Speaking to Influence

This week, Chris Hood of CH Digital and former Head of Digital Strategy at Google discusses the lessons he learned from the communication culture at Google, and how they can be implemented in any business.

In this episode you will learn:

• How Google established a culture of ‘psychological safety’ and appreciation, and tips on how you can do the same for your company.
• Why internal communication (or lack thereof!) and toxic communication culture may be the main culprit behind companies not being able to deliver on client projects
• Insights into the Google interview process for consistently hiring candidates with the right ‘fit’ for your business

24 Hour Challenge:

Conduct a mock podcast interview! Find or have a friend or family member compose 5-10 questions, set up a recording device, and answer those questions on the fly! This will help you become more familiar with topics you WANT to be familiar with, and gives you practice in impromptu speaking.

Reference that Chris makes in the episode:

• ‘Customer Transformation’ by Chris Hood

About Chris Hood :

Chris Hood, a digital strategy expert and author of 'Customer Transformation,' boasts 35+ years in online entertainment, marketing, and business development. Hosting 'The Chris Hood Digital Show,' he guides organizations on innovation and customer-centric leadership. Former roles include heading Google's Digital Business Strategy, crafting transformation programs for Fortune 500 companies, and developing storytelling technologies at Fox Broadcasting & Disney. As a co-founder of Blind Squirrel Games, his influence stretches across multiple industries. Chris also teaches at Southern New Hampshire University.

You can connect with Chris in the following ways:

• Web: https://chrishood.com/
• Blog: https://chrishood.com/blog/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chrishood
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chrishood1
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishood/
• Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chris-hood-digital-show/id1671355874

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

This week, Sardor shares with us what he did to create a work culture that makes people want to come to work each day.

In this episode you will learn:

• How addressing vulnerability openly with his team and clients created a culture of openness and reciprocity within the company, and translated to more trusting relationships with clients and better deals.
• How and why Sardor’s company invested in a new position: Chief Happiness Officer
• How Sardor faced the challenge of engaging introverted developers in a social and interactive work environment.

24 Hour Challenge:

Ask for something that you would normally expect to be met with a ‘no’ without qualifying or apologizing for asking. You never truly know what the answer will be until you make that ask.

About Sardor Arkhmedov:

Sardor Akhmedov is a serial tech entrepreneur and a public speaker who currently holds a position as the CRO and managing partner at Jafton.com - Top Software and App Development Agency in the US. Jafton's clients include the world's top organizations like Alaska Airlines, Kroger and Chevron. As well as dozens of venture-backed startups. Jafton has a strong team of over 120 expert developers and designers on staff.

Sardor is also an angel investor who backed companies like Fathom, Assets Grow and Nutra First.

Other notable achievements:  being the youngest member ever of the Forbes Business Council, first Uzbek to join Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and being the youngest speaker ever to perform on the biggest business forum called Synergy Global as well as the biggest podcast conference, Podcast Movement, where he shared the stage with people like Mark Cuban, Gary Vee, and Richard Branson.

You can connect with Sardor in the following ways:

• Website: https://www.jafton.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sardor-akhmedov/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaftoncom/
• Instagram: @jaftoncom
• Twitter: @jaftoncom

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
• Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Beckord of Founder Suite and Funding Stack: Cracking the Code to Successful Fundraising

This week, Nathan Beckord shares with us how to put yourself in the best position to get to ‘yes’ with potential investors.

In this episode you will learn:

• Common misconceptions and challenges in the world of startups and fundraising
• The difficulties and rejection involved in launching a startup and raising capital, as well as the importance of targeting the right investors
• What filters and criteria investors use to evaluate startup pitches and what indicates a founder’s potential for success
• How to attract investors through showing evidence of success and momentum
• The importance of building a network and helping others in order to create positive founder karma.

24 Hour Challenge:

Find 2-3 other entrepreneurs and proactively help them in some way such as making an introduction to someone in your network or reviewing their pitch deck.

Reference that Nathan makes in the episode:

To access the FREE gifted guide "How to Build the Ultimate Pitch Deck", email [email protected].

About Nathan Beckord:

Nathan Beckord is the CEO of Foundersuite.com a venture-backed company that makes the leading “funding stack” (Investor Database, CRM, Pitch Deck Hosting, Bulk Email, Virtual Data Room and Investor Update tools) for startups raising capital. Over 34,000 startups have raised over $10 Billion in seed and venture capital.

Nathan is also CEO of Fundingstack.com, a new platform used by VCs, investment bankers and funding advisors to help companies raise capital.

Previously, Nathan spent ten years working with over 150 startups as interim CFO, Business Developer, and Advisor. Nathan has an MBA in Entrepreneurship, a BSC in Finance, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In his free time, he enjoys sailing, traveling, and riding motorcycles.

You can connect with Nathan in the following ways:

• Web: www.foundersuite.com
• Blog: blog.foundersuite.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Foundersuite1/videos
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/foundersuite
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/foundersuite
• Medium: https://medium.com/foundersuite
• TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/author/nathan-beckord/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/foundersuite
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3198216/admin/
• LinkedIn (personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbeckord/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

This week, Jacob Baadsgaard shares with us how he made the change to a values based business.

