Sparks Squared Speakeasy

Figary Learning
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Management

Welcome to Sparks Squared Speakeasy. This is where leadership conversations get real. Each week we open the door to the kind of discussions leaders usually have behind closed doors. No scripts. No corporate polish. Just honest conversations about leadership, workplace culture, service excellence, and what it really takes to lead people well. Hosted by Cassandra Spark, Boldness Coach, and Ewan Riccio-Laing, founder of Figary Learning, this podcast brings bold perspectives, practical insights, and real stories from the front lines of leadership. If you’re tired of leadership clichés and want conversations that are thoughtful, candid, and occasionally a little cheeky, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and step inside the speakeasy. New conversations drop regularly, and you can also join the discussion with new episodes every Friday!

Episodes

  1. May 23

    14. A Different Type of Trust Fund

    In this episode of Sparks Squared Speakeasy, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks dive into the concept of the Emotional Bank Account and how trust, empathy, communication, and authenticity shape our relationships as leaders, colleagues, friends, and humans.   Episode HighlightsWhy leadership is built on trust and meaningful human connectionUnderstanding the “Emotional Bank Account” concept from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleThe importance of making intentional “deposits” through listening, empathy, respect, and supportHow poor communication, negativity, and lack of trust create emotional “withdrawals”Why different people value different types of recognition and connectionEmotional bank accounts in leadership, friendships, and romantic relationshipsThe impact of “emotional vampires” and draining workplace culturesReal-world stories about vulnerability, authenticity, and human kindnessHow self-awareness helps leaders strengthen relationships and reduce frictionCourage Challenge of the WeekThis week, pay attention to: One way you intentionally deposit into someone’s emotional bank accountOne moment where you may have unintentionally made a withdrawalAwareness is the first step toward stronger, healthier relationships.   Connect with the HostsCassandra Sparks Instagram: @CassandraSparksYOU Ewan Riccio-Laing LinkedIn & Socials: @EwanRiccioLaing Follow Figary Learning for leadership and learning content. Featured CollaborationOwn the Room, Tell Your Story A workshop experience designed to help people communicate with confidence, present authentically, and tell powerful stories.

    38 min

  2. May 17

    13. Boldness Plus: Confidence, Chaos & Catchphrases

    In this episode, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks kick off a fresh new format for Spark Squared Speakeasy while diving into a powerful concept: Boldness Plus. Together, they explore how boldness changes depending on what we pair it with. From confidence and empathy to creativity and even arrogance, this conversation unpacks how intentionality shapes the way we lead, communicate, and show up in everyday life. The episode also revisits the latest Friday Courage Challenge and highlights the power of pausing before reacting in difficult conversations. ✨ In This Episode:The meaning behind Spark Squared SpeakeasyWhat “Boldness Plus” meansConfidence vs. arrogance in leadershipWhy self-awareness mattersThe power of intentional communicationHow boldness evolves moment to moment🎯 Friday Courage Challenge:This week, add something to your boldness equation: Boldness + Grit Boldness + Creativity Boldness + Empathy Ask yourself: How are you showing up boldly this week? 📱 Follow: @FigaryLearning @EwanRiccioLaing @CassandraSparksYOU

    26 min

  3. May 1

    12. It’s Not What You Say … It’s How It Lands 🎯

    This week on Spark Squared Speakeasy, we’re talking managing up and why it’s not about saying more… it’s about making your message land. Because here’s the truth: 👉 People don’t hold back because they lack ideas. 👉 They hold back because of how they think they’ll be perceived.   🔥In This Episode Why “saying it right” isn’t enoughHow small word changes (hello “and” vs “but”) shift conversationsWhat happens when passion turns into tensionHow to stay grounded when pressure hits💡The Big Takeaway If your message creates resistance… 👉 it’s not what you said, it’s how it landed. 🎯Friday Courage Challenge Don’t hold back your point. Pause, ground yourself, and ask: 👉 “Am I proving something… or moving this forward?”

    31 min

  4. Apr 23

    11. Confidence Is Cute. Presence Wins.

    What if the problem isn’t what you’re saying… but how you’re showing up? In this episode of Spark Squared Speakeasy, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks pull back the curtain on one of the biggest leadership myths out there: that more explanation equals more clarity. Spoiler alert… it doesn’t. Because here’s the truth most leaders miss: your team can understand you perfectly… and still not move an inch. So what’s really going on? This week’s conversation dives into the gap between understanding and buy-in, and why logic alone isn’t enough to create momentum inside your team. From real-world training rooms to global leadership experiences, Ewan and Cassandra unpack what actually drives engagement, ownership, and action. You’ll hear how over-explaining can quietly erode connection, why leaders often default to “more detail, more slides, more talking,” and how that approach can leave teams feeling talked at instead of brought in. And here’s where it gets interesting… Understanding is logical. Buy-in is emotional. Which means if your team isn’t moving, you don’t have a clarity problem… you have a connection problem.   The conversation then shifts into a powerful reframe around confidence vs. presence. Because while confidence might look good on the surface, it’s presence that builds trust. Cassandra shares a standout moment from a live training where dropping the “perfect delivery” and leaning into real, human emotion completely transformed how the message landed. The result? A room full of people leaning in, connecting deeply, and actually feeling the message instead of just hearing it.   Ewan brings in his global leadership experience, highlighting what it takes to lead diverse teams across cultures, and why the most effective leaders don’t just repeat the message… they adapt how it’s delivered without losing its core. Together, they land on a bold but simple truth: 👉 Leadership isn’t about saying more. 👉 It’s about connecting more. This episode is packed with real talk, practical insight, and a refreshing reminder that leadership isn’t performance… it’s presence. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why more explanation doesn’t fix disengagementThe difference between understanding and emotional buy-inHow over-explaining can damage team connectionWhy presence beats polish every single timeHow to adapt your leadership style without losing your messageWhat your team is really asking in every conversation⚡ Friday Courage Challenge:In your next conversation, focus less on what you’re going to say… and more on how you’re going to show up. Try this: Ask one better questionPause longer than feels comfortableActually listen to the answerBecause when people feel connected… everything else gets easier. Pull up a chair, leaders. This is the conversation you weren’t meant to overhear… but absolutely needed to hear.

