Podcasts about strategic communications

What happens when we step toward disagreement instead of away from it?In this episode of Girl, Take the Lead!, Yo talks with Charlotte Reed, a communications professional, community organizer, and candidate for Menlo Park City Council, District 4, in California.Charlotte's path to public service grew from a lifelong commitment to service—and from seeing what can happen when neighbors who care deeply about their community begin talking past one another.During one particularly difficult City Council meeting, Charlotte found herself thinking: there has to be a better way.That experience helped move her toward running for office and toward a leadership approach grounded in listening, communication, and finding common ground.Charlotte shares how she approaches people whose views may be very different from her own. Rather than beginning with disagreement, she tries to remember that we each bring our own lived experiences, information, and values to a conversation.In this episode:The conversation explores what it means to lead with grace without expecting everyone to agree.We also talk about something Charlotte has learned from knocking on thousands of doors and talking with people throughout her community:Sometimes leadership is simply about showing up.How a commitment to service led Charlotte toward public officeThe connection between communication, storytelling, and leadershipWhat she's learned from talking with thousands of people in her communityListening and finding commonality when views differWhy showing up mattersHope, community, and rebuilding trustSeparating outcomes from our worthCharlotte's reminder: “What's meant for you won't miss you.”Why serious work still needs moments that make us laughAbout Charlotte Reed:Charlotte combines a career in corporate communications with years of community service. She has led growth initiatives at multi-billion-dollar companies and has been a Junior League member for nearly a decade, helping build connections with elected officials and nonprofit partners around housing, food, and other community needs.She holds a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication from American University, with a minor in Spanish Language and a certificate in Spanish Translation, and is a 2026 graduate of the Emerge California political candidate training program.Connect with Charlotte

Jim talks to one group who thinks we need them. The Complaints Department returns. GUESTS: Sebastien Higgins - Director, Strategic Communications, Campaigns and Engagement with Friends of Canadian Media Karen Stintz - Former Toronto City Councillor & TTC Chair and a political commentator Joe Mihevc - Former Toronto City Councillor and TTC Vice Chair Gord Stellick - Canadian Sports Broadcaster

“No one cares about us, our company, our products. We have to make them care, and for that, we need the right words.”Great work doesn't always speak for itself. For communication strategist and author of Message Machine: How Communications Will Make You An Unstoppable Founder, Oliver Aust, getting your ideas noticed requires “message-market fit,” finding the right words and stories to make people understand why what you offer matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Aust joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to craft messages that resonate and stand out. From focusing on outcomes instead of products to building a personal brand and using storytelling to make sense of change, Aust shares practical strategies for communicating your value with greater clarity and impact.Takeaways:Make people care about the outcome, not the product. Strong messaging focuses less on what you do and more on the value you create, helping your audience see and feel what's possible.Good work still needs to be communicated. Building visibility isn't just self-promotion. Clearly sharing your value, defining who you're for, and developing a distinctive message can help the right people find you.Activity:Show the picture. Choose one product, service, or idea you regularly describe. Instead of explaining what it does, describe the outcome your audience wants to experience. Make that outcome the centerpiece of your message.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Oliver AustOliver's Books: Message Machine / UnignorableEp.82 It's Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others F… 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Message-Market Fit (04:03) - Becoming Unignorable (05:21) - Mindset, Message, Method (06:12) - Building a Distinctive Message (08:07) - The PACE Framework (10:27) - Managing Communication Anxiety (12:44) - Storytelling as a Leader (15:03) - The Final Three Questions (19:16) - 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.With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence, knowing you're getting the best talent for your needs. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com/fastJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Originally uploaded August 20th, reloaded September 8th. Chris Holman welcomes Mark McDaniel, President & CEO, Cinnaire, Lansing, MI Welcome back, Mark. Remind the Michigan business community about Cinnaire? Three Cinnaire Projects, including the McDaniel Apartments, were recently named Affordable Housing Finance Readers' Choice Awards finalists. Can you tell us about that? Thank you for underwriting and presenting the recent Michigan Future Business Index survey. Can you share your perspective on the recent results? Mark, I understand you have a member of your Strategic Communications team who is staying on but also balancing an Executive Director role for a national group. Can you tell us about that? (Jennifer Calery) Finally, congratulations. A Council for Affordable and Rural Housing Scholarship will celebrate the Power of Housing, Education, and Opportunity, and has a special name? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Find more Cinnaire press at https://cinnaire.com/news/

Hi everyone, it's your host Russ. As summer winds down and everyone heads into a new season, I wanted to share something a little different. Recently, I sat down with Matt Abrahams, host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart and a lecturer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business. We traded seats and I took the guest chair while Matt interviewed me about the future of communication in the age of AI. We're excited to re-run this episode today and whether you're writing a pitch, prepping for a tough conversation, or just curious how AI is changing the way we talk to each other, this one's a great listen.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Russ Altman | Matt AbrahamsLearn more about Think Fast Talk SmartConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces this feed-drop episode from Think Fast, Talk Smart, where he joins Matt Abrahams to discuss communication in the age of AI.(00:01:41) The Future of CommunicationWhy AI may amplify strong communication rather than replace authentic human messages.(00:03:23) Using AI as a Communication ToolHow AI can help adjust language for different audiences, flag jargon, and improve clarity.(00:04:00) AI as a Pre-EditorHow Russ uses large language models to critique and strengthen his writing before sharing it with colleagues.(00:05:04) Structuring a Strong ProposalHow to align with your audience's mission, define the problem, and clearly show the path forward.(00:07:06) Making Complex Ideas AccessibleWhy stories, analogies, and audience awareness help make technical information easier to understand.(00:09:41) Preparing for Tough MomentsWhy anticipating difficult concepts, questions, and conversations can make communication more effective.(00:11:57) Asking Better QuestionsWhy specificity and strong follow-up questions can guide more meaningful conversations.(00:12:51) Questions as OpportunitiesHow questions can communicate curiosity, engagement, and respect rather than criticism.(00:15:01) Building Effective TeamsHow shared goals, relationships, diversity, and clear roles support collaboration.(00:17:55) Productive ConflictHow leaders can encourage rigorous disagreement without damaging trust.(00:19:37) Finding People's PassionWhat hosting The Future of Everything taught Russ about understanding what motivates people.(00:21:00) Looking to the FutureWhy young people give Russ hope about what comes next.(00:22:13) A Communicator to AdmireWhy Russ credits his father with shaping his own approach to communication.(00:23:06) Three Ingredients for Better CommunicationKnow your audience, be specific, and bring a sense of joy to the conversation.(00:24:07) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jaime welcomes Lauren Griswold, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, the University of Vermont, to discuss her bold decision to decentralize communications by re-embedding communicators into their respective colleges and divisions. Lauren shares why alignment and relationship-building matter more than strict organizational hierarchies, how MOUs help establish shared expectations with deans, and why higher education marketing must dare to be different in a sea of sameness.Guest Name: Lauren Griswold, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, the University of VermontGuest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengriswold1/Guest Bio: Lauren Griswold was appointed Chief Communications and Marketing Officer in November 2025 and leads the university's Division of Strategic Communications. An innovator, storyteller, and culture keeper, Griswold has worked in higher education at both the university and community college levels. Her expertise includes building brand reputation, as well as leading and creating strategy and successfully scaling it across enterprises for local, national, and global organizations.Griswold comes to UVM from Boise State University, where she led that institution's Office of Communications and Marketing as the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer. During her time in that role Griswold led the launch of the Northwest Emmy-nominated commercial, “Out of The Blue,” and was also recognized by the American Marketing Association as a finalist for marketer of the year in higher education in 2024.Prior to joining Boise State, Griswold worked at Arizona State University, Mt. Hood Community College, Edelman, Microsoft, and Major League Baseball. She has a wide range of experience in sales, marketing, communications, community relations, branding, and creative strategy. Griswold has a master's degree in communication studies from Arizona State University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Eastern Washington University. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jaime Hunthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimehunt/https://twitter.com/JaimeHuntIMCAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sexual assaults peak on college campus at the start of the school year College students have returned to campus for the fall semester. For many, it's a time of new experiences, friendships and greater independence. But it's also a time of heightened risk for sexual violence. On college campuses, 13% of undergraduate students say they have experienced sexual assault or rape, according to a 2019 survey by the Association of American Universities. That includes about 1 in 4 women, 1 in 2 transgender students and 1 in 14 men. Wednesday on “Sound of Ideas” with host Stephanie Haney, we'll talk about a period known as "the red zone,” the time between the start of the fall semester and Thanksgiving break when more than half of campus sexual assaults are reported to occur. First-year and transfer students can be especially vulnerable. They're navigating unfamiliar social settings and living environments, often before they've had a chance to establish routines, build support networks or learn where to turn for help. So, what are college campuses doing to prevent sexual assault and support students after a traumatic event? And what resources are available to survivors, both on and off campus? Guests:- Donisha Greene, Senior Director of Strategic Communications, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center- Sarah Benuska, M.S., Ph.D., Trauma Counseling Psychologist & Clinical Director, Trauma Recovery Center, MetroHealth- Beverly Pettrey, Chief of Police, Cleveland State University Police Department- LaJuan Flores, Director and Title IX Coordinator, Office for Protected Rights, Cleveland State University ACLU of Ohio files lawsuit against ICE agents in Springfield Last week, we discussed the loss of temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants living in Springfield in Southwest Ohio, and the increase of arrests and deportations by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, or ICE. In the days since, the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has filed a lawsuit against ICE officers in the area on behalf of a Springfield resident, Sean Moorman, who is a volunteer ICE watcher. He claims that actions by ICE agents against him violated his First Amendment right to record and photograph their actions. We did reach out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, for comment on this lawsuit, an ICE spokesperson told us via email, "ICE is aware of the lawsuit filed by the ACLU in Ohio and is reviewing appropriate next steps in coordination with the Department of Justice." Guest:- Freda Levenson, Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio

