The Uncommon Communicator

James Gable

5.0 (7)
Self-Improvement
Updated Weekly

The Uncommon communicator is the individual that has the enlightenment, to recognize in any situation, whether or not communication has occurred. This uncommon communicator takes ownership of the conversation and possess the skills to navigate and facilitate the conversation to mutual understanding. Taking on the experts as well as the Sophist of old to help bring clarity to the lost art of true communications.

5d ago

The Three Rules of Workplace Communication with Gary Ross

Silence, vague direction, and “motivational” messages that don’t move anyone can quietly wreck a team’s performance. We sit down with leadership communication trainer and consultant Gary Ross to get brutally practical about what actually works when you need people to understand you and act. Gary argues that communication isn’t a soft skill at all, it’s a business skill, and organizations that treat it that way build more trust, execute faster, and outperform the ones that don’t. We dig into Gary’s three “number one” rules: know your audience, tell them a story, and remember that everything communicates. You’ll hear a memorable CFO story that shows what happens when you lead with your title instead of curiosity, plus an easy Think Feel Do checklist that helps you create clarity in hallway conversations, staff meetings, and executive presentations. We also unpack storytelling as a workplace tool using a simple four-question structure that turns dry updates into a narrative people can follow, especially during change, transformation, or uncertainty. Then we get tactical about modern communication problems: email tone, long messages nobody reads, and why the channel you choose matters as much as the words you type. Finally, Gary shares how these principles helped a plant manager eliminate a two-day production delay by informing, motivating, and directing the team more clearly, proof that better communication produces measurable results. If you want to connect with Gary, find him at insidecoms.com. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who “writes novels in email,” and leave a review so more leaders can build communication that gets work done. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
Jul 7

E123 - What's Your And With John Garrett

If people only know you by your job title, you’re leaving trust, connection, and opportunity on the table. We sit down with keynote speaker, author, and podcast host John Garrett to unpack the idea behind “What’s Your And?” and why the most memorable part of you at work is often what you do outside of work. John shares the moment that sparked the movement, when a former colleague remembered him for doing comedy at night not for his Big Four CPA credentials. From there, we get practical about workplace communication and workplace culture. We talk about how behavioral psychology shapes buying decisions and why trust lets you stand out in a crowded market. John breaks down what healthy vulnerability looks like (without oversharing), how leaders can create genuine human connection inside teams, and why employee retention improves when we treat people as whole humans. We also dig into culture-building mechanics like consistent onboarding, leading indicators for employee experience, and recognition that actually reflects what someone cares about. We challenge the popular excuse of “change fatigue” and call it what it often is: a leadership and clarity problem. If people believe in the future you’re painting, they’ll walk through hard change with you. We close with actionable ideas around career path conversations, development without ego, work-rest rhythms, and even how “unlimited PTO” fails when no one feels safe to use it. Subscribe for more conversations on communication skills, share this episode with a leader who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the show. You can find all you need about John at his website: https://www.thejohngarrett.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
Jun 25

Making work Fun Again with Amy Powell Episode 122

Confusion on a jobsite rarely starts with a bad intention. It starts with unclear communication, unspoken expectations, and leaders who don’t realize what they’re signaling. I sit down with Amy Powell, founder and CEO of Wellworks, to talk about the people skills that keep construction teams moving, especially when stress is high and timelines are tight. We dig into lean construction through a communication lens, from visual management boards to the deeper principle that surprised both of us: respect for people. Amy shares how her early “wordiest PowerPoints” failed, why she went back for a master’s in education and human resources, and what adult learning really looks like when you’re teaching crews and project teams who want tools they can use tomorrow. Her “salt the horse” idea is a simple way to build buy-in without forcing anyone to “care.” From there we get real about emotional intelligence in construction, burnout, negativity, and why “making construction fun again” is not cheesy, it’s strategic. Amy gives one immediate leadership move to improve jobsite communication: specific positive feedback, done sincerely, backed by strong nonverbal communication like tone, posture, and presence. We close with the biggest takeaway of all: invest in self-awareness, because it shapes how you listen, how you lead, and the culture your team feels every day. If this helped, subscribe so you don’t miss the next conversation, share it with a teammate, and leave a review so more builders and leaders can find the show. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
May 25

