Ideas on Stage Podcast

Ideas on Stage

The Ideas on Stage podcast is a monthly show about leadership communication. Each episode features top authors, speakers and experts sharing insights on business communication and public speaking. Our goal is to help you communicate with confidence and impact, whether at work or in everyday life. Past guests include: - Seth Godin - Guy Kawasaki - Daniel Pink - Terry Szuplat (Barack Obama's speechwriter) - Garr Reynolds - Dr. John Medina - Carmine Gallo - Dan Roam
 Watch or listen on your favourite podcast platform.

  1. FEB 11

    81. Build a Presence People Remember (Lorraine K. Lee)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Lorraine K. Lee.  Lorraine K. Lee is a keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence. She also teaches popular courses at Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning. She is passionate about empowering leaders to elevate their presence, influence and impact. Her frameworks have been adopted by globally recognized organizations like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco and McKinsey & Company. Lorraine is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and previously spent over a decade as a founding editor at companies including LinkedIn and Prezi. Her insights are featured in top media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg and Fast Company. In this episode we talked about developing an unforgettable professional presence. What You'll Learn: - How to develop a stronger professional presence online and in person - How to improve your LinkedIn profile and headline - How to lead meetings that create value - How to show up with confidence on video - How to grow your career by communicating with intention In This Episode: 01:13 - How Minimising Language Hurts Your Presence 06:04 - Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters 08:04 - How to Improve Your LinkedIn Headline 14:37 - How Leaders Increase Team Visibility 16:40 - Leading Better Meetings 18:50 - How to Improve Your Video Presence 30:51 - How to Look More Strategic to Managers 31:28 - How to Share Your Communication Style with Your Team We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Lorraine K. Lee: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorraineklee/  - Read Unforgettable Presence: https://lorraineklee.com/unforgettable-presence/  - Newsletter: https://lorraineklee.com/subscribe/  Recommended books and authors:  - Managing Up by Melody Wilding - Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams  - Dan Pink  - Vanessa Van Edwards ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course #IdeasOnStagePodcast #ProfessionalPresence #LeadershipSkills #CareerGrowth #LinkedInTips

    39 min
  2. JAN 14

    80. The Psychology of Being Heard (Todd Kashdan)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Todd Kashdan. Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility and social relationships. His research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes and the Hidden Brain podcast. Over 5 million readers enjoy his best-selling Substack newsletter: Provoked. Todd authored five books, including Curious?, The Upside of Your Darkside, and Designing Positive Psychology. In his latest, The Art of Insubordination, he details research on how we can change minds and design groups and society to be smarter and wiser. He teaches us how to be courageous enough to question the status quo with the intelligence to know when and how.  In this episode we talked about the psychology of being heard. What You'll Learn: - How to challenge ideas without creating conflict - How to spark and hold people’s curiosity - How to keep conversations open and productive - How to turn fear and nerves into useful energy - How to connect with your audience on a personal level In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 06:54 - How to Challenge Ideas Without Conflict 09:08 - How to Spark and Sustain Curiosity 11:42 - The Art of Keeping Conversations Open 18:34 - Don’t Try to Calm Down Before You Speak 20:44 - A Simple Trick to Manage Stage Nerves 22:55 - How to Turn Fear Into Energy 28:25 - How Using Names Builds Instant Connection We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Todd Kashdan’s substack newsletter, Provoked: https://toddkashdan.substack.com/ Todd’s books:  - The Art of Insubordination - The Upside of Your Darkside - Curious? - Designing Positive Psychology - Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology Recommended book:  Femonomics: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and How to Get the Most Out of Yours by Corinne Low (published in the USA with the title HAVING IT ALL) ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

