209 episodes

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal.

Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more!

For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com 

To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@vocalimpactproductions.com

Speaking to Influence Dr. Laura Sicola

    • Business

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal.

Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more!

For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com 

To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@vocalimpactproductions.com

    Dr. Laura Sicola: What’s Your Executive Communication IQ?

    Dr. Laura Sicola: What’s Your Executive Communication IQ?

    In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of measuring and improving executive presence and leadership communication. She introduces a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and competencies that are essential for a leader's brand. The tool measures confidence and effectiveness in areas such as public speaking, storytelling, charisma, reading the room, nonverbal communication, diplomacy, inspiring others, networking, handling impromptu speaking situations, and reflecting the company's brand. Take the assessment and find out how to join a live group call to debrief your scores and receive guidance on developing your communication and influence skills.

    In thie episode, you will learn:


    Why measuring executive presence and leadership communication is important for improvement.
    How to access a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and competencies.

    Mentioned in the Episode:


    Take the Quiz

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 20 min
    STI 208 - Jane Boulware - Author of "Worthy" and retired Microsoft Exec: Worthy

    STI 208 - Jane Boulware - Author of "Worthy" and retired Microsoft Exec: Worthy

    In this episode, Jane Boulware, author of Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft, shares her journey from rural Iowa to becoming a top executive at Microsoft. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth.

    Boulware discusses the need to adapt communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic. She also highlights the difference between managing and leading, emphasizing the importance of inspiring and motivating others.

    Boulware shares her experiences of being dismissed and how she used the word 'yet' to fuel her determination. She encourages others to never give up and to keep pushing forward.

    In this conversation, Jane Boulware discusses various challenges and strategies related to leadership and personal growth. She addresses the issue of dealing with toxic individuals in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and removing toxic behavior.

    Boulware also explores the difference between feeling afraid and being good enough, highlighting the need to embrace fear as a catalyst for growth.

    Additionally, she shares insights from her experience at Microsoft, where she learned the value of leadership and collaboration.

    Boulware concludes by discussing the relevance of the Gottman Institute's four horsemen of the apocalypse in both personal and professional relationships.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Overcoming self-doubt and claiming one's worth is essential for success.
    Adapting communication styles to connect with different audiences while staying authentic is crucial.
    Leadership involves inspiring and motivating others, while management focuses on tasks and deadlines.
    Using the word 'yet' can fuel determination and help overcome obstacles.
    Never giving up and pushing forward is key to achieving goals.
    Recognize and remove toxic behavior in the workplace.
    Embrace fear as a catalyst for growth.
    Focus on collaboration and leveraging the strengths of team members.
    Celebrate successes and recognize personal worth.
    Apply relationship-building strategies to both personal and professional contexts.

    About Jane:

    Jane is an inspiring and dynamic catalyst for change whose stories, humor and honesty empowers all to rethink what’s possible. From the cornfields of rural Iowa, Jane Boulware defied expectations to build billion-dollar businesses, lead the US’s largest merger and rise to top Microsoft executive.

    Jane’s unconventional career and approach blazed a trail for many. “My failures and success show worth isn’t defined by what you have or have not, but by what you make, claim, and give of what you got.” All proceeds from her book Worthy go to Boys & Girls Clubs scholarships.

     

    You can connect with Jane Boulware in the following ways:


    Website: www.Janeboulware.com
    Book: Worthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft, Stories of Overcoming
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554463565081
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeboulware4/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/janeboulware/

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 38 min
    Jeff Wetzler, Transcend: Curiosity and Reinventing School

    Jeff Wetzler, Transcend: Curiosity and Reinventing School

    In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Wetzler, co-founder and co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education. They discuss the need for education reform and the challenges of communication in leadership. Wetzler emphasizes the importance of listening and creating a safe space for open communication. He also highlights the power of curiosity and asking questions to learn from others. The conversation concludes with a listener challenge to practice no BS listening. Overall, the episode explores the role of effective communication in driving educational innovation and leadership success.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Schools need to be reinvented to meet the changing needs of students in the 21st century.
    Effective communication requires active listening and creating a safe space for open dialogue.
    Curiosity and asking questions are essential for learning from others and fostering innovation.
    Avoid jumping to conclusions and be willing to laugh at yourself.

