Speak In Flow

In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast, Melinda Lee interviews Abdalmohsen Elmalk, a product performance manager at ASML with a Ph.D. in physics. Elmalk shows us how he transformed obstacles into leadership wisdom. Growing up in Sudan, where resources were scarce and opportunities were limited, he refused to let language barriers, financial constraints, or self-doubt prevent him from pursuing a world-class education. His story reveals the profound truth that real leadership is based on the power of human connection.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Power of Belief

Elmalk's journey began with a simple but powerful conviction: 

"My belief was stronger than my doubts." 

Growing up in Sudan with limited resources, he faced seemingly insurmountable barriers. Yet his unwavering determination to pursue quality education became the driving force that propelled him across continents.

The Role of Human Connection

"Surround yourself with people who support your vision."

While personal drive is essential, transformative growth often happens through human connections. 

Behind every "self-made" success are the people who opened doors at critical moments. For Elmalk, that person was a Dutch professor who became his unexpected bridge to opportunities abroad.

Adaptability as a Leadership Skill

Each new environment - from Dutch labs to Silicon Valley boardrooms - required him to "fit the mood" while maintaining his core values.

For leaders navigating today's globalized workplaces, Elmalk's journey offers a masterclass in turning culture shock into a leadership superpower, where every adaptation strengthens your ability to connect across boundaries.

The Missing Link in Hybrid Teams

In our era of remote work and global teams, Elmalk identifies emotional disconnect as the silent productivity killer. His solution is deceptively simple yet profound: "Add humanity to communication."

Connect with Abdalmohsen Elmalk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elmalk/ 

About the Guest: 

Abdalmohsen Elmalk is a semiconductor innovator and cross-cultural leader who bridges physics expertise with human-centered leadership at ASML, the tech giant powering Silicon Valley’s chip revolution. As Manager of the E-beam Application Products team, he transforms complex tech into real-world solutions while mentoring global teams.

Fun Facts:

• 🔬 Microscope Whisperer: Earned his PhD studying single molecules (because why think small when you can think atomic?).
• 💡 First-Principles Leader: Approaches management like physics, observing, adapting, and creating the right conditions for teams to shine.
• 🧠 Polyglot Brain: Fluent in 3 languages, 4 scientific disciplines, and the universal language of authentic connection.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Kaylee Keil, HR professional, leadership coach, and board member, joins Melinda Lee in this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast to unpack why communication is the most critical and often overlooked skill for leaders. From her experience curating HR events at The Nimble Group, Kaylee reveals how failing to "own" communication drives turnover, while intentional leadership fuels psychological safety and profitability.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Crisis Point

Why 70% of employees leave jobs due to poor leadership, and how companies that prioritize communication training see 150x higher profitability.

The Power of Proactive Connection

“If you see something, say something.”

Kaylee's golden rule for leaders to prevent miscommunication and build trust is to ask simple questions that transform teams. Questions like “How do you prefer to receive support?” and “What do you value in a leader?” can avert crises before they begin.

The Micro-Moments That Matter

“The future of work is human, and it starts with leaders who communicate with courage, clarity, and care.”

Leadership isn’t about grand gestures but daily acts of ownership: recognition, check-ins, and vulnerability. Every situation, even a tough conversation, can be reframed as an opportunity for connection.

How to Support Your Employees

“Find where you can get that support from… If you feel like you can’t find support in any avenue, you’re probably not in the right place.”

Name your challenge openly (“I have a challenge I need help with”), seek allies, and leverage internal resources, but recognize when a culture won’t change.

Connect with Kaylee Keil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleekeil17/ 

Website: https://nimblegroup.co/ 

About the Guest: 

Kaylee Keil is an HR innovator and leadership catalyst who has spent years turning workplaces into people-first ecosystems. As the Attendee Engagement Specialist and Partnerships Coordinator for Nimble Group, she architects events that transform careers.

Fun Facts:

• 🔮 First-Day Fire Drill: Once led a new hire orientation… on her own first day at a job. (Talk about baptism by fire.)
• 🎨 Beads & Hustle: Runs K&KMaine, crafting jewelry that’s as bold and intentional as her leadership philosophy.
• 📜 Degree-Free Disruptor: Built her career through hands-on hustle- proof that titles don’t define talent.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Anna Radulovski, CEO of WomenTech Network and author of Chief in Tech, went from navigating male-dominated tech conferences to creating the world’s largest platform for women in technology. In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast with host Melinda Lee, Anna reveals how resilience, generosity, and imperfect action can dismantle barriers and why true leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room, but making space for others to rise with you..