In this episode of The Office, Kolawole is joined by Mr. Nduka Fred Anene for an insightful conversation on strategic communication and its role in driving workplace effectiveness.The discussion explores how clear, intentional and well-structured communication can strengthen collaboration, improve decision-making, manage workplace relationships and ultimately contribute to better organisational performance.Original Air Date: 4 September 2026

In the UK, the summer recess is over and Andy Burnham has finally faced the House of Commons as Prime Minister. How did the day go? Anton asked James Lyons, Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer and Senior Partner at Penta Group Consultancy.

In the UK, the summer recess is over and Andy Burnham has finally faced the House of Commons as Prime Minister. How did the day go? Anton asked James Lyons, Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer and Senior Partner at Penta Group Consultancy.

In this episode of China Field Notes, Scott Kennedy talks with Communications Professor Maria Repnikova of Georgia State University. She explains how China seeks to build influence in Africa through tangible enticements, ideational power, and defensive image-making. Although she points to a variety of areas of success, Repnikova also highlights the ways in which China is encountering obstacles to expanding its influence. She concludes that China is not effectively “exporting” its model of governance to countries in the Global South. The discussion also covers her experiences of carrying out fieldwork in the two countries, where she found both important similarities and differences. Maria Repnikova, an expert on Chinese political communication, is an Associate Professor in Global Communication, and the inaugural William C. Pate Chair in Strategic Communication at Georgia State University. She is the author of Competing for Soft Power: China's Image-Making in Africa (2026), Chinese Soft Power (2022), and the award-winning Media Politics in China: Improvising Power Under Authoritarianism (2017), all from Cambridge University Press. . Her writings have appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Atlantic, as well as in many academic journals. Dr. Repnikova holds a doctorate in politics from Oxford University where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She is a recipient of several fellowships and awards, including the Wilson Fellowship (2020-2021).

In this episode of DISINFORMATION WARS, host Ilan Berman speaks with AFPC Senior Fellow Thomas Kent about his new book, The Propaganda Manual of the Ukraine War, and about how the Kremlin is weaponizing information in the context of Ukraine... and beyond. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:Thomas Kent, The Propaganda Manual of the Ukraine War: Information Warfare by Russia, Ukraine, and Western Nations - Lessons Learned for Future Conflicts (AFPC Press, 2026), https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-propaganda-manual-of-the-ukraine-war-information-warfare-by-russia-ukraine-and-western-nations-lessons-learned-for-future-conflicts-thomas-kent/b6406493de2e6bda?ean=9781968919498BIO: Thomas Kent joined the American Foreign Policy Council in February 2024 as Senior Fellow for Strategic Communication. He is a specialist in Russian propaganda, the world information war, international journalism, and media ethics. He teaches at Columbia University about disinformation, and consults for governments, NGOs, news organizations and corporations.Until 2018, Kent was president and CEO of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a congressionally-financed company providing independent news in 27 languages to 23 countries. Before that, he was a correspondent and executive at the Associated Press, serving as standards (ethics) editor, deputy managing editor, head of international news, Moscow bureau chief, chief of operations in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, and NATO and European Union correspondent.

In this episode, Emily Popek, APR, VP of Strategic Communications for Nichols Strategies, discusses the importance of web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) for government agencies, the deadlines for compliance, and practical steps for implementation. As accessibility becomes a priority, it's time for public information professionals to embrace these changes and lead the way in creating inclusive digital environments. For a deeper dive into these insights and more, listen to the full episode of the CAPIO Chirp.Links:Nichols Strategies' Digital Accessibility Professional Learning Community (PLC) - A virtual learning community for school communications professionals looking to enhance the accessibility of their communications.Section508.gov - Provides technical assistance to help federal agencies comply with Section 508 requirements, and ensure that covered ICT is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities.WebAIM.org – WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) has provided comprehensive web accessibility solutions since 1999. These years of experience have made WebAIM one of the leading providers of web accessibility expertise internationally. WebAIM is a non-profit service center at Utah State University.View episode on YouTube

“We are now competing in conversation with someone's feed.”Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ourselves can shape how others experience a conversation. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, behavioral researcher and author of Cues and Captivate, Vanessa Van Edwards joins Matt Abrahams to explore the subtle cues that make communication more engaging. She shares strategies for navigating networking events, sparking more meaningful conversations, and signaling the warmth and competence that shape charisma and connection.Takeaways:Connection starts before you speak. Visible palms, eye contact, positioning, and other nonverbal cues can signal warmth and openness, shaping how others experience an interaction from the start.Better conversations spark curiosity. Moving beyond routine small talk with engaging questions, surprising stories, and genuine enthusiasm can make interactions more memorable and meaningful.Activity:Create a conversational feed. Start a note on your phone and collect three things from your week—a surprising moment, an interesting observation, or a small win. Bring one into your next networking event or meeting as “conversational confetti” instead of defaulting to routine small talk.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa's Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.301 Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (00:37) - Why Your Hands Matter (02:20) - Networking With Confidence (05:34) - Make Small Talk More Engaging (09:03) - The Science of Charisma (13:11) - 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.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Many pharmacy leaders focus on legislation and lobbying. Why is strategic communication on social media equally important?

