201 episodes

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal.

Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more!

For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com 

To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@vocalimpactproductions.com

Speaking to Influence Dr. Laura Sicola

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 171 Ratings

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal.

Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more!

For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com 

To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@vocalimpactproductions.com

    Ian Wendt of Jaguar Health: Being Coachable

    Ian Wendt of Jaguar Health: Being Coachable

    In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ian Wendt, the Chief Commercial Officer at Jaguar Health. They discuss various topics related to leadership, communication, and personal development. Ian shares insights about his experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and the unique aspects of Jaguar Health. He also talks about the importance of understanding the needs of executive leaders and adapting communication styles accordingly. Additionally, Ian highlights the value of executive coaching and the impact it can have on leadership development.

    In this conversation, Ian shares his experience with executive coaching and the value it brings. He emphasizes the importance of being coachable and open to receiving constructive feedback. Ian also challenges listeners to expand their network by reaching out to individuals outside their usual circles. Finally, he discusses the challenge of explaining complex topics, such as drug pricing, to the general public.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Understanding the needs of executive leaders and adapting communication styles accordingly is crucial for effective communication.
    Investing in executive coaching can greatly enhance leadership development.
    Self-awareness of communication style is important for building productive relationships and interactions.
    Building strong relationships and active listening are essential for effective communication. Being open to constructive feedback and actively seeking ways to improve is crucial for personal and professional growth.
    Expanding your network by reaching out to individuals outside your usual circles can lead to new opportunities and perspectives.
    Initiating conversations with others, even if it feels uncomfortable, can help build relationships and expand your network.
    Explaining complex topics requires finding ways to simplify and communicate effectively, especially when discussing sensitive subjects like drug pricing.

    About Ian:

    Ian Wendt has over three decades of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Ian is currently serving as the Chief Commercial Officer at an emerging biotechnology company. Prior to his current role, Ian has held leadership positions at a variety of large pharmaceutical companies leading national teams and driving market development outcomes in HIV treatment and prevention, and hepatitis C. His expertise spans business strategy, revenue and profit growth, and cross-functional leadership, making him a sought-after voice in the industry.

    You can connect with Ian Wendt in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: Ian Wendt: https://linkedin.com/in/ianwendt - Connect with Ian on LinkedIn to explore his extensive executive leadership experience across sales, marketing, and commercial operations functions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Gain insights into his proven ability to drive outcomes, manage P&L responsibilities across multiple revenue streams, and build new teams for successful drug launches.
    Website: RealPharma: https://www.realpharma.co - Visit RealPharma's website to engage with Ian Wendt and Dr. Na-Ri Oh in insightful discussions about the pharma world. Listen to their podcast, where they talk with industry leaders to delve into biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. With over three decades of experience, Ian Wendt, as the Chief Commercial Officer at an emerging biotechnology company, offers valuable perspectives on business strategy, revenue growth, and market development outcomes in HIV treatment, prevention, and hepatitis C.
    X: https://twitter.com/Ian_Wendt - Follow Ian on Twitter to stay updated on his latest insights, industry trends, and engagements in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laur

    • 32 min
    What Podcasting Taught Me about Leadership, Communication and Influence

    What Podcasting Taught Me about Leadership, Communication and Influence

    In this 200th episode of "Speaking to Influence", Dr. Laura Sicola reflects on the lessons she has learned from podcasting about leadership, communication, and influence. She also shares insights from a panel of experienced podcasters.

    The key takeaways include the importance of listening as a leader, building trust through clear and concise communication, and focusing on impact rather than just influence.

    Dr. Sicola emphasizes the value of authenticity and creating assets to share one's story and vision. She concludes by inviting listeners to download her free resource on building a personal brand.

    In this episode, you will learn:


    Listening is an essential skill for leaders, as it allows them to gather feedback and make informed decisions.
    Clear and concise communication is crucial for building trust and engaging an audience.
    Impact is more important than influence, as it focuses on making a meaningful difference in the world.
    Authenticity and creating assets, such as podcasts, TEDx talks, and books, can help establish credibility and open doors for opportunities.

