Speaking to Influence

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 importanc...

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 importanc...

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 bet...

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...

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 pra...

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 e...

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 smal...

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 leaders...

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...

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 d...

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...

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. Throu...

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, mak...

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...

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...

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 understan...

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 ad...

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 i...

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 thro...

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...