Red Light, Green Light

Cindy Skalicky

Hi everybody and welcome to Red Light Green Light, the podcast where we bring you incredible guests in science, technology and innovation to help you understand kind of what's under the hood, right? When we're thinking about red lights and green lights, we're thinking about how to get our audiences to action.

  1. 3 days ago

    The Leader Effect | With Erika Hecht

    Erika Hecht, author of "The Leader Effect: How to Grow Faster by Leading the Market" and leader of Market Ascent, discusses replacing outdated sales and marketing playbooks with growth through industry leadership. Hecht also explains how companies stuck chasing leads and quarterly numbers can become magnets by defining a bold leadership stance, aligning teams, and demonstrating market leadership daily to build trust and shorten the path to senior decision makers. She outlines her trademarked framework—Accelerate (define the market and energize go-to-market), Elevate (co-create value through collaboration and co-innovation), and Dominate (advance the industry for greater impact, not ego). Examples include a space-industry organization that achieved $125M economic impact and grew a 6,000-person community, and energy leaders convened to drive digital co-innovation around safety and risk. Hecht shares her personal "don't be vanilla" story, emphasizing proactive leadership, authenticity, and matching tech innovation with go-to-market innovation.

  2. 20 Oct

    Are You Married to the Solution, vs Married to the Problem? | With Reamonn Soto

    Cindy interviews Reamonn Soto, CEO of Sensatek Propulsion Technologies, which develops passive wireless (radio-frequency) temperature and strain sensors—high-temperature "stickers"—for measuring rotating machinery like jet engines where conventional instrumentation is difficult. Soto explains how earlier, more accurate data reduces uncertainty, accelerates design-test loops, improves engine efficiency, durability, and reliability, supports root-cause analysis for fielded industrial engines, and enables continuous monitoring to help predict failures, including in recreational aircraft where many accidents are engine-related. He recounts struggling in math and science in high school, joining the Marine Corps after 9/11, a turning point through faith, then studying physics at Florida A&M, building a low-cost antenna project, and pursuing aeronautics research at Embry-Riddle. Soto shares a major red-light moment: after a 2019 $2M raise, the pandemic and venture "nuclear winter" led to near-cash exhaustion and major team reductions; a green-light followed when strategic investments from Invenergy and Constellation validated his adaptable, problem-first approach. He discusses being selected for DOE lab-embedded programs (including West Gate), gaining funding, access to lab equipment, and communication/storytelling coaching, and previews upcoming sensing technology releases and growth opportunities amid new aviation standards, electric propulsion, and expanded partnerships across OEMs and airframers. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:14 Meet Reamonn Soto 02:48 Sensors For Jet Engines 04:57 Sticker Sensor Benefits 09:36 Finding His Path 10:09 From Marines To Physics 12:57 Jet Lab Breakthrough 16:13 Faith And Leadership Shift 20:41 Red Light Cash Crisis 25:26 Green Light Strategic Backing 28:27 West Gate Program Wins 30:39 Communication As Advantage 33:33 Whats Next For Sensatek 37:17 Final Thanks And Wrap

  3. 13 Oct

    S04E29 Drawing Out Your Genius | With Lisa Rothstein

    Drawing Out Your Genius with Lisa Rothstein | Smile, Slide, Sketch & Visual Storytelling Host Cindy Skalicky welcomes Lisa Rothstein, CEO and founder of Drawing Out Your Genius, a cartoonist and visual artist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker and author of the award-winning book Drawing Out Your Genius. Lisa recounts her early love of comics, a long advertising and copywriting career, and how drawing in client sessions helped people understand complex ideas through visualization. She describes pivoting into graphic recording and virtual visual note-taking during COVID to combat "Zoom hell," improve engagement, and help teams remember key points. Lisa explains how advertising honed her ability to distill and extract value from technical detail, shares her "three Cs" framework (character, concepts, context), and introduces "smile, slide, sketch" for keeping presentations engaging. She outlines her book's SKETCH structure, where to buy it, and a free bridge-sketch download.

