Think Deeply, Speak Simply
Think Deeply, Speak Simply is a show about the art and science of communicating ideas. Listen in to learn how business professionals accelerate their careers with great presentations.
Listen now
Think Deeply, Speak Simply is a show about the art and science of communicating ideas. Listen in to learn how business professionals accelerate their careers with great presentations.
Listen now
User experience is about understanding customers, not just features. Empowering the customer through understanding their needs, perspectives, and pain points allows for the creation of experiences that genuinely solve problems and bring value, leading to deeper engagement and satisfaction. In this episode, we hear from User-Experience and Design Researcher at Cisco, Alexandra Logushova.
Effective communication is crucial for collaborative discussions across functions to increase awareness and identify potential safety issues as early as possible, and building meaningful relationships across cross-functional teams is key to achieving this standard. In this episode, we hear from the Associate Director of Strategy and Business Planning for Global Patient Safety Evaluation at Takeda, Hamilton Gilbert.
Communication acts as a powerful tool in building a highly engaged and productive workforce. When communication channels are open and clear, employees are more likely to understand their roles in achieving organizational goals and motivate them to contribute their best. The trick lies in learning how to leverage communication to increase that engagement. In this episode, we hear from Michelle Heath, Strategy and Planning Manager at Cisco.
Who we are selling to, and what we are selling, dictate the how behind our sales strategies. Accordingly, as we shift from product to service sales, and expand from a domestic to global focus, the rules of the game begin to change–learning how to embrace these new paradigms quickly impacts our success. In this episode, we hear from the Director of Global Service Sales at Cisco, Kassie Davey.
Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment, but also about creating social and economic value for present and future generations. Setting clear and measurable parameters and continually communicating our long-term vision to stakeholders will help us hold accountability and track our progress. In this episode, we hear from the Senior Director of Business Planning and Operations at AstraZeneca, Jessie Sweet.
Internal communication helps shape workplace culture, disseminate important information to our organization at scale, and inspire our teams to direct actions. However, its effectiveness is dictated by whether the communication is sent via the proper channel and with the right messaging to land with its audience. In this episode, we hear from the Associate Director of Digital Communications, Design, and User Experience at Alcon, Jessica Griffin.
Understanding our audience in a nuanced manner is critical before we begin to draft our words, create pitch perfect tone, and design our slides. In doing so, we vastly increase the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome of our communication, and avoid losing audience engagement. In this episode, we hear from the Chief Credit Officer of Sunflower Bank, Jennifer Norris.
Design thinking is a methodology that starts with identifying the real problem, recognizing the needs of users, prototyping solutions, and working through an iterative process. When leveraged properly, it has the potential to unlock amazing ideas and innovative solutions. In this episode, we hear from the Global Vice President of IBM UX Research, Karel Vredenburg.
Communication is the lifeblood of a great user experience. By taking into consideration the factors affecting UX namely: productivity, confidence, and outcome, we guarantee a successful user engagement. In this episode, we hear from the Lead Design Researcher at GE Healthcare, Katie Smiley.
Speaking the language of inclusivity represents a cultural cornerstone for organizations that lead into the future. Ultimately, prioritizing inclusivity in business communication is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage that drives success and sustainability in today's interconnected and diverse world. In this episode, we hear from the Associate Director and Planning Lead at Johnson & Johnson, Brittany Witherspoon.
Visual storytelling transcends the power of mere words by conveying our message with greater impact and efficiency. Mastering this presentation skill allows one to captivate the attention of the viewer, which in turn increases engagement, and content retention. In this episode, we hear from the Founder of Milani Creative, PJ Milani..
Great ideas don’t always translate to great successes. The reality is that oftentimes the impact of scientific innovations is capped by our ability to communicate that discovery. As such, learning how to passionately and effectively communicate these breakthroughs is essential for innovators who want to make a difference. In this episode, we hear from the Head of Business Development at Certus Critical Care Inc. Dr. Lucas Neff, and the Chief Surgery Resident at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Dr. Maggie Bosley.
Learning how to speak the language of support helps to create an environment of understanding that allows the listener to feel seen and validated. While carefully chosen words are crucial, the key to delivering the best and most compassionate messages are those that are conveyed with empathy and kindness. In this episode, we hear from Senior Director of Patient Support Services, Scott Rosania.
Business intelligence is a powerful tool for organizations to gain insights into their operations and make data-driven decisions. This requires an understanding of both the technical aspects of data analysis as well as incorporating human judgment and experience throughout the entire decision-making process. In this episode, we hear from the Director of Business Intelligence and Strategy at Abbott, Nelli Theyel.
