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SPEAK LIKE A CEO

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May 29, 2025 • 41min

289: How to Run Virtual Meetings That Energize, Not Drain with Andrew Brodsky

Drowning in Zoom calls and Slack threads? No energy left at the end of the day? Zoom fatigue is real. So is information overload. To understand science-backed strategies that get better results from your virtual communication while preserving your energy, Oliver speaks to Andrew Brodsky. Andrew is a management professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and the author of "Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication".They dive deep into the science and strategy behind effective virtual communication. If your day is packed with Zoom calls, endless email threads, and Slack pings, this conversation will change how you work. Andrew challenges the myth that in-person is always best and breaks down why smart, intentional virtual communication can actually boost productivity and reduce burnout.We explore:Why video meetings often feel off — and how to fix themThe biggest myths about remote work communicationEye-opening research on brainstorming, authenticity, and trust in virtual settingsThe "PING" framework — a simple method to optimize every digital interactionWhat leaders must do to create healthier, more effective remote workplacesWhether you're leading a remote team or just trying to stay sane in a world of nonstop pings, this episode is full of practical insights you can use immediately.Find out more about Andrew Brodsky: https://abrodsky.com/Subscribe to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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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/
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18 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.
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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.
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18 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 39min

282: Talk Less, Lead More: The Secret Skill of Elite Communicators. Oscar Trimboli

Oscar Trimboli, a globally recognized listening expert and author of "How to Listen," joins the conversation to redefine communication. He reveals that most leaders overestimate their listening skills. Trimboli dives into the power dynamics of deep listening, demonstrating how it fosters empathy and understanding. He shares the fascinating difference between speaking and listening speeds, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions in leadership. Tune in for actionable strategies that transform conversations into impactful dialogues!
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12 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 52min

281: The Burnout Trap: How to Reclaim Your Energy and Lead with Clarity. Dr Oliver Degnan

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.
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Mar 27, 2025 • 30min

280: How to Disagree Without Falling Out With Harvard’s Julia Minson

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/

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