Super Powered: The Unique Stories of Modern Leaders

Rob D. Willis

Super Powered brings you battle-tested insights from leaders who've seen it all. From the boardroom to the poker table, these lessons come straight from the front line. You'll hear top leaders share their stories and uncover the tools they've built to succeed. Plus, you'll get tips you can use right away in your own work. Want to unlock your own superpowers? Hit subscribe now and join us as we redefine leadership in the real world. read less

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How to bring ideas to life like a Story Spotter - David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie

How to bring ideas to life like a Story Spotter - David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie

Ever feel your best ideas get lost in translation? Former actors turned storytelling experts and leadership coaches David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie share their DNA framework for making ideas stick. As co-founders of StorySpotters and authors of The DNA of Engagement, they've helped global companies like Aviva and Novartis transform how they communicate change.From crafting strategic narratives for boards to helping leaders find their authentic voice, they blend theatrical techniques with business practicality. But this isn't just about polished presentations - it's about overcoming the fear of putting yourself and your ideas out there. Their journey from stage to boardroom proves that effective communication is less about perfection and more about meaningful connection.Key Talking Points:Why storytelling fails without a clear DNA structure of Dreams, Nightmares and ActionsHow one German executive's team transformed their strategic planning using story-based techniquesThe counter-intuitive insight that trying to impress undermines authentic communicationWhy breath control and presence matter more than words when delivering important messagesLinks & Resources:The DNA of Engagement book on AmazonDavid's LinkedInSarah Jane's LinkedInTheStorySpotters.comToday's Exercise #1: The Change BreathThis simple breathing technique helps reset your energy and focus between important conversations. Taking mindful breaths using your diaphragm creates a mental and physical pause that allows you to transition cleanly from one interaction to the next.Steps to Apply:Find a quiet moment between meetings or conversationsStand still and focus on your breathingTake 3 deep breaths, feeling your diaphragm expandOn each exhale, release tension from the previous interactionUse this as a reset before entering your next conversationToday's Exercise #2: The String ConnectionThis visualisation technique helps maintain audience engagement throughout presentations and meetings. It uses the metaphor of a string telephone to ensure your communication remains taut and connected.Steps to Apply:Imagine a piece of string connecting you to your audienceMonitor if that connection feels tight or slack during your communicationWhen you sense the connection loosening, adjust your content or deliveryKeep checking the "tightness" of connection throughout your interactionUse this as a gauge for audience engagement and attention

Episodes

How to bring ideas to life like a Story Spotter - David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie

How to bring ideas to life like a Story Spotter - David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie

Ever feel your best ideas get lost in translation? Former actors turned storytelling experts and leadership coaches David Pullan and Sarah Jane McKechnie share their DNA framework for making ideas stick. As co-founders of StorySpotters and authors of The DNA of Engagement, they've helped global companies like Aviva and Novartis transform how they communicate change.From crafting strategic narratives for boards to helping leaders find their authentic voice, they blend theatrical techniques with business practicality. But this isn't just about polished presentations - it's about overcoming the fear of putting yourself and your ideas out there. Their journey from stage to boardroom proves that effective communication is less about perfection and more about meaningful connection.Key Talking Points:Why storytelling fails without a clear DNA structure of Dreams, Nightmares and ActionsHow one German executive's team transformed their strategic planning using story-based techniquesThe counter-intuitive insight that trying to impress undermines authentic communicationWhy breath control and presence matter more than words when delivering important messagesLinks & Resources:The DNA of Engagement book on AmazonDavid's LinkedInSarah Jane's LinkedInTheStorySpotters.comToday's Exercise #1: The Change BreathThis simple breathing technique helps reset your energy and focus between important conversations. Taking mindful breaths using your diaphragm creates a mental and physical pause that allows you to transition cleanly from one interaction to the next.Steps to Apply:Find a quiet moment between meetings or conversationsStand still and focus on your breathingTake 3 deep breaths, feeling your diaphragm expandOn each exhale, release tension from the previous interactionUse this as a reset before entering your next conversationToday's Exercise #2: The String ConnectionThis visualisation technique helps maintain audience engagement throughout presentations and meetings. It uses the metaphor of a string telephone to ensure your communication remains taut and connected.Steps to Apply:Imagine a piece of string connecting you to your audienceMonitor if that connection feels tight or slack during your communicationWhen you sense the connection loosening, adjust your content or deliveryKeep checking the "tightness" of connection throughout your interactionUse this as a gauge for audience engagement and attention

