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Most people think breathing is automatic. You inhale, you exhale, and that’s it. But what if the way you breathe is quietly affecting your confidence, your voice, your posture, your sleep, your anxiety levels – and the way you show up when speaking in front of other people? In this episode, I sit down with breathing educator Jane Tarrant to explore a topic most business leaders never think about until something goes wrong: breathing habits. Jane explains why many high performers breathe from the wrong place, why “belly breathing” is often misunderstood, and how poor breathing habits can push people into stress, panic and disconnection from their audience. We also discuss the hidden connection between breathing and storytelling, and why the 30 seconds before a presentation matter far less than the habits you repeat every day. There’s also a story involving split trousers in front of 200 people. What You'll Learn: • Why most speakers breathe from the wrong place • The difference between belly breathing and diaphragmatic breathing • Why upper-chest breathing increases anxiety • The role of posture in confident speaking • How tongue position changes your breathing • What the “D-spot” is and why it matters In This Episode: 00:00 – When Jane’s Trousers Split in Public 03:16 – Belly Breathing vs Diaphragm Breathing 05:05 – Why Chest Breathing Weakens Your Presence 08:39 – The D-Spot Explained 12:21 – The Link Between Breathing and Your Voice 21:21 – The Signs You’re Over-Breathing 26:37 – Why Tongue Position Matters More Than You Think 35:02 – The Surprising Link Between Storytelling and Breathing 42:30 – Why Breathwork Doesn’t Work for Everyone 54:45 – The One Thing Jane Wants Everyone to Remember If you want to feel calmer, more grounded and more connected when you speak, this conversation will change the way you think about breathing. We hope you enjoy it. ——————— Connect with Jane: Instagram: @linkbreathing Website: http://linkbreathing.co.uk/ Recommended books: Breath by James Nestor Rose Loses Her Nose by Jane Tarrant #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Breathwork #BreathingHabits #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipCommunication

Most interviews sound the same. Safe questions. Predictable answers. Polite agreement. But every now and then, something different happens. A moment of silence. An unexpected question. A shift in energy that makes everyone lean in. In this episode, I sit down with Alfie Joey – former BBC presenter – to explore what actually makes an interview memorable. Alfie has interviewed prime ministers, celebrities and business leaders.  We talk about why over-preparation can make you more natural, how one repeated question can break through any defence, and why the best interviewers never make it about themselves. Alfie shares stories from the field – from interviewing Peter Mandelson in a completely unexpected way, to creating a room-wide “chocolate moment,” to asking one simple question that left an entire audience in silence. If you host a podcast or want to have better conversations, this episode will change how you think about asking questions. What You’ll Learn: - How to create (or spot) powerful interview moments - The danger of putting yourself in the story - How to challenge guests without confrontation - Why most questions lead nowhere – and how to fix that - The simple LinkedIn trick to make interviews fresh In This Episode: 04:08 – The Power of Over-Preparation 08:00 – Interviewing Peter Mandelson  12:27 – The LinkedIn Trick for Better Questions 16:54 – Why Listening Is the #1 Skill 18:30 – Never Put Yourself in the Story 23:30 – The Chocolate Interview Moment 29:35 – Following the Audience, Not the Plan 50:47 – Why You Must Watch Your Recordings If you want to run better interviews – and better conversations – this episode is for you. We hope you enjoy it. ——————— Connect with Alfie:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey/  Website: https://alfiejoey.com/

A founder builds something people trust. Customers love it. Employees believe in it. Investors are happy. Then, slowly, something changes. The targets shift. The incentives change. The message stays the same – but the behaviour doesn’t. And trust starts to fade. In this episode, I sit down with Eric Ries @theericriesshow – author of Incorruptible and The Lean Startup – and one of the most influential thinkers in modern entrepreneurship.  We talked about why so many companies start with strong values and drift over time – even when leaders care about doing the right thing. Eric shares powerful stories – from Cloudflare’s “unspoken mission” to Sol Price, the father of modern retail, and the paradox of success that can make great companies vulnerable. One idea keeps coming back: Communication isn’t just what you say. It’s what people see repeated in decisions, incentives and trade-offs. We explore why mission statements often fail, why jargon weakens clarity, and why trust – not strategy, not growth, not even innovation – shapes long-term success. We also talk about what happens under pressure.Because that’s where leadership communication is tested. What You’ll Learn: * Why people believe what you reinforce, not just what you say  * How to align your message with incentives and decisions * Why inconsistent signals weaken trust inside teams * How to communicate