Building learning ecosystems that thrive with Dr Carrie Graham

The fastest way to kill a good team is to train adults like they are kids and then act surprised when they tune out. I sit down with Dr. Carrie Graham, a leader in adult learning and workplace development, to unpack what actually drives retention and behavior change in real organizations. We get into how adults learn through meaning, prior experience, and emotion, plus why communication training sticks only when it connects to the learner’s world instead of a generic slide deck. We also dig into “capacity” and why smart, capable people sometimes have nothing left for one more program. Carrie shares how seasons of life affect learning bandwidth, and we translate that into practical choices leaders can make: better formats, better timing, and clearer transfer from learning to the job. Then we go straight at a common failure pattern across industries, especially construction: promoting the best craft worker into a foreman or superintendent role without support. We talk about the real cost of poor communication, the risk of waiting for once-a-year external training, and why CEOs and executives need to be in the learning room too if they want true ROI. The conversation closes with two modern leadership challenges: capturing tribal knowledge as seasoned pros retire, and using AI tools without losing authenticity. Carrie shares a candid AI “confession” from LinkedIn and the lesson it taught her about voice, connection, and how tools shape your audience. If you lead people, build training, or want a stronger learning culture, this one will give you clear next steps. Subscribe, share the show with a leader on your team, and leave a review with the most broken training habit you want to fix next. Website www drcarriegraham.com Email carrie@drcarriegraham.com SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarriegraham YouTube https://youtube.com/@drcarriegraham FREE RESOURCES Subscribe to C.A.L.M. Email weekly email of Carrie s Adult Learning Methods (C.A L.M.) for immediate implementation https://www.drcarriegraham.com/podcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
May 11

Make Mondays Work with Coach Kon

Sunday afternoon is calm, then the thought of Monday hits and your chest tightens. That reaction is not just “part of the job.” It is data. James Gable sits down with Coach Kon (Kon Apostolopoulos), a leadership development coach and founder of Fresh Biz Solutions, to unpack why so many people dread the start of the workweek and what leaders can do to change that feeling fast. The big idea is simple: we don’t hate Mondays, we hate how Mondays feel and leaders shape that environment at zero cost. We dig into the practical drivers of employee engagement that matter in construction leadership and workforce performance: helping people feel valued through psychological safety and respect, building connection and belonging, making sure work feels productive and meaningful, and supporting learning and growth so careers do not go stale. Coach Khan shares concrete behaviors that improve team communication immediately, like being fully present for short conversations, giving real gratitude, and turning vague expectations into clear, measurable standards. Then we zoom out to resilience and grit in uncertain times. Coach Khan walks through his “Seven Keys to Navigating a Crisis,” including self-care, flexibility, preparation, realistic optimism, and kindness. We also tackle how ambiguity breeds mediocrity when expectations are unclear, why feedback has to be ongoing, and how performance actually lives at three levels: people, process, and organization. If you lead a crew, a department, or a company, you’ll leave with a clearer playbook for culture, communication, and results. Subscribe, share this with a leader who sets the tone on Mondays, and leave a review with the one change you’re going to try this week. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
Apr 27

The Story Hook Method with Guest Brigham Blackham

A story can make people lean in or tune out, and the difference is rarely talent. It’s structure, intention, and the courage to share something real. I sit down with Brigham Blackham, communication specialist and author of The Story Hook Method, to get practical about how to become more engaging, more trusted, and more unforgettable without turning your message into a performance. We dig into the moment that pushed Brigham to systemize storytelling, then go deeper into the ideas that actually change how you live and lead. We talk about false beliefs and why they can do real damage, how “truth” becomes something you can put weight on, and why perfectionism often blocks progress. Brigham also reframes “perfect” through a Mandarin lens as “complete and beautiful”, which turns shipping your work into a skill, not a stress test. If you’ve ever felt stuck, compared your progress to others, or struggled to finish what you start, this part will land. Then we bring it into the modern world: AI writing tools, LinkedIn posts that feel oddly lifeless, and how to use AI as an editor without letting it steal your voice. We also get tactical about concise communication, focusing on the significant details, and leaving people with one clear call to action. Finally, we borrow from negotiation psychology (including Chris Voss’s “no”) to show how boundaries create safety and make “yes” more honest. If you care about communication skills, leadership, storytelling, public speaking, persuasion, and building trust fast, you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Subscribe for more practical communication strategies, share this with someone who wants to communicate with more impact, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one message you want to make clearer this week? Get to know Brigham Blackham International "Who's Who" of Storytelling Speakers Amazon top-selling author Buy his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Story-Hook-Method-confident-unforgettable/dp/B0GL4FFHGD Founder of international podcast, Levelin’ Up Fluent in Mandarin & Spanish Interviewed on hundreds of Radio, TV talk shows and global podcasts www.Brighamb.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
Apr 13

