SPEAK LIKE A CEO

Download your copy of the 21 Storytelling Frameworks guide:https://eo-ipso-comms.kit.com/21-storytelling-frameworks-with-oliverHave you ever been told to "fake it till you make it" or “just be yourself"? It's no surprise this common advice doesn't work – it focuses on acting confident instead of becoming confident.This episode breaks down Oliver’s three-step method that helps you build true confidence so you’re not overthinking or over-preparing for every presentation. You'll learn why you get so nervous in the first place, the common mistake that causes people to freeze, and how to calm your anxiety so you can speak confidently under pressure as a leader.Topics discussed:Bad public speaking advice (01:22)How perfectionism fuels imposter syndrome (03:33)Limiting beliefs that hold you back (04:04)The foundation of being a confident speaker (05:07)The 3-step BMW method (06:37)Why scripts don’t work and what to do instead (09:02)Strategies that build true confidence (10:56)Want to work with Oliver and become a top 1% communicator? Join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and sign up for the FREE webinar! https://www.speaklikeaceo.academy/This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Want to work with Oliver and become a top 1% communicator? Join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and sign up for the FREE webinar! https://www.speaklikeaceo.academy/Communication problems don’t always start with words. From misinterpretation to slow execution, you can say all the right things and still be misunderstood.Trust expert Stephen M. R. Covey has seen great organizations experience this for one reason: lack of trust. In this episode, he shares why trust is the foundation of communication and a true driver of performance. You'll hear powerful leadership lessons from Ford, Campbell's, and Hugo Boss, so you can build a culture of trust that moves faster.Topics discussed:What most leaders get wrong about trust (00:34)The difference between low and high-trust cultures (04:09)How leaders can build the skill of trust (07:11)High-trust behaviors vs. counterfeit behaviors (09:19)The first step to changing trust dynamics as a leader (11:48)Alan Mulally and Ford case study (14:31)Distrust in the age of AI: what leaders can do (17:36)Why leaders should declare intent: the Campbell’s story (21:00)Why trust must be both earned and given (24:52)The #1 reason employees don’t trust their leaders (26:32)Learn more about Stephen M. R. Covey and his book, The Speed of Trust: https://speedoftrust.com/Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-m-r-covey-6400191a5/This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

Want to work with Oliver and become a top 1% communicator? Join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and sign up for the FREE webinar! https://www.speaklikeaceo.academy/Most women are taught to be nice and agreeable, but that comes at a cost in the workplace.In this episode, Kate Mason, author of Powerfully Likeable: A Woman's Guide to Effective Communication, challenges the idea that women have to choose between being likeable and powerful at work. You'll learn how to define your authentic communication style, bring warmth without losing authority, and find calm confidence even in high-stakes rooms.Topics discussed:Why “likable vs. powerful” is a false choice (00:33)How to define your own communication style (03:02)Ways we diminish our authenticity (06:24)Saying “no” and setting boundaries without guilt (08:18)The failure privilege and who is "allowed" to fail (10:52)What to do when you’re afraid to speak up (13:07)Managing perfectionism and over-preparation (15:58)The mindset shift that helps women "steal space" in powerful rooms (19:21)The biggest challenge women face in the workplace (22:43)The first step: audit your communication strengths (24:56)Authentic communication and why it matters in the workplace (26:42)Self-regulation to find your calm, confident self (30:46)Connect with Kate Mason:https://www.katemason.co/https://www.instagram.com/drkatemason/https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/Get your 50 Presentation Hacks from Oliver: ⁠https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/⁠This episode was produced by Podcast Boutique https://www.podcastboutique.com

In this engaging conversation, Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer and communication expert, shares his insights on overcoming public speaking anxiety and improving everyday communication. He emphasizes the importance of audience-centric messaging over script memorization and introduces storytelling as a powerful tool to create emotional connections. Matt also discusses practical techniques for managing nerves, like deep breathing and purposeful movement. Plus, he explores how AI can enhance communication while maintaining a human touch. Tune in for actionable tips that will elevate your speaking game!

Dr. Vanessa Druskat, an organizational psychologist and co-author of The Emotionally Intelligent Team, shares her insights on building elite teams. She emphasizes that individual emotional intelligence alone isn’t enough; it's the norms that shape team dynamics. Discover the three essential norms for high-performing teams: fostering belonging, establishing a shared purpose, and reaching out for diverse input. Vanessa also discusses how structured communication can unlock team potential and transform team culture rapidly, even in challenging environments.

