition of being the “memory makers” by giving the home you are ready to sell the marketing and attention it deserves, and the start to the new memories you will create when you purchase your next home. When you are ready for your memory head on over to www.LindaCraft.com Stop Performing. Start Dominating You weren't built to play it safe. You already know what average looks like. You've watched it sit in meetings, nod along, and clock out at five. You've seen it settle for “good enough” and call it a career. And something inside you — maybe it's quiet, maybe it's screaming — refuses to accept that as your ceiling. That's not ambition. That's your signal. The distance between where you are and where you know you're capable of being isn't talent. It isn't luck. It's the space between knowing what to do and actually executing at the level your potential demands. And that gap? It doesn't close on its own. The Truth Nobody Tells High Performers Here's what the leadership books leave out: the strategies that got you here won't get you there. The habits, the mindset, the way you manage your energy and your influence — all of it needs to evolve. Not because you're broken. Because you're ready for more. Every elite athlete has a coach. Every world-class CEO has an advisor in their corner. Not because they're weak — because they understand that the highest performers on the planet don't go it alone. What Changes When You Stop Going It Alone Working with an executive performance coach isn't about fixing problems. It's about unlocking the version of you that operates with total clarity, relentless focus, and the kind of presence that shifts the energy in every room you walk into. Imagine making decisions faster — and with more confidence. Leading teams that don't just follow you, but run through walls for you. Waking up on Monday with the same fire you feel on Friday night when you're planning your next move. That's not fantasy. That's what happens when you get serious about your performance. Your Move You've read this far for a reason. That reason matters. Don't let this be another article you agree with and forget by tomorrow. Take the first step right now:  Book a free discovery call — Let's talk about where you are, where you want to be, and what's standing in the way. Visit www.jayizso.com to schedule your session.  Send me a direct message — Not ready for a call? No problem. Reach out at jay@thecoachjay.com and tell me what's on your mind. Every conversation starts somewhere. The only thing standing between you and your next level is the decision to stop waiting. Make it today. Jay Izso is an Executive Performance Coach who works with driven professionals ready to break through to their next level of leadership, influence, and impact. Learn more at www.jayizso.com.

Send us Fan MailAI is already deciding who gets surfaced, summarized, and recommended, and that reality changes personal branding and business development in a way most leaders have not fully faced. I walk through the moment that broke something in me, when a preventable delay in a broken healthcare system cost my father his life, not because doctors lacked skill, but because the system could not coordinate fast enough. That experience became my lens for seeing the same failure pattern in leadership, hiring, entrepreneurship, and community growth: when people cannot find the right expert at the right time, outcomes suffer. From the Rebuilding the Village work I witnessed across cities like Omaha, Durham, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Minneapolis, I outline three architectures that compound impact: civic infrastructure that aligns partners, economic ecosystems that create pathways for entrepreneurs to learn, fund, and scale, and the missing layer I focus on, trust infrastructure. Trust infrastructure is what makes founders and leaders findable and verifiable so customers, investors, and even AI systems can confirm authority without guesswork. Then I get practical. I define trust infrastructure as promise, proof, and presence, and I explain why AI will not invent your authority for you. I introduce my Brave Blueprint Strategy and a seven-day sprint you can start tomorrow to build visible authority with real receipts: a one-sentence introduction, proof points, an origin story, consistent content, a short proof video, and testimonials you collect with permission. If you want to be the automatic choice when it matters most, subscribe, share this with someone building a brand, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Episode 300 is here!