In this episode you will learn:

• How marriage counseling made his business better.
• When to break up or let go of clients while finding the right solution for them.
• What a rock, paper, & scissors tournament does for team recognition.
• Showing businesses how to grow to the next level with digital marketing.
• The importance of hiring someone who don’t pretend to be someone that they are not.

24 Hour Challenge: Reach out to someone you are feeling grateful to and share why you are feeling that way.

Reference that Jacob makes in the episode:

• “Think Win-Win” by Stephen Covey
• “Leadership and Self Deception”  by the Arbinger Institute
• The Predictive Index

About Jacob Baadsgaard:

Jake is the founder and CEO of Disruptive Advertising. An entrepreneur at heart, Jake is a relationship-first kinda guy that loves learning from other people's life experiences. He actively works to create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and challenged to take that next big step on their life journey. When he's not juggling his many roles within Disruptive, you'll find him putting in a lot of miles on the bike or running and spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their four children.

You can connect with Jacob in the following ways:

• Website: https://disruptiveadvertising.com/
• Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disruptive-advertising/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disruptiveads/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakebaadsgaard/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disruptiveads/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

This week, Dr. Mark Wilkinson will share with us various ways that preparing our voice can help lead to a greater impact in front of any size audience.

In this episode you will learn:

• The importance of warming up your body and vocal chords before speaking.
• How certain foods can cause acid reflux and to be mindful of them.
• Why you should find a balance between breathiness and harshness in vocal sound.
• Recognizing some of the myths around vocal expression.

About Dr. Wilkinson:

This tall, fully bilingual Canadian is a gentle giant on a mission to spread kindness everywhere he goes. Infusing his operatically trained voice with humor, joy, and a quick wit, Mark teaches people how to enjoy life and treat themselves and others better.

Mark maintains a varied career as a baritone soloist and actor, sought-after teacher, voice-over artist, personal trainer, volunteer, and community builder. No matter where he goes, his common mission is to use the human voice for good.

The recipient of numerous awards and fellowships, he has presented workshops across North America to individuals and groups of all ages. Usually found smiling or laughing, he continues his work both personally and professionally based on a simple motto:

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

You can connect with Mark in the following ways:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marklwilkinson/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklwilkinson/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marklwilkinson

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

This week, Lisa DiPaolo shares with us the qualities that she looks for when hiring someone for a senior leadership role.

In this episode you will learn:

• How her company is on a mission to defeat cancer.
• The importance of connecting with the audience and stepping back when you see that your message is not resonating.
• Understanding that not everyone wants to be in the spotlight.
• When to demonstrate active listening skills especially when it’s difficult to do so.
• Ways to communicate with your team when your performance didn’t match your expectations.

About Lisa DiPaolo:

Ms. DiPaolo was appointed as Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer in September of 2022. She brings more than 20 years of pharmaceutical and biotech experience to her new role.

Most recently, Ms. DiPaolo served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources, at Ipsen where she led the Human Resources function for the North America business as well as global R&D and Business Development where she successfully led broad organization transformation to scale the business. During her tenure, she was also responsible for building and leading compensation and benefits, talent management and talent acquisition globally. Previously, Ms. DiPaolo spent 8 years at Biogen in several leadership roles and in her last role served as Vice President, Global Therapeutic Operations, Global Medical and Executive search. Earlier in her career, she led North America Human Resources at Smiths Medical and prior to that, she spent a decade at Novartis in various leadership roles both in the U.S. and globally.

Ms. DiPaolo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and a Masters of Human Resource Management from Rutgers University.

You can connect with LIsa in the following ways:

• Website: https://www.karyopharm.com/
• Business Linkedn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/karyopharm
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karyopharm/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldipaolo/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Karyopharm
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKgXa5wDzxS-Lw5jQJ_RfQ/featured

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: https://virtualinfluence.today

In this episode of the “Speaking to Influence”, Dr. Laura Sicola spends time with Ellen Gallagher, Chief Operations Officer at Wilkes University.

In this episode you will learn:

• how a free text-book initiative is increasing student’s likelihood for success
• that time spent earning a 4-year degree teaches you critical interpersonal and management skills
• how everyone, regardless of their role, has the ability and responsibility to represent their organization on social media
• that filling a presentation with technical terms and knowledge, is often more about a speaker lacking confidence than effectively communicating
• to adjust you communication style to match what will most resonate with the intended audience
• that confidence and humility are not mutually exclusive and that you should be confident in your abilities, but humble enough to be ready to learn from other’s fresh perspectives.

About Ellen Gallagher:

With over 30 years of experience as a financial leader in the nonprofit sector, Ellen serves as the COO of Wilkes University, an independent, non-denominational four-year university in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She oversees several of the university’s operations including finance, information technology, facilities and dining services, campus security and capital projects. She also helps in developing the financial, technological and facility planning initiatives for the university.

