Speak by Design

Stephanie Bickel
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Leadership communication strategies to help you become a consistently compelling force.  Be impeccable with your words.  Improve your beliefs around communication to help your messages create action. Hosted by Stephanie Bickel Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. 2026 - Episode 2 - Bob Iger

    10H AGO

    2026 - Episode 2 - Bob Iger

    New here? This is not the place to start! Begin with Episode 1 and follow the sequence 1–50, designed as a private coaching journey.At Speak by Design, we analyze speakers by their style, structure, and strategy — and today's subject is one of the most quietly compelling leaders in business: Bob Iger, outgoing CEO of The Walt Disney Company.Iger officially hands the CEO role to Josh D'Amaro on March 18, 2026 Fox Business, closing one of the most storied leadership runs in corporate history. Before he exits the stage, we're studying exactly what makes him so worth watching.Bob Iger is not a dramatic communicator. He's not flashy, not intense for intensity's sake. He doesn't crowd the room with himself. And yet, when he speaks, people listen. Why? Because he sounds like a leader people can trust. Measured. Wise. Clear. Safe. Secure. He sounds like someone who has already cut through the noise. Someone who doesn't need to prove he's in charge, because his steadiness does that for him.What's covered in this episode:➤ Style — How Bob Iger shows up: his body language, his voice, and the personal brand he projects through calm authority (not anxious authority). Nothing rushed. Nothing performative. Nothing aggressive.➤ Structure — How he builds a message that lands without theatrics.➤ Strategy — How he connects with and influences all audiences from investors to employees to the public.The big takeaway: executive presence does not have to be theatrical. In fact, sometimes it's more trustworthy when it isn't. Bob Iger is the perfect example.Search Bob Iger on YouTube and watch him speak to large audiences, especially investor audiences. You'll see exactly what we mean. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    11 min
  2. 2026 - Episode 1 - Leadership Communication Trends

    5D AGO

    2026 - Episode 1 - Leadership Communication Trends

    2026 Update | What's New at Speak by Design This episode is an update for our active clients, not a place to start. New here? Begin with Episode 1 and follow the sequence 1–50, designed as a private coaching journey.Stephanie Bickel is back with an exciting update on everything happening at Speak by Design in 2026 and there's a lot to share.What's covered in this episode:➤ Sharpen and Elevate in Chicago on July 15th, 2026. Join us for a full day of live development: sharpen your executive presence, body language, voice, leadership brand, and on-your-feet thinking. (Companies: ask us about bringing this to your team!)➤ Speak by Design Coaching CertificationDo you want to coach leadership communication inside your organization? Certification kicks off in July. Perfect for HR leaders, internal comms, and executive coaches.➤ Speak by Design UniversityNow an annual, start-anytime program with 1:1 private coaching, a guided skill development path, and a portfolio of communication assets you'll actually use.Plus, Stephanie shares 5 trends she's hearing from clients right now: • Being told you're "too rude" — and what feedback to actually take seriously • Tech & AI storytelling challenges for coders and developers • Reigniting energy in multi-year transformations • Team building after reductions and reorgs • How to think (and speak) like a CEONext episode: A deep dive into studying Bob Iger. Bob is one of the most compelling speakers for investor audiences. Search him on YouTube and come ready.Links:Start the program: https://speakbydesign.com/joinChicago event info: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Certification inquiries: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification/join Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    14 min
  3. Season 2 - Increase Conflict Tolerance - Part 2

    11/15/2025

    Season 2 - Increase Conflict Tolerance - Part 2

    What happens after the conflict is often more damaging than the conflict itself. Most of us retreat, replay the moment endlessly, or vent to the wrong people—quietly eroding trust and making repair feel impossible. In this episode, you’ll learn how to bounce back stronger with simple mindset shifts, powerful self-talk, and a heart-to-heart approach that restores confidence and connection. Tune in to build real resilience for the toughest conversations at work. How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    10 min
  4. Season 2 - Increase Conflict Tolerance - Part 1

