The ideas in your head aren’t the problem. The missing map is. We’re taking you inside Level 1 of Amplifying Your Leadership Voice to move from frustrating silence to a clear, confident presence others trust. Instead of tossing generic tips at complex challenges, we break down a practical way to see your communication as it actually is—so you can grow it on purpose.

We start by naming the silent tax: the invisible cost of holding back the best idea in the room. Then we flip on the lights with LCAR—the Leader Communication Assessment and Reflection framework—so you can pinpoint strengths and gaps across verbal clarity, digital presence, nonverbal cues, and conflict navigation. With real-world examples and insights from leadership experts, we show why self-awareness is the base layer of influence and how knowing your default style lets you adapt when the stakes rise.

From there, we build a resilient foundation on four pillars: clarity that makes complex work simple, authenticity that aligns message and values, conviction that communicates earned certainty, and emotional intelligence that sets the right temperature in the room. You’ll leave with a tactical move you can use today—the “so what” test—to sharpen your next meeting contribution, plus a weekly challenge to identify the rooms where you go quiet and why that happens.

If you’re ready to stop paying the silent tax and start leading with a voice people hear and remember, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a nudge to speak up, and leave a quick review to help more leaders find the show.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Fairness at work isn’t a feel-good bonus. It’s the invisible system that decides whether people bring you the truth, take smart risks, and stay long enough to build something meaningful, or whether they quietly check out and start scanning job boards. We dig into the uncomfortable reality that many workplaces look “fair” on paper while running on unwritten rules that leave people feeling ignored, singled out, or punished for speaking up.

I’m joined by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner (MBA, JD), award-winning author of Seeking Fairness at Work: Creating the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention, and Satisfaction. Hannah bridges law, business, and social psychology to explain why compliance isn’t the same as fairness and why culture work fails when leaders treat people like a transaction instead of honoring a social contract. We talk about the ripple effect of unfairness, including what happens when employees watch a coworker get treated poorly and immediately wonder, “Could I be next?”

You’ll hear practical guidance on the fairness factors that show up in everyday leadership communication: conflict avoidance that lets problems metastasize, accountability that feels like a threat instead of support, and the self-awareness it takes to run meetings where people feel respected and included. We also get concrete about ROI: how fairness speeds decisions, reduces friction, and improves retention, plus how incentive structures can reward managers for equitable leadership, not just raw metrics.

If you want a culture where people contribute at their full potential, press play, then subscribe, share this with a leader on your team, and leave a review. What’s one unwritten workplace rule you wish leaders would name out loud?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dr. Marjan Modara shares her journey from architectural engineering to becoming a distinguished personal knowledge management facilitator, keynote speaker, and storyteller with over 40 years of experience across government and private sectors.

• Personal knowledge management combines individual learning from various sources with strategic application of that knowledge in different contexts
• Creating safe spaces for knowledge sharing is critical—when people feel comfortable sharing ideas without judgment, innovation multiplies
• Storytelling serves as one of the most effective knowledge capture techniques, making information memorable and accessible
• Transparent communication during organizational change helps employees understand and adapt to new environments
• Warning signs of unhealthy company culture include high turnover, silent meetings, departmental silos, and passive-aggressive communication
• Anonymous surveys and focus groups provide valuable feedback mechanisms to course-correct problematic cultural patterns
• Leaders must cultivate adaptability, diverse skills, and emotional intelligence to thrive in rapidly changing environments
• Continuous learning remains essential regardless of age or career stage
• Employees should identify their passions and effectively communicate their needs while developing emotional intelligence

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

When chaos erupts, the difference between catastrophe and manageable challenge often comes down to preparation. Crisis management expert Stephanie Craig brings a lifetime of experience navigating high-pressure situations to this illuminating conversation about organizational resilience.

Growing up as the daughter of a Royal Canadian Mounted Police hostage negotiator, Stephanie developed an unusual comfort with chaos from an early age. This natural affinity, combined with formative experiences in politics and business, positioned her perfectly to guide organizations through their darkest moments. Now, as president of Kith Consulting, she shares the formula that drives her approach: "clarity plus trust equals strategic speed."

This episode delivers actionable wisdom for leaders at all levels. Stephanie reveals the critical distinction between brand and reputation—"Brand is what you own. Your reputation is what people say about you"—and explains why reputation accounts for approximately 35% of organizational value. She dismantles the dangerous "it won't happen to me" mentality that leaves many organizations vulnerable and provides a blueprint for building a core crisis team that can respond effectively when disaster strikes.

Perhaps most valuable is Stephanie's insight into how values serve as an essential touchstone during crises. Whether responding to data breaches, navigating political tensions, or engaging with social movements, organizations with clear, consistently applied values make better decisions faster. Through compelling examples from Silicon Valley's COVID response to high-profile corporate missteps, she illustrates how preparation transforms potential disasters into manageable challenges.

Don't wait until crisis hits to develop your response strategy. Listen now to build the communication infrastructure, team dynamics, and leadership mindset that will protect your organization when—not if—challenges arise.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

If your team says they’re aligned but execution keeps slipping, the problem might not be effort or talent. It might be the way we’ve been taught to see organizations. We sit down with Norman Wolfe, founder and CEO of Quantum Leaders and creator of the Living Organization framework, to make the case for a true paradigm shift: stop running companies like machines and start leading them like living systems.

We dig into the hard realities behind quiet quitting and chronic disengagement, and why command-and-control leadership can quietly create the very dependence leaders complain about. Norman breaks down a practical alternative to forced alignment: moving toward contribution agreements that give people real choice, which is where empowerment and engagement actually come from. Along the way we explore what it means to build organizational capacity through both capabilities and maturity, so teams can adapt, self-correct, and take ownership without constant oversight.

We also unpack the three fields that drive performance in any living organization: activity, relationship, and context. You’ll hear why relationship energy and culture can’t be “managed” by logic alone, how leaders can sense early warning signs by connecting head and heart, and what heart-centered communication looks like when the pressure is high. Norman shares stories from executive life, including what happens when change triggers grief, and why trust and psychological safety depend less on the perfect words and more on who we are being in the conversation.

If you want better leadership communication, stronger culture, and strategy execution that actually sticks, hit play. Then subscribe, share this with a leader who’s tired of pushing harder, and leave a review telling us: what would change at work if trust replaced control?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Ever wondered how to turn your organization into a powerhouse of adaptability and innovation? Discover the secrets as we bring you a captivating conversation with Dennis Stevens, the visionary founder of OrgRite. Dennis takes us through his remarkable journey from technology consulting to pioneering organizational change, sharing his groundbreaking work with IBM and the importance of integrating AI and Agile methodologies. Learn how his expertise in organizational psychology and change management has been a game-changer in leading teams through rapid technological transformations.

Explore the powerful synergy between Agile methodologies and AI, which can revolutionize decision-making and foster a culture of continuous learning. Dennis sheds light on how getting data and insights deeper into the organization enhances adaptability and efficiency. His real-world case study of a successful Agile transformation at a midsize bank serves as a testament to the impact of strong leadership and strategic alignment. Understand how these methodologies, when combined, can empower teams to respond swiftly to market and technology shifts.

Ethical considerations of AI integration are not left untouched. Dennis emphasizes the pivotal role of middle management in ensuring transparency and improved decision-making through AI. Uncover practical tools for understanding team dynamics and the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership. Whether you're a leader aiming to design adaptable organizational systems or an employee looking to build better relationships with management, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of modern organizational life. Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to equip you with actionable strategies for success.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What happens when you strip emotion from complex business challenges? For Chris Davenport, it became the foundation of a reputation so powerful that competitors nicknamed him "The Wolf" and "The Cleaner" before eventually becoming his friends and clients.

Chris takes us on his remarkable journey from college entrepreneur to the visionary leader who drove 3i International to a staggering 1000% revenue growth. The transformation began with a simple laptop gift that sparked his passion for technology during the dot-com boom, leading him to trade college parties for 80-hour work weeks solving technical problems that left others stumped.

His problem-solving methodology is refreshingly straightforward yet profound: break issues down to their most basic elements and remove emotion from the equation. "Most of us are led by our emotions," Chris explains, "and emotional responses elicit emotional responses." This insight became central to his leadership approach as he implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) at 3i, shifting from "Chris's way" to "3i's way" and enabling sustainable growth through structure, accountability, and clear communication.

The conversation doesn't shy away from failures and challenges—from discovering embezzlement to navigating the complexities of finding culturally aligned talent during rapid expansion. Chris's vulnerability extends to his personal growth, sharing his decade-long relationship with a coach/therapist who helps him maintain emotional intelligence and self-awareness as a leader.

Whether you're managing a startup or leading an established organization, Chris's parting wisdom resonates powerfully: "You're not managing a product line or service—you're managing people." His emphasis on quarterly strategic planning, transparent communication, and meeting people where they are emotionally offers a blueprint for leadership that drives both business results and human connection. Ready to transform your approach to problem-solving and leadership? This episode is your master class.

And if you're in the market for some quick takeaways: 

• Chris learned problem-solving by working with various businesses.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• Accountability should be approached positively, not negatively.
• Regular communication is key to team success.
• Every problem has a similar structure that can be dissected.
• Sustaining success requires regular strategic meetings.
• Leaders must provide clear direction to their teams.
• Finding the right people for the right roles is essential.
• Open and honest communication benefits both leaders and employees.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We often talk about leadership in terms of strategy, metrics, and bottom lines. But as we move further into 2026, many leaders are finding that traditional "command and control" structures are failing to keep teams engaged. The reality is that organizational culture isn't something that lives on a poster or in a policy manual; it lives in the daily reality of our conversations. When those conversations lack heart, we often see a loss of trust, a dip in decision velocity, and a rise in burnout.

Today’s guest argues that the antidote to these organizational headaches is simple, yet radical: we have to actually give a damn.

Justin Ricklefs is the Founder and CEO of Guild Collective, a brand consultancy that helps organizations find their true voice through intentional storytelling. He brings a unique perspective to the table, having built his leadership philosophy in the high-stakes front office of the Kansas City Chiefs before transitioning into advising brands on how to build genuine connection.

He is the author of the forthcoming book, Give a Damn: Modern Leadership through Curiosity, Compassion, Clarity, and Consistency.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how to turn communication into a strategic asset, why clarity is a form of kindness, and how leaders can dismantle the myth of strength to foster a culture where employees are truly seen, valued, and empowered.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In our season 6 finale, we explore the most pivotal themes of leadership communication discussed throughout our conversations with industry experts. Dr. Leah OH synthesizes key insights into six essential pillars that can transform your leadership approach and drive meaningful change in your organization.

• Empathy and active listening form the foundation of effective leadership communication, with Richard Reid and Andres Lares highlighting how understanding others creates genuine connections
• Clarity and intentionality, as demonstrated by Jimi Gibson's "magic script" framework, helps leaders craft messages that inspire action and prevent costly miscommunication
• Ryan Chute's personal journey illustrates how authenticity and vulnerability build trust and foster innovation rather than signaling weakness
• Taylor Crawbill and Aang Lakey emphasize that empowerment and agency create workplaces where employees feel safe to innovate and contribute their best ideas
• Adaptability and flexibility, championed by Bryan May, prepare leaders to navigate unexpected challenges while viewing change as an opportunity for growth
• Sairan Aqrawi's insight that "action breeds confidence" underscores how continuous learning builds both competence and leadership presence

The path to becoming a communicative leader begins with selecting one actionable suggestion from each theme and integrating it into your leadership approach. Whether practicing empathy through active listening, fostering clarity in communication, or committing to lifelong learning, these steps will have lasting positive impacts on your leadership style and organizational success.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Jimi Gibson's journey from pulling rabbits out of hats to leading marketing teams reveals a profound connection between magic performance and leadership communication. In this captivating conversation, the VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Agency unpacks his "Magic Script" framework - a three-part system that transforms ordinary communication into extraordinary leadership moments.