    About Jeff:

    JEFF WETZLER is co-CEO of Transcend, a nationally recognized innovation organization and author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of People Around You. Wetzler combines unique leadership experiences spanning more than 25 years in business and education, as a management consultant to the world’s top corporations, a learning facilitator for leaders around the world, and as Chief Learning Officer at Teach For America. He earned a Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in psychology from Brown University. Based in New York, he is a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and is an Edmund Hillary Fellow. See his new Harvard Business Review article here.

    You can connect with Jeff Wetzler in the following ways:


    Company Websites:

    https://transcendeducation.org/
    https://www.teachforamerica.org/


    Book: https://www.askapproach.com/
    Assessment: https://assessment.askapproach.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wetzler-9ba3824/

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 32 min
    Amy Bernstein, Harvard Business Review: Motivate, Don't Micromanage

    Amy Bernstein, Harvard Business Review: Motivate, Don't Micromanage

    In this compelling episode, Amy Bernstein, esteemed editor at Harvard Business Review, delves into the nuances of leadership communication and the transformative power of relinquishing control. Drawing from her wealth of experience, Amy underscores the importance of motivating over micromanaging, advocating for a leadership style that empowers others and fosters trust in their capabilities.

    Through candid reflections, Amy navigates the challenges of self-doubt and missed opportunities, urging listeners to embrace risk-taking and cultivate unwavering self-belief. She shares a poignant personal anecdote of confronting workplace bullying, emphasizing the indispensable role of integrity in leadership.

    As the episode unfolds, Amy issues a powerful call to action, challenging leaders to reevaluate their approach by stepping back from micromanagement and embracing a culture of empowerment. Listeners are bound to glean invaluable insights into fostering effective leadership communication, navigating adversity with resilience, and championing integrity in the workplace.

    Join us for a transformative journey as we explore the keys to empowering leadership and communicating with enduring impact.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Leadership communication involves motivating rather than micromanaging
    Empowering others and trusting their abilities is essential for effective leadership
    Self-doubt can hinder personal and professional growth, but taking risks and believing in oneself is crucial
    Standing up against workplace bullying demonstrates integrity and sets a positive example
    Stepping back from micromanaging and empowering teams can lead to better outcomes

    About Amy:

    Amy Bernstein is the Editor of Harvard Business Review, where she oversees the magazine and its team of editors. She’s also the Vice President and Executive Editorial Director for Harvard Business Publishing, responsible for the editorial strategy and content development of the learning and educator assets for HBP’s Corporate Learning and Higher Education businesses.

    You can connect with Amy Bernstein in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amybernstein
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/asbernstein2185

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 32 min
    Dr. Robert Cavagnol, St. Luke's Hospital: Listening, Advocating, and Admitting Mistakes

    Dr. Robert Cavagnol, St. Luke's Hospital: Listening, Advocating, and Admitting Mistakes

    In this episode, Dr. Robert Cavagnol, President of St. Luke's Clinic, shares insights on communication and leadership. He emphasizes the importance of listening and empathetic listening as key communication skills.

    Dr. Cavagnol also discusses the use of the DISC profile for understanding communication styles and adapting to different individuals. He shares personal experiences of taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them.

    Additionally, he highlights the importance of advocating for others, especially in challenging situations.

    Overall, Dr. Cavagnol's insights provide valuable lessons for effective communication and leadership.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Listening is a crucial communication skill, and empathetic listening is particularly important for leaders.
    The DISC profile can help understand communication styles and adapt to different individuals.
    Taking risks and making mistakes are part of leadership, and it's important to learn from them.
    Advocating for others, especially in challenging situations, is an essential aspect of leadership.

