Speaking With Authority

Jim Koetting

Speaking With Authority is the podcast where powerful voices unpack the art and science of leadership, coaching, and communication. Hosted by Jim Koetting, a seasoned speaker and trusted mentor, each episode features in-depth conversations with keynote speakers, leadership experts, and communication pros who influence rooms—and change lives. Whether you're on stage, in the boardroom, or leading a team, this show will give you the insights, tools, and inspiration to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Because real authority doesn’t come from titles—it comes from your voice.

  1. Stop Using PowerPoint Like a Crutch (Speak With Authority Instead)

    JAN 6

    Stop Using PowerPoint Like a Crutch (Speak With Authority Instead)

    Most people think “better communication” means finding better words. In this episode of Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting sits down with Christopher Lincoln, founder of NeuroSpeak, to unpack the truth: communication is a neuroscience and nervous system skill before it’s a language skill. Chris has coached CEOs, executive teams, sales leaders, and highly technical professionals who have the title—but struggle to create clarity, trust, influence, and confidence under pressure. Together, Jim and Chris explore what happens in the brain when stakes are high: cortisol spikes, memory access drops, fear hijacks logic, and even great leaders accidentally create stress in the people they’re trying to help. Then the conversation turns personal and unforgettable: Chris shares his experience volunteering in Ukraine during the war, serving families while air-raid sirens and missile threats were part of daily life. You’ll hear how calm leadership, empathy, and psychological safety become essential when everything is uncertain. They also dive into a wild story from Chris’s early career: arriving in the United States to teach music… and discovering he’d be teaching piano (and later drums) with almost no time to prepare. That experience becomes a powerful metaphor for learning fast, managing fear, and performing under pressure—and how music, rhythm, and emotion can shape executive presence and persuasive speaking. If you’re a CEO, founder, leader, or high-performing professional who needs to speak clearly in high-stakes moments—this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why neuroscience beats scripts and “perfect wording”How cortisol destroys clarity and memory in tense conversationsHow leaders accidentally increase stress in meetings (and what to do instead)The “charisma zone”: balancing competence and warmthWhy communication is a nervous system issue (breathing, tension, pace)Communication lessons from working in a war zoneHow music can create emotion and engagement instantlyThe #1 blind spot leaders have when they watch themselves speak: facial flatliningChris’s #1 practical tip: stop using PowerPoint as a speaking crutch Guest:Christopher Lincoln — Founder, NeuroSpeak (Communication + Neuroscience Coaching) Host:Jim Koetting — Trusted Mentor and Coach | Speaking With Authority If this helped, like, subscribe, and share it with a leader who needs to communicate with more confidence under pressure.

    1h 12m
  2. Why Most Experts Have Zero Authority

    11/19/2025

    Why Most Experts Have Zero Authority

    *Stop Selling. Start Owning Your Authority* Authority is the difference between being “one of many” and being the go-to person everyone calls when things get messy. In this episode of Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting sits down with five-time author and Three Dog Right founder Lisa Apolinski to unpack how real authority power works in an uncertain, noisy, digital-first world. Lisa shares how growing up in a family business shaped her view of authority: you have an area of genius, people know it, and they come to you when the stakes are high. Then she contrasts that with Fortune 500 culture, where most leaders still cling to features, benefits, and “me too” services instead of clearly owning the pain they solve and the result they deliver. You’ll hear how clarity around the real problem you solve turns you from a “vitamin” into a “painkiller,” why cutting prices is a race to the bottom, and how a single authority shift helped a client go from selling a handful of licenses to thousands—without working more hours. Lisa also walks through defining statements, thought followership, generosity in business, and why you can’t spell authority without author. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • How to uncover the real business you’re in • Why clarity, generosity, and authority attract right-fit clients • Practical steps to unleash your own authority power #Authority #GoToExpert #ThoughtLeadership #JimKoetting #LisaApolinski

    59 min
  3. Unlocking Connection: Michelle Machado's Global Insights on Presence Over Performance

    10/22/2025

    Unlocking Connection: Michelle Machado's Global Insights on Presence Over Performance

    Join TEDx speaker and global educator Michelle Machado as she shares her transformative journey across four continents, exploring the shift from performance to presence in a digitally distracted world. Discover how her multicultural experiences have shaped her understanding of connection and identity, and learn practical insights on fostering authentic human connections in today's fast-paced environment. https://michelledmachado.com/ Tune in to this engaging episode to uncover the secrets of balancing technology with meaningful human interactions. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation! I help organizations measure and close productivity gaps that silently erode profits and burn out top performers. My process starts with a Leadership and Culture Audit—using data, digital exhaust, and observation—to expose the leadership patterns causing inefficiency. Then, through speaking and consulting, I help transform those insights into a more productive, scalable culture. If your company hires keynote speakers, you’re my ideal client. I’m not a motivational speaker—I’m a leadership catalyst. I help executives identify the hidden productivity gaps that kill growth, starting with a measurable Leadership & Culture Audit that reveals how leadership behaviors impact your bottom line. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🔥 CONNECT WITH JIM KOETTING Website: https://www.ceomconsulting.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimkoetting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jim.koetting.2025/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkoetting1/ Twitter (X): https://x.com/jkoetting TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/_ZMUUgufLvM?si=WqkFZzFo4jWfaDaN Free 5 Voices Assessment: https://ceomconsulting.giantos.com/store/5-voices Schedule a Call: https://calendly.com/jkoetting/30min_zoom ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙 PODCAST – Speaking With Authority Learn from top leaders on culture, influence, and team performance. Listen on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #TeamProductivity #ExecutiveCoaching #LeadershipTraining #JimKoetting #SpeakingWithAuthority #CEOMConsulting

    1 hr

About

Speaking With Authority is the podcast where powerful voices unpack the art and science of leadership, coaching, and communication. Hosted by Jim Koetting, a seasoned speaker and trusted mentor, each episode features in-depth conversations with keynote speakers, leadership experts, and communication pros who influence rooms—and change lives. Whether you're on stage, in the boardroom, or leading a team, this show will give you the insights, tools, and inspiration to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Because real authority doesn’t come from titles—it comes from your voice.