Speaking and Communicating Podcast

Julie Gartell is the Founder of CareerPREP Solutions, a career coaching firm she established after over 15 years in corporate talent acquisition. 

Her mission is to help professionals tell their story with clarity and navigate job searches by leveraging her background in executive search and branding.

Her career began in marketing with iconic brands including Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Chanel, where she learned the power of storytelling and how the strongest brands create memorable, consistent messages.

She later pivoted into executive search and Talent Acquisition, spending nearly two decades leading hiring for some of the world's most recognized organizations, including Saks Fifth Avenue, MediaCom, Coach, kate spade, and Stuart Weitzman.

Connect with Julie:
Website: https://www.careerprepsolutions.com/

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple:
Spotify:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/akXuidXjPVI

Transformation for your child starts with structure1

Meet John Geyston!

John is an Author, Public Speaker and Martial Artist. His Martial Arts Academy has been operating in Springfield, Illinois since 1982. He is a dynamic professional speaker and performance coach with more than 44 years of experience empowering individuals, families, and business owners to unlock their potential and lead with confidence, discipline, and purpose.

His book, Embrace Your Awesome, is all about reflecting, practicing, and building the skills you need to feel amazing about yourself. From mindfulness to handling challenging relationships, each section will guide you on an exciting journey towards realizing your strengths, setting goals, and valuing your own worth.

On this episode, John shares the powerful story of his upbringing and why he chose martial arts as a career especially focusing on the next generation.

Connect with John:
Website: https://www.johngeyston.com/

Additional Resources:
"Embrace Your Awesome" by John Geyston on Amazon

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-benefits-of-martial-arts-for-children-w-john-geyston/id1614151066?i=1000798115447
Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Dykgg84wZ3c9HrmmJbTpa?si=oyHNqiPuQaOZk7VBq3eXtQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Dykgg84wZ3c9HrmmJbTpa
YouTube: https://youtu.be/lzlr9JGtF1A?si=4YMu7Ouko9TQBu8e

Why is cultural intelligence (CQ) a crucial leadership competency?

Meet Eva Aimable-Kolosko!

Eva grew up living in 8 countries, which shaped her ability to adapt and understand different cultures. She discussed the importance of curiosity, active listening, and adapting communication styles to connect with diverse teams. 

Her career journey and its accompanying leadership roles have greatly been influenced by this global reach and exposure.

Key TakeAways:
- what exactly is global cultural intelligence
- transferable skills that accelerate your career
- the difference between a mentor and a sponsor
- managing fear in unfamiliar environments
- adaptation, flexibility and curiosity in new surroundings
- developing a global mindset and cultural understanding
- differences in communication styles across cultures
- cultural intelligence in communication and leadership
- the impact on career growth and leadership success

...and so much more!

Connect with Eva:
Website:  https://www.growthwithoutborders.global/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/eva-aimable-kolosko

Additional Resources:
"Global Leaders Compass scorecard" on Eva's website

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cultural-intelligence-in-global-leadership-w-eva-amable/id1614151066?i=1000797016898
Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/episode/4d9wqwpOeYCrQI14RkQFOP?si=AT1zQOs-Qn6HBFvjnAKsyw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4d9wqwpOeYCrQI14RkQFOP
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rlgiJJzCcsk

Are you an authentic leader?

Meet Kurt Bush!

Discover how to command the room, eliminate the "polite trap," and turn your technical expertise into undeniable leadership authority.

Kurt is a Leadership Coach from Iowa who co-founded Brimstone Coaching Group. He transitioned from coaching to organizational leadership during the pandemic in 2020. He shared his leadership approach during uncertain times, defining leadership as being the least anxious person in the room and adopting a posture of calm during uncertainty.

For a long time, Kurt had this nagging feeling that he is an imposter, and that he's mere minutes from being found out. This feeling would keep him stuck, and fearful, NOT thriving! He has since used coaching to establish a better story, and a better set of tools to help quiet the voice that says “you’re an imposter” and is now helping other leaders to do the same.

Key TakeAways
- being "the least anxious person in the room"
- focusing on "how" decisions are made
- the importance of curiosity, self-reflection, and addressing internal barriers
- trauma-informed leadership
- how leaders can practice self-compassion.

- how to reduce the unknown unknowns in your knowledge gap
- the importance of self-awareness and identifying blind spots
- how to avoid getting stuck in daily operations

- identifying the underlying causes of unsatisfactory results

...and so much more!

