The Charismatic Leader

Brett McDermott
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Charisma is the difference between being heard and being followed. In The Charismatic Leader, Brett McDermott unpacks the skills, strategies, and stories behind Confidence, Connection and Real Influence. Through solo episodes and interviews with world-class leaders, performers and communication experts, you’ll learn how to inspire loyalty, communicate with impact, and become the leader people show up for.

  1. 12H AGO

    #158 - How Leaders Can Tactically Leverage Authenticity with Ron Tite

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Ron Tite, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Church+State, one of Canada’s fastest‑growing agencies helping brands navigate the intersection of advertising and authentic content. Ron is also a globally recognized keynote speaker known for his sharp insights on leadership, creativity, and communication. Together, Brett and Ron dive into his Think, Do, Say framework—a practical tool for leaders to align beliefs, actions, and communication. They explore why authenticity isn’t about perfection, but about being comfortable with your imperfections, and how leaders can avoid the “stock photo” version of leadership that erodes trust. Ron also shares how leaders can balance efficiency with creativity, turn complex data into compelling stories, and reignite disengaged teams by asking the right questions. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to inspire trust, foster innovation, and communicate with genuine impact. Key Takeaways The Think, Do, Say framework for aligning purpose, action, and communicationWhy authenticity means being comfortable with imperfectionsHow to balance assembly‑line efficiency with creative “concept car” innovationTurning data into stories that inspire action, not overwhelmPractical questions leaders can ask to re‑energize disengaged teams

    26 min

  2. FEB 6

    #157 - How To Strengthen Your Charisma Muscle in Everyday Situations

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott challenges the myth that charisma is something you’re born with. Instead, he reveals why charisma is a skill—a muscle—that grows stronger through repetition, not performance. And the best training ground isn’t the stage or the boardroom, but the ordinary interactions you have every single day. Brett walks through practical “charisma workouts” you can apply immediately: slowing down micro‑interactions with presence, asking one extra curious question in small talk, holding silence instead of rushing to fill it, and recognizing people with warmth and specificity. These simple reps build confidence, connection, and influence without scripts or tricks. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating, or just ordering coffee, this episode shows how charisma is built one ordinary moment at a time. Key Takeaways Charisma is trainable, not innateEveryday micro‑interactions are the best practice groundPresence beats clever words—eye contact and vocal warmth matter mostSilence signals confidence and authorityRecognition with specificity builds trust and influence

    9 min

  3. JAN 30

    #156 - Why Being Fully Present is a Leadership Superpower

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott explores why presence—not performance—is the most underrated form of charisma. People don’t remember every word you say, but they never forget how it felt to be around you. And nothing creates trust, connection, and influence more than making others feel fully seen. Brett breaks down why availability is the true signal of leadership, how silence and stillness project confidence, and why multitasking erodes trust. You’ll learn practical tools like the one‑breath pause, physical signals that convey calm authority, and simple presence practices that transform everyday conversations into moments of influence. Key Takeaways Presence is about availability, not impressivenessA single breath before responding prevents interruption and builds authorityPhysical signals—stillness, posture, steady eye contact—instantly increase presenceSilence projects confidence and makes conversations more effectivePresence feels rare in a distracted world, which is why it builds trust

    7 min
  4. #155 - How Leaders Can Tell More Effective Stories with Sarah Elkins

    JAN 22

    #155 - How Leaders Can Tell More Effective Stories with Sarah Elkins

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Sarah Elkins, workplace storytelling expert, Gallup‑certified StrengthsFinder coach, and author of Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will. Sarah has spent years helping executives, teams, and professionals harness the power of story to build trust, connection, and influence. Together, Brett and Sarah explore why storytelling is not about epic tales or dramatic moments—it’s about everyday experiences told with intention. Sarah shares practical strategies for building a “story portfolio,” setting clear intentions before telling a story, and using performative techniques to keep audiences engaged without feeling pressured. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to clients, or simply trying to connect more deeply in everyday conversations, this episode will help you shift your mindset and discover how stories can become your most powerful leadership tool. Key Takeaways Why how you tell stories matters more than the stories themselvesHow to build a story bank or portfolio for leadership momentsThe importance of setting clear intentions before sharing a storyPerformative tips to keep audiences engaged and connectedHow everyday stories create relatability, trust, and influence