Influential business communication requires a balance between technology and human connection, and this nexus will only become more important as innovation continues to drive how we communicate. In this episode, we hear from Intrapreneur and the Product Marketing Manager of Emerging Technologies & Incubation at Cisco, Jerome Sanders.
Clear, concise, and empathetic communication drives how our customers and teams respond to new growth initiatives. By fostering understanding and buy-in from stakeholders, we can ensure that everyone is on the same page and moving forward together. In this episode, we hear from the Senior Director of Go-To-Market Strategies at Alteryx, Kelly Medio.
Data is an important part of any decision-making process and it can be used to inspire and motivate audiences. By using data in thoughtful and deliberate ways, we can help our listeners make informed decisions, while gaining valuable insights into their behavior and preferences. To create the most impact in data-driven presentations, we must make sure each piece of information is true, actionable, and has value to our listeners. In this episode, we hear from Kishan Kumar, Marketing Director at Novartis Oncology.
Successful project management entails a delicate balance between completing defined milestone deliverables and managing people effectively. To do this, consistent communication is crucial. Great communication skills are not only important for successful project initiation and planning, but for its execution and completion as well. In this episode, we hear from Christine Allan, Chief of Staff and Head of Business Strategy and Global Patient Safety Evaluation at Takeda.
In critical situations, quality communication can make a critical difference between successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Once we learn how to navigate our emotions during moments of stress, we are able to speak to the point in a clear and concise manner. In this episode, we hear from Brian Katzsch, Director of Critical Facilities Engineering & Implementation at T-Mobile.
Confidence is a key when it comes to any successful form of communication, and it can deliver more impact than any words we articulate. The first step in building confidence is to stay mindful and tuned in with our internal dialogue, which requires both the being, and the doing. In this episode, we learn more from Ulrike Seminati, Founder of Empowering Female Leaders.
Providing excellent customer service is essential to a company’s success in a crowded marketplace. While team building certainly involves recruiting stellar players, a supportive team environment is just as crucial to driving best-in-class experiences. In this episode, we hear from Roy Skillicorn, Senior Director of Global Enablement at Cisco, about the importance of team composition and how you can create an environment where teams can thrive.
A world of possibilities emerges when we shift our focus from delivering a message to reflecting on what questions to ask. However, sometimes the fastest route to asking better questions comes from self-awareness and focusing on our mindset about the task. In this episode, we hear from Marilee Adams, author of "Change Your Questions, Change Your Life: 12 Powerful Tools for Leadership, Coaching, and Results."
Collaboration doesn't just happen— it needs to be deliberately cultivated. But in order to get there, we need a shared vision and a shared language. When we are able to communicate a concept where everyone involved feels that they are a valuable part of the process, collaboration becomes a force multiplier. In this episode, we hear from the Director of Biomedical Manufacturing Network, Dr. Gregory Theyel.
What does transparent communication truly mean, and how do we self-critique to see if we’re practicing it? In this episode, we are joined by Mayte Marquez Querol, the Emerging Talent and Apprentice Incubator Leader at Cisco. Mayte shares how we can practice transparency in how we deliver our message to different audiences, and in how we embody authenticity as speakers.
When it comes to corporate communication, there's no one-size-fits-all prescription. In this episode, we are joined by Mandy Knotts, the Senior Director of Corporate Communication at BMC Software. Mandy breaks down the basics of crafting an ideal corporate communication strategy, how to execute campaigns when your timeline is tight, and more.
Storytelling is the heartbeat behind all effective communications. In this episode, we hear from Noelani Price, the Enablement and Development Lead of Global Communications at Cisco. Noelani shares how she uses the art of storytelling to build effective communication strategies that value inclusion and create change.
Communication is the lifeblood of any team. It's what keeps a team connected and on the same page. But bad communication can also cause a team to fall apart. In this episode, we hear from the Head of Digital Transformation at Lam Research, Satabhish Aeka, about what it takes to have effective team communication founded on authenticity, trust, and respect.
If we cannot effectively communicate, we cannot lead. To be a great leader, our communication should always reflect trust and inspire our teams. In this episode, we hear from New York Times and Wall Street Journal-bestselling-author Stephen MR Covey, and Satabhish Aeka, a startup founder, product strategy and engineering expert, and Senior Director at Lam Research.