    33 min

  5. Apr 10

    10. Keep Calm… Something Else Just Changed.

    🎙️ Spark Squared Speakeasy | EP10Navigating Change: From Survival Mode to Sustainable Leadership Welcome back to the Speakeasy. The doors are open, the conversation is real, and this week we’re diving into one of the most constant forces in leadership… change. From new leadership energy to ongoing organizational shifts, Ewan and Cassandra unpack what adaptability really looks like and why most teams don’t resist change… they quietly survive it. 🔥 What We’re Talking AboutThis episode explores two powerful realities leaders face: The impact of new leadership entering a teamThe weight of constant, layered change over time At the heart of both? One question every team member is asking: 👉 “What just changed… and what does that mean for me?”  💡 Key Takeaways1. Adaptability Isn’t About Speed. It’s About Meaning.2. Clarity Creates Confidence3. New Leaders: Slow Down to Build Trust4. Change Fatigue Isn’t Resistance5. Humans First. Employees Second. Always.6. The Best Leaders Create Stability in Motion🎯 Friday Courage ChallengeThis week, don’t just announce change. 👉 Answer the question your team is already asking: “What just changed… and what does that mean for me?” Be intentional and specific: What stays the same?What is shifting?What should they focus on right now? Because when people don’t have to guess… 👉 They can actually adapt. 🍸 Final SipIf this episode sparked something for you, pull up another chair and share it with someone who needs it. Because leadership isn’t about controlling change. It’s about helping people move through it… with clarity, confidence, and just enough spark ✨ 📲 Connect with USCassandra Sparks: @CassandraSparksYOUEwan Riccio-Laing / Figary Learning: @FigaryLearning & @ewanricciolaingAnd yes… do it for Laura 😉

    31 min

  6. Mar 27

    9. Ch-ch-changes

    This week, we’re getting real about change, adaptability… and giving a fig. From rebranding a business (👀 hello, Figury Learning!) to navigating the messy middle of transformation, this episode is all about what it actually takes to lead through change without losing your mind—or your authenticity. 💥 Inside the conversation: Why people don’t resist change… they resist how it’s doneThe power of keeping it simple (and honest) when everything feels uncertainWhat it really means to meet people where they areHow bold, human communication beats corporate polish every single timeAnd yes… a LOT of fig-based puns 🌱 This one’s equal parts leadership insight, real talk, and chaotic brilliance—just the way we like it. 🎯 This week’s Courage Challenge: Pause. Ask what feels unclear about a change you’re facing. Then listen—without fixing. Because real change starts with understanding. Pull up a chair. The speakeasy doors are open. 🍸

    35 min

  7. Mar 20

    8. Leading Creativity

    💡 Ever wondered why some teams seem more innovative than others? The secret isn’t talent, but a culture where failure is just data, not a dead-end. In our experience, the most successful teams play full-out, letting ideas rain down without critique — even the bad ones. Why? Because the magic happens when people feel safe to share wild, unfiltered thoughts. When leaders foster an environment of trust and curiosity, creativity blossoms and solutions emerge naturally. It’s not about perfection; it’s about action and embracing uncertainty.What’s one small thing you can do today to make your team feel safer sharing their ideas? Maybe it’s as simple as saying, “There are no bad ideas here — just opportunities to learn.” Think about it. When was the last time someone truly felt safe to speak up, even if their idea seemed “off”? Let’s break the silence, together.

    39 min

  8. Mar 13

    Sparks Squared Speakeasy ep7

    The conversation covers the topics of leadership, influence, and motivation, with a focus on the importance of clarity in leadership. It explores the impact of leading with influence, the relationship between clarity and motivation, and the spectrum of clarity in leadership. The conversation explores the impact of confusion on momentum, the importance of clarity in leadership, the skill of prioritization, and the use of the Four Box Principle for organizing priorities. It emphasizes the role of leaders in providing clarity and the consequences of workplace roulette and imposter syndrome. The discussion also highlights the significance of effective communication of priorities and the impact of clarity on team progress. Takeaways Leading with influence empowers othersClarity is essential for motivation and success in leadership Clarity is essential for creating forward momentum in teams.Effective communication of priorities and expectations is crucial for team success. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to SparkSquared SpeakEasy09:01 Clarity is the New Motivation15:46 The Spectrum of Clarity21:45 The Impact of Confusion on Momentum27:57 Clarity and Forward Momentum33:04 The Four Box Principle

    40 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Welcome to Sparks Squared Speakeasy. This is where leadership conversations get real. Each week we open the door to the kind of discussions leaders usually have behind closed doors. No scripts. No corporate polish. Just honest conversations about leadership, workplace culture, service excellence, and what it really takes to lead people well. Hosted by Cassandra Spark, Boldness Coach, and Ewan Riccio-Laing, founder of Figary Learning, this podcast brings bold perspectives, practical insights, and real stories from the front lines of leadership. If you’re tired of leadership clichés and want conversations that are thoughtful, candid, and occasionally a little cheeky, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and step inside the speakeasy. New conversations drop regularly, and you can also join the discussion with new episodes every Friday!

Information

  • Creator
    Figary Learning
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Figary Learning
  • Show Website
    Sparks Squared Speakeasy