    35 min
  5. #154 - How Leaders Can Build Trust in High Stakes Situations with Robin Dreeke

    JAN 15

    #154 - How Leaders Can Build Trust in High Stakes Situations with Robin Dreeke

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Robin Dreeke, former head of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. With decades of experience understanding, predicting, and influencing human behavior in high‑stakes environments involving spies, criminals, and hostile actors, Robin brings unparalleled insight into the mechanics of trust. Together, Brett and Robin unpack why trust is the foundation of influence and how leaders can build it consistently—even under pressure. Robin shares his behavioral equation for trust (rapport + credibility ÷ self‑interest) and explains how ego suspension, non‑judgmental curiosity, and predictable behavior become powerful levers for connection. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating in tense situations, or simply striving to deepen relationships, this conversation offers practical tools to inspire safety, credibility, and authentic rapport. Key Takeaways Trust = rapport + credibility ÷ self‑interestWhy ego suspension accelerates connectionHow non‑judgmental curiosity transforms dialogueThe role of predictable behavior in building loyaltyPractical questions leaders can use to uncover priorities and inspire trust

    31 min
  6. #153 - Why Deep Listening is the Foundation of True Influence with Julian Treasure

    JAN 7

    #153 - Why Deep Listening is the Foundation of True Influence with Julian Treasure

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this special conversation, Brett McDermott sits down with Julian Treasure—international speaker and author of one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time—to explore why true influence begins not with speaking, but with listening. Julian introduces his “pyramid of communication,” where listening forms the base, speaking builds on it, and presenting sits at the top. Together, Brett and Julian unpack why most leaders undervalue listening, how inattentive habits erode trust, and why deep, intentional listening is the ultimate gift that creates loyalty, connection, and charisma. From practical frameworks like RASA (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask) to the power of silence and empathic listening, this episode offers actionable tools to transform how you lead, connect, and influence. Key Takeaways Listening is a skill, not just a capabilityCharisma grows when leaders make others feel heard and valuedSilence is a powerful leadership tool that builds trust and presenceUse the RASA framework to deepen conversations and connectionInfluence starts with listening before speaking

    31 min

  7. JAN 2

    #152 - How Leaders Can Use Vocal Variety to Sound Confident and Charismatic

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. Brett McDermott explores one of the most underrated tools of influence—your voice. Two people can say the same words, but one feels magnetic while the other fades into the background. The difference isn’t the message—it’s how the message lands. In this episode, Brett breaks down how tone, pace, volume, pitch, and pauses quietly determine whether people lean in or tune out. He reveals why monotone kills trust, why silence signals confidence, and how vocal variety transforms everyday conversations into moments of presence and impact. This isn’t about acting or performing—it’s about uncovering the charisma already inside you and learning to let your voice carry it. Key Takeaways Slow down strategically—pace signals confidence, not nervousnessUse volume contrast to project or invite attentionVary pitch and tone to communicate emotion and convictionHarness pauses to add weight, anticipation, and presencePractice vocal variety daily, not just in presentations

    12 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    #151 - Certainty Creates Trust

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. Brett McDermott unpacks one of the most underrated communication skills: projecting certainty—even when you don’t have all the answers. This episode isn’t about faking expertise. It’s about becoming the emotional anchor in the room by delivering clarity, calmness, and confidence when people look to you for direction. Brett shares practical tools like the certainty frame, verbal anchors, and body language resets that instantly elevate your leadership presence. If you’ve ever struggled with rambling, over-explaining, or saying “I don’t know” awkwardly, this episode gives you the exact phrasing and techniques to turn uncertainty into influence. Key Takeaways: Use the certainty frame: what’s true, what’s unclear, what’s next, and when answers will comeApply certainty phrases that signal structure and thoughtfulnessProject calm through posture, breathing, and stillnessPractice the one-take answer technique to eliminate ramblingLearn how to say “I don’t know” with confidence and presence

    7 min
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5
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About

Charisma is the difference between being heard and being followed. In The Charismatic Leader, Brett McDermott unpacks the skills, strategies, and stories behind Confidence, Connection and Real Influence. Through solo episodes and interviews with world-class leaders, performers and communication experts, you’ll learn how to inspire loyalty, communicate with impact, and become the leader people show up for.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett McDermott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brett McDermott
  • Show Website
    The Charismatic Leader