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Hidden Cost of Perfectionism

How imposter syndrome thrives in workplaces not designed for women, and why “waiting until you’re ready” is a myth.

Resilience as a Non-Negotiable

“It’s not about being the smartest in the room, it’s about making space for others to rise with you.”

Lessons from top female tech leaders: Every one of them faced bias, setbacks, or rejection, but viewed challenges as growth opportunities.

Fixing Diversity Starts Day One

“When you lift even one voice, you start a ripple that can change everything.”

• Why startups must build inclusive cultures from the beginning, not as an afterthought.

• How collaboration among women’s networks creates systemic change.

The Networking Mindset Shift

“Be truly interested, not just interesting. Awkward interactions are part of the journey.”

“How can I help this person?” vs. “What can I get?” Why generosity unlocks authentic connections… And why women don’t need to “get it right” the first time.

Mentorship is Good. Sponsorship is Game-Changing.

While mentorship provides guidance, sponsorship is what propels careers forward. 

Many women undervalue the importance of cultivating sponsors who can champion them for promotions and leadership roles.

Connect with Anna Radulovski

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaradulovski/

X: https://x.com/annaradulovski

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna.radulovski.official/

📖Grab Anna’s book, Chief in Tech

About the Guest: 

Anna Radulovski is the visionary founder of WomenTech Network, a global powerhouse with 150,000+ members across 179 countries, and the architect behind transformative initiatives like Coding Girls and Executive Women in Tech (EWIT). But don’t let her accolades fool you (though they’re impressive: Rising Star for the Global Award of Achievement, 50 Women in ESG honoree). At heart, she’s a community builder.

Fun Facts:

• 🌆 Times Square Takeover: Her book recently lit up the NYC skyline, because if you’re going to champion women in tech, why not do it in neon?
• 📚 From Interviews to Impact: Authored Chief in Tech after interviewing 50+ senior female tech leaders.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

You can’t persuade people when you’re stuck in your own head.

Stephen Mar knows what it’s like to lose an audience. As Chief Legal & Administrative Officer at Odeko. But his biggest communication breakthrough didn’t happen in a courtroom. In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast with Melinda Lee, Stephen reveals how an early-career email taught him to master persuasion and cross-departmental buy-in.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The 3-Bucket Filter for Effective Communication

Stephen’s framework for sharing information:

1. Need to know (Essential for their role)

1. Nice to know (Builds connection, but isn’t critical)

1. Harmful to know (Creates distraction or anxiety)

Pre-Meeting Persuasion Tactics

"Read the room before you’re in the room." 

Stephen’s team preps by identifying allies and skeptics, then tailoring arguments to each stakeholder’s "language" (e.g., finance cares about risk, HR cares about culture).

The Authenticity Advantage

"If it’s not authentically you, you’ll slip." 

How Stephen’s debate-team roots taught him to adapt his style, without sacrificing his core identity, to persuade executives and coffee-shop owners alike.

Lead with Your Conclusion

Early in his career, Stephen learned the hard way that over-explaining undermines persuasion.  Now, he structures all communication by front-loading the key takeaway, then adding context only if needed. "Ask yourself: Does this detail help my audience make a decision, or just make me feel thorough?"

Connect with Stephen Mar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmar/ 

Twitter/X and Instagram:  @stephenmar

About the Guest: 

As Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Odeko, Stephen Mar (Legal strategist) is the operational backbone for thousands of coffee shops and cafés, overseeing everything from high-stakes corporate governance to the human side of HR. But don’t let the title fool you, this former WeWork turnaround architect and Sullivan & Cromwell litigator is equally comfortable dissecting merger paperwork as he is explaining employment law to baristas. 

Fun Facts:

• 🎤 From Debate Champ to Boardroom Whisperer: His competitive debate trophies are proof of his persuasion skills.
• 🐕 Zen Master: Stephen loves hiking, traveling, playing instruments, and spending time with his dog, Zumi.
• ☕ Caffeine Connoisseur: Professionally supports coffee shops; personally tests their products with the rigor of a sommelier (paired with occasional cocktail chasers).

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Kevin D. Oden, CEO of Kevin D. Oden & Associates and former head of operational risk at Wells Fargo, knows the high-stakes world of financial compliance isn’t for the faint of heart. In this episode of the Speak In Flow podcast with Melinda Lee, he reveals how to spot hollow expertise, why "big name" consultants often fail smaller institutions, and the uncomfortable truths leaders must confront to protect their organizations.

Learn why honesty, not optics, is the ultimate risk management strategy.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Consultant Trap

"If your consultant hasn’t carried the burden of compliance themselves, they can’t guide you through it."

