Teach the Geek: Public Speaking and Communication Skills for Technical Professionals

Uma Subramanian: Bridging the Technical Talent Communication Gap

Uma Subramanian is founder of The Limitless Leaders, where she’s redefining how leadership is developed for the modern world of work. From scaling a global developer community to 37,000 members in just five months and leading developer success, she’s seen firsthand how technical talent can thrive or stall based on how well they communicate their value. In this episode, we explore why even top technical professionals struggle to connect with nontechnical audiences and how mastering communication, visibility, and influence can transform careers.

To learn more about Uma, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/uma-subramanian-limitless/.

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Jason Johnson: from Warehouse Floor to CIO Impact

CIO Jason Johnson leads a 210-person IT organization focused on making technology serve the business, not the other way around. From packing boxes on the warehouse floor to building data-driven systems that directly impact revenue, efficiency, and customer loyalty, he brings a rare ground-level perspective to executive decision-making. With a background in the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense, and a relentless focus on uptime, outcomes, and clarity, he joined us to break down how technical leaders can better communicate with the business and drive real impact.

To learn more about Jason, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonpauljohnson/

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Samya DasSarma: Bridging Tech and Business Communication

CTO Samya DasSarma has more than 25 years of experience in software development and leadership. He has spent much of his career operating at the intersection of deep technical work and executive decision making. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical experts and business leaders, how those gaps affect strategic decisions, and what technical professionals can do to make their ideas clearly understood and influential.

To learn more about Samya, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/samya/

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Dan Lipp: Speaking Tech so Executives Understand

Dan Lipp’s career began with a physics degree and grew into more than 25 years leading software teams, delivering products, and guiding Agile transformations across startups and established companies. Today, he focuses less on coding and more on helping individuals and teams improve their satisfaction and productivity through leadership, mentoring, and continuous growth. In this episode, we discuss the communication gap between technical professionals and non technical audiences and how clearer communication can lead to better executive decisions.

To learn more about Dan, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-daniel-lipp/

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Sam Juarez: Communicating Tech Risk to Executives

Head of IT Sam Juarez has risen from the help desk to the boardroom, leading technology strategy for more than 3,600 employees. He has more than 15 years of experience scaling operations, driving digital transformation, and delivering measurable cost savings. In this episode, we explore the communication gaps between technical professionals and business leaders, the risks of getting it wrong, and the practical steps organizations can take to ensure technology conversations lead to smarter executive decisions.

To learn more about Sam, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/juaresam/.

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Ken Little: Bridging Engineering and Business

Today, we’re tackling one of the most expensive and underestimated problems in modern organizations: the communication gap between technical professionals and nontechnical leaders. I’m joined by Ken Little, SVP of Engineering, to explore where engineers most often struggle with nontechnical audiences, how to make complex ideas understandable to business-minded leaders so they can make better decisions, and what happens when that translation breaks down. We also dig into how organizations can build stronger communication muscles, and how engineers can move from explaining problems to making recommendations.

To learn more about Ken, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethllittle/

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Kader Sakkaria on Translating Technical Complexity into Executive Decisions

Kader Sakkaria is a senior technology and data executive who has led enterprise-scale transformation across financial services and complex global organizations. The work sits at the intersection of data, AI, and executive decision-making, helping organizations turn fragmented efforts into durable business value. In this episode, we focus on how technical leaders communicate with nontechnical audiences, how that skill evolves with seniority, and how to translate complexity into clear business decisions.

To learn more about Kader, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksakkaria/

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Mike Grabarek: Learning, Leadership, and the Language of Impact

Mike Grabarek helps people and organizations thrive through better learning, coaching, and change leadership. From streamlining performance management to crafting top-rated eLearning and coaching programs, he has led L&D efforts that stick. We talk about how technical professionals can communicate more effectively with nontechnical audiences, and what organizations can do to build those skills.

To learn more about Mike, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-grabarek/

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Patrick Dunn: Bridging Technical and Non-Technical Audiences

Patrick Dunn is no stranger to bridging the gap between technical and nontechnical teams. We explore how he translates requirements, resolves misunderstandings, and helps both sides achieve true alignment on complex projects. Patrick also shares his tips for improving communication, managing nerves, and speaking effectively in high-stakes situations.

To learn more about Patrick, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdunnintl/

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Richard Geary: Clarity over Complexity for Leaders

Richard Geary, an EVP of drug development, and I discuss why communication is just as important as technical skill for leaders. We break down the biggest mistakes technical professionals make when talking to nontechnical audiences and share actionable strategies for making complex work clear and compelling. Plus, we cover tips on managing nerves, improving presentations, and the first changes anyone can make to communicate with impact.

To learn more about Richard, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-geary-95587b4/

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TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)

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