Communication drives the customer experience. When we communicate authentically with our customers they feel valued, understood, and open to hearing more. In this episode, our guests Antoine Valentone, Vice President of Customer Success at Prezent, and Andres Sintes, Global Senior Director at Cisco, teach us the value of being a proactive communicator and how to use effective communication to become a trusted adviser.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for getting people excited about our cause, product, or service. It's not just about them hearing the words; it's about how we make them feel and how we inspire them to action. To do this, we start by creating a story where we are the pathfinders, rather than the protagonist. In this episode, we hear from Storicate founder, Stan Miller.
Communicating with authenticity requires us to be ourselves. Effective communication relies on trust and rapport between speaker and listener, which can only happen if we aren’t afraid of being ourselves even if that means being vulnerable. In this episode, we hear from Sunni Brown Ink founder, keynote speaker, and author, Sunni (Sun) Brown.
Inclusive leadership at its core is about building an unbreakable trust between leaders and members. The most effective leaders are those who express their own opinions openly and encourage others to do so as well. In this episode, we hear from Inclusive Leadership Expert and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader, Ash Beckham.
Crafting a keynote speech can be a daunting undertaking, but also a career changing event. It’s part preparation, and part performance, infused with inspiration. But how do we nail it, especially if it’s our first opportunity? In this episode, we hear from Ramona Smith, Toastmasters 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking.
Stories help us connect with each other in a way that no other medium can, making us connect deeper with our audience and leave them with memorable and lasting messages. In this episode, we hear from our guests Gabrielle Dolan, an international bestselling author and keynote speaker, followed by Nish Parkar, Cisco’s Culture Ambassador.
In this episode, we explore the best practices behind the art and science of making expert presentations, and looking like a pro while doing so. Our guests, David JP Phillips, a Business Storytelling Expert and the Founder of HeadGain Academy, and Faisal Masud, the CEO of fabric, share their expertise and walk us through how to engage the audience whether we’re on stage or pitching to investors.
Having conversations that matter means that we are talking about meaningful issues, in a purposeful way, with people that can make a difference. These are the conversations that change the world, where both parties feel heard and understood, and something significant changes as a result of the exchange. In this episode, we hear from author, TEDx speaker, radio host, and award-winning journalist Celeste Headlee, followed by Susan Scott, the Chief Growth Officer at PBS North Carolina.
Knowing our audience is key to identifying how we communicate our message. This means that we will have to be strategic with our presentation skills if we want to effectively communicate a highly technical message to a non-technical audience while being understood and remembered.
It’s all about how we interact with employees, creating an environment in which all can thrive, and the values that we uphold. For Dennis, it is building trust, providing value, and showing respect. For Brandy, it is building the culture of the company, being able to do crazy things together, and forming deep connections with each other.
Our body language, tone of voice, and facial expression all work together to convey more than the words we choose to speak. Yet most of our body language is reactive and non-deliberate. Our guests teach us how to be intentional about our non-verbal communication and why we should emphasize what our bodies say more than what our mouths speak.
Visual storytelling is more than painting pictures in our audiences’ minds. It is the ability to evoke emotions and motivate people to action. In this episode, Dan Roam and Moupali Das teach us how to craft our story and deliver it effectively to keep our audiences engaged, excited, and asking for more.
Great transformations start with effective communication. The aim of purposeful communication is to inspire action from a deep emotional connection. Our guests, Billy Shore, founder of Share Our Strength, and Kathleen Owens, Private and Nonprofit Board Member, teach how to master the art of communicating with purpose and leverage it to create the changes you want to see in the world.
The role of sound, and its impact on how our audience listens when we present, affects us all in significant yet different ways. Today’s guests discuss the importance that sound has on how our audience receives our words, and how to leverage core competencies to keep your audience captivated.
One of the best ways to learn from others is to listen. But, practicing impactful listening isn’t as simple as one might think, especially if we overly focus on sharing our viewpoint. Our guests give valuable advice on why you should listen more thank speak, and how you can become a better listener right now.
Business leaders are beginning to prioritize the importance of empathy, with some going as far as redefining CEO to Chief Empathy Officer. Our guests, Dr. Mark Goulston, speaker, founder, writer, and Jignasha Grooms, Vice President and HR leader, discuss not only the importance of empathy, but also share best practices for how you can become a more empathetic listener right now.
How do we get rid of the feelings of imposter syndrome? We don’t! In this episode we’re joined by the CEO of Workplace Catalyst, Magalie Rene and Sokhon Bouy, a Medical Operations Lead with AbbVie. Our guests teach us that imposter syndrome should never go away completely, as it can be a useful tool for determining whether we’re on the right path.
