Speak by Design

What is the foundation for every powerful and aligned team? Mission, Vision, and Values

Teams need purpose. Your mission, vision, and values anchor your team’s efforts and help them see the bigger picture, especially when challenges arise. They provide clarity and direction, reminding everyone why their work is important.

Tune in to discover:

• How to craft a compelling mission that is simple, memorable, and outcome-focused.

• Why refreshing your mission, vision, and values every few years keeps your team energized and aligned.

• The power of storytelling to bring your values to life and create deeper connections with your team.

• How to make these principles personal and use them in your own leadership journey.

Mission, vision, and values aren’t just for companies—they’re essential tools for every leader who wants to create lasting impact.

Learn how to turn these abstract concepts into powerful communication tools that will help you lead with purpose and clarity.

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How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you’re leading a major change effort, keeping the energy high can be a challenge. Over time, enthusiasm wanes, productivity dips, and fatigue sets in. But what if you could turn that around and reignite the drive to succeed?

In this lesson, we explore practical strategies to Increase Momentum in your team and projects. Whether it’s re-engaging a once-enthusiastic new hire, revitalizing a long-term initiative, or overcoming resistance and apathy, this episode is packed with actionable tips to get things moving again.

You’ll discover how to create a powerful "north wind" to pull people back into the mission, monitor progress effectively, and celebrate wins in a way that keeps everyone motivated. Plus, we’ll dive into the importance of novelty, real-time encouragement, and introducing fresh objectives to keep your team engaged and productive.

Lead your team to the finish line with renewed energy and focus.

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How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Staying calm when the heat is on is not just a nice-to-have—it's essential. In this lesson, we explore one of the four pillars of gravitas: being poised under pressure. When chaos strikes or unexpected challenges arise, your ability to maintain grace and control can make all the difference.

We’ll dive into what it means to be emotionally intelligent, decisive, and calm, even when things don’t go as planned. You’ll learn practical techniques to manage those natural but potentially disruptive emotions like anxiety, frustration, and overwhelm. Plus, we’ll share the best practices for keeping your composure, staying focused, and leading your team through tough situations.

Lead by example on handling your stress better. Get ready to discover how to turn moments of high pressure into opportunities for growth and success.

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How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Great leaders don’t just face tough conversations—they invite them. In this episode, we dive into why every leader must anticipate and even create these challenging dialogues. Whether it’s addressing mistakes, delivering critical feedback, or handling unexpected issues like contract cancellations or litigation, tough conversations are an inevitable part of leadership. But here’s the twist—they’re not just obstacles to overcome; they’re opportunities to build stronger, more resilient relationships.

We explore how different cultures approach conflict and the lessons North American leaders can learn about the power of healthy, open disagreement. You’ll hear about the crucial role of style and tone in these conversations—why the way you deliver tough news can either build trust or create friction. It’s about balancing honesty with empathy, ensuring that your message is not just heard but also respected.

Learn practical strategies to handle tough conversations with confidence and grace. From knowing how to begin and end the discussion, to the importance of listening and managing your mindset—this episode is your guide to transforming tough conversations into constructive, relationship-building moments. Don’t miss it.

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How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you want to be an inspirational leader? Instead of giving feedback, give feedforward. In our latest episode, we dive into the concept of feedforward—a communication strategy that transforms feedback into an opportunity for growth and inspiration. It deepens trust, builds meaningful relationships, and increases productivity.

This lesson will teach you how to frame feedback in a way that not only addresses areas for improvement but also highlights potential and strengths. Say goodbye to tough love and radical candor that miss the mark, and discover how to inspire real change in your team.

Explore how to become the leader who empowers others through feedback, turning every conversation into a catalyst for development and success.

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How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

What stifles productivity and business growth? Poor delegation. What tasks have you been wanting to delegate but haven't yet?

It's easy to hold onto tasks because we fear losing control or feeling indispensable. But in this episode, we'll explore how to delegate effectively and free up your time. By learning to delegate, you not only create space for your growth but also help your team thrive.

Join us to discover practical strategies for effective delegation. Understand how to clearly communicate tasks, ensure your team is capable, and motivate them to take ownership. Learn to trust your team and elevate your leadership.

Listen in to transform your approach to delegation and elevate your team's performance. Start delegating today and watch your team grow into their best selves.

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How you speak is how you lead. If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

How do you inspire your people to take action, to bring original ideas, to take calculated risks, to increase ownership?

In this episode, discover the power of patience in effective leadership. Learn how to shift your beliefs about not having enough time and watch how this transforms your interactions with your team.

We'll share practical strategies for building a supportive environment, delivering compassionate feedback, and managing your emotions. Join us to uncover how patience and positivity can elevate your leadership and inspire your team to greatness.

If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the art of managing across – peer relationships that drive cooperation and collaboration.

Ever wondered how to elevate your peer interactions to achieve more together? We’ll unpack practical strategies, from deeper listening techniques inspired by Chris Voss to the powerful questions that foster trust and alignment.

Discover how seeing peers as collaborators rather than competitors can transform your work environment. Tune in to learn how to listen more actively, give generously, and build meaningful professional relationships that propel you forward.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation that will redefine how you manage across in your organization. Hit play and start enhancing your peer dynamics today.

If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Tackle one of the most powerful skills you can master in your career: managing up. Whether you're aiming to build a stronger relationship with your boss or looking to earn the trust of higher-ups, this lesson is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

We are diving into why being assertive is a game-changer and how you can confidently bring solutions, not just questions, to the table. You'll discover the magic of giving positive feedback to your supervisor and how this simple act can strengthen your professional bond.

I'm sharing my top tips on reading between the lines and taking initiative, even when tasks aren’t explicitly assigned to you. You’ll learn how to set realistic timelines, communicate effectively, and keep your boss in the loop with regular check-ins. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of speaking up in meetings and even how to rescue your leader when they need it most.

Grab your notepad and tune in. This lesson is all about empowering you with the tools and confidence to manage up like a pro. It's a great way to strengthen your relationship with your leader, too.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

We're unpacking one of the most challenging yet essential aspects of gravitas: the ability to speak truth to power.

How do you deliver tough messages with clarity and compassion? Why is it crucial to balance directness with empathy? We discuss best practices for delivering bad news without creating resistance or emotional fallout. From avoiding "Freudian hydraulics" to framing messages positively, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples.

Join us as we explore the delicate art of being both candid and considerate. Whether you're managing a team or communicating with top stakeholders, these insights will help you handle difficult conversations with confidence and poise.

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If you liked this topic and want to master exceptional business communication, check out our coaching program at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That is where we study great communication as a practice and build these habits. The program includes private and group coaching with self-paced lessons and networking.

🔗 Links:

Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/join
Chicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026
Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certification

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.