The Charismatic Leader

Brett McDermott
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Charisma is the difference between being heard and being followed. In The Charismatic Leader, Brett McDermott unpacks the skills, strategies, and stories behind Confidence, Connection and Real Influence. Through solo episodes and interviews with world-class leaders, performers and communication experts, you’ll learn how to inspire loyalty, communicate with impact, and become the leader people show up for.

  1. 3D AGO

    #160 - How To Be The Leader People Would Run Through A Wall For with Dr. Matt Paden

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Dr. Matt Paden, president of Great Days Leadership and author of The Core: Eight Principles for Building Strong Authentic Leadership. Matt brings decades of experience helping leaders and organizations move from where they are to where they need to be by focusing on authenticity, influence, and value creation. Together, Brett and Matt explore why leadership isn’t about titles or power—it’s about credibility, congruence, and connection. They discuss how leaders can build trust by aligning words with actions, why culture change is the hardest but most impactful shift an organization can make, and how endings are often necessary for new growth. Matt also shares his inside‑out approach to leadership, emphasizing self‑awareness, presence, and the daily habits that inspire people to follow because they want to, not because they have to. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to create healthier cultures, inspire genuine commitment, and lead with authenticity in a world that often rewards performance over presence. Key Takeaways Leadership as authentic influence that creates valueWhy credibility and congruence drive trust and followershipThe challenges and opportunities of culture changeThe importance of endings in creating space for new beginningsCore principles for leading from the inside out with presence and care

    28 min
  2. #159 - Your Main Job As A Leader is to Manage Relationships with Mike Robbins

    FEB 19

    #159 - Your Main Job As A Leader is to Manage Relationships with Mike Robbins

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Mike Robbins, acclaimed author, speaker, and expert on emotional intelligence and workplace culture. Mike has spent decades helping leaders and teams build trust, connection, and resilience through authenticity and appreciation. Together, Brett and Mike explore the critical difference between recognition (performance‑based feedback) and appreciation (valuing people for who they are). They discuss why authentic appreciation is often missing in organizations, how leaders can practice it daily, and why it’s essential for psychological safety and team performance. Mike also shares personal stories from his baseball career and life setbacks, showing how vulnerability, curiosity, and asking for help can transform leadership. This conversation is packed with practical tools and heartfelt insights for leaders who want to inspire loyalty, foster trust, and create cultures where people feel truly valued. Key Takeaways: The difference between recognition vs. appreciationDaily habits to build trust and psychological safetyWhy asking for help models vulnerability and strengthens teamsHow setbacks can become growth opportunities with the right mindsetThe contagious power of positivity and emotional intelligence in leadership

    31 min
  3. #158 - How Leaders Can Tactically Leverage Authenticity with Ron Tite

    FEB 14

    #158 - How Leaders Can Tactically Leverage Authenticity with Ron Tite

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Ron Tite, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Church+State, one of Canada’s fastest‑growing agencies helping brands navigate the intersection of advertising and authentic content. Ron is also a globally recognized keynote speaker known for his sharp insights on leadership, creativity, and communication. Together, Brett and Ron dive into his Think, Do, Say framework—a practical tool for leaders to align beliefs, actions, and communication. They explore why authenticity isn’t about perfection, but about being comfortable with your imperfections, and how leaders can avoid the “stock photo” version of leadership that erodes trust. Ron also shares how leaders can balance efficiency with creativity, turn complex data into compelling stories, and reignite disengaged teams by asking the right questions. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to inspire trust, foster innovation, and communicate with genuine impact. Key Takeaways The Think, Do, Say framework for aligning purpose, action, and communicationWhy authenticity means being comfortable with imperfectionsHow to balance assembly‑line efficiency with creative “concept car” innovationTurning data into stories that inspire action, not overwhelmPractical questions leaders can ask to re‑energize disengaged teams

    26 min

  4. FEB 6

    #157 - How To Strengthen Your Charisma Muscle in Everyday Situations

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott challenges the myth that charisma is something you’re born with. Instead, he reveals why charisma is a skill—a muscle—that grows stronger through repetition, not performance. And the best training ground isn’t the stage or the boardroom, but the ordinary interactions you have every single day. Brett walks through practical “charisma workouts” you can apply immediately: slowing down micro‑interactions with presence, asking one extra curious question in small talk, holding silence instead of rushing to fill it, and recognizing people with warmth and specificity. These simple reps build confidence, connection, and influence without scripts or tricks. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating, or just ordering coffee, this episode shows how charisma is built one ordinary moment at a time. Key Takeaways Charisma is trainable, not innateEveryday micro‑interactions are the best practice groundPresence beats clever words—eye contact and vocal warmth matter mostSilence signals confidence and authorityRecognition with specificity builds trust and influence

