Episodes
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Forget the myth of the "naturally" inspiring leader. Adam Galinsky, author of "Inspire", reveals the science behind inspiration – and how you can cultivate it.
Adam is the world’s #1 expert on inspirational leadership. He is a professor at Columbia Business School and has been studying the science of inspiration for over 20 years.
His new book “Inspire” is one of the best books on leadership in recent years. His TED Talk, “How to Speak Up for Yourself,” has been viewed millions of times.
Adam shares science-based yet actionable strategies to become more inspiring in any setting, how to deal with infuriating leaders, and how to use the “leadership amplification effect” in your favor.
Find out more about Adam Galinsky and how inspiring you are in his 3 minute quiz: https://adamgalinsky.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Want your idea to spread like wildfire? Do you want to move your audience to action? There is a way to achieve this.
This week, Oliver is joined by John Yorke, a world-renowned storytelling expert and former head of BBC Drama, to unravel the secrets of compelling narratives.
John wrote the OG of storytelling books: "Into the Woods: How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them" and became the storyteller’s storyteller.
When it was published over a decade ago, it opened many eyes to story structures, the importance of change and turning points, and the protagonist’s internal and external conflicts that create the tension.
In our conversation, John shares how storytelling techniques – long used by writers, playwrights, and screenwriters – can be applied to leadership and business.
He also shares details about his forthcoming book, the follow-up to Into the Woods.
Find out more about John Yorke: https://www.johnyorkestory.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Missing episodes?
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Are you really listening? Or just waiting to talk?
Most leaders overestimate their listening skills. To understand why and how you can become a 10 out of 10 listener, Oliver is joined by Oscar Trimboli.
Oscar is a globally-recognized listening expert and the author of How to Listen who will shatter your assumptions about hearing and connection.
Discover how deep listening can revolutionize your communication, influence, and leadership.
Uncover the hidden gap between hearing and truly listening, and learn actionable strategies to become a communication master.
Trimboli shares groundbreaking insights on overcoming the 'speed mismatch' that sabotages understanding, so you can finally grasp the full meaning behind others' words.
This episode helps you create more productive, meaningful, and impactful conversations. Build stronger relationships, foster collaboration, and unlock extraordinary outcomes through the transformative power of deep listening.
Find out more about Osar Trimboli: https://www.oscartrimboli.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career: https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com
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Oliver Aust speaks with Dr. Oliver Degnan about a critical issue: burnout. It's not just stress, it's much more dangerous.
Dr. Degnan challenges common misconceptions about burnout and lays bare the self-inflicted wounds that lead to the brink.
He explores the crucial difference between stress and burnout, how a breakdown in trust fuels it, why it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, the power of positive connection, why "work-life balance" is flawed, and how to leverage AI to prevent it.
Dr. Degnan's message: burnout is a defect in our relationship with our environment, and you are in charge of fixing it. This episode delivers the strategies you need to take control and lead with clarity.
Key takeaway: Stop blaming external factors. Burnout is preventable.
Find out more about Dr. Oliver Degnan and get your burnout score here: https://www.drdegnan.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Why is it so hard to disagree without falling out? And how can we get better at managing disagreements?
To find out, Oliver speaks to Julia Minson, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
They explore the crucial skill of productive disagreement in life and at work.
Discover why smart people struggle with disagreements, the biggest mistakes we make in tough conversations, and practical strategies to foster a culture of constructive dialogue.
Julia introduces her 'HEAR' framework – Hedging, Emphasizing Agreement, Acknowledgement, and Reframing to the Positive – and explains how to apply it in both personal and professional settings.
They also discuss the impact of emotions, personality differences, and remote work on our ability to disagree effectively.
Expect to learn how to listen actively, communicate receptively, and build stronger relationships through better conversations.
This episode shows you how to turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Find out more about Julia: https://www.juliaminson.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Distractions are everywhere. But how do you regain focus and control in an age of constant interruptions?