Data can and should be used to share vital information, compel audiences and tell effective stories. Our guests, Brent Dykes and Yasser Ali, are both masters at leveraging data-driven storytelling. They share their own methods and best practices to be a skilled statistical narrator, as well as what not to do when presenting data to all types of audiences.
Instilling inspiration is one of the greatest things one can do as a speaker. Today’s guests, each a leader in their own unique industries, are journalist and higher education expert, Jeff Selingo and Eva McLellan, a biotech innovator. The two discuss ways that we can be more inspirational when we communicate with others.
Communicating with purpose integrates both the intention and the vision behind your messaging. Does what you say matter? Are your actions making a difference? We'll join two experts—David Sable and Robert Roulhac—to discuss what "purpose" means to them and how we can ensure "purpose" is present in how we speak and the work we do.
Conflict in the workplace restricts progress and can hinder a team's ability to create a culture of collaboration. Listen in to learn from two professionals, Liz Kislik and Nikhil Bhat, who have prior experience reducing organizational and interpersonal conflict. We'll learn how conflict—while uncomfortable—can be seen as a powerful opportunity to evolve and grow.
When complex problems arise—as they so often do—it's crucial to have a system to fall back on. Join two rockstar problem solvers—Ajay Gupta and Suchi Srinivasan—as they share their methods for effective problem solving and break down the key elements to finding solutions across various sectors.
Inclusive listening is a required process that transforms diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from simply lip service to real integration and impact. Join Gabrielle Simpson Gambrell and Sridevi Koneru Rao to hear how you can implement inclusive listening in your workplace to ensure all employees are seen and heard within your organization.
Solutions are rarely ever obvious. That's why experts in complex problem-solving apply data-driven methods to creatively craft solutions. Join two legends in complex problem-solving—Bob Dvorak and Rob Jenks—as they share their most effective methods for finding and presenting powerful solutions.
One of the biggest fears in society: public speaking. But if you can master the art of public speaking, you'll find it can be a fun and lucrative skill with the ability to make a great societal impact. In this episode, we'll hear from professional speakers, Linda-Marie Miller and Scott Sugerman, as they break down public speaking and teach you how to become more confident and polished as a speaker.
In this episode, we join author and experience consultant, Jake Jacobs, and Linkedin's Vice President of Marketing Operations, Sanjeev Kapur, to explore the power of listening and how it can be a powerful communication skill—especially when it comes to navigating and driving change.
Learn the Do's and Don'ts of navigating data-heavy presentations from experts Bob Dvorak, a former senior partner at Mckinsey & Company, and Shiv Misra, head of analytics for member retention at CVS. Listen in to effectively leverage your data and elevate your bland presentation into one that transforms and inspires.
In this episode, we explore how the principles of nature can be found in clear communication. Leading our discussion is Maggie Macnab, award-winning designer, author, and TEDx speaker, followed by Tammy Mulrooney, a Senior Director at Genentech. Listen in to learn how these fundamentals found in nature relate to business communication.
One of the biggest challenges face by business leaders is communicating under pressure. In this episode, we'll learn from experts in this space—Sue Guiher of Thrive for Success and Lubab Sheet-Davis of Lam Research Corporation—about how you can view crisis as an opportunity to elevate your communcation and advance your career.
The more adept we become at understanding our listeners, the better we can tailor our presentations to their needs. In this episode, we bring you two experts in reading a room—professional poker player Alec Torelli and Gilead Sciences' Srihari Narasimhan—to walk us through the "tells" and strategies that help inform their actions and messaging.
In this episode, we'll learn how leaders navigate change by transforming fear into trust by authentically connecting with their audiences. Listen in to hear from Stella Low and Vikram Venugopal as they share their audience-centric strategies when crafting big presentations and communications.
Right questions come before the right answers—but how do you know if you are asking the right questions? In this episode, we'll learn from author Joseph M. Bradley and Jennifer Lowry, Senior Director at Microsoft, how we can use questions as a superpower to craft our communications.
During the pandemic, Zoom became a lifeline for so many. Join Wharton School Professor Peter Cappelli and GlaxoSmithKline's Abhi Agrawal to learn how to present like a pro when you're meeting virtually.
In our inaugural episode, we'll hear from Canva's Chief Evangelist, Guy Kawasaki, and Mohit Raway, VP at Novartis, about how they connect with the hearts and minds of their audiences.
