IDEAS+LEADERS

Elena Paweta
IDEAS+LEADERS

Effective communication skills are essential in your career. Each Monday, join Dr Elena Paweta, executive communication coach and TEDx organiser, as she interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs on business communication, leadership and building relationships. If you want to progress in your career, become more charismatic and impactful leader, or just want to hear advice from top business leaders, this is the podcast for you.

  1. JUN 9

    249. How to Become a Published Author - Everett O’Keefe

    In the episode 249 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Everett O’Keefe, a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international #1 bestselling author and the founder of Ignite Press. With more than 200 bestselling book launches behind him, Everett is a leading voice in hybrid publishing - helping entrepreneurs and professionals turn their ideas into influence through authorship. We dive into why publishing a book is still one of the most powerful tools for business growth and thought leadership. Everett shares how the right book can enhance your credibility, open doors to speaking engagements, attract ideal clients, and become a long-term business asset. We also go behind the scenes of what it really takes to launch a successful book - and how hybrid publishing offers an author-friendly alternative to traditional routes. From choosing a strategic topic to building community and visibility around your book, this conversation is packed with practical insights for any leader ready to write their next chapter - literally. Highlights include: Why books still matter in the digital age How to pick a topic aligned with your brand The truth about hybrid publishing vs. self-publishing How authorship builds community and influence First steps for business leaders ready to become published authors Learn more about Everett’s work at ignitepress.us and connect with him through The AuthorMind and Book Publishers Network. Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    31 min
  2. JUN 2

    248. The Art of Conscious Conversations - Chuck Wisner

    In the episode 248 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I sit down with Chuck Wisner, renowned leadership advisor, communication expert, and author of The Art of Conscious Conversations. With decades of experience coaching Fortune 200 leaders, teaching mediation at Harvard Law School, and studying organizational learning at MIT, Chuck brings a rare depth of insight into how we talk, listen, and lead. We dive into his transformative framework for conscious communication - starting with awareness, ego, and the silent “private conversations” we all have that shape our relationships and decisions. Chuck shares the four essential questions that can shift even the most difficult conversations toward clarity and connection, whether in the boardroom or around the dinner table. You’ll walk away with powerful tools to break free from autopilot thinking, handle disagreement with curiosity instead of defensiveness, and repair communication breakdowns with grace and purpose. This is a must-listen for leaders who want to lead with greater empathy, intention, and influence - in every interaction. Topics Include: What drives unconscious communication - and how to shift it The surprising power of saying “no” How to reduce misunderstandings in high-stakes conversations Building habits that support emotional intelligence at work and home Learn more at chuckwisner.com Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    30 min
  3. MAY 26

    247. Why the Future of Business Is Deeply Human - Kelly Hall

    In this thought-provoking episode of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Kelly Winegarden Hall, a powerhouse leadership consultant with over 30 years of experience leading global teams and transforming organizational cultures. As the founder of Live L.A.R.G.E. LLC, Kelly is on a mission to help leaders shift their companies from survival mode to true human thriving. Kelly’s new book, Love Works, makes a radical and timely argument: love - not control, fear, or pressure - is the new competitive advantage. Together, we explore what “love” really means in the workplace, how it drives performance and profit, and how leaders can start showing up with courage, care, and authenticity - starting today. From leading through chaos to building deeply loyal teams, Kelly shares actionable insights on navigating uncertainty, cultivating resilient cultures, and creating organizations rooted in trust, purpose, and inclusion. If you’ve ever wondered whether empathy and performance can truly go hand in hand - this episode will expand your mindset. 💡 Key Themes: What love-driven leadership looks like in real business settings How to lead through crisis with authenticity and clarity The link between connection, culture, and long-term success Inclusion, self-management, and the future of DEI in organizations Learn more about Kelly’s work at Home - Kelly Winegarden Hall Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    29 min
  4. MAY 19