How to Build Relationships Like a Sales Leader - Henry Kayser

How to Build Relationships Like a Sales Leader - Henry Kayser

Ever wonder how top sales leaders build genuine relationships that last?Henry Kayser turned his natural approach to connecting with people into a powerful sales leadership career at tech giants like Zoom and Oracle. His counter-intuitive focus on authentic human connection over metrics has helped him build and lead successful teams across Europe.From selling phone contracts at university to now managing Commercial Sales teams across multiple regions at Zoom, Henry shares how being yourself "on purpose" is the most powerful sales strategy. Rather than focusing on immediate transactions, he reveals how small, consistent actions build lasting networks that create opportunities naturally over time.Key Talking Points:Why sending three thoughtful messages daily equals 1,000 meaningful connections per yearThe "Dunbar Numbers" framework that explains why some relationships fade after 3 monthsHow focusing on intuition over strict metrics led to stronger sales performanceWhy authentic one-way messages without expecting replies build stronger networksThe counter-intuitive reason that networking becomes easier when you remove the pressure to sellLinks & Resources:LinkedIn: Henry KayserPodcast: Modern Sales Wisdom on Spotify and AppleBook Recommendation: "Obvious Adams" (1915)Tool: Covve Personal CRMToday's Exercise: The Three Questions FrameworkTransform your network by making meaningful connections without expectation of return. This simple daily practice keeps you present in people's minds and builds genuine relationships over time.Steps to Apply:Choose 3 people to reach out to each daySend a genuine, one-way message (text, voice note, or social)Share a specific thought or memory about themDon't expect or require any responseTrack connections using a simple system (spreadsheet or CRM)Maintain consistency for at least 90 days

How to Make Decisions Like a Pro Poker Player - Tino Engel

How to Make Decisions Like a Pro Poker Player - Tino Engel

Ever wonder what professional poker and leadership have in common?Tino Engel transformed his five years as a pro poker player into groundbreaking insights about decision-making under pressure. Now a sought-after business trainer and TEDx speaker, he teaches executives how to navigate uncertainty with the same strategic mindset that helped him succeed at the poker table.From starting with just €50 borrowed from his mother's credit card to making poker his full-time career, Tino's journey proves that managing risk isn't about eliminating uncertainty – it's about mastering your response to it. His refreshingly practical framework helps leaders focus on asking the right questions before taking action, turning high-stakes decisions into calculated opportunities.Key Talking Points:The three essential questions that transform decision-makingWhy successful decision-making requires separating process quality from luckThe counter-intuitive reason gut feelings work best when stakes are lowestHow humility and self-awareness lead to better choicesLinks & Resources:LinkedInWebsiteBook Recommendation: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanBook Recommendation: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExupéryToday's Exercise: The Three Questions FrameworkTry this out every time you pick up your phone or have a discussion.This decision-making practice helps you break down any choice into manageable steps. Before making important decisions, pause and work through Tino's three essential questions to gain clarity and confidence in your path forward.Steps to Apply:Ask yourself "What am I trying to win?" to understand your true motivationConsider "What resources do I need?" including time, energy, and relationshipsEvaluate "Is it worth it?" by weighing potential gains against required resourcesOnly proceed if you have clear, positive answers to all three questionsReview decisions later to refine your process

How to Show Up with Brave Leadership - Wendy Harris

How to Show Up with Brave Leadership - Wendy Harris

Ever wondered what true brave leadership looks like? Wendy Harris, former Goldman Sachs trader turned tech executive, knows it means putting aside personal comfort for the greater good. From transforming underperforming teams into global winners to making tough calls during COVID, she's mastered the delicate balance of driving excellence while staying human.Named one of Fortune Magazine's most powerful women in business, Wendy scaled revenues to $25M at Gong, grew teams from 30 to 85 at CarGurus, and drove Dropbox's European sales past $100M. But what sets her apart isn't just the numbers – it's her radical commitment to authenticity in leadership, proving that vulnerability and fun aren't at odds with high performance.Key Talking PointsThe "2-6-2 Rule" of team dynamics: why expecting everyone to like you is a leadership trapHow one struggling sales team became top global performers by embracing changeWhy redundancies during COVID required both empathy and clear communicationThe "Flamingo Factor" - combining excellence, fun and vulnerability as leadership pillarsWhy Goldman Sachs' pressure cooker environment taught the value of workplace humourLinks & Resources:Wendy’s WebsiteWendy’s LinkedInBook Recommendation: Radical Candor by Kim ScottMentioned: Lewis Howes' PodcastToday's Exercise: The Brave ConversationThis process helps leaders tackle difficult conversations they've been avoiding, combining directness with empathy to achieve better outcomes.Steps to Apply:Identify one conversation you've been putting off this weekWrite down the core message that needs to be deliveredFocus on addressing behaviours/situations, not attacking the personDeliver the message clearly and directly, with empathyAllow space for the other person's response and perspectiveFollow up to ensure mutual understanding and next steps