AI can help you outline your thoughts. But when you skip the step of making it yours, you're watering down your uniqueness, losing your voice and the signal that tells people who you are as a leader. In this episode, Jill Griffin unpacks:Why polished communication is back, and why it might be quietly eroding your credibilityThe MIT research on AI and your brain that every leader needs to know aboutHow to use AI without disappearing from your own communications, and what it costs when you doMentioned on the show: MIT Study: Your Brain on ChatgptSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

What if every time you step up to speak, it's not your skills holding you back, but an old story from your past, replaying in your mind?That fear you feel about speaking up in a meeting or giving a big presentation didn't appear out of thin air. Those bad memories have scar tissue, and your brain clings to them, trying to keep you safe, even though the danger is long gone. But you can rewrite the script and show up with confidence, every single time.Stop looking for the “perfect” speaking technique—old wounds need a different approach. You can actually train your mind to see speaking as safe again, and it starts with a simple, powerful shift in how you think about your past.Here's what you'll learn:Why bad memories surface before you speak, so you can finally stop blaming your talent or preparation.How your nervous system mistakes old wounds for present danger, and why this keeps you quiet, so you stop self-sabotaging.A science-backed analogy that shows how mental “scar tissue” limits your range, so you realize more practice isn't the answer.A step-by-step strategy to tell your brain you're safe now, so you can upgrade your old memories and move forward.How to prepare your mind before high-stakes moments, so you show up powerfully and leave the past behind.Rewrite your memories, reclaim your voice, and become the speaker others can't ignore.>>>Book an Executive Presence call at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/executive-presence>>>Get the Expert's Edge delivered to your inbox at https://SpeakAndStandOut.com/newsletter

Send us Fan MailShe showed up to the coaching session with her laptop open and her defense document ready. Two weeks of work. ROI figures, headcount justifications, three years of performance data — all of it organized into slides, all of it prepared to answer one question: “Why should I keep my job?”There was just one problem. Nobody in her organization was asking that question.In this Monday Momentum episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton shares what this director at a financial services firm discovered in that coaching session — and the shift that changed how she walked into every high-stakes conversation after it. Not with a defense. With a position.What You Will LearnWhy the instinct to defend your past makes high-performing women less visible at the exact moment visibility matters most.The difference between defending your value and positioning it — and why it changes how decision-makers see you.A three-part framework you can build today that shifts the entire tone of any high-stakes conversation with leadership.Your Action StepListen to the full episode and build your own version of the framework Kele walks through. Then say it out loud before your next conversation with leadership. Not as a rehearsed speech. As a reminder of something you already know.AI Prompt: Build Your Positioning StatementUse this prompt to put the framework into your own words:“I am a [job title] in [industry]. I want to build a three-sentence positioning statement that communicates my value clearly and confidently without sounding defensive. The Result: [describe a specific outcome you have delivered recently and its impact]. The Strategic Focus: [describe the business problem you are currently solving]. The Direction: [describe where you are taking your work next and why it connects to what your organization needs most]. Requirements: Write three clear, confident sentences. No jargon. No defensive language. Forward-facing tone. Each sentence should feel natural to say out loud in a professional conversation.”Ready to Go Deeper?Book a complimentary Leadership Strategy Call with Kele to identify exactly what is standing between you and the recognition you have earned.About Your HostKele Belton is a communication and leadership trainer who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through strategic communication and practical leadership frameworks.Connect with KeleLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com

You think you're being authentic. You're not. In this powerful conversation, media expert, keynote speaker, and author Jeanne Sparrow breaks down the real meaning of authenticity — and it's not what you think. Most people confuse authenticity with oversharing. Others stay silent, mistaking fear for integrity. Jeanne explains why true authenticity isn't about saying everything — it's about knowing who you are, what you bring to the table, and how to use that power with intention. You'll learn: Why oversharing kills trust (and isn't real connection) How to tell the difference between fear and truth How to adapt without losing yourself Why your presence speaks louder than your words — and how to own it Whether you're leading a team, having a tough conversation, or just trying to show up more powerfully — this episode will change how you think about being “yourself.” Connect with Jeanne ⁠jeannesparrow.com⁠ ⁠Buy now The Book - FEARLESS AUTHENTICITY - by Jeanne Sparrow⁠ Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!⁠

Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters.Confident communication isn't about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff, it's about displaying assurance before you even open your mouth.Wolff is a former professional race car driver, managing director of F1 Academy, and author of Driven. Throughout her career in one of the world's most male-dominated industries, she's learned that confidence starts within. “If you want others to believe in you, you need to at least have confidence in your own abilities,” she says. By letting her capabilities speak for themselves, Wolff felt she didn't have to. “I was never the loudest voice in the room. But I made sure when I did speak that I really had something to say.”In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Tiggy Valen, Wolff shares how inner drive creates outer clarity. From delivering hard truths with empathy to achieving buy-in for a bold vision, Wolff offers lessons on communicating with confidence, even in the face of stiff competition.Episode Reference Links:Susie WolffSusie's Book: DrivenTiggy ValenPaddock ProjectEp.235 Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk  Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:06) - Early Motorsport Passion (04:01) - Finding Your Voice (05:33) - Building Confidence (06:28) - Becoming a Leader (08:48) - Cross-Cultural Communication (09:57) - Building F1 Academy (14:20) - Giving Tough Feedback (17:32) - Embracing Discomfort (20:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:18) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Send us Fan MailAre you being told that AI can replace people, but something about that strategy doesn't sit right with you? Are you wondering what happens to leadership when organizations prioritize efficiency over human judgment, trust, and connection?In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton explores why human leadership still wins in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Through a real-world story about Oracle, current workforce trends, and practical guidance for both leaders and individual contributors, Kele makes the case that replacing people with AI is not a leadership strategy — it is a short-sighted cost-cutting move.This episode is for the leader in the middle: the person asked to implement decisions they didn't make, while still trying to protect their team and their own career. It is also for any professional who wants to stay valuable in a world that is becoming more automated. Kele explains why relational leadership, contextual judgment, and human connection are skills AI cannot replicate — and how to make those strengths more visible.What You Will Learn:Why AI can process information, but cannot build trust, read the room, or lead people.What recent workforce trends reveal about the risks of replacing employees with AI.Why middle managers face a particularly difficult leadership challenge in AI-driven change.How to communicate honestly when you are asked to deliver decisions you did not make.Why your relational intelligence and contextual judgment are professional assets.How to make your value visible in ways that go beyond metrics and documentation.Book your Leadership Strategy CallSchedule your complementary session so we can explore how best to support you.Your Action Step:Identify one professional relationship you have been meaning to invest in but haven't. Reach out this week without an agenda — just to connect, check in, and show up as the kind of leader AI never can.About Your Host:Kele Belton is the CEO and founder of The Tailored Approach LLC. She is a leadership communication coach and consultant who specializes in helping women develop impact through practical leadership frameworks. Her podcast, Communicate to Lead, is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally.Connect with Kele for more leadership insights:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com/