At the heart of Gibson's approach is understanding the neuroscience that makes communication stick. First comes connection (triggering oxytocin), then curiosity (activating dopamine), and finally conversion (releasing serotonin). This framework works whether you're announcing a company initiative, running a client meeting, or delivering a keynote speech.

Gibson reveals how every leadership message falls into one of the "13 fundamental effects" borrowed from magic - from making something appear (production) to making problems disappear (vanishing). He shares eye-opening examples of how shifting your language can dramatically change how information is received. Rather than announcing "We have a process change," skilled leaders might ask "What if one small change could increase our lead flow by 20%?" - immediately reframing the conversation around possibility rather than burden.

The most powerful insight might be Gibson's clarity rule: "If you can't explain your message in one sentence to a 10-year-old, it's too complicated." In a world where employees are bombarded by messages across multiple screens and channels, leaders who communicate with precision and purpose stand out dramatically.

Whether you're leading a team of two or two hundred, this conversation will transform how you structure, deliver and evaluate your communication. Learn to create moments that stick long after the meeting ends. As Gibson explains, "Every leader doesn't just announce what's happening - they script a moment that matters."

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

"Growing up in the slums of London taught me resilience, but it was in the art of compassionate communication that I found my calling," Maria Arpa. 

This episode features an enlightening conversation with Maria Arpa, who shares her transformative journey from a tumultuous childhood to becoming a pioneering voice in workplace dynamics. We unravel the profound impact of trauma and why traditional hierarchies often foster a damaging culture of domination. Maria makes a compelling case for compassionate leadership as a timely antidote to rising workplace incivility, urging us to embrace our shared humanity and challenge outdated norms.

Maria and I delve into the essence of compassionate leadership, emphasizing that our personal histories shape our leadership styles. I recount my journey from being a mediator in a harsh environment to understanding the power of proactive compassion and effective communication. Together, we explore how traditional debate-based conversation models can hinder understanding and connection. By fostering genuine human connections and prioritizing self-awareness, leaders can create cycles of support that reduce human suffering and build inclusive environments.

We also explore the transformative power of compassionate dialogue. Rather than approaching conversations as debates to be won, we focus on dialogue as a means to connect meaningfully. Inspired by thought leaders like Carl Rogers and Marshall Rosenberg, we discuss the significance of language and energy in communication. This episode offers practical insights into setting compassionate boundaries and creating environments where accountability and trust flourish. We conclude with the enriching practices of silence, reflection, and intuition, illustrating how these can lead to more authentic leadership and meaningful change, ultimately enhancing the lives of both leaders and their teams.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

For this Best of the Rest, we're trying something new. I came back from a work conference without a voice, so we're using some AI to help us have a conversation about all of the incredible guests we've hosted this season. 

Unlock the secrets of leadership that foster psychological safety and genuine connection. Join us as we explore the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity with the help of experts like Kyle McDowell, Owen Marcus, and life strategist Nancy Ho. By creating environments where team members feel safe to express themselves, leaders can inspire innovation and open dialogue while balancing work-life integration. Discover how your past experiences shape current behaviors and learn to navigate them with intentionality.

We dive deep into the essence of human connection with insights from Adam Weber on whether our actions genuinely add value. Owen Marcus shares his thoughts on empowering teams through effective delegation, while Maria Arpa introduces a revolutionary shift from debate to dialogue. Her embodiment practices remind us that leadership is about presence and aligning actions with values. Together, these insights emphasize the importance of understanding motivations and creating spaces for emotional expression.

As we wrap up, we emphasize the impact of continuous learning and small leadership changes. Through reverse mentoring and conflict resolution strategies, we provide practical tips for breaking down silos and enhancing communication. Consider the ripple effect of small, intentional acts of leadership. Reflect on which principle resonates with you and commit to implementing it in your journey to become the best leader you can be. Join us for a thought-provoking session that challenges and inspires you to grow.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Unlock the secrets to successful leadership by rejecting the myth of the solo leader. Today, we explore how the notion of "doing it all" is not just outdated but potentially detrimental. Witness the enlightening journeys of leaders like Jack Welch and Indra Nooyi, whose stories reveal that embracing teamwork leads to transformative success. Contrast this with cautionary tales like Elizabeth Holmes, whose reluctance to collaborate spelled failure. Through my own experiences as a new assistant professor, you'll see how the absence of a support network can lead to overwhelm and inefficiency, reinforcing the critical value of teamwork.

As we shift focus to the undeniable impact of collaborative leadership, discover how leaders who prioritize empowerment can revolutionize workplace culture and outcomes. Dive into research-backed insights that demonstrate how engaged teams outperform competitors and enjoy reduced turnover. Through practical examples like those of John and Sarah, learn why clear communication, effective delegation, and acknowledging team efforts are vital for fostering a motivated and productive environment. With this episode, equip yourself with actionable strategies to harness the power of collaboration and delegation, ensuring not only your success but also that of your team.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Today we’re doing the Best of Rest for our Season 4 Finale. This has been a really fun and rich season for us – and we even hit our 50th episode this season too!

Join us as we pull out meaningful and effective advice from our guests. We're going to look at 6 major themes from the season:

1. Focus on Leadership Development
2. Emphasis on Values 
3. Navigating Change
4. Empowerment and Representation
5. Personal Growth and Entrepreneurship 
6. Communication Strategies

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

From confidence, conviction, and connection to rehearsal, Jacqueline Farrington shares her wealth of communication expertise with us.

Jacqueline also draws from her recent book "The Non-Obvious Guide to Better Presentations: How to Present Like a Pro (Virtually or in Person)" to leave us with some concrete ideas for improving our communication and presentation game. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Nick makes the link between continued education and leadership explicit. 

We talk about ROI and other traditional tangible outcomes, but we also talk about other benefits of lifelong learning - including more diverse and more capable workplaces. 

What else? 

Nick chats with us about rethinking the traditional bachelor's degree required approach. Why? 

Well, a lot of really intelligent, really motivated folks can bring a lot of good to your organization if we unpack what we assume comes along with an individual who has a degree in hand. 

Here are the links to some of the success stories we talk about:

• Ashley (we discuss specifically): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuaKvvj21Wo
• Additional learner success stories: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLenXzvOJi0EkRLPPmRRy3JKskCMgA-zHt

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

David Birkam, a professional creative,  shares his experiences and empirical research with us regarding how to successfully navigate virtual ad hoc work teams. 

Being appointed to a project team can be challenging in a best case scenario. 

But what about when these teams are comprised of individuals from several different work units with likely with no shared history who are then tasked with solving a complex, often emergent problem? 

Want to complicate this further? 

What about when these teams function fully in a co-located, virtual space? 

David shares his insights and leaves us with insights related to building trust, the importance of co-leadership, and the potential of knowledge generation and sharing. 

David Birkam is a Graphic Designer at Western Michigan University working in teaching and learning support in addition to a recent communication program graduate.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leaders are Made. Not Born. They Learn to Communicate Well.

Yup, I said. Again.

Among other things, leaders are excellent communicators.

This helps to remind us that leadership is a communication-based skill that can be learned. Remember, my friends, skills can be practiced. They can be honed. They can be mastered.

One path to leadership development we often gloss over is the one from the inside out. In this episode, we will talk about seven steps to enhancing your leadership and learning more about yourself in the process.

Communication Challenge -- Your Leadership Life Story
We're going deep this week my friends! But if we don't take the time to think about where we've been, how the heck can we have an idea of where we're headed?

Take out a sheet of paper.
Draw a horizontal line.
Make note of your successes, your failures, and your pivotal moments.
Do your greatest achievements come after setbacks? Or are you more of a step-by-step kinda person?

This week's episode will likely give you a name for your leadership life story.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Hi Leaders,

Yes, you are a leader.

What? You're not in a formal authority position? Not a manager, a director, a supervisor?

Guess what? You're still a leader. You're still in a position of influence -- for yourself and for others.

In this episode of The Communicative Leader, we're going to look at the ins and outs of leadership. What makes one a leader? And of course, what makes one a good leader?

Good leaders create an intentional, supportive environment. 

How?

1. Use positive strategies to help develop desired behaviors.
2. Focus on changing the environment in ways that support positive behavior and discourage negative behavior.
3. Recognize that if we want our people to meet certain expectations, we must take deliberate steps to teach them how.
4. Have a system for responding immediately and consistently to inappropriate behavior while recognizing the importance of reinforcing positive behavior.

Okay, so is this easier said than done, you ask.

Focus on being respectful, responsible, and safe in your thinking, your planning, and your decision-making. Let respect, responsibility, and safety color your word choices and guide your behaviors.

Challenge!
I want to challenge you to think about this – not just at work, but in your personal life too. Do you stop and recycle that plastic pop bottle you walk by in the parking lot or is that not your responsibility? Are you quick to chastise a child for a poor choice, rather than providing them options or an opportunity to learn from the error? How do you communicate with yourself? Do you respect your wealth of experiences and knowledge and YOUness, or do you disrespect yourself…calling names, or using putdowns?

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In order to remain successful, organizations need to grow and change to meet consumer’s needs. But we also know that many of the most successful organizations such as Zappos, Google, and Disney have incredibly strong cultures. There’s the rub, my friends.

Culture tends to be stable, predictable, prescriptive…It is designed that way in order to effectively speak to new employees, seasoned employees, and senior managers all the same. 

So we hear the importance of establishing a strong culture, again something that tends to be fairly fixed, but in the same breath talk about the need to adapt, to flex, to evolve. 

Yes, a paradox my friends…how do we grow to meet consumer and market demands all while maintaining our north star, our culture? 

 Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What if the real shortcut to high performance is subtracting the noise, not stacking more on your plate? We close Season 7 by distilling nine conversations with leaders, coaches, and researchers into four practical trends that transform how we work: redefine success, build resilience for nonlinear growth, lead through connection, and lock it in with light, powerful systems.

We start by exposing busyness as an addiction and recentering on high‑value work. You’ll hear why “real power” is the capacity to produce intended constructive outcomes, how to replace heroic control with a clear “company way,” and why modeling imperfection boosts psychological safety and creativity. From there, we chart resilience as a skill, not a trait: dissect problems to root causes, strip out emotional fog, anchor in core values during chaos, and practice acclimatization—getting comfortable with discomfort while you learn.

Connection becomes the decisive edge. Trust compounds when leaders show up truthfully, ask for help, and invest in emotional intelligence. We share coaching practices that reveal blind spots, exercises that break jargon to unlock creativity, and small human moments that drive big engagement gains. Finally, we turn insight into infrastructure: EOS for transparency and right seats, SMART power to rethink leadership, and strategic speed to align vision, systems, and people. Add a 90‑day cadence to step back, recalibrate, and keep purpose at the center.

If you’re ready to trade hustle for purpose, control for connection, and perfection for play, this conversation gives you the tools and frameworks to start today. Listen, share with a colleague who needs it, and subscribe to get the first word on Season 8. Your leadership voice gets stronger from here—leave a review and tell us which trend you’ll apply first.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

As a leadership communication expert, I am so often asked what the best style or approach to leadership is.