purpose so it holds under pressure * What leaders do differently when they build lasting trust In This Episode: 03:45 – The story behind Incorruptible 08:21 – Why business jargon weakens communication 09:17 – Cloudflare’s unspoken mission 17:47 – External pressure and “financial gravity” 24:55 – When people stop believing your message 25:30 – You can’t command an organisation 28:46 – Sol Price and the power of ethos 34:29 – The paradox of success 47:01 – Trust as the most underrated asset If you lead a team, build a business or communicate ideas for a living, this episode will change how you think about communication. We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Eric Ries: * Book website: https://www.incorruptible.co/  * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/  * X: https://x.com/ericries  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericriesactual/  * Newsletter: https://news.theleanstartup.com/  * Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  * Timeless Presenter & Confident Presenter (books) – free copy: https://bit.ly/claimyourbooks    * Business Presentation Revolution (book): https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/  * The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  * Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    #IdeasOnStagePodcast #LeadershipCommunication #BusinessCommunication #OrganizationalCulture

“At the end of your life, all you really have are the relationships you’ve built – and the stories you can tell.” That idea stayed with me after this conversation. In business, we often talk about strategies, funnels and growth. But behind every opportunity – every client, every collaboration, every breakthrough – there’s a relationship. In this episode, I sit down with Riley McGhee to explore how those relationships actually begin. Not with a pitch. Not with a script. But with a simple, human conversation. Riley shares his Authentic Outreach framework – a practical way to reach out, build trust and create opportunities without sounding transactional or forced. We talk about why most outreach feels fake, how to start conversations that people want to respond to, and how to turn those conversations into meaningful business outcomes. But what made this conversation stand out for me is something deeper. Instead of just talking about tactics, Riley talks about the principles behind them. Why being genuinely interested in others makes you more interesting. Why many experts struggle to explain what they do. Why we often build offers based on what we think – instead of what the market actually needs. And he shares a powerful story of how one message to  @markleruste  led to a relationship that shaped his entire career. Because in the end, business is about people. What You’ll Learn: - Why most outreach fails (and what to do instead) - How to start conversations that feel natural - The 3-step framework to build real relationships - How to turn conversations into opportunities - Why clarity is the key to better offers and presentations In This Episode:  00:46 – What “Authentic Outreach” Really Means 04:51 – Why Outreach Feels Inauthentic (“Pitch Slap”) 08:09 – How to Start Conversations That Get Replies 11:39 – The 3 I’s Framework (Intro, Interest, Invite) 11:48 – Be Interested to Be Interesting 14:44 – Why “Being Normal” Wins in Business 28:08 – Turning Conversations into Opportunities (The Invite) 33:26 – Calls vs Webinars: What’s the Right Next Step? 37:51 – Why Most Offers Don’t Work 38:33 – Simplify to Clarify (Trim the Fat) 43:39 – The Curse of Knowledge in Sales 49:39 – The Message That Changed His Career 01:02:15 – Why Relationships Hold True Value If you want to build stronger relationships, communicate more clearly, and create more opportunities – this episode will change how you think about outreach. We hope you enjoy it. ——————— Riley McGhee:   - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileymcghee  - Website - & Newsletter: https://leverageaccelerator.co  Podcast & YouTube: https://leverageaccelerator.co/podcast  Recommended books:  - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Timeless Presenter (book) – early access: https://bit.ly/timeless-presenter-early-list  - Confident Presenter (book) – free copy: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free - Business Presentation Revolution (book): https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/  - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    #IdeasOnStagePodcast #CommunicationSkills #BusinessDevelopment #ClientCommunication #RelationshipBuilding

A few days after a presentation, most people will forget most of what you said. So what should they remember? In this episode, I sit down with Carmine Gallo @GalloCommunications – three-time Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Harvard instructor, and one of the world’s leading voices on communication. We explore why, despite AI and new platforms, the principles of persuasion haven’t changed in over 2,000 years. From Aristotle to TikTok, from Airbnb’s early struggles to the story behind NVIDIA and its founder, one idea keeps coming back: Storytelling is your superpower. We talk about why facts don’t persuade on their own, how to use “all is lost” moments to build trust, and how great communicators engineer moments people actually remember. We also discuss AI – not as a replacement, but as a tool