Join David Shelley, CEO of Hachette Book Group and a visionary in publishing, as he dives into the art of authentic leadership communication. He shares insights on modernizing company culture through open communication and feedback. David discusses the importance of inclusivity and diversity in reaching wider audiences. He also emphasizes crafting personal messages to build trust, while balancing transparency with necessary confidentiality. Tune in for his predictions on the future of publishing and advice for aspiring authors!

Is everything we know about leadership… wrong?In this eye-opening episode, Jon Levy, behavioral scientist and bestselling author of Team Intelligence, joins Oliver to challenge some of our most deeply held assumptions about what makes a great leader – and what truly drives high-performing teams.Forget charisma and vision. According to Jon, the real reason we follow someone isn’t their MBA or their skills checklist – it's the feeling that they offer a better future. But that’s just the beginning.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why the MBA was designed for a world that no longer exists – and what it missed entirely.How Harvard’s early leadership research was based on fake credentials.Why “super skills” (not soft skills) are the secret to influence.What makes some teams 1.6x more productive – and why “glue players” are the hidden MVPs.The science of bursty communication and why it beats Slack pings and endless meetings.How too much talent can tank a team—and why team intelligence > individual genius.Why diversity, emotional intelligence, and alignment are non-negotiable for team success.How to spot (and survive) dark personalities in your workplace.The one mindset shift every leader needs to unlock true collective genius. Jon’s insights are grounded in cutting-edge research but delivered with refreshing clarity, wit, and real-world practicality. Bonus takeaway: Learn why your best team member might not be the loudest star—but the quiet connector who helps everyone else shine.Get the “50 Presentation Hacks” Guide https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/ Timestamps0:00 - Intro & is leadership all wrong?1:19 - Why the MBA is outdated3:09 - Harvard’s fake credentials6:08 - Super skills vs. soft skills13:22 - Too much talent problem16:10 - Diversity & emotional intelligence17:45 - Glue players boost teams18:32 - Bursty communication32:30 - Dark personalities at work39:55 - Unlocking collective genius

Celeste Headlee, a renowned TED speaker and communication expert, dives into the staggering cost of poor communication, estimated at $37 billion annually. She critiques email as inefficient and champions the power of conversation. Celeste debunks common communication myths and emphasizes the importance of listening, follow-up questions, and training. She contrasts voice with AI, urging for more human interaction. Lastly, she shares how embracing idle time can fuel creativity and improve focus. Get ready to elevate your communication game!

Have you ever struggled to explain what you do, or find it hard to cut through? And no, it’s not about refining your elevator pitch or polishing your LinkedIn bio. It’s about making one crucial decision: what are you not?Because in a noisy world, people don’t remember nuance. They remember contrast.Global brand and positioning strategist Laura Ries argues that the clearest way to stand out as a leader or a company is to pick the right fight. Not out of anger. Out of clarity.She’s spent decades advising global brands. In her new book Pick the Right Fight, she shows why finding your strategic enemy might be the smartest move you ever make.She breaks it down:-Why people don’t buy “better” – they buy “different”-How to become instantly memorable by positioning against something-Why trying to “stay open” often keeps you invisible- And how even something as small as a color, a word, or a tagline can anchor your entire presence.This isn’t theory. It’s about being findable in a world that forgets you in seconds.You’ll leave this episode asking a powerful question:What am I not – and what fight am I really here for?Timestamps00:18 The Power of Strategic Enemies02:12 Visual Branding & Positioning08:53 Brand Focus & Differentiation (Subaru, Tesla, Liquid Death)14:44 Personal Branding & Authenticity24:44 Reflecting on a Legacy25:16 The Evolution of Advertising and Positioning28:45 Modern Branding Challenges and Strategies48:13 Brand Extensions, Pivots & Case Studies

Steve Martin, a behavioral scientist and author, specializes in applying psychology to enhance influence and trust. In this engaging conversation, he reveals that changing minds isn't the key to influence. Instead, he emphasizes building trust through effective messaging. He discusses the importance of being a reliable messenger, particularly in an era rife with misinformation. Steve also delves into decision psychology, the significance of relatability over status, and how human connection plays a crucial role in a tech-dominated landscape.