    246. Winning the Talent War - Cary Sparrow

    In the episode 246 of IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast, I’m joined by Cary Sparrow, a former U.S. Navy submarine officer turned tech entrepreneur, and the CEO of WageScape - a company that’s revolutionizing how businesses understand the labor market and compete for top talent. We explore Cary’s unique journey from commanding nuclear submarines to building one of the most advanced labor market intelligence platforms in the world. He shares how his military background shaped his leadership style, why traditional compensation data is failing companies, and how real-time pay insights are changing the game for HR leaders and executives. You’ll learn how next-gen labor market intelligence empowers companies to make smarter, faster, and fairer hiring decisions - and why wage transparency is both a challenge and an opportunity for modern organizations. Cary also reveals what today’s most innovative companies are doing differently to win the talent war, and what every business leader should know to stay ahead. 🚀 Whether you're in HR, leading a team, or shaping strategy at the executive level - this episode will give you a fresh, data-powered perspective on the future of work. You can contact Cary here Cary Sparrow | LinkedIn Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    29 min
  5. MAY 12

    245. Leading Change Bigger Than Yourself - Evan Mawarire

    In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Evan Mawarire, Zimbabwean pastor, global human rights advocate, and fearless founder of the #ThisFlag movement. Evan became a global symbol of nonviolent resistance when his heartfelt video recorded in frustration and hope ignited a nationwide call for justice in Zimbabwe. We dive deep into the origin of #ThisFlag, the unimaginable risks he took to speak truth to power, and how he found strength through faith, values, and storytelling. Evan opens up about writing his book Crazy Epic Courage and the most difficult moments of his journey - from imprisonment to exile, and what true courage really feels like in the face of fear. You’ll learn what it takes to build a movement grounded in purpose, how to lead with integrity under pressure, and why resilience is born in the darkest valleys. Whether you're a business leader, activist, or changemaker, Evan’s story will move and empower you to lead with conviction, even when the stakes are high. 🕊️ Don't miss this raw and inspiring conversation about courage, conviction, and leading change bigger than yourself. 👉 Learn more about Evan at evanmawarire.com and follow him on LinkedIn. 📘 Grab your copy of Crazy Epic Courage and take your own bold step forward. Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    30 min
  6. APR 28

    243. Cultivating Human-Centric Leadership - Andrea Wanerstrand

    In the episode 243 of the IDEAS+LEADERS Podcast we are diving deep into leadership, mindset, and workplace culture with Andrea Wanerstrand, Founder & CEO of A3 Culture Lab and a leadership coach with over 20 years of global consulting experience. Andrea has helped top organizations like Microsoft and T-Mobile create human-centric cultures that champion authenticity, autonomy, and accountability. In this episode, she shares her powerful insights on transforming workplaces, leading with emotional intelligence, and building high-performing, energized teams. We also discuss her exciting upcoming project - Mindset Maven, a coaching platform designed to help leaders optimize their energy, productivity, and confidence. Tune in to learn: What human-centric leadership really looks like How to balance empathy and authority as a leader Why optimizing your mental and physical energy is crucial for success Practical steps to foster authenticity and autonomy within your team How to drive business results and create a thriving, humane workplace If you’re a leader who wants to energize your team and elevate your leadership impact, you won't want to miss this conversation! You can contact Andrea here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreawanerstrand/ Thank you for joining me on this episode of IDEAS+LEADERS. If you enjoyed this episode, please share, subscribe and review so that more people can enjoy the podcast on Apple https://apple.co/3fKv9IH or Spotify https://sptfy.com/Nrtq.

    25 min
5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Effective communication skills are essential in your career. Each Monday, join Dr Elena Paweta, executive communication coach and TEDx organiser, as she interviews business leaders and entrepreneurs on business communication, leadership and building relationships. If you want to progress in your career, become more charismatic and impactful leader, or just want to hear advice from top business leaders, this is the podcast for you.

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