Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1


Listen Later

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.

Episode Reference Links:

  • Allison Kluger 
  • Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up 
  • Naomi Bagdonas 
  • Nir Halevy 
  • Christian Wheeler 
  •  Learn more about the Stanford Lead Program  
  • Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation 
  • Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication 
  • Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict 
  • Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable 

Connect:

  • Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
  • Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
  • Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
  • Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
  • Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
  • Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (03:32) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
  • (05:34) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
  • (07:34) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
  • (11:58) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
  • (14:33) - Using AI in Teaching and Research
  • (21:54) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
  • (23:49) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
  • (26:38) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room
  • (29:27) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
  • (31:20) - Conclusion

  • *****
    Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
    Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesBy Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    650 ratings


    More shows like Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

    View all
    HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

    HBR IdeaCast

    252 Listeners

    TED Talks Daily by TED

    TED Talks Daily

    11,270 Listeners

    The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

    The McKinsey Podcast

    375 Listeners

    TED Business by TED

    TED Business

    1,110 Listeners

    All Ears English Podcast by Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

    All Ears English Podcast

    2,315 Listeners

    Cold Call by HBR Presents / Brian Kenny

    Cold Call

    192 Listeners

    Women at Work by Harvard Business Review

    Women at Work

    1,408 Listeners

    After Hours by TED Audio Collective / Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, & Felix Oberholzer-Gee

    After Hours

    1,264 Listeners

    HBS Managing the Future of Work by Harvard Business School

    HBS Managing the Future of Work

    109 Listeners

    How to Be a Better Human by TED

    How to Be a Better Human

    1,345 Listeners

    Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

    Coaching Real Leaders

    632 Listeners

    The So What from BCG by Boston Consulting Group BCG

    The So What from BCG

    222 Listeners

    Business English from All Ears English by Lindsay McMahon

    Business English from All Ears English

    79 Listeners

    HBR On Strategy by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Strategy

    81 Listeners

    HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Leadership

    136 Listeners