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. Why Your Tech Implementation Is Failing (And It’s Not the Software)

    13 APR

    Why Your Tech Implementation Is Failing (And It’s Not the Software)

    Why do most ERP, CRM, and tech implementations fail—even when the software is good? In this episode of Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting sits down with digital transformation expert Eric Kimberling to break down the real reason technology projects fail. Spoiler: It’s not the software. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Why ERP and CRM implementations failThe biggest leadership mistakes in digital transformationWhy more tools (Slack, Teams, Jira, etc.) often create more confusionHow lack of alignment destroys tech projectsWhy employee buy-in is the difference between success and failureHow to lead teams through resistance, burnout, and changeThe hidden risks of cloud software and AI adoption IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED: A failed tech rolloutToo many systems and no alignmentTeams refusing to adopt new toolsLeadership making poor technology decisionsEndless meetings with no progress This episode will hit home. THE BIG IDEA: Most companies think they have a technology problem. They don’t. They have a leadership and communication problem. ABOUT ERIC KIMBERLING: Eric Kimberling is the CEO of Third Stage Consulting and one of the most trusted independent advisors in ERP, CRM, and digital transformation. He helps organizations: Avoid costly tech failuresNavigate ERP and software selectionTurn around failing implementationsAlign leadership, teams, and execution ABOUT THE HOST: Jim Koetting is a TEDx speaker, executive coach, and trusted mentor helping leaders improve communication, alignment, and performance. RESOURCES AND LINKS: Website: https://ceomconsulting.com 5 Voices Assessment: https://ceomconsulting.giantos.com/store/5 SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: If you want to lead with clarity, communicate with authority, and build aligned, high-performing teams, subscribe to Speaking With Authority. New episodes released regularly.

    1 hr
  2. Self-Brain Surgery: Transform Your Life - with Dr. Lee Warren & Jim Koetting

    6 APR

    Self-Brain Surgery: Transform Your Life - with Dr. Lee Warren & Jim Koetting

    What if the biggest problem in your leadership… isn’t your team—but your thinking? In this powerful episode of Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting sits down with Dr. Lee Warren, a brain surgeon who has performed over 200 surgeries in Iraq—and then faced something far more difficult: rebuilding his own mind after unimaginable loss. This conversation goes far beyond neuroscience. It reveals a truth most leaders miss: You are not stuck with your thinking—and the way you think is shaping everything in your life. Dr. Warren breaks down: Why your brain creates “ruts” that control your behaviorHow your thoughts physically rewire your brain (not metaphor—biology)Why leaders fail—not from lack of knowledge, but flawed thinkingThe difference between your brain and your mind (this will challenge you)How trauma doesn’t define you—your response doesThe concept of “Self-Brain Surgery”—and how to apply it immediately Jim connects it directly to leadership: Why people don’t change… even with evidence Why leaders struggle to influence others And why the hardest leadership challenge is leading yourself This is not theory. This is practical, life-changing insight that can transform how you think, lead, and live. If you’ve ever thought: “Why do I keep doing this?” “Why can’t I change this pattern?” “Why won’t people see what I see?” This episode will hit you hard—in the best way. W. LEE WARREN, M.D. is an award-winning author, practicing neurosurgeon, and Iraq War veteran. Outside of the operating room, his writing and teaching serve as prescriptions for connecting neuroscience to faith for radical life transformation. He teaches the art and science of human flourishing on The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast, which is heard in 150 countries around the world weekly, on Substack (the bestselling Self-Brain Surgery™ Letter), and in his books. His latest book is The Life-Changing Art of Self-Brain Surgery: Connecting Neuroscience and Faith to Radically Transform Your Life. His book, Hope is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy, and Other Massive Things, was Outreach Magazine’s 2024 award winner for counseling and relationships. His stunning medical memoir, I've Seen the End of You: A Neurosurgeon's Look at Faith, Doubt, and the Things We Think We Know, was the Christian Book Award winner for Biography/Memoir in 2021. His first book, No Place to Hide, was named to the 2015 U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff's Professional Reading List. Dr. Warren lives in Nebraska with his wife Lisa. https://wleewarrenmd.com/ https://wleewarrenmd.com/books/the-life-changing-art-of-self-brain-surgery/

    1hr 4min
  3. Why Smart Leaders Still Fail at Communication | Joanna Wiebe

    18 MAR

    Why Smart Leaders Still Fail at Communication | Joanna Wiebe

    Why do some messages inspire action while others get ignored? In this episode of Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting sits down with Joanna Wiebe, founder of Copyhackers and a pioneer of conversion copywriting, to explore the psychology behind persuasive communication. Many leaders believe they are communicating clearly — yet poor messaging costs companies billions every year in lost opportunities, confusion, and disengagement. Joanna explains why the words we choose matter more than most leaders realize and how understanding human psychology can dramatically improve communication with customers, employees, and partners. Together they explore how small changes in language can produce massive business results, why most communication fails inside organizations, and what leaders can do immediately to become more persuasive communicators. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, marketer, or communicator, this conversation will change the way you think about words. What You'll Learn in This Episode • Why most business communication fails • The psychology behind words that move people to act • How a single sentence increased conversions by 400% • Why persuasion is one of the most important leadership skills • The “You Rule” that instantly improves your messaging • Why AI can generate words but still struggles with persuasion • How great leaders use storytelling to influence and inspire About Joanna Wiebe Joanna Wiebe is the founder of Copyhackers and Copy School, where she has trained thousands of marketers, founders, and entrepreneurs in conversion copywriting and persuasion psychology. Her work has helped companies generate millions in revenue simply by improving how they communicate. About the Host Jim Koetting is a Trusted Mentor and Coach who helps leaders increase influence, improve communication, and build stronger organizations through greater self-awareness and leadership development. Subscribe for More Conversations on Leadership and Influence. On Speaking With Authority, Jim Koetting interviews leaders, entrepreneurs, and communication experts about what it really takes to influence people, build trust, and lead effectively.

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

    6 JAN

    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.

    1hr 12min
  5. Why Most Experts Have Zero Authority

    19/11/2025

    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

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.