    9 min

  5. JAN 30

    #156 - Why Being Fully Present is a Leadership Superpower

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott explores why presence—not performance—is the most underrated form of charisma. People don’t remember every word you say, but they never forget how it felt to be around you. And nothing creates trust, connection, and influence more than making others feel fully seen. Brett breaks down why availability is the true signal of leadership, how silence and stillness project confidence, and why multitasking erodes trust. You’ll learn practical tools like the one‑breath pause, physical signals that convey calm authority, and simple presence practices that transform everyday conversations into moments of influence. Key Takeaways Presence is about availability, not impressivenessA single breath before responding prevents interruption and builds authorityPhysical signals—stillness, posture, steady eye contact—instantly increase presenceSilence projects confidence and makes conversations more effectivePresence feels rare in a distracted world, which is why it builds trust

    7 min
  6. #155 - How Leaders Can Tell More Effective Stories with Sarah Elkins

    JAN 22

    #155 - How Leaders Can Tell More Effective Stories with Sarah Elkins

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Sarah Elkins, workplace storytelling expert, Gallup‑certified StrengthsFinder coach, and author of Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will. Sarah has spent years helping executives, teams, and professionals harness the power of story to build trust, connection, and influence. Together, Brett and Sarah explore why storytelling is not about epic tales or dramatic moments—it’s about everyday experiences told with intention. Sarah shares practical strategies for building a “story portfolio,” setting clear intentions before telling a story, and using performative techniques to keep audiences engaged without feeling pressured. Whether you’re leading a team, presenting to clients, or simply trying to connect more deeply in everyday conversations, this episode will help you shift your mindset and discover how stories can become your most powerful leadership tool. Key Takeaways Why how you tell stories matters more than the stories themselvesHow to build a story bank or portfolio for leadership momentsThe importance of setting clear intentions before sharing a storyPerformative tips to keep audiences engaged and connectedHow everyday stories create relatability, trust, and influence

    35 min
  7. #154 - How Leaders Can Build Trust in High Stakes Situations with Robin Dreeke

    JAN 15

    #154 - How Leaders Can Build Trust in High Stakes Situations with Robin Dreeke

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this episode, Brett McDermott sits down with Robin Dreeke, former head of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program. With decades of experience understanding, predicting, and influencing human behavior in high‑stakes environments involving spies, criminals, and hostile actors, Robin brings unparalleled insight into the mechanics of trust. Together, Brett and Robin unpack why trust is the foundation of influence and how leaders can build it consistently—even under pressure. Robin shares his behavioral equation for trust (rapport + credibility ÷ self‑interest) and explains how ego suspension, non‑judgmental curiosity, and predictable behavior become powerful levers for connection. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating in tense situations, or simply striving to deepen relationships, this conversation offers practical tools to inspire safety, credibility, and authentic rapport. Key Takeaways Trust = rapport + credibility ÷ self‑interestWhy ego suspension accelerates connectionHow non‑judgmental curiosity transforms dialogueThe role of predictable behavior in building loyaltyPractical questions leaders can use to uncover priorities and inspire trust

    31 min
  8. #153 - Why Deep Listening is the Foundation of True Influence with Julian Treasure

    JAN 7

    #153 - Why Deep Listening is the Foundation of True Influence with Julian Treasure

    Welcome to the Charismatic Leader Podcast. In this special conversation, Brett McDermott sits down with Julian Treasure—international speaker and author of one of the most viewed TED Talks of all time—to explore why true influence begins not with speaking, but with listening. Julian introduces his “pyramid of communication,” where listening forms the base, speaking builds on it, and presenting sits at the top. Together, Brett and Julian unpack why most leaders undervalue listening, how inattentive habits erode trust, and why deep, intentional listening is the ultimate gift that creates loyalty, connection, and charisma. From practical frameworks like RASA (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask) to the power of silence and empathic listening, this episode offers actionable tools to transform how you lead, connect, and influence. Key Takeaways Listening is a skill, not just a capabilityCharisma grows when leaders make others feel heard and valuedSilence is a powerful leadership tool that builds trust and presenceUse the RASA framework to deepen conversations and connectionInfluence starts with listening before speaking

    31 min
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About

Charisma is the difference between being heard and being followed. In The Charismatic Leader, Brett McDermott unpacks the skills, strategies, and stories behind Confidence, Connection and Real Influence. Through solo episodes and interviews with world-class leaders, performers and communication experts, you’ll learn how to inspire loyalty, communicate with impact, and become the leader people show up for.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett McDermott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    163
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brett McDermott
  • Show Website
    The Charismatic Leader