How "big name" firms lure clients with senior partners, then delegate critical work to junior teams lacking real-world regulatory experience.

The Toughest Conversation

Why Kevin insists on documenting every regulatory gap... even when clients beg him to omit them.

"I keep a copy of every recommendation. If regulators audit my work, I won’t be the reason a client fails."

Leading by Example (Even on Bad Days)

How a toxic former boss taught Kevin the cost of poor leadership: "He berated teams daily and was fired within a year."

🌟Golden rule: "There should be no surprises at work. Communicate openly, even when it’s hard."

The Local Reality of Global Rules

Why regulations are universal, but enforcement is hyper-local, and how to prepare for examiner biases.

"Assume every examiner will interpret rules differently. Over-prepare, but don’t overcorrect."

Connect with Kevin D. Oden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-oden-3b8a39a/ 

Website: kdoa.com 

About the Guest: 

Kevin D. Oden is a rare hybrid of mathematician, risk whisperer, and hands-on regulator, a leader who’s as comfortable dissecting complex models as he is navigating boardroom battles. As CEO of Kevin D. Oden & Associates, he helps financial institutions untangle high-stakes compliance crises, drawing on decades of experience as Wells Fargo’s Head of Operational Risk and Compliance and architect of their model risk management framework.

Fun Facts:

• 🎾 From Courts to Calculus: Swapped tennis tournaments for differential equations, but still brings a competitor’s edge to risk management.
• 🚀 Rocket Scientist Turned Regulator: Proves analytical rigor applies equally to astrophysics and audit trails.
• 📚 Professor at Heart: Taught math at Harvard, now “educates” clients on regulatory loopholes with far higher stakes.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Festivals bring joy, foster connection, and create transformative spaces, and James Weisberg learned from a young age how to harness their power to build a visionary future.

As the founder of Project Vitality and co-founder of Cresci Labs, James blends entertainment, education, and community impact through festivals, startup ecosystems, and a mindset he calls “Level 12” where success defies imagination. In this energizing conversation with Melinda Lee, he shares how trust, love, and bold action unlock opportunities beyond expectation.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Level 12 Mindset

“Beyond imagination, beyond explanation, beyond expectation.”

James’s core philosophy: Trust that life’s outcomes will surpass your plans. Whether in business (like his surprise partnership with Alley Times) or personal growth, he leans into divine timing and unseen forces.

Festivals as Change-Making Platforms

From his family’s Rock the Bells hip-hop festivals to Project Vitality, James designs events that entertain, educate, and elevate, blending music, job fairs, wellness workshops (breathwork, legal advice), and environmental activism. “We’re the aspirin for people’s headaches.”

Networking with “No Agenda”

Why James prioritizes authentic relationships over transactions, and how a random festival connection landed him a Fortune 500 client years later.

Alchemizing Struggle

• “This too shall pass, good and bad.” James reflects on Jim Carrey’s advice and turning anger into action.

• Natural Healing: Rejecting pharmaceutical numbing for breathwork, meditation, and holistic remedies.

Connect with James Weisberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-weisberg-49388b142/ 

About the Guest: 

James Weisberg is a serial entrepreneur and dealmaker who bridges the worlds of data-driven growth and high-stakes commodities trading. As founder of Cresci Labs, he helps businesses scale through hyper-targeted B2B lead funnels and revenue-optimized marketing systems. His other playground? Structuring multimillion-dollar deals in fuel, gold, lithium, carbon credits, and even private equity stakes in sports teams, all while navigating global trade regulations and tax-efficient asset structures.

Beyond the boardroom, James grew up backstage at festivals, booking artists for his father’s iconic Rock the Bells hip-hop events and later launching his own nonprofit, Project Vitality, to merge music with education and job fairs.

Fun Facts:

• 🎤 Festival Kid Turned Founder: From handing out flyers as a teen to producing his own events, James believes festivals are the ultimate community alchemy.
• ⚽ Triple-Threat Athlete: Played soccer, football, and baseball; now channels that competitive edge into deep-sea fishing and globetrotting.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Jaime Lee, USC trustee, real estate CEO, and keynote speaker to thousands, once hyperventilated into a paper bag before speeches. In this vulnerable conversation with Melinda Lee, she reveals how she rewired her mindset from "I can’t say the alphabet if called on" to commanding boardrooms and commencement stages. Discover her counterintuitive secret: preparedness isn’t about perfection, it’s about pivoting.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The “Rubber Band” Moment

How immigrant roots and a "keep your head down" upbringing fueled Jaime’s terror of speaking, and the visceral physical reactions she had to conquer (shaking hands, a burning neck, and a mind going blank).