that should never replace your voice. What You’ll Learn: - Why storytelling builds trust and drives decisions - How to use struggle to strengthen your message - Why people forget most presentations - How to create moments of attention - How to use AI without losing your voice In This Episode: 03:14 – AI Changes Tools, Not Persuasion 03:54 – Aristotle’s Formula Still Works Today 06:15 – What Neuroscience Reveals About Attention 09:14 – Ethos, Pathos, Logos in Business 11:38 – Why Storytelling Is Our Superpower 13:30 – The Origin Story That Won Investors 19:11 – The “All Is Lost” Moment Explained 21:20 – Airbnb’s Struggle and the Power of Detail 24:14 – Why We Avoid Talking About Failure 25:47 – The Square Pitch That Built Trust 26:36 – How to Engineer “Wow Moments” 29:31 – Why People Forget Most Presentations 34:04 – The Hero’s Journey Made Practical 36:17 – The Story Behind NVIDIA’s Rise 41:32 – The AMP Framework (Ability, Message, Practice) 45:19 – Why Message Matters More Than Delivery 47:46 – How to Practice for Real Confidence 51:05 – AI’s Limits If you want your ideas to be remembered – and acted on – this episode will change how you present. We hope you enjoy it. ——————— Carmine Gallo:  - Website: https://www.carminegallo.com/  - Audiobook – Viral Voices: From TED Talks to TikTok, Persuasive Communication Skills for the Digital Age  ———————   IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Timeless Presenter (book) – early access: https://bit.ly/timeless-presenter-early-list  - Confident Presenter (book) – free copy: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free - Business Presentation Revolution (book): https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/  - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score  - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/   #IdeasOnStagePodcast  #CommunicationSkills #Storytelling #PublicSpeaking #LeadershipCommunication #Presentations

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Nigel Taberner.  Nigel is a former police officer and hostage negotiator. He served for 30 years within the police service, rising to the rank of Detective Inspector in counter terrorism policing. He now shares the skills that he learned as a hostage negotiator with business leaders and organisations, teaching them how to communicate better and negotiate when they have nothing to give away.  In this episode we talked about trust, listening and influence in negotiation. What You'll Learn: - Shape your mindset before tough conversations - Get people talking and listen with intent - Use simple phrases to open difficult discussions - Start strong with a clear opening line - Prepare well and avoid bias in negotiations In This Episode: 06:02 - Your Inner Voice Before Difficult Conversations 08:34 - Why Negotiation Is Just A Conversation 10:55 - Get Them Talking And Keep Them Talking 13:40 - Listening Is A Negotiator’s Superpower 17:21 - How To Create Space Without Asking Questions 36:00 - Use “I Get The Impression” In Tough Conversations  43:58 - Why Your Opening Line Matters Most 48:52 - Why Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Negotiations 54:30 - Why Nerves Peak Before You Start We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Nigel Taberner:   - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-taberner/  - Website: https://www.nigeltaberner.com/ Recommended books:  - Never Split The Difference by Chris Voss - Influence by Robert Cialdini  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/ - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/     - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course    #IdeasOnStagePodcast #CommunicationSkills #Leadership #Negotiation #ClientCommunication

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Lorraine K. Lee.  Lorraine K. Lee is a keynote speaker and the best-selling author of Unforgettable Presence. She also teaches popular courses at Stanford Continuing Studies and LinkedIn Learning. She is passionate about empowering leaders to elevate their presence, influence and impact. Her frameworks have been adopted by globally recognized organizations like Zoom, Amazon, Cisco and McKinsey & Company. Lorraine is recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with hundreds of thousands of followers, and previously spent over a decade as a founding editor at companies including LinkedIn and Prezi. Her insights are featured in top media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg and Fast Company. In this episode we talked about developing an unforgettable professional presence. What You'll Learn: - How to develop a stronger professional presence online and in person - How to improve your LinkedIn profile and headline - How to lead meetings that create value - How to show up with confidence on video - How to grow your career by communicating with intention In This Episode: 01:13 - How Minimising Language Hurts Your Presence 06:04 - Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters 08:04 - How to Improve Your LinkedIn Headline 14:37 - How Leaders Increase Team Visibility 16:40 - Leading Better Meetings 18:50 - How to Improve Your Video Presence 30:51 - How to Look More Strategic to Managers 31:28 - How to Share Your Communication Style with Your Team We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Lorraine K. Lee: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorraineklee/  - Read Unforgettable Presence: https://lorraineklee.com/unforgettable-presence/  - Newsletter: https://lorraineklee.com/subscribe/  Recommended books and authors:  - Managing Up by Melody Wilding - Think Faster, Talk Smarter by Matt Abrahams  - Dan Pink  - Vanessa Van Edwards ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/books/business-presentation-revolution-book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course #IdeasOnStagePodcast #ProfessionalPresence #LeadershipSkills #CareerGrowth #LinkedInTips