    42 min
  3. 12/10/2025

    79. Video Storytelling That Connects (Ravinol Chambers)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Ravinol Chambers.  Ravinol is a filmmaker, storyteller and founder of Be Inspired Films, a B Corp creative agency helping purpose-driven organisations communicate with clarity and confidence. A former monk turned moviemaker, he’s spent more than a decade guiding leaders to show up on camera in a way that feels natural, human and compelling. His work spans TEDxLondon, the NHS, Oxford University and the Cabinet Office, with multiple international awards and six consecutive Drum Recommends wins for Best Video Production Company in the UK. Ravinol also hosts the Storytelling for Social Impact podcast and leads the Storytelling Clarity Sprint, helping teams cut through noise and tell the story that truly moves their audience. In this episode we talked about video storytelling for speakers, speaking with confidence on camera, and how organisations can share stories that truly connect. What You'll Learn: - How to make sure your stage talks are filmed well - What setup you need to record professional videos at home - How to combine sound and visuals to build strong video stories - How to tell stories that focus on people, not your company  - How to shape your message so your audience truly cares In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 09:18 - How to Prepare Video Teams Before Your Talk 10:54 - Why Speakers Shouldn’t Look at the Camera 13:33 - What TED Gets Right About Filming Talks 20:20 - The Minimum Setup to Film at Home 24:09 - How to Overcome Nerves on Camera 25:36 - Why Shorter Videos Take More Work 29:45 - Why Extra Energy Works on Camera 33:28 - How to Tell Stories Without Making Yourself the Hero 40:59 - How to Use B-Roll to Bring Stories Alive We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Ravinol Chambers:  - Website: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravchambers/  - Instagram: @beinspiredrav - Storytelling for Social Impact podcast: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/podcast  - Jack’s Story (Neurodiversity & Police project): https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/#jacksstory  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course   #IdeasOnStagePodcast #VideoStorytelling #StorytellingForBusiness #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills

    1h 19m
  4. 11/26/2025

    78. 90% of His Business Comes from Storytelling (Ciaran O’Donnell)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, we share a conversation with Ciaran O’Donnell – originally recorded as part of the Ideas on Stage Academy. We decided to repurpose it as a podcast episode so more people can learn from his inspiring communication journey and practical insights. Ciaran is a Virtual Finance Director. He launched Virtual FD in 2010 to help growing businesses access Finance Director–level advice before they’re ready for a full-time hire. A qualified accountant since 1998, he spent 12 years at Hutchison Whampoa, Three, and Carphone Warehouse – all with entrepreneurial beginnings. Since then, he has advised more than 100 startups and fast-growth companies, helping them grow, prepare to sell and stay on track. Ciaran was named CFO of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards 2019 and is a Finance Director of the Year finalist in the Accounting Excellence Awards 2023 and 2024. In this episode, we talked about how Ciaran became a better communicator What You'll Learn: - Why improving your communication can transform your career - How to rehearse and internalise your message to sound natural - How to use stories that make people care  - How pauses, breathing and feedback strengthen your delivery - How better communication can attract clients and grow your business In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 04:15 - Why a CFO Decided to Speak Better 07:57 - How One Imperfect Video Sparked Growth 10:00 - How to Know You’re Improving as a Speaker 17:22 - How Internalising Transforms Your Delivery 21:25 - The “So What” Framework  38:50 - The Birthday Speech He’ll Never Forget 43:58 - How a Slow Breath Changes Everything 47:55 - The Three Levels of Useful Feedback 52:12 - A Masterclass in Sharing Your Origin Story 55:07 - How Storytelling Drove 90% of His Revenue We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Ciaran O’Donnell: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranodonnell/  - Website: https://virtualfd.co/ - Ciaran’s first video: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6648942434724179968/  - A story about “It’s all about trust”: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ciaranodonnell_itsallabouttrust-storybridges-ownyournumbers-activity-7344251933672566787-KeWd  Mentions:  - Bernadette Jiwa  - Jimmy Cannon  - The Moth  Recommended books:  - Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

    57 min
  5. 11/12/2025

    77. How to Look Your Best On Stage and On Camera (Kay Korsh)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Kay Korsh. For over 20 years, Style Strategist Kay Korsh has been behind the scenes – dressing celebrities, consulting for luxury brands, and helping professional speakers dress in a way that aligns with their message. And that leads to more bookings, higher fees, and a whole lot more confidence on stage.  In this episode we talked about how your style shapes your presence – from common mistakes and myths to practical tips that help you look more like YOU on stage and on camera. What You'll Learn: - How to dress in a way that supports your message - What to avoid when preparing your look for a talk or video - Why looking like yourself helps you connect with your audience - How style influences the way people see and remember you - A small change that can improve how you show up immediately In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 08:49 - Align Your Look With the Venue 15:28 - Stop Dressing Like the Audience 41:36 - How to Instantly Improve Your Look We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Kay Korsh:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/  - Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com/  - Colour Quiz for Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest - How to Work with a Photographer: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/get-the-best-results-from-brand-photoshoot  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

