Podcasts about executive presence

Send us a textWhat if the gap between talking about AI and profiting from it is only one habit wide? We sit down with Kellen Coleman—PR strategist, government contracting pro, and builder of AI-powered tools—to unpack how creators and small teams turn brand visibility into real revenue. The throughline is simple: certificates don't close deals. Consistency, timing, and proof of work do.We start with the difference between AI literacy and AI leverage. Kellen traces how collecting knowledge means nothing without shipped projects, measurable outcomes, and rooms where decisions are made. From RFIs to RFQs, he explains why showing up early in procurement cycles creates unfair advantages, and how reputation flips outreach so that opportunities start finding you. We map the first AI moves for teams under ten: goal-led prompting, agent workflows for research and drafting, a shared prompt library, and a weekly rhythm that converts saved time into shipped work.Money is the next frontier. Rather than automating tasks only, we use AI to reshape financial behavior: budget baselines, debt payoff plans, 401k funding strategies, and clear monthly reviews that compound. Kellen's stance is direct—retirement should mean dignity—and the path runs through systems that beat impulse. We also tackle the minority-owned business edge in this AI moment. Certifications open doors, but outreach, delivery, and narrative depth close deals. If the playing field of information is now flatter, focus becomes the lever that moves markets.By the end, you'll have a clear, practical blueprint: pick one AI platform, ask it to refine your prompts, build something tangible this week, and measure output over hours. Think asset-first, not attention-first. Let your brand do the pre-selling, and let consistent work make you easy to recommend. If this conversation sharpens your plan, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs the push, and leave a review telling us the one AI step you'll take this week.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 a textYou have the data. You have the insight. You know the answer. But while you are double-checking your notes to be 100% certain, someone with half your experience speaks up and claims the idea.Does this sound familiar?For many women leaders, over-preparation isn't just a habit; it's a survival strategy that has morphed into a barrier. We often tell ourselves we are being "thorough" or "strategic," but in reality, we are operating from fear—the fear that if we aren't perfect, we aren't qualified.In this episode, Kele Belton dismantles the myth that more preparation equals better leadership. We explore the dangerous difference between strategic diligence and fear-based delay, and why the behaviors that got you promoted early in your career might be the very things preventing you from reaching the C-suite today.If you find yourself rewriting emails five times, building 60-slide decks for 15-minute meetings, or staying silent until you have "all the answers," this episode is your permission slip to stop proving yourself and start leading.What You Will Learn:The "Maya" Case Study: How one director went from freezing in executive meetings to earning a senior leadership promotion by reducing her prep time.The T.R.U.S.T. Framework: A 5-step tool to move you from analysis paralysis to confident contribution.Strategic vs. Fear-Based: How to identify if you are preparing to add value or preparing to avoid risk.The "First 10 Minutes" Rule: A simple challenge to shift how you are perceived in high-stakes meetings.Scripts for Uncertainty: Exact phrases you can use to sound authoritative even when you don't have all the data.Key Quotes:"Over-preparation isn't perfectionism. It's fear wearing a very convincing disguise.""While you're preparing, someone else is contributing. While you're perfecting, someone else is influencing.""Your goal isn't to be perfect and unchallengeable. Your goal is to be prepared enough to represent your expertise."Resources Mentioned:Work with Kele: Schedule your complimentary Leadership Strategy Call HERELeave a Review: If you loved this episode, please leave a review here.About Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through strategic communication and practical leadership frameworks.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

In this Season 10 debut of Dope Interviews, Warren Shaw welcomes corporate leader and author Beverly Vanterpool for a powerful discussion on career navigation, ambition, and building influence beyond traditional corporate ladders.Beverly shares her journey from the Caribbean to London, unpacks the hidden dynamics of corporate leadership, and explains why women, especially women of color, must focus on visibility, sponsorship, and community, not just hard work. She also discusses her book Build Your Table and the mission behind her podcast Stories By Career Sistas.This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning their next career move or feeling stuck in systems not designed for them.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dope-interviews--5006633/support.Follow Dope Interviews on X: https://www.twitter.com/dope_interviewsFollow Warren Shaw on X: https://www.twitter.com/thewarrenshawFollow Warren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewarrenshawRock "Dope Interviews" gear: https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.comLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)!  https://bit.ly/19Guest

What's changing right now isn't the caliber of leaders. It's the environment we're leading in.

The keys to communicating clarity, not confusion.What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexity,” says Adam Bryant. “I don't think you can be an effective leader if you can't do that.”Bryant is a senior managing director at the ExCo Group and former New York Times journalist who interviewed over 500 CEOs for his renowned Corner Office column. Through those conversations, he identified a pattern: the best communicators turn complexity into clarity. For Bryant, that means checking your own expertise, considering not whether something makes sense to you, but whether it makes sense to someone else. “Empathy [is] a component of communication,” he says, “to be an effective communicator, you have to be able to get in the head of the audience.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bryant and host Matt Abrahams explore the keys to clear communication, from simplifying (without oversimplifying) to repeating messages until people can recite them back. Whether you're leading a whole company or just one conversation, Bryant's insights reveal how to communicate complex ideas in ways anyone can understand.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Adam BryantAdam's Books: Quick and Nimble / The CEO TestEp.98 Give It to Me Straight: How to Give Honest, Constructive Feedback 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 (01:10) - Traits of Successful Leaders (03:25) - Communication Mistakes to Avoid (07:22) - Listening as a Leadership Skill (10:42) - Simplifying Complex Ideas (14:18) - How to Capture Attention (16:58) - Leading Life with Curiosity (18:22) - The Final Three Question (22:47) - Conclusion

This week's episode of Win The Hour, Win The Day Podcast interviews, Mari Geasair. Are people nodding, smiling, and then disappearing on you? In this episode, Kris Ward asks Mari Geasair about why people stop listening before they ever stop replying, and how to fix it fast. In this practical conversation, you'll learn:-Why people mentally check out even when your ideas are good.-How talking faster can make you sound unsure instead of confident.-The simple way to sound calm, clear, and strong without acting fake.-Why warmth must come first or people feel unsafe listening to you.-How small pauses and tone changes make people pay attention.-What to say when you feel rushed so others don't take it personally.-How controlling your energy helps people stay present with you. This episode shows you how to slow down, sound confident, and stop being ignored in meetings, sales calls, and conversations that matter. Win The Hour, Win The Day! www.winthehourwintheday.com  Podcast: Win The Hour, Win The Day Podcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winthehourwintheday/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/win-the-hour-win-the-day-podcast You can find Mari Geasair at:Website:  https://www.more-impact-less-stress.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-geasair/

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Lynn Smith, former NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News anchor, executive communication coach, and author of Just Keep Going. Lynn is best known for helping Fortune 500 leaders turn pressure into presence, but her newest book takes an unexpected form: a children's story about fear, resilience, and perseverance. That surprising choice is exactly what makes this conversation so relevant for leaders. Andy and Lynn explore why the same fears that stop CEOs are often the ones that show up in kids, how our inner critic or "Brain Bully" shapes behavior under pressure, and why the goal is not to eliminate fear but to metabolize it. Lynn shares deeply personal stories about rejection, family influence, and the lessons she learned growing up that shaped her approach to leadership and communication. You'll also hear practical techniques leaders can use to calm their nervous systems, give feedback that actually helps instead of harms, and model resilience for their teams and families. If you lead people or projects and want practical insights on emotional intelligence, confidence, and navigating fear, this episode is for you. Sound Bites "The one trait and the one skill that separates us from success is resilience. If you can acquire that skill, you will be successful. Hard stop." "Your greatest failure can be in service of somebody else." "We are biologically wired for fear. Trying to delete it is a fool's journey." "Bravery is doing something even if you are afraid." "How you show up within one tenth of a second is defining you for your audience." "Feedback leads to growth. Criticism feeds the brain bully." "When we calm our nervous system, we can make better decisions." "There's a mouse in all of us that needs the reminder to just keep going." "Ending what doesn't serve you is not quitting." "Fear often shows up as stress, pressure, or imposter syndrome, but it's the same circuitry." "Resilience is the greatest gift we can give our kids and our teams." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 01:55 Family Influence and Early Experiences 06:45 Recognizing the Brain Bully 12:28 Learning Resilience Over Time 14:08 Giving Feedback That Helps Instead of Hurts 15:50 Metabolizing Fear Instead of Eliminating It 20:05 Rejection and the Origin of the Book 23:00 Strategies from the Book for Big Feelings 26:15 The Business Equivalent of Jumping Up and Down 28:50 When Just Keep Going Does Not Apply 31:50 How Lynn and Her Team Help Leaders 34:10 End of Interview 34:47 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Lynn and her work at LynnSmith.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 462 with Margie Warrell, about going from playing it safe to speaking up. Episode 397 with Dr. Julia DiGangi, a discussion Andy continues to revisit for practical insights. Episode 394 with Joshua Freedman, one of the leading voices on emotional intelligence. Level Up Your AI Skills During the episode, Andy mentions the importance of preparing for an AI-infused future. Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free and a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader. That's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of leaders committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than five minutes a week, and it's all free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Fear Management, Communication Skills, Executive Presence, Feedback, Confidence, Self Leadership, Team Culture, Project Leadership The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sasha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Executive presence is often misunderstood as polish, performance, or playing by outdated rules. It can feel like pressure to become someone you're not. But real presence isn't about fitting a mold; it's about confidence, composure, communication, and emotional intelligence – all grounded in authenticity. Listen to today's episode to: --> Discover how mindset shapes executive presence. --> Understand why impostor syndrome shows up for even the most accomplished leaders. --> Learn practical strategies to own the room without compromising who you are. The post #223: Lawyers’ Guidebook To Executive Presence – Be An Inspiring & Influential Leader appeared first on Life & Law Podcast.