    11/12/2025

    Season 2 - Increase Conflict Tolerance - Part 1

    When the disagreement happens, how do you show up? Are you frowning? Raising your voice? Or cowering? The difference between leaders who crumble and those who command calm isn’t temperament. It’s a practiced mindset. Conflict doesn’t have to drain you; it can define you. The most influential leaders turn tense moments into turning points. In this lesson, we explore how to rise above the heat and handle disagreement with ease. You’ll walk away thinking differently about conflict and maybe even proud when people disagree with you. Speak by Design University begins again January 1, 2026, with registration opening December 1. Join the waitlist now at speakbydesign.com/join Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    25 min
  5. 50 | Build New Communication Habits

    12/29/2024

    50 | Build New Communication Habits

    How do great leaders create lasting communication habits? If you have followed all 50 lessons you are now wondering, "How do I take what I've learned and turn it into lasting change?" Start with believing the change is possible and then build your desire for change. Want to deliver clearer updates, craft more compelling stories, and exude confidence every time you speak. You’ll learn the proven steps to developing new communication habits—starting today—and hear inspiring stories of how others have elevated their skills. While this is the end of the lesson series; it’s the beginning of your practicum. Now, practice is required to create those new habits. *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. If you register by December 31st, you will receive the full Anniversary plan in its entirety and the discounts. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    26 min
  6. 49 | Coach Others

    12/15/2024

    49 | Coach Others

    How do you define a great coach? Is it someone who simply listens, or someone who motivates, guides, and teaches with clarity? In this lesson, we unpack the art of coaching—an essential skill for everyone, regardless of their role. Whether you're managing a team, working across departments, or guiding a peer, coaching is your chance to inspire growth and impact at every level. Join us as we explore the five pivotal coaching moments in professional relationships. From establishing rapport to setting growth expectations, providing actionable feedback, and mastering the art of listening during vulnerable moments, this episode is packed with practical strategies to elevate your coaching game. Learn how to transform your feedback into motivation, avoid common pitfalls, and design the future you want for yourself and those around you. Don’t miss this dynamic conversation—it’s time to coach with clarity and compassion. *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    23 min
  7. 48 | Coach Yourself

    12/08/2024

    48 | Coach Yourself

    Did you know the best coach you'll ever have is already with you—every moment of every day? It’s you. We’ll show you how to master the art of self-coaching, turning that critical inner voice into your greatest cheerleader. Through real-world scenarios and actionable strategies, we dive into what it means to truly coach yourself. Learn how to replace self-doubt with confidence, move past mistakes with resilience, and develop the kind of nurturing inner dialogue that fuels growth. We’ll guide you through five transformative steps to quiet self-criticism, focus on progress, and unlock a stronger, more self-assured version of you. This is your moment to take control of your mindset and embrace the powerful leader within. Don’t miss this empowering episode—it’s time to become your own greatest coach. *** **This is the last month to take advantage of the Anniversary Year discounts for Speak by Design University. We've designed an amazing array of lessons and trainings to grow your leadership communication skills. Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    23 min
  8. 47 | Be a Great Writer

    12/01/2024

    47 | Be a Great Writer

    Coaching Great Writing as a Leadership Skill Leaders, here’s a reality check: the presentation may impress in the moment, but it’s the written word that endures. Your emails, memos, and documents are what people reference, share, and rely on long after the meeting is over. That’s why great leaders don’t just write well—they coach their teams to write with clarity, impact, and precision. In this episode, we’re giving you the tools to level up your own writing and guide your team to do the same. Discover how to master the 3S model of great writing: strategy, structure, and style. From crafting an outline that sets the foundation, to using vigorous language that eliminates fluff, we’re sharing actionable tips to make every word count. Whether you’re helping a team member refine their message or shaping a critical communication for your organization, these tips and tricks will transform the way you approach the written word. Tune in and learn how to create writing that’s clear, compelling, and built to last! *** How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    24 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Leadership communication strategies to help you become a consistently compelling force.  Be impeccable with your words.  Improve your beliefs around communication to help your messages create action. Hosted by Stephanie Bickel Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Bickel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephanie Bickel
  • Show Website
    Speak by Design

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