The Volunteer Cure

Why saying "yes" to unpaid speaking gigs (even while shaking) became her secret weapon: "It doesn’t get easier until you do it. But every time you do, it gets easier."

• The game-changer: Speaking about scholarships for deserving students gave her a "mission over fear" mindset.

When Plans Go Sideways

Jaime’s "decision tree" method for high-stakes negotiations, and why she backtracks to the human element when things derail.

"People surprise you. If you’re only prepared for ‘perfect,’ you’ll crumble."

Gen Z, Nuance, and the Art of Disagreeing

Why social media trains us to avoid hard conversations, and how to "dance" with differing opinions without sacrificing conviction.

"You can’t change systems by throwing rocks from the outside. Get in the room, then speak truth with gravitas."

Connect with Jaime L. Lee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jleela/ 

About the Guest: 

Jaime Lee is the CEO of the Jamison group of companies, a powerhouse real estate enterprise that owns and operates over 18 million square feet of commercial, multifamily, retail, and medical properties across Southern California, with a $3.2 billion net asset value. Her expertise has earned her 100+ speaking engagements for organizations like ULI, JP Morgan, and UCLA, covering real estate, global supply chains, and leadership.

Fun Facts:

• 🏊 Triathlon Newbie: After completing her first triathlon in 2023, she’s training for another, proving that growth happens outside comfort zones.
• 🧬 Longevity Geek: Fascinated by the science of aging, she’s as curious about life extension as she is about real estate development.
• 👧 Big Sister Energy: The eldest (and only daughter) of four siblings, she’s been leading since day one.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

When you start a business, it’s easy to obsess over your product- perfecting the tech, the features, the "how." But what happens when you realize no one cares how it works… unless you can make them believe in why it matters?

In this episode of the Speak In Flow Podcast, Melinda Lee interviews Rohin Parkar, the CEO of Spintly, who has experienced this type of pivot firsthand. As an engineer, Parkar built cutting-edge access control technology. However, he hit a wall when investors shrugged and employees misunderstood his vision.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Engineer’s Blind Spot

"The product was everything… until it wasn’t."

Rohin’s early belief that technology would sell itself crumbled when investors rejected his jargon-heavy pitches.

Pivoting from Technical to Transformational

"You have to tell a story, not just specs." 

How mentors pushed Rohin to simplify his message and focus on the problem his tech solves.

➡ ️The mindset shift: From "Am I good enough?" to "I belong here," especially as an Asian founder in a competitive space.

Scaling Vision (and Communication) with Growth

"Money comes as a result of how you build the company. Empathy isn’t optional."

Seed round vs. Series B: Why a $50M pitch demands a "disrupt the world" narrative, and how to authentically believe it first.

Work-Life Harmony (Not Balance)

Instead of chasing the myth of "balance," the Parkars’ built harmony, lunch together between meetings, late-night work sessions after family dinners, and piano lessons scheduled alongside investor calls.

Connect with Rohin Parkar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohin-parkar/ 

About the Guest: 

Rohin Parkar is the Co-founder and CEO of Spintly, a smart building tech company transforming access control through wireless mesh networks and edge AI. With 20+ years in engineering and leadership, he’s built Spintly into a global innovator, backed by Accel Partners and partnered with Apple to support access badges in Apple Wallet. 

Rohin is passionate about decentralized systems, edge intelligence, and building deep-tech products from India that power smarter, more responsive buildings.

Fun Facts:

• 🧠 Edge Enthusiast: Rohin’s fascination with edge computing began with weekend IoT experiments in his garage.
• 🥾 Learning on the Trail: He often turns hikes with his son into mini deep-dives on tech, science, and innovation.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

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When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Closing a deal has its tricks, but when you take the game overseas, you’ll quickly learn every culture has its own rules.

On this episode of Speak in Flow, global consultant Jonathan Holburt joins Melinda Lee to unpack how you win buy-in across borders. From breakfast meetings in Korea (with zero business talk) to launching a Guinness campaign that starred a "Nigerian James Bond," Jonathan shares lessons from 27 years of working across 20+ countries.

You’ll learn why listening is your most underrated tool, and how candor, competence, and concern create instant credibility, even over Zoom.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The 5-Step Buy-In Blueprint

Persuasion starts with decoding the room:

• Who really decides? 

• Who influences quietly behind the scenes?

• What are they assuming you know?

• What’s unspoken, but crucial?

• Should you adopt, adapt, or invent your strategy entirely?

Jonathan’s framework helps you prep smarter, so your message lands.

The 3 C’s of Trust

Trust may be universal, but the way you build it must be intentional. Jonathan breaks down what he calls the “3 C’s of Trust”: candor, competence, and concern. When all three are present, trust accelerates.