How to Build a Powerful Leadership Brand - Bob Gentle

Ever wondered how to make people trust you before they've even met you? Bob Gentle transformed from a painfully shy local marketer into a globally-recognised personal branding expert by mastering this exact skill. His counter-intuitive approach helped him build a thriving consultancy where 95% of his clients have never even visited his home city of Glasgow.From recording (and deleting) over 100 videos before publishing his first one to now advising multimillionaire business leaders, Bob shares how he overcame his own visibility fears. As someone who spent 15 years in search and rescue dangling from helicopters but couldn't post a selfie online, his journey proves that fear isn't about capability - it's about comfort zones.This isn't just about building a brand - it's about understanding how people make decisions about you when you're not in the room. Bob reveals why trying to please everyone is the wrong approach, how to turn bad content into good, and why your unique perspective matters more than you think.Key Talking Points:The "scaffolding of imagination" framework that helps clients know, like and trust you before meeting youWhy showing up imperfectly beats hiding perfectly - and how one "terrible" video creator dominated his marketThe gradual desensitisation method Bob learned from search and rescue training that makes visibility less scaryHow to avoid the trap of trying to build "the unified theory of you" when starting your personal brandLinks & Resources:Bob's Podcast: Building Your LeaderBrandWebsite: amplifyme.agencyLinkedIn: Bob GentleBook Recommendation: The Alchemist by Paulo CoelhoFree Resource: Personal Brand Business RoadmapToday's Exercise: The Captain's LogThis daily video practice helps overcome camera anxiety and builds confidence in your on-screen presence. It creates a safe space to practice without the pressure of publishing.Steps to Apply:Set up a camera (not phone) in a private spaceRecord a 2-minute diary entry about your dayWatch it back, no matter how uncomfortableFocus on small improvements in delivery each timeContinue daily for at least two weeks before considering publishingNotice how your comfort level increases over time

How to Spot Opportunities Like a Serial Founder - Luke Tobin

How to Spot Opportunities Like a Serial Founder - Luke Tobin

Ever walked past a business and thought "I could do that better"? Luke Tobin turned that exact instinct into three business exits. He spots gaps others miss - whether that's revolutionising how marketing agencies work with clients or discovering untapped revenue in the experience day industry.From a £6-figure exit of his festival bar company in his early twenties to building the UK's fastest-growing marketing agency (sold for 8-figures in 2022), Luke's track record speaks for itself. Now Co-CEO of Cadastra EMEA with 900+ employees and $50M revenue, he continues to scale companies through his £5M+ investment firm.This episode isn't just one big "success story" though. Luke openly shares his failures - the flopped modelling agency, the web design company that never launched - and reveals how burnout forced him to completely rethink his approach. His practical frameworks and hard-won insights will transform how you view the market around you.Key Talking Points:The counter-intuitive approach that achieved 95% client retention in an industry averaging 30%Why successful exits require 100% focus, and how to avoid the "multi-business trap"The hidden challenges of graduating from SME clients to global brands like Unilever and SamsungHow drama school techniques still influence million-pound business dealsLinks & Resources:Luke's LinkedInEntrepreneurial Edge BlogTobin CapitalBook Recommendation: Blair Enns - "The Win Without Pitching Manifesto"Vocal Warm-UpToday's Exercise: The Control FilterThis process helps you identify where to focus your energy by filtering out uncontrollable factors. It brings immediate relief from overwhelming situations and creates clear action steps for progress.Steps to ApplyWrite down all current problems, challenges, or stressors that are causing concernReview each item and mark which ones are directly within your controlCross out everything you cannot personally influence or controlFocus immediately on solving the controllable itemsReview remaining items the next day - many will have resolved themselvesFor persistent uncontrollable items, develop strategies to manage your response rather than trying to control the situation

