SPEAK LIKE A CEO

Drowning in Zoom calls and Slack threads? No energy left at the end of the day? Zoom fatigue is real. So is information overload. 

To understand science-backed strategies that get better results from your virtual communication while preserving your energy, Oliver speaks to Andrew Brodsky. 

Andrew is a management professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and the author of "Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication".

They dive deep into the science and strategy behind effective virtual communication. 

If your day is packed with Zoom calls, endless email threads, and Slack pings, this conversation will change how you work. Andrew challenges the myth that in-person is always best and breaks down why smart, intentional virtual communication can actually boost productivity and reduce burnout.

We explore:

• Why video meetings often feel off — and how to fix them
  

• The biggest myths about remote work communication
  

• Eye-opening research on brainstorming, authenticity, and trust in virtual settings
  

• The "PING" framework — a simple method to optimize every digital interaction
  

• What leaders must do to create healthier, more effective remote workplaces
  

Whether you're leading a remote team or just trying to stay sane in a world of nonstop pings, this episode is full of practical insights you can use immediately.

What if an algorithm could read your personality better than your best friend? 

In this eye-opening episode, Oliver sits down with Dr. Sandra Matz – Columbia Business School professor, computational psychologist, and author of Mindmasters – to explore how our digital footprints reveal far more than we think.

Sandra unpacks how AI tools can accurately infer our Big Five personality traits, mental health, and values using everything from Google searches to smartphone activity. 

Oliver and Sandra discuss the power – and ethical challenges – of data-driven persuasion, including what brands and political campaigns really know about you, and how personalization is reshaping communication, marketing, and even internal business culture.

Drawing on her role in helping uncover the truth behind Cambridge Analytica and her work with leading global brands, Sandra provides a rare, credible look at how psychological targeting works – and where it’s headed next. 

From mental health interventions to personalized internal comms, this conversation goes deep into the future of influence.

Plus: Why personality tests like Myers-Briggs are outdated, how to build high-performing teams using psychology, and Sandra’s #1 piece of communication advice.

Leaders who use humor are seen as more confident, competent and get better results – if they do it the right way. 

Andrew Tarvin is the CEO of Humor That Works and author of the book by the same name. 

He shares how leaders can use humor as a serious tool for better results. But it’s not about being haha funny or being a slap-on-the-back kinda boss. 

It’s about bringing lightness to leadership that increases performance, status and – yes – makes work a little more fun. 

Andrew shares compelling insights into why humor is no longer a nice-to-have, but a crucial skill for professionals looking to enhance morale, manage stress, improve communication, and even boost their status.

You will discover the critical difference between humor and comedy in a professional setting, learn practical techniques for incorporating appropriate humor into presentations and daily interactions, and understand how humor enhances your perceived confidence and competence. 

Andrew debunks common myths about humor in the workplace and provides actionable strategies for making work more engaging and, ultimately, more effective. 

Give this episode a listen and let's make work a little less "worky." 

Scott Walker is a world-class kidnap-for-ransom negotiator who deals with hostage takers, pirates and cyber-attacks. 

Scott has successfully negotiated more than 300 such incidents using the principles he shares in his best-selling book ‘Order Out of Chaos’.

The New York Times called it “a masterclass in communication excellence”.  

Now Scott is back with his follow-up, ‘Eye of The Storm’ – a book that lifts the curtain on how we make decisions, and how we don’t become slaves to our emotions.  

Since we all make hundreds of decisions every day, becoming better at this skill can be a game-changer for your life. 

As always, Scott delivers with clarity, humor and fresh insights. He shows us how to thrive  in any situation, regulate our emotions under pressure, and build our decision-making muscle. 

Also check out Episode 239 with Scott when we talked about becoming a world-class negotiator. 

Success isn't just about what you know, but your ability to influence and persuade those in positions of power. 

On this episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust sits down with the brilliant Melody Wilding. Melody is an award-winning executive coach, speaker, and bestselling author.

Drawing on her extensive experience and insights from her book, "Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge," Melody provides you with practical strategies for effective communication with superiors and decision-makers.

Listeners will learn how to frame their requests in a way that resonates with their bosses' motivations, navigate different communication styles to ensure clarity and respect, set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout, strategically position themselves for career advancement, confidently approach salary conversations, and even deliver constructive feedback upwards. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their influence, build stronger professional relationships, and ultimately, get what they need to thrive in their careers.

