Category: Communication

How to Create the Perfect Sound Bite

Years ago, when I was still a student, I attended the grand opening of a gourmet cheese and charcuterie shop ...

What to Say When there are No Words

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Thursday will mark the 24th anniversary of the day my cousin Matt was ...

When is a Stereotype Not Just a Stereotype?

I recently read a statistic in the Philadelphia Business Journal that made my eyebrows go up. Overall, it was an ...

Does Your Presentation Sound like a Bad Dating App?

They say art imitates life—and sometimes life imitates art. But your professional life might be imitating your dating life. And ...

When Jargon Fails: Why it Doesn’t Make You Sound Better

When I was teaching at the University of Pennsylvania, a colleague of mine sighed loudly as she was grading papers. ...

Human or Expert: which is more important?

It’s one of the biggest ironies of our time: On the one hand artificial intelligence was created to be an ...

Can They Read You Like a Book? How Nonverbal Communication Can Sabotage Executive Presence

Some mysteries are much easier to solve than others. Like when my nine-year-old tries to sneak Oreos without realizing the ...

When Enough Is Enough and It’s Time to Stake Your Claim

“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.” ...

When You Really Want to Shoot the Messenger

At 8:00 AM this morning, I was scheduled to deliver a high-stakes virtual presentation to a client team in the ...

Are You Expecting Them to Read Your Mind?

This past weekend was one of those rare gifts: both of my boys were home. One is eight years old—endlessly ...

Are You Trying To Make Everyone Happy?

“He went to Villanova!” That was the first text message that hijacked my phone last Thursday. All day long, a ...

When It’s Time to Hit the Reset Button

Sometimes it seems like certain people were born under a lucky star. Success appears to fall into their laps, doors ...

Why You Shouldn’t Say Yes… YET

It was B-movie-level cliché. I was 28, new to Philadelphia, and needed to furnish my apartment on a grad student ...

The Most Important Step You’re Scared to Take

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky Whether you're trying to climb the ladder in ...

Are You Just Waiting to Jump In?

credits: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/photography/2020/07/03/here-are-15-weeks-best-photos/ As a kid, recess is always the best part of the day. And when we were lucky ...

Partnerships and Communication

This week Christine Ostrowski shares how an almost two hundred year old school is continually adapting to improve the lives ...

How to Inspire in Uncertain Times Part 1

This week in the first part of a podcast episode discussing how to deal with uncertain times as both the ...

Geoff Gross, Founder & CEO of Medical Guardian

This week Geoff Gross discusses how important it is to overcome most clients expectations of receiving poor service or no ...

Kelley Morse, SVP-HR Bullhorn: Giving Your Team More Control

This week Kelley Morse shares the communication strategies that allow her to connect with leaders and employees, helping them put ...

Influence Challenge 2022

On today’s episode we’re ending the year on a high note and bringing forward the best 24-Hour Influence Challenges of ...

Melinda Emerson, Small Biz Lady: Meaningful Networking and Conveying Confidence

This week Melinda Emerson shares how to communicate effectively as a small business owner. Listen in as Laura and Melinda ...

Marc Brownstein, President & CEO of the Brownstein Group: Repeatable Messaging and Brand Longevity

The most challenging aspect of client communication is conveying your value and what makes you different in the marketplace. This ...

Rachael Jones – CEO, Syntax, a Redesign Health Company: Stakeholder Messaging and Radical Accountability

This week Rachael Jones shares how her organization is turning stakeholders into teammates and making value-based care work for everyone ...

Dave Rowan – CEO, BLOCS: Curating Stories and Fostering Donor Relationships

Donors create transformations in the lives of individuals they may never meet, making the process of tracking and curating stories ...

Lessons from the Best of 2022

If fear has been stopping you from sharing your story with others, you won’t want to miss this episode. Today ...

Samantha Sayward – Senior Walk Director, the Alzheimer’s Association: Networking & Communicating Hope

Allocating corporate funds to causes can be critical for many nonprofit organizations. This week Samantha Sayward explains how an organization’s ...

Communication Case Study: What We Can Learn From Debates

When politicians take the stage, there’s more at stake than votes. This week Laura breaks down the influential aspects of ...

