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Speaking to Influence Blog

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Two executives facing each other across a conference table during a job interview.

4 Questions to Spot a Toxic Candidate

Their Answers Were Perfect. That’s the Problem.   AI has leveled the content of interview answers, so the words alone ...
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How to Disagree With Your Boss: A 9-Point Checklist

There’s little that’s more stressful than trying to make important strategic decisions when you’re not sure exactly who or what ...
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Workplace Loneliness Isn’t an HR Problem. It’s a Leadership One.

Disconnection is not a remote-work problem, and it is not a Gen-Z problem. It runs from the newest hire to ...
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Laura Sicola at the Philadelphia 10K wearing a Make Life Count tank top reading Dream Big, Push Limits, Silence Critics, Compete Every Day

When the Goal is how well you run the race

Sunday morning I ran the Philadelphia 10K.  There’s something hypnotic about running in a river of other people, with everyone’s ...
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Same You, Wrong Room

“What have we got here kids, a shotgun wedding?!” That’s a great punchline… unless it’s not. In season two, episode ...
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When to Use AI for Executive Communication, and When to Stop

AI Can Write Your Message. It Can’t Deliver It. Use AI to sharpen what you say. Do not use it ...
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Every Hero Needs a Guide: Meeting the Mentor in Your Own Odyssey

The Odyssey is doing extraordinary things in theaters right now: record opening, hundreds of millions worldwide, IMAX screens sold out ...
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How to suck the oxygen out of their fire

I love when people surprise me for the better.  That’s why I was intrigued when I learned about a 2026 ...
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The Assumptions You Didn’t Know You Disagreed On

It never ceases to surprise me when I have to take a dose of my own medicine. On my team, ...
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Tired of Feeling Like You’re Not Good Enough?

“Wow… I never knew that was even a thing! I thought it was just me.” I have heard this response ...
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