Executive presence is one of those concepts every leader knows matters, yet very few can clearly define or develop. In this episode of Partnering Leadership, Mahan Tavakoli sits down with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPont, co-authors of The Presence Principle: Embodying Executive Presence to Lead with Impact. Drawing on their work in executive education at Johns Hopkins University, they unpack what presence actually looks like in practice—and why most leaders get it wrong.What makes this conversation stand out is the shift away from surface-level advice. This isn't about “owning the room” or projecting confidence. Alexa and Carl go deeper, reframing executive presence as something that begins well before a leader speaks—and often shows up in ways they aren't even aware of. From mindset and self-awareness to subtle behavioral cues, they highlight how leaders shape perceptions long before they intend to.The conversation also challenges a common trap: trying to “perform” leadership rather than embody it. Many leaders, especially those stepping into more senior roles, feel pressure to adopt a version of executive presence that doesn't fit who they are. Alexa and Carl make a strong case that this approach not only fails but erodes trust over time. Instead, they point to the discipline of aligning presence with authentic strengths, while still being intentional about how those strengths are expressed.There's also a practical edge throughout. Whether it's understanding how the brain reacts under pressure, recognizing how attention and technology affect presence, or making small but meaningful adjustments in communication, the discussion stays grounded in real leadership behavior. These are not abstract ideas. They are habits leaders carry into every meeting, every interaction, and every decision.For CEOs and senior executives, this episode offers a sharper lens on a topic that often feels vague. It's a reminder that leadership impact is not just about strategy or decisions, but about how consistently and intentionally you show up in the moments that matter.Actionable TakeawaysYou'll learn why executive presence starts long before you enter the room—and how leaders often miss the most important part of that preparationHear how subtle, often unconscious signals—like voice, posture, and attention—shape how others interpret your leadershipYou'll learn why trying to “act like a leader” can actually undermine your effectiveness, especially at senior levelsHear how top leaders build presence through small, consistent shifts rather than dramatic changesYou'll learn how the brain's safety vs. danger response quietly influences how you show up under pressureHear why multitasking may be eroding your leadership presence more than you realizeYou'll learn how to balance collaboration with self-advocacy so your contributions are both recognized and trustedHear how leaders can use reflection to close the gap between how they think they show up and how others actually experience themYou'll learn why consistency—not intensity—is what ultimately builds lasting executive presenceHear how presence directly connects to a leader's ability to engage, align, and move people to actConnect with Alexa Chilcutt and Carl DuPontThe Presence Principle WebsiteAlexa Chilcutt LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli:Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What can you do to improve your executive presence? Perception of your leadership abilities directly impacts your career trajectory, for better or worse. You've likely heard of executive presence before, but even though it often comes up in the context of something to improve, it's difficult for many people to identify a clear path to make that improvement. My guest, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, is an executive communication expert at Johns Hopkins University and wrote the book, “The Presence Principle.” In it, she offers a 3-step framework to demystify this confusing but vital professional trait once and for all. Alexa joins me on the podcast to get into the weeds about what executive presence is and how we can cultivate it to become more impactful leaders. Give your career trajectory a boost with Alexa's research-backed perspective: What executive presence is, and what it's not; Why you don't have to impersonate the traditional leader archetype to succeed in your career; The impact of initial and enduring impressions; The three-adjectives activity that will pump up your leadership presence progress. Related Links: Connect with Dr. Alexa Chilcutt on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/ Order “The Presence Principle” from Routledge and use the code Pres26 to get a 25% discount until June 17, 2026 - https://www.routledge.com/The-Presence-Principle-Embodying-Executive-Presence-to-Lead-with-Impact/Chilcutt-DuPont/p/book/9781041021964 Sally Williamson, “Executive Presence Is a Top Priority for Leadership” - https://sallywilliamson.com/executive-presence-top-priority-leadership/ Coqual, “Executive Presence Key Findings” - https://coqual.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26_executivepresence_keyfindings-1.pdf Episode 407, How to Delegate Without Feeling So Bad About It - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode407 Episode 491, Debunking Imposter Syndrome as a Women's Issue - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode491 Episode 447, Job Search Success: How to Optimize your LinkedIn Profile Skills Sections - https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode447 Episode 298, How to Maximize Your Time to Get Things Done -  https://www.bossedup.org/podcast/episode298    LEVEL UP: a Leadership Accelerator for Women on the Rise - https://www.bossedup.org/levelup Bossed Up Courage Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/927776673968737/ Bossed Up LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7071888/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailCold outreach is louder than ever, yet most of it still feels like cardboard in the mail. Host Grant McGaugh sits down with mortgage professional, networking coach, and speaker Sarah Hubbard to get real about what actually drives growth in a crowded sales market and why old school “spend money to make money” tactics can leave you stressed, broke, and disconnected from the people you're trying to serve.Sarah shares her origin story: a high-achieving athlete who thought she'd become a physical therapist, got rejected from multiple programs, then unexpectedly fell into mortgage financing. When she moved into origination, she followed the playbook she was handed: heavy direct mail, big spend, little personalization, and wound up $60,000 in credit card debt. That low point becomes a turning point as she discovers a better path: intentional networking built on real conversations, trust, and clear next steps.Together, we unpack Sarah's MAPP framework for networking ROI: Mindset and Intention, Authentic Presence, and Precise Messaging, plus how to use AI tools to research rooms, create smarter icebreakers, and make limited time count. We talk about authenticity without performative branding, why introverts can be elite networkers, how to stop saying “I help anybody,” and how to make your message simple enough that people can confidently refer you. If you want more referrals, a stronger personal brand, and business development that feels good, not salesy, this one is for you.Subscribe, share this with a friend who hates networking, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