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Todd Kashdan. Todd Kashdan is among the world’s top experts on the psychology of well-being, psychological strengths, mental agility and social relationships. His research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes and the Hidden Brain podcast. Over 5 million readers enjoy his best-selling Substack newsletter: Provoked. Todd authored five books, including Curious?, The Upside of Your Darkside, and Designing Positive Psychology. In his latest, The Art of Insubordination, he details research on how we can change minds and design groups and society to be smarter and wiser. He teaches us how to be courageous enough to question the status quo with the intelligence to know when and how.  In this episode we talked about the psychology of being heard. What You'll Learn: - How to challenge ideas without creating conflict - How to spark and hold people’s curiosity - How to keep conversations open and productive - How to turn fear and nerves into useful energy - How to connect with your audience on a personal level In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 06:54 - How to Challenge Ideas Without Conflict 09:08 - How to Spark and Sustain Curiosity 11:42 - The Art of Keeping Conversations Open 18:34 - Don’t Try to Calm Down Before You Speak 20:44 - A Simple Trick to Manage Stage Nerves 22:55 - How to Turn Fear Into Energy 28:25 - How Using Names Builds Instant Connection We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Todd Kashdan’s substack newsletter, Provoked: https://toddkashdan.substack.com/ Todd’s books:  - The Art of Insubordination - The Upside of Your Darkside - Curious? - Designing Positive Psychology - Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology Recommended book:  Femonomics: What Data Tells Us About Women's Lives and How to Get the Most Out of Yours by Corinne Low (published in the USA with the title HAVING IT ALL) ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Ravinol Chambers.  Ravinol is a filmmaker, storyteller and founder of Be Inspired Films, a B Corp creative agency helping purpose-driven organisations communicate with clarity and confidence. A former monk turned moviemaker, he’s spent more than a decade guiding leaders to show up on camera in a way that feels natural, human and compelling. His work spans TEDxLondon, the NHS, Oxford University and the Cabinet Office, with multiple international awards and six consecutive Drum Recommends wins for Best Video Production Company in the UK. Ravinol also hosts the Storytelling for Social Impact podcast and leads the Storytelling Clarity Sprint, helping teams cut through noise and tell the story that truly moves their audience. In this episode we talked about video storytelling for speakers, speaking with confidence on camera, and how organisations can share stories that truly connect. What You'll Learn: - How to make sure your stage talks are filmed well - What setup you need to record professional videos at home - How to combine sound and visuals to build strong video stories - How to tell stories that focus on people, not your company  - How to shape your message so your audience truly cares In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 09:18 - How to Prepare Video Teams Before Your Talk 10:54 - Why Speakers Shouldn’t Look at the Camera 13:33 - What TED Gets Right About Filming Talks 20:20 - The Minimum Setup to Film at Home 24:09 - How to Overcome Nerves on Camera 25:36 - Why Shorter Videos Take More Work 29:45 - Why Extra Energy Works on Camera 33:28 - How to Tell Stories Without Making Yourself the Hero 40:59 - How to Use B-Roll to Bring Stories Alive We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Ravinol Chambers:  - Website: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravchambers/  - Instagram: @beinspiredrav - Storytelling for Social Impact podcast: https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/podcast  - Jack’s Story (Neurodiversity & Police project): https://www.beinspiredfilms.co.uk/#jacksstory  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ – free copy (https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-free) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course   #IdeasOnStagePodcast #VideoStorytelling #StorytellingForBusiness #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage Podcast, we share a conversation with Ciaran O’Donnell – originally recorded as part of the Ideas on Stage Academy. We decided to repurpose it as a podcast episode so more people can learn from his inspiring communication journey and practical insights. Ciaran is a Virtual Finance Director. He launched Virtual FD in 2010 to help growing businesses access Finance Director–level advice before they’re ready for a full-time hire. A qualified accountant since 1998, he spent 12 years at Hutchison Whampoa, Three, and Carphone