Donors create transformations in the lives of individuals they may never meet, making the process of tracking and curating stories critical for maintaining donor relationships in the non-profit world. This week Laura speaks with Dave Rowan who explores how he communicates the transformative powers of donors in a way that showcases change and conveys the emotional value of stakeholder investments. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How BLOCS created a beacon of hope for ...
Nov 21, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 131
If fear has been stopping you from sharing your story with others, you won’t want to miss this episode. Today Laura is sitting down with the most influential guests of 2022 to explore why their episodes made such an impact, landing in the top 100 and top 200 rankings on Apple podcasts. Listen in as Cindy Lewis, Dana Reyngoudt , and Kathy Govier discuss how they prepared to share their stories, what they learned from being vulnerable and honest during their conversations, and how you can challeng...
Nov 14, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 130
Allocating corporate funds to causes can be critical for many nonprofit organizations. This week Samantha Sayward explains how an organization’s investment in nonprofit research can impact the financial future of any organization. Listen in as Laura and Samantha discuss how to share the impact of participating in a solution, being accountable for your actions as a leader, and how the Alzheimer’s Association navigates the complex relationships between stakeholders Here are a few things you’ll lea...
Nov 07, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 129
Navigating the needs of a team of independent contractors requires clarity and simplicity. This week Charles Stiles shares how he works with a large pool of independent talent, managing expectations and aligning their goals to the individual businesses they serve. Listen in as Laura and Charles discuss how Mystery Shoppers help businesses stay customer focused, how Charles manages individual and organizational goals, and why positive conversations are the cornerstone to long-term success Here ar...
Oct 31, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 128
When politicians take the stage, there’s more at stake than votes. This week Laura breaks down the influential aspects of a political debate and what we can learn as speakers and leaders from candidates and their arguments. Listen in as Laura shares how she evaluates individual speakers, what to look for in a strong debate candidate, and how she will be analyzing the debate between PA political candidates John Fetterman and Mehmet Oz. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: ...
Oct 25, 2022•26 min•Season 3Ep. 127
Clarity and candor are the cornerstones of any great conversation, but for the CIA they are the critical link between information and policymakers. This week Jennifer Ewbank shares how her role in Digital Innovation at the CIA helps carry technical conversations for stakeholders across the agency, breaking down barriers and building trust at all levels. In this conversation Laura and Jennifer discuss understanding the pressure stakeholders are under, getting out of your way to create change, and...
Oct 17, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 126
Creating a workforce of individuals devoted to local and international issues is critical for global companies that want to impact meaningful change in the world. This week Dr. Shannon Hader shares how the School of International Service at American University in Washington D.C. is merging scholarship with big thinking to create a generation of leaders that can handle hot topics, stay adaptable in leadership positions, and make critical decisions under pressure. Here are a few things you’ll lear...
Oct 11, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 125
What makes a lasting impression on an audience? This week Laura reveals the truth behind “infotainment” and how to engage and influence your audience in a memorable way. Listen in as she explores how infotainment raises your game, how to help people focus on what you have to say, and why people WANT to listen to what you have to say. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: The difference between a captive and captivated audience What personality can add to your presentation ...
Oct 03, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 124
When you have conversations with your team, are you looking to understand information or control the situation? According to HR expert Nathan Peirson, intention and authenticity are critical for engaging individuals and having meaningful conversations. This week Laura and Nathan discuss how leaders can put greater intentions behind their conversations and focus on engagement in order to drive performance and outcomes. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How to help virtu...
Sep 26, 2022•34 min•Season 3Ep. 123
Your input matters beyond your expertise. Lincoln University President Brenda Allen transitioned from a professor to an administrative role and quickly learned the importance of showing up to the executive table when invited. This week Laura and Brenda discuss the importance of higher education for critical thinking, problem-solving, and career preparedness. Brenda also explores how to navigate the complicated relationships between young adults and their parents, communicating progress with dono...