21. Navigating Crisis Management | Nadia Pace - NED and Executive Mentor

21. Navigating Crisis Management | Nadia Pace - NED and Executive Mentor

In this episode, I talk to Nadia Pace, a non-executive director from Malta who serves on various boards and is also an executive mentor and BPO advisor. We dive into her time as CEO of World Aviation Group, where she had to relocate her entire operation in under eight weeks due to safety concerns. Nadia shares the strategic decisions she made, the importance of alignment among stakeholders, and the critical role of communication in overcoming the crisis. Her story offers valuable insights into effective leadership during turbulent times. Guest Links LinkedInWebsite Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Nadia Pach 01:09 A Leadership Challenge: Relocating Operations 03:40 Navigating Safety and Cultural Concerns 05:10 Logistical Hurdles and Solutions 09:45 Project Management and Team Coordination 16:34 Communication and Reputational Management 21:00 Reflections and Lessons Learned 25:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

20. Leadership Lessons from Amazon and Google | Richard Russell - Founder at Scaleup Leaders

20. Leadership Lessons from Amazon and Google | Richard Russell - Founder at Scaleup Leaders

In this episode, I talk to Richard Russell who talks about his first time managerial role amid the cultural and operational transition during Google's acquisition of DoubleClick. He shares the crucial lessons he learned about adapting to different business models and the need for respecting established processes before driving change. Richard also talks about the importance of being coachable, picking your battles wisely, and executing with commitment. Guest Links LinkedIn Timestamps [00:00] Introduction to Richard Russell [00:59] Richard's Early Career and Management Aspirations [01:19] Challenges at Google and DoubleClick [02:49] Learning to Adapt and Manage [04:10] Realizations and Managerial Growth [05:33] The Importance of Metrics and Adaptability [07:16] Lessons in Leadership and Management [08:02] Applying Lessons to New Contexts [10:41] Navigating Company Cultures and Business Models [11:47] Balancing Product Improvement and Service [13:16] Navigating Customer Behavior and Organizational Change [14:12] Developing Leaders in Top Companies [14:41] The Evolution of Google's Strong Culture [15:06] Google's Product Philosophy and Market Success [16:26] Challenges in Adapting Google's Beliefs to New Markets [17:20] Misconceptions About OKRs and Business Success [18:23] Preparing First-Time Leaders for Success [18:58] Personal Reflections on Leadership Transitions [19:36] The Importance of Incremental Change in Business Strategy [20:44] Lessons from Amazon and Google on Leadership [22:44] Executing Well to Learn and Adapt [25:38] Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders

19. Learning how to let go as a founder | Tom Pennings, CEO at Salesnudge

19. Learning how to let go as a founder | Tom Pennings, CEO at Salesnudge

Your startup might feel like your baby, but there comes a point where you need to let go. In this episode, I talk to Tom Pennings, CEO of SalesNudge. Tom has founded three startups and has taken one to exit, working both in Europe and Silicon Valley. Tom reveals the moments he realized the importance of stepping back, even when the stakes were high. It’s a difficult but essential step in letting your team take ownership, ensuring your product fits market needs, and scaling to exit. Learn about this and other valuable lessons Tom received from his mentor, as well as discovering what “gezond boerenverstand” means and how it can help you as a founder. Guest Links Tom Pennings on LinkedInSalesnudge Resources Mentioned Ben Horowitz, The Hard Thing About Hard ThingsDonald Miller, Building a StoryBrandGeoffrey A. Moore, Crossing the Chasm

18. Dora Nagy - CEO Coach & Advisor, Ex Google and SoftBank

18. Dora Nagy - CEO Coach & Advisor, Ex Google and SoftBank

Dora Nagy is CEO Coach & Advisor, who helps CEOs typically at series A and beyond step up their game in how they lead and execute, using tried-and-tested toolkits, approaches, and frameworks. In this episode she discusses the impact of feedback on individuals and the manipulation that can be associated with it. She shares personal experiences of receiving unfair evaluations and highlights the importance of seeking feedback with specific examples. Guest Links LinkedInWebsite

17. It Takes A Village - Katharina Lueth - Chief Client Officer and Managing Director at Raisin

17. It Takes A Village - Katharina Lueth - Chief Client Officer and Managing Director at Raisin

In this LFU Podcast episode, Katharina Lueth (CCO & Managing Director at Raisin) discusses the challenges faced during a major project migration. She highlights the importance of over-communicating and supporting team members during high-pressure situations. She also emphasises the need for post-migration cleanup and planning for the weeks following the project. The episode concludes with the idea that teamwork and collaboration are essential for successful project execution. Guest Links ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Raisin/ Weltsparen⁠