Connect with Kurt:
Website: https://www.brimstonecoachinggroup.com/

Additional Resources:
Book: "Live Fully, Lead Authentically" by Kurt Bush and Chris Godfredsen

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-an-authentic-leader-the-power/id1614151066?i=1000795974718
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uD1gCyz7QpgkJaU37Qw9n?si=jnumWCclSI2e-ovkionx5Q
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5uD1gCyz7QpgkJaU37Qw9n
YouTube: https://youtu.be/g_siWStFloA

How do you fix a toxic work environment?

Meet Dr. Sharalyn Payne!

Dr. Payne is a sought after trusted advisor who works closely with CEOs, CHROs, CFOs, and VPs on critical leadership decisions. Drawing on her extensive expertise supporting some of the world’s strongest and most reputable companies, she guides clients through sensitive organizational challenges. 

She is  highly effective at advising companies on how to build exemplary leaders for today and the future.

Key Takeaways:
- the qualities of effective leaders
- using positional power to create a toxic work environment
- how to achieve sustainable outcomes
- creating 'scandal-proof' leadership
- the true costs of poor leadership
- why consider decisions, communication, and impact on people 
- the impact of toxic leadership and organizational culture on overall performance
- lack of accountability, unclear expectations, and poor communication
- how leaders can set boundaries and reward positive behaviors
- investing in your own development as a leader

...and so much more!

Connect with Dr. Payne:
Website: https://drsharalyn.com/

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-fix-a-toxic-work-culture-w-dr-sharalyn-payne/id1614151066?i=1000793212124
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yVX8aebG60swQ8W3RNtnn?si=nqv7nvz-QdOb8I0R_Pu7BQ
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6yVX8aebG60swQ8W3RNtnn
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZtQykq-D8Tw

Are you paralyzed by stage fright when speaking, performing or competing?

Meet Dr. David Lee Fish!

David is a Performance Anxiety Expert who himself had his own challenges with stage fright since elementary school days.

He works with professionals who are excellent at their jobs but fall short of their potential when they speak in front of others, whether in formal presentations, team meetings, online sessions, or job interviews. 

His approach to performance anxiety has an unusual origin and has helped professionals reclaim the confidence that anxiety was suppressing. 

David launched the revolutionary 5-Day Solution used by speakers, performers, and professionals in helping them manage performance anxiety and find confidence on stage.

Listen as David shares a different, more effective approach in overcoming speaking and performance anxiety. 

Key Takeaways:
- the biggest misconception about stage fright
- the role of the amygdala and threat detection 
- why so many capable professionals doubt themselves 
- why confidence does not solve the anxiety problem 
- the counterintuitive solution vs universal advice 
- how mindfulness kicks in when in high-stakes situations 
- a different approach from general public speaking coaching 
- why anyone can overcome stage fright and performance anxiety 
- why you lose confidence despite being an expert 

...and so much more!

Connect with David:

Website: https://riseupeight.com

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-overcome-public-speaking-anxiety-w-dr-david-lee-fish/id1614151066?i=1000792031163
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SMlrJTGr866RxqnNzvQsD?si=38mMkLd7SfeZqu-sgBNL_A
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6SMlrJTGr866RxqnNzvQsD
YouTube: https://youtu.be/J8D3pGqS5gg

What happens when a high-achieving leader drops the mask of perfection? 

Meet Jasper Calcara!

Jasper Calcara is a CEO, entrepreneur, single father, author, and speaker whose work centers on helping people build success without sacrificing what matters most.

In this episode, structural engineer and entrepreneur Jasper Calcara spent decades in the high-pressure construction industry, 

He realized early on that clear communication is vital to project success. However, personal success didn't automatically heal internal struggles. 

Jasper opens up about shedding his "Superman complex," navigating divorce, overcoming the need for external validation, and why embracing vulnerability actually empowers your team to be more authentic and productive.

"Real strength is not carrying the weight alone. It's in the courage to repair the damage within." ~ Jasper Calcara

Key Takeaways:

• the high cost of perfection
• why flawlessness in business and life leads to burnout
• communication as a survival tool
• how to communicate in fast-paced engineering environments
• the power of vulnerability
• the costs of not being vulnerable
• redefining success
• sources of validation
• finding genuine internal peace and purpose

...and so much more!

Connect with Jasper Calcara:
Website: jaspercalcara.com

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-perfection-is-killing-your-leadership-and-how/id1614151066?i=1000790880110
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ivoJPQw8aZK7fsMvpb91d?si=AxFKTO8PTHmGuBTBLfppww
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ivoJPQw8aZK7fsMvpb91d
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lx0lfbikJsg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lx0lfbikJsg&t=4s
https://youtu.be/Lx0lfbikJsg?si=bvvUISUmtyxMRPZw

Will artificial intelligence bring us closer together or drive us further apart?