This is a really hard question to receive because 1) there is no universal, one-size-fits-all approach, and 2) it shows me how invested everyone is in bettering their leadership abilities.

And what can be the most frustrating but truly only fitting response (but we'll explore why it's also a freeing response): It depends. 

It depends on the context, it depends on the audience, and it depends on a lot of factors. There are quite a few perspectives on this, but much of the research points to what are called Contingency Theories. Simply put, leadership communication is contingent upon multiple organizational factors. Some factors that have been identified are the task that’s being completed, the makeup of the workgroup, and even the leader’s personality, because it just wouldn’t make sense for a leader to behave in a way that isn’t authentic to themselves.

As my guest, Dr. Jen Ptacek so aptly points out "I think we’ve all said something in a moment and then went back and thought 'there was definitely a better way to say that' or maybe if I would have said 'this' instead, the conversation could have ended differently, and that’s what we’re getting at here. "

Let's dive into Reading the Room and Why Context Matters.

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Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leadership can be pretty easy when we are working with those we have strong interpersonal relationships. We appreciate them as colleagues and we like them as people. 

But what happens when we are having trouble connecting with a team member? What happens when we outright don't get along with a peer? 

it is difficult to relate to people when we differ in various ways, such as politics, family obligations, work ethics, and other personal differences. This episode offers practical suggestions for communicating and connecting with people we struggle to get along with.

Remember, leadership = communication.

We can use our verbal and non-verbal behaviors to connect across differences while creating a work environment that we're happy to be a part of.

Communication Focus
Strategic language can help you to foster inclusion and establish a shared team identity. 

Yeah, all of those literary devices your English prof told you about are legit ;) We'll consider how to integrate these into your toolbox so you can help make your workplace what you want it to be.

 Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We are excited to welcome, Prof. Adam Boddison OBE, CEO of the Association for Project Management to The Communicative Leader.

In this episode, we discuss the definition of large-scale growth and the criteria that differentiate it from traditional organizational growth. Adam emphasizes the importance of scalability, replicability, and sustainability in achieving large-scale growth. They also discuss the allocation of resources, prioritizing efficiency in business as usual, over-resourcing growth areas, and managing workload. Message clarity and effective communication are highlighted, with repetition and storytelling as key techniques. Finally, they touch on leadership styles and the need for leaders to be adaptable and switch between different styles.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Ever feel like the quiet glue holding everything together at home and at work, only to find your clarity fading and your calendar bursting? We dig into the hidden world of invisible labor—what communication scholar Dr. Allison Alford calls “good daughtering”—and how those caring reflexes migrate into our offices, meetings, and leadership choices. From anticipating needs and smoothing conflict to absorbing crisis after crisis, these habits can lift a family yet quietly drain a leader’s focus, confidence, and strategic voice.

Together we unpack what daughtering looks like in professional life: jumping in before delegation, volunteering for tasks that don’t advance your career, softening hard truths to keep harmony, and avoiding productive tension. Dr. Alford offers a practical language shift—naming care provisions, emotional triage, and cognitive load—to replace vague labels like “office mom.” With sharper words, teams can finally see, value, and share the work that sustains culture. We also talk policy and practice: treating daughtering-related PTO as legitimate, narrating contributions in small doses, and building norms that reward the thinking and time behind the scenes.

The heart of the episode is a reset from reactivity to strategy. We explore the tradeoff between hedonic hits—those fast, feel-good fixes—and eudaimonic satisfaction, the slower payoff of teaching, delegating, and building capacity. Real leadership makes space for others to try, fail, and grow. That means leaving purposeful gaps, rotating non-promotable tasks, and welcoming the kind of tension that produces better ideas. You’ll leave with a simple audit to map your invisible labor, micro-boundaries to protect bandwidth, and conversation starters to make unseen work visible without the guilt spiral.

If you’ve been carrying the backpack alone, consider this your signed prescription to set it down and share the load. Subscribe, share this episode with a teammate who does “all the little things,” and leave a review telling us the first invisible task you’re ready to name and renegotiate.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What is leadership communication and why the heck does it matter to me? You’re probably thinking this right now. I know I would be. I’d be thinking I know what leadership is and I know what communication is soooooo what can you possibly teach me? Well, I’m hoping a whole lot! A focus on leadership communication empowers you to take small, but meaningful steps at making your work life what you want it to be….rather than what it may be or has been. Today on the Communicative Leader we’re going to dive right into the connection between leadership and communication. 

In this episode, we're going to focus on three key ideas:

1.      The yardstick used to assess your leadership ability is your ability as a communicator 

2.      Not only is communication the measure used to assess your leadership ability, but it is also the most accessible and powerful tool you have! 

3.      Finally, employees are very, very savvy in terms of discerning managers’ behavior.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Imposter syndrome can sneak up on the best of us. 

It also sneaks up on most of us from time to time. 

A 2019 study found that up to 82% of folks report feeling like a fraud or experience feelings of self-doubt regarding their abilities from time to time.  

So...as you likely gathered, imposter syndrome is that pesky feeling that nags us and whispers not-so-nice things in our ears like "you're not good enough," "anyone could have achieved what I have," "they're going to realize that I'm not as smart/insightful/innovative as they thought when they hired me." 

Yeah, a real bully. 

So what can you do to keep imposter syndrome at bay? 

We're going to look at two clear paths today:

1. Mentoring
2. Empowerment 

What's our communication challenge? We're going to set high, but attainable goals. We're going to let our employees know we know they can do it. We're going to let ourselves know, that WE KNOW we can do it.  

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In this conversation, Sara Buchel, a chemical engineer, shares her experiences and insights as a woman in the STEM field.

She discusses the unique challenges she has faced, including imposter syndrome and the need to assert herself as a young professional. She also highlights the significance of work-life balance and the need for leaders to create a team that values expertise and diverse perspectives.

Sarah encourages aspiring leaders in STEM to go after their goals and surround themselves with a wide range of people with different aspirations.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

My friends, we have come to our season 1 finale. 

This is very bittersweet, because I've been having so much fun chatting with you each week. But now we're taking time to brainstorm and plan for season 2 (coming in the New Year). 

So how are we wrapping up the first season? A greatest hits! 

Presumptuous? Heck Yeah.  But also a whole lot of leadership communication goodness!

In this episode, we're going to consider 4 distinct focuses:

1. Leadership Truths
2. The Power of Communication
3. Relationships...or Playing Nicely in the Sandbox with Others
4. Formal & Informal Leadership: Owning and Developing Your Expertise 

And what about our communication tips? What will help you navigate your world with more confidence, credibility, and success? 

1. Avoiding Powerless Language
2. Using I Statements
3. Finding Ways to Add to Your Self-Efficacy Bank

Remember, Leaders are individuals who value communication and learn how to do it well.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose. 

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

When your team is overwhelmed, it’s tempting to solve it with more messages, more meetings, and more pressure. We go the other direction: clearer requirements, fewer priorities, and communication that actually holds up under stress. Our guest, John Mollura, spent 15 years inside mission-critical operations supporting NASA and elite military units before moving into executive performance coaching, and he brings that test-ops precision to the messy realities of modern leadership.

We dig into the most common “low precision” habit John sees in executives: giving direction that sounds urgent but doesn’t define what success is. You’ll hear how to set guardrails without micromanaging, how Colin Powell’s 40-70 rule helps you make decisions without waiting for perfect information, and why “up, down, and across” communication prevents the Friday-afternoon blindside. We also tackle perfectionism head-on, replacing the myth of flawless performance with a repeatable excellence mindset built on debriefs, learning, and clear specs.

If your calendar keeps disappearing, we break down intentional time management and the “next right action” approach that helps leaders reclaim focus. We also explore nonverbal leadership communication, including posture, presence, and the subtle signal your phone sends when it’s on the table. Finally, John shares his simple HIT framework for firefighting mode: Halt, Identify what’s important, Take decisive action, plus a curiosity-first mindset that helps teams reorient fast.

If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a teammate, and leave a review so more leaders can communicate with intention and lead with purpose. What’s one message you’ll tighten up this week?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Self-care is NOT:

■ A new-agey fad

■ Indulgent

■ A luxury

■ Expensive

■ Time intensive

■ Optional

Self-care can be integrated into any schedule and any budget. 

Those who engage in self-care tend to be happier, more productive, and more reslient and a whole heck of a lot stressed. 

Sounds pretty good to me :) 

We talk about self-care, how to engage in it as an individually, how to integrate into your team, and the importance of boundary setting. 

What else? We dive into the ways in which we can protect ourselves from burnout. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

The fastest way to lose trust isn’t a bad strategy—it’s a bruised ego that stops you from listening.

In this episode, we sit down with North Charleston Chief of Police and FBI National Academy graduate Dr. Ron Camacho. We’re pulling back the curtain on the hidden “ego tax” that leaders pay every day through small, subtle communication choices that erode credibility and kill psychological safety.

Chief Camacho gets remarkably honest about why therapy—not tactical training—was his real ego check. He shares how confronting his own anger and blind spots transformed him from a "command-and-control" SWAT commander into a leader who understands that "many minds are better than one" is the ultimate tactical advantage.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The Ego Audit: The exact questions you should ask yourself before walking into any high-stakes meeting.
• The "Newest Voice" Advantage: How to create an environment where the best idea wins, regardless of rank or tenure.
• Empathy as a Tool: Why moving away from command-and-control isn’t "soft"—it’s how you actually win the community and the room.
• The Power of the Sincere Apology: Why owning your missteps—backed by real accountability—is the fastest way to raise your professional stature.

If you are ready to stop needing to be right and start leading with presence, this conversation will give you the language and habits you need.

Subscribe to The Communicative Leader and join the conversation.

What is one ego-driven habit you are going to challenge this week? Let us know in the reviews.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Creativity isn't a magical talent bestowed on a lucky few—it's a skill that can be cultivated through deliberate practice, psychological safety, and effective communication. In this illuminating conversation, creativity expert Melissa Dinwiddie reveals how her unexpected journey from Juilliard-trained dancer to corporate innovation consultant led to transformative insights about unlocking creative potential in organizations.

Drawing from her work with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce, Melissa breaks down the often-invisible barriers that prevent teams from innovating: perfectionism, fear of judgment, and what she calls "expertise-induced blindness." She offers practical, playful solutions that any leader or team member can implement immediately, from simple check-in questions that spark curiosity to improv exercises that build psychological safety and collaboration.

The conversation dives deep into Melissa's "Create the Impossible" framework—Play Hard, Make Crap, Learn Fast—revealing how these deceptively simple principles can revolutionize how teams approach challenges. You'll discover why modeling imperfection might be a leader's most powerful tool and how transforming dry data into compelling stories can make information stick.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Melissa's ability to translate abstract creative concepts into concrete workplace practices. Her "crappy doodles" exercise and time traveler activity demonstrate how playfulness can be strategically deployed to overcome communication barriers and foster innovation. For leaders struggling with teams that have brilliant insights but can't effectively spread them throughout the organization, Melissa's approaches offer a refreshing alternative to standard corporate communication training.

Whether you're a titled leader seeking to build a more innovative culture or an employee looking to flex your creative muscles, this conversation provides both the inspiration and practical tools to transform how you communicate and collaborate. Listen now to discover why creativity might be your most underutilized professional asset—and how to start developing it today.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

More and more I have people telling me that they’re less interested in formal leadership roles. The pandemic has shifted priorities for some and for others, the idea of overseeing other adults and the headaches that often come with that doesn’t sound like an appealing one.  

My response?

