

The Hard Skills
Dr. Mira Brancu
Welcome to “The Hard Skills” podcast, a practical and research-driven show that explores the core leadership skills needed to fuel leadership to activate real change, such as creating inclusive and healthy workplaces. Through expert interviews and live coaching calls, we challenge the notion of "soft skills," question long-held but inaccurate leadership development beliefs, and offer real, practical solutions for complex leadership challenges. Hosted by Dr. Mira Brancu, a clinical and organizational development psychologist with extensive leadership experience, we’ll delve into topics of leadership identity, leading with uncertainty, navigating workplace politics, and creating critical organizational change. This podcast will especially appeal to high-achieving leaders in healthcare, tech, and academic, industries. Whether you're seeking personal growth, looking to enhance your leadership abilities, or interested in Dr. Brancu's coaching services and membership community, join us as we unravel the complexities of leadership and inspire you to embrace the hard skills.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 12, 2023 • 1h 1min
How Women in Senior Leadership Roles Lead with Impact & Authority
The most important skill women (especially) need to succeed and thrive at all stages of their careers.Whether you're starting out in your career, in the market for a promotion, or simply trying to show up as the best leader you can be, you're going to be asked what you bring to the table, why you matter, why YOU are the boss. Answer these questions well and you will unlock incredible potential. Answer them poorly and you will close the door on life-changing opportunities. In this episode, Mira & Alessandra talk about speaking up, show-casing your value, why it's so hard - especially for women - and how to do it in a manner that is confident, relevant and deeply compelling to others.Dr. Alessandra Wall is the founder of Noteworthy, executive coach, speaker, and author. She coaches executive women in STEM and Finance to build impactful and deeply satisfying careers without sacrificing everything else in their lives. With nearly two decades in the field of clinical psychology and thousands of hours working with hundreds of women leaders the world over, she has earned the reputation of being a coach who combines strategic pragmatism, genuine empathy, and a deep understanding of the human mind to propel her clients’ results. She partners with organizations that elevate and support women, including Athena, Women In Bio, CREW, and the Device Alliance Network. She is a co-founder and former board chair of Empower Charter School in San Diego. Her mission is to build a world where women at the highest levels of leadership and success are so common it's no longer noteworthy. noteworthyinc.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dralessandrawall/ #executivewomen #womeninleadership #executivecoachingTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 1min
How to Build Bridges in a Polarized World
Learn to build bridges within your communities, families, and workplaces in which polarization might otherwise result in division. This is a new way to think about the alignment of inner change and social change. You will be invited to recognize that empathetic and emotionally intelligent leaders have first built bridges in their inner worlds. We will explore example of leaders who show up in wholeness, revealing how they build the capacity to celebrate societies polarizing forces as dialectical challenges and optimize the fertility of diverse ecosystems with centeredness and connection.How can storytelling, authentic relating, and inductive growth-work help leaders and teams use polarities as a strategy to unleash unrivaled creative advantages? How do we subconsciously conform in ways that inhibit leadership capacity? In relationships and leadership styles, our emotional intelligence, empathy, and capacity to be effective is limited by the extent to which we unconsciously allow social roles to govern our dynamics. Once we unpack these conformities, we begin to relate with our unique identity differently. This doesn’t mean we give up what makes us unique, it simply means we begin to relate with ourselves differently. This is the pathway to personal liberation that unlocks profound leadership capacities while simultaneously transforming social issues. Gareth Gwyn is the author of the book “You Are Us: How to Build Bridges in a Polarized World.” The 13 stories in the book are from the perspective of 13 people who are radically different but are also unified by having done the work of inner reckoning with their trauma, pain, and socialized identity. Through the vulnerable illumination of each story, we learn how inner work translates into liberated leadership that serves community, workplace, and ultimately societal transformation. She is the founder of Let’s See Labs, a think tank that is the leading advocate for the radical notion that polarity is a creative engine in organizations. This work recognizes that our differences in identity are highly compatible, and can be a source of connection rather than conflict. https://www.instagram.com/letsseelabs/https://www.facebook.com/LetsSeeLabs/https://www.letsseelabs.com/you-are-us #empathy, #self-awareness, #identity, #emotionalintelligence, #leadershipdevelopment, #Leadershipcoaching #leadershipconsulting #TheHardSkillsTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Self-Reinvention: Thinking Strategically About Your Career