This week, Oliver speaks with Nir Eyal, the internationally acclaimed behavioral designer, bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, and former Stanford Lecturer.
He explains that distraction isn't just about external triggers but often stems from a desire to escape discomfort.
Discover practical strategies to manage internal triggers, design a focused environment, and create an indistractable workplace.
Plus, learn why time-boxed calendars beat traditional to-do lists for productivity.
Find out more about Nir Eyal at https://www.nirandfar.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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What if I told you there's a secret weapon that can transform your leadership, boost team morale, and create a culture of peak performance?
In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with Professor Michael Norton, a renowned psychologist at HBS and author of The Ritual Effect: The Transformative Power of Our Everyday Actions.
Professor Norton's research reveals the surprising impact of rituals – those seemingly small, repeated actions that hold immense meaning.
They explore:
How CEOs can use rituals to reinforce company values and vision
The role of rituals in building trust and psychological safety
Why the most effective rituals are often the simplest ones
Packed with actionable insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for CEOs, leaders, and anyone looking to elevate their communication and create a thriving workplace culture.
Find out more about Michael Norton at https://michaelnorton.com/.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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No success without trust. But how do you build trust when trust in leadership is at an all-time low?
Natalie Doyle Oldfield is a globally recognized expert on trust and author of Trusted: The Proven Path to Customer Loyalty and Business Growth.
She explains how trust is often formed subconsciously as the first thing in an interaction between humans.
People decide whether to trust you based on gut feeling and perception of your presence. So leaders must build trust BEFORE they need it.
She explains how to build trust quickly, and how the human element is more critical than ever in the age of AI. Emphasize authenticity and connection to build trust.
Natalie also emphasizes the importance of listening, clear communication, and authenticity while warning against inconsistency and broken promises.
Plus: Natalie and Oliver explore the concept of trust equity and how businesses can build.
Find out more about Natalie: https://www.successthroughtrust.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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What if everything we experience is shaped by the stories we tell ourselves?
In this episode, Oliver sits down with one of his intellectual heroes.
Will Storr, bestselling author of The Science of Storytelling, The Status Game and now A Story is a Deal to explore how stories define our reality, shape our decisions, and influence human behavior.
Will explains why humans live in two worlds, the world of survival and the world of story, and how understanding this duality can transform the way we communicate, lead, and persuade. From the evolutionary origins of storytelling to the impact of identity and status, he unpacks why narratives are the foundation of human success.
Packed with fascinating insights, psychological research, and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to harness the power of storytelling.
Check out more about Will Storr’s latest book on his substack https://willstorr.substack.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Is going viral just luck, or is there a science behind it? In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with Brendan Kane, digital strategist, bestselling author, and the mastermind behind some of the biggest social media success stories.
Brendan has helped global brands, top celebrities like Taylor Swift and Rihanna, and countless businesses achieve explosive digital growth.
Brendan reveals the secrets of viral content, explaining the key ingredients behind content that captivates millions, how to balance quality and quantity for maximum engagement, and the proven frameworks for storytelling that drive social media success.
He also explores the role of AI in content creation and how to use it effectively, along with communication strategies that make a brand stand out.
Packed with real-world examples and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for content creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to break through the noise. Hit play and discover the science behind going viral!
Get Brendan’s book “The Guide to Going Viral” for free here:
https://goviral.hookpoint.com/get-guide/?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Guide&utm_campaign=SpeakLikeCEO
Make sure you’re subscribed to theSpeak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator:https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Is it possible to write so that even busy CEOs respond? Yes, it is. If you know how.
On this week’s episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver sits down with Harvard professor Todd Rogers, co-author of Writing for Busy Readers, to uncover why most messages fail – and how to fix them.
Todd is a behavioral scientist who has spent years studying how people read (or rather, don’t read). His research-backed insights will change the way you write forever.
Along with co-author Jessica Lasky Fink, Todd distilled years of research into 6 principles that make writing clearer, more engaging, and more likely to get a response.