You’re leading with or without a title. You’re leading when you’re mindful of it. You’re leading when you’re not mindful of it. 

Our words and our behaviors communicate to others whether we’re consciously thinking of the outcome and impact or not. 

Today we will consider what this looks like, why it is important, and provide an on-ramp for our friends who are interested in a formal managerial role in the future. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In our last episode we looked at the research behind self-care, burnout, and wellness at work.

In this episode, we continue our focus on wellness by diving into a conversation with an expert from the mental health field.

I am so excited to welcome Christine Omilion-Sugg, LPC to The Communicative Leader.

As a  licensed professional counselor, she gives us concrete tips and practices for our self-care practice and hones in on the importance of titled leaders modeling prosocial, empathetic behaviors. What else? She's also my sister. 

Christine earned her Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Degree from Oakland University with a specialization in infant, child, and adolescent therapy. She has provided care at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, Great Lakes Psychiatric, and is now serving clients at Petoskey Professional Counselors. Christine focuses on treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma and also works as an Accredited supervisor to both graduate and post-graduate students. You can contact Christine at christineomilionsugg@petoskeyprofessionalcounselors.com.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We have had so much fun this season --- we’ve had some incredible guests talk to us about best practices for organizational change, to the power of language, importance and impact of psychological safety and self-care and wellness at work.

We’ve also tackled everything from navigating conflict to crafting personal vision statements and overcoming imposter syndrome.  In this episode, the season 2 finale, we are going to focus on the best of the rest --- yup, we’re going to wrap up the season by highlighting the most compelling and impactful leadership communication ideas and practices we’ve discussed this season.

We're going to consider our takeaways in three main sections:

1. Employees Need to Feel Safe and Heard 

2. The Way We Talk to Ourselves as Others Matters 

3. We Lead With or Without a Title 

And our communication challenges?

• Best practices for navigating conflict 
• Paths to empowerment 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What if two handwritten sentences could do more for engagement than a dozen meetings? We sit down with author and keynote speaker Amy Daughters to unpack the surprising power of pen on paper—how a spontaneous act of compassion turned into 580 letters and a repeatable practice any leader can use to build trust, loyalty, and genuine kinship at work.

Amy walks us through the moment that sparked her writing habit, the two-year exchange that reshaped her view of connection, and the decision to write to every Facebook friend. Along the way, we dig into why tactile notes matter: they signal time and intention, they feel personal without being private, and they create an unmistakable moment of being seen. You’ll hear research-backed insights on why customer loyalty and employee engagement rise when people feel valued, not just satisfied, plus real-world examples of notes displayed like badges of honor in cubicles and kept in bedside drawers for years.

We get practical too. Expect simple, plug-and-play scripts for appreciation, support, and recognition that take under five minutes to write. Learn how to overcome the vulnerability speed bump, set up a low-cost “handwritten hub” with cards and stamps, and enlist your team’s eyes and ears to spot wins you might miss. We also explore how brief notes can bridge deep differences—acknowledging humanity without demanding agreement—and why this small habit can move culture faster than most big initiatives.

If you’re a manager, executive, or team lead looking for a human, scalable way to strengthen relationships, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a leader who needs it, and tell us: who’s the first person you’ll write to this week?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Many of us have grown up on a diet of teams that has led to an almost reverence for them.

But I think it is a whole lot easier to pull up examples of bad team experiences we've had, than the good ones.

Now there's the rub, my friends.

If teams are supposed to be this magical vehicle for innovation and productivity, why do so many offer to work individually when (in theory) a team-based approach would lighten their load?

This episode of The Communicative Leader reviews 6 common mistakes managers make when assembling teams. Of course, we don't leave you there, my friends. We address these mistakes but we also leave with you specific, communication-rooted solutions for sidestepping them.
 
 Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Soft skills, particularly communication, are essential for success in a rapidly evolving workplace. The episode, featuring Andres Lares, the Managing Partner at Shapiro Negotiations Institute, explores the gap between the demand for soft skills and employers' recognition, the challenges in measuring these skills, and strategies for organizations to invest in soft skills training for long-term benefits.

Here are some of the areas we touch on in this episode:

• Understanding the significance of soft skills in leadership 
• Exploring the gap between employees' desires for skills and employer priorities 
• Challenges in measuring soft skills and effectiveness 
• Timeless value of soft skills amid technological advancements 
• Practical steps organizations can take for soft skills training 
• The critical role leaders play in fostering a culture of communication 
• Tips for employees on the importance of networking and communication 

Make sure to communicate with intention and lead with purpose!

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Conflict isn’t the thing ruining most teams. Avoiding it is. We sit down with Dr. Jen Fry, TEDx speaker, tech founder, and conflict literacy expert, to get painfully practical about what leaders actually need when tension shows up at work: language, timing, boundaries, and the nerve to say the thing before it becomes a forest fire.

We start with Jen’s surprising background in sports geography and use it to unpack a powerful leadership lesson: culture and context shape how people give feedback, hear feedback, and interpret “nice.” From “Midwest nice” to blunt directness, we explore why politeness can delay clarity, how that delay hurts performance, and how leaders can adjust without watering down the message. Then we get into the behaviors that define conflict management skills, including apologizing with real accountability, refusing to be the middleman, and creating space for coworkers to work through disagreement without a supervisor shutting it down.

From there, we connect conflict to innovation and organizational culture. Jen explains why first drafts are supposed to be ugly, how curiosity and pushback refine ideas, and why time management in meetings directly affects psychological safety and participation. We also cover workplace boundaries, the difference between urgency and emergency, and what to do when a conflict triggers a deeper reaction. One of the biggest takeaways: build your “feel-bad muscle” so you can be empathetic without turning every no into a negotiation.

If you’re serious about leadership communication, conflict resolution, and building a team culture that can actually innovate, press play. After you listen, subscribe, share with a colleague who needs better boundaries, and leave a review. What’s one hard conversation you’ll stop postponing this week?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

On today's episode of The Communicative Leader, Jeff Baldassari shares his insights on leadership principles and the importance of culture, connection, mentorship, trust, and innovation. He emphasizes the power of culture in achieving organizational success and the need for leaders to connect with people at all levels. 

Jeff also discusses the inspiration behind his book and how his perspective has evolved over time. He highlights the significance of mentorship in accelerating professional development and building trust within teams.

Some other takeaways:

• The ability to connect with people is crucial for motivating, managing, influencing, and inspiring them.
• Mentorship accelerates professional development and fosters a bond that contributes to employee retention.
• Trust is built through consistency, honesty, and respect, and it is essential for effective leadership.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Pam has been helping individuals and corporations improve their writing for the past 30 years.

Pam reframes writing from just another item on the to-do list to problem solving.

This is so powerful!

When viewed as problem solving, we see the need for expertise, for strategy, and for planning.

Pam also discusses the ROI when written communication is effective, and calls attention to the time and frustration saved when processes are in place.

Connect with Pam: LinkedIn, Pam Hurley; Pam@hurleywrite.com; Cell: 910-233-7670

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Most of us think negotiation starts when the stakes are high and the numbers hit the table. We see it very differently. Negotiation is baked into leadership communication: asking for headcount, defending a plan, setting boundaries, earning buy-in, and navigating conflict without losing momentum. That’s why we sat down with Derrick Chevalier, an Amazon number one best-selling author, certified mediator, and negotiation trainer known for helping leaders turn objections into opportunities.

We dig into power vs influence and why those two paths can create the same outcomes through completely different mechanisms. Derrick challenges old-school negotiation tactics that sound smart on paper but can leave you negotiating against yourself, including the way many people define “win-win.” Instead, we focus on what top performers do differently: they measure success by the new information they uncover and the better options that become possible because of it.

You’ll also learn Derrick’s “objection flip” for handling a hard no without getting rattled, plus IWA questions (if, what, where, when, who, how) to find what you don’t know when pressure is high. We close with practical guidance on presence, matching demeanor to the room, de-escalating tension, and clearing conflict fast so teams can move with speed and clarity.

If you want stronger negotiation skills, better conflict resolution, and a simpler way to lead conversations toward results, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a leader who gets too many objections, and leave a review with the biggest negotiation challenge you want us to tackle next.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leadership doesn’t break down because people “can’t communicate.” It breaks down because trust gets thin, clarity goes missing, and the hard conversations never happen. I sit down with Dr. Kevin Foreman, known as the People’s Bishop, to talk about a different standard for leadership communication: shalom, a whole-life kind of peace where nothing is missing, nothing is lacking, and nothing is broken. That idea sounds spiritual, but the way Kevin uses it is intensely practical and results-oriented. 

We dig into how leaders build one cohesive voice across sectors without becoming performative, why progress beats perfection when you’re trying to launch a vision with zero initial buy-in, and how consistency becomes a brand people can rely on. Kevin also reframes “generational curses” in a way every organization will recognize: repeated dysfunctional patterns that quietly lead to failure. We talk about how to replace stale narratives with a new story people can believe in, and how values-based conversations help you confront gossip, misalignment, and underperformance without turning everything into a personal attack. 

Then we connect the dots between wellness, money, and boundaries. Kevin shares why “more is caught than taught,” how physical discipline communicates leadership before you ever say a word, and how financial anxiety can derail culture if leaders don’t teach alignment and meaning around resources. We close with sharp advice for titled leaders and for employees at every level, including what it really means to call the shots and take the shots. 

If you want better leadership, healthier culture, and clearer communication at work, listen now. Subscribe to The Communicative Leader, share this with a leader on your team, and leave a review telling us which idea you’re putting into practice first.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Miscommunication, misunderstandings, disagreements, and hurt feelings happen. This is just part of life, including organizational life. What is important, however, is that we take the time to do the repair work and ensure that the workplace is one that is healthy and built on a foundation of respect. In this episode of the Communicative Leader, we’re going to look at common issues that hamper internal communication. But we’re not going to stop there, we’re going to give you some small communication tips that will help you to avoid these common stumbling blocks and more importantly, in doing so create a healthy work environment. 

Although communication is anything but a one-size-fits-all endeavor, the thoughtful and tailored use of communication can solve or improve just about any work-related issue. From considering how to best onboard and assimilate new employees to create individual relationships with each member, pitch new ideas, and resolve interpersonal conflict, communication is more than a tool. Instead, it shapes the way employees experience and navigate work.

Historically, organizations have spent most of their time and financial and human resources on their communications to external stakeholders. Of course, this makes good sense as they need clients' and the community’s interest and trust to remain in business. However, this view may be a bit short-sighted as it overlooks the importance of communicating with and connecting with employees.

In this episode, we address four common organizational obstacles and leave you with communication-rooted stepping stones to avoid these pitfalls.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Culture doesn’t break because people don’t care. It breaks when teams lose the ability to talk honestly with each other.

I’m joined by global strategist and author Emma Gibbens, creator of Anatomy of Conversation and co-founder of Acknowledge This, to dig into a leadership communication truth that changes everything: organizational culture is built in conversation, not in posters, policies, or polished talking points. We explore why “policy-first” communication often turns into shelfware, how repetition actually works, and why purpose alignment is something you invite people into rather than push onto them.

Emma shares practical tools leaders can use in high-pressure workplaces to move from control to curiosity, including language that gets you on the same side of the problem and simple prompts like “tell me more.” We also unpack the anatomy of a conversation using her campfire metaphor and the difference between having the right content and showing up with the right conduct. If you care about psychological safety, employee engagement, and workplace trust, this part is gold.