This edWeb podcast is presented by ERDI.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Today's education leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity, requiring them to respond thoughtfully while maintaining focus on long-term priorities.Drawing on current leadership research and real-world examples, this third edWeb podcast of Trailblazing Leadership Week explores how adaptability, strategic communication, and intentional leadership can help districts build resilient organizations that are prepared for continuous change.This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.This edWeb podcast is part of Trailblazing Leadership Week.ERDIBringing together education leaders and solution providers committed to improving education for all.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

“We're all salespeople at the end of the day.”Whether you're pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you're telling—it's also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese, that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the protagonist, he explores how storytelling, collaboration, and clarity can make any message more persuasive.Takeaways:Every pitch tells two stories. You're selling the idea itself, but you're also showing your audience how saying yes can solve their problem, reduce their risk, and lead to their success.Brevity makes your message stronger. Cutting unnecessary words and choosing them carefully helps your ideas land with greater clarity, impact, and memorability.Activity:Tell the second story. Take a pitch you're currently working on and write one sentence describing the idea you're selling. Then write a second sentence from your audience's perspective: “If I say yes, what becomes possible for me?” Use that second story to reshape your pitch around their success, not just your idea.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Rhett ReeseEp.167 Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Make Every Word Count (03:09) - How to Pitch an Idea (07:38) - Creatively Collaborating (10:35) - Creating Space for Feedback (12:49) - AI & the Future of Hollywood (16:44) - The Final Three Questions (23:15) - 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.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

As artificial intelligence transforms the business landscape, the challenges facing startup leaders have intensified. While technology can automate many processes, the human elements of leadership — building trust, navigating ambiguity, and inspiring teams through uncertainty — have become more critical than ever. Today's founders must evolve beyond their technical expertise to become adaptive leaders who can guide organizations through rapid change. Join Cornell faculty expert Brad Treat as he explores the essential leadership competencies required for founders transitioning to CEO roles. Drawing from his experience as a serial entrepreneur and visiting lecturer at the SC Johnson Graduate School of Management, Brad will examine how emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and adaptive leadership have become fundamental capabilities for startup success. In this session, Brad will guide participants through the critical founder-to-CEO transition, sharing practical frameworks from his journey building and successfully exiting SightSpeed (acquired by Logitech) and his current work supporting more than 200 early-stage companies. He'll address the common pitfalls that derail promising startups and provide actionable strategies for stepping into effective company leadership. What You'll Learn: A framework for transitioning from technical execution to strategic leadership while maintaining team confidence Strategies for clear communication that build interpersonal agility and enhance investor relationships Methods for strengthening professional presence and emotional intelligence to foster stakeholder trust Techniques for managing team dynamics and scaling leadership capabilities as organizations grow Approaches for balancing hands-on involvement with delegation through adaptive leadership principles Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

Adrienne Elrod is a political strategist, government affairs expert and communicator with over 25 years of experience working on Capitol Hill, the executive branch and advising corporate, political and non-profit organizations. She most recently served as Sr. Advisor and Sr Spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. She held this same position for President Biden's re-election campaign. A veteran of the Biden Administration, she served as Director of External and Government Affairs for the CHIPS Program Office. During the 2020 general election, she served as a top aide to Biden's general election campaign. A native of Arkansas, she began her political career in President Bill Clinton's Administration, serving in both the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. On the 2016 presidential campaign, she served as Hillary for America's Director of Strategic Communications. She was a senior communications aide to Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She's also a frequent contributor to NBC News and MS NOW. Adrienne and I discuss the democrats' establishment vs progressive/DSA rift and It's impact on the November midterms. We also discuss the possible reasons behind White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's sudden announcement that she'll be leaving her job at month's end. But first, The Back Room gang discusses how significant the subject of Israel may be on the campaign trail these next 2 1/2 months. Got somethin' to say?! Email us at BackroomAndy@gmail.com Leave us a message: 845-307-7446 Twitter: @AndyOstroy Produced by Andy Ostroy, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud @ Radio Free Rhiniecliff Design by Cricket Lengyel

In this episode of DisruptED, host Ron J. Stefanski sits down with Julie Young, former CEO of Florida Virtual School, and Kay Johnson, Director of Strategic Communications at ASU Preparatory Academy, to reflect on more than 25 years of transformation in online education. At the center of the conversation is Young's remarkable journey from elementary educator and administrator to one of the pioneers of K-12 virtual learning. What began as an opportunity to solve specific challenges for students became a career spent rethinking how education could be designed around the learner rather than the limitations of a traditional classroom.Young and Johnson revisit the early days of Florida Virtual School, when dial-up internet, restrictive funding models, and education policy had yet to catch up with their ambitions for personalized learning. They explore how virtual education evolved from filling gaps such as credit recovery, advanced placement, and foreign language access into a model capable of serving a far broader range of students. The conversation also examines lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for education systems that can adapt quickly during disruption, and the possibilities AI now creates for the kind of deeply personalized learning educators imagined decades ago. Young also offers a preview of her upcoming book, Say Yes: How Virtual Became Reality, a personal account of the opportunities, risks, leadership decisions, team culture, and perseverance behind her career in educational innovation.

"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story."Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From giving and receiving feedback with her “ACE” framework (Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation) to recognizing the "degrees of difficulty" in disagreements, she offers practical strategies for having productive conversations even when emotions run high.Key Takeaways:Difficult conversations start with understanding yourself. Before trying to change someone else's mind, examine your own assumptions, emotions, and goals to create space for a more productive dialogue.Curiosity turns conflict into collaboration. Replacing blame with genuine questions and focusing on understanding rather than convincing helps build trust, reduce defensiveness, and move conversations forward.Activity:Decode feedback. The next time someone asks for feedback, don't answer immediately. Implement the ACE framework. First ask: "Are you looking for appreciation, coaching, or evaluation?" Then tailor your response to match what they actually needEpisode Reference Links:Sheila HeenSheila's Book: Difficult ConversationsEp. 204 Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:40) - Facing Difficult Conversations (03:53) - The Feelings Beneath Conflict (07:02) - The Stories We Tell Ourselves (08:19) - Start with the Third Story (09:59) - The Power of Questions (12:36) - Breaking an Impasse (16:15) - The Language of Curiosity (17:12) - Feedback That Lands (20:18) - Asking for Better Feedback (22:38) - Looking Beneath the Surface (24:15) - The Final Three Questions (31:30) - 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.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Neuroscience strategist Keyshawn Hughes joins Laura to explain what's actually happening in the brain when we communicate, and why so many of us feel more connected online yet lonelier than ever. The founder of Neuro Savvy Leadership breaks down her memorable framing of a world running on "dopamine hits" while starving for "oxytocin drips," the slow, in-person bonding that real relationships require. She and Laura explore how threat and reward show up in our tone and body language, what happens neurologically when Black women go silent or shrink in unsafe rooms, and how to build the self-awareness and strategy to communicate with confidence. A fascinating, practical bridge between brain science and everyday connection. In this episode: Dopamine hits versus oxytocin drips: why digital busyness leaves us lonely, and how to rebuild real connection What fight, flight, freeze, and fawn look like at work, and how to move out of them safely Practical tools to communicate clearly and advocate for yourself without shrinking or over-explaining   About Keshawn Keshawn Hughes, M.S. is a NeuroLeadership Strategist, Executive Coach, and Founder of NeuroSavvy® Leadership, equipping HR and corporate leaders with neuroscience-backed tools to boost productivity, retention, and engagement. With a Master's in Strategic Communication, she has facilitated over 400 leadership engagements since 2021, helping organizations build thriving cultures. Keshawn's upcoming book, NeuroSavvy® Storytelling, shares strategies that move people to believe, align, and take action. Based in Atlanta, she brings the same heartfelt approach to life with her husband and child who inspire her daily.   Connect with Keshawn Website: http://www.keshawnhughes.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeuroLeaderKHughes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshawnhughes/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keshawnridgelhughes/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keshawnhughes1576   BWL Resources: Join us at the 2027 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference & Retreat.  June 1-4, 2027, Clearwater Beach, FL.  Save your seat at www.BWLretreat.com Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube.  Subscribe to the BWL channel today! Check out the BWL theme song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68EqEJjXq0  Check out the BWL line dance tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eui89AmJwUg  Take the free Future-Ready Leader Assessment - https://futureready.blackwomanleading.com/   Credits: Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/ Email Laura: info@knightsconsultinggroup.com  Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraeknights/  Follow BWL on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blackwomanleading  Instagram: @blackwomanleading Facebook: @blackwomanleading Youtube: @blackwomanleading  Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights - https://marshallknights.com/  Graphics: Dara Adams Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms: Apple Podcasts  Spotify Stitcher iHeartRadio Audible Podbay  

Count Binface, Nick the Incredible Flying Brick and, of course, Nigel Farage, will be among the candiates on the ballot for the Clacton-on-Sea by-election,To look ahead to the day of voting was James Lyons, Former Director of Strategic Communications for Keir Starmer.

