Dr. Oliver Degnan, a leading authority on burnout and former senior VP at IBM Watson Health, discusses the critical differences between stress and burnout. He highlights the importance of self-reflection in recognizing burnout triggers and advocates for healthy boundaries. The conversation touches on how generational distractions fuel burnout and emphasizes the power of positive connections. Degnan also explores the dual impact of AI on workplace stress and stresses that burnout can be prevented by taking charge of one's environment.

Why is it so hard to disagree without falling out? And how can we get better at managing disagreements?To find out, Oliver speaks to Julia Minson, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. They explore the crucial skill of productive disagreement in life and at work.Discover why smart people struggle with disagreements, the biggest mistakes we make in tough conversations, and practical strategies to foster a culture of constructive dialogue. Julia introduces her 'HEAR' framework – Hedging, Emphasizing Agreement, Acknowledgement, and Reframing to the Positive – and explains how to apply it in both personal and professional settings. They also discuss the impact of emotions, personality differences, and remote work on our ability to disagree effectively. Expect to learn how to listen actively, communicate receptively, and build stronger relationships through better conversations.This episode shows you how to turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation. Find out more about Julia: https://www.juliaminson.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/

Distractions are everywhere. But how do you regain focus and control in an age of constant interruptions?This week, Oliver speaks with Nir Eyal, the internationally acclaimed behavioral designer, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, and former Stanford Lecturer.He explains that distraction isn't just about external triggers but often stems from a desire to escape discomfort.Discover practical strategies to manage internal triggers, design a focused environment, and create an indistractable workplace. Plus, learn why time-boxed calendars beat traditional to-do lists for productivity.Find out more about Nir Eyal at https://www.nirandfar.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/

What if I told you there's a secret weapon that can transform your leadership, boost team morale, and create a culture of peak performance?In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with Professor Michael Norton, a renowned psychologist at HBS and author of The Ritual Effect: The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions.Professor Norton's research reveals the surprising impact of rituals – those seemingly small, repeated actions that hold immense meaning.They explore:How CEOs can use rituals to reinforce company values and visionThe role of rituals in building trust and psychological safetyWhy the most effective rituals are often the simplest onesPacked with actionable insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for CEOs, leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their communication and create a thriving workplace culture.Find out more about Michael Norton at https://michaelnorton.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/

No success without trust. But how do you build trust when trust in leadership is at an all-time low?Natalie Doyle Oldfield is a globally recognized expert on trust and author of Trusted: The Proven Path to Customer Loyalty and Business Growth. She explains how trust is often formed subconsciously as the first thing in an interaction between humans. People decide whether to trust you based on gut feeling and perception of your presence. So leaders must build trust BEFORE they need it. She explains how to build trust quickly, and how the human element is more critical than ever in the age of AI. Emphasize authenticity and connection to build trust.Natalie also emphasizes the importance of listening, clear communication, and authenticity while warning against inconsistency and broken promises.Plus: Natalie and Oliver explore the concept of trust equity and how businesses can build.  Find out more about Natalie: https://www.successthroughtrust.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/

What if everything we experience is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves? In this episode, Oliver sits down with one of his intellectual heroes. Will Storr, bestselling author of The Science of Storytelling, The Status Game and now A Story is a Deal to explore how stories define our reality, shape our decisions, and influence human behavior. Will explains why humans live in two worlds, the world of survival and the world of story, and how understanding this duality can transform the way we communicate, lead, and persuade. From the evolutionary origins of storytelling to the impact of identity and status, he unpacks why narratives are the foundation of human success.Packed with fascinating insights, psychological research, and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of storytelling. Check out more about Will Storr’s latest book on his substack https://willstorr.substack.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/

Is going viral just luck, or is there a science behind it? In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with Brendan Kane, digital strategist, bestselling author, and the mastermind behind some of the biggest social media success stories. Brendan has helped global brands, top celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna, and countless businesses achieve explosive digital growth.Brendan reveals the secrets of viral content, explaining the key ingredients behind content that captivates millions, how to balance quality and quantity for maximum engagement, and the proven frameworks for storytelling that drive social media success. He also explores the role of AI in content creation and how to use it effectively, along with communication strategies that make a brand stand out. Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for content creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to break through the noise. Hit play and discover the science behind going viral!Get Brendan’s book “The Guide to Going Viral” for free here: https://goviral.hookpoint.com/get-guide/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Guide&utm_campaign=SpeakLikeCEOMake sure you’re subscribed to theSpeak 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/

Todd Rogers, a Harvard professor and behavioral scientist, dives into the intricacies of effective communication. He shares his research-backed six principles to write compellingly for busy readers, enhancing clarity and engagement. The conversation highlights the importance of brevity and structuring messages for optimal reader navigation. They also address the challenges of writing from the reader's perspective, emphasizing how focusing on the audience can significantly boost response rates. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their writing and connect better with their audience.

Peter Sorgenfrei is the leadership coach you want to have at your side. As a six-time CEO and founder, he understands the challenges and the overwhelm experienced by anyone who is unapologetically ambitious.  But he also learned the hard way that you have to listen to your body and mind to be successful and, more importantly, to keep your sanity. In this episode, he takes us inside his journey as a founder, sharing the unexpected lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and personal identity. Peter opens up about one of the most profound realizations of his career: his happiest moments weren’t tied to financial wins but to seeing his team grow and thrive. Leadership, he argues, is about empowering others, fostering a strong culture, and prioritizing mission over metrics. But that mission-driven focus came at a cost.  In 2019, his relentless pursuit of success led to complete burnout – his body literally shut down. He recounts how he found his way back through rest, time in nature, and deep reflection, ultimately discovering a new passion: helping others navigate the same struggles. Beyond business, Peter challenges us to rethink how we define ourselves. Too often, we introduce ourselves by our job titles rather than our values or passions. What happens when we shift that perspective? He shares how embracing identity beyond work can create deeper, more meaningful connections both personally and professionally. Peter and Oliver also dive into the unconventional ways Peter builds and leads teams. From letting candidates suggest their own salaries to practicing radical transparency, his approach forces people to evaluate their worth and alignment with the company’s vision. And when it comes to tough conversations, he believes real compassion lies in honesty – not avoidance. Whether it’s performance feedback or handling layoffs, delivering the truth with empathy builds trust and long-term success. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone searching for clarity in your work and life, this episode is packed with wisdom that will challenge you to rethink leadership, communication, and self-care.  Find out more about how Peter elevates leaders: https://lp.petersorgenfrei.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/

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a celebrated behavioral scientist and Harvard professor, shares her expertise on effective communication in this insightful discussion. She introduces the 'conversational compass' as a tool for aligning goals in discussions. Listeners learn how to navigate emotions, using humor to maintain engagement. Dr. Brooks also explains the art of small talk and the importance of transitioning to deeper conversations. Plus, discover how her research inspired a Pixar movie, blending science with storytelling in captivating ways.