We close with culture diagnostics you can spot immediately: over-politeness, strategic fog, silence in meetings, and innovation theater where input goes nowhere. We also talk about making culture change fun and meaningful, and why real DEI conversations can’t be replaced by party-planning energy. If you’re ready for more honest dialogue and less fluff, hit play, then subscribe, share with a leader on your team, and leave a review with the question you’re going to start asking this week.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

The leader-member relationship can get a bad rap.

We've all likely had some managers who were, well, not so great in that role. We might have had a manager (or managers) who were pretty crummy. But I'm also hopeful that you've worked with a manager who helped you to grow and succeed.

Some dismiss the relationship the share with their leader as one of little importance.

Oh my friends, you couldn't be more wrong. This is a pivotal workplace relationship.

Those with high quality relationships with their manager tend to make more money, enjoy more frequent promotions, and find more satisfaction in their work than those who have lower quality leader-member relationships.

Today we're going to consider how this relationship develops, how it is maintained and how it largely shapes the answer to the following question: What is my workplace experience?

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Conflict is not good or bad. Conflict is neutral.

Conflict can be productive, but if it goes unaddressed or is not navigated tactfully it can also be damaging.

Conflict is a normal part of organizational life.

Today on the Communicative Leader, we dive into best practices for managing conflict, discuss conflict between leader and member and peers, and consider how to better understand our own conflict style.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Many leaders time the time to really think about and reflect on decision-making. I also think formal leaders spend a lot of time thinking about resources and strategic initiatives and deadlines.

I don't think as many formal leaders set aside time to consider how the way they communicate intersects with leadership and power.

Power can exist without leadership, but leadership cannot exist without power.

On this episode of The Communicative Leader, we're going to consider power as influence and what are "go-to" communication strategies convey to our team.

But we didn't forget about our informal leaders! In this episode, we make specific suggestions for how followers can embrace and step into their position power too. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What if the secret to commanding a room isn't what you think? When Richard Reid found himself sharing a tent in Patagonia with a Welsh psychiatrist, he couldn't have imagined how that chance encounter would transform his understanding of human connection and leadership presence.

Richard, an organizational psychologist and body language expert with 20+ years of experience coaching high-profile individuals, dismantles the most persistent myths about charisma. Forget the jazz hands and rehearsed speeches—true charisma begins with managing your internal world, creating bandwidth to genuinely connect with others. 

As Richard explains, charisma isn't reserved for extroverts or those born with a commanding presence. It's a skill anyone can develop, shaped by four distinct styles: authoritative, warmth, focused, and visionary. The most effective leaders move fluidly between these styles depending on what each situation demands.

In our digital landscape, connection has become increasingly transactional. Richard offers practical strategies to counter this trend—from slowing conversations down to strategic uses of silence that create space for deeper insights. His approaches to breathing, body language, and intentional transitions between meetings provide immediately applicable tools for enhancing presence both virtually and in person.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Richard reveals how vulnerability enhances rather than diminishes charismatic leadership. By sharing challenges authentically and creating environments where others feel seen and validated, leaders build deeper trust and inspire genuine connection.

Whether you're leading a team or looking to enhance your personal influence, Richard's science-backed techniques offer a refreshing alternative to one-size-fits-all communication advice. From the 4-4-6 breathing method to questioning your autopilot behaviors, these small but powerful shifts can transform your presence and impact on others.

Ready to discover your authentic charismatic edge? Listen now and learn how to create meaningful connections that inspire trust, foster innovation, and elevate your leadership presence.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Tough conversations are, well, tough.

That's why we call them that -- tough, challenging, hard, sensitive, etc.

While these types of conversations aren't going away my friends, there are specific, pragmatic steps you can take that will make these more manageable.

Guess what?

Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry does us one better than manageable, he helps us to see how embracing these conversations in an audience-centered way can transform our workplace culture in really positive and transformative ways. 

I had a lot of fun chatting with JP, and more importantly, I learned soooooo much from him.

Y'all, I have a PhD in this, write in this area, teach it and I still walked away with so  much new knowledge -- this is a powerful conversation, for sure.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Do you want fewer misunderstandings at work? Do you want smoother, more effective conversations with your manager? What about at home? Connect more quickly with an upset child or come to understanding more easily with your partner? This week on the Communicative Leader we tackle how using a communicative view will make your life easier.

What do we typically do when we feel like someone doesn't understand us? We speak more loudly and we restate our point.

Yet unfortunately most of the time, volume and content aren't really the issues. The issue is deeper. The issue is one of understanding.

 We'll look at the small, communication-rooted steps you can take that will help you to be more persuasive and likely enhance your workplace (and home) relationships at the same time. Bonus? These take little training and cost nothing, but require some practice and intention.

Also in this week's episode? Say this, not that! Rephrasing common work statements into thoughtful, other-oriented statements. You're totally earning extra boss points here :)

You got this!

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Peers can really make work a waaaaayyyyyyyy better experience.

From someone we can laugh with when that customer shows us with the worst breath again to someone we can say “hey I know that we went over the instructions like a hundred times, but can you show me again how do to this?”

And that is a lot easier than going to our manager to do so.

Peers can be a bigger source of support, information, and friendship than our manager or other organizational employees.

Research also shows that we tend to be more innovative when engaging with our peers and generate more creative ideas.

But…what about when the relationship we share with our peers or A peer isn’t quite as strong…or is downright contentious?

In this episode of the communicative leader, we are going to important role that our peer relationships play in our workplace experience – from the benefits, the potential challenges, and how to end a peer relationship if the need arises.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Strength isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport. We dig into the hidden costs of hyperindependence and the quiet cultural cues that reward exhaustion while calling it excellence. With Dr. Khutso Madubanya —business scholar, speaker, and founder of Dance with Change—we unpack how high performers learn to pause, ask for help, and lead with agency without burning out.

Khutso shares a gripping personal journey from apartheid-era self-reliance to a transatlantic move, a sudden layoff, single parenthood, and a career pivot—all while finishing her PhD. From that crucible she built the PIVOT method: Pause to reset your nervous system, Introspect to name needs and stories, Vector your limited energy toward a clear direction, Overcome perfectionism and the fear of “sucking,” and Travel forward with commitment. We translate each step into real workplace moves leaders can use during change, crisis, and the everyday churn of modern work.

We also name the “free pass” culture that equates availability with value: late-night emails, applause for heroics, and praise that erases boundaries. Then we show how to replace it with norms that scale trust and learning. Expect practical tactics to raise psychological safety, delegate with respect, and communicate from self-acceptance. We frame the ROI in plain terms—reduced burnout risk, stronger retention, faster error detection, and smarter decisions—so even the most KPI-focused executive can see the upside.

If you’re ready to trade the performance of strength for the practice of presence, this conversation is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with one PIVOT step you’ll try this week.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

The Command-and-Control model is failing today’s leaders. In a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, brute force and rigid hierarchies don't build accountability—they build fear. But what if you could trade that friction for speed, trust, and real impact?

In this episode, we sit down with MK Palmore to explore the radical shift from "manager" to "influencer." We’re moving past the theory to bring you practical, repeatable communication strategies that help your team move faster with less anxiety.

We’re breaking down how to:

• Stop dictating, start translating: Convert complex risks (like cybersecurity) into business-critical language.
• Build the "Trust Tax" buffer: Learn why preparing your team for change is the fastest way to earn their ownership.
• Master the "Earned Certainty" model: How to hold authority while remaining open to being wrong.
• Hire for resilience: Why you should walk away from any candidate who can’t describe a genuine failure.

If you’re ready to stop focusing on your personal achievements and start mastering the art of helping others excel, this conversation is for you.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

A single missed hello. A mismatched message. A room full of people quietly deciding you’re not credible. That’s how millions can evaporate without a single error in the numbers, and it’s why leadership communication is a business-critical skill for finance leaders, CFOs, and technical experts stepping into high-stakes roles.

We sit down with Bianca Riemer, a former top-ranked sell-side analyst at Morgan Stanley who now advises CEOs, CFOs, directors, and private equity and fintech leaders on executive presence, boardroom communication, and the make-or-break first 100 days. Bianca shares what surprised her most about the “analysis” job that was really a sales and influence job, and why technical leaders often struggle when they suddenly have to persuade non-technical decision makers with different incentives and risk appetites.

You’ll hear a vivid story of a newly promoted CFO who lost investor trust and fundraising leverage by misreading power dynamics and failing to address what the audience actually cared about: what the money was for and what return investors could expect. From there we dig into the silent tax of leadership hesitation, how women in male-dominated industries get punished for trying to fit the wrong mold, and why authenticity can reduce toxicity and turnover. Bianca also connects nervous system regulation to authority, offering practical tools like abdominal breathing and better question framing to help you reset your presence when a meeting starts sliding.

If you want sharper stakeholder management, faster decision making, and more credibility in senior rooms, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a leader facing a tough transition, and leave a review with the one communication habit you’re working on right now.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Burnout doesn’t always start with too much work. Sometimes it starts with a trust injury we never finished healing. We sit down with Dr. Debi Silber, founder of the Post-Betrayal Transformation Institute, to unpack how unhealed betrayal quietly sabotages leadership performance, workplace communication, and employee engagement, even when you look “fine” on the outside.

Debi explains post-betrayal syndrome, the very real mix of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that can follow betrayal trauma for years. We get specific about what leaders see in themselves and their teams: inability to trust, overwhelm, sadness, conflict, and the kind of brain fog that makes delegation feel risky. She also walks us through the neuroscience, including how a hijacked stress response can narrow thinking and drain executive function, leaving you with a fraction of your usual capacity.

The turning point is a clear roadmap. Debi shares the five stages people move through to fully heal, why stage three keeps high achievers stuck in survival mode, and what changes when you reach stages four and five. We also dig into rebuilding the “trust dividend” brick by brick: owning your part, validating impact, telling the truth without corporate polish, showing what you learned, and making specific commitments you actually keep. If you’re trying to create psychological safety after a broken promise or an organizational betrayal like a layoff, this conversation gives you language you can use right away.

If this resonates, subscribe to The Communicative Leader, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find it. Where have you seen betrayal show up as burnout at work?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Have you thought about sharing some of your expertise, your ideas, or experiences but just are not sure how to get started?

Deevo Tindall, a Chief Experience Officer and leader in Marketing and Branding, walks us through how to use social media and sites like LinkedIn to amplify our voices in order to share our ideas.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Think about your family for a minute. Who is the de facto leader?

That is, who does everyone go to for the plan for the day or the trip?

Who is the joker or class clown of the family?  Who is the nurturer?

These same roles playout in the workplace  -- sometimes we embody these roles formally – such as the leader – but generally speaking, we ebb and flow between the roles throughout our day and as we interact with others to, well, get our work done.

While some of these roles are productive and helpful to group functioning, others can detract or damage employee wellbeing and group health.

Today we’re going to look at group roles, consider how they impact us individually and our team.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dr. Ryan Bisel has been doing really important and really innovative work related to leadership, business ethics, and employee voice.

What's employee voice?

In short, it is communicating bad news upwards. More specifically, it may be disagreeing with your manager, voicing concerns about policy or practices, or otherwise articulating issues up the chain of command.

What happens when we have a workplace where employee don't feel safe expressing concerns?

We create a culture that is conducive to ethical breaches. Little oversights can morph into larger ones quickly, especially when employees think their concerns are not shared by the majority.

What then?

Silence.