Adam Severson is the Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer at Baker Donelson, a leading national firm with more than 700 lawyers and 25-plus offices in the United States, primarily in the southeastern U.S. Adam's role is unique compared to many who hold that title in that he spends a lot of his time meeting with clients and actually selling the firm's services. Adam is a past president of the Legal Marketing Association and a Hall of Fame member. He's also a Fellow in the College of Law Practice Management. WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE ABOUT EXECUTIVE PRESENCE Executive presence can seem hard to define. Many people think you either have it or you don't. But Adam Severson frames it differently. When you walk into a room or lead a pitch meeting, others are asking themselves whether they can take you seriously and whether you instill confidence. That assessment happens fast, and it's based on more than just what you say. The lawyers who are best at client development aren't necessarily the ones trying to be the smartest or most interesting person in the room. They're the ones who show up prepared, ask thoughtful questions about what's actually happening in a client's business, and then follow through when they promise to find an answer. Adam calls that gap between what people say they will do and what they actually do the "say-do gap." Closing it builds trust faster than almost anything else, and most people never even realize they're leaving it open. In this episode of The Lawyer's Edge, Elise Holtzman talks with Adam Severson about what executive presence actually looks like in law firms, why imposter syndrome stops people from even trying to develop it, and how lawyers can build credibility through preparation and genuine curiosity rather than trying to have all the answers. 2:09 - How Adam defines executive presence  3:16 - The three elements of executive presence  5:26 - Executive presence vs. confidence and whether you can have one without the other 6:22 - Practical behaviors to demonstrate executive presence 8:53 - Being interested in others matters more than being interesting 10:27 - Using data to build credibility with lawyers and practice groups 15:07 - How executive presence impacts business development and client retention 15:32 - The "say-do gap" and why following through on what you promise matters 21:10 - Imposter syndrome keeps people from trying to develop executive presence 22:14 - The perfectionism problem and why you don't need all the answers 25:07 - Lessons learned from Adam's own career building executive presence 28:20 - Modifying the approach by showing your work instead of just stating the conclusion 30:38 - Don't make assumptions about who you're talking to 34:06 - Why self-awareness matters more than confidence Mentioned in Executive Presence: How to Turn Skill into Influence Baker Donelson | LinkedIn Adam Severson on LinkedIn Get connected with the coaching team: hello@thelawyersedge.com The Lawyer's Edge SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE Today's episode is brought to you by the Ignite Women's Business Development Accelerator, a 9-month business development program created BY women lawyers for women lawyers. Ignite is a carefully designed business development program containing content, coaching, and a community of like-minded women who are committed to becoming rainmakers AND supporting the retention and advancement of other women in the profession. If you are interested in either participating in the program or sponsoring a woman in your firm to enroll, learn more about Ignite and sign up for our registration alerts by visiting www.thelawyersedge.com/ignite.

What does it take to go from competent professional to recognized leader? In this transformative episode of The Self Esteem and Confidence Mindset, we sit down with leadership expert Mark Silverman to explore what it means to become a rising leader—how to develop executive presence, build leadership confidence, and position yourself for greater responsibility, influence, and success in your career.Mark shares his expertise on the mindset shifts, skills, and strategies that separate emerging leaders from everyone else, and how to navigate the challenges of stepping into leadership roles with confidence and authenticity. If you're an aspiring leader, rising professional, or manager ready to level up your leadership impact, this conversation will accelerate your journey.Grab a free copy of Mark's book here:https://www.markjsilverman.com/free-copy-of-only10s-2-0/

Send us a textA bright dashboard can feel like certainty, but certainty is often the first illusion. We sit down with Dr. Mike Orkin, a seasoned statistician who has advised casinos and Fortune 100 leaders, to explore why smart people make bad calls when the numbers look right—and how to prevent it. From margin of error to the myth of tidy causation, Mike breaks down the difference between patterns worth acting on and patterns that will quietly burn your budget.We dig into classic misreads—like soda sales “causing” polio or alcohol “causing” lung cancer—and show how hidden variables twist decisions. Then we step onto the casino floor to see probability without the storytelling: independent trials, house edge, and why betting limits protect profits. If you've ever heard of positive expected value, you'll hear why it still fails without disciplined sizing, and how the Kelly criterion turns winning odds into sustainable advantage. Along the way, we tackle lotteries, survivor bias, and the uncomfortable truth that winners often emerge because enough people played, not because someone discovered a secret.AI enters as both accelerant and trap. Large language models thrive on correlation and can hallucinate when the evidence runs dry. Mike shares practical guardrails for using AI in places like engineering and support—pairing models with domain expertise, testing for failure modes, and resisting the lure of overconfidence. We also zoom out to a leader's mental model: when to think deterministically, when to think probabilistically, and how to blend data with context, incentives, and human will.If you're steering strategy, allocating capital, or building with AI, this conversation offers a clear checklist: respect uncertainty, size your bets, interrogate correlations, and hire experts who can “think with other people's brains.” Subscribe, share with a data-loving friend, and leave a review with one insight you'll apply this quarter.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 a textThanks 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 a textAre you the "architect" of every win in your department, yet still missing from the promotion shortlist? You hit every metric, you stabilize the team, and you deliver results, but you still feel invisible.If you've become the most reliable "silent partner" in your organization, you are likely stuck in the "high-performer trap." You are essential to the work, but you aren't being seen as a visionary leader.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele Belton breaks down the 2026 Strategic Leadership Reset. This isn't a vague "New Year" pep talk; it's a systematic blueprint to move from delivery-focused achievement to visibility-focused leadership.Inside this episode, you'll discover:The 4-Phase Leadership Reset Framework: How to Audit, Interrupt, Architect, and Integrate a new operating system that earns you the recognition you deserve.The Overfunctioning Trap: Why "swooping in" to fix problems is actually hurting your leadership brand and robbing your team of growth.Strategic Ownership of Time: How to stop being the "default" solver for everyone else's problems (without being tone-deaf to the market).3 Visibility Triggers: Practical ways to take up space in high-level meetings and share your impact without feeling like you're bragging.The Strategic Cabinet: How to identify the 5 key relationships that will advocate for you when you aren't in the room.Stop being the best-kept secret in your company. It's time to work more strategically, not just harder.

What's changing right now isn't the caliber of leaders. It's the environment we're leading in.

Dr. Laura welcomes international keynote speaker, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the world's leading experts on executive presence and influence, Stacey Hanke, to the show to talk about how we can tend to and elevate our influence at work. Stacey defines the qualities of true influence and discusses her Monday to Monday philosophy of consistency in messaging. Not only is influence grown in what we say, but how we listen, how we show up daily, and how we continue to present ourselves. Stacey's new book, Influence Elevated, describes how consistent quality communication is key to maintaining influence. Monday to Monday, to her, means that our influence does not take weekends off. We must present ourselves authentically and consistently in every interaction. Stacey and Dr. Laura explore the importance of body language, active and mindful listening, everybody's individual influence type, and the necessity of being future-focused. Stacey's insight reveals how leaders, executives, and professionals at every career stage can strengthen their executive presence and elevate the way they show up both in person and virtually. “There's tons of confusion about what influence is and how to achieve it. We define it, my team and I, as your body language and your messaging. They need to be consistent Monday to Monday. That way no one ever has to guess who's going to show up. And we all know that true consistency is doing what you say you're doing when no one's watching.” - Stacey HankeAbout Stacey Hanke:Stacey Hanke is an international keynote speaker, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the world's leading experts on executive presence, influence, and leadership communication.For more than two decades, she has worked with leaders at nearly 100 Fortune 500 companies — including Microsoft, Google, American Express, Coca-Cola, Boeing, and FedEx — equipping them with the skills to command a room, earn trust, and be consistently perceived as the respected, influential leaders they intend to be.Stacey's transformative, humor-filled presentations teach audiences to overcome modern communication hurdles with proven strategies that capture attention, authentically connect, and inspire people to take action. From high-stakes presentations to casual conversations, prepare to elevate your communication skills and executive presence, Monday to Monday®. Resources:Website: StaceyHankeInc.comLinkedInInstagramYouTube“Influence Elevated: Maximizing Your Connection” by Stacey HankeLearn more about Dr. Laura on her website: https://drlaura.live“I Wish I'd Quit Sooner:  Pre-orders: Practical Strategies for Navigating and Escaping a Toxic Boss” by Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett - Pre-orders and AmazonFor more resources, look into Dr. Laura's organizations: Canada Career CounsellingSynthesis Psychology Pre-order Dr. Laura's new book today: I Wish I'd Quit Sooner: Practical Strategies for Navigating a Toxic Boss Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Confidence doesn't start when you speak — it starts the moment you're seen.In this episode of Mindset Mastery Moments, Dr. Alisa sits down with James Stewart, a performance-driven photographer who helps executives, law firm partners, and elite professionals project leadership, trust, and presence before they ever say a word.James brings an athletic, coaching-first mindset to branding and headshots, blending discipline, mental conditioning, and identity alignment to help even the most camera-shy leaders own their presence. From lessons learned in sports and combat training to building a national personal brand photography business, this conversation challenges the idea that confidence is something you “fake.”This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence is trained, intentional, and rooted in mindset — not angles or poses.If you're a public-facing professional, creative, or leader who wants your image to match how you lead, this episode is for you.

