Speaking to Influence Dr. Laura Sicola

We welcome Paul Comfort of Modaxo and Transit Unplugged to this week’s episode of Speaking to Influence where he shares stories from his experiences running some of the world’s largest transportation and transportation technology organizations through potential powder-keg situations and refocused on new ‘north stars’ of safety, efficiency, reliability, and world-class customer service.

 

In this episode you will learn:


How Paul, the newly appointed head of the Maryland Transit Administration, faced a crisis during the Baltimore riots, took immediate action, implemented new standards, demanded accountability, and gained the respect of the senior leadership team.
The difference between skills and abilities, highlighting the successful hire of a director of bus operations who had transferable skills and knowledge from a different background.
The favorite parts of Paul’s work– the significance of creating a fun and engaging environment for the team, such as organizing MTA Day at the Orioles and bus rodeos.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

Sit down and take an inventory of yourself. Analyze: 1) what you’re good at (what are your skills?) and 2) what do you enjoy/what are your passions? Focus on where they intersect: your strengths, rather than focusing on improving your weaknesses.

 

About Paul Comfort:

Paul Comfort serves as SVP and Chief Customer Officer for Modaxo Americas, one of the world’s largest transportation technology companies, and is host of the industry public transportation podcast, Transit Unplugged, heard in over 100 countries, and the new YouTube sensation Transit Unplugged TV show. Paul has authored three Amazon #1 bestselling books: “Public Transportation– From the Tom Thumb Railroad to Hyperloop and Beyond” and 2022’s “Conversations on Equity and Inclusion in Public Transportation”.  His most recent bestseller is a cookbook – “Comfort Food”-- featuring recipes, stories, and photos from over 30 top public transportation leaders around the world. Paul also serves as Executive Director of the North American Transit Alliance. 

Mr. Comfort is an attorney, popular keynote speaker, and the former CEO of one of America’s largest transit systems, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore. He has also served as an elected County Commissioner and County Administrator for two Maryland counties.

Mr. Comfort is the recipient of the U.S.A’s top individual transportation honor: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ (AASHTO) “President’s Award”.

 

You can connect with Paul in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcomfort/
Website: https://www.futureofpublictransportation.com/
Podcast: https://transitunplugged.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@transitunplugged/featured

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week’s episode, Melissa Schoger, Vice President of Finance for Identification Solutions and Vestcom at Avery Dennison talks with Laura about how she helped teams overcome an instance of mixed messaging to achieve mutual understanding.

In this episode you will learn:


How Melissa made sure the integrity of a message remained intact after witnessing how different leaders in a meeting had varying takeaways
How she learned to take the time to listen to team members on the ground, rather than assume she knew best from a top-down perspective as their General Manager.
How she handled her team having the rug pulled out from under them within 24-hours of a deadline, and what she learned about coming to any negotiation with a thoughtful mindset instead of a winning at all cost mindset.
Why recording yourself before doing a presentation can be the best preparation.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

If you consider yourself an introvert, challenge yourself to be more vocal in team meetings. Alternatively, if you are an extrovert, give the spotlight to a quieter member of the group.

 

About Melissa Schoger:

Melissa Schoger serves as a VP at Avery Dennison in their investment and business divisions. She previously worked for almost two decades at RPM International where she held fully integrated P&L responsibility including Finance, Sales & Marketing, Research & Development, Manufacturing Operations, Distribution, and Customer Service, transforming and consolidating 5 distinct subsidiary companies operating in 25 countries into 1 pan-European division during her tenure as well as managed the budget of a large division within a reportable segment of RPM and led 1,400 employees. She holds her MBA in Business Administration from The Wharton School and her B.A in Accounting from Ohio Wesleyan University.

 

You can connect with Melissa in the following ways:


LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-schoger

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura welcomes Senior Vice President of TD Bank, Chantal Capodicasa, to talk about how she found the courage to speak up in defense of her team and challenge a directive in a time of crisis.