Warehouse – all with entrepreneurial beginnings. Since then, he has advised more than 100 startups and fast-growth companies, helping them grow, prepare to sell and stay on track. Ciaran was named CFO of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards 2019 and is a Finance Director of the Year finalist in the Accounting Excellence Awards 2023 and 2024. In this episode, we talked about how Ciaran became a better communicator What You'll Learn: - Why improving your communication can transform your career - How to rehearse and internalise your message to sound natural - How to use stories that make people care  - How pauses, breathing and feedback strengthen your delivery - How better communication can attract clients and grow your business In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 04:15 - Why a CFO Decided to Speak Better 07:57 - How One Imperfect Video Sparked Growth 10:00 - How to Know You’re Improving as a Speaker 17:22 - How Internalising Transforms Your Delivery 21:25 - The “So What” Framework  38:50 - The Birthday Speech He’ll Never Forget 43:58 - How a Slow Breath Changes Everything 47:55 - The Three Levels of Useful Feedback 52:12 - A Masterclass in Sharing Your Origin Story 55:07 - How Storytelling Drove 90% of His Revenue We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Ciaran O’Donnell: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranodonnell/  - Website: https://virtualfd.co/ - Ciaran’s first video: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6648942434724179968/  - A story about “It’s all about trust”: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ciaranodonnell_itsallabouttrust-storybridges-ownyournumbers-activity-7344251933672566787-KeWd  Mentions:  - Bernadette Jiwa  - Jimmy Cannon  - The Moth  Recommended books:  - Story Driven by Bernadette Jiwa  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Kay Korsh. For over 20 years, Style Strategist Kay Korsh has been behind the scenes – dressing celebrities, consulting for luxury brands, and helping professional speakers dress in a way that aligns with their message. And that leads to more bookings, higher fees, and a whole lot more confidence on stage.  In this episode we talked about how your style shapes your presence – from common mistakes and myths to practical tips that help you look more like YOU on stage and on camera. What You'll Learn: - How to dress in a way that supports your message - What to avoid when preparing your look for a talk or video - Why looking like yourself helps you connect with your audience - How style influences the way people see and remember you - A small change that can improve how you show up immediately In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 08:49 - Align Your Look With the Venue 15:28 - Stop Dressing Like the Audience 41:36 - How to Instantly Improve Your Look We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Kay Korsh:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-korsh/  - Website: https://www.mindoverfashion.com/  - Colour Quiz for Speakers: https://kkorsh.outgrow.us/speakers-colourtest - How to Work with a Photographer: https://outfit.mindoverfashion.com/get-the-best-results-from-brand-photoshoot  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: ideasonstage.com/uk/events/    - Free Mini-Course: bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Amanda Baker.  Amanda Baker is a story strategist and coach who knows the future belongs to those brave enough to share their stories. Creator of the 5 Stories method, she shows creators and founders how to make a difference in the world and stay true to themselves through the stories only they can tell.  In this episode we talked about how to tell your story and why it matters. What You'll Learn: - Why your personal story matters - Common mistakes when telling your story - The 5 Stories framework to guide your message - Shaping stories that connect with your audience - Applying your stories across pitches, talks and websites We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Amanda Baker:  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandatells5stories/ - Website: https://www.5stories.com/  Recommended books:  - How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price - Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport  - The Artist's Way by Julian Cameron  - Immortal Diamond by Richard Rohr  - The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle  - Connect by Carole Robin Ph.D.  - The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer Mentions:  - Iris Murdoch: 'Unselfing'  - Polaroid’s campaign: Real stories. Not stories & reels - Elizabeth Gilbert ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/  - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course   #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Storytelling #LeadershipCommunication #PersonalBranding