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 21 min
    Ashley Sardjoe: Presence, Risk, and Results: Communication Secrets for the Modern Leader

    Ashley Sardjoe: Presence, Risk, and Results: Communication Secrets for the Modern Leader

    Ashley Sardjoe shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of being present, embracing mistakes, and clear communication during change. He highlights the power of accountability partners and self-discipline for achieving goals.

    In this episode you will learn: 


    The power of being present and actively listening to build strong connections.
    How to transform mistakes into growth opportunities through effective communication during change.
    Strategies for taking calculated risks and making clear decisions with strong communication to stakeholders.
    Why accountability partners are essential for achieving your personal and professional goals.

    About Ashley:

    Meet Ashley Sardjoe, a global People & Organization leader with a passion for driving transformative change that enhances organizational performance and drives sustainable business growth. With over 15 years of experience in the field of HR, Ashley is renowned for his ability to develop and execute human capital strategies that enable organizations to achieve their strategic objectives.

    Starting his career in management consultancy for both Accenture and EY, Ashley managed and led multiple local & global HR, business, and process improvement initiatives, including all relevant change management activities and system implementations. Since 2011, Ashley has been working with and for Novartis within their headquarters in Basel, Switzerland in different global HR roles. In 2019 Ashley moved to his home country, the Netherlands to assume the role of Country People & Organization Head. Since 2021, Ashley is the VP, Country People & Organization Head for Novartis in Canada.

    As a natural change agent, Ashley thrives on leading organizations through periods of growth and transformation, working collaboratively with stakeholders to craft compelling visions for the future, and delivering bold and innovative strategies to achieve their goals. He is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, and is committed to creating work environments that foster innovation, accountability, and engagement.

    You can connect with Ashley Sardjoe in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: Ashley Sardjoe: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/ashley-sardjoe-1143259 - Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn to learn more about his experience in HR leadership and his passion for change management.

    Learn more about Novartis:


    Novartis: www.novartis.com - Visit the Novartis website to learn more about the company and its commitment to innovation and patient care.

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 35 min
    Ngozi Okeh - Driving Business Success through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

    Ngozi Okeh - Driving Business Success through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

    In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ngozi Okeh, the global head of DEI at NextRoll, a marketing tech company. They delve into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace and how it can significantly impact business success.

    In this episode you will learn:


    The practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as a daily practice shaping workplace dynamics and opportunities.
    Strategies for effectively engaging executive leaders in DEI by aligning initiatives with organizational goals and priorities.
    Overcoming common misconceptions about DEI and fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging.
    How vulnerability in leadership can lead to more meaningful contributions and collaboration among team members.
    Practical tips for managing nervousness in speaking engagements and enhancing communication effectiveness.
    The pitfalls of relying on the 'It Factor' in hiring decisions and the importance of grounding assessments in objective standards.
    Recognizing the influence of bias in decision-making and strategies for avoiding subjective biases.
    The value of seeking external perspectives and diverse viewpoints to challenge biases and make informed decisions.

     About Ngozi:

    Ngozi Okeh is an accomplished DEI leader with a proven track record of driving initiatives to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into strategic business processes. She specializes in conceptualizing, defining, and operationalizing DEI principles to align with organizational goals, developing and overseeing policies and programs aimed at fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

    Holding a Master's degree in HR Management from Georgetown University, she brings extensive experience across multiple industries, including mortgage banking, government, and the tech sector. In her role as Global Head of DEI, Ngozi has led teams, collaborates with company executives, and provides strategic guidance to drive organizational change. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is actively involved in community service as a board member for Hunger Free America, demonstrating her commitment to creating a positive social impact.

     

    You can connect with Ngozi in the following ways:


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

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:

     


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 37 min
    Dan Bradbury: The Three Commandments for Success: Connect, Understand, and Know Your Numbers

    Dan Bradbury: The Three Commandments for Success: Connect, Understand, and Know Your Numbers

    Laura welcomes Dan Bradbury to the show where he shares his three commandments for success and enhancing confidence, presence, and influence in Mergers and Acquisitions.

    In this episode you will learn:


    Why connecting personally is so important in M&A, as it builds trust and rapport- show how much you care, then how much you know.
    How understanding the other person’s motives is essential for effective communication and negotiation
    Why articulating your numbers is necessary to convey the financial aspects of the deal and actually gain buy in. Get to know your own business inside and out to communicate about it more effectively.