The coffee chat isn't the problem. The vague ask is. Jill Griffin breaks down how senior leaders stop leaving relationships to chance and start building influence with intention.In this episode:Why "let's catch up" is killing your executive relationships before they startThe three things that make a busy senior leader actually want to meet with youHow to build a usefulness habit that compounds your influence over timeSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Send us Fan MailLayoffs. Restructuring. Industry-wide uncertainty. And your instinct as a high-performing woman leader is the same one you have always trusted: do more, say yes to more, work longer hours.That instinct is the one thing guaranteed to make you less visible at the exact moment visibility matters most.In this Monday Momentum episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton shares the one strategy women leaders can use this week to step out of survival mode and back into the strategic seat. It is called the 90-Day Achievement Inventory. It takes ten minutes. Because working harder in silence is not a strategy. It is a hiding place.What You Will Learn:Why the instinct to do more in uncertain seasons makes high-performing women less visible, not more.The 90-Day Achievement Inventory: a ten-minute exercise that turns invisible work into visible leadership.Three questions to answer this week to claim your impact in language decision-makers can hear.Your Action Step:Set a ten-minute timer today. Answer these three questions in writing. Do not edit. Do not minimize.1.     What results have I delivered in the last 90 days?2.     Who benefited from that work?3.     If my team described my impact over the last 90 days, what would they say?Then take one of those achievements and share it in your next one-on-one or team meeting. Not as a brag, but as a status update from a leader who is clear about where she is adding value.Ready to Go Deeper?Book a complimentary Leadership Strategy Call with Kele to identify exactly what is standing between you and the recognition you have earned.About Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership trainer who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through strategic communication and practical leadership frameworks.Connect with Kele:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/• Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com

You were told to work hard.But no one told you that wouldn't be enough.In this episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa Whyte sits down with executive HR leader and author Yolanda K. Davis to unpack the real reason high performers get passed over—and what actually drives advancement at the highest levels.With over 30 years of Fortune 100 experience, Yolanda breaks down a truth most professionals learn too late: performance gets you noticed, but trust gets you promoted.This conversation dives into:Why doing “all the right things” still isn't enoughThe difference between mentors and sponsors (and why it matters)How workplace politics and positioning actually workThe role of executive presence, influence, and visibilityWhy strategy—not effort—is the real career acceleratorYolanda introduces her TRUST Framework, a practical system for building influence, credibility, and leadership impact inside any organization.If you've ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or stuck despite performing at a high level—this episode will shift how you play the game.

Carmen Sederino, Founder and Performance Master at Illuminated Story, joins John Golden to explain why the live keynote is a competitive advantage AI cannot replicate — and how leaders and sellers can build real executive presence through voice, body, and emotional choreography. She shares the 50/50 rehearsal rule, how authenticity works as a range rather than a fixed pose, and why pause is the most underused tool in business delivery. Learn more at https://illuminatedstory.com/.

What does it really mean to "communicate while female"? Dr. Kate Mason — executive communications coach, world-champion debater, and author of Powerfully Likeable — joins Lori to unpack the invisible tightropes women walk at work every single day.Kate shares why likability is a form of power (not a liability), the difference between imposter syndrome and what she calls "imposing syndrome," and why women are statistically the best negotiators in the world — just not when negotiating for themselves.Plus: why the hard conversations you have at home make you better at work, how to advocate for a promotion without it feeling emotional, and the one small daily habit that changes everything.If you've ever toned yourself down to seem more "professional," or held back an idea because you didn't want to bother anyone — this episode is for you.Text us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram

What if the thing holding you back isn't a lack of expertise, but the fact that your voice hasn't caught up to what you know?In this episode, Steve Mellor sits down with Dr. Leslie Gordon, a speech, voice, and accent expert who helps high-performing professionals speak with more confidence, presence, and impact. Leslie introduces the idea of the “growing edge,” a powerful replacement for the word “weakness,” and explains why real growth requires more than mindset. It requires action, repetition, awareness, and the willingness to step into unfamiliar territory.This conversation is for anyone who has ever left a meeting thinking, “I should have said something,” or who knows they have something valuable to contribute but struggles to make their voice match their expertise.Why “growing edge” is more useful than calling something a weakness  Why high performers struggle to speak up, even when they know their stuff  How self-evaluation can help growth or quietly block it  How to work with the inner critic using Leslie's “name it to tame it” strategy  Why presence, breath, and body tension shape how your message lands  Why confidence is built through action, not simply something you either have or don't haveConnect with Dr. Leslie Gordon:Website: https://www.leslie.gordon.speech/lesliegordonspeech.comSend us Fan MailSupport the showConnect with Steve MellorStay connected and keep growing with Steve:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mellor-cc/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/coachstevemellorBook Steve to speak at your next event → www.stevemellorspeaks.comSupport the GrowthReady Podcast by leaving a 5-star rating → Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growthready-podcast/id1406082163Connect with GrowthReadyJoin the community and keep your growth journey going:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearegrowthready/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/growthreadypodcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/growthreadywithcoachstevemellorOfficial Website - https://growthready.com/----This podcast was produced on Riverside and released via ...

Send us Fan MailA nonprofit can have the purest mission in the world and still fail if it's run like a hobby. We sit down with Dr. Sharon Eliphant, CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, to talk about what it really takes to operate a “business with a cause” with the same seriousness you'd bring to a for-profit company.We dig into the real differences between nonprofit vs for-profit organizations, why tax reporting matters, and how transparency can become an advantage. Sharon explains why nonprofit branding is not a logo project. It's mission clarity, a specific community you serve, a plan that actually solves the problem, and the ability to answer the question every funder is thinking: “If I gave you $50,000 today, exactly how would you spend it?” We also talk proof of impact, building early wins, and why listening to community needs beats performative charity every time.Then we get tactical on nonprofit financial management and compliance: financial literacy, budgeting, reading a P&L, and how Form 990 filings influence trust, grant readiness, and even public ratings on platforms like Charity Navigator and GuideStar. We close by reframing “sales” as outreach, pitching, and donor cultivation so your programs can grow without losing integrity.If you got value from this conversation, subscribe, share it with a nonprofit founder, and leave a review so more mission-driven leaders can find it.Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Being remote isn't the problem. Being invisible is. Here's how senior leaders build influence when they're not in the room. In this episode: Why results alone won't get you promoted from a satellite officeThe visibility strategies that actually work at distanceHow to make decision-makers care — without begging for their timeSupport the showJill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy. Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:The Next Era Leader An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intentionExecutive Coaching & Leadership Advisory 1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what's nextConnect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & WorkshopsInstagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Send us Fan MailMost founders don't lose deals because they lack hustle. They lose because they show up at the wrong moment, pitching someone who is still “happy enough” with the status quo. We sit down with Craig Elias, creator of Trigger Event Selling, and Brandy, startup builder and coach, to map the moments that actually make buyers move and how to be first in the door when they do.We break down what a trigger event is, why the “window of dissatisfaction” is where buying decisions quietly begin, and how founders can stop wasting outreach on people who won't change. You'll hear practical startup sales frameworks like finding a motivated market beyond TAM SAM SOM, validating demand with Problem Bingo, and the painkiller vs vitamin test. We also dig into RIPES, the five-part logic buyers use to justify spend in B2B, plus how to clarify your ideal customer profile with bifurcation and a tight seven-second sales message.Then we get tactical about go-to-market strategy: building a marketing moat with simple SEO plays like owning the domain language customers repeat, and how AI tools can speed research and planning without hiding behind tech. The big theme stays human, though: relationships, propinquity, and personal branding on LinkedIn so you're known before the buyer is ready.If you want better timing, cleaner positioning, and a startup sales process that doesn't feel like begging, hit play. After you listen, subscribe, share it with a founder who needs it, and leave a review. What's the trigger event that made your last big purchase happen?Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates, visit 5starbdm.com.And don't miss Grant McGaugh's new book, First Light — a powerful guide to igniting your purpose and building a BRAVE brand that stands out in a changing world. - https://5starbdm.com/brave-masterclass/See you next time on Follow The Brand!