“They need to know you’re invested in their stakes, not just your pitch.” 

Cross-Cultural Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

• The Breakfast Test: Why Jonathan flew 7 h to Seoul for a social breakfast (no business talk!) to secure a Korean client’s trust.

"Goldman Sachs bankers got thrown out for pushing a deal in a day- Koreans value relationships over transactions."

• "Yes" Doesn’t Always Mean Yes: How silence in Japan or "We’ll do our best" in India often signals no.

• Remote Challenges: Why reading body language on Zoom is harder (and how to compensate).

How to Truly Listen

At the heart of all these strategies is a simple but powerful principle: great leaders listen deeply. Jonathan encourages professionals to go beyond surface-level responses and instead tune into the deeper question behind every question.

"Be a good listener- people will reciprocate. Listen beyond the words: What’s the real question behind their question?"

Connect with Jonathan Holburt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-holburt-38b28a4/ 

About the Guest: 

Jonathan Holburt is a consultant at Reveal Growth, an Ohio-based firm, specializing in cross-cultural marketing and presentation skills. He spent 27 years in Asia leading campaigns for global brands like Procter & Gamble, McDonald’s, and Nokia, earning two Effie Awards along the way.  He’s a Magna Cum Laude graduate of UCLA and currently lives with his wife in Orange County, California.

Fun-facts:

• 🌍 Around the World in 140 Stamps: Jonathan has traveled to 140 countries and is about to launch a travel blog to share insights from his global adventures.
• 📚 From Boardrooms to Big Screens: His novel Shadow Emperor was optioned by Cate Blanchett’s agent.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review.

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

What does it take to show up fully in a room, build trust across partnerships, and be the kind of person people actually want to work with? On this episode of the Speak In Flow Podcast, Tony Zirnoon, Director of Channel and Strategic Partnerships at Actian, a true “connector” in both tech and human ecosystems. With experience bridging innovation and execution in cybersecurity, opens up about leadership, presence, and the real power of listening.

Join Tony and Melinda as they explore how being coachable and staying curious can transform your entire career.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Authentic Networking > Agenda Networking

"Build relationships before you need them."

There’s a big difference between showing up with purpose and showing up with a pitch deck. Purposeful networking is about listening, giving, and aligning.

The Role of a “Fixer” in Tech and Why It Matters

What it means to step into failing partnerships and turn them around with integrity.

Tony breaks down how he earned trust by focusing on consistency over charisma.

"People want to be heard. That’s where healing begins." 

Coachability as a Superpower

How Tony's willingness to receive feedback opened unexpected doors, and why humility is key when stepping into new roles.

 “Being coachable is everything. That’s how people want to work with you.”

The Power of Presence

Why being fully present in conversations matters more than having all the answers—and how Tony learned to read a room by listening more than speaking.

 “If you're not present, people can feel it.”

Connect with Tony Zirnoon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zirnoon/ 

Website: https://hcvcorp.com/ 

Contact details: https://poplme.co/hash/pSAWzkTT/4/es 

About the Guest: 

Tony is the Founder of Human Capital Ventures Corp, where he has raised $7M+ for early-stage startups in cybersecurity, AI, and SaaS. A seasoned GTM strategist, he’s driven exits like Avid Secure (acquired by Sophos) and SecureCircle (acquired by CrowdStrike). With 25+ years in cybersecurity, he builds high-impact partnerships and scales startups from seed to Series A+.

Fun-facts:

• 🌍 Polyglot Maverick: Fluent in English, Spanish, Farsi, and conversational in Catalan, Italian, and Portonyol (his self-described "linguistic remix").
• ⛷️ Slopes & Rhythms: An avid skier and dancer, equally at home carving powder or salsa floors.

About Melinda:

Melinda Lee is a Presentation Skills Expert, Speaking Coach, and nationally renowned Motivational Speaker. She holds an M.A. in Organizational Psychology, is an Insights Practitioner, and is a Certified Professional in Talent Development as well as Certified in Conflict Resolution. For over a decade, Melinda has researched and studied the state of “flow” and used it as a proven technique to help corporate leaders and business owners amplify their voices, access flow, and present their mission in a more powerful way to achieve results.

She has been the TEDx Berkeley Speaker Coach and has worked with hundreds of executives and teams from Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Caltrans, Bay Area Rapid Transit System, and more. Currently, she lives in San Francisco, California, and is breaking the ancestral lineage of silence.

Website: https://speakinflow.com/

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/speakinflow

Instagram: https://instagram.com/speakinflow

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpowerall

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.