Speak Arizona

In Part 1 of our conversation with Bridge Improv Theater, co-owner David Raftery and education director Jess Klemm join host Rupesh Parbhoo and co-host Rachel Perez (Composion) to explore how improv builds confident communicators. You will hear simple warm-up games to spark creativity, why presence and active listening beat memorizing a script, and the real meaning of "yes, and" as agreement and support. They also clear up common misconceptions about improv and share how a playful mindset can reduce speaking anxiety and strengthen connection with any audience. Perfect for professionals, leaders, and speakers who want to show up more present, confident, and connected.

Remote work makes communication more visible - and more fragile. In this episode, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with leadership coach Kelly Soifer about how to create clarity across time zones, tools, and work styles without burning people out. They unpack why many meetings feel draining, how to balance asynchronous and synchronous work, and what it looks like to set expectations and boundaries around responsiveness. You will also hear practical ways leaders can model healthy norms, like clarifying response windows and removing pressure from late-night messages. Perfect for managers, team leads, and individual contributors who want to communicate with more clarity and less stress in remote or hybrid teams.

- Stop using meetings for status updates. Move updates to async and use meeting time for decisions and discussion.

00:00 - This could have been an email

Kelly Soifer is an ICF-certified leadership development and career coach at KS Leadership Development. For nearly 40 years, she has guided professionals through personal and career transitions, helping them clarify identity, values, and purpose. Her approach blends emotionally intelligent coaching with practical tools that support leaders navigating change.

- Website: ksleadershipdevelopment.me

Most speakers lose the room before the first slide. In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Serban Mare to break down the most common opening mistakes that kill momentum, and the simple fixes that help you earn attention fast. They walk through 10 “how not to start” tips, including the cold “Hi, my name is…” opener, nervous disclaimers, tech checks, purposeless questions, housekeeping first, time excuses, and more. Each tip comes with a better alternative that helps you establish value, confidence, and clarity in the first seconds. If you present to customers, leadership, or cross-functional teams, this one will upgrade your opening immediately.

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About the guest

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What happens when the story you tell yourself is “I can’t speak” - and you decide to rewrite it? In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Matthew Malan to unpack his journey from a childhood stutter and years of hiding to finding confidence on stage through Toastmasters, coaching, and consistent reps. Matt shares how fear shows up (and how it lies), why all-or-nothing thinking stalls growth, and how changing your words can change your future. You’ll also hear the role a mentor played in helping him practice, believe again, and keep showing up. Perfect for professionals who want to speak with confidence even when they feel nervous.

Key takeaways

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Guest

Connect

Introverted and tired of networking that feels like forced small talk? In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with Rachel Perez, Owner and Creative Director of Composion, to share low-pressure ways to build real professional relationships. They talk about why deep listening is an introvert superpower, how arriving early makes conversations easier, and simple icebreakers that feel natural. Rachel also shares how improv classes helped her get comfortable thinking on her feet. Perfect for introverts and quiet professionals who want to grow their network with confidence and authenticity.

Key takeaways

Rachel Perez is the Owner and Creative Director of Composion. She specializes in branding, logo design, and website design for small, service-based businesses in the human and animal health and wellness space, with 14+ years of experience and a degree in Visual Communication.

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Serban Mare: PMP-certified Technical Program Manager with 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, leading complex mixed-signal IC projects from concept to mass production. Corporate speaker specializing in stress resilience, energy management, and workplace well-being.

www.SerbanMare.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serban-morea-pmp/

[email protected]

 Stress Test Evaluation: https://serbanmare.com/stress-check/

How can knowing your strengths change every conversation you have? In this episode, host Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with leadership coach Kelly Soifer to explore how a strengths-based lens reshapes communication, collaboration, and conflict. They unpack what CliftonStrengths really measures, how your “balconies and basements” show up when you speak, and why some people thrive in debate while others shine in one-on-one conversations. Kelly shares real coaching stories, practical ways to map your strengths to your communication style, and one simple habit you can start using in your very next meeting. Perfect for leaders, managers, and communicators who want to connect more effectively and bring out the best in every voice.

Always setting goals but not following through? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh sits down with Hugo and Crystal Vasquez to explore how accountability can turn vague intentions into real results. They share the story behind their Team 212°, why most people stall after the initial excitement, and how a simple structure of check-ins, tracking, and encouragement keeps members moving forward. You’ll hear practical ideas for setting meaningful goals, staying consistent when life gets busy, and creating a culture where people feel both supported and challenged.

Perfect for Toastmasters, leaders, and growth-minded professionals who want their goals to finally stick.

00:00 – Welcome to Speak Arizona

In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosts Serban and Rupesh delve into various facets of effective communication, inspired leadership, and the power of creating versus consuming. They discuss how creating content, such as Rupesh’s LinkedIn newsletter 'Leadership in the Wild,' provides energy and reflection. They also share insights on storytelling versus pragmatic discussions, the balance of vulnerability and embarrassment, and the importance of asking questions to understand your audience better. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a professional speaker, this episode offers valuable tips and inspiring stories to elevate your communication skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona

In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Serban and guest host Rupesh discuss the transformative journey of becoming a paid public speaker. Serban opens up about his initial crippling fear of public speaking and how he overcame it through Toastmasters and consistent practice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges, visualizing success, and finding a unique voice in the crowded field of public speaking. The episode also delves into tactical advice for aspiring speakers, the power of feedback, and the significance of mindset in achieving professional success. With inspiring stories and expert insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their communication skills.

00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona

00:36 Meet the Hosts: Serban and Rupesh

01:04 Rupesh Interviews Serban: Journey to Public Speaking

02:15 Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

05:21 The Importance of Communication Skills

08:10 First Paid Speaking Gig

12:16 Embracing Challenges and Growth

20:15 Finding Your Unique Voice

26:38 The Power of Visualization

31:40 Mindset and Belief

41:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts