Speaking to Influence

This week, Mike Massaro shares how important it is to set the narrative.  Mike’s quote was, “If you don’t set the narrative, the narrative is going to be set for you.”

In this episode you will learn:

• How transitioning from a private company to a public company created an entirely new audience to communicate to and how to embrace the challenge.
• Making sure that you communicate in various ways so that employees feel comfortable when they are listening to your message.
• Understanding what motivates a team and what they ultimately want.
• It isn’t how many times you say something, it’s how many times it resonates.

24 Hour Challenge: What makes you feel fulfilled?  Write down the top three things that make you feel fulfilled both professionally and personally.  If you are not fulfilled, figure out why.

The app that Mike mentions in the episode: https://bigvu.tv/

About Mike Massaro:

As CEO of Flywire (Nasdaq: FLYW), Mike Massaro has grown the business from a concept into a leading payments enablement and software company. He has overseen Flywire’s expansion into new regions while aligning Flywire’s global team with the company’s strategic direction, including the company's Initial Public Offering (IPO) in May of 2021.

His background spans global payments, mobile software and hardware, and e-billing at high-growth technology companies, including Carrier IQ and edocs, Inc. Mike has been named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs, and a CEO of the Year by Comparably, among other distinctions. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Babson College.

You can connect with Mike in the following ways:

• Website: https://www.flywire.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmassaro/
• Twitter: @mpmassaro

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, Damon D’Amore shares how he went from a successful Hollywood producer to helping C-Suite executives on areas of performance as well as how to tell their story to stakeholders in the most effective way . 

In this episode you will learn:

• The three pillars of crisis leadership and how to improve on the them.
• Making sure that you know who your stakeholders are and knowing how to communicate with them..
• Understanding the three basic points to a story.
• How to move from a reactive to a proactive mindset.

Damon’s excerpt from the book that he is working on mentioned in the podcast: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-pragmatic-optimist-damon-d-amore/

About Damon D’Amore:

Damon D'Amore has spent more than 20 years working directly with C-Suite leaders in Fortune 500 firms. His work focuses on psychological performance, crisis leadership and storytelling to gain stakeholder advocacy. He speaks internationally on legacy, personal development, resilience, mindset, and applying the lessons of entrepreneurship to corporate environments and is a YPO International keynote speaker and facilitator. More than half of Damon’s clients are female leaders in the C-Suite.

Prior to his work at Legacy Mentor, Damon worked deep in corporate finance, building international business for a market-leading firm and in media producing a number of high-profile titles such as Undercover Boss. American Express and Discovery Channel tapped him to host a show on innovation and entrepreneurship. His upcoming book, The New Zero detailing the leadership skills and traits necessary to succeed in the business and cultural landscape post-2020.

You can connect with Damon in the following ways:

• Website: https://legacymentor.co/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damondamore/

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

This week Laura is celebrating the 150th episode of Speaking to Influence.  Dr Nasser Khan shares what he and his company are doing to help addicts rebuild and recover.  Dr. Khan discusses the importance of storytelling when it comes to overcoming the fears of the neighborhood when a new facility is going to be built in the community.  When others share their fears when a facility opened in their community and that their fears were allayed, that helps with the message that help is needed in every community.  Once every five minutes there is an opioid death in the United States.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How only 10 percent of those with an opioid addiction are in treatment today.
• As a manager knowing that the importance of teams and playing to individual strengths helps to create balance.
• Understanding that addiction impacts more than 10 million across the USA and is chronic.
• Opioid overdoses are the leading cause of death for ages 18-45 in the USA..

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Dr. Khan challenges the viewers to look up “fentanyl” and see what comes up.

About Dr. Nasser Khan:

Nasser Khan, MD is the Group President of Operations for Acadia, Comprehensive Treatment Centers.  He oversees Acadia’s network of 146 CTC facilities across the US.

Dr. Khan joins Acadia from his most recent role as Senior Vice President, Operations at Shields Health Solutions, a national provider of specialty pharmacy services to health systems and a subsidiary of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Prior to Shields, Nasser served as Head of Program & Chief Medical Officer at Biograph Inc, a healthcare technology company. He also held a series of progressive operational leadership roles at DaVita, Inc. as Division Vice President of Hospital Services, Regional Operations Director, and Director of Strategy & Special Projects. Early in his career, Nasser spent time as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, a leading global consulting firm.