  4. 6 Oct

    How to Create an Avatar for Your Audience | With Chris McGuire

    In this episode, Cindy interviews Chris McGuire, an executive producer and writer with 20+ years in late-night TV who now produces "high-stakes live moments" like keynotes, annual events, and founder pitches. McGuire explains how he helps presenters look natural by optimizing teleprompter use, camera placement, briefing, and format so events don't feel scripted or like a "hostage video." Drawing from stand-up and comedy writing, he stresses preparation through extensive reps, obsessing over the opening, and tailoring messages to the specific audience rather than relying on credentials or canned talks. He shares tactics for building trust and engagement, including using humor rooted in audience "Wednesday frustrations," visuals that do the comedic work, and prompts that let the audience generate jokes. McGuire describes his process of reviewing prior events, rebuilding openings, and aligning emotional arcs, and previews work on a large SaaS event plus his four-week "Be a Pain Point Detective" group coaching program.

  5. 22 Sept

    S04E26 The Red Apples Way Marc Robertz-Schwartz

    In this episode, Cindy Skalicky interviews Mark Roberts Schwartz, who shares insights on the significance of core values in storytelling and business. Mark emphasizes that core values serve as the foundational DNA of an organization, guiding its mission, vision, and overall culture. He discusses the importance of aligning hiring practices with these values and how they should be integrated into daily operations. The conversation also explores the concept of the 'Red Apples Way,' which articulates core values in a memorable way, and the necessity of consistently communicating these values to ensure they resonate within the organization. In this engaging conversation, Cindy Skalicky and Marc Robertz Schwartz explore the significance of repetition in learning, the journey of publishing a book, and the importance of core values. Marc shares insights from his experiences in television and how storytelling can captivate audiences. They also reflect on personal growth and the impact of core memories, particularly in relation to significant events like 9/11. The discussion emphasizes the power of storytelling and the importance of understanding one's values in both personal and professional contexts. I hope you enjoy this episode!  Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. Cindy #redlightgreenlight #onpoint #podcast #podcastshow #newepisode #foryou #foryoupage #business #advice #success #leadership #podcast #fyp #redlightgreenlightpodcast #businessleadership #storytelling #mentorship #effectivecommunication #mindsetshifts #navigatingchange #podcastforleaders We explore business and leadership, helping you spot red light behaviors that create risk and doubt while embracing green light strategies that drive success. Learn about the power of silence in communication, storytelling for impactful presentations, and the importance of mentorship. Discover why your ability to learn is more important than what you know, how walking the circle in leadership builds trust, and why you are in charge of your calendar. Plus, we cover mindset shifts, navigating change, and podcast coaching for leaders to help you grow. #Leadership #WildfireResponse #EmergencyManagement #Innovation #FirstResponders #Technology #PublicSafety #Entrepreneurship #SatelliteCommunications #DisasterResponse #RedLightGreenLightPodcast

  6. 18 Sept

    S04E25 Telling The 'Profit First' Story | Elizabeth Szporn

    In this episode, Liz Szporn shares her journey from education to becoming a Profit First Professional, highlighting how behavioral cash management transforms businesses and personal lives. Discover practical insights on pricing, storytelling, and building confidence to thrive in a competitive market. Key Takeaways: Liz Szporn's career transition from education to Profit First The core principles of Profit First and behavioral cash management How storytelling influences business growth and client engagement Pricing strategies and overcoming confidence barriers The impact of authentic communication on business success AI's role in bookkeeping and the future of financial advisory The importance of sharing personal success stories to inspire clients Building relationships and trust in financial services I hope you enjoy this episode!  Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. Cindy #redlightgreenlight #onpoint #podcast #podcastshow #newepisode #foryou #foryoupage #business #advice #success #leadership #podcast #fyp #redlightgreenlightpodcast #businessleadership #storytelling #mentorship #effectivecommunication #mindsetshifts #navigatingchange #podcastforleaders We explore business and leadership, helping you spot red light behaviors that create risk and doubt while embracing green light strategies that drive success. Learn about the power of silence in communication, storytelling for impactful presentations, and the importance of mentorship. Discover why your ability to learn is more important than what you know, how walking the circle in leadership builds trust, and why you are in charge of your calendar. Plus, we cover mindset shifts, navigating change, and podcast coaching for leaders to help you grow. #Leadership #WildfireResponse #EmergencyManagement #Innovation #FirstResponders #Technology #PublicSafety #Entrepreneurship #SatelliteCommunications #DisasterResponse #RedLightGreenLightPodcast

