In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Angelo J Valletta, CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners, about leadership communication and taking risks. They discuss the importance of concise communication, the challenges of being an expert in a specific field, and the need for empathy and servant leadership. Angelo shares a personal story about dealing with a toxic team member and the lessons he learned from that experience. He also talks about taking a big risk in his career and how he commun...
Oct 08, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 222
In this episode of Speaking to Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Aundrea Mitchell, president of Customer Contact Services. Aundrea shares her experiences of handling a major error, turning a crisis into trust. Hear how she faced the challenge head-on, communicated transparently, and built trust through teamwork and honesty. It’s a testament to the strength of partnership and the importance of owning up to mistakes. 💪✨ In this episode you will learn: Understanding your audience is crucial f...
Oct 01, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 221
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen to a direct report, leading to a strained relationship. Dr. Combs also discusses the significance of engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions. She shares a story about a project where she had to pivot from building housing to creating a park based on community feedback...
Sep 24, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 220
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different personality types, and the power of going to bat for others. Misty shares her experiences of taking risks, delivering hard news, and finding humor in everyday situations. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others. In this episode you will l...
Sep 17, 2024•30 min•Season 5Ep. 219
In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transparency caused disruption and unrest within her organization. Liz emphasizes the need for leaders to communicate the big rocks and immovable objects in a business, while acknowledging that there may still be uncertainties. She also highlights the value of having opposing force personalities in a team to...
Sep 10, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 218
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communication and the benefits of asking for help. Kate shares a missed opportunity where she didn't speak up and the lessons she learned from it. They also talk about taking risks in marketing and the importance of combining digital and physical outreach. In this conversation, Kate McQuade discusses her appro...
Sep 03, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 217
Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in communication and the negative consequences of being secretive with employees. Reed also discusses a time when he made a wrong hiring decision and had to let someone go, highlighting the importance of admitting mistakes and seeking input from others. He shares his experience as an investment ban...
Jul 09, 2024•30 min•Season 4Ep. 216
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a persona...
Jul 02, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 215
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, including the importance of precision in word choice, the need to be a translator between the C-suite and the team, the power of timing in communication, and the challenge of explaining things to teenage kids. Katie also shares her experience of going to bat for someone on her team and the lessons she l...
Jun 25, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 214
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key elements that make them powerful. She emphasizes the need for simplicity, relatability, and passion in delivering an elevator pitch. She also invites listeners to join her for an event where they can practice and improve their own elevator pitches. In this episode you will learn: Crafting a clear and c...
Jun 18, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 213
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius . They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, and conflict in teams, as well as the six types of working genius. Patrick shares personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for effective communication and leadership. The conversation explores the five dysfunctions of a team, emphasizing the importance of trust, healthy conflict, commit...
Jun 11, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 215
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Orlando, the Chief Learning Officer for Bristol Myers Squibb, about leadership communication. They discuss the importance of simplifying complex concepts and using the rule of three to convey messages effectively. Jeff shares a story about missing an opportunity because he held back and waited for more support, instead of moving forward with a smaller group of influential leaders. They also discuss the value of engaging in conversations with seni...
Jun 04, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 211
Martha Sharkey, founder and CEO of Today Is a Good Day, shares her experience in nonprofit leadership and the mission of her organization to provide support for families who have experienced the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). She discusses the inspiration behind the organization's name and the importance of celebrating the good moments in the NICU journey. Martha also talks about the leadership communication lessons she has learned, including empowering her team members to take the lead an...
May 28, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 210
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of measuring and improving executive presence and leadership communication. She introduces a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and competencies that are essential for a leader's brand. The tool measures confidence and effectiveness in areas such as public speaking, storytelling, charisma, reading the room, nonverbal communication, diplomacy, inspiring others, networking, handling impromptu speaking situations, and ...
May 21, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 209
In this episode, Jane Boulware, author of Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft , shares her journey from rural Iowa to becoming a top executive at Microsoft. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth. Boulware discusses the need to adapt communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic. She also highlights the difference between managing and leading, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and motivating other...
May 14, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 208
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Wetzler, co-founder and co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education. They discuss the need for education reform and the challenges of communication in leadership. Wetzler emphasizes the importance of listening and creating a safe space for open communication. He also highlights the power of curiosity and asking questions to learn from others. The conversation concludes with a listener challenge to practice no...
May 07, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 207
In this compelling episode, Amy Bernstein, esteemed editor at Harvard Business Review , delves into the nuances of leadership communication and the transformative power of relinquishing control. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Amy underscores the importance of motivating over micromanaging, advocating for a leadership style that empowers others and fosters trust in their capabilities. Through candid reflections, Amy navigates the challenges of self-doubt and missed opportunities, urging l...
Apr 30, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 206
In this episode, Dr. Robert Cavagnol, President of St. Luke's Clinic, shares insights on communication and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of listening and empathetic listening as key communication skills. Dr. Cavagnol also discusses the use of the DISC profile for understanding communication styles and adapting to different individuals. He shares personal experiences of taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them. Additionally, he highlights the importance of advocating for o...