What if the chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, or other persistent symptoms you're seeing aren't just about labs, diet, or lifestyle but unresolved grief?In this episode, Dr. Ritamarie sits down with Dr. Sweta Vikram, an internationally recognized Ayurvedic practitioner, grief coach, and trauma-informed yoga teacher, to explore how unresolved grief can impact physiology, behavior, and well-being.Dr. Vikram walks through practical strategies for identifying grief in clients, creating safe spaces for healing, and applying Ayurvedic principles to restore balance in body and mind. Whether you're a practitioner working with sensitive cases or looking to better understand the unseen forces affecting health, this conversation will expand your clinical lens.What's Inside This EpisodeWhy grief is more than loss of a loved one. It can show up as chronic symptomsHow the body signals unresolved emotional trauma through physiology and behaviorThe Ayurvedic framework for understanding imbalance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in daily lifePractical approaches for safely addressing grief in client interactionsHow simple rituals, journaling, and mindful presence can support resilienceCreating space for emotional visibility and healing in professional practiceResources and Links:Download the Full Reset hereGet your FREE guide to Supporting a Healthy and Balanced Immune SystemGet your FREE guide: Beyond Protocols: A Practitioner's Guide to Root Cause Pattern Recognition for a structured framework to integrate symptoms, systems, and sequence in complex casesJoin the Next-Level Health Practitioner Facebook group here for free resources and community supportVisit INEMethod.com for advanced health practitioner training and tools to elevate your clinical skills and grow your practice by getting life-changing results. Check out other podcast episodes hereGuest Resources and LinksVisit Sweta Srivastava Vikram's Website to explore her work, books, and wellness resources: www.swetavikram.comFollow Sweta on Social Media for daily insights and updates:Instagram: @swetavikramFacebook: Sweta's Words and WellnessLinkedIn: Sweta Srivastava VikramYouTube: Holistic Wellness with SwetaListen to Sweta's Podcast The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of BalanceDownload Free Wellness Guides to apply Ayurveda in your practice or daily life:Free Rejuvenating Sleep Guide: Ayurveda Quick TipsThe 5-Minute Ayurveda ResetGuest BioSweta Srivastava Vikram (www.swetavikram.com) is an international speaker, best-selling author of 14 books, award-winning entrepreneur, a certified grief coach, trauma-informed yoga teacher works with survivors - being safe in body, Adjunct Professor - teCHES COMMUNICATIONS, and Doctor of Ayurveda (AD) who is committed to helping people thrive on their own terms. Her upcoming book is tentatively titled Rhythms of Resilience: An Ayurvedic Guide to ReducING Stress and Bringing (Loving Healing Press 2026), and she's the host of the podcast The Grounded Leader: Ayurvedic Wellness for Leaders Who Want to Succeed from a Place of Balance. As a trusted source on health and wellness, most recently appearing on NBC, NPR, iHeartRadio, and Radio Lifeforce and in a documentary with Dr. Deepak Chopra, Sweta has dedicated her career to writing about and teaching a more holistic approach to creativity, productivity, health, and nutrition. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications across nine countries on three continents. Sweta holds a Master's in Strategic Communications from Columbia University. Voted as “One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times” and winner of the “Voices of the Year” award (past recipients include Chelsea Clinton), she lives in New York City with her husband and works with clients across the globe. She also teaches yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Find her on: X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Ben Rhodes served as one of Barack Obama's closest foreign-policy aides, holding the role of Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting from 2009 to 2017. He acted as the lead negotiator in secret talks that normalised U.S.–Cuba relations and was central in building political support for the Iran nuclear deal. Since leaving government, Rhodes has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and his efforts to dismantle Obama's foreign policy legacy, moves Rhodes argues have destabilised the world and left America vulnerable.; In June 2026 Rhodes came to Intelligence Squared to make sense of America in 2026 and chart a path back to its democratic ideals. Drawing on his new book All We Say: A History of the United States in Fifteen Speeches, Rhodes traced the long battle over what it means to be American — from Benjamin Franklin's case for compromise to the culture war speeches that foreshadowed Donald Trump. He revealed the extraordinary power that words and oratory have had in redirecting the nation, and asked what they might still achieve at a time when American identity, and truth itself, is fiercely contested. --- This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Rhodes served as one of Barack Obama's closest foreign-policy aides, holding the role of Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting from 2009 to 2017. He acted as the lead negotiator in secret talks that normalised U.S.–Cuba relations and was central in building political support for the Iran nuclear deal. Since leaving government, Rhodes has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and his efforts to dismantle Obama's foreign policy legacy, moves Rhodes argues have destabilised the world and left America vulnerable.;  In June 2026 Rhodes came to Intelligence Squared to make sense of America in 2026 and chart a path back to its democratic ideals. Drawing on his new book All We Say: A History of the United States in Fifteen Speeches, Rhodes traced the long battle over what it means to be American — from Benjamin Franklin's case for compromise to the culture war speeches that foreshadowed Donald Trump. He revealed the extraordinary power that words and oratory have had in redirecting the nation, and asked what they might still achieve at a time when American identity, and truth itself, is fiercely contested. This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us Fan MailThe women who move up in Q4 are not the ones who work harder in October. They are the ones who did four things in August that changed the story their manager was telling about them.August feels quiet. It feels like a hold-your-breath month before September, before Q4, before the year rushes to its ending. That quiet is exactly why it is the most important month of your year. Promotion decisions, compensation conversations, and year-end outcomes get made in October and November about people whose names got planted in August.In this episode of Communicate to Lead, Kele walks through the Mid-Year Audit, a set of four coaching questions she uses with clients preparing for Q4. These are not the questions your manager will ask you. They are the ones your manager cannot ask, and the ones you rarely ask yourself.This episode opens a four-part August arc on turning visibility into leverage.WHAT YOU WILL LEARNWhy a mid-year audit is a completely different exercise from a mid-year review, and why you need bothThe invisible ledger most high-performing women are carrying, and what it is costing them in visibilityWhat “playing small” actually looks like at senior levels, which is rarely what people expectWhy being told you need more executive presence is nearly useless feedback, and how to decode which version of the problem you actually haveThe work you have outgrown that is quietly holding your ceiling in placeHow avoided conversations compound between August and DecemberA method for turning four honest answers into four specific commitments with dates attachedWHO THIS IS FORHigh-performing women in middle and senior management who want Q4 to look different from the rest of the year, and who are ready to get honest about what has been getting in the way.YOUR ACTION STEPBlock thirty minutes on your calendar this week. Not tonight when you are tired, and not Friday when you are wrapping up. Answer the four questions from this episode, then write down four commitments, one for each answer, with specific language, a specific person, and a specific date.COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MID-YEAR AUDIT1. What is the difference between a mid-year audit and a mid-year review?A review is a conversation with your manager about work she can already see. An audit is the private assessment you do of the things she cannot see, including your own patterns and the conversations you have been avoiding.2. Why do this in August instead of waiting until Q4 planning?Because you still have time to act on what you find. By October, budgets are closing and promotion decisions are already in motion. August gives you three months of runway.3. Do I need to share my audit answers with my manager?No. The audit is for you. What you share is the one strategic thing that comes out of it, framed deliberately and timed well.MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEEpisode 110: How to Turn Your Mid-Year Review Into Career Advancement (4-Step Framework)Episode 112: Why Hard Work Won't Get You Promoted (5 Strategies That Actually Work)Episode 113: 4 Strategies to Advance Your Career When Your Manager Has Checked OutEpisode 114: How to Get Promoted in Q4: The Strategic RISE Method Every Woman Leader Needs to KnowREADY TO GO DEEPER?If you do the audit and you can see what needs to change but not how to actually do it, that is exactly what a Leadership Strategy Call is for. It is a free thirty-minute conversation where Kele does this audit with you in real time and you build the plan for what your Q4 needs to look like.Let us talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what it will take to get there.Book your Leadership Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-callABOUT YOUR HOSTKele Belton is a communication and leadership facilitator, coach, and consultant who helps high-performing women in middle and senior management move from essential but invisible to seen, sponsored, and promoted through strategic communication. She is the founder of The Tailored Approach and host of Communicate to Lead.CONNECT WITH KELELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/Website: https://thetailoredapproach.comBook a Leadership Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/kele-thetailoredapproach/leadership-strategy-call