Jennifer Ewbank, Deputy Director for Digital Innovation at the Central Intelligence Agency: Building Trust in Leadership & Technology

Clarity and candor are the cornerstones of any great conversation, but for the CIA they are the critical link between ...

Dr. Shannon Hader – Dean of American University School of International Service: Recognition & Impacting Humanity

Creating a workforce of individuals devoted to local and international issues is critical for global companies that want to impact ...

Infotainment & Executive Presence

What makes a lasting impression on an audience? This week Laura reveals the truth behind “infotainment” and how to engage ...

Nathan Peirson – CPO at Paycor: Creating and Managing an Engaged Virtual Culture

When you have conversations with your team, are you looking to understand information or control the situation? According to HR ...

Brenda Allen – President of Lincoln University: Showing Up and Advocating in Higher Education

Your input matters beyond your expertise. Lincoln University President Brenda Allen transitioned from a professor to an administrative role and ...

Nick Bayer – CEO and Founder Saxbys: Apprenticeship and Making Life Better

How can coffee change the world? According to Saxbys CEO and Founder, Nick Bayer, it begins with educating young entrepreneurs. ...

Kris Burkhardt – CISO Accenture: Complex Topics and Micromanagement

Understanding cyber security technology can be difficult outside of the tech industry, but according to Kris Burkhardt, “healthy paranoia” can ...

Dana Reyngoudt – Vice President of Partner Marketing for NBC Universal: Micro Cultures and Leadership Habits

Creating an impact in a large organization begins with your immediate team. This week Dana Reyngoudt shares how she engages ...

Greg Muzzillo, Founder – Proforma: Mentorship and Virtual Engagement

The fastest way to find success is to follow the footsteps of someone who has gone before you. This week ...

Dr. Vincent Racaniello, Host – Microbe TV, Inc.: Levity and Edutainment

How do you captivate an audience without overwhelming them with data? This week Dr. Vincent Racaniello shares how his passion ...

Virgil Sheppard, President of Hope Partnership for Education: Audience Perception and Succinct Communication

Rallying a community behind a cause requires clear, concise communication strategies. This week Virgil Sheppard discusses how his organization is ...

Renée Williams, Executive Director of the National Center for Victims of Crime: Trust Building and Humanity in Criminal Justice

Building relationships can be difficult when tackling difficult subject matter. Education This week Renée Williams explores the manifestations of trauma ...

Joellen Meckley, Executive Director of the American College of Financial Services Center for Special Needs: Consumer Education and Empowerment

Education is the greatest tool we can provide when nurturing relationships. This week Joellen Meckley shares how the American College ...

Dr. Mary O’Connor, CMO and Co-Founder of Vori Health: Establishing Trust and Identifying Team Communication Types

Fear can create a barrier between living your passion or communicating with your team. This week Dr. Mary O’Connor discusses ...

Keisha Jordan, Executive Director – Children’s Scholarship Fund of Philadelphia: Sideways Management and Inclusivity

How do you educate and inspire a community when the solution doesn’t produce immediate results? This week Keisha Jordan shares ...

Tracy Ashdale – Executive Director & Chief Energy Officer of Girls on the Run of Southeastern, PA: Confidence and Community Collaboration

When is the best time to build confidence and strategies for a healthy mindset? This week Tracy Ashdale shares how ...

Nick Ryan, CISO – Baker Tilly: Qualitative ROI and “Marketecture”

Have you ever stared at a math problem and didn’t know where to begin? This week Nick Ryan shares how ...

Stephen Forzato – Director, Center for Addiction & Recovery Education at St. Joseph’s University: Authenticity and Aligning Belief Systems

How do you separate personal belief and scientific fact when crafting your message? This week Stephen Forzato shares how his ...

Kathy Govier – CMO, Geppi Family Enterprises: Stakeholder Needs and Communication Habits

Navigating large gaps in the needs of stakeholders is critical for any marketing strategy. This week Kathy Govier shares how ...

Joey Fay – CEO, Quatrefoil Consulting: Prioritization and Likability

Important conversations are rooted in trust. This week Joey Fay shares how his company has implemented the core value of ...