Ryan walks us through the ins and outs of employee voice, how it impacts ethics talk, and the role leaders play in shaping healthy, prosocial work environments.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We explore how purpose turns into measurable results by designing communication that is simple, repeatable and trusted. Andrew Oxley shares a practical framework for clarity, passion, and habit change that scales across teams and ties directly to business metrics.

Takeaways

• Communication is essential for effective leadership.
• Clarity in communication helps avoid confusion among team members.
• Growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones.
• Authenticity cannot be faked; it must be genuine.
• Self-awareness is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Trust is built through consistent and clear communication.
• Leaders should seek diverse perspectives to challenge their thinking.
• Simplicity in messaging is harder but more impactful.
• Focus on controllable aspects of challenges to drive progress.
• Investing in communication clarity yields tangible business results.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

On today's episode of The Communicative Leader, Eric Pfeiffer, a seasoned leadership coach and author join us. 

Eric Pfeiffer shares his background in leadership coaching and the challenges he faced in becoming an effective leader. He discusses the need for a leadership operating system that bridges the gap between theory and practice.

We discuss the challenges leaders face in creating a positive culture and addresses the common struggles leaders encounter. We also touch on the role of non-leadership employees in maintaining culture and offers insights on how to support and empower them.

Some other takeaways:

• Learning how to learn is essential for continuous growth and development in leadership. Self-awareness is a fundamental aspect of leadership and can be developed through practical tools and techniques.
• Leadership gravitas is about being a leader worth following, someone who inspires trust, respect, and empowerment.
• Culture is defined by the prevailing attitudes and behaviors of individuals in an organization.
• Leaders can transform culture by changing their own attitudes and behaviors and consistently modeling the desired culture.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In 2020, as many as two-thirds of all employed Americans worked remotely, and now 75% of us prefer working from home at least some of the time.

What does this mean?

It means we need to stretch and flex and adapt our leadership and our communication to fit this brave new world.

So how do we do it? How do we bring that connection and responsiveness and authenticity into the hybrid environment?  Well, we look to organizational change leadership experts like Vanessa Hills to shine some light onto the topic.

Vanessa shares her model of virtual dialogic communication with us. Yeah, yeah, yeah...dialogic communication is an academic term, but Vanessa walks us through how it applies to us now.

Whether you work from home, work from the office, or a hybrid of the two, Vanessa's suggestions will help make your work life what you want it to be.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What if your business could unlock unparalleled growth by understanding unspoken communication? Join us for a special episode of The Communicative Leader as we welcome Amit and Dr. Kumar from the Chintan Project. 

Amit, who communicates through a laminated card due to his autism, shares his profound insights into human behavior and business leadership. His father, Dr. Kumar, reads Amit's thoughts aloud, adding a unique dynamic to their consulting approach that emphasizes the value of both spoken and unspoken communication.

We explore how the Chintan Project helps businesses thrive by focusing on individual and collective strengths. Hear how they guided a family-owned business through a challenging transition, integrating a new winery venture with existing operations. This episode also dives into topics such as humility, inclusion, and the importance of employee relations, drawing on wisdom from Peter Drucker. Learn how balanced feedback and recognizing the personal dynamics within an organization can foster empowerment and drive success. This is one episode you won't want to miss if you're committed to understanding the deeper layers of effective business leadership.

Some other takeaways:

• Recognize and capitalize on individual strengths in organizations
• Address the unique challenges and needs of employees and customers
• Overcome stigmas and misconceptions surrounding autism in the business world
• Focus on understanding and leveraging the human element in organizations Honoring people in business transitions is crucial for successful integrations

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Scott Shank, PhD Candidate at Michigan State University, joins us this week and walks us through some interesting applied leadership communication research. Scott is also a former student, a research collaborator, and a friend!

Scott chats with us about some really interesting, really vivid, and really important applied leadership research.

If your manager is a lion, a coach, or the anti-Midas, what does that make you?
 
Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

So we’ve been telling you that communication is key to your leadership ability. We’ve talked about the fact that others, including your own manager and your employees, use your communication ability as a barometer for assessing your success as a leader. Certainly, we’ve discussed some communication specifics in terms of specific actions to help make your work life what you want it to be, but today we’re going all in. We’re talking about communication channels, timing, messaging, and responding on the Communicative Leader. 

We’ve all been in meetings that should have been emails. And we’re not talking just one or two, right? Ugh, it can be so frustrating when you’ve taken time to get together with a group – virtually or face to face – and realize that the individual leading the meeting is essentially just reading a series of bullet points to you. Nooooo good for anyone. 

By taking time to discuss the importance of tailoring your communication and walking through the various elements that go into making decisions for your communication encounters, you’re simultaneously growing your leadership and communication abilities. Bingo, a two-for-one kinda thing. Yaaaaasssss!

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Hi leaders!

This week’s episode is an extra fun one. Why? 

Psychological safety expert, Stephan Wiedner, joins us. 

Stephan and his team help develop high-performance leaders, teams, and organizations. 

How? 

By focusing on psychological safety and good ole interpersonal communication skills.

So what IS psychological safety?

Psychological safety is our belief within our work environment that we can speak up, own a mistake, or express concerns without fear of reprimand or social consequence. 

Psychological safety is NOT carved in stone, it's not a commodity to possess, but a process teams should return to repeatedly. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Work doesn’t stop when school pickup starts and parenting doesn’t pause when the first meeting begins, yet most workplaces still communicate like employees can cleanly separate the two. That gap is where burnout, stress, and quiet quitting grow, especially for working parents carrying a second shift managers never see. We sit down with Dr. Rosina McAlpine, founder of Win-Win Parenting, to talk about why family-friendly leadership is not a perk, it’s a serious retention and performance strategy.

We get practical fast: how to run a working parent risk assessment, why averages hide the real problem, and how to gather safer data through anonymous surveys and aggregated EAP insights. Rosina also shares the WINS method and the leadership moves that bring it to life, including manager training, culture building, and a feedback loop that tracks return on investment over time. If you’re searching for actionable ideas on employee wellbeing, psychosocial safety, and leadership communication, this is a clear blueprint.

We also talk about the human side of it: how leaders can use simple storytelling to make flexibility feel safe, why one-off “family-friendly days” miss the point, and how equity beats one-size-fits-all support across life stages. You’ll leave with language you can use, metrics you can measure, and a stronger case for why supporting working parents strengthens the future workforce too. If this conversation helps, subscribe, share it with a people leader, and leave a review with the most useful change your workplace could make.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What if the biggest barrier to your impact isn't a lack of data, but the lack of a resonant message?

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Vandepas—founder of Grace Point Publishing, TEDx speaker, and creator of the Divine and Dangerous Leadership Framework—to explore how visionary leaders build authority that lasts beyond their tenure.

Michelle challenges the traditional "command-and-control" mindset, arguing that true leadership authority isn't about what you say in a meeting; it’s about the body of work you build and the legacy you leave behind. We dive into the mechanics of her "Divine and Dangerous" framework, why subtraction is the secret to a powerful message, and how to stay grounded when the scrutiny of leadership starts to feel like noise.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The "Golden Thread": How to identify the core message that connects every stage of your career.
• The Danger of Truth: Why the most dangerous—and essential—act a leader can take is telling the truth to themselves.
• Subtraction as Strategy: How to strip away the "noise" of bells and whistles to focus on the one outcome your audience actually needs.
• Embodiment vs. Performance: How to step into a bigger version of yourself as a leader without feeling like you’re wearing a "mask."
• Legacy Management: How to distinguish between the legacy you leave for your family and the one you leave for your professional industry.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leaders. Managers. Same, right?

Nope. Sorry, my friends. These are not synonyms.

Enter two constants: Complexity and Change.

Managers cope with complexity in organizations and leaders cope with change.

Is it really that simple? What has ever been simple when it comes to organizations?

In this episode of The Communicative Leader, we consider the unique and essential functions of both managers and leaders.

But wait! Aren't leaders better?

Nope. Not the case.

If organizations value their successes and wish to remain relevant then they need to hire for and celebrate both leaders and managers.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkham, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dr. David Schreiner is the President and CEO of Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital and the author of a new book, Be the Best Part of Their Day: Supercharging Communication with Values-Driven Leadership.

David draws from his recent book to offer thoughtful leadership advice, but doesn't stop there. He couples the advice with poignant examples helping to really illustrate what a values-driven approach to leading can look like, and more importantly, feel like for your employees.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

When we think about public leadership, we are all likely to have different reactions…different thoughts and visuals that come to mind. Some of us may have a warm, positive feelings associated with the term public leadership and others well, it may be a different story all together. 

Here’s the thing my friends, public leadership encompasses a whole slew of leadership roles and activities ranging from your local PTO and HOA to the federal government and beyond. This is why this area tends to elicit such varied reactions.

So considering the vast differences in public leadership, how the heck do we tie these roles together? What are some communicative activities that unite them?

Put simply: Influence

Whether you are a member of the local chamber of commerce and you’re trying to gain support for your new dining in the streets initiative or if you’re the president of the US, in order to be successful you need to be able to influence the attitudes and behaviors of your constituents.  

• How do we connect with various stakeholder groups? 
• How do we effect change? 
• How do we sway opinions?  

We integrate leadership and persuasive communication with elements of public relations – impression management and credibility for example.

In this episode of The Communicative Leader, we look at the link between leadership, PR, and credible communication. 

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Command and control leadership is failing quietly, and the bill shows up everywhere: disengaged teams, slow decisions, meeting overload, and a culture where people smile on camera and vent in side channels. We’re marking a season nine milestone and pulling the strongest patterns into one practical leadership communication framework you can use immediately.

We start with a different definition of “peace” at work through shalom: nothing missing, nothing broken, nothing lacking. From there, we get painfully real about why values statements and glossy culture initiatives collapse when they aren’t integrated into daily operations. Radical clarity becomes the through-line, not as micromanagement, but as a form of kindness that sets guardrails, protects organizational value, and increases decision velocity. We also unpack the shift from treating organizations like machines to treating them like living human ecosystems, including the three fields leaders must read: activity, relationship, and context.

Then we get tactical: meeting management as culture, navigating the first 100 days without being too loud or too absent, and the delicate balance of vulnerability versus authority. We talk nervous system regulation and physiological grounding tools like the belly button reset, plus conflict literacy scripts that de-escalate in real time, including how changing “why” to “what” reduces defensiveness. We close with fairness as smart business, the WINS method for workplace systems and wellness, and two 30-day challenges, including a strict ban on resolving conflict over Slack.

If this helps, subscribe, share it with a leader who needs clearer tools, and leave a review so more teams can build trust through better communication. What’s one conversation you’ve been avoiding that you’re ready to handle differently?

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau shares her Smart Power method for leadership transformation, challenging traditional power dynamics and empowering leaders to create meaningful impact in chaotic environments. Through her 30-year career studying power in organizations, she reveals how authentic leadership, purposeful collaboration, and systemic thinking can revolutionize organizational culture.

• The difference between old power (force and control) vs real power (creating intended, constructive outcomes)
• How the European Investment Bank's transformation to become a climate bank required new leadership approaches
• The SMART Power Method: Systemic, Merging, Authentic personal, Relational, and Transformational
• Breaking down organizational silos by focusing on shared goals rather than departmental priorities
• Practical strategies for thriving amid chaos: personal practices, purpose connection, perspective, and collaboration
• The critical importance of organizational culture in successful transformation
• Leadership skills for the future: continuous learning, systemic thinking, co-creation, and human connection
• How political science and international relations principles apply to organizational leadership
• The counterintuitive truth that trying to hold onto power makes you less powerful

Ask more questions and truly listen - it builds trust and helps you understand others better. For employees at all levels, get friendly with your emotions by feeling, knowing, and managing them to become more effective and authentic at work.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leaders,

Welcome to the season 3 finale of The Communicative Leader. 

