Sparks Squared Speakeasy

Why do so many leaders avoid difficult conversations… even when they know they need to happen? In this listener-requested episode, Ewan and Cassandra tackle one of leadership’s most common challenges: having the conversations you’d rather avoid. From fear of conflict and being disliked to worrying you’ll make things worse, they unpack the real reasons leaders stay silent, and the hidden cost of do...

Ever feel like your brain is working against you? In this episode of Sparks Squared Speakeasy , Ewan and Cassandra pull up a stool and tackle one of leadership’s most common (and least talked about) challenges: self-doubt . From failed water-skiing attempts and stubborn entrepreneurs to Thomas Edison’s 2,774 tries and the accidental invention of beer by monks, this conversation explores why succes...

In this episode of Sparks Squared Speakeasy , Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks dive into the concept of the Emotional Bank Account and how trust, empathy, communication, and authenticity shape our relationships as leaders, colleagues, friends, and humans.   Episode Highlights Why leadership is built on trust and meaningful human connection Understanding the “Emotional Bank Account” concept f...

In this episode, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks kick off a fresh new format for Spark Squared Speakeasy while diving into a powerful concept: Boldness Plus . Together, they explore how boldness changes depending on what we pair it with. From confidence and empathy to creativity and even arrogance, this conversation unpacks how intentionality shapes the way we lead, communicate, and show up...

This week on Spark Squared Speakeasy , we’re talking managing up and why it’s not about saying more… it’s about making your message land. Because here’s the truth: 👉 People don’t hold back because they lack ideas. 👉 They hold back because of how they think they’ll be perceived.   🔥 In This Episode Why “saying it right” isn’t enough How small word changes (hello “and” vs “but”) shift conversatio...

What if the problem isn’t what you’re saying… but how you’re showing up? In this episode of Spark Squared Speakeasy , Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks pull back the curtain on one of the biggest leadership myths out there: that more explanation equals more clarity. Spoiler alert… it doesn’t. Because here’s the truth most leaders miss: your team can understand you perfectly… and still not mov...

🎙️ Spark Squared Speakeasy | EP10 Navigating Change: From Survival Mode to Sustainable Leadership Welcome back to the Speakeasy. The doors are open, the conversation is real, and this week we’re diving into one of the most constant forces in leadership… change. From new leadership energy to ongoing organizational shifts, Ewan and Cassandra unpack what adaptability really looks like and why most te...

This week, we’re getting real about change, adaptability… and giving a fig. From rebranding a business (👀 hello, Figury Learning!) to navigating the messy middle of transformation, this episode is all about what it actually takes to lead through change without losing your mind—or your authenticity. 💥 Inside the conversation: Why people don’t resist change… they resist how it’s done The power of...

💡 Ever wondered why some teams seem more innovative than others? The secret isn’t talent, but a culture where failure is just data, not a dead-end. In our experience, the most successful teams play full-out, letting ideas rain down without critique — even the bad ones. Why? Because the magic happens when people feel safe to share wild, unfiltered thoughts. When leaders foster an environment of tr...

The conversation covers the topics of leadership, influence, and motivation, with a focus on the importance of clarity in leadership. It explores the impact of leading with influence, the relationship between clarity and motivation, and the spectrum of clarity in leadership. The conversation explores the impact of confusion on momentum, the importance of clarity in leadership, the skill of priorit...