Cindy Lewis – CFO of Coho Partners, Ltd: Accountability and the Three C’s of Influence

The financial space doesn’t seem like a natural place for vulnerability, but today’s guest shares that honesty and openness while ...

Trevor Garner – CFO of IdeaCrew: Building Trust and Courageous Conversations

Today healthcare technology expert Trevor Garner shares the process of creating clarity and trust by communicating with both sides of ...

How to Beat Zoom Fatigue

If you’ve ever attended a zoom meeting and counted the minutes until it was over, wondering why you needed to ...

Maude Le Roux, Founder – A Total Approach & The Maude Le Roux Online Academy: Trauma and Communicating Consent

The traumatic events of our world and how they impact us also influence our ability to communicate. This week Maude ...

Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. – Suffolk County NY: Transparency and Justice

Protecting a community begins by building trust. On today’s episode Sheriff Errol Toulon, Jr. shares his journey to building trust ...

100th Episode Special: Legacy Building and Audience Understanding

Building a legacy by serving others is a journey marked by milestones. On this journey to helping our audience increase ...

Lance Bachmann, Founder of 1SEO: Business Relationships and Correlating Growth

A business without a foundation of healthy relationships has no room for growth. Today Lance Bachmann shares how he built ...

Joseph Person, CFO Wolf Industries: Speaking and Complex Datasets

Creating a consistent message over time begins with understanding the data. Today Joe Person shares how his company has established ...

Dave Raymond: The Power of Fun (and the original Phillie Phanatic) – Influence & Non-Verbal Communication

How do you convey a message without speaking a word? Today Dave Raymond reveals the lessons of communication and sustainability ...

Dr. James Smith, Jr. – Mastering Public Speaking

Whether you’re in a crowd-filled stadium or out to lunch with a friend, opportunities for public speaking are everywhere. Today’s ...

Dr. Joseph Garbely – Chief Medical Officer, Caron Treatment Centers: Resilience and Empathic Communication

Developing resilience is critical in an ever-changing world. Today Dr. Joseph Garbely shares how his understanding of resilience in the ...

How to Give the Perfect Gift

Gifts are a personal statement of appreciation that you give to loved ones and business associates alike. On today’s episode, ...

Liz Dow, CEO – LEADERSHIP Philadelphia: Storytelling and Organizational Culture

Understanding your audience’s needs begins with making connections between their current experiences and your unique skills. This week Liz Dow ...

Phyllis Song: Communicating Effectively with Virtual Assistants

Conveying your vision of a project or goal to your team can be difficult, especially when miles (and maybe time ...

How to Explain your Business in One Sentence

You have seven seconds to captivate someone during an introduction, how are you going to spend them? In this episode, ...

Joseph Chott – SVP, Brown Brothers Harriman: Generational and Financial Communication Strategies

Two topics are sure to make a room uncomfortable – politics and money. This week Laura explores who and why ...

David Reale – CEO Phoenix Tube Co. Inc.: Leadership and The Family Business

Have you ever grasped the metal rod overhead on a subway or bus and wondered about the people who made ...

Sam Katz – Founder, History Making Productions: Captivating Audiences & Interactive Communication

In today’s episode Sam Katz shares how he collaborates with creatives and community members to create legacy-worthy films that captivate ...

Best of 24 Hour Influence Challenge: 2021

Today Laura is taking you through her favorite 24 Hour Influence Challenges of 2021. Listen in as she breaks down ...

Crystal Ashby – Executive Vice-President and Chief People Officer, Independence Health Group: Leadership and Creating Opportunities

On today’s episode Crystal Ashby shares how her role as Chief People Officer is focused on providing opportunities for her ...

Josh Elledge, CEO – Up My Influence: Gratitude and Impact

Today Josh Elledge shares the power of creating connections through media to boost your influence and strengthen communication with your ...

Liz Scott, Co-Executive Director – Alex’s Lemonade Stand: Inspiration and Creating a Movement

Today Liz Scott shares the emotional and mental strategies behind creating a movement and focusing on inspirational and clear communication. ...

Luciana Bonifacio – Chief Development Officer, Save the Children: Opportunity and Difficult Subject Matter

On today’s episode Luciana Bonifacio shares how to find passion and joy in work that often involves difficult cultural and ...