    Mentioned in the Episode:


    “Turnover is Vanity, Profit is Sanity: 9 ½ Steps for Improving Your Profits and Cashflow” – Book by Dan Bradbury
    “Breeding Gazelles: Fast Growth Strategies for Your Business” – Book by Dan Bradbury

     

    About Dan:

    Dan Bradbury is the owner of a private equity group and his primary focus is as an investor who specialises in taking companies already producing seven figures in revenue and accelerates their growth to over 10 million.

    His love of numbers and finances is what sets him apart and allows him to find the hidden assets and weaknesses within the businesses that he invests in and the business owners that he consults.

    He started out with nothing and built himself up from the ground up.

    Dan has over 15 years of business experience in a huge range of industries. He has founded, built and sold two companies for seven figures and has invested in over a dozen other companies on top of the five businesses that he has purchased outright.

    Dan’s specialty is maximizing the value of a business, whether it be simply to keep the business and reap the rewards or to exit the business for a big payout he has done on seven different occasions.

     

    You can connect with Dan in the following ways:


    Web: https://danbradbury.com/  – go to Dan’s website to find a free business profit maximizer score card. Answer questions to get a custom 20 page report in 10 different areas to maximize the profitability for your business.

     

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 33 min
    Katie Bussing of Springfield Clinic: Pulse Check - A Tool for Organizational Strategy, Communication to Stakeholders, and Receiving Feedback from Your Team

    Katie Bussing of Springfield Clinic: Pulse Check - A Tool for Organizational Strategy, Communication to Stakeholders, and Receiving Feedback from Your Team

    Katie Bussing, Chief Human Resources officer of Springfield Clinic, is Laura’s guest this week on Speaking to Influence. Katie shares some tips on how she pulse checks a room when speaking to different groups, especially key stakeholder groups.

    In this episode you will learn:


    How Katie is working to change the perception of HR by demonstrating the value of having HR function in a strategic role within the organization.
    How Katie reads the room to get an understanding of the audience’s needs in order to adjust communication style, and then how she pivots her messaging.
    How job shadowing can provide valuable insights into different roles and departments within an organization, fostering a better understanding and appreciation for the work being done.
    How Katie approaches receiving feedback from her team.

    24 Hour Challenge:

    Reach out to someone you don’t know in your organization, have coffee with them, and job shadow them for an hour or two. What do you learn?

    About Katie:

    Katie Bussing, SPHR, oversees all areas of Human Resources, including Benefits, Compensation, Employee Relations, Training & Organizational Development and Talent Acquisition.

    Katie considers one of her top priorities to be championing her team to be as successful as possible in their roles. This is what Human Resources is all about, she believes: supporting the rest of the organization to carry out Springfield Clinic’s mission every day, because a positive environment for employees helps them create a community of caring for patients. This vision is simple, but the work is not always, and that’s what makes each day exciting.

    Katie has 17 years of human resources leadership that includes all areas of HR, including leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies in the Chicago area. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in speech communication and a Master of Human Resources & Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and sits on the Board and Executive Committee for Sparc.

    Katie also maintains certification as a senior professional of human resources (SPHR) and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

    Born and raised in Springfield, Katie has three children, Ryan, Jake and Emily, and her favorite hobby/other full-time job is being a mom and jumping from one kid activity to the next.

    You can connect with Katie in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rutledge-1034112/
    Web: https://www.springfieldclinic.com/

    You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
    LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
    Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
    Twitter: @LauraSicola
    Instagram: @drlaurasicola
    Website: https://laurasicola.com
    Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
171 Ratings

171 Ratings

blab man ,

Great insight and advice

Dr. Laura Sicola has dedicated her professional life to communication education and executive presence and it shows. In addition to her TED talks and you tube videos, she interviews impressive leaders on her podcast from across industries to share key insights on how to improve your communication and speak with confidence. Definitely worth subscribing!

Snarf2000 ,

Great insights!

A wonderful investment in self development. Thank you Laura!

Smitha Murthy ,

A must listen for aspiring leaders!!

Dr. Sicola is an amazing host and prepares her guests well for a successful podcast. It’s after listening to some of these podcasts that I decided to share my leadership journey. If you are at a point in your career looking to make a leap to executive leadership, take a listen and be inspired!!

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