Wir wünschen all unseren treuen Hörerinnen ein wunderschönes Weihnachtsfest! Ihr macht den Berufsoptimierer-Podcast zu dem, was er ist!

Why good communication requires presence, not performance.Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present.Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it's not about creating a performative persona, it's about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Dr. Kate MasonKate's Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically 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 (02:32) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (03:55) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (05:27) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (07:01) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (08:58) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (10:15) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (12:40) - Naming Your Communication Style (15:38) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (17:43) - Body Language That Signals Openness (19:04) - Executive Messaging Lessons (22:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:51) - 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. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

 You're showing up on social media. You're posting consistently. But premium clients aren't finding you. Here's the truth: it's not about SHOWING UP—it's about how you're showing up. In this episode, I'm revealing why your camera presence (or lack of it) is costing you high-ticket clients, the difference between "creating content" and "commanding authority on camera," and the strategic shift that transforms you from "another account" to "THE expert I need to hire." You'll learn why hiding behind graphics and carousels keeps you at the $297 level (not the $20K level), what premium clients are actually assessing when they watch your videos, and the camera presence framework that positions you for premium authority. This isn't about being more confident or more polished—it's about being more strategic with how you show up on video. Because the way you show up on camera directly impacts how much people are willing to invest in you.If you enjoyed today's episode be sure to let us know on Instagram or over on our YouTube Channel - all under the name Keenya Kelly Subscribe to The If You Create It Podcast!Watch episodes on YouTube!!Get 150 Viral Hook Ideas for FREEhttps://www.keenyakelly.com/150hooksCheck out Visibility Launchpad!!  Go to https://visibilitylaunchpad.com

Michael Chad Hoeppner is the Founder and CEO of GK Training, a firm dedicated to giving individuals, companies, and organizations the communication skills to reach their highest goals in work and life.Michael has worked with some of the world's most influential companies and leaders, across a wide range of industries, universities, and professional sectors. His corporate clients include: three of the top eight financial firms in the world, 45 of the AmLaw 100, and multinational tech, pharma, and food and beverage companies. He teaches his unique approach to communication at Columbia Business School, in both the MBA and PhD programs.Michael assists clients in every aspect of their communication: public speaking, business development, executive presence, interpersonal agility, Q&A, speech writing, email skills, and more. His individual coaching clients include varied professionals at the peak of their industries: US Presidential candidates, deans of Ivy League business schools, three of the managing partners of the 25 largest global law firms, founders of asset management firms with $100B+ under management, field officers of international peace keeping organizations, and visionaries in various fields, including the innovator who coined the term cloud computing, the most successful venture capitalist in the US for a consecutive 5-year period, and senior board members of the Special Olympics. Michael advised US democratic presidential candidates in the 2016 and 2020 races, including his role as senior communications strategist and debate coach for the Andrew Yang 2020 Presidential campaign. He also works with political aspirants at the beginning of their careers, including pro bono work for Vote Mama, an org that supports mothers with young children seeking first-time public office.His background in communication, training, and teaching is diverse and rich, having studied linguistics, theatre, speech, rhetoric, philosophy, and communications at the graduate and undergraduate level. His work in professional communications started two decades ago with achieving his Master of Fine Arts degree from NYU's graduate acting program, studying with many of the preeminent vocal and performance teachers in the country. After NYU, Michael enjoyed a prolific first career as a professional actor: playing on Broadway twice, including working with stage legends like Nathan Lane; touring to 30+ US states; performing internationally, including at the 2009 European Capital of Culture; guest starring in prime-time network television; and originating roles in independent film.His passion then evolved, shifting to launching his first and still primary entrepreneurial venture, GK Training. As head of GK, Michael developed his unique, proprietary approach to communications training over a decade plus, an approach that utilizes kinesthetic learning to unlock rapid and lasting behavioral change. In that work he has created a suite of over 40 proprietary kinesthetic drills to address stubborn communication challenges like excessive filler language, lack of eye contact, slouching, talking too fast, and more with innovative tools that activate embodied cognition and circumvent thought suppression. Now entering its second decade, GK Training has clients in 43 industries across five continents.Michael's work in academia at Columbia University spans disciplines. In addition to teaching in the MBA and PhD programs at the Business school, he designed the curriculum for the PhD program's capstone communication course focused on entering the job market, as well as Executive Presence programs for the Law school. One of the GK online courses he designed is integrated into the Advanced Management Program summer curricula. His proprietary kinesthetic learning drills are featured in the curriculum of communication courses in the Management Division. He has coached over 15 members of the business

These 5 micro-behaviors are small, but they have an outsized impact on how others perceive your confidence, clarity, and leadership. When you start using them consistently, people don't just hear you…They trust you.They follow you.They feel influenced by you.The best part?You can start practicing them today! No extra time, no extra preparation, no extra talent required. Just a few intentional shifts that help you show up as the most powerful, grounded version of yourself.Your presence matters, and these micro-skills help you walk into any room like you belong there — because you do.Listen in for how to pause effectively, get your message heard quickly, show how to be grounded in your tone, what to do with your shoulders, and how to truly connect with your audience. Some resources for you:Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen LaosMy 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 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: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/ 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/

Send us a textIf you've ever watched someone less skilled get chosen over you, this episode will change how you play the game. We're unpacking why “great work” doesn't automatically create opportunity, and what actually does.

Are you ready to finish 2025 strong and step into 2026 with confidence? In this episode, we dive into the concept of executive presence and how the way you show up in these final weeks can shape your next year. You'll learn practical strategies to gain clarity, lead with authority, and make the most of every opportunity before the year ends. 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/k5rekb2f 