    48 min
  6. 10/15/2025

    76. The 5 Stories That Shape You (Amanda Baker)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Amanda Baker.  Amanda Baker is a story strategist and coach who knows the future belongs to those brave enough to share their stories. Creator of the 5 Stories method, she shows creators and founders how to make a difference in the world and stay true to themselves through the stories only they can tell.  In this episode we talked about how to tell your story and why it matters. What You'll Learn: - Why your personal story matters - Common mistakes when telling your story - The 5 Stories framework to guide your message - Shaping stories that connect with your audience - Applying your stories across pitches, talks and websites We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Amanda Baker:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandatells5stories/ - Website: https://www.5stories.com/  Recommended books:  - How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price - Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport  - The Artist's Way by Julian Cameron  - Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr  - The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle  - Connect by Carole Robin Ph.D.  - The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer Mentions:  - Iris Murdoch: 'Unselfing'  - Polaroid’s campaign: Real stories. Not stories & reels - Elizabeth Gilbert ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/  - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course   #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Storytelling #LeadershipCommunication #PersonalBranding

    1h 12m
  7. 09/10/2025

    75. The Surprising Power of Being Kind (Graham Allcott)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Graham Allcott.Graham Allcott is an author, speaker and entrepreneur.He is the author of multiple books, including the global bestseller How to Be a Productivity Ninja, How to Have the Energy, and How to Fix Meetings. His latest book, KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, focuses on why organisations with kinder, more human-centred cultures are more successful. In this episode we talked about the power of kindness at work – from personal stories and Italian coffee traditions to leadership myths, culture change, and how silence can speak volumes.What You'll Learn:- Why kindness leads to better performance and stronger teams- The difference between being kind and being nice- How to lead with empathy without losing focus or urgency- Practical ways to build a culture of kindness at work- One small step you can take to lead more kindly todayIn This Episode:00:00 - Introduction11:16 - Caffé Sospeso in Naples 17:16 - The Business Case for Being Kind 25:15 - Kind vs Nice 31:26 - What to Do When Your Boss is Toxic38:44 - Timpson 48:42 - People First. Work Second. 01:03:03 - How to Make People Feel HeardWe hope you enjoy it! ———————Graham Allcott: - KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KIND-quiet-power-kindness-work/dp/1399417401 - KIND Free Resources: https://www.grahamallcott.com/kindful - Graham's mailing list: https://www.grahamallcott.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamallcott/ - Instagram: @grahamallcott - Other resources: https://www.grahamallcott.com/links Recommended books: - Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman- Humankind by Rutger Bregman - Utopia for Realists by Rutger Bregman———————IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/)- The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/ - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #KindnessAtWork #PeopleFirst

    1h 12m
  8. 08/13/2025

    74. The Power of Nonviolent Communication in Business (Mary Mackenzie)

    In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Mary Mackenzie.   Mary Mackenzie is an author, trained mediator, and CNVC Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. She holds a master's degree in human relations from Northern Arizona University and is the CEO of the NVC Academy, the only online school for learning Nonviolent Communication.   Mary teaches Nonviolent Communication to individuals, couples, families and organisations through a wide variety of workshops and retreats. Her book Peaceful Living: Daily Meditations for Living with Love, Healing and Compassion offers inspiring practical methods for creating peace in our everyday lives. In this episode we talked about using Nonviolent Communication to better understand needs, give feedback with care, build strong relationships and lead with empathy.   What You'll Learn: - How to hear the real needs behind what people say - How to give feedback without causing defensiveness - How to build strong relationships to get better results - How to lead difficult conversations with care and clarity - How to align your actions with your core values   We hope you enjoy it! ——————— Mary Mackenzie: https://www.nvcacademy.com/  https://marymackenzie.net/  mary@nvcacademy.com Book: Peaceful Living by Mary Mackenzie   Recommended books: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson ———————   IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES   Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/  and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/  The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events  Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

    45 min

About

The Ideas on Stage podcast is a monthly show about leadership communication. Each episode features top authors, speakers and experts sharing insights on business communication and public speaking. Our goal is to help you communicate with confidence and impact, whether at work or in everyday life. Past guests include: - Seth Godin - Guy Kawasaki - Daniel Pink - Terry Szuplat (Barack Obama's speechwriter) - Garr Reynolds - Dr. John Medina - Carmine Gallo - Dan Roam
 Watch or listen on your favourite podcast platform.