The audience will learn about long-term thinking, Career Reinvention, and the real reason you feel so busy!How can you finally take control of your busy life? Dorie Clark shares how long-term thinking and Career Reinvention helped her and many others have a career transformation and the challenges we must overcome to get there. Dorie Clark helps individuals and companies get their best ideas heard in a crowded, noisy world. She has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50. She was honored as the #1 Communication Coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards, and one of the Top 5 Communication Professionals in the World by Global Gurus. She is a keynote speaker and teaches executive education for Columbia Business School. She is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine. Dorie has been described by the New York Times as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives.” She is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review, and you can download her free Long Game Strategic Thinking Self-Assessment at dorieclark.com/thelonggame. She has a TED talk, “The real reason you feel so busy.”linkedin.com/in/doriec x.com/dorieclarktiktok.com/dorie.clark #self-reinvention, #careerreinvention #careerdevelopment #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoachingTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Nov 21, 2023 • 1h
Using Your Core Values to Build Your Leadership Identity and Team Culture
The audience will learn Laura's Values First Framework (6 steps); How to use your values to build your leadership identity and culture; and How to use your values to make decisionsIn this week's episode, we are talking about how you can use your core values to build your leadership identity and your team culture. You'll learn from Laura Eigel, Ph.D., who will teach us about the Values First Framework with tangible examples of things you can do to build your team culture including modeling your values and rewarding and incentivizing behaviors aligned with the team culture you want to build.Laura Eigel, Ph.D., is the founder of The Catch Group, a leadership coaching firm accelerating women into the C-suite, and the host of the You Belong in the C-Suite podcast. Known for her direct feedback and her passion for living a life guided by her values, she has been an HR executive at Fortune 50 companies, joined the C-suite as a Chief Learning Officer, and now partners with leaders and organizations to build values based cultures.She's also a mom, wife, and true-crime podcast fan who loves indoor rowing.www.thecatchgroup.com #valuesfirst #leadershipidentity #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #leadershipconsultingTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h
Becoming Coachable: Unleashing the Power of Executive Coaching to Transform Your Leadership
What does it take to truly transform your leadership and life? The authors share a new understanding to executive coaching and a framework for a coaching relationship.What the world’s most influential leaders know is that the secret to achieving that effectiveness is becoming coachable. And in order to do so, one must be ready to engage in the process of betterment, starting with investing in yourself in order to give the most back to your organization, team, and the world. That’s where executive coaching comes in. Jacquelyn and Scott use decades of experience at the highest echelons of the executive coaching industry to unpack the intricacies and necessities of a typical coaching engagement. They demystify the coaching relationship and outline a framework that hinges on the openness integral to reaping the most from such an experience. Ultimately, coachability can propel a leader’s impact far beyond themselves. This conversation will inspire you to take steps toward becoming a better leader, collaborator, and human.Scott Osman is the founder and CEO of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and the company’s relationship-first philosophy. In his role as CEO, he establishes the vision for the company, leads partnerships and business development, and serves as a leading light of the 100 Coaches Community, which he cofounded with Marshall in 2016. He is the cofounder of Methods by 100 Coaches, the online learning platform.Jacquelyn Lane is the president of the 100 Coaches Agency and codesigner of their proprietary curation process and relationship-first philosophy. She has been with the agency since its founding and is a critical pillar of the 100 Coaches Community. Jacquelyn comes to the world of executive coaching through her previous roles in the energy industry and lifelong commitment to improving the lives of all people by elevating the quality of leadership.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelyn-lane/https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottosman/https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Coachable-Unleashing-Executive-Leadership/dp/163755768X/#BecomingCoachable #Coachability #Leadership #TheHardSkills #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipDevelopmentTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Nov 7, 2023 • 60min