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire one person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world has the hustle and grit to deliver. My Guest: Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angie's List (now called Angi). She started the company at just 23, going door-to-door as a self-described introvert and non-salesperson, and turned it into a national platform trusted by millions. During our conversation, we discuss what it takes to lead with authenticity and build lasting impact.  Key Learnings Lead by listening and showing up. Whether it's knocking on doors as a 23-year-old or meeting employees during office hours as CEO, Angie reminds us that being present, paying attention, and seeking feedback is the heart of leadership. Focus on people and learning. Angie's career filter is simple: Do I like the people I'm working with? Am I learning new things? If yes, keep going. If not, it's time to reconsider. Excellence isn't just about results. It's about the environment and growth around you. Take your work seriously, but not yourself. Confidence, humility, and authenticity go hand in hand. Angie shows us that you can be ambitious and driven without losing sight of the human side of leadership. From Angie... My co-founder, Bill Osterle, came to me when I was a senior in college and said, "Hey, I've got a crazy idea. Your parents are gonna hate it. But why don't we start a business?" I talked to my parents, talked to my friends, and then I ended up talking to my grandfather who was incredibly conservative. He grew up in the Depression, very fiscally responsible. "What do you have to lose? You're 22, your parents aren't going to let you starve, and you're not trying to support a family, so why don't you try it?" I was so taken aback by his response that that comment was probably what pushed me over the edge. I think young people can do this a lot, as we tend to overthink decisions. Sometimes people see things in you that you don't see in yourself, and you've gotta have a little faith. What better time to have a little faith than when you're young and carefree? Work hard, and things will come your way. We started in 1995. It was an offline world. We started as a call-in service and a monthly newsletter. The first name of the company was Columbus Neighbors. We left it like that for a year, and people just didn't get it. They thought the newsletter was the list. We decided to do a rebranding nine months in. We had two options: The List or Jackie's List (Jackie was the mother of one of our investors who knew everybody). At the last minute, Bill said maybe it should be Angie's List. "She does answer the phone." Going door to door was hard. There was a lot of crying, I will be honest. I was selling something that wasn't concrete. "Hey, so when you need a plumber, you're gonna call me and I'm gonna help you find a plumber. And then when you hire someone, you're gonna tell me about it." I viewed it as a numbers game. I need to knock on so many doors every day, and that's just what I'm going to do. Hopefully, if I stay on my pitch and I knock on enough doors, I will sell the right number of memberships. If I was selling one or two memberships a day, that's great. No business was gonna be built on me selling one or two memberships a day, but that's where we were. Sometimes you have to do the hard stuff. Sometimes you have to do the stuff you're not good at, and you have to figure out ways to work around it. Because no matter what you do in your career, there's gonna be stuff you don't love. I broke it down by like, I'm gonna do it for these two hours. I'm a believer in the you can do anything for a year philosophy. I could do anything for an hour a day. So you have to kind of disconnect and treat it that way, as this is like taking my medicine. But you do win every once in a while. And it is fun when you win. It is fun when you sell something. The day Patty gave me her church directory was the best day ever. You gotta celebrate the little wins as well in life. Starting a business is a long journey. It is more of a marathon than a sprint. There's usually not this burst of momentum where everything rolls your way. It's building blocks along the way. If you don't celebrate those little wins and you only focus on, oh, I'm not gonna be happy until we're at 10,000 members, that could be years. You need things to keep you going every day. Patty lived near Bill, so she kinda liked him too, but I think there was a little bit of entrepreneur in Patty. Patty needed nothing from us. She had lived in Columbus her entire life. She had renovated a 1920s house. All she was able to do was give. She knew everybody. But I think she just loved the spirit. You don't know whether that's door seven, door one, door 57, you don't know. But there is typically a breakthrough. Staying true and persistent, you know, there probably weren't a lot of women starting businesses going door to door in 1995, and Patty was like, look, she's got some gumption. She's tackling a business that in many ways is a man's world. Construction is a man's world. Whether that's starting a business or finding the right boss, or finding the right position, that same lesson is the same. I talk to young people, I say, Hey, you can do marketing anywhere. There's any company you can do marketing. When it comes to me... Go where you're gonna be with somebody who believes in you. That's gonna invest in you, because that's actually what's gonna change your trajectory. It's not the name on the company that's gonna change your trajectory. It's actually who's got your back, who's coaching you, that's going to make the biggest difference. The next inflection point for me was when we opened in Cleveland the year after that. It was the first market we had opened from scratch. I remember I went one morning and picked up the newspaper, picked up the Plain Dealer at the bagel shop across the street from my office. And there it was, our little two-by-three ad that said, "Tired of lousy service" with some clip art. I was so excited. I was like, This is amazing. We're in Cleveland. This is gonna be so great. And then I remember telling Bill, "We're gonna get so many calls." And he's like, "We're gonna get so many calls." And I don't think we got any calls that day. The transition from individual contributor to leading others was a horrible transition. It's actually really hard. I tell people that all the time because if you think about who do we promote in companies, we promote really strong individual performers. The skills that make us really good individual performers do not necessarily make us good leaders, managers, et cetera, because it's actually a whole different skillset. I was that overachiever kind of controller, let me just do it type person. You have to actually train yourself to not do those things because no one's ever going to be successful and learn if you're just over there stepping in. The early days when I was young and trying to manage people, not good. Not good at all. I ended up leaving for a year and a half to go to business school. I was pretty burnt out on the business, and I probably would've left the business had I not gone. It gave me a chance to reflect on where I've been and step back. Now I understand, I'm not in the pressure cooker. I can see where I've mistepped. I left when I was 25, three years in. The business had gotten big enoug,h and we decided to bring in a CEO because the 22- 23-year-old was kinda like, maybe we need some leadership here. My co-founder joined full-time at that point and came in as CEO. I joke around, I'm like, take a break. I was still keeping the books. The TV commercial was a hundred thousand dollars, which I had to convince our board on. I was like, look, either we try this or we just close Cleveland because there is no scenario here that we're gonna build a business with door-to-door sales at the rate we're moving. We basically took everything on Cleveland, which was $100,000. I would've been devastated had it failed. People started calling. I was so excited. Then all of a sudden it just kinda went bananas. You realize there's a lot of people with this problem. Doors slammed in my face at that point, not as much of an issue. And then we ended up being in Boston and Washington, and a bunch of other cities. Every time we'd go to a city, I'd fly in, and I would open the paper, and I would get all happy. The TV commercials themselves were funny because I can't do anything for fun anymore without seeing myself in the commercial. I did the first one, and they're like, listen, we're just gonna, we're not gonna tell anybody. It's just gonna go on, you know, we're just gonna do it really quietly. I was like, great. Okay, fine. And then it kind of took off. I had young kids at the time. I wouldn't let us advertise on kids' shows. There was never us on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon because I didn't want that. But the kids would see me on TV. You know, they would see me doing interviews. It happened for them at such a young age that they just kind of thought that's what parents did. I remember one of my kids coming home in middle school and being like, I can't believe you didn't tell me you were famous because it was finally, the friends had grown up enough that they were like, you know who her mom is, right? I became a little more closed off in my personal life as I became more public. Kids deserve to grow up in a world where they get to be kids and not have to deal with that stuff. In our little town, people were like, Oh yeah, she just lives here. And it became not a thing. It became more relevant to me when I was traveling. I started doing office hours. I did it on Fridays leading into the lunchtime, which, let's be honest, was probably one of the squishiest times of productive work. I was with a group of CEOs the other day, and I actually suggested, just try a little. It doesn't have to be a big thing. Just try a little and see where it takes you. The meetings were anything. It was career advice. What should I do? They might have ideas for the business. Hey, we should go into this line. I remember talking one day to our head of legal, and I was like, you know, I don't get open-door media requests anymore. And she kind of chuckled, and she said, That's because you have them all the time. You allow problems to come to you before they're big problems, so they become less of a thing. I'd rather people bring their concerns internally first and listen to 'em and address 'em when you can. They always come internally first, whether it's from an employee, whether it's from a customer. It's just how we handle those things as to whether they blow up into something bigger. I always tried to give them something in return. They come to talk to me and I'd introduce 'em to someone who would help. I'd open a door for them. To this day, I still love talking to customers. I think we live in a very digital age, and I feel like we don't talk to one another very much. People like people. They need to feel heard and have things resolved. I took that office hours idea, and now I do it with customers, so any pro can sign up and talk to me. Gives me a chance to understand, get a pulse on what's going on. The people on the front line are the ones who are making your brand. The marketing team might make some great social posts and some great TV ads. But many times, the people who are manning the phones or your chats are the ones that are leaving a more lasting impression on your brand than anything else. How do you bring the voice of the customer into the organization? Not everybody in our company is a homeowner. How do you make sure they can understand the customer? What's life like as a small business owner, as a pro? What's it like for a homeowner when something goes awry on their worst day? How do I bring those stories to life? I had to convince myself that it was a good use of time. Busy people who have lots of responsibility are active doers, overachievers, to sit back and talk and listen feels like, Okay, am I moving the needle? It feels a bit too squishy. That's why I would treat it just like some of the other things. I will give it an hour a week. Let's see what happens there. I could see the payoff. I can't go spend 30% of my time doing this, but there is a portion of time that I do dedicate. Feedback is a gift and something you should seek out. But yeah, it doesn't always feel great. One of the hardest pieces of advice I got came at a time when we were actually trying to do a transaction. They said, "You have an executive presence issue." And I was like, what? They said, "You're too nice to everybody. It doesn't help the company." I can't tell you how much that comment just killed me. But then I went out and got an executive coach, and I reflected on it. In many ways, it made me a better CEO. I learned that I could be me and I could still be nice and I could be kind, but there are moments I have to be clear. When I'm looking to promote someone or hire someone, knowing your stuff is super important. You don't want this person, who says, I'm the one who always knows the answer. You want someone who can learn from their team. I spent most of my career running marketing, and marketing moves fast. Some of the youngest members of the team are teaching me more things over the years than even some of the more seasoned marketing people. How are you constantly having a view about learning and staying smart in the trade? The ability to just be a good partner or work with people is important. Your job's not to come in and knock down walls. It's actually to build relationships because you can't do everything yourself. How are you at building cross-department relationships? My advice to recent grads: One of my favorites, take your work very seriously. Be good at what you do. Don't always be looking for that next thing that you gotta go tackle. Do what's in front of you first. Don't take yourself too seriously. You come out, you're like, Oh, I have all of these credentials. I should therefore be able to do these things. Sometimes the envelopes need stuffed and we might all do that together. So don't take yourself too seriously. We're gonna do this together. Be open to feedback and to helping others. Don't be afraid when people suggest things that seem totally counter. I think sometimes we get too rigid in our plans. I use Angie's List as an example. I was supposed to be a consultant. I was supposed to go be a business consultant, but then Bill comes in and says, hey, what about this? I could have easily been a business consultant and had a nice life. But I chose that door. A lot of times, people get a little too narrow in their focus and miss opportunities. So stay open to that. For me, it's all about the people you work with. Working with people that you're learning from, that believe in you, that's all that matters. I overindex there. People ask me, how are you still doing this after 30 years? I ask myself two questions, and if I can answer yes to those two questions, I'm in. If I answer no, I'm out. The two things are: Do I like the people I'm working with, and am I learning new things? When you're as long in your career as I am, you have to dedicate time and effort to learning new things so that you don't become that person that is like, we do this because we've always done it this way. Which I think is just like the worst line ever. Reflection Questions Angie's grandfather asked, "What do you have to lose?" when she was 22 and hesitating about starting a business. What decision are you currently overthinking that you might need to just take a leap on while you're young (or young enough) and the risk is manageable? S She says the skills that make us really good individual performers don't necessarily make us good leaders. If you've recently been promoted or are leading others, what specific "doer" habits do you need to let go of so your team can learn and succeed? Angie stayed at Angi for 30 years by asking herself two questions: "Do I like the people I'm working with?" and "Am I learning new things?" How would you honestly answer those two questions about your current role? If the answer to either is no, what does that tell you?