In this episode you will learn:


How Chantal challenges the misconceptions about ‘lenders’ at banks, and illustrates how they are more ‘relationship managers’ for bank clients.
How Chantal’s family’s battle with cancer showed her how being vulnerable can leave space for her team to show up for her in ways she didn’t realize she needed
How speaking up in a meeting, even when it’s just to ask a question or gain clarity, can benefit you and your team
How storytelling in an interview can show you have the ‘It’ factor employers are looking for

24 Hour Challenge:

In your next meeting, if you’re usually one of the quiet participants, speak up! Ask a question, share a best practice, or encourage participation from other teammates.

About Chantal Capodicasa:

Chantal Capodicasa is a Senior Vice President for TD Bank, and is the Regional Vice President for Commercial Banking in Southern New Jersey.  Chantal began her career in banking with the former Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo) in 2004. Today she leads a team of dedicated commercial and small business relationship managers as well as customer sales associates who provide legendary experiences and trusted advice around all aspects of commercial financial needs to TD Bank customers throughout Burlington, Camden, and Mercer counties. Chantal is very active within the TD Bank internal team member networks, participating as a mentor for  the Take the L.E.A.D program which is aimed at developing and advancing women in TD's commercial bank, as a mentor for the Impact program, a mentor for the RVP development program, and a mentor for the Relationship Manager Associate program. She also serves on the internal Business Action Committee for the TD Bank and Project Search partnership which focuses on preparing young people with significant disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment and is also an advocate for the Military Spouse Employment Partnership and Veterans recruitment.

 

Chantal earned her BS in Finance from the University of Connecticut. She currently serves on the boards for the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA of the Pines, the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce (Treasurer) and the Medford Business Association (President). Most recently, Chantal is the recipient of the 2023 Outstanding Women's Business Executive honor from the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce Voice of Business awards and was the 2022 Southern New Jersey Golf Classic Honoree for the Alzheimer's Association. Chantal is also active within the NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, is a foster for the Burlington County Animal Alliance and has been an assistant coach for the Medford Youth Athletic Association track team.

Chantal's husband, Col Michael Capodicasa, is a veteran pilot and still serving with the USAFR today. Chantal and Michael live in Medford, NJ with their two sons.

 

You can connect with Chantal in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-capodicasa-aab996a/

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

 

 

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our newest episode of Speaking to Influence features Charlie Saffro, CEO and Founder of CS Recruiting, who talks about the importance of resourcefulness and curiosity in a job interview, and how to do it by doing your research on social media and asking the right questions…and even shares what thos best questions are!

In this episode you will learn:


How Charlie realized that she was better at being a leader than a manager and struggled when she had to manage a new team member, learning the importance of pacing herself, providing structure and context, and empathizing with her team member to ensure effective collaboration.
Experiences with onboarding new employees and holding them accountable through recapping action items.
How Charlie inspired her team and strengthened their trust in her as a leader by actions that aligned with her business values of inclusion and diversity when she ended a business relationship with a client who made discriminatory comments about an employee with an ostomy bag.
The importance of sharing topics that stimulate one's passion and providing value to the audience when speaking publicly.
The significance of resourcefulness and research in job interviews, highlighting how it can make a candidate stand out..and which questions are the best to leverage social media information!

 

24 Hour Challenge:

Think about the people in your life who make a difference. Who are two people who don’t know each other, who NEED to know each other? Make the introduction!

 

About Charlie Saffro:

Meet Charlie, a passionate recruitment expert and CEO of CS Recruiting, a thriving multi-million dollar organization with over 40 talented recruiters. With a mission to empower individuals to reach their potential, Charlie is a recognized Logistics industry expert serving clients from Fortune 50 companies to SMEs. Her focus on creating lasting connections extends to personal development, mindfulness, and supporting women in the workforce. Charlie, a proud mother of three, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to making meaningful connections to her work and beyond.