Apr 23, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 205
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Marian Baldini, the CEO and president of Kencrest, a human services and early learning provider. Marian shares her experiences and insights on leadership communication, including the importance of enrolling people to their giftedness and the power of silence in conversations. She also discusses the challenges she faced in starting a new company and the importance of speaking up as the lone voice of dissent. Overall, Marian emphasizes the need for lead...
Apr 16, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 204
In this episode of Speaking To Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola engages in a captivating conversation with Jason Scott, CEO of 120VC, unraveling the core elements of winning teams and effective leadership. In this episode you will learn: Connecting employees to the company's mission is crucial for their engagement and satisfaction. Shifting from advocacy to inquiry in leadership communication can lead to better team collaboration and problem-solving. Leaders who focus on inquiry and active listening ...
Apr 09, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 203
In this episode of Speaking To Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola engages in a captivating conversation with Eric Watkins, President at Abstract Marketing Group. They delve into various aspects of effective communication, personal growth, and professional development. Key Points Discussed: Audience-Centric Communication: Effective communication isn't just about conveying information; it's about understanding how your message resonates with the audience. Enneagram Type and Communication Style: Eric disc...
Apr 02, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 202
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ian Wendt, the Chief Commercial Officer at Jaguar Health. They discuss various topics related to leadership, communication, and personal development. Ian shares insights about his experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and the unique aspects of Jaguar Health. He also talks about the importance of understanding the needs of executive leaders and adapting communication styles accordingly. Additionally, Ian highlights the value of executive coachin...
Mar 26, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 201
In this 200th episode of "Speaking to Influence", Dr. Laura Sicola reflects on the lessons she has learned from podcasting about leadership, communication, and influence. She also shares insights from a panel of experienced podcasters. The key takeaways include the importance of listening as a leader, building trust through clear and concise communication, and focusing on impact rather than just influence. Dr. Sicola emphasizes the value of authenticity and creating assets to share one's story a...
Mar 19, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 200
Ashley Sardjoe shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of being present, embracing mistakes, and clear communication during change. He highlights the power of accountability partners and self-discipline for achieving goals. In this episode you will learn: The power of being present and actively listening to build strong connections. How to transform mistakes into growth opportunities through effective communication during change. Strategies for taking calculated risks and making clear dec...
Mar 12, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 199
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ngozi Okeh, the global head of DEI at NextRoll, a marketing tech company. They delve into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and how it can significantly impact business success. In this episode you will learn: The practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a daily practice shaping workplace dynamics and opportunities. Strategies for effectively engaging executive leaders in DEI by alignin...
Mar 05, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 198
Laura welcomes Dan Bradbury to the show where he shares his three commandments for success and enhancing confidence, presence, and influence in Mergers and Acquisitions. In this episode you will learn: Why connecting personally is so important in M&A, as it builds trust and rapport- show how much you care, then how much you know. How understanding the other person’s motives is essential for effective communication and negotiation Why articulating your numbers is necessary to convey the finan...
Feb 27, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 197
Katie Bussing, Chief Human Resources officer of Springfield Clinic, is Laura’s guest this week on Speaking to Influence. Katie shares some tips on how she pulse checks a room when speaking to different groups, especially key stakeholder groups. In this episode you will learn: How Katie is working to change the perception of HR by demonstrating the value of having HR function in a strategic role within the organization. How Katie reads the room to get an understanding of the audience’s needs in o...
Feb 20, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 196
Laura welcomes Skip Howard, Founder of Spacee, to this episode of Speaking to Influence. Skip talks about a time when he had a vision that no one, his investors, board of directors, or sales teams believed in, and what happened when he decided to execute it anyway. Tune in to find out what happened! In this episode you will learn: Why Skip uses a holistic approach to selling products, with transparency about the risks rather than focusing solely on the benefits of a product with clients. How Ski...
Feb 13, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 195
Glenn Hofmann, Chief Analytics Officer of New York Life Insurance, is our guest on the newest episode of Speaking to Influence where he shares with Laura why we should not be afraid of A.I. and gives tips on how to leverage it for job security. In this episode you will learn: How he has addressed misconceptions about A.I. with his communications team when people believed they would lose their jobs to A.I., and why he believes ‘intelligence’ in its title is actually a misnomer. How he learned the...
Feb 06, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 194
On this week’s episode of ‘Speaking to Influence,’ Luke Billeri, president and CEO of Member’s Choice Credit Union tells Laura how he used ‘pre-suasion’ to gain key stakeholder buy-in before a critical decision. In this episode you will learn: How Luke learned the importance of adapting communication style based on the audience's competencies by modifying communication to be relevant to the audience How in acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses, Luke’s team was able to create a solid gr...
Jan 30, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 193