Send us a textWhat if authority wasn't about being the best closer, but about creating the safest decision for your buyer? Grant sits down with Doug Brown—CEO of CEO Sales Strategies—to explore how shared context, credible associations, and personal ROI can transform ordinary sales conversations into trust-driven commitments. From New England roots to global brands, Doug shows why familiarity is a strategic lever, not a vanity metric.We dig into the gap between “good” sales teams and those viewed as market authorities. The surprise: status and positioning can tilt the field before price is ever discussed. Using vivid examples—from first-class optics to iconic venues—Doug explains how perception amplifies pricing power. But he also grounds it in craft: speak to the business ROI and the personal ROI driving real human decisions, whether that's safety, reputation, or career risk. Buyers sign when they feel both the numbers and the nerves are addressed.The heart of the conversation is resilience. Doug recounts a costly client pivot that vaporized roughly $2M, then shares the mental and operational playbook that pulled him forward: stop treating symptoms, remove root causes, and take one meaningful step every day toward a clear North Star. We also get practical with a 90-day revenue plan that works without heroics—set a truthful target, do the math on KPIs, reengage dormant clients, increase touchpoints, and define your ideal right-fit buyer to align message and market. We close with a grounded take on AI: use it to accelerate research and outreach, but never outsource the human-to-human moments that make complex deals possible.If you're ready to sell with authority, protect your margins, and build pipeline you can trust, this conversation gives you the mindset and methods to start today. Subscribe, share with a teammate who needs a boost, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we read every one.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!

You're invited to Empowered Seat, my membership designed to help you grow, lead, and rise alongside other powerhouse assistants. Join Here → https://www.wholeassistant.com/empoweredseat ---------------------------------------------- Executive presence is not reserved for people in the spotlight. It is a skill you can build, and it has a direct impact on how you are perceived and the influence you hold. In this “best of 2025” episode, I break down what executive presence actually looks like and why it matters for executive assistants at every level. You will learn the key behaviors that strengthen trust, elevate credibility, and help you show up with confidence and clarity. In this episode, you will discover: What executive presence is and why it is essential for executive assistants How confidence, clarity, emotional intelligence, and influence shape your impact Practical ways to show up with authority and composure, even if you prefer to stay behind the scenes Simple strategies, from communication to presentation, that help you cultivate executive presence consistently ----------------------------------------------Have burning questions you've been dying to ask? Submit your question to Ask Annie Anything by clicking here. ----------------------------------------------Enjoy what you're hearing on the podcast? Please rate and review wherever you're listening. Stay Connected: Book your free coaching discovery call. Visit the website. Follow me on LinkedIn. Send Me an Email: annie@wholeassistant.com

From Season 2 – Want to be seen as a capable, confident leader? Alicia Fairclough, founder of EA How To, shares ways you can exude executive energy and prove your value as a strategic business partner. Recorded at EA Ignite Fall 2023 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

Few moments expose a leader's true confidence faster than the stare of a camera lens.   Karin Reed, founder of Speaker Dynamics, brings forward a clear view of why virtual communication rattles even seasoned leaders and what presence actually requires when the usual cues disappear. She points to a familiar pattern: people become smaller, flatter, or overly polished once the lens becomes the audience, and those shifts quietly shape how trustworthy or grounded they appear. The conversation asks an important question for anyone leading through a screen: what builds credibility when connection feels harder to access?   Karin's insight centers on the qualities that make leaders feel real on camera. Authentic expression carries farther than perfect delivery. Natural movement brings energy back into the voice. Audio quality influences how intelligent and credible someone seems. Early interaction sets the tone for participation. These elements are less about technique and more about the leader's willingness to show up with a steady, human presence that invites others in.   The conversation ultimately challenges leaders to rethink executive presence for a virtual world. Confidence becomes easier to project when leaders stop performing and start communicating with the same clarity and ease they rely on in person. The screen changes the environment, but it doesn't change what people want from a leader: someone they can hear, follow, and trust.   Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Leadership Communication in a Virtual World 01:55 Karin Reed's Path to On-Camera Expertise 09:59 Eye Contact and Connection in Virtual Meetings 15:35 Body Language That Builds Executive Presence 24:10 The MVP Framework for Strong Virtual Communication 29:46 Why Production Quality Shapes Credibility 35:20 Authenticity and Executive Presence Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics  Connect with Karin on LinkedIn   Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn   Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website  Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram  Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube   HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Send us a textIf people can't read your value, they can't reward it. We sit down with brand strategist Jen Dalton to turn personal branding from a fuzzy idea into a practical plan you can execute, one small step at a time. Our conversation starts with a simple truth—telepathy isn't a strategy—and builds toward a reputation roadmap that helps you define your strengths, choose the right words, and create monthly evidence that moves you closer to the work you want.We break down the crucial difference between business branding and personal branding, then focus on what actually builds trust: authenticity, vulnerability, and stories with real lessons. Jen shares how to stop confusing personal branding with bragging and start sharing useful insights, mistakes, and wins that help your audience. We talk about finding your niche, making your reputation visible on LinkedIn and video, and why Gen Z rewards leaders who are genuine and clear. You'll hear practical tools—DiSC, StrengthsFinder, Enneagram—for surfacing blind spots, plus a simple exercise to pick three strengths, write a mission statement, and align your language so people perceive you the way you intend.From there, we get tactical. Learn how to build a 12–24 month reputation roadmap, create one proof point each month, and use platforms strategically to show your value without shouting. We discuss leadership branding, aligning actions with words, and building four networks—peers, prospects, giving back, and fun—to stay relevant and resilient. Grant shares his AI Business Accelerator as a live example of building evidence for a future-focused brand, and we explore creative ways to upskill, serve, and stand out without trying to be “an influencer.”Ready to own your story and make your value visible? Listen, take notes, and then pick one action to ship this week. If this conversation helped you, follow the show, share it with a friend who's ready for a pivot, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us.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!

You can already speak English but do you sound like the senior manager you are? In this episode, I walk you through the small communication habits that quietly affect how you come across at work. Enjoy! Anna01:30 – The uncomfortable lesson I learned from my own communication coach05:10 – Habit 1 07:00 – Habit 210:40 – Habit 313:20 – Practical ways to get feedback and improve15:20 – Final challenge for the week GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

Send us a textReady to stop grinding and start scaling? We dive into a clear, no-fluff blueprint for using agentic AI to grow sales, improve margins, and reclaim your time. Instead of one-off prompts, you'll learn how autonomous agents perceive context, plan multi-step workflows, make decisions, and execute tasks across your stack—then learn from outcomes to get better week after week.We walk through the five domains where agents deliver immediate wins: customer support that resolves faster and cuts cost per ticket; lead generation that researches prospects and tailors outreach to lower CAC; marketing engines that ideate, create, test, and iterate across channels; back-office automation that reconciles books, tracks invoices, and manages inventory; and forecasting that sharpens demand, revenue, and cash flow accuracy. Along the way, we plug real numbers into the conversation—10x service cost reductions, 40–60% time-to-output cuts, and double-digit revenue lift—so you can benchmark your own progress with confidence.Measurement is the unlock. You'll get a compact KPI framework tied to the P&L: revenue growth rate, ROI per initiative, gross margin improvement, operating cash flow accuracy, CAC and lifetime value, time-to-output, error rates, cost per transaction, CSAT, and NPS. We also share practical guardrails to deploy safely: approvals, escalation paths, SOPs, and team training that make adoption stick. The human edge—strategy, empathy, and brand—stays at the center while agents handle the repetitive execution. If you've wondered how to leverage AI without losing what makes your business special, this is your roadmap.Subscribe for more playbooks, share this with a founder who needs it, and leave a review to tell us which KPI you'll track first.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!

