
SPEAK LIKE A CEO
SPEAK LIKE A CEO is the leading podcast on CEO communications. Every week Oliver Aust has an in-depth conversation with an inspiring founder or entrepreneur about leadership and communications. Tune in and find out all about how CEOs are tackling their communications
Oliver is a best-selling author, and one of Europe’s leading communications & personal branding experts. He is on a mission to help people reach their full potential and share their unique voice. As founder and CEO of a leading communications consultancy, he is a trusted advisor to many high-profile individuals and organisations.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2025 • 8min
292: MOMENT with Seth Godin - The World’s Racing to the Bottom. Do This Instead.
What's the difference between a leader and a manager? Why should we avoid the industrial age-style race to the bottom? This week we are sharing a brief moment of Oliver’s conversation with Seth Godin, 21-time best-selling author and one of the leading business thinkers in the world.Check out episode 263 for the full conversation.Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/

Jun 12, 2025 • 45min
291: How to Get to the Point with Joel Schwartzberg
In this engaging discussion, communication expert Joel Schwartzberg, author of 'The Language of Leadership' and 'Get to the Point', shares vital insights on effective leadership communication. He introduces the 'I Believe That' Test and the 'XY Test', tools designed to help leaders refine their messages and stay focused. Schwartzberg emphasizes the importance of clear communication to avoid rambling and cognitive overload. Additionally, he addresses the gap between self-perception and audience feedback, encouraging authenticity in public speaking.

18 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 34min
290: How to Speak Like a Top 1% Leader
In this discussion, Oliver Degnan, host of the Amplified Leadership podcast, shares his expertise on making leadership communication impactful. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in crafting memorable messages and creating a compelling vision. Oliver offers actionable insights on how to build trust and enhance team communication. The conversation also delves into the art of effective presentations, highlighting strategies that engage audiences and inspire action. Get ready to elevate your communication skills to the top 1%!

May 29, 2025 • 41min
289: How to Run Virtual Meetings That Energize, Not Drain with Andrew Brodsky
Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication," tackles the problem of Zoom fatigue in this engaging discussion. He reveals how intentional virtual communication can enhance productivity and reduce burnout. Listeners learn why video meetings often feel off, the myths surrounding remote work, and the essentials of the 'PING' framework. Brodsky also emphasizes authentic communication, the role of AI in digital interactions, and actionable strategies to optimize virtual meetings.

May 22, 2025 • 47min
288: Inside Personalized Persuasion: How AI Shapes the Future of Influence with Dr. Sandra Matz
What if an algorithm could read your personality better than your best friend? In this eye-opening episode, Oliver sits down with Dr. Sandra Matz – Columbia Business School professor, computational psychologist, and author of Mindmasters – to explore how our digital footprints reveal far more than we think.Sandra unpacks how AI tools can accurately infer our Big Five personality traits, mental health, and values using everything from Google searches to smartphone activity. Oliver and Sandra discuss the power – and ethical challenges – of data-driven persuasion, including what brands and political campaigns really know about you, and how personalization is reshaping communication, marketing, and even internal business culture.Drawing on her role in helping uncover the truth behind Cambridge Analytica and her work with leading global brands, Sandra provides a rare, credible look at how psychological targeting works – and where it’s headed next. From mental health interventions to personalized internal comms, this conversation goes deep into the future of influence.Plus: Why personality tests like Myers-Briggs are outdated, how to build high-performing teams using psychology, and Sandra’s #1 piece of communication advice.Find out more about Sandra Matz: https://sandramatz.com/Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career:https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/

May 15, 2025 • 50min
287: Funny Means Money - How to Use Humor as a Leadership Advantage. Andrew Tarvin
Leaders who use humor are seen as more confident, competent and get better results – if they do it the right way. Andrew Tarvin is the CEO of Humor That Works and author of the book by the same name. He shares how leaders can use humor as a serious tool for better results. But it’s not about being haha funny or being a slap-on-the-back kinda boss. It’s about bringing lightness to leadership that increases performance, status and – yes – makes work a little more fun. Andrew shares compelling insights into why humor is no longer a nice-to-have, but a crucial skill for professionals looking to enhance morale, manage stress, improve communication, and even boost their status.You will discover the critical difference between humor and comedy in a professional setting, learn practical techniques for incorporating appropriate humor into presentations and daily interactions, and understand how humor enhances your perceived confidence and competence. Andrew debunks common myths about humor in the workplace and provides actionable strategies for making work more engaging and, ultimately, more effective. Give this episode a listen and let's make work a little less "worky." Find out more about Andrew Tarvin https://drewtarvin.com/ Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career:https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/

May 8, 2025 • 36min
286: Pirates, Hostages & Cyber Attacks: What They Taught Me About Decisions with Top Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiator Scott Walker
Scott Walker is a world-class kidnap-for-ransom negotiator who deals with hostage takers, pirates and cyber-attacks. Scott has successfully negotiated more than 300 such incidents using the principles he shares in his best-selling book ‘Order Out of Chaos’.The New York Times called it “a masterclass in communication excellence”. Now Scott is back with his follow-up, ‘Eye of The Storm’ – a book that lifts the curtain on how we make decisions, and how we don’t become slaves to our emotions. Since we all make hundreds of decisions every day, becoming better at this skill can be a game-changer for your life. As always, Scott delivers with clarity, humor and fresh insights. He shows us how to thrive in any situation, regulate our emotions under pressure, and build our decision-making muscle. Also check out Episode 239 with Scott when we talked about becoming a world-class negotiator. Find out more about Scott at https://winanynegotiation.com/. Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/

May 1, 2025 • 52min
285: How to Get What You Want From the People in Charge. Melody Wilding
Success isn't just about what you know, but your ability to influence and persuade those in positions of power. On this episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust sits down with the brilliant Melody Wilding. Melody is an award-winning executive coach, speaker, and bestselling author.Drawing on her extensive experience and insights from her book, "Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge," Melody provides you with practical strategies for effective communication with superiors and decision-makers.Listeners will learn how to frame their requests in a way that resonates with their bosses' motivations, navigate different communication styles to ensure clarity and respect, set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout, strategically position themselves for career advancement, confidently approach salary conversations, and even deliver constructive feedback upwards. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their influence, build stronger professional relationships, and ultimately, get what they need to thrive in their careers.Find out more about Melody Wilding: https://melodywilding.com/Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/

19 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 48min
284: How to Be Inspiring: Science-Backed Strategies from the World’s #1 Expert. Adam Galinsky
In a riveting conversation, Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and the world’s foremost expert on inspirational leadership, unveils the science of inspiration. He discusses actionable strategies for cultivating inspiration, including the powerful 'leadership amplification effect' that can both inspire and infuriate followers. Galinsky emphasizes the importance of authenticity, passionate communication, and body language in leadership. Listeners will learn how to enhance their expressive skills and foster a positive organizational culture.

Apr 17, 2025 • 42min
283: How to Make Your Idea Maximally Contagious with Storytelling Guru John Yorke
Join storytelling guru John Yorke, a former head of BBC Drama and author of 'Into the Woods,' as he shares how powerful narratives shape leadership and drive business success. He reveals the secrets of compelling storytelling, touching on the journey of overcoming fears and the essential roles of protagonists and antagonists. John emphasizes the importance of authenticity, showing how relatable stories can connect with audiences. Discover the evolution of storytelling and its transformative ability to unite teams and inspire action in today's world.