Dr. Khan holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD), a Master of Medical Science (MMS) and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Biology from Brown University where he graduated magna cum laude. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He maintains an active medical license and is board certified in internal medicine.

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

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acadiahealthcare
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acadia-healthcare/
• Website: https://www.acadiahealthcare.com/

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 Kurt Luidhardt shares how critical it is that you know who the decision makers are when you are working with a client.  Kurt shared an example of when he and his team worked diligently on a pitch assuming that they knew who the decision makers were only to find out that one of the decision makers had not been originally included and the entire pitch had to be redone.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How accountability discussions don’t have to equal conflict.
• Being clear on who needs to weigh in on a decision so as to not waste time.
• Understanding that the use of video can help you get right to the point.
• Sharing your passion and translating that passion to a group to create engagement.

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Kurt challenges the viewers to remove qualifiers when they communicate to a third party.  Examples include “maybe, probably, etc.

About Kurt Luidhardt:

Kurt is CEO at The Prosper Group, a digital agency he co-founded in 2006. Together with his wife Kristen, they have grown a company that has become known as “one of the top thinkers in online campaigning”.

His unique blend of experience gives him a different perspective on politics and communication. His Midwestern values of hard work and service have led to positive and long term relationships with clients ranging from nonprofits to politicians – those folks include Governors Chris Christie, Scott Walker, and Brian Kemp as well as current and former US Senators Ben Sasse, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio.  In addition, dozens of members of the US House have worked with Kurt - from Indiana to New Jersey to California.  Outside the office, Kurt is passionate about faith, good books, Indiana, and the Indianapolis Colts. 

You can connect with Kurt in the following ways:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/theprospergroup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProsperGroup
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-group-corp
• Website: https://www.prospergroupcorp.com/

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 Dave Scopinich shares how radio reaches almost 90 percent of all Americans (he shared that the source was Nielsen) on a daily basis.  That gives his team and clients the opportunity to create and deliver premium audio to more than 200 million consumers every week.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How by treating his sales team like clients.  This is achieved by knowing everything about them, what motivates them and helping them grow their business.
• Understanding the importance of using visual framing to solidify your message.
• Creating an environment where you can be promoted by making decisions and solving problems while being able to connect with people.

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Dave shares a tip that he learned from previous podcast guest Dave Raymond, the original Philly Phanatic.  “Tell me something good.”  By using this phrase, it will help you get better results from everyone to your team to your children sharing what they learned at school today.

Dave encourages everyone to download the Audacy app so that they can listen to his episode using the fastest growing streaming app as of the time of this podcast.

About David Scopinich:

Dave Scopinich is Vice President and Director of Sales at Audacy Philadelphia. Audacy is the #1 creator of premium original audio content in the United States. He and his award-winning sales team work with clients to help them connect with their targeted consumers using the power of audio.

Dave is a graduate of Father Judge High School and Penn State University. He loves spending time with his family, coaching youth baseball, and passionately following Philadelphia sports. He and his wife have three children and a dog. They live in a suburb of Philadelphia.

You can connect with Dave in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davescopinich/
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/audacy-inc/
• Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/audacyaudio/
• Twitter Business Page: https://twitter.com/audacy
• Instagram Business Page: https://www.instagram.com/audacy/
• Website: https://www.audacy.com/

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, Christine Proffitt shares how it is her mission to provide people with the opportunity to become the best at what they do. 

• In this episode you will learn:
• How to understand what a CEO wants as well as what it takes to deliver it.
• Making sure that an employer learns how to attract the best talent available.
• Understanding the DASH method and how to use it in coaching.
• What a senior leader does not want to hear if it does not relate to the issue at hand.

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Christine challenges the audience to get a mentor outside of their work and personal life.

About Christine Proffitt:

Christine Proffitt is the Executive Vice President of Sales at Integrity Staffing Solutions, Inc.  She is responsible for the sales strategy, growth in revenue, new customer acquisition, and leading the sales team to success.  As a 22-year staffing, recruiting, and sales expert, she has developed the knack for networking, communicating with purpose, solving complex challenges, and is dedicated to helping people reach their full potential. She is highly passionate about equal opportunity for all people and about Integrity’s associate-first philosophy, which focuses on both connecting associates with jobs and advocating for their success.