By Adam Turteltaub Executive presence isn't simply walking in the room and having everyone instantly feel that that you are in charge.  It is something different explains Jay Greenberg, the recently retired Chief Compliance Officer at the FBI.  Instead, it is being powered by your core values and then making a maximum positive contribution to any situation by fully investing yourself to achieving that assigned mission. Executive presence, he shares, is a skill acquired through the application of experience, coupled with a great deal of self-reflection that focuses on self-confidence, core values and the help of mentors. Also of great value: preparation and confidence that is informed by past experiences, including failures.  Even star leaders didn't magically emerge, he reminds us.  They learned from their failures, missteps and other learning experiences. It doesn't matter, he explains, if you are working with leadership or rank and file employees.  Know your core values, who you are, your positive character traits and focus ahead of time.  It will help you feel self-contained and confident.  He also advises keeping a bit of mental distance, being both a participant and an observer at the same time.  It will help you tailor your approach to the outcome you want.  Also, be sure you understand the perspective of your audience. Listen in to learn more about how you can master the skills of executive presence.

We love to talk about authenticity at work… right up until someone actually shows up as their full, messy, human self and makes everyone clutch their pearls. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to be yourself at work with Claude Silver — the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and author of Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart. We get into the difference between authentic presence vs. executive presence, why “that's just who I am” is usually “fear” in a cute outfit, and how to stop armoring up at work without turning every meeting into group therapy. We talk about perfectionism, people-pleasing, power dynamics, calling people in (instead of just calling them out), and what it actually costs you and your company when you leave the real you at home. If you've ever wondered how to bring your heart into a workplace that's still obsessed with your hustle, or how to belong without shrinking or pretending, this conversation is your permission slip to stop faking it and start leading from the heart. We Explore: What authenticity at work really means (and why it's not “I say whatever I want, whenever I want”) The difference between confidence and authenticity – and why you need both How Claude defines authentic presence and why “executive presence” is starting to feel outdated Perfectionism as a confidence derailer and how it quietly kills trust, connection, and creativity How to share your real life (kids, chaos, hard mornings) at work without oversharing or dumping Navigating power dynamics when a client, boss, or leader says something that goes against your values How to find “your people” at work Gen Z and Gen Alpha aren't being “difficult” — they're just done with workplaces that value performance over personhood. They expect companies to evolve, not the other way around. If leaders want to keep and motivate this generation, they need to ditch command-and-control and lead with humanity. Authenticity isn't a bonus anymore — it's the baseline. Thank you to our sponsors! Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/WOMANSWORK with code WOMANSWORK — and if you get a post-purchase survey, mention you heard about Cure here to help support the show!  Sex is a skill. Beducated is where you learn it. Visit https://beducate.me/pd2550-womanswork and use code womanswork for 50% off the annual pass. Connect with Claude: Book Website: https://www.beyourselfbook.com/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/?hl=en  Related Podcast Episodes Work Shouldn't Suck: How to Make It Good with Moe Carrick | 356 15 Lies Women Are Told At Work with Bonnie Hammer | 330 The Hard Truths Of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon | 313 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Let me spill the tea on something we have to fix. For too long, executive presence has been boxed into a narrow definition—how you show up in the room. But in a business climate shaped by tech disruption, trust gaps, and talent wars, that definition is officially outdated. In this solo episode, I'm unpacking what I call Executive Presence 4.0—a new model for leadership visibility where your entire leadership team becomes a coordinated, credible signal of your company's value. And if your company is still stuck in 2.0? You’re leaving trust, talent, and opportunities on the table. This isn't a trend—it's a shift. And if you want your company to stay competitive, this episode is your wake-up call. Here's what we get into: Why traditional executive presence is no longer enough How we evolved from the IBM era to the influence era The four versions of executive presence (and where most companies are stuck) What Executive Presence 4.0 looks like in action The 3 leadership signals every company must align (and what happens when they don't) How visibility gaps cost you talent, investors, and market trust What it means to move from a one-voice brand to a surround-sound signal Your Next Steps: Access the white paper: External Influence: The Currency Every Leader Must Carry. https://externalinfluence.us Follow Shayna on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/shaynarattler Visit our website: https://shaynadavisconsulting.com

In this episode of High Notes, we sit down with legendary broadcaster, author, and coach Janey Lee Grace. From her days on BBC Radio 2 with Steve Wright to her work as a coach in heart-centred communication, Janey shares the pivotal moments that shaped her journey.She opens up about her memoir From Wham to Woo, her path to sobriety, and the transformative power of living, and communicating, with authenticity.Together, we explore the art of meaningful connection: how preparation, presence, and joy can elevate your message and your work. Janey also reflects on the life-changing decision to quit alcohol, and how helping others discover their true voice has become her greatest passion.Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom, and inspiration.Links mentioned in the show:https://janeyleegrace.com/Janey's books - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/432760.Janey_Lee_GraceThe Sober Club Podcast - https://www.thesoberclub.com/podcast/The Sober Diaries book by Clare Pooley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36301974-the-sober-diariesWhat Women Want - https://www.whatwomenwantnow.co.uk/ Find out more about this campaign in the next episode!Ready to elevate your voice, confidence, and communication at work?Contact us at BRAVA Business and start making every conversation count:brava.uk.com/businessStay connected with BRAVASubscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, training opportunities and insights connecting business, acting, and voice:brava.uk.com/subscribe00:00 Introduction to High Notes Podcast00:33 Meet Janie Lee Grace: Broadcaster, Author, and Coach01:38 Janie's Early Years and Path to Radio03:10 Lessons from BBC Radio with Steve Wright05:29 The Art of Connection and Presence06:53 Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience11:28 Writing a Memoir: From Wham to Woo16:07 Empowering Others to Find Their Voice19:58 Heart-Centred Communication in Business23:23 The Power of Nonverbal Cues24:15 Balancing Acting in Corporate Settings24:42 Finding Your Authentic Business Voice27:57 The Journey to Sobriety36:09 Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers38:50 Emerging Voices in Broadcasting and Coaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textTrust is breaking on LinkedIn—and not just because the algorithm got stricter. Grant McGaugh sits down with Richard Vanderblom, the global authority on social selling and LinkedIn strategy, to unpack how AI-driven behaviors, automated outreach, and shifting relevance signals are reshaping what works and what backfires. If you've watched your reach drop or felt your DMs fill with spam, this conversation maps a smarter path forward.We dig into the metrics that actually matter—qualified DMs, right-fit invites, and conversions on low-commitment offers—and why “views” are a value metric when treated as a bridge to action. Richard explains LinkedIn's emerging “interest clusters,” how second and third-degree engagement now carries more weight, and why chasing viral content outside your niche sabotages your credibility. The guidance is clear: stay in your lane, focus 80% of your posts on your core expertise, and let relevance compound.Leaders get a practical content playbook that outperforms company pages: personal storytelling that shares real lessons, point-of-view thought leadership that leads, co-created posts with peers to unlock new networks, and video or live formats to build instant trust. We also test LinkedIn's Boost feature—what it's good for, where it falls short—and talk about responsible AI use that amplifies your voice without eroding authenticity. From credibility scoring to AI-pattern detection, the platform is rewarding the human layer more than ever.If you want to position your executive brand, grow a trusted network, and convert attention into meaningful outcomes, this episode gives you the strategy and the why behind it. Listen, take notes, and then refine your lane. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs a better LinkedIn plan, and leave a review with your top takeaway so we can keep raising the signal together.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 a textThere is a massive difference between being polite and being strategic.Most women leaders are courteous. They say "thank you" and acknowledge hard work. But most miss the specific leadership opportunity that separates middle management from executive leadership: Strategic Appreciation.Real influence isn't just about delivering results; it's about building a network of professional goodwill that becomes currency when you need it most. When you shift from generic gratitude to specific, impact-focused recognition, you stop being just "nice" and start positioning yourself as a leader who understands outcomes and elevates the people around you.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele breaks down exactly how to use strategic appreciation to strengthen relationships and build your leadership brand. With Thanksgiving week approaching, there is no better time to implement this low-stakes, high-impact strategy.In this episode, you will learn:The "Polite vs. Strategic" Trap: Why generic "thanks for all you do" emails are noise, not leadership, and how to shift your approach.The 5 Categories of Influence: The specific people you need to appreciate this week (including the one category most women overlook).The 3-Part Framework: A simple formula for writing recognition messages that land with impact and make you memorable.Career Positioning: How this 10-minute practice signals executive presence and gets you advocated for in rooms you aren't in.Next Steps:This Week's Assignment: Identify 3-5 people from the categories discussed in the episode and send them a message using the 3-Part Framework before the holiday break.About Your Host:Kele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through strategic communication and practical leadership frameworks.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