Authenticity vs Authority: The Tricky Balance of Mastering Both
1) Why authenticity is one of the most essential skills to be a successful leader in our new world of work. 2) How to show up authentically while not undermining your authority3) Tips for developing a more authentic professional identityIn this new world of work, it's essential for leaders to be changing the way they show up in the world - to stand out from the noise, connect with younger generations, create thriving cultures, gain influence, and create their greatest impact. But it's often a balancing act between showing up "authentically," yet still with your authority. Or being vulnerable, but still credible. Learn insights and tips on how to develop a more authentic presence and amplify your voice. Become a magnet for opportunity and feel more fulfilled in your work. Laura Fravel is an Executive Communications Coach & Facilitator, who helps leaders elevate their voice and influence - internally to motivate teams and create thriving cultures, and externally to develop thought leadership and confidently master the media and stages. Laura has coached Fortune 100 & 500 executives, from Adidas to PwC, and facilitates leadership workshops for such companies as Warner-Bros. Discovery's global leadership team. She has a strong background in storytelling, from 20 years in TV & media, and brings an adventurous spirit (from many years working with National Geographic) to all that she does. She believes your authentic voice is the key to unlocking opportunity and creating your greatest impact. #leadership #communicaitons #authenticity #influence #thoughtleadership #leaders #foundersTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Oct 31, 2023 • 1h 1min
Having Crucial Conversations: A Live Coaching Session for People-Pleasers and Neurodiverse Leaders
If you are identify as neurodivergent, queer, or a woman leader and find it challenging to walk that "narrow band of acceptable behavior" between people-pleasing, kindness, and holding others accountable, this episode is for you. Dr. Brancu gives you a sneak peek into a live coaching session with such a leader and aims to offer a way to validate the challenges, find a way to lean into your strengths, while also learning some practice tips for effective communication within such a complex context.This is a live coaching call with a leader, Alisa Herr, who identifies as a neurodivergent and queer business owner and is looking for guidance about how to balance being an authentic, kind, supportive leader while also giving straightforward and direct feedback. We discuss the impact of gender, ADHD, autism and identity as it relates to these challenges. Alisa Herr is the founder and CEO of Unity Web Agency, a Certified B Corp that specializes in helping nonprofits and socially-responsible businesses make their websites more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable. Driven by a deep-seated desire to foster a sense of belonging and collective purpose, Alisa has cultivated a network of like-minded collaborators and clients who share a common ethos. As a neurodivergent and queer entrepreneur, she navigates the professional world with moxie, challenging the toxic hustle culture prevalent in the creative and tech industries. Alisa's commitment to authenticity shines through in her leadership style, as she embodies the principles she champions. Alongside her work at Unity Web Agency, she co-founded Unit of Impact, a platform empowering mission-driven companies to track and report their social impacts. Alisa holds an MS in Library Science from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BS in Psychology from Appalachian State University.https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisaherr/#autism, #ADHD, #neurodivergent #genderbias #gendersocialization #effectivecommunication #feedback #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #leadershipidentityTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
Leading with Emotional Intelligence and Strength
How we act in challenging situations depends on our emotional triggers and our personality strengths (and weaknesses). In this episode, we aim to equip you with the tools to thrive in leadership roles by examining the influence of emotional triggers and personal strengths and weaknesses on making strategic decisions. The audience will learn several frameworks to help them navigate such situations, while grounded in their own sense of sense and proactively rather than reactively. In this episode, we aim to equip you with the tools to thrive in leadership roles by examining the influence of emotional triggers and personal strengths and weaknesses on making strategic decisions. We will introduce you to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Strength Theory as practical frameworks for effectively addressing these challenges while maintaining your authentic identity and adopting a proactive, rather than reactive, approach. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on the development of your leadership identity, emphasizing personal growth and adaptability.Inna Yulman is relationship counselor based in New York City. Her journey to this role is a unique one, as she has experienced two distinct professional careers. She have spent over two decades in the world of finance and have worn many hats, from being an asset manager running a portfolio of over $1 billion to a product strategist for a large analytics platform. Her work has spanned across large corporations, investment funds, and startups. At some point, she realized that some of her talents and personal values are unexplored in the world of finance, so she went back to the drawing board and reinvented herself as a relationship counselor. She has a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University. Her therapeutic approaches include emotionally focused therapy (EFT), strengths-based coaching, behavioral change methodologies, and somatic work to address mind-body stress. Her expertise lies in helping clients understand their needs, communicate more effectively, and establish healthy boundaries. Inna works with a wide range of clients, including those in conventional and non-conventional relationship dynamics, including ENM, polyamory, LGBTQ+ .Inna Yulman NYC Relationships Counseling#WomenInLeadership#EmotionalIntelligence#EFT#StrengthTheory#SelfAwareness#LeadershipJourney#PersonalityStrengths#EmotionalResilience#PersonalGrowth#SuccessMindset#Empowerment#LeadershipDevelopment#LeadershipCoaching#TheHardSkillsTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Oct 20, 2023 • 57min
How to Combat Ageism and Regain Confidence in Middle Age, with Nori Jabba
The audience will learn how to navigate the uncertainty of how to balance our experience with growth. Women especially find themselves feeling dismissed, looked over, and passed over, due to the true impact of gendered ageism. Our guest Nori Jabba will share how she navigated this experience and regained her confidence. She will share 1. Practical tips for regaining confidence in middle age to help you keep your seat at the table. 2. Strategies to develop a more age-inclusive organization. 3. How to combat ageism if you experience it.As we grow older as leaders, we often to face uncertainty at work and at home as we navigate how to balance our experience with growth. Should we own our age? Do we have too much experience? Should we downplay it? Sometimes, we might find ourselves feeling dismissed, looked over, passed over, or out of sync with the younger workforce. Ageism is real, and there is a lot we can do about it. In this episode, we explore ageism, how to create a more age-inclusive culture in your organization, and how to regain your confidence if you’ve experienced the uncertainty that comes along with it.Nori Jabba has had a career in corporate real estate and community development spanning over 30 years. When looking for employment again after years of consulting, she realized she’d lost her seat at the table when no one would hire her despite relevant experience, awards, and a master's degree. She abandoned her job search to learn more about ageism in hiring and the workplace and what she needed to change about herself. She wrote a memoir and guide to share her story and help others experiencing ageism, especially women. Through her journey, she did land the job she was looking for and launched a new path as a speaker and mentor. KEEPING YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE is her first book. https://www.keepingyourseat.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nori-jabba/https://a.co/d/1GGFtHv#womenover40 #womensleadership #keepingyourseat #leadershipcoaching #leadershipconsulting #leadershipdevelopment #TheHardSkillsTune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc

Oct 13, 2023 • 59min
How to use Subtle Strength and Motivational Capital to Navigate Nebulous Organizational Politics, with Rob Fazio
Feeling the nebulous uncertainty of addressing bad workplace behavior? Join us as our guest, Dr. Rob Fazio provides a roadmap to protecting yourself and others from dysfunctional dominance at work!There are often two ends of the relational spectrum when it comes to leadership styles. On one end of the extreme are those who err too far into being supportive / passive / non-confrontational and as a result have difficulty addressing problematic workplace behaviors, such as narcissistic bullies. On the other end of the spectrum are those very bullies who steamroll over everyone. How do you separate the good alphas from the bullies? Dr. Rob Fazio has studied the art of managing bullies and will share with us several frameworks and tips for navigating what is considered one of the most challenging people-issues that most leaders deal with. Dr. Fazio is a counseling and consulting psychologist and Wall Street Journal Best Selling author of "BullyProof, a roadmap to protecting yourself and others from dysfunctional dominance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/robfazio/ , https://onpointadvising.com/ #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #leadingthroughuncertainty #TheHardSkills Tune in for this empowering conversation at TalkRadio.nyc