 

You can connect with Charlie in the following ways:


Web: https://www.cs-recruiting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesaffro/

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joining Laura on this week’s episode is Ossa Fisher, President of Aurora Innovation, where Ossa shares the multi-faceted pow rapport-building techniques to uncover the real problem and get people on board, resulting in enthusiastic participation.

In this episode you will learn:


About the development of self-driving technology, the current use of autonomous vehicles on Texas roads, addressing concerns of regulators with safety measures and reassuring the public with real-life examples of how the technology enhances road safety.
Ossa shared a personal experience of receiving urgent voicemails about her daughter's health, and how her team and CEO showed immense support and flexibility during that time, teaching Ossa the importance of caring for the human beyond the job, and inspiring her to pay it forward by supporting others in their personal crises.
Tips for calming nerves during public speaking, such as touching fingers, imagining someone rooting for you, and remembering that the audience wants you to succeed.
How Ossa came from a place of curiosity rather than assumption in investigating why local high school students seemed uninterested in participating in Yale Model Congress, and ended up recruiting 15 high school students who got the majority of their bills passed in the program, which helped influence her how to influence and engage people going forward.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

Next time you’re in a group setting, and there’s a lull in the conversation, try not to break the silence. Observe who is the first to break the silence and what insights you can glean from it. What did you learn from someone else that you might not have learned by jumping in to fill the silence?

 

About Ossa Fisher:

Ossa Fisher is the President of Aurora, a company focused on delivering the benefits of self-driving technology safety, quickly, and broadly. She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in strategy, operations, and business functions that are foundational to her role at Aurora, where she is responsible for overseeing the development and maturation of the company’s commercial operations. Prior to Aurora, Ossa spent eight years as President & COO of Istation, a leading education technology provider, and two years as Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics at Match.

In addition, Ossa spent almost a decade at global consulting firm Bain & Co, ultimately serving as a Partner in the Technology, Media and Telecom practice.  She began her career as an investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs. Ossa has been recognized by multiple organizations, including, “40 under 40” Corporate Directors to Watch by NACD (National Association for Corporate Directors); “Women in Technology” award from the Dallas Business Journal; “Dallas 500” by D CEO and “Future 50” by Dallas Innovates. She holds a bachelor’s in economics from Yale University, an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a master’s in education from Stanford Graduate School of Education.

 

You can connect with Ossa in the following ways:


Web: www.aurora.tech
Careers at Aurora: www.aurora.tech/careers
Aurora Tech’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auroradriver/
Aurora Tech’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/aurora_inno
Ossa Fisher’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ossa-fisher/
Ossa Fisher’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ossaf

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 

 

 

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode of Speaking to Influence is with guest Erik Ryan, Senior Vice President and CFO of Iron Mountain, in a conversation that focuses on the power of ‘no’.

In this episode you will learn:


About a time Erik found himself in a conversation with Prince Edward where he tried to prove himself but ended up in a ridiculous argument about the similarities between different islands…leading him to learn a lesson of how to meet others where they were, avoid tangential conversations, and steer them back on track.
Erik’s experiences of initially struggling with saying no but eventually finding it freeing and empowering.
How he embraced a moment of being vulnerable with a coworker and came to the realization that most people are looking to forge these deeper connections, aiming not to shy away from them in the future.
How he motivated his team by using their own successes as persuasive data.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

Say ‘no’ to requests for 24 hours to understand your values and prioritize effectively.

 

About Erik Ryan:

Erik Ryan is the Finance leader Iron Mountain's Global Records & Information Management business. Erik joined Iron Mountain after 19 years with General Electric, where he was focused on long-cycle product line financial management - partnering with teams to drive margin, cash, and improve the commercial position of franchise products such as the T700 rotorcraft engine, GEnx jet engine, and HA-class gas turbine. Erik holds board and advisory roles with small businesses and nonprofits focused on social impact.

Outside of work, Erik spends time with his wife Susan and two daughters, Adelaide and Hazel. Erik holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Yale University, with a focus on sustainable business development.

 

You can connect with Erik in the following ways:


Web: https://www.ironmountain.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-mountain/

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.