    About Rob:

    Dr. Robert Cavagnol, MD, MHA, FACS, currently serves as the president of St. Luke’s Clinic, based in Boise, Idaho. Rob joined St. Luke’s in 2020, just as the COVID pandemic took off. He continues to practice clinically, participating in acute care surgery shifts in the Treasure Valley. He leads a clinic of 1600 providers as the accountable executive for the physician enterprise at St. Luke's, which is the largest health system and largest private employer in the state of Idaho.

    Dr. Cavagnol received his bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Kalamazoo College and his medical degree from Wayne State University, School of Medicine. He completed his surgical training at the University of Cincinnati. Following his general surgery residency, Dr. Cavagnol spent three years on active duty with the U.S. Navy, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During his naval career, Dr. Cavagnol deployed twice, first on the hospital ship USNS Comfort in support of humanitarian relief after hurricane Katrina, and then as a trauma surgeon to Fallujah, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    After completing his commitment to our country, Dr. Cavagnol joined Mercy Health System in Springfield, Missouri, as a practicing general surgeon. He attended Missouri State University during his time with Mercy and earned a master’s in healthcare administration. While at Mercy, Rob was recognized with the Young Physician of the Year award in his third year with the health system. He also held numerous leadership positions with Mercy, including medical director of patient safety and quality, section chair for general surgery, vice-president of surgery, chief physician officer, and president of the Mercy Springfield clinic.

    You can connect with Rob Cavagnol in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/robertcavagnol
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/RCavagnol
    Medium: https://medium.com/@drcavagnol
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.cavagnolmdphysician

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 28 min
    Marian Baldini - Kencrest: Leading a 90-Day Miracle

    Marian Baldini - Kencrest: Leading a 90-Day Miracle

    In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Marian Baldini, the CEO and president of Kencrest, a human services and early learning provider. Marian shares her experiences and insights on leadership communication, including the importance of enrolling people to their giftedness and the power of silence in conversations. She also discusses the challenges she faced in starting a new company and the importance of speaking up as the lone voice of dissent. Overall, Marian emphasizes the need for leaders to understand and connect with their team members' strengths and interests to create a positive and productive work environment.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Enrolling people to their giftedness is an important aspect of leadership communication.
    Overcoming the fear of public speaking can lead to personal growth and improved communication skills.
    Authentic inclusion is essential in creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
    Making wrong calls is a part of leadership, but it's important to learn from them and make necessary adjustments.
    Taking risks can lead to innovation and growth, but effective communication is crucial in navigating the challenges..

     

    About Marian:

    Marian Baldini is the CEO and President of KenCrest, a human services and early learning provider throughout Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware; that serves over 12,500 people annually. She is an unwavering advocate for the equality and inclusion of people with disabilities, as well as access to early education for all. Marian has over 40 years of leadership in executive planning, administration, academia, and operational oversight; and began her career as a Direct Support Professional in the 1970s, at the same Agency where she now serves as CEO.

    She has been recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one the “Most Admired CEOs” (2019) in the region, as well as a “Woman of Distinction” (2015); as one of Main Line Today’s “Power Women” in 2021; as Lutheran Services of America (LSA)’s first ever Paragon Award (2022); as Drexel University College of Medicine’s first non-doctorate recipient of their Biomedical Sciences Graduate Recognition Award (2022); and most recently recognized by Metro Philadelphia as a “Power Women” on their annual Power Player list (2022).

    You can connect with Marian Baldini in the following ways:


    Website: http://www.kencrest.org
    Marian Baldini LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-baldini-90745728
    KenCrest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kencrestservices/

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 26 min

Top Podcasts In Business

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC
Endgame with Gita Wirjawan
Endgame Podcast
Thirty Days Of Lunch Podcast
Thirty Days Of Lunch
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Stanford GSB
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss: Bestselling Author, Human Guinea Pig
The Indicator from Planet Money
NPR

You Might Also Like

How to Be Awesome at Your Job
How to be Awesome at Your Job
Coaching Real Leaders
Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins
WorkLife with Adam Grant
TED
HBR On Leadership
Harvard Business Review
Coaching for Leaders
Dave Stachowiak
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Stanford GSB