Sep 19, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 122
How can coffee change the world? According to Saxbys CEO and Founder, Nick Bayer, it begins with educating young entrepreneurs. This week Laura and Nick discuss how Saxbys is empowering young people to embrace the humanity of the hospitality industry and build a business that creates an impact. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How Saxbys created an academic experience while building real businesses Why every young entrepreneur needs a course in critical thinking skill...
Sep 12, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 121
There’s tension in silence, but so much to learn. This week Leigh Marz and Justin Zorn share why we feel the need to fill the silence and how to create better communication by speaking less and listening more. Join Laura, Leigh, and Justin as they discuss the impact of taking time to create space in conversations, meetings, and daily life. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How to keep yourself from filling the silence in conversation Why silence helps you discern your ...
Sep 06, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 120
Understanding cyber security technology can be difficult outside of the tech industry, but according to Kris Burkhardt, “healthy paranoia” can be a good thing. This week Kris and Laura discuss the complexities of communicating to businesses about the importance of cyber security, as well as how he empowers his team to make mistakes and solve problems together. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How to encourage questions when presenting to an audience How to use body la...
Aug 29, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 119
Creating an impact in a large organization begins with your immediate team. This week Dana Reyngoudt shares how she engages and motivates her small team while working toward organizational goals. Listen in as Laura and Dana discuss understanding the needs of your team, creating a unified front to face challenges, and identifying the signs of an engaged leader. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: The best tools for engagement and feedback The definition of conversion fran...
Aug 22, 2022•30 min•Season 3Ep. 118
The fastest way to find success is to follow the footsteps of someone who has gone before you. This week Greg Muzzillo shares why making millionaires is his favorite part of his job at Proforma. Listen in as Laura and Greg discuss how a franchising opportunity can provide business success, leadership support, and overall growth. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How Greg’s team is working to qualify prospects virtually The definition of conversion franchises and why th...
Aug 15, 2022•37 min•Season 3Ep. 117
How do you captivate an audience without overwhelming them with data? This week Dr. Vincent Racaniello shares how his passion for teaching and virology led him to transition out of the lab and into educating the world through podcasting. Listen in as Laura and Vincent discuss how to share your expertise in a way that captivates while adding humor, levity, and increasing the audience’s ability to comprehend complex subject matter. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: The i...
Aug 08, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 116
Rallying a community behind a cause requires clear, concise communication strategies. This week Virgil Sheppard discusses how his organization is identifying the needs of the individuals they serve by gathering insights and developing leadership strategies that support and build trust. Listen in as Laura and Virgil explore the early warning indicators of educational needs, understanding the metrics behind identifying risk, and how Virgil’s team looks beyond poverty and communicates the strengths...
Aug 01, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 115
Building relationships can be difficult when tackling difficult subject matter. Education This week Renée Williams explores the manifestations of trauma and how it impacts communication and supporting the community. Listen in as Laura and Renée discuss the negative impact emotions can have on relationship building, navigating differing opinions, and entrusting your team to represent your brand values. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How to get your message across to ...
Jul 25, 2022•36 min•Season 3Ep. 114
Education is the greatest tool we can provide when nurturing relationships. This week Joellen Meckley shares how the American College of Financial Services Center for Special Needs is educating consumers and financial service providers on the options available for individuals with disabilities. Listen in as Laura and Joellen discuss what the organization considers when creating consumer content, identifying underserved populations, and the importance of mentorship. Here are a few things you’ll l...
Jul 18, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 113
Fear can create a barrier between living your passion or communicating with your team. This week Dr. Mary O’Connor discusses the role of telehealth in today’s patient care and how she is working with surgeons and insurance companies to dispel myths about the effectiveness of certain surgeries and quality of life. Listen in as Laura and Dr. O’Connor discuss how she navigates delicate topics with different stakeholders and how she maximizes her team’s communication styles for better management. He...