Meet Nathan Graham!

Nathan Graham — author, AI consultant, speaker, real estate broker, business builder, and founder of Synthetic Echo Inc.

In this episode, Nathan is here to discuss the evolving landscape of technology, communication, and human relationships. 

As AI becomes embedded in our daily interactions, preserving genuine empathy, active listening, and authentic connection is more important than ever.

Key Topics Covered:

• The AI Communication Shift
• How automated tools are changing how interact
• Preserving Authenticity 
• Why high-tech tools require human relationships
• Sacrificing depth for speed
• How leaders can leverage AI 
• Fear-mongering in the age of AI
• Daily habits to stay present and empathetic
• How soft skills will play a role in the age of AI

...and so much more!

Connect with Nathan:
Website:  https://syntheticecho.com/

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-ai-will-change-human-connection-w-nathan-graham/id1614151066?i=1000789564096
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VCeHTGTykiIdcdUIwoamV?si=6wr7YdAXQFeMA8R36Cqxig
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VCeHTGTykiIdcdUIwoamV
YouTube: https://youtu.be/YfhlJwWvlJ0?si=KtzNdLZdQK9CvTaP

 Are you treating communication as just a technical skill, or as a mindset of service?

Meet David Firth!

Communication isn't just a set of skills to perform—it's a fundamental mindset to inhabit. In this episode, David Firth, an author, speaker, and organizational consultant with over 30 years of experience helps teams and executives transform their messaging.

David breaks down why the conventional focus on looking polished or sounding authoritative often falls short. Instead, he advocates for a servant-leadership approach to communication that asks, "so that what happens?" to align conversations with meaningful business and personal outcomes. 

He also shares profound insights on managing our internal voice ("Ratty"), overcoming the fear of difficult conversations, and building authentic connection in every sphere of life.

Key Takeaways:
- why IT professionals are particularly in need of communication skills development
- the importance of clear communication in technical work
- communication as a service to others
- mindset over skills in effective communication
- how communication skills support your primary goals
- how communication permeates all aspects of life and relationships
- "The Jewel in the Crown" leadership program
- how communication issues often have human causes
- the importance of asking questions to dissolve assumptions

...and so much more!

Connect with David:
Website: https://www.davidfirthconsulting.com/

Additional Resources:
Book: Unconditional Communication: The Power to Connect, Inspire, and Create Together

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/powerful-communication-skills-for-leadership-success/id1614151066?i=1000788480393
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KDg7vD5fOMgKLJtQJeLia?si=6e9876b396cb484f
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5KDg7vD5fOMgKLJtQJeLia
YouTube: https://youtu.be/mutjlch0v0k?si=HcYb4xwCv1YYHq5s

How do creatives protect their intellectual property?

Meet Gordon Firemark - Attorney At Law!

Gordon Firemark, widely known as "The Podcast Lawyer™." has decades of experience bridging entertainment, theater, media, and law,. He is a prominent entertainment lawyer based in Los Angeles, specializing in the theatre, film, and television industries.

On this episode, Gordon breaks down the essential legal foundations every podcaster, content creator, and entrepreneur needs to protect their brand and income. From avoiding trademark disputes over duplicate podcast titles to navigating the wild frontier of AI clones, holograms, and synthetic voice recreation, Gordon explains why treating your creative passion like a real business isn't optional—it's your ultimate safety net.

Gordon is also recognized for his professional contributions beyond private practice, including his role as faculty at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law and his work as a producer and legal consultant in the entertainment sector, as noted in industry databases like IMDb.

Key Takeaways:
- building a foundation for their creative work
- legal issues around podcast title conflicts and trademark protection
- how trademark law protects your creation and brand from audience confusion
- audience confusion and harm to the original show's reputation
- legal challenges arising from AI-generated content
- trademarking your voice from future holographic technology
- financial management strategies for entertainment professionals

...and so much more!

Connect with Gordon:
Website: https://firemark.com/about/gordon-firemark/
Podcast:  Entertainment Law Update
Podcast:  Legit Podcast Pro

Listen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-secrets-every-creator-needs-to-know-w-gordon-firemark/id1614151066?i=1000786911022
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YZHjtSJmBGTL55BB80Qfm?si=c2216c27d98c4259
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amb9pge_g4o