16. When it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true - Isabel Strijland, Chief Growth Officer & Co-founder at Acelr8

16. When it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true - Isabel Strijland, Chief Growth Officer & Co-founder at Acelr8

In this episode, Rob is joined by Isabel Strijland, the Chief Growth Officer & Co-founder at Acelr8. They discuss the topic "When it's too good to be true, it's too good to be true," diving into the challenges and lessons learned in building a business. From adapting to major disruptions to the importance of overcommunication, Isabel shares valuable insights for leaders in tech. Tune in to gain inspiration and learn from real-world experiences! Guest Links LinkedInAcelr8 Resources Mentioned NotionSlackLoom

15. How to be vulnerable at work - Kritika Singh, Head of Account Development at TWAICE

15. How to be vulnerable at work - Kritika Singh, Head of Account Development at TWAICE

Kritika Singh, Head of Account Development at TWAICE, explores the topic of being vulnerable at work. She shares her personal experience of facing a major life disruption while starting a new role and discusses the value of embracing vulnerability in the workplace. Join us as we delve into how she navigated the challenges, what she brought to work during this time, and the positive impact it had on her professional journey. Guest Links LinkedInThe Humble Expat Resources Mentioned Never Split The Difference by Chris VossEd Myllett Show

14. What got you there is not gonna keep you there - Kevin Goldsmith - CTO at Distrokid, ex-Adobe, Spotify and Microsoft

14. What got you there is not gonna keep you there - Kevin Goldsmith - CTO at Distrokid, ex-Adobe, Spotify and Microsoft

Ever wondered why some leaders effortlessly climb the corporate ladder while others get stuck? It’s not always about skill; it's about evolving with your role. Tune in to Episode 14 as we chat with Kevin Goldsmith, the CTO at Distrokid. Kevin opens up about his challenging transition from being a developer to managing a rapidly scaling team at renowned companies like Adobe, Spotify, and Microsoft. We dissect the dangers of being a bottleneck, the importance of self-awareness, and how you can escape the trap of your own making. This episode is your guide to navigating the often-unspoken challenges that come with the responsibilities of scaling teams and companies. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, we’ve got insights that can help you level up. Links to the Guest Website: Kevin GoldsmithLinkedIn Profile Resources Mentioned Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well by Douglas Stone and Sheila HeenManagement 3.0: Leading Agile Developers, Developing Agile Leaders by Jurgen AppeloVS CodeMiroMastodonProblem Solving Leadership by Gerald Weinberg

13. Move Fast and Move On - Patrick Stal - CMO at Zepz, ex- Uber, N26 & TomTom

13. Move Fast and Move On - Patrick Stal - CMO at Zepz, ex- Uber, N26 & TomTom

What can today's leaders learn from a wartime CMO? Patrick Stal, CMO at Zepz, joins us to share his battle-tested tools for guiding teams through disruption. Having steered marketing at TomTom, Uber, N26, and now Zepz, Patrick unveils his approach to rapid decision making, empathy-driven change, and measuring progress. Learn how this marketing veteran develops a bias for action, the power of product velocity, and why you must "move fast and move on" to lead your team to the next growth curve. Links Patrick's LinkedIn Resources Mentioned Erica Dhawan - Digital Body LanguageHow minds change - Dave McRaneyIntelligence Matters Podcast with Michael Morell

12. That's Capitalism Baby! - Cassidy Williams - CTO at Contenda

12. That's Capitalism Baby! - Cassidy Williams - CTO at Contenda

What does it take to get executives to approve fair pay? Cassidy Williams, the CTO at Contenda, had to do exactly that at a previous job. Learn how Cassidy used every trick in the book - from "brag docs" to forging alliances - to close an unfair pay gap. She explains the mental shifts she had to make, and what she'd do differently next time. Cassidy discusses: Creating "brag docs" to prove your valueManaging during hypergrowthThe calm of profitable “lifestyle” companies versus those backed by venture.Her top advice for advocates, leaders, and especially parents in tech Get the inside scoop on pay equity, company growth stages, parenting policies, and more on this episode with Contenda CTO Cassidy Williams. Cassidy's links WebsiteLinkedIn NewsletterTwitter