Great Speaking Starts When You Stop Making It About You

Your message can be brilliant and still miss the room. That’s the tension we dig into with Bob Hooey, a longtime Toastmaster, international professional speaker, and the guy clients nicknamed “The Idea Man.” We talk about what actually changes when you present across cultures, why a joke that kills at home can die overseas, and how doing a little research on local norms, references, and audience expectations can save you from dead silence. We also get practical about audience-first communication and public speaking skills. Bob shares how he preps by talking with real attendees before he ever steps on stage, how a service mindset makes you calmer and more effective, and why “talking with people” beats “talking to people” every time. Along the way, we swap coaching stories about frozen moments, breathing, slowing down, and helping people perform under pressure, plus leadership lessons from asking better questions instead of always being the fixer. Then we go into speaker branding, handling feedback without spiraling, and the business side of communication: creating books, training, and programs that extend your value beyond a single talk. Bob also previews “Skills Pay,” a project focused on turning Toastmasters and presentation skills into real-world opportunities. If you want stronger leadership communication, better audience connection, and smarter preparation, you’ll get plenty to steal here. Subscribe, share this with a friend who presents for work, and leave a review so more people can find the show. You can contact Bob through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/canadianideamanbobhooey/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ideamanbob YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com
Mar 30

E117 - Gauri Seshadri Leadership and Confidence

You can be great at your job and still get overlooked for one brutal reason: you don’t say the thing you’re thinking. I sit down with Gauri Seshadri, First Vice President of Toastmasters International, to talk about the hidden cost of hesitation and how practicing communication in a safe, structured environment changes the way you show up at work, in leadership, and in everyday conversations. Gauri shares a personal path from engineering and client calls to global volunteer leadership, and what it really takes to commit to roles that demand influence, clarity, and courage. We also go deep on the new reality of workplace communication: it’s less about “communication skills” in general and more about cross-cultural communication across contexts. Direct vs indirect styles, time zones, expectations, and unspoken norms can turn a clear message into a misunderstanding fast. Add four generations in the same organization, and leaders have to learn a new playbook for motivating people, explaining the why, and supporting work-life balance and healthy rhythms without losing performance. Along the way, we dig into perfectionism, imposter feelings, and the moment when “my voice matters” stops being a quote and becomes a responsibility. Gauri explains how to take action before you feel ready, how to create safe and courageous spaces where people speak up, and why legacy is built through people, not titles. You’ll also hear a powerful transformation story of a member who struggled with English and a stammer, kept showing up anyway, and eventually performed stand-up comedy internationally. If you want stronger leadership development, public speaking confidence, and practical tools for global team communication, hit play now. Subscribe, share this with a friend who stays quiet in meetings, and leave a review. What’s one conversation you’re ready to take ownership of this week? YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJqHEhS1CtX3A4nztIBzdA Instagram: The_Uncommon_Communicator TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@theuncommoncommunicator Facebook: The Uncommon Communicator LinkedIn :https://www.linkedin.com/company/80960291/ Website : theuncommoncommunicator.com

5

out of 5

7 Ratings

The Uncommon communicator is the individual that has the enlightenment, to recognize in any situation, whether or not communication has occurred. This uncommon communicator takes ownership of the conversation and possess the skills to navigate and facilitate the conversation to mutual understanding. Taking on the experts as well as the Sophist of old to help bring clarity to the lost art of true communications.

Creator

James Gable
Years Active

2021 - 2026
Episodes

129
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 The Uncommon Communicator
Show Website

The Uncommon Communicator