Carlos Herrera-Malatesta, CEO Apex Energies: Company Culture and Communication

Today Carlos Herrera-Malatesta shares how he focuses on motivating and communicating with his team to get more done. Listen in ...

Lesley Pyle – Founder, HireMyMom.com: Empathy and Marketing

Today Lesley Pyle discusses the importance of empathy and identifying the needs of your ideal clients in order to successfully ...

Sonia Dubey Dewan, Founder – Indian School for Image Management: Visual Communication & Transformation

On today’s episode Sonia Dubey Dewan shares how image consultants are creating a better understanding of visual communication and how ...

Christopher Mominey – President, WCU Foundation: Interpersonal Communication and Storytelling

Today Christopher Mominey shares the importance of interpersonal communication for fundraising efforts and ongoing team communication. Listen in as Laura ...

Ellen Weber Exec Dir., Robin Hood Ventures: Entrepreneurship & Angel Investment

On this episode Ellen Weber shares the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when communicating with potential investors and how you can ...

Allison Titman, Alice Paul Institute: Impact & Virtual Communication

This week Allison Titman shares how the Alice Paul Institute faced the pandemic with an attitude of innovation, focusing on ...

Patricia Wellenbach, Please Touch Museum: Persistence and Leadership Skills

Teaching children to be persistent begin with retraining adult behaviors. Patricia Wellenbach shares how the Please Touch Museum is giving ...

Francesca Zampaglione: Visual Communication & Personal Style

Visual communication can be tricky when navigating between virtual and in-person conversations. Professional stylist Francesca Zampaglione shares the common mistakes ...

How Selfie Videos Improve Your Communication Strategy

Video is a necessary part of any communication strategy. Using your phone to record video is an easy way to ...

Ralph Galati, JDog Foundation: Veteran Resources & Communication

Ralph Galati shares how his organization’s passion for helping Veterans continues to inspire communities to connect and support individuals transitioning ...

Angela Liddle, PA Family Support Alliance: Understanding and Palatable Messaging

Angela Liddle shares how cautious communication strengthens relationships and creates community hope over time. Listen in as Laura and Angela ...

Christine Jacobs, The Adoption Center: Communicating Organizational Needs

When the stakes are high, how do you communicate your needs in a concise way that builds trust? Christine Jacobs ...

How to Be an Awesome Podcast Guest

What’s the difference between public speaking and being a podcast guest? The key to successful guesting is in the preparation. ...

Bruce Sham, SVP, Mass Mutual of Greater Philadelphia: Sensitive Information and Virtual Communication

Bruce Sham shares how staying focused on solutions has helped navigate delicate conversation and forge strong relationships around wealth management. ...

Sean Kelly, CEO Caroo: Adaptability and Team Communication

Sean Kelly discusses the importance of connecting with and serving your team as they adjust to the next phase of ...

Elaine Cheong, Sr. Vice President, Bank of America: Code Switching and Respect

Elaine Cheong discusses how her organization is creating a platform Asian voices to be heard and how she is focused ...

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Are you experiencing fear and overwhelm when it comes to asking for a promotion or communicating with your team? You ...

Catherine Cahill, President & CEO, The Mann Center for the Performing Arts: Adaptability and Comfort Zones

Catherine Cahill shares how her organization is navigating live events in a post pandemic world. Listen in as Laura and ...

Shani Boone, CFO, Amazon: Creative Problem-Solving & Messages that Resonate

How are you communicating your solutions with your team? On today’s episode Shani Boone shares how she focuses on the ...

Vikrant Shaurya, CEO of BestSellingBook.com: Book Publishing & Difficult Conversations

Are you looking for a new way to share your message with the world? On today’s episode Vikrant Shaurya shares ...

Michael E. Gerber, Author of “E-Myth”: Small Business & Leadership Communication

Communication starts with yourself. On today’s episode Michael E. Gerber explains the difference between working for yourself and building a ...

Ron Carucci, Co-Founder Navalent: Transformation & Workplace Dignity

Today Ron Carucci shares the key factors of establishing an effective leadership dynamic in your organization. Listen in as Ron ...