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.  

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/

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: 

Is it possible to write so that even busy CEOs respond? Yes, it is. If you know how. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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! 

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.

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 landscape

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate a thriving, future-proof company culture.

Do you ever feel like you're drowning in work? Constantly battling a never-ending swarm of emails, Slack messages, and meeting invites? Wondering how you can use automation and new tools to make your life easier?

We all know the feeling all too well. In this week's episode, Oliver Aust speaks with Nick Sonnenberg. Nick is a serial entrepreneur, a guest lecturer at Columbia University, and the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller, "Come Up for Air: How Teams Can Leverage Systems and Tools to Stop Drowning in Work."

As the founder and CEO of Leverage, Nick has made it his life's work to help companies and individuals break free from the overwhelm. And communication is a huge part of that.

In this conversation, Nick shares his proven strategies for mastering meetings, crushing email, using AI the right way, and putting an end to the dreaded "scavenger hunt" for information. 

The upshot? You could potentially gain an extra full day of productivity per week - just by using the right tools and systems the right way. 

This week’s guest is none other than Seth Godin – the world’s most famous marketer, a highly successful entrepreneur, and the author of 21 best-selling books. 

Seth just released his brand-new book This is Strategy, a groundbreaking guide to creating meaningful change in a complex world.

In addition to strategy – which is a compass and not a map – we discuss leadership, storytelling and communications. 

My favorite quote: "Management runs a race to the bottom; leadership offers a chance to run for the top. The problem with the race to the bottom is that you might win. Then you have to live at the bottom.”

Towards the end, Seth shares how he fights climate change as part of a movement, and how we can make progress towards solving the climate crisis. 

Enjoy this episode with one of the world's most influential business thinkers! 

Positive feedback is easy. But if you are like most, you have probably struggled with having tough conversations at work. 

To find out how to give honest feedback without destroying relationships, Oliver Aust is joined by Jason Rosoff, CEO of Radical Candor, the company he co-founded with Kim Scott, the author of the bestselling book with the same name. 

Radical candor allows us to care personally while challenging directly, and for Jason it is the key to creating a thriving workplace.

Jason highlights that avoiding feedback can lead to relationships degrading due to neglect rather than tough conversations, reminding leaders to prioritize difficult discussions early on to prevent bigger issues.

Discover how radical candor can prevent small issues from becoming big problems, create a feedback culture, and ultimately change your team’s dynamics for the better. 

Change is inevitable, yet 70% of change processes fail. This has become a major issue for many organizations, whose very survival depends on adapting to changing times. 

To find a way forward for both leaders and teams, Oliver Aust is joined by Tamsen Webster, a world-renowned expert in change communication and author of the brand-new book Say What They Can't Unhear. 

Tamsen, who also wrote the excellent book Find Your Red Thread, shares key insights into why people resist change—it’s not the change itself, but the fear of loss that holds them back.

Tamsen explains the critical mistake most leaders make: failing to connect the change to what employees already care about. She dives deep into how to address loss aversion, build belief in the change, and anchor your message in the identity of your team. By aligning with what people already believe, leaders can turn resistance into buy-in.
Tune in to learn how to personalize your communication for different stakeholders, avoid the “dilution effect,” and inspire lasting commitment to change through clear, purposeful narratives.

Most presentations are instantly forgotten. Or worse, people don’t even pay attention in the first place. 

What makes a presentation stand out? To find out, Oliver Aust talks with Kris Flegg, founder of Presentation Design Co. and author of The Presentation Playbook about the art of capturing audience attention. 

Kris, who transitioned from a “below-average” presenter to working with global giants like McDonald's and Coca-Cola, shares his five key principles for powerful presentations.

Listeners will learn about the mindset shift that separates mediocre presentations from those that stick. 

Kris emphasizes the need for clarity in purpose and structure, explaining why presentations fail when they lack emotional storytelling or don’t start with a clear goal. 

He also discusses the importance of preparation and rehearsal, treating audience engagement as a fair exchange of time and value.

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.

Do you realize how much your body language influences the way others perceive you as a leader? 

In this week’s episode of Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust sits down with Blake Eastman, founder of The Nonverbal Group and School of Cards. As a former professional poker player, Blake mastered reading body language and high-stakes decision-making at the poker table. 