This was a fun one! Why? I got to revisit the thoughtful insights season 3 guests shared with us. 

In reviewing the season 3 episodes, I pulled out ten leadership takeaways and each of our guests speak to at least one of the takeaways. 

Our takeaways include:

1. Embrace a growth mindset
2. Seek feedback and learn from failures
3. Cultivate self-awareness 
4. Foster a learning culture 
5. Be curious and stay open-minded
6. Develop effective communication skills
7. Build strong relationships and networks
8. Continuously update skills and knowledge
9. Adapt to change and embrace innovation
10. Lead by example 

And who do we hear from in this season recap? 

• Steve Marcinuk, Co-Founder and General Manager of Intelligent Relations
• Bob Gaydos, CEO of Pendella
• Brenda Harrington, Executive Coach and Founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, LLC
• David Birkam, Graphic Designer at Western Michigan University 
• Aneace Haddad, Executive Coach & Advisor to the C-Suite 
• Dan Joseph, Author and former Army Combat Engineer
• Dr. Ryan Bisel, Professor of Organizational Communication at the University of Oklahoma 
• Ulrike Seminati, Leadership Communication Coach 
• Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry, Co-Founder and President of the Institute for Health and Human Potential 
• Nick Greif, VP, Go-to-Market Strategy & Communications at InStride

This episode is full of insights and pragmatic tips from world-renowned experts.

We look forward to chatting with you again soon in Season 4. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

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P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

What do you get when you integrate your experience as a two-time CEO into Executive Coaching?  An incredibly rich, thoughtful, and effective perspective.
 
Aneace Haddad brings so many thoughtful, leadership insights to the this episode!

He talks to us about integrating mindfulness into our leadership, teams, and workplace, but he also stresses the importance of listening and embracing your influence (regardless of title or role). 

Aneace also shares some insights from his recent book: The Eagle That Drank Hummingbird Nectar: A Novel About Personal Transformation in Business Leaders.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In this conversation, Nancy Ho discusses her journey to becoming a life strategist and executive coach. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy and purpose in life and the need to balance personal and professional fulfillment. 

Nancy also debunks myths about work-life balance and instead promotes the idea of work-life integration. She highlights the significance of deep diving into the root causes of issues and shifting mindset and strategies.

Some other takeaways:

• Finding joy and purpose in life is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Work-life balance is a myth, and work-life integration is a more realistic approach.
• Deep diving into the root causes of issues is crucial for personal growth.
• Self-reflection is a key practice for understanding oneself and making positive changes. Self-reflection is crucial for understanding our thoughts and behaviors.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Your words matter, but the way you deliver them decides whether people lean in or tune out. We’re stepping into Level Two of our leadership journey—refining a voice that cuts through noise in the room and across the digital jungle—so your message lands with clarity, authority, and care.

We start with presence. Before you speak, people read your confidence, mood, and intent. That’s why force multipliers—posture, eye contact, gestures, vocal variety, and the ability to pivot—turn ordinary updates into moments that move teams. You’ll learn the strategic pause that makes key ideas breathe and signals you’re grounded, not grasping. And you’ll hear insights from engagement expert Jimmy Gibson on aligning your body with your message, so trust builds instead of erodes.

Then we head online, where most leadership now lives. The digital jungle is dense and distracting, and many leaders overcommunicate while underconnecting. We break down how to write to lead: use BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) to make your ask and why unmistakable, craft digital handshakes that create rapport in Slack and email, and strip out passive aggression and hedging that blur authority. You’ll get practical language for concise, human messages that respect attention, reduce anxiety, and drive action across time zones.

The core lesson threads through both worlds: refinement is subtraction. Remove filler, drop hedge words, and clear the clutter that muddies intent. Your goal isn’t imitation; it’s intentionality. Whether you lead with thoughtful emails or command a room with warmth, small, consistent choices—one two-second pause, one BLUF-driven email, one aligned gesture—compound into a voice people trust.

If you’re ready to stop being misunderstood and start leading with impact, tune in and put these tools to work today. And if you want the step-by-step playbook, grab Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. Subscribe, share with a colleague who needs clarity, and leave a review telling us which tactic you’ll try first.

Takeaways

• Refining your voice is a process of subtraction.
• People form judgments before you speak based on your presence.
• Mastering physical presence is crucial for effective communication.
• Nonverbal cues can build trust or create barriers.
• Practice strategic pauses to enhance your message's impact.
• Digital communication requires clarity and intentionality.
• Over-communicating can lead to under-connecting in digital spaces.
• Respecting your team's time shows high-level leadership.
• Your leadership voice should be authentic and unique.
• Effective communication is about being helpful and clear.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Discover the essentials of workplace justice in this enlightening episode featuring employment law expert Taylor Crabill. Dive deep into the nuances surrounding employee rights, including discrimination, retaliation, and how to champion one's own welfare in a corporate environment. With insights drawn from years of experience, Crabill outlines the common pitfalls employees encounter and stresses the need for effective communication and proactive measures. 

Whether you’re facing issues yourself or aspire to improve workplace culture as a leader, this episode provides actionable strategies to navigate the complexities of employment law. Crabill illuminates the process of addressing grievances without fear and empowers listeners by explaining their legal rights. His compelling stories and advice are invaluable for anyone wanting to foster a just work environment.

Tune in to gain insights that can help you advocate effectively for your rights and navigate the legal landscape of your workplace. Let’s make the work environment fairer together! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear this spotlight on workplace justice!

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dr. Megan Grunert Kowalske is as Associate Professor and the Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry at Western Michigan University.

Megan talks to use about changing norms in her STEM-field, the power of role modeling positive changes, and what she's experienced in terms of gender bias (and how she responded). 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Mountaineer Jenn Drummond shares her journey from finance executive to world record holder, revealing how a near-fatal car accident transformed her definition of success into one focused on experiences rather than achievements. Her powerful "people over peaks" philosophy guides her approach to leadership, family life, and setting world records.

• Discovered mountaineering after a life-changing car accident redirected her priorities
• Set the world record as first woman to climb all seven second summits
• Chose her team over her summit attempt on K2 after a tragic avalanche
• Developed "Break Proof" resilience strategies applicable to business and personal goals
• Approaches failure as an opportunity that often leads to unexpected positive outcomes
• Uses "acclimatization" as a metaphor for sustainable personal growth
• Transformed her approach to motherhood while pursuing world-class mountaineering
• Created intentional pattern interruptions like "trigger meditation" and "gratitude light"
• Emphasizes the importance of honesty in high-pressure communication
• Believes making challenging pursuits fun dramatically increases endurance

Jenn's book "Break Proof: Seven Strategies to Build Resilience and Achieve Your Life Goals" is available now wherever books are sold. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Nikita Kumar is a Podcast Success Manager at Pikkal & Co, where she integrates complex narratives into engaging content.

In this episode of The Communicative Leader, Nikita talks to us about the role of leadership and communication in the podcast industry, but really leaves us with a masterclass in building authentic relationships.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Hello leaders!

I am excited to kick off Season 3 of The Communicative Leader with a conversation with Steve Marcinuk, Co-Founder and General Manager of Intelligent Relations.

Steve is among the humblest of leaders you will ever meet AND among the most talented of leaders you'll ever meet.

Steve is an advocate for constant learning, asking questions of your team and listening (gasp!) and embracing failure.

Enjoy!

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Peggy Sullivan, renowned researcher and author of "Beyond Busyness," shares her journey from being a busyness addict to developing a framework that helps individuals and organizations escape the trap of constant hustle while achieving peak performance.

• Self-described "busyness addict in recovery" whose wake-up call included eating cat food for dinner, a failed marriage, and a stress-related heart attack
• Market research reveals 94% of people are "over the top busy" and don't know how to escape the cycle
• Time poverty is defined as reaching the end of your day feeling your cup isn't full
• The Busy Barometer tool helps identify low-value activities that consume time without providing meaningful returns
• Three-step Busy Busting Framework: subtraction (eliminating low-value activities), mojo making (happiness rituals), and values vibing
• Research shows four core values create fulfillment: energy management, human connection, growth, and authenticity
• Even three-minute "happiness rituals" like cubicle dance parties increased United Healthcare's first-call resolution by 33%
• Setting boundaries around email, meetings, and technology can dramatically improve productivity
• Human connection is vital – one leader saw 26% increase in employee engagement after shifting from transactional to relational leadership

To learn more, visit Peggy Sullivan's website or find her book "Beyond Busyness" on Amazon.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We pull back the curtain on the hidden driver of burnout: unexpressed ideas and unspoken boundaries. We map the four fears that keep professionals quiet and share a simple, repeatable path to make your voice a tool for self-care and career growth.

• The danger of silence for influence and well-being
• Four fears that mute contribution and fuel resentment
• Practical mindset shifts to normalize nerves
• Focus on the problem, not the people
• Contribute with strategic questions to guide decisions
• A four-level roadmap from discovering to sustaining your voice
• Everyday leadership across teams and channels
• Communication habits that improve life beyond work

Pre-order your copy of Amplifying Your Leadership Voice From Silent To Speaking Up now. The book ships December 2. I’ll release special episodes that dig into key frameworks—pre-order today so you can follow along.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Ben Gaskill describes himself as a lifelong salesperson. He talks about his aha moment when he realized that he could become his own boss.

In this episode of The Communicative Leader, Ben shares leadership lessons that he has learned along the way, and those he wish he had learned sooner. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Kyle McDowell shares his 10 principles for building and sustaining a culture of excellence. Kyle highlights the need for leaders to lead by example and measure themselves by outcomes rather than activity.

We discuss the importance of authenticity and fostering a culture of excellence in the workplace. They emphasize the role of leaders in setting an example and creating an environment where employees can thrive.

Some other takeaways:

• Leaders should challenge each other and embrace challenges grounded in data or experience.
• Leaders should lead by example and measure themselves by outcomes rather than activity.
• Measuring excellence within an organization can be done through employee engagement, attrition rates, and personal and professional goal alignment. Authenticity is key in fostering a culture of excellence in the workplace.
• Leaders play a crucial role in setting an example and creating an environment where employees can thrive.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Teams can be hard work.

As we've talked about before, a lot of time teams just don't work - and that is under the best of circumstances.

On this episode of The Communicative Leader, we talk with Karen Cashin and learn about how she leads a team where members rotate on and off -- generally every 6 to 12 months.

Let's make this even messier. Those who join the team are not communication experts or even communication novices, but rather subject matter experts in other areas.

Karen is a unicorn. Well, she's a lovely woman, but she's such a phenomenal, communicative leader, I think of her as a unicorn. Legendary to near mythical status.

We chat about onboarding employees, team culture, investing in members, and the importance of self-care.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v
P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Hi Leaders,

This week Dr. Julien Mirivel and Dr. Alex Lyon join us and share so many incredible tips and challenges related to leadership communication with us.

Julien and Alex are communication scholars and teachers, and they showcase their expertise in their recent book, "Positive Communication For Leaders: Proven Strategies for Inspiring Unity and Effecting Change."

You will leave this episode with specific, manageable behaviors that you can use immediately! 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

John Gallagher, visionary leader behind Growing Champions coaching and consulting, shares his journey from mechanical engineer to renowned executive coach and discusses how his faith-based, structured approach transforms leaders from mediocrity to excellence.