What if the qualities we call “uncommon leadership” are actually the ones that should be ordinary? After leading at IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, SuperValu, and Walmart through decades of transformation, Keith Wyche argues that the leaders who endure aren't simply the smartest or the most innovative—they're the ones who consistently lead with integrity, humility, and trust. His new book, Uncommon Leadership, is both a call to higher standards and a practical guide for leading people through change. What You'll Learn The four Rs required to guide teams through rapid industry transformation Why trust equals character times competency times consistency How to distinguish real character from captivating charisma in executive selection The simple question frontline associates need to be asked during store visits How managing imbalance replaces the impossible myth of work balance Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:10) Leading Through Decades of Corporate Transformation (01:52) The Four Rs of Navigating Organizational Change (03:04) The Steep Decline of Trust in Modern Leadership (04:49) The Simple Formula for Building Real Trust (06:05) Why True Leadership Demands Character Over Charisma (11:10) Moving Beyond Results to Value Human Capital (12:38) How Vulnerability and Listening Transform Team Culture (18:17) Simplifying What Matters Most in Strategic Communication (20:27) Managing Imbalance to Protect Energy and Prevent Burnout (22:25) Planting Trees and Building a Lasting Leadership Legacy About Keith Wyche Keith Wyche is a seasoned corporate executive and author who has led major operational transformations across global organizations, including IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, Supervalu, and Walmart. With decades of executive leadership experience, he focuses on helping leaders navigate disruptive change, cultivate authentic trust, and build cultures grounded in character, humility, and human capital. His latest book, “Uncommon Leadership,” provides a practical guide for modern leaders striving to elevate organizational standards and leave a lasting legacy. What Brand Has Made Keith Smile Recently? Walmart recently made Keith smile by launching an upskilling initiative that retrains hourly associates for skilled trades such as electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. By creating clear pathways for associates to transition into high-demand technical roles as automation evolves, the brand demonstrates how major employers can invest directly in human capital and long-term economic mobility. Resources & Links Connect with Keith on LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack, and his website. Listen and Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask Matt Anything episode, Matt Abrahams answers real-world questions from members of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Learning Community, sharing practical advice for communicating with confidence when the stakes are high. From managing cognitive load and regulating anxiety to leading uncertain conversations and running more engaging meetings, Matt offers actionable strategies for staying focused, connecting with your audience, and communicating with clarity under pressureKey Takeaways:Manage your emotions to manage your message. Reducing cognitive load through preparation and emotional regulation helps you think and communicate more clearly under pressure.Lead with your audience in mind. Whether navigating uncertainty or running meetings, acknowledging emotions, setting clear expectations, and tailoring your message helps people stay engaged and take action.Activity:Stress-test your message. Before your next high-stakes conversation or presentation, rehearse it once under mild pressure—set a timer, record yourself, or practice with a colleague. Notice where you lose clarity, then refine those moments before the real conversation.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 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 (01:07) - Speaking Under Pressure (04:01) - Calming an Anxious Audience (07:45) - More Engaging Meetings (12:33) - Communicating Change Without Fear (16:30) - Conclusion

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens when religious freedom becomes a legal tool for imposing religion on others? Andrew L. Seidel, constitutional attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram to explain how church-state law has shaped American public life. Seidel walks through the Establishment Clause, the Free Exercise Clause, Article VI's ban on religious tests, and major Supreme Court cases including Everson, Brown v. Board, Lemon v. Kurtzman, Kennedy v. Bremerton, and Carson v. Makin. He argues that separation of church and state is larger than one clause in the First Amendment. It is woven through the Constitution's structure and protects people of every faith and no faith. The conversation also explores public schools, vouchers, Christian nationalism, Leonard Leo's influence on the courts, and why America's 250th is a moment to defend religious liberty for everyone.Guest BioAndrew L. Seidel is a constitutional and civil rights attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. His work focuses on religious freedom, church-state separation, Christian nationalism, and the way constitutional law affects public life. He is the author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom, and co-editor of Law and Religion: Cases and Materials. His legal and public writing helps explain how First Amendment law, religious liberty claims, public schools, and Supreme Court doctrine shape the rights of believers and nonbelievers alike.Book MentionedAmerican Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom by Andrew L. SeidelBookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781454943921Relevant Links & ResourcesAmericans United for Separation of Church and State - Andrew L. SeidelURL: https://www.au.org/about-au/people/andrew-l-seidel/ Support Sarah Stankorb's work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026.  Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comWill Wright, Political Host: Will@faithfulpolitics.comFollow Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast

As demand for AI infrastructure accelerates, successful data center development depends on more than identifying available land. Developers and engineering teams must navigate permitting challenges, stakeholder concerns, community sentiment, and political dynamics that can significantly impact project outcomes. In this episode of The Market Edge, Diana O'Lare sits down with Flypower CEO Navdeep Martin to discuss how AI-powered site selection and community risk intelligence are helping teams answer two critical questions: Should we build here? and What is our path to approval?   ACEC position statement on data center development: https://www.acec.org/resource/45007/ Strategic Communications for Mission Critical & Pubic Facing Projects: https://netforum.acec.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?webcode=ACECAOOE10&prdKey=CCBDE0C4-55A5-4128-988E-2AE51A97BC2F&pc=ee Learn More about Flypower: https://flypower.io/ 

In the third and final episode of You Belong Here: Building Pathways to Belonging, Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services; Lisa Grund, Strategic Communication and Relationship Partner for Career Path Services; and Dr. Anna Valiavska, organizational researcher and professor, move from naming the barriers to belonging toward the everyday practices that help build it. The conversation explores how organizations can make belonging part of their infrastructure—not an extra initiative or aspirational value—by embedding it into decision-making frameworks, onboarding, team meetings, performance conversations, communication practices, and leadership accountability. Through practical examples and honest reflection, the episode offers listeners concrete ways to reduce ambiguity, build trust, create clearer pathways for participation and development, and ensure that belonging remains part of how work gets done every day.

Our special weeklong coverage on Inside Sources continues today -- how parents can have difficult conversations with their children. In this segment, Greg and Holly are joined by Dr. Ryan Bartlett, Director of Strategic Communications for the Utah State Board of Education. Bartlett describes ways parents can help teachers and other school staff in both stopping and preventing bullying.