Every day, we’re drowning in emails, reports, and messages. These 6 principles don’t just make your writing better; they boost productivity, relationships, and response rates.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Peter Sorgenfrei is the leadership coach you want to have at your side. As a six-time CEO and founder, he understands the challenges and the overwhelm experienced by anyone who is unapologetically ambitious.
But he also learned the hard way that you have to listen to your body and mind to be successful and, more importantly, to keep your sanity.
In this episode, he takes us inside his journey as a founder, sharing the unexpected lessons that shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and personal identity.
Peter opens up about one of the most profound realizations of his career: his happiest moments weren’t tied to financial wins but to seeing his team grow and thrive. Leadership, he argues, is about empowering others, fostering a strong culture, and prioritizing mission over metrics. But that mission-driven focus came at a cost.
In 2019, his relentless pursuit of success led to complete burnout – his body literally shut down. He recounts how he found his way back through rest, time in nature, and deep reflection, ultimately discovering a new passion: helping others navigate the same struggles.
Beyond business, Peter challenges us to rethink how we define ourselves. Too often, we introduce ourselves by our job titles rather than our values or passions. What happens when we shift that perspective? He shares how embracing identity beyond work can create deeper, more meaningful connections both personally and professionally.
Peter and Oliver also dive into the unconventional ways Peter builds and leads teams. From letting candidates suggest their own salaries to practicing radical transparency, his approach forces people to evaluate their worth and alignment with the company’s vision.
And when it comes to tough conversations, he believes real compassion lies in honesty – not avoidance. Whether it’s performance feedback or handling layoffs, delivering the truth with empathy builds trust and long-term success.
If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone searching for clarity in your work and life, this episode is packed with wisdom that will challenge you to rethink leadership, communication, and self-care.
Find out more about how Peter elevates leaders: https://lp.petersorgenfrei.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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You build your life and career one conversation at a time. But how can we be authentic and impactful while connecting with others?
To find out, Oliver sits down with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, celebrated behavioral scientist, Harvard professor, and author of Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves.
Together, they unpack the science behind effective communication and how understanding your "conversational compass" can transform how you connect with others.
Dr. Brooks gives invaluable insights into managing emotions during challenging interactions, leveraging humor to combat boredom, and navigating cultural and personal differences with grace.
Plus: Alison shares how her research ended up in a Pixar movie.
Our lives are built one conversation at a time. Expect to learn how you can be authentic and impactful at the same time.
Find out more about Alison Wood Brooks: https://alisonwoodbrooks.com/
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Matthew Dicks, bestselling author of Storyworthy and Stories Sell reveals how stories captivate, connect, and inspire.
The key isn’t a list of events but a moment of transformation – without change, it’s just a report.
Matthew’s journey to globally-recognized expert began with a surprise win at The Moth storytelling competition, but it wasn’t luck.
His years as a writer, teacher, and even wedding DJ prepared him to hold any audience’s attention. His honest account of overcoming self-doubt shows that storytelling isn’t about talent – it’s about practice.
A simple but life-changing habit, which Matthew calls "Homework for Life," involves capturing one meaningful daily moment. This practice not only builds a reservoir of stories but also makes everyday life richer and more memorable.
Great stories, Matthew says, start with action and location to instantly draw listeners in. He also challenges the belief that humor is risky – nostalgic or relatable moments create connection without the need for punchlines.
Many businesses get storytelling wrong, drowning audiences in data instead of building connections.
Matthew highlights successes like Domino’s bold rebrand and failures where companies lose control by ignoring their flaws.
In leadership, storytelling builds trust and culture. Meetings become more impactful when leaders share real moments, not polished performances.
Matthew’s advice is clear: authenticity beats perfection. Stories connect because they’re real. Whether you’re giving a speech or pitching an idea, this episode offers practical tools to turn information into lasting impact.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Scott Walker is one of the world’s foremost experts on negotiation.
When hostage situations, kidnappings, or cyber attacks put lives and livelihoods at stake, Scott is the crisis negotiator called in to resolve the chaos.