You can connect with Christine in the following ways:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/chproffitt
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christineproffitt
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/integrity-staffing-solutions/

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, Yesi Morillo shares the importance of staying ready to take advantage of opportunities so that you are prepared for any moment to be able to discuss what you are working on.  “The elevator is one of the most underused networking tolls on Earth.”  In this episode Yesi shares how interactions in the elevator have led to successful introductions in her rise from administrative assistant to senior executive.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How to help someone be an ally.
• Making sure that you seek peer to peer support and mentoring as it is critical for your growth.
• Understanding the difference between being mentored and being sponsored.
• Creating an environment for your team where they understand that “when one of us wins, we all win.”
• During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Yesi challenges the listeners to approach someone at your organization that you have never met before and ask them what they do for their company.

About Yesi Morillo:

Yesi Morillo is an award winning entrepreneur and accomplished Wall Street executive.  She is a TedX speaker, author, business strategist, and power igniter with a focus on helping others reach their full potential.

Yesi currently serves as a Senior Vice President at Citi, working as a Talent & Diversity advisor.  In this role, she is responsible for curating and implementing a global strategy for the organization’s Hispanic/Latino population.  Yesi also provides expertise, guidance and support for the Hispanic/Latino Inclusion Network.

Yesi holds an undergraduate degree from Baruch College, a Masters Degree from New York University, a Masters Degree from Trident University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education.

You can connect with Yesi in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yesenia1

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 Christine Ostrowski shares how an almost two hundred year old school is continually adapting to improve the lives of their students and team.  By treating employees like clients to understand what they need to give every resource possible to their students, everyone wins.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How being on a dragon boat team can prepare for successful teamwork.
• Making sure that you take the time to pause and work on your relationships.  Trust brings value.
• Understanding the importance of a discovery meeting to prevent jumping to conclusions.
• Creating a mission driven environment where leaders are committed to creating a better tomorrow.

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Christine challenges the listeners to volunteer.  How do you start?  Christine recommends visiting volunteermatch.org.

Book recommendation: Christine mentions in the podcast “Conversational Intelligence: How Great Leaders Build Trust & Get Extraordinary Results” by Judith Glaser. 

About Christine Ostrowski:

Christine Ostrowski is the Chief Financial Officer for Overbrook School for the Blind. Christine is passionate about quality education experience for all students, including students with specialized educational needs.

Christine has focused on non-profit finance in the education sector for over a decade. She has worked in higher education, public education and private education. Christine collaborates with other leaders in historical institutions in innovations to streamline the administration of schools. Optimizing the finance and operations of schools frees up resources to focus on instructional programming. Innovations include the delivery of on-line education, enrollment strategies, enterprise resource management solutions and budget management.

Christine holds an undergraduate degree in accounting from Jefferson University. She received her MBA in entrepreneurship and innovation from Drexel University’s Lebow College of Business. Christine also has completed certificate programs at the MIT Sloane School of Management in Mastering Design Thinking and Pricing. Christine and her husband Steve have two children in their young adult years and live in the Philadelphia area.

You can connect with Christine in the following ways:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-ostrowski/
• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/overbrook-school-for-the-blind/
• Facebook Business Page: https://www.facebook.com/OverbrookSchoolfortheBlind/
• Twitter Business Page: https://twitter.com/OverbrookSFTB
• Instagram Business Page: https://www.instagram.com/overbrookschoolfortheblind/
• Website: https://www.obs.org/

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

In this week’s episode, Retired FDNY Battalion Chief John LaBarbera of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation board shares with Laura the important work that the foundation is doing and the obstacles that they face including with communication.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How to overcome the challenge of a non-receptive audience.
• Sharing the difficulties with communication that can arise out of life and death situations such as those that the FDNY and first responders across our country face daily.
• Understanding the importance of reviewing what went well and what can be improved as soon as possible after an event.
• The 24 Hour Challenge is to visit the t2t.org website and learn more about their mission to help them do good.  95.1 cents out of every dollar raised goes toward the mission.

You can connect with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in the following ways:

• LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stephen-siller-tunnel-to-towers-foundation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tunnel2Towers/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tunnel2Towers
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tunnel2towers/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TunnelToTowers
• Website: https://t2t.org/

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

This week, Laura discusses the importance of humor and executive presence. Laura shares her tips for adding “fun” to your presentation while keeping it professional and engaging your audience.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

• How to be more interesting, entertaining, and captivating to an audience.
• Energy variation is at the heart of a successful presentation.
• Humor can enhance your vocal presence.

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