How to Master Your Elevator Pitch

On today’s episode Laura breaks down the key components of a captivating elevator pitch and how you can maximize your ...

Jesse Doubek, CEO Influencersoft: Innovation & Lead Generation

Today Jesse Doubek shares his journey of learning through failure and how his ability to observe and create systems has ...

Dr. Ivan Misner, Founder, BNI: Networking & Referral Generation

On today’s episode Dr. Ivan Misner discusses what it takes to make great contacts while networking and how they can ...

Erik Huberman, CEO, Hawke Media: Internal Communication & Growth

Today’s episode features a discussion with Erik Huberman and how his focus on individual and group communication has impacted his ...

Karen Shakoske, SVP Communications, Janney Montgomery Scott: Team Assessment & Recognition

On today’s episode Karen Shakoske explains how she focuses on communication and recognition to keep her team energized and productive ...

Loren Howard, CEO Prime Plus Mortgages: Gold Standard Leadership & Employee Growth

Today Loren Howard shares how he grew his organization by investing in key employees from the very beginning. Join Laura ...

Mark Nikolich, CEO Braskem America: Comfort Zones & Engaging Your Audience

Mark Nikolich joins Laura to discuss how his organization prioritizes communication with team members and why he continues to focus ...

Your Microphone and Influence

On today’s episode Laura reveals the profound impact high quality sound equipment can have on your leadership presence while on ...

Lauren Swartz, CEO, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia: Code Switching and Global Connections

Today on Speaking to Influence Lauren Swartz shares the challenges of working with the community to make global connections while ...

Jackie Linton, President, SHRM Philadelphia: Vulnerability & First Impressions

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Jackie Linton shares how her organization works to keep their services in alignment ...

Joyce Chester, CEO, Chester County OIC: Trust & Creative Tension

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Joyce Chester shares the challenge of staying connected to the community as a ...

Marcus Allen, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters SE PA: Mentorship & Creating Opportunities

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Marcus Allen shares how your background influences your ability to seek opportunities and ...

Sam King, President & CEO, Veracode: Large Scale Messaging & Micro Communication

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Sam King reveals her best practices for maintaining communication and influence with over ...

Karen Friar, CFO, Benco Dental: Understanding Your Team & Virtual Motivation

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Karen Friar shares how her team managed the transition to a virtual workplace ...

Tom DeBiase, Senior Director of Cyber Operations, Capital One: Translation & Risk

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Tom DeBiase reveals how he focuses on communicating risk and potential problems by ...

Janet Salazar, President, Foundation for the Support of the United Nations: Confidence & Intercultural Communication

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Janet Salazar reveals how her organization is navigating intercultural communication in a virtual ...

Take the 2021 Influence Challenge

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Laura shares the best 24-Hour Influence Challenges of 2020 and how you can ...

David Cohen – SEVP Comcast: Simplicity and Cultivation of Leadership

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, David Cohen shares the importance of distilling complicated subject matter into simple and ...

Jamil Rivers – CFO Education Works: Opportunity and Translation

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Jamil Rivers shares how STEM education and workforce development align to create opportunities ...

Jonathan Rivers – CTO, Fortune Magazine: Selling Ideas and Negotiation

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Jonathan Rivers shares how he communicates with a wide variety of people by ...

Sharmain Matlock-Turner – CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition: Clarity and Active Listening

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Sharmain Matlock-Turner shares how she identified a need to communicate with a wide ...

David Marquet – Intent-Based Leadership Institute: Control and Team Performance

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, David Marquet shares how words impact team performance and why leadership should not ...

Bill Sasso – Chairman, Stradley Ronon: Culture and Timing

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Bill Sasso shares how his company focuses on cultivating a culture that fosters ...

Bryan Buckley – CEO, Helmand Valley Growers Company: Confidence and Team Cohesion

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Bryan Buckley discusses how a young company can create a centralized message in ...

Donna Marie De Carolis – Dean, Close School of Entrepreneurship, Drexel University: Entrepreneurship, Mindset and Credibility

On this episode of Speaking to Influence, Donna Marie De Carolis shares why focuses on mindset vs. skills when communicating ...