He now applies these skills to help top executives and elite teams enhance their nonverbal communication – even though he is the first to admit that different games are played at the poker table and in the boardroom. 

Blake reveals how the smallest facial expressions, gestures, and tones of voice can either amplify or detract from the message you’re trying to convey. 

Through his research and years of coaching, Blake emphasizes the power of alignment between what you say and how you say it. 

Listeners will learn practical strategies for improving their own nonverbal communication, building trust, and communicating more authentically during virtual meetings. 

By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with tools to build your leadership presence and communicate with confidence—without saying a word.

In today’s episode, one of Barack Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters reveals the public speaking lessons that will help you become a more confident and compelling communicator and leader.

For 8 years, Terry Szuplat worked on hundreds of speeches for President Obama. He served as a special assistant to the president, and from 2013 to 2017 he was the deputy director of the White House Speechwriting Office. 

In Terry’s brand new book “Say It Well”, he shares the life-changing lessons he learned from Barack Obama and how he applied these techniques to become a better speaker himself.

We talk about the one time President Obama froze up and lost his train of thought, Terry’s first meeting with the President, and what it was like working closely with one of the most inspiring communicators of our time. 

We also get tactical. Terry shares lots of actionable advice on speaking and presenting that you can apply immediately. 

Enjoy this episode with the man who wrote many speeches that made history: Terry Szuplat. 

Have you ever left a conversation doubting whether the other person liked you?

You’re not alone—it’s called the Liking Gap.

This week on Speak Like a CEO, Oliver Aust is joined by David Robson, author of the global bestsellers The Laws of Connection, The Expectation Effect, and The Intelligence Trap, and journalist and science writer for the BBC. 

David reveals laws of human connection and the psychology behind the Liking Gap – why we underestimate how much others like us and how it impacts our personal and professional lives.

The conversation unpacks the consequences of the Liking Gap at work, including how it affects feedback, collaboration, and productivity. 

David also shares actionable strategies to overcome this bias, build stronger connections, have better conversations, and improve communication skills.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn practical steps to overcoming self-doubt so you can build deeper relationships in life and work.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to improve the relationships in their lives and make new ones.

When you manage change within a company, the pressure is on. The future of the business may be at stake. 

So what do you do when your company’s change programs fall flat? 

This week, Oliver Aust is joined by Frank Wolf to discuss the best approaches to leading organizational change and building a strong narrative.

Frank Wolf is the co-founder of Staffbase, a leading employee communication platform used by global brands like Adidas, DHL and Domino’s. 

As one of THE experts in the world on future trends in communications, Frank is the author of The Narrative Age: How Leaders can Inspire Change in a Polarized World.

The secret ingredient to win over your team? Narratives. But you have to know how to use them, how they are different from stories and which mistakes to avoid.  

For instance, when dealing with change, often leaders focus solely on the new narrative, which can leave the team feeling left behind and misunderstood. 

Frank also talks us through the importance of understanding the existing narrative map and ensuring that no employee is left behind.

He shares the key reasons why most change processes fail and how leaders can successfully guide their teams through transformation. 

Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on turning resistance into results.

Our world is changing fast. So how do we create something unique that will stand the test of time? 

This week, Oliver Aust is joined by Josef Brunner on Speak Like a CEO to discuss what it takes to lead creatively.

As the founder and CEO of NutriUnited and a seasoned entrepreneur with two nine-figure exits, Josef shares why authenticity is so important for businesses. We also discussed how building in public sets NutriUnited apart in the competitive food industry.

Josef explains how NutriUnited’s focus on controlling production and sales channels, rather than relying on traditional marketing tactics, helps avoid common startup pitfalls. 

You will also learn some valuable tips on the importance of vulnerability for leaders when building a supportive team culture. 

Additionally, Josef offers insights from his new book, The Creativity Code, co-authored with Christian Sellmann, providing strategies for finding and using creativity in leadership.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to find and use creativity to your advantage as a leader.

If you're an entrepreneur or a leader seeking to increase your impact, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 

Tune in and discover how to build and lead with purpose.

Why is it so hard for disruptive technologies to be accepted?

Julian Treasure’s TED Talk “How to speak so that people want to listen” has been viewed over 100 million times and is the 6th most popular TED talk of all time. 

He shares the four foundations of powerful speaking – easy to memorize thanks to the acronym HAIL – as well as The 7 Deadly Sins of Speaking. 

This short clip gives you the do’s and don’t of