11. Always Be Growing - Alex Weber, Former CGO at N26

11. Always Be Growing - Alex Weber, Former CGO at N26

Alex Weber, former Chief Growth Officer at N26, shares his journey going from one of the first employees to leading a team of over 100, in which time N26 reached unicorn status. Learn how Alex stepped up to lead the marketing function without prior experience, pushed through burnout, and grew into the CGO role. We cover: Taking over the marketing function without a marketing backgroundPushing through burnout and building a support systemHiring and managing seasoned executivesSetting boundaries and expectations with the founderFocusing your time and avoiding reactive leadership Alex reflects on the key mindsets and practical steps that helped him shepherd hypergrowth while learning on the job. His story provides an inside look at leadership challenges at a rocketship startup and valuable lessons for leaders of all levels. Don't miss this candid conversation on Leadership for Unicorns. Links to the guest - Linkedin

10. Playing Offence In a Recession - Bowen Moody - CEO & Founder at Wonderway

10. Playing Offence In a Recession - Bowen Moody - CEO & Founder at Wonderway

In the midst of a tech industry recession, startups face the daunting challenge of navigating a world where hiring has come to a standstill. Bowen Moody, the CEO and founder of Wonderway, knows this all too well. His Berlin-based company, dedicated to training salespeople, had to make tough decisions during these trying times. In this episode, we dive deep into Bowen's journey, exploring the choices he made and the strategies he employed to keep his startup afloat. But it's not just about survival. We'll also discuss the transformative potential of AI for sales leaders and delve into the art of choosing the right learning opportunities for your team. With a focus on ensuring a tangible return on investment, this episode promises to be both enlightening and actionable. So, whether you're a startup founder, a sales leader, or just someone curious about the intersection of tech and business, this episode has something for you. Let's dive in! Links to the Guest Bowen Moody on LinkedInWonderway Stay tuned for resources mentioned in the episode. We'll provide Amazon links for easy access and purchase. Timestamps [00:01:14] Bowen's story[00:08:07] Bowen's story: Pivoting during a recession[00:18:08] The opportunities AI is bringing to sales leaders[00:27:49] How to know when your team needs to be upskilled[00:30:14] How to measure the ROI of learning

09. Creating structures to facilitate the changing world - Guro Bakkeng Bergan - VP & GM at Fivetran

09. Creating structures to facilitate the changing world - Guro Bakkeng Bergan - VP & GM at Fivetran

Welcome to Episode 09 with Guro Bakkeng Bergen, VP & GM at Fivetran. In this episode, we explore how leaders navigate through significant organisational shifts, the impact of artificial intelligence on leadership, and the importance of carefully selecting battles. Guro, with her rich experience at companies like Oracle, New Relic, and ServiceSource, shares her story of overcoming challenges during periods of drastic change. She highlights how the art of leadership has evolved and shares her insights on how AI and machine learning are creating new avenues in leadership. Links to the Guest Guro Bakkeng Bergan on LinkedInFivetran Timestamps [00:01:18] About Guro[00:02:31] How the role of a leader has changed in the past 18 years[00:05:39] Guro's story: A big shift with skewed insights[00:21:15] The opportunities AI is bringing to leadership[00:27:11] Making tech more representative[00:34:42] How Guro picks her fights

08. How Not To Take No For An Answer - Joanna Parsons - Internal communication consultant, trainer and mentor

08. How Not To Take No For An Answer - Joanna Parsons - Internal communication consultant, trainer and mentor

Join us in episode 08 of Leadership For Unicorns as we delve into the world of internal communication with Joanna Parsons, a seasoned consultant, trainer, and mentor. Joanna shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and solutions in the realm of internal comms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the importance of effective communication within an organization and the role of leadership in fostering it. Joanna's journey, from being overlooked despite her expertise to becoming a respected voice in her field, is both inspiring and enlightening. Her experiences shed light on the common issues faced by many, particularly women, in the workplace. Whether you're a leader looking to improve your team's communication or an individual seeking to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies. Links to the Guest Joanna Parsons on LinkedInJoanna's Website Resources Mentioned Robert Cialdini - Influence Timestamps [00:01:24] About Joanna[00:03:06] Communication issues in organisations[00:08:01] Joanna's story: Ignored by leadership[00:14:03] Building confidence and believing in yourself[00:17:51] Why internal communications is critical to business[00:22:19] How to overcome bad internal communication[00:24:03] How leaders can play their part in internal comms