Jul 11, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 112
How do you educate and inspire a community when the solution doesn’t produce immediate results? This week Keisha Jordan shares how she keeps her team, her community, and her stakeholders passionate about children’s education while providing funds and opportunities for future success. Listen in as Laura and Keisha discuss the complexities of raising long-term funds for children’s education and what it takes to establish trust and build a team of passionate people over time. Here are a few things ...
Jul 04, 2022•42 min•Season 2Ep. 111
When is the best time to build confidence and strategies for a healthy mindset? This week Tracy Ashdale shares how Girls on the Run created a program to foster mental, emotional, and physical fitness habits among our youth. Listen in as Laura and Tracy discuss the importance of building confidence in young women, emphasizing collaboration among community members, and seeking out opportunities to support women and make a long-lasting impact. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversa...
Jun 27, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 110
Have you ever stared at a math problem and didn’t know where to begin? This week Nick Ryan shares how he takes the complicated subject matter of information security and distills it into relevant stories, data, and metrics that help his organization make sound business decisions. Listen in as Laura and Nick discuss the challenges of speaking to over 7500 employees in an approachable way, the importance of qualitative ROI and how it influences business decisions, and why crafting a presenta...
Jun 13, 2022•41 min•Season 2Ep. 109
How do you separate personal belief and scientific fact when crafting your message? This week Stephen Forzato shares how his experience as an undercover officer impacted his ability to navigate the delicate terrain of personal belief, addiction, and community support. Listen in as Laura and Stephen discuss the difference between educating someone experiencing addiction and the families providing support, as well as how Stephen used communication techniques to save his life while working undercov...
Jun 06, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 108
Navigating large gaps in the needs of stakeholders is critical for any marketing strategy. This week Kathy Govier shares how she assesses and identifies the key desires of different audiences in order to create messaging that addresses needs and accomplishes goals. Listen in as Laura and Kathy discuss understanding your own thought process as a leader, the difference between new and hardcore collectors, and the importance of recognizing expertise within niche categories. Here are a few th...
May 30, 2022•37 min•Season 2Ep. 107
Important conversations are rooted in trust. This week Joey Fay shares how his company has implemented the core value of “likability” to create productive business relationships in both the private and public sectors. Listen in as Laura and Joey discuss the importance of language, writing skills, and staying steadfast in your core values. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: How to build rapport in government relationships The challenge of likabil...
May 16, 2022•29 min•Season 2Ep. 106
The financial space doesn’t seem like a natural place for vulnerability, but today’s guest shares that honesty and openness while communicating with her team is the key to successful relationships and strong workplace culture. On this episode, Laura and Cindy explore the nuances of data-driven storytelling and how Cindy navigates the varying levels of financial understanding of the team members and stakeholders she engages with throughout her career. Here are a few things you&...
May 09, 2022•36 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Today healthcare technology expert Trevor Garner shares the process of creating clarity and trust by communicating with both sides of a service-based tool. On this episode, Laura and Trevor discuss how his company works with politicians, government employees, and community members to make healthcare websites easy to understand and efficient to use. Trevor shares how his ability to stay vulnerable and open during conversation builds trust on multiple levels and opens the door to deeper, more prod...
May 02, 2022•33 min•Season 2Ep. 104
If you’ve ever attended a zoom meeting and counted the minutes until it was over, wondering why you needed to be there in the first place, this episode is for you. This week Laura breaks down the three main causes of Zoom Fatigue and simple strategies you can use to keep your audience focused and engaged, getting your message across in an efficient way. Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation: The definition of zoom fatigue Why in-person conversations feel ...
Apr 25, 2022•26 min•Season 2Ep. 103
The traumatic events of our world and how they impact us also influence our ability to communicate. This week Maude Le Roux shares the power of trauma and how it impacts the body and the way we communicate with each other. Listen in as Laura and Maude discuss how recent studies of trauma have influenced the way Maude’s occupational therapy teams work with children, communicate consent, and help families gain a better understanding of each other’s needs. Here are a few things y...
Apr 18, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 102