In this episode, Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with executive coach Bahar to explore the power of shadow work in leadership and personal growth. Bahar shares her expertise in psychology, neuropsychology, and functional medicine, discussing how leaders can overcome internal obstacles, foster resilience, and create lasting transformation in themselves and their organizations. Key Highlights: 3:25 — The importance of shadow work for leaders and organizations 8:40 — How childhood patterns shape adult behavior and leadership 16:08 — The five survival strategies: fight, flight, freeze, fawn, fall apart 29:06 — Jungian psychology and the origins of shadow work 38:24 — Bahar’s personal journey through adversity and self-discovery 1:03:00 — The Alexander Method and integrating psychology, neurobiology, and coaching 1:23:00 — Executive presence, self-awareness, and transformation in leadership 1:40:00 — Bahar’s new book and course: Leadership Magnetism 1:53:00 — Advice for leaders on job transitions and finding meaning Bahar is an executive coach and master performance coach with a background in psychology, neuropsychology, epigenetics, shadow work, and functional medicine. She specializes in helping leaders and organizations remove internal obstacles to mastery, focusing on deep transformation rather than just skill-building. Bahar is the creator of the Alexander Method and the course "Leadership Magnetism," and is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve personal and professional success through self-awareness and resilience. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does executive presence actually mean, and how do you develop it when you're stuck in the middle?  Today's guest, Jennifer Jensen, author of "Developing Authentic Leaders", breaks down the specific mindset shifts that separate directors from VPs—and why most middle managers stay focused on the wrong things. You'll discover why strategic thinking isn't a natural talent but a learnable skill, the mistakes that keep talented people invisible, and how to influence without formal authority.  Jennifer also shares the truth about advancing when your organization won't invest in you, and practical steps you can take starting today. Whether you're wondering why some people rise effortlessly or feeling stuck despite doing great work, this episode gives you a clear roadmap for building executive presence and getting promoted.  Follow The Made Leader for more leadership insights and strategies.  For links mentioned, visit www.growthsignals.co Connect with Jennifer: info@authenticleader.ca Connect with Jen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenparnold/ Website: https://growthsignals.co/

What's the real reason some leaders instantly command a room while others struggle to connect? Katherine unpacks the secret sauce behind authentic leadership: executive presence. But don't mistake it for just charisma or a polished look. This is about substance over style, connection over performance, and leading with confidence, clarity, and calm. She explores why presence, not just words, shapes how people trust, respect, and follow you. You'll learn how to shift from filler words to powerful pauses, how to read a room and adapt with empathy, and why showing up with grounded confidence builds psychological safety for your team. Whether you're leading a team meeting or navigating high-stakes moments, this episode offers practical, people-first strategies to grow your presence, without losing your authenticity.

IN THIS EPISODE...Tinna Jackson shares her journey from Capitol Hill to executive coaching, focusing on building leadership skills through self-awareness, resilience, and the power of taking intentional pauses. She offers advice on recognizing team needs, managing burnout, and aligning personal values with professional achievement.Her company, the Jackson Consulting Group, provides executive coaching and leadership consulting services to professionals and organizations seeking to enhance management effectiveness and cultivate a positive workplace culture. The firm specializes in helping leaders close the gap between technical performance and true leadership impact.------------Full show notes, guest bio, links to resources mentioned, and other compelling episodes can be found at http://LeadYourGamePodcast.com. (Click the magnifying icon at the top right and type “Tinna”)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Learn more about us! https://shockinglydifferent.com/-------------WHAT TO LISTEN FOR:Tinna's unique path from Capitol Hill to executive coach and authorThe “power of the pause” and ways leaders can avoid burnoutStrategies Tinna recommends for leaders to better support their teams during difficult timesPersonal story about resilience and handling professional responsibilities after lossSuggestions for leaders on aligning personal values with professional rolesPractical tips on reading nonverbal cues and fostering open team communicationThe role of executive presence in effective leadership, according to TinnaImpact of the Jackson Consulting Group on bridging the gap between top performers and effective leaders------------FEATURED TIMESTAMPS:[00:36] Introduction of Tinna and highlights of her leadership background[02:40] Personal life and sports interests shared by Tinna[03:58] Professional journey from creative pursuits to Capitol Hill and founding Jackson Consulting Group[06:49] Challenges transitioning from structured employment to entrepreneurship[09:11] Emotional intelligence and the genesis of "The Power Play Journal"[13:57] The "power of the pause" and lessons on managing burnout[16:18] Importance of leaders noticing nonverbal cues and team well-being[19:58] Signature Segment: Tinna's entry into the LATTOYG Playbook: Leaders must notice nonverbal cues and seek feedback to be truly self-aware.[22:59] Balancing ambition with personal alignment for high performers[26:09] Advice for individuals planning a career pivot or transition[31:26] Signature Segment: Tinna's LATTOYG Tactic of Choice: Leading with Executive Presence[33:43] Connect with Tinna------------ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR YOU:Overview: Our Signature Leadership Development Experience: http://bit.ly/DevelopYourGame

This episode of Leadership Speaking Radio pulls at the heartstrings of LOVE and asks the question: "Where can you pour more love into how you create and deliver your presentations and speaking opportunities?"Dr. Laura Penn shares all the ways that you can infuse your content creation and delivery rehearsal with love so that your audiences feel something.  Communication is supposed to feel good, and when there's love in it, it does.Watch the VIDEO version here: https://youtu.be/QYOBnuyLO3g__________________________Brought to you by The Leadership Speaking Schoolwww.theleadershipspeakingschool.com

Send us a textSeats aren't being offered? Let's build the table—and the toolkit to go with it. We sit down with consultant and AI Accelerator lead Angela Reed James to explore how Black entrepreneurs can turn AI into real capacity, sharper messaging, and faster growth without bloated budgets or big teams. From losing a corporate role to launching a mission-driven practice, Angela shares how AI became the missing staff: a strategist on demand, a project manager at midnight, and a copy chief that never gets tired.We get practical fast. Angela breaks down how to move from fear to ownership by treating AI like a brainstorming partner that organizes messy ideas into usable plans. We map the small-business workflow—from lead to fulfillment to reactivation—and highlight where automation saves hours without sacrificing the human touch. We talk brand voice, how to “train your dragon” so tools speak in your tone, and why AI should erase busywork, not your genius. Along the way we dig into bias in training data, why representation matters in prompts and datasets, and how creating culturally grounded examples improves outputs and conversions.This conversation is also a guide to buying smarter. Use AI to define scope, budget, and deliverables before you hire an expert so you don't get oversold. Translate operations into the language of finance to model ROI and cash flow with clarity. And if you've felt shut out of rooms where deals happen, consider AI your entry pass to consistent content, better proposals, and a stronger pipeline. We close with details on the ICABA AI Accelerator—live demos, community support, and actionable steps you can use the same day.Subscribe for more conversations at the edge of entrepreneurship and intelligent technology. Share this with a founder who needs capacity now, and leave a review with the first workflow you plan to automate—what's your day-one AI win?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 a textA single Saturday in 1966 changed everything. When a young Ed Rahill paused lawn duty to hear the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the radio, endurance racing planted a seed that would grow into record-setting coast-to-coast drives, a fearless corporate career, and a blueprint for living with grit. We go beyond the spectacle to explore how planning, patience, and partnership carry you through the stretches no one posts on highlight reels.Ed maps the unlikely bridge between CFO and president roles and the “last great American road race,” weaving in a vivid history of endurance—from the Pony Express and thousand-mile cattle drives to the first cross-country auto challenge in 1904. The stories are cinematic: arrests in multiple states, an all-points bulletin, clandestine support from GM engineers, and the relentless math of speed, fuel, and fatigue. Yet the real takeaway is strategic: choose the right teammate, build redundancy, respect the road, and recover fast when everything breaks at once.At the heart of this conversation is a promise. Raised by women who sacrificed their dreams, Ed vowed to break that pattern and treat life as a relay. The baton metaphor runs through every chapter—start strong, absorb the hits, and hand off hard-won wisdom so the next runner goes farther. He shares the razor‑thin moment when a handshake with Blackstone saved his company and his team, reminding us that survival is often the doorway to impact. The message is simple and powerful: you have the right to try, the duty to prepare, and the calling to pass your gains forward.If stories of resilience, leadership under fire, and American car culture light you up, you'll find both adrenaline and guidance here. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs a push, and leave a review telling us the toughest mile you've ever run—what baton are you carrying next?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!