  7. 8 Sept

    S04E24 Connection, Humor and "Gratitude Grenades" | With Ray Engan

    In this episode of Red Light, Green Light, host Cindy Skalicky interviews humor and persuasive specialist Ray Engan. They explore Ray's unique journey from stand-up comedy to sales, emphasizing the importance of connection in communication. Ray shares techniques for reframing questions to engage others, the significance of curiosity and specificity in pitches, and the powerful role humor plays in business. The conversation also touches on balancing professionalism with authenticity and the tangible benefits of humor in sales and employee retention. In this engaging conversation, Cindy Skalicky and Ray Engan explore the significance of humor in the workplace, the importance of genuine connections in networking, and innovative strategies for income generation. They discuss how being authentic and funny can enhance productivity and workplace morale, while also addressing the challenges faced by introverts in networking situations. The dialogue culminates in practical tips for fostering connections and building relationships in a professional context, emphasizing the value of personal touch over robotic communication. I hope you enjoy this episode!  Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. Cindy #redlightgreenlight #onpoint #podcast #podcastshow #newepisode #foryou #foryoupage #business #advice #success #leadership #podcast #fyp #redlightgreenlightpodcast #businessleadership #storytelling #mentorship #effectivecommunication #mindsetshifts #navigatingchange #podcastforleaders We explore business and leadership, helping you spot red light behaviors that create risk and doubt while embracing green light strategies that drive success. Learn about the power of silence in communication, storytelling for impactful presentations, and the importance of mentorship. Discover why your ability to learn is more important than what you know, how walking the circle in leadership builds trust, and why you are in charge of your calendar. Plus, we cover mindset shifts, navigating change, and podcast coaching for leaders to help you grow. #Leadership #WildfireResponse #EmergencyManagement #Innovation #FirstResponders #Technology #PublicSafety #Entrepreneurship #SatelliteCommunications #DisasterResponse #RedLightGreenLightPodcast

  8. 1 Sept

    S04E23 From Health and Wellness to Wealth and Healthness | With Mike Wolnick

    In this episode of Red Light, Green Light, host Cindy Skalicky interviews financial advisor Mike Wolnick, who shares his journey from health and wellness to financial advising. He discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face, the importance of a holistic approach to business, and the quest for freedom in ownership. Mike emphasizes the need for clarity in purpose and the significance of leadership growth in navigating the complexities of business ownership. In this conversation, Michael Wolnick discusses the importance of personalization in decision-making, emphasizing the need for context and adaptability in various situations. He shares insights on the evolving landscape of business exit planning, highlighting the significance of preparing for exit optionality rather than just focusing on selling. Wolnick also delves into charitable strategies for business owners, illustrating how they can secure their legacy while benefiting from tax savings. The discussion concludes with an exploration of how financial advisors can effectively engage with clients, ensuring that their strategies remain dynamic and responsive to life's changes. I hope you enjoy this episode!  Give it a like, share, and subscribe to not miss the content coming your way weekly. Cindy #redlightgreenlight #onpoint #podcast #podcastshow #newepisode #foryou #foryoupage #business #advice #success #leadership #podcast #fyp #redlightgreenlightpodcast #businessleadership #storytelling #mentorship #effectivecommunication #mindsetshifts #navigatingchange #podcastforleaders We explore business and leadership, helping you spot red light behaviors that create risk and doubt while embracing green light strategies that drive success. Learn about the power of silence in communication, storytelling for impactful presentations, and the importance of mentorship. Discover why your ability to learn is more important than what you know, how walking the circle in leadership builds trust, and why you are in charge of your calendar. Plus, we cover mindset shifts, navigating change, and podcast coaching for leaders to help you grow. #Leadership #WildfireResponse #EmergencyManagement #Innovation #FirstResponders #Technology #PublicSafety #Entrepreneurship #SatelliteCommunications #DisasterResponse #RedLightGreenLightPodcast

See All (84)

About

Hi everybody and welcome to Red Light Green Light, the podcast where we bring you incredible guests in science, technology and innovation to help you understand kind of what's under the hood, right? When we're thinking about red lights and green lights, we're thinking about how to get our audiences to action.

Information

  • Creator
    Cindy Skalicky
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cindy Skalicky
  • Show Website
    Red Light, Green Light