Throughout her career, she has held several positions at several arts and non -profit organizations including at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, The Public Theater and New York Shakespeare Festival, the Lincoln Center Redevelopment Corporation, the Tucker Music Foundation and the Pennsylvania Ballet.

Ellen is also an accomplished pianist.

You can connect with Ellen in the following ways:

 Wilkes University: https://www.wilkes.edu

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

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

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

LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions

Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions

Twitter: @LauraSicola

Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions

Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/

Laura’s Online Course: https://virtualinfluence.today

In this episode of the “Speaking to Influence”, Dr. Laura Sicola spends time with Jennifer Krippner, Chief Experience Officer at the Institute for Healthcare Excellence, which implements evidence-based systems that instill a state of thriving in physicians, nurses, and caregiver teams.

In this episode you will learn:

• that cultural transformation takes time, commitment, and courage
• it is important to be present and attentive in conversations with all team members regardless of their position
• to not be afraid to assert yourself and defend the high expectations you have
• to believe in yourself when faced with a challenging situation
• to make the “big ask” for something you want instead of talking yourself out of asking.

About Jennifer Krippner:

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare Jennifer is the Chief Experience Officer at the Institute for Healthcare Excellence (IHE), where she helps healthcare organizations create a culture that embraces trust, respect, compassion, and teamwork.

Jennifer believes that by nurturing relational skills, we can restore joy to the practice of medicine and improve quality, safety, and efficiency. She brings diverse perspectives and experiences to the team, having worked in various roles and settings in the healthcare industry.

As the Chief Experience Officer, Jennifer partners with healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, and caregivers to design and deliver customized programs and solutions that address their specific needs and challenges. She employs her skills in healthcare management, marketing, and physician relations to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and promote the value and impact of their work.

You can connect with Jennifer in the following ways:

• Institute for Healthcare Excellence: https://www.iheteam.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jkrippner/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: https://virtualinfluence.today

In this episode of the “Speaking to Influence”, Dr. Laura Sicola talks with Aïcha Ly, Head of Consumer Insights at Opensignal, a global organization that provides operators with unrivaled visibility of their networks and customer activity/insights.

In this episode you will learn:
• That people really appreciate a good human moment in your interaction with them
• No matter how well you craft a message, you can’t always control how others will take it
• Using contrasting statements in tough conversations can help preempt potential defensiveness
• That you can still remain humble by framing your accomplishments in your mission to help others
• To boldly take the time to think about a challenging question before answering
• Through empowering others to find their own solutions, you create a culture of problem solvers and foster growth within your team.

About Dr. Aïcha Ly:

A trilingual, solutions driven market insights strategist, speaker, activist, and owner of Start in The Beginning (SITB), Aïcha is recognized for dynamic and motivational leadership. Her approach to progressive collaboration is underlined by a mission to inspire the best outcome with a healthy exchange of ideas.

Being a Communications Consultant at SITB, allows her to live out her purpose of making others stronger communicators, enabling them to achieve greater influence and make a lasting, positive impact. As an experienced speaker, Aïcha gets to share her big ideas and perspective with people all over the world.

An immigrant from Senegal, West Africa, she beat the odds to ascend to prominent leadership roles and her goal is simple: pay it forward, extend opportunities to others, and empower as many as possible.

You can connect with Aïcha Ly in the following ways: 

• Opensignal: https://www.opensignal.com/
• LinkedIn (Aïcha): https://www.linkedin.com/in/aichaly/
• LinkedIn (SITB): https://www.linkedin.com/company/sitbllc/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: https://virtualinfluence.today 

In this episode of the “Speaking to Influence”, Dr. Laura Sicola chats with Dr. Bill Auxier, President and CEO of the Center for Rural Health Leadership. Dr. Auxier is a renowned author, speaker, and teacher who has spent his career helping rural health leaders create a culture of health and well-being in their communities. Dr. Auxier shares his definition of leadership and challenges listeners to define their own in one sentence or less.

In this episode you will learn:

• What to bear in mind when quoting other people
• how vulnerability and admitting mistakes are important in leadership
• What to do when a decision made in isolation is not well received
• the power of sharing stories
• How to find the courage to deliver difficult messages
• How to gauge the ROI of not admitting when you’re wrong, and the need to always “be right”

About Dr. Bill Auxier:

Dr. Auxier’s favorite activity in the healthcare industry is coaching and mentoring others, helping them to grow and evolve as leaders and helping them provide better patient care.

His healthcare career started as a nurse's aide at Hamilton Memorial Hospital, a small rural hospital in Southern Illinois. He worked his way up from there to become the CEO of a surgical device manufacturer with worldwide distribution. He uses that experience to coach healthcare leaders, assisting them to become more effective leaders by combining what he has learned about leadership in the real world and the academic world.

You can connect with Dr. Auxier in the following ways:

Rural Health Leadership Radio Website: https://rhlradio.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billauxier/
• Website: BillAuxier.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BillAuxierPhD/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
• Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
• Twitter: @LauraSicola
• Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
• Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
• Laura’s Online Course: https://virtualinfluence.today