As you rise into higher levels of responsibility and visibility, you may start to get feedback about "developing executive presence."  If you've ever felt confused by what that means, you're not alone!  It's rarely something we learn about early in our work life, and it's often not described in much detail.  So it can seem elusive and ambiguous.  In this episode, I break down how I think about Executive Presence and give some specific examples to help new managers think about what exactly it means, and how to get it.  Let's discuss!This episode was originally published in 2022 as Episode 99. ...After the EpisodeJoin the next cohort of Communication Strategies for Managers:⁠https://maven.com/kimnicol/communication-strategies⁠~Reach out for private coaching, team workshops or off-sites:⁠https://kimnicol.com/⁠~Connect on LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimnicol/⁠

The importance of the four R's to keep top of mind as you navigate your leadership journey is presented by Joseph E. Losee, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAP, a beloved return guest, on the Faculty Factory Podcast this week. Dr. Losee is Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair in Pediatric Plastic Surgery, a Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery, and a Professor of Business Administration at Katz Graduate School of Business. You can revisit his other episodes with us here: Embracing Resilience in Academic Medicine: https://facultyfactory.org/joseph-losee/ Examining the Need for Scientist Wellbeing Initiatives: https://facultyfactory.org/scientist-burnout/ You can also see slides from his “Four R's of Leadership” presentation here. [pdf] As discussed, leaders are often hired for their IQ but get fired for a lack of emotional intelligence (EQ). The good news? EQ can be learned, exercised, and grown. The four R's or leadership are as follows: Responsibility Regulation Resilience Relationships Recommended readings from this episode include Executive Presence 2.0 by Sylvia Ann Hewlett. How you act, speak, and appear—all matter as a leader, according to this literature, which Dr. Losee mentioned in the opening moments of the podcast. He also referenced the TEDx Talk "Let's Face It: Charisma Matters" by John Antonakis, which you can view here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEDvD1IICfE “Charisma matters and it can be taught and learned,” as Dr. Losee told us. Other books and resources mentioned include: Teaming: How Organizations Learn, Innovate, and Compete in the Knowledge Economy by Amy C. Edmondson The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy C. Edmondson TED Talk: Lucy Hone — The Three Secrets of Resilient People Building a Resilience Bank Account article by Michael A. Maddaus, MD: https://www.annalsthoracicsurgery.org/article/S0003-4975(19)31352-9/fulltext Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance Among U.S. Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1351351

Send us a textImagine if your computer could explore a landscape of possibilities all at once, using the same rules that make electrons behave in surprising ways. That's the mental pivot Farai, a quantum physicist and teacher, helps us make as we break down what quantum computing really is and where it actually wins. We trade hype for clarity, showing how superposition, entanglement, and interference become practical tools when classical methods hit walls.We walk through the real stakes: modeling complex materials to build safer batteries and corrosion-resistant coatings, accelerating drug discovery by simulating chemistry where properties emerge, and tackling massive optimization problems that govern airport gates, delivery routes, and supply chains. Farai explains why quantum machines are not replacements for CPUs or GPUs but new teammates in a hybrid stack, each part doing what it does best. The goal is targeted advantage, not universal speedups, and the payoff arrives when the search space explodes beyond classical reach.Along the way, we zoom out to nature as our design mentor. Bacteria that fix nitrogen more efficiently than factories, plants that capture sunlight better than our best solar cells, human brains that run powerful cognition on twenty watts—these examples aren't trivia; they are roadmaps for engineering. By learning from natural intelligence and combining it with quantum algorithms, we can cut energy waste, shorten R&D cycles, and unlock better outcomes across industry and public services. Farai also shares his work leading the Africa Quantum Consortium, proving that the next wave of innovation is global, collaborative, and grounded in education.If you care about the future of computing, climate tech, logistics, and medicine, this conversation will sharpen your lens. Listen, subscribe, and share with someone who still thinks quantum is just sci‑fi. Then tell us: which real-world problem would you optimize first?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 a textBuyers choose the path of least resistance, and that truth can either fuel your growth or quietly stall it. We sit down with Vistage Chair and “No Hassle” advocate Jim Bramlett to break down a four-part framework that makes customers stop hesitating: convenience, price transparency, user experience, and trust. From Amazon and Netflix to Uber and Nebraska Furniture Mart, Jim shows how category leaders remove friction so thoroughly that buyers feel they have no excuse not to say yes.We dig into the Hassle Score and why benchmarking yourself against actual competitors—not your intentions—exposes the real gaps slowing revenue and referrals. Jim shares crisp examples of conscious trade offs between price, convenience, and experience, and then explores how to narrow those trade offs with smarter operating design and practical uses of AI to cut cycle time, clarify quotes, and elevate support without eroding trust. The conversation shifts to the leadership habits that sustain these gains: resilience when plans break, coaching as the core skill of influence, and the surprising power of peer advisory groups where 80 percent of issues center on people, not strategy.Expect a clear path to uncovering blind spots through better questions, building a culture where vulnerability invites help, and leading across generations with curiosity and clarity. If you're ready to simplify buying, earn repeat business, and turn word of mouth into a growth engine, this episode gives you the tools and the mindset to start now.If you found this useful, follow the show, share it with a teammate who owns the customer journey, and leave a quick review to help more leaders discover practical, no-hassle growth.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 a textWhat if your money felt calm, clear, and connected to a future you actually want? Grant sits down with Earl Johnson of Lexis Wealth Management to unpack the mindset, systems, and coaching that turn financial stress into durable wealth—and transform inheritance into a springboard, not a stumble.We start with the human side: the quiet shame many people carry about past choices and the simple shift that changes everything—separating lifestyle money from future money. Earl explains how trust and confidentiality built his brand in a competitive industry, why he rejects commission incentives, and how he guides clients with straight talk and empathy. From there, we zoom out to the “great wealth transfer,” an estimated $80 trillion moving from Boomers to the next generation, and why estate planning, trusts, and true succession are now non-negotiable for families and businesses that refuse to start over.You'll hear practical frameworks that stick: treat money like a game you plan to win, where passing GO isn't the goal—owning assets is. Earl connects long-term investing to everyday life by owning pieces of companies you already support, keeping emotions steady when markets swing, and using a coach to translate noise into action. We dig into budgeting without deprivation, the discipline behind the “millionaire next door,” and how a clear North Star turns habits into progress. We also explore the changing fintech landscape, the danger of tool-first thinking, and why applied knowledge beats hype every time.If you're a professional, student, entrepreneur, or parent who wants to protect what you've built and pass a heavy baton to the next runner, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share this with someone building their plan, and leave a review with the one goal driving your money this year—what's your North Star?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!

Delanie Fischer chats with John Wang, author of Big Asian Energy, about confidence, culture, and the power of conversation. They unpack how cultural conditioning, fear, and the desire to be "good enough” shape identity and self-worth. John shares the lessons he learned from his year-long experiment in radical honesty—during which he came clean to friends and family about past lies and committed to always speaking his mind in every interaction—and reflects on how this experience led to deeper connections and a new way of being. Discussed in this episode:  What Is Charisma, Gravitas, and Executive Presence?  Biases, Stereotypes, Discrimination, and Coded Language  Asian American Culture and the Workplace  Fear of Conflict, Confrontation, and Avoidance  The 1 Year of Radical Honesty Experiment 7 Adaptive Patterns: Achiever, Fixer, Chameleon, Charmer, Commander, Rebel, Invisible One  The Belief Behind Your Behavior and The Fear (and Illusion) of Death  Rejection as Redirection to Alignment + Finding Community and Belonging  The Achievement Monster & How To Get off the Treadmill  Internal vs. External Validation & When Affirmations Don't Work (Try This) Self-Worth and Creating Your Own Metric for Success  High-Context vs. Low-Context Conversation  Self-Diminishment vs. Respecting Cultural Norms  The 6 Levels of Mitigating Language (Great for Baby Steps!) Saying No, Giving Direct Feedback & Becoming More Assertive  ---- If Self-Helpless has supported you in some way, a quick 5-star rating or review (if you haven't already) means so much!  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416 Free goodies including The Quote Buffet and The Watch & Read List: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/ Ad-free episodes now available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless Your Host, Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com ---- Episodes related to this topic: “You're So Sensitive”: Understanding Everyday Microaggressions, Implicit Bias, and Best Practices with Billie Lee & Dr. Gina Torino: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2396d366/youre-so-sensitive-understanding-everyday-microaggressions-implicit-bias-and-best-practices-with-billie-lee-and-dr-gina-torino How A Sexist Society Gets In Your Head (And How To Get It Out) with Kara Loewentheil: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23318969/how-a-sexist-society-gets-in-your-head-and-how-to-get-it-out-with-kara-loewentheil Why You Became A People-Pleaser: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/27c52c66/why-you-became-a-people-pleaser Mortality Awareness: Meaning, Motivation, and Your To-Die-For Life with Karen Salmansohn: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2367345e/mortality-awareness-meaning-motivation-and-your-to-die-for-life-with-karen-salmansohn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices