SPEAK LIKE A CEO

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.

Matthew Dicks, bestselling author and storytelling expert, shares his insights on the art of compelling narratives. He emphasizes that true storytelling is about moments of transformation rather than just presenting facts. Dicks advocates for 'Homework for Life', a daily habit of capturing meaningful experiences to enrich storytelling. He critiques traditional business presentations for lacking authenticity and highlights how relatable stories can deepen audience connections. Authenticity, he stresses, is essential in leadership, fostering trust and culture.

Scott Walker is one of the world’s foremost experts on negotiation. When hostage situations, kidnappings, or cyber attacks put lives and livelihoods at stake, Scott is the crisis negotiator called in to resolve the chaos. Having successfully negotiated over 300 high-stakes incidents, Scott shares the field-proven principles from his best-selling book "Order Out of Chaos" - hailed as "A Masterclass in Communication Excellence" by The New York Times. Today, Scott trains leaders and teams to negotiate better deals, resolve conflict, navigate crises, and thrive under intense pressure. In this fascinating clip, he reveals how to negotiate with pirates, and why kidnappers are just business people looking for a great deal.  For Oliver’s full conversation with Scott, check out episode 239. Having spent over a decade negotiating with hostage-takers and criminals, Scott's strategies for navigating uncertainty and conflict prove indispensable for any leader or professional.

What are the critical skills that define leadership today? With over 20 years of experience advising top global executives, Oliver explains why communication is the #1 skill for success, how to build an irresistible personal brand, and strategies for overcoming communication challenges in a world increasingly shaped by remote work and AI. Discover why Richard Branson’s personal brand outshines his company’s, learn how to become "unignorable" in a crowded market, and uncover why your communication skills are more essential than ever in the AI-driven age.  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/

Want to build a thriving community but not sure where to start? Daisy Morris, founder of The Selfhood and author of Community Is Your Currency developed the framework for you.   Oliver and Daisy dive into the essential difference between an audience and a community, and what both individuals and companies often get wrong about community building.  Daisy shares her 10 powerful steps to creating a thriving community, including how to find your people, share your magic, collaborate effectively, and keep the creative juices flowing.  Tune in for actionable insights from one of the foremost voices on community building. 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/

With more than 10m books sold, John Strelecky is one of the most successful and inspirational authors of our time.  His first book, "The Café on the Edge of the World," gained international acclaim and has been translated into over 40 languages, selling millions of copies.  John has written extensively about leadership and is the creator of the "Big Five for Life" concept that inspires leaders and businesses to discover their purpose and lead fulfilling lives.  In this episode, he shares how he went from consultant to traveler to bestselling author, what good leadership is, the role of “soft skills”, how to keep your best people, and how leaders and businesses can identify their Purpose for Existing (PFE). He also discusses why most writing in business is unemotional, boring and complex, and the simple shift that can turn you into a much better writer.  Enjoy this episode with one of the great storytellers of our time!  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/