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Graham Allcott. Graham Allcott is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. He is the author of multiple books, including the global bestseller How to Be a Productivity Ninja, How to Have the Energy, and How to Fix Meetings. His latest book, KIND: The Quiet Power of Kindness at Work, focuses on why organisations with kinder, more human-centred cultures are more successful.          In this episode we talked about the power of kindness at work – from personal stories and Italian coffee traditions to leadership myths, culture change, and how silence can speak volumes. What You'll Learn: - Why kindness leads to better performance and stronger teams - The difference between being kind and being nice - How to lead with empathy without losing focus or urgency - Practical ways to build a culture of kindness at work - One small step you can take to lead more kindly today In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 11:16 - Caffé Sospeso in Naples   17:16 - The Business Case for Being Kind   25:15 - Kind vs Nice  31:26 - What to Do When Your Boss is Toxic 38:44 - Timpson  48:42 - People First. Work Second.   01:03:03 - How to Make People Feel Heard We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Graham Allcott:  - KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/KIND-quiet-power-kindness-work/dp/1399417401  - KIND Free Resources: https://www.grahamallcott.com/kindful  - Graham's mailing list: https://www.grahamallcott.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamallcott/  - Instagram: @grahamallcott  - Other resources: https://www.grahamallcott.com/links  Recommended books:  - Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman - Humankind by Rutger Bregman  - Utopia for Realists by Rutger Bregman ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/  - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course  #IdeasOnStagePodcast #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #KindnessAtWork #PeopleFirst

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Mary Mackenzie.  Mary Mackenzie is an author, trained mediator, and CNVC Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. She holds a master's degree in human relations from Northern Arizona University and is the CEO of the NVC Academy, the only online school for learning Nonviolent Communication. Mary teaches Nonviolent Communication to individuals, couples, families and organisations through a wide variety of workshops and retreats. Her book Peaceful Living: Daily Meditations for Living with Love, Healing and Compassion offers inspiring practical methods for creating peace in our everyday lives.   In this episode we talked about using Nonviolent Communication to better understand needs, give feedback with care, build strong relationships and lead with empathy. What You'll Learn: - How to hear the real needs behind what people say - How to give feedback without causing defensiveness - How to build strong relationships to get better results - How to lead difficult conversations with care and clarity - How to align your actions with your core values In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 06:29 - Everything People Say Expresses a Need 08:48 - You’re Not the Cause of Their Pain 10:47 - Evaluations vs Observations  16:21 - Feedback Without Tension 19:42 - Tasks vs Relationships  24:12 - Leading Critical Dialogues With Care 27:38 - How to Empathise Without Agreeing 30:35 - The Moment Someone Feels Truly Heard 34:19 - Misconceptions about NVC  44:42 - The Why behind NVC  We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Mary Mackenzie: https://www.nvcacademy.com/  https://marymackenzie.net/  [email protected]  Book: Peaceful Living by Mary Mackenzie Recommended books:  Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids by Sura Hart and Victoria Kindle Hodson  ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events   Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course

In this episode of the Ideas on Stage podcast we spoke with Beth Sherman.  In today’s fast-moving business world, attention is short, trust is fragile, and most presentations fall flat. Comedian and Emmy Award-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman teaches professionals how to use humour – not simply for laughs, but for connection, persuasion, and impact. In this episode we talked about using humour to connect, engage and communicate with confidence. What You'll Learn: - Use humour as a tool to connect and communicate clearly - Find the funny in truth, detail and self-awareness - Know when humour helps – and when it doesn’t - Avoid common humour mistakes in professional settings - Start using humour, even if you don’t think you’re funny In This Episode: 00:00 - Introduction 15:55 - Specificity  19:59 - Lighten Heavy Messages with Humour 40:51 - The Power of Surprise  43:06 - Stop trying to be funny  52:20 - The Right Way to Time Your Slides 54:15 - Smile  We hope you enjoy it!  ——————— Beth Sherman: - Website: https://www.bethsherman.com/one-to-one-services  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-sherman/  - Newsletter: https://www.bethsherman.com/newsletter-sign-up  Recommended comedians:  - Jim Gaffigan (hilarious and clean) - Mike Birbiglia (funny and story-based) - Wanda Sykes (on the spicier side) ——————— IDEAS ON STAGE RESOURCES  - Books: ‘Confident Presenter’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/resources/confident-presenter-book/) and ‘Business Presentation Revolution’ (https://www.ideasonstage.com/business-presentation-revolution/book/) - The Confident Presenter Scorecard: https://ideasonstage.com/score   - Free Web Class: https://www.ideasonstage.com/uk/events/   - Free Mini-Course: https://bit.ly/confident-presenter-mini-course   #IdeasOnStagePodcast #HumourInBusiness #BusinessCommunication #PublicSpeaking #StorytellingTips