Takeaways

• Mentorship can significantly shape one's leadership journey.
• Faith can provide a strong foundation for leadership principles.
• The greatest story ever told is about the impact we have on others.
• Overcoming mediocrity requires intentional growth and reflection.
• Lean methodology can be applied to leadership and personal development.
• Balance in life is about integration, not perfection.
• Intentional communication is key to building relationships.
• Discipline is essential for achieving long-term goals.
• Reading is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
• Setting aside focused time can lead to significant progress. 

Visit GrowingChampions.com and check out John's podcast "The Uncommon Leader" and blog "The Champion's Brew" for more resources on leadership development.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Ulrike Seminati shines great insight into something all of us struggle with to some extent -- Procrastination.

We might find ourselves dragging our feet for a certain task we don't love, or we might find that procrastination has become our go-to.

Regardless, Ulrike provides some specific advice to help us get out of the mud and into the work. 

She also leaves titled leaders with some specific tips for better understanding themselves which can help open the gates for stronger relationships and more effective output. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Karen is the CEO of Eber Leadership Group, an organization that works with Fortune 500 companies on how they build their leaders, teams, and culture. 

You all know we love to chat about leadership, teams, and culture on The Communicative Leader, but Karen takes us a step further to integrate storytelling.

Want your employees to:

• Connect with and more easily comprehend your messages
• Remember what you said
• Feel safe at work

If you answered yes to any of these, then my friends, this episode is for you! 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Dan Joseph, a former Army Combat Engineer, talks to us about some important and heavy aspects of leading.

It is a nice reminder that leading is hard, because it is hard -- not because you are doing it wrong.  

Inspired to help others after a soldier in his platoon attempting suicide, Dan wrote a book entitled, "Backpack to Rucksack: Insight into Leadership and Resilience by Military Experts."

Dan draws from his vast experience to leave us with some pragmatic self-care and resilience building tips.

I really enjoyed this conversation, and I think you will too!

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Vision statements aren’t just for organizations or workgroups or project groups. Vision statements are for individuals – for those in formal leadership positions and for those who are not.

We can cast vision statements that will help us be where we want to be in five years or vision statements that guide our current project or that we live by.

Today on the Communicative Leader, we’re going to talk about how a thoughtful vision statement can help to get you where you want to be, and help you remain steadfast along the course.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Leadership today demands a blend of intentional communication and conscious practices. Aang's journey from traditional authoritative roles to conscious leadership highlights the need for adaptability and self-awareness in leaders. We explore how intentional listening, empathy, and environmental awareness play crucial roles in effective leadership.

• Discussion around conscious leadership principles 
• The importance of intentional communication and its impact 
• Strategies for fostering a supportive organizational culture 
• Reflection and adaptability as key leadership skills 
• Empowering individuals at all levels to lead and influence 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

In this conversation, Owen discusses the significance of relational and emotional leadership, particularly in the context of men's emotional development. He emphasizes the importance of somatic awareness and authentic connections in leadership roles. Owen shares insights on transforming traditional leadership styles from a commanding approach to one that fosters connection and vulnerability. He provides practical steps for leaders to enhance their communication and connection with others, ultimately leading to a more engaged and productive workplace.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Today we welcome Bernadette Smith, a thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

We discuss the importance of DEI for everyone and the need to engage with influencers and change makers to drive positive change. Bernadette emphasizes the significance of recognizing privilege, embracing mistakes, and creating psychological safety in the workplace. She also explores the role of storytelling in promoting understanding and empathy, as well as the power of humility in leadership communication.

Some additional takeaways:

• DEI is important for everyone and should be approached holistically across all functions of an organization.
• Humility is essential in leadership communication, and leaders should be willing to admit what they don't know.
• Leaders should engage with influencers and change makers to drive positive change and celebrate what's going right in the world.
• Creating psychological safety and embracing mistakes are crucial for fostering inclusion and promoting growth.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Mobeen Tahir shares practical tools for simplifying language, structuring ideas, and delivering with precision and care.

• bridging the gap between what you want to say and what the audience needs
• the cost of poor delivery on credibility and timing
• simplifying jargon into plain, repeatable language
• using why what how to move from information to action
• designing slides around a single, clear takeaway
• small delivery shifts that change impact
• earning trust by showing care and empowering teams
• practical tips for leaders and employees to improve fast

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

 Julie Sturza kicks off our Women in STEM series.

 Julie  is a pediatric research statistician at the large academic medical center. In this role, she works with physician researchers to design pediatric research studies, conduct and interpret statistical analyses, and assist in the dissemination of research findings through presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Julie shares her experiences, talks to us about the importance of mentors, work life balance, and gender equality.  This is a really thoughtful and honest conversation and one that I think you'll find yourself returning to. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We celebrate 100 episodes by stripping the archive down into a practical master class on leadership communication, from self-talk and self-doubt to culture, connection, and influence. We trace how the show evolves into a guest-centered leadership library and what that shift teaches us about trading force for shared meaning. 

• the podcast’s growth from a research-to-boardroom bridge into a global community 
• the shift from solo teaching to curating world-class guests and facilitating dialogue 
• three recurring guest lenses: practitioners, academics, and culture shifters 
• moving away from the hero leader toward communication as infrastructure 
• mentoring as a lever for growth, sponsorship, and confidence 
• tools to reduce imposter syndrome, including a wins document and objective evidence 
• ask-not-tell leadership and involving people in the how and why 
• phases for the journey ahead, including adapting across cultures and choosing smart power 
• micro-habits that compound and listening for what isn’t being said 
• self-care as a practical requirement for sustainable leadership 

Now I want you to go out and make your work life what you want it to be. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Today on the Communicative Leader I am so excited to welcome TED speaker, author, and leader in the field of global English Communication Heather Hansen.

Heather’s Ted Talk titled 2 billion voices: how to speak bad English perfectly has over 200,000 views and her recent book, UnMuted is a best seller in Business management and Workplace culture.

Today, Heather chats with us about language, our perceptions of others, and how to listen in a way that encourages others to speak up and share their ideas.

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

A special thank you to PR Manager, Michael Slowik, and graphic designer, David Birkam, for their contributions to The Communicative Leader. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Pia Wendelbo is the CEO of Scandinavian Change Agents.

She is dynamic and a wealth of expertise. Pia helps coach individuals and organizations on something that is really really hard for many of us – change.

Through her person-centered approach, Pia leaves us with really thoughtful actions we can enact right now. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more leadership tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences.

Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Our guest, Brenda Harrington, is what my daughter calls "a kick-butt girl."

Case in point, check out a quote from her recent book, Access Denied:

"Playing to win requires an understanding of the game, knowing who the star players are and developing and executing a playing strategy." 

Brenda is beyond knowledgeable in terms of adaptive leadership and personalized leadership coaching and leaves us with tangible tips to better navigate our teams and our workplaces in an inclusive and persuasive manner. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

This conversation empowers midlife women, providing them with practical strategies to redefine their careers and embrace new opportunities. We explore vital communication themes, mentorship's role, and overcoming imposter syndrome, focusing on actionable steps to regain confidence.

• Emphasis on effective communication and self-promotion 
• Strategies to overcome imposter syndrome 
• Insights on embracing career shifts as opportunities 
• Importance of mentorship for personal growth 
• Networking as a two-way street for success 
• Encouragement to redefine success during midlife 

Mention Dr. Leah's name for a complimentary 30-minute session with Sairan for personalized advice on scaling your LinkedIn or starting a side project. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

This episode dives into the profound intersection of spirituality and business, with Bryan May sharing his journey from personal tragedy to professional triumph. Listeners gain insights into how integrating spiritual principles into leadership can foster authenticity, resilience, and greater success while navigating the complexities of life and work.

• Brian’s background and how it shaped his views 
• Defining spirituality in the context of business 
• The importance of self-reflection and authenticity in leadership 
• Embracing flexibility in business strategies 
• Reframing challenges as opportunities for growth 
• Practical strategies for integrating spirituality into professional life 
• Tips for leaders on fostering loyalty and vision 
• Advice for employees on aligning personal and organizational goals 
• Emphasizing the need for mentorship and communication 
• Encouraging a holistic approach to personal and professional development

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Jimmy Cannon shares his transformative approach to voice work by merging vocal techniques with anxiety management strategies to help leaders communicate with confidence and authenticity. His Canon Method focuses on three key elements—voice, confidence, and presence—to help individuals overcome communication barriers and develop their authentic leadership voice.

• Exploring how the voice connects to our nervous system through the vagus nerve and diaphragm
• Using elongated vowels and longer phrases to reduce anxiety when speaking
• Practicing proper diaphragmatic breathing to improve vocal control and presence
• Understanding the importance of pausing strategically to create space for impact
• Identifying common vocal pitfalls like monotone delivery and limited pitch range
• Learning to use different vocal registers to match your communication intent
• Expanding beyond your comfort zone through consistent practice in real situations
• Embracing authenticity by aligning your voice with your core values and purpose
• Using your voice as a leadership tool to command attention and respect

If you're interested in working on your voice, confidence, and presence, try incorporating strategic pauses in your communication and explore different tones of voice for different situations. Remember that your voice is an instrument that can accentuate your personality and help you achieve your goals.

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

Bob Gaydos, CEO of Pendella, proposes a very compelling idea. And one that I am fully on board with.

Bob suggests rethinking the traditional employee benefits package. In addition to helping offset the cost of medical and dental, Bob argues for earmarking money for annual employee professional development.

Why?

This can help employees enter leadership roles earlier in their careers and ultimately, enhance the culture and likely, the output, of an organization. 

Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose.

Looking for more tips?
Join our weekly email list to receive episode recaps, previews, and most importantly, communication-rooted solutions for your everyday workday questions and experiences. Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/h91B0v

P.S. Check your spam folder...we like to send these out on Mondays :)

Have a question for Dr. Leah OH? Is something at work driving you nuts? Have an idea for an episode? Reach out!
We'd love to hear from you! Send us your questions and requests via email or a voice note to TheCommunicativeLeader@gmail.com. 

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

We explore how burnout creates a communication gap and why regulating the nervous system turns scattered messaging into clear, trustworthy leadership. Laura Cardwell shares tools that blend applied neuroscience, human design, and somatics to move from reaction to resonance.

• the cost of misalignment on trust and buy-in
• dopamine loops versus purpose-led motivation
• imposter narratives and self-worth at work
• breath and co-regulation as fast resets
• integrating human design for team synergy
• reframing “soft leadership” with data and outcomes
• building resonant teams for sustainable success
• curiosity as a daily leadership practice

“Until next time, communicate with intention and lead with purpose”

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com. 

This episode features Ryan Chute, who shares transformative insights on effective leadership communication, the importance of removing friction in the workplace, and the significance of differentiation in a crowded marketplace. As leaders, embracing a mindset shift from survival to thriving is essential to foster a culture of collaboration and enhance the employee experience.

• Friction in communication as a barrier to growth 
• Identifying and addressing blind spots in leadership 
• The role of storytelling in differentiation 
• Shifting from survival mode to a thriving mindset 
• Core values and motivations for effective leadership 
• Building trust and gratitude among teams 
• Leadership as a collaborative rather than authoritarian endeavor

Support the show

I've poured all my best work into my newest book, Amplifying Your Leadership Voice: From Silent to Speaking Up. If today's episode resonated with you, I know the book will be a powerful tool. You can order it now! 

Thanks for listening and for being a part of The Communicative Leader community. To get even more exclusive tips—like the ones we talked about today—join us at TheCommunicativeLeader.com.