Having successfully negotiated over 300 high-stakes incidents, Scott shares the field-proven principles from his best-selling book "Order Out of Chaos" - hailed as "A Masterclass in Communication Excellence" by The New York Times.
Today, Scott trains leaders and teams to negotiate better deals, resolve conflict, navigate crises, and thrive under intense pressure.
In this fascinating clip, he reveals how to negotiate with pirates, and why kidnappers are just business people looking for a great deal.
For Oliver’s full conversation with Scott, check out episode 239.
Having spent over a decade negotiating with hostage-takers and criminals, Scott's strategies for navigating uncertainty and conflict prove indispensable for any leader or professional.
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What are the critical skills that define leadership today? With over 20 years of experience advising top global executives, Oliver explains why communication is the #1 skill for success, how to build an irresistible personal brand, and strategies for overcoming communication challenges in a world increasingly shaped by remote work and AI.
Discover why Richard Branson’s personal brand outshines his company’s, learn how to become "unignorable" in a crowded market, and uncover why your communication skills are more essential than ever in the AI-driven age.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Want to build a thriving community but not sure where to start? Daisy Morris, founder of The Selfhood and author of Community Is Your Currency developed the framework for you.
Oliver and Daisy dive into the essential difference between an audience and a community, and what both individuals and companies often get wrong about community building.
Daisy shares her 10 powerful steps to creating a thriving community, including how to find your people, share your magic, collaborate effectively, and keep the creative juices flowing.
Tune in for actionable insights from one of the foremost voices on community building.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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With more than 10m books sold, John Strelecky is one of the most successful and inspirational authors of our time.
His first book, "The Café on the Edge of the World," gained international acclaim and has been translated into over 40 languages, selling millions of copies.
John has written extensively about leadership and is the creator of the "Big Five for Life" concept that inspires leaders and businesses to discover their purpose and lead fulfilling lives.
In this episode, he shares how he went from consultant to traveler to bestselling author, what good leadership is, the role of “soft skills”, how to keep your best people, and how leaders and businesses can identify their Purpose for Existing (PFE).
He also discusses why most writing in business is unemotional, boring and complex, and the simple shift that can turn you into a much better writer.
Enjoy this episode with one of the great storytellers of our time!
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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What if we challenged traditional notions of success and leadership?
In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with Gigi Danzinger, a philanthropist and social entrepreneur who, at 60, changed her name to reflect a bold new chapter.
Gigi shares her unique approach to social impact, focusing on empowering communities through initiatives in Hudson, New York.
From a basic income pilot, her investments in underappreciated founders and her "no strings attached" philanthropy, Gigi is redefining what it means to make a difference as a leader.
Tune in as she discusses her journey to challenging traditional success, investing in underappreciated founders, and building sustainable, community-driven models that inspire change.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career. https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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Culture is destiny. How we treat each other at work has a huge impact on business success and personal fulfillment.
But how can leaders navigate the complexities of remote and hybrid work while cultivating an environment that attracts top talent and drives innovation?
Oliver Aust sits down with company culture expert Chris Dyer, author of "The Power of Company Culture" and "Remote Work", to unpack the key pillars of building a world-class company culture.
From embracing transparency and empowering employees to encouraging productive risk-taking, Chris shares practical strategies that any organization can implement.
Discover how to:
Foster a culture of openness and trust, even in remote/hybrid settings Empower employees to solve problems and drive innovation Attract and retain top talent through an engaging, people-first culture Leverage "cockroach meetings" to boost productivity and collaboration Adapt your culture and communication for the hybrid/remote landscapeThis episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving, future-proof company culture.
Make sure you’re subscribed to the Speak Like a CEO newsletter to become a top 1% communicator: https://eoipsocommunications.com/newsletter/
Do you want to speak with confidence, inspire your team, and accelerate your career? You can now join the Speak Like a CEO Academy and work with Oliver over the next 90 days to become a top 1% communicator and transform your career.
https://speaklikeaceoacademy.com/
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