"You want to own the message and your narrative."Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it's about building trust over time. As Zoom's Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world's most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention.Key Takeaways:Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust—especially during periods of change or crisis.Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.Activity:Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Kim StorinEp.82 It's Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others FirstConnect: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 (01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis (03:36) - Changing Brand Perception (06:50) - Building Culture at Scale (09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses (11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments (12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty (16:03) - The Final Three Questions (21:33) - 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.Most Work Platforms Help People Communicate.  Some help you organize, but Zoom turns conversations into outcomes. Try Zoom Mate today

"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses."The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he's discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the trust of high-profile talent to leading creative and technical teams, Rogier reveals why curiosity, adaptability, and authentic relationship-building are essential communication skills.Takeaways:Lead with curiosity. Build trust by asking thoughtful questions and focusing on the other person's needs, not your own. Never stop improving. The world's top performers continuously seek feedback, refine their skills, and embrace lifelong learning.Activity:Study an expert. Watch a communicator you admire—a speaker, leader, or interviewer—and identify three techniques they use to engage their audience. Try incorporating one of those techniques into your next presentation or meeting.Printable Extended Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:David RogierMatt's MasterClassConnect: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 (00:39) - The Power of Learning (01:28) - Building Trust (04:21) - Creating Great Content (07:23) - Leading Different Teams (09:45) - Learning from Masters (10:54) - Communicating with a Stutter (14:00) - The Final Three Questions (17:39) - 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.To see what Scribe could look like for your organization, head to scribe.how/thinkfast and mention Think Fast for your first month of Scribe Capture free. 

In the second episode of You Belong Here: Building Pathways to Belonging, Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services; Lisa Grund, Strategic Communication and Relationship Partner for Career Path Services; and Dr. Anna Valiavska, organizational researcher and professor, examine the often-unspoken standards that shape who is recognized, trusted, and rewarded as a leader. Through candid personal stories and workplace examples, they explore how expectations surrounding professionalism, executive presence, emotional expression, appearance, communication style, and access to professional networks can privilege certain ways of showing up while creating barriers for others. The conversation also offers practical ways organizations can move beyond trying to "fix" individual leaders and instead examine their systems through more inclusive evaluation practices, belonging-centered manager training, and greater equity in delegation and decision-making authority.

On this episode of Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast, Iris Crawford, Race Forward's Director of Strategic Communications, speaks with Bishop Dwayne Royster, Executive Director of Faith in Action, for a conversation about faith, democracy, and the institutions that help communities organize for change. Drawing on his experience as a pastor, organizer, radio host, and national movement leader, Bishop Royster reflects on the role faith communities have played in struggles for racial justice, civil rights, immigrant rights, and democratic participation. He challenges the notion that faith is simply a matter of personal belief, arguing instead that congregations and faith-based organizations serve as vital civic infrastructure, cultivating leadership, belonging, collective action, and hope in moments of uncertainty. Recorded ahead of Juneteenth and as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding, the conversation explores the unfinished work of democracy and the role faith communities can play in shaping the future. Bishop Royster discusses Faith in Action's organizing model, recent faith-led mobilizations in response to immigration enforcement, the dangers of White Christian Nationalism, and the importance of building relationships across difference. He also reflects on his years in radio and why audio remains a powerful democratic medium, one that allows everyday people to share their stories, engage ideas, and participate in the public square. Together, the discussion asks what it will take to build a more just, inclusive, and multiracial democracy, and why faith, imagination, and collective action remain essential to that work. Executive Producers: Hendel Leiva, Priscilla Sam  

“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.”If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, the most effective communicators aren't just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors that influence communication, from purposeful gestures and expressive body language to the words, images, and visual cues that build trust and credibility.Takeaways:Great communication goes beyond words. Gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and even the language we use in emails and meetings can either create friction or build trust, clarity, and connection.Focus on the other person, not yourself. By applying the Platinum Rule—treating others as they want to be treated—and intentionally putting people at ease, communicators can foster stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and greater influence.Activity:Practice the Platinum Rule. Before your next important conversation, meeting, or email, take one minute to answer: “What does this person need from me right now?” Then tailor your communication to their priorities, concerns, and preferred style—not your own. Afterward, reflect on how that shift changed the quality of the interaction.Printable PDF of Takeaways & ActivityEpisode Reference Links:Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessa's Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication 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 (01:01) - The Importance of Strategic Communication (01:45) - The Power of Gestures (04:10) - A Readiness Check for Speakers (05:56) - Over-Signaling vs. Under-Signaling (08:18) - Dangerous Words in Communication (12:27) - Imagery Cues & First Impressions (15:03) - Virtual Backgrounds Matter (17:33) - The Platinum Rule (19:01) - The Final Three Questions (23:59) - Conclusion

Many people have never heard of Ryan Furby, yet they have likely experienced the impact of the work he does. After an international career with some of the world’s largest corporations, including FedEx, Philip Morris International, and Biogen, Ryan returned to Louisiana and quietly built a consulting practice that helps organizations navigate complex business challenges through strategic communications, public affairs, and reputation management. Today, as CEO of RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, he advises companies while also giving generously of his time to Acadiana’s nonprofit and civic organizations. In this episode of Discover Lafayette, Ryan demystifies a profession that often operates behind the scenes. He explains how organizations earn, and sometimes lose, the public’s trust, why communications belong at the executive table, and how thoughtful leadership can determine whether a company thrives during moments of opportunity or crisis. As Ryan succinctly explains, “I’m in the trust business. I’m in the reputation business.“ Louisiana Roots, Global Experience Ryan’s career has taken him around the world, but Louisiana has always remained home. Born in Baton Rouge, raised in Mandeville, and educated at Loyola University New Orleans, Ryan grew up with deep family ties throughout South Louisiana. His mother’s family has roots in Lafayette stretching back generations, while his father’s family is from Alexandria. After nearly twenty years of pursuing increasingly demanding international leadership roles, Ryan found himself burned out. “I’d been chasing jobs and money and career all around the world for 20 years,” he recalls. “I was at a point where I was really burned out.” Initially, moving to Lafayette was intended to be temporary, a place where he and his wife could regroup while raising their two young children closer to family. “We’ll spend a year. See how it goes.” Eight years later, Lafayette has become home. That decision changed not only his family’s life, but the community that would eventually benefit from his leadership. Learning Leadership at FedEx Ryan credits much of his professional development to his years at FedEx, where he describes the company as “my training ground” and “my MBA.” Working inside one of the world’s largest transportation companies gave him unprecedented exposure to executive decision-making and corporate strategy. Few people influenced him more than FedEx founder Fred Smith. “I thought of him as a professor,” Ryan says. “Every time he spoke, I just absorbed all of that.” Smith’s military background shaped the culture of the company through a simple but powerful philosophy: “Shoot. Move. Communicate.” Ryan explains that the phrase represented more than a slogan. It embodied how organizations must continually adapt, execute, and communicate internally to remain successful. At FedEx, communications wasn’t an afterthought, it was part of executive leadership. Communications professionals sat alongside legal counsel, operations leaders, marketing executives, and division presidents, helping shape decisions before they became headlines. As Ryan explains, their role was often to become “the conscience of the organization,” helping leaders ask difficult questions: “If you mess up, how do you own it? How do you fix it? How do you prevent it from happening again?” Katrina: Helping New Orleans Recover One of Ryan’s defining professional experiences came in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. From FedEx’s corporate “war room,” he watched the devastation unfold while simultaneously helping coordinate logistics and charitable efforts to support New Orleans’ recovery. The experience was deeply personal. “I felt like New Orleans was my home,” he says. “Watching that and then knowing what my friends and family were experiencing felt very personal.” Among the recovery efforts he remains most proud of was helping the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas reopen. After Katrina, nearly every animal inside the aquarium died when life-support systems failed. The surviving penguins and two sea otters had been relocated to California while the facility rebuilt. When the aquarium asked FedEx for help bringing the animals home, Ryan immediately recognized the symbolic importance. “This is going to be big. This is a story.” FedEx ultimately chartered one of its own aircraft to transport the animals back to New Orleans, sponsored the exhibit, and helped organize a major reopening celebration nearly one year after the storm. “It was symbolic of what New Orleans needed,” Ryan reflects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUvQQr-obXU The story became a powerful reminder that communications is about far more than publicity; it is about helping communities recover, celebrate milestones, and restore hope. Reinvention on a Global Stage Ryan’s next chapter took him to Switzerland with Philip Morris International. To many, accepting a position with a tobacco company might seem surprising. Ryan explains that by the time he joined, the company’s leadership was investing heavily in research and development to transition smokers toward reduced-risk alternatives. His responsibility was helping one of the world’s most heavily regulated companies navigate communications in an increasingly digital world. Unlike traditional consumer brands, every communication had to operate within extraordinary legal constraints. “It was always trying to find a path through all of the barriers,” he says. Living overseas also transformed his family’s perspective. Ryan and his wife immersed their children in French-speaking schools, traveled extensively throughout Europe, and developed friendships with colleagues from across the globe, including Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. Those experiences fundamentally changed how he views the world. “I tend to see things from both sides,” he says. “I give the other side the benefit of the doubt.” That balanced perspective continues to shape both his consulting practice and his civic leadership today. Choosing Lafayette When Ryan eventually returned to the United States through Biogen, he briefly considered relocating to Boston. Instead, he chose Lafayette. His reason was remarkably simple. Family. “I wanted them to know their family,” he says of his children. Equally important was his desire to become part of a genuine community. Living abroad had shown him what it meant to be welcomed professionally but never fully belong. Louisiana offered something different. “I wanted to be part of the people, part of the community.” Rather than simply living in Lafayette, Ryan intentionally sought opportunities to serve. That commitment eventually led him to board leadership with organizations including the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, as well as service on the committee that selected the new president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Building RAF Strategic Communications Ryan eventually founded RAF Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, naming the company after his initials, “RAF,” colleagues had called him throughout his FedEx career. Today, he helps organizations clarify strategy, improve communications, strengthen relationships with government and stakeholders, and successfully compete for major contracts. One example close to home involved Acadiana Waste Services. When the company prepared its proposal for Lafayette’s residential solid waste contract, Ryan brought years of experience responding to complex Request for Proposals. His advice was practical: “Answer the question. Get the score you need.” But beyond simply answering technical requirements, Ryan helped the locally owned company present itself with the polish and professionalism expected of much larger national competitors. “If you want to know how the big ones operate,” he says, “this is how they do it.” Today, he continues serving as a communications consultant for Acadiana Waste Services while helping the company build relationships throughout the community. And Ryan says, ” Just a side note, we have a monthly meeting with LCG and each month, it’s another month of no fines. To have no fines means you’ve collected every single route. If you miss something, you have 24 hours to fix it. No fines in this industry is unheard of. They are a great company and great people. I’m really fortunate to work with them.” Reputation Can Take Decades to Build—and Minutes to Lose One of the most fascinating portions of our conversation centered on reputation management. Ryan discussed recent corporate case studies ranging from Fender Guitars to BP’s Deepwater Horizon response, illustrating how quickly public trust can disappear. Quoting Warren Buffett, Ryan offered one of the interview’s most memorable observations: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” His work often involves helping organizations ask difficult questions before problems become public crises. “The best examples of what I do,” he explains, “never hit the papers because the issues have been handled properly before they were out there to ruin the reputation of the company.” It is a reminder that successful communication isn’t simply about responding well, it is about making wiser decisions from the beginning. Giving Back to Acadiana Despite an international résumé, Ryan speaks most enthusiastically about community service. His involvement with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra reflects his belief that arts organizations help define the character of a community. He praises board chairman Robert Schacht for modernizing the organization while expanding educational programming, movie concerts, chamber performances, and outreach designed to welcome new audiences. “We’re trying to bring in education and students and have fun,” Ryan says. “I just think performing arts is so important for community.” That same philosophy guides his volunteer work across Acadiana. As he explains: “Work is just a piece of who I am.” “What I can give back is much more rewarding.” Listen to the Full Conversation Ryan Furby’s career has taken him from Louisiana to Switzerland, from global boardrooms to local nonprofit organizations, yet one lesson consistently emerges throughout our conversation: Businesses succeed not simply because they have great products, but because they earn trust. Whether advising Fortune 500 companies, helping a locally owned business compete for a transformational contract, or volunteering with organizations that enrich Acadiana, Ryan brings the same thoughtful approach to leadership: listening carefully, understanding multiple perspectives, and helping people achieve their best outcomes. His story is ultimately not just about communications. It’s about character, credibility, and the relationships that make communities and organizations stronger. For more information about his services, visit https://rafmarketing.com/.

The nonverbal habits that make you look confident, composed, and authentic before you even speak.How you carry yourself can shape how others perceive your confidence, credibility, and authenticity—often before you say a word. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares practical, research-backed techniques for strengthening your presence through body language, posture, gestures, and eye contact. Learn how to stand and sit with confidence, move with purpose, use your hands effectively, and avoid common nonverbal habits that can distract from your message. Whether you're presenting to an audience, leading a meeting, or navigating everyday conversations, these simple strategies can help you communicate with greater composure and impact. Episode Reference Links:Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It: How To Communica…Ep.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication  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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:59) - Be Big, Balanced, and Still (02:53) - The Right Speaking Stance (03:38) - Moving with Purpose (04:29) - Presence While Seated (05:15) - What to Do with Your Hands (06:00) - Gesturing Beyond Your Shoulders (08:29) - Effective Eye Contact (09:14) - Thinking While Speaking (09:59) - Bringing It All Together (10:46) - Practice Through Recording (11:32) - 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.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

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

Why the most effective communicators help people see not just what's changing, but why it matters to them.For Sinéad Bovell, effective communication isn't just about explaining what's coming next—it's about giving people the confidence and agency to engage with it.Bovell is a futurist, founder of the tech education company WAYE, and an expert advisor to the United Nations AI Advisory Body. Known for making complex topics accessible to broad audiences, she has spent years helping leaders, organizations, and young people understand the implications of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies. Her approach starts with a simple principle: meet people where they are and connect big ideas to what matters in their lives. “If you scare people too much, if you disempower them, [and] they do unsubscribe from the very activities you need them to lean into.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bovell joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to communicate complexity without overwhelming people and why skills like adaptability and judgment are becoming more valuable in the age of AI. From making emerging technologies more accessible to building trust through relevance and empathy, they discuss what it takes to help audiences engage with change rather than fear it.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Sinéad BovellConnect: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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Explaining Complex Ideas (03:48) - The Future of Soft Skills (06:52) - Talking About AI Without Fear (10:33) - Storytelling for Young Audiences (12:46) - Reaching Young Audiences (15:01) - Career Pivots & Reinvention (16:53) - Becoming a Better Communicator (18:59) - The Final Three Questions (25:09) - Conclusion

Practical communication strategies you can use immediately at work and beyond.How do you speak up when a conversation is moving faster than you can think? What should you do when emotions threaten to derail your listening? And how can you give honest feedback to a boss who doesn't seem interested in hearing it?In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams answers listener questions from the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community on some of the most challenging workplace communication scenarios. From practical techniques for inserting your ideas into fast-paced meetings to strategies for managing emotions and delivering feedback upward, Matt shares actionable advice to help you communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:02) - Speaking Up in Meetings (04:42) - Listening Through Emotion (07:58) - Giving Feedback Upward (13:29) - 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.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Why the best leaders treat uncertainty as a chance to learn, not a failure to avoid.Most companies are built to grow. Far fewer are built to stay true to their purpose as they do.Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, creator of the Lean Startup movement, and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. For Ries, innovation starts with a simple reality: nobody can predict the future. “If you're going to do something fundamentally new,” he says, “how are we supposed to forecast” what success will look like? Instead of relying on certainty, leaders should focus on learning. “If you cannot fail, you cannot learn.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ries and host Matt Abrahams explore how leaders can communicate through uncertainty, turn setbacks into valuable insights, and build cultures rooted in trust. From the power of the build-measure-learn feedback loop to the importance of making “deposits” in a company's culture bank, Ries shares practical strategies for creating organizations that innovate, adapt, and stay true to their values as they grow.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Eric RiesEric's Book: IncorruptibleEp.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really StickEp.54 Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core Values  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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Lean Startup Fundamentals (04:03) - Business Plans vs. Reality (06:31) - Learning from Failure (08:11) - Why Companies Go Bad (10:49) - The Culture Bank (13:51) - The Final Three Questions (22:05) - 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.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Do you really win the negotiation if it means losing the relationship?You might think that successful negotiation means getting what you want here and now. But Stan Christensen says this short-sighted view is selling many negotiators short.Christensen is a professional negotiator, host of the All Things Negotiation podcast, and instructor of one of Stanford's most popular courses on the subject. His core insight: most negotiations happen with people you'll see again — which means success isn't about claiming victory, it's about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. “Most people think of negotiation statically,” he says. “It's you and I. There's a fixed pie. We're trying to get more for ourself and less for the other party. In reality, 95% of negotiations are gonna be with people you see again, so I define success as contributing to the value of the long-term relationship.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christensen and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to negotiate well — from the power of listening and asking questions to managing emotions and communicating for collaboration. Whether you're negotiating a business deal or just deciding where to go to dinner, Christensen shows why every negotiation is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship.Episode Reference Links:Stan ChristensenAll Things Negotiation PodcastEp.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You WantEp.204 Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:11) - What Is Negotiation? (02:50) - Negotiating Every Day (03:52) - The Power of Listening (05:25) - Asking Better Questions (07:26) - Handling Emotions (08:24) - Authentic Emotion (09:22) - Body Language Matters (10:13) - Collaboration in Negotiation (11:51) - Framing Conversations (13:16) - Setting the Agenda (14:38) - Co-Creating Structure (16:14) - A Common Negotiation Mistake (16:53) - Why Start a Podcast (17:57) - Learning from Guests (18:54) - The Final Three Questions (26:15) - 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.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.comJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader.Leadership isn't just about making decisions — it's about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it, “Communication is operationalized leadership.”At a recent Me2We event, in connection with Stanford GSB's Executive Education LEAD program, Abrahams held a live discussion with four of the podcast's most popular guests: Celine Teoh, facilitator of the GSB's famous Interpersonal Dynamics course; Huggy Rao, organizational behavior professor and co-author of The Friction Project; legendary Stanford basketball coach Tara VanDerveer; and Dave Dodson, lecturer and author of The Manager's Handbook.In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the panel shares frameworks and lessons for leading and communicating more effectively. From Teoh's five A's for inviting dissent to Rao's warning against “jargon monoxide,” from VanDerveer's relationship-first approach to Dodson's case for leading like a teacher, this conversation explores what it takes to communicate as a leader — and lead as a communicator.Episode Reference Links:Celine TeohTara VanDerveerHuggy RaoHuggy's Book: The Friction ProjectDavid DodsonDavid's Book: The Manager's HandbookEp.194 Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1 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 >>> LinkedIn Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction (04:18) - Encouraging Dissent (06:40) - The Addition Bias (09:57) - Coaching Through Encouragement (12:12) - Leadership in the AI Era (16:24) - Teaching vs. Managing (17:46) - Making People Feel Appreciated (19:06) - Slowing Down Decisions (21:24) - Listening More (24:24) - Avoiding Jargon (26:31) - Giving Better Feedback (28:53) - Preparing for Communication (29:44) - Using Communication Frameworks (31:15) - Skills for Future Leaders (37:47) - Conclusion

My Conversation with Andrew starts at 17 mins  Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE : On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Subscribe to Andrew Substack Andrew L. Seidel is Vice President of Strategic Communications for AU, an author, and an attorney who's defended the First Amendment for more than a decade. Andrew is the author of two books: The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American (2019) and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court is Weaponizing Religious Freedom (2022). He's also co-editor of an academic text, Law and Religion: Cases and Materials (Foundation Press, 2022) 5th Edition, with Prof. Leslie Griffin of UNLV law school. A Senior Correspondent at Religion Dispatches, Andrew is a prolific author of opeds, has written several scholarly articles, has debated the utility of the Johnson Amendment, and organized and contributed to the groundbreaking report, "Christian Nationalism at the January 6, 2021, Insurrection," which was published by the Baptist Joint Committee and the Freedom From Religion Foundation and aroused congressional interest. Andrew is a recognized expert on Christian Nationalism, which he's spent the last decade fighting in and out of court. He's appeared on Fox News to debate Bill O'Reilly, MSNBC, and hundreds of other media outlets. Andrew graduated cum laude from Tulane University ('04) with a B.S. in neuroscience and environmental science and magna cum laude from Tulane University Law School ('09), where he was awarded the Haber J. McCarthy Award for excellence in environmental law. He studied human rights and international law at the University of Amsterdam and traveled the world on Semester at Sea. Andrew completed his Master of Laws at Denver University Sturm College of Law ('11) with a perfect GPA and was awarded the Outstanding L.L.M. Award for his work as the Erik Bluemel International Environmental Law Fellow. After a short stint in private practice Andrew joined the Freedom From Religion Foundation as a constitutional attorney and later Director of Strategic Response, running a nimble unit known as the Strategic Response Team and helping elevate that organization's profile. He joined AU in March of 2022. Before dedicating his life and law degree to keeping state and church separate, Andrew was a Grand Canyon tour guide and an accomplished nature photographer. Follow Andrew on Twitter: @AndrewLSeidel On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete Listen rate and review on Apple Podcasts Listen rate and review on Spotify Pete On Instagram Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on Twitter Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll  Buy Ava's Art  Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack Follow and Support Pete Coe Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing  

John talks about Colorado Gov. Jared Polis commuting the sentence of 2020 Election Denier Tina Peters, making her eligible to be freed next month. He also discusses the Trump Administration considering settling a $10 Billion lawsuit brought by Trump himself, creating instead a $1.7Billion slush fund for himself and other MAGA supplicants who feel triggered and attacked by laws and morals – (like J6 rioters for example). Plus, he talks about Trump claiming the Southern Poverty Law Center was the source funding the deadly 2017 Unite the Right gathering of neo-Nazis and other white supremacists in Virginia. Then, John interviews the president of the Florida Education Association - Andrew Spar. During his 15 years leading the Volusia union, Andrew negotiated 14 contracts, handled numerous grievances and arbitrations, and spent many long hours advocating for members and working families. At FEA, he spent eight years on the Executive Cabinet. Next, Public Relations Society of America award-winning Democratic Strategist and political columnist Max Burns returns to discuss his new piece in The Hill called "How Republicans are going to blow it and put Democrats back in charge". And then finally, John chats with the Vice President of Strategic Communications for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Andrew L. Seidel. Andrew is a recognized expert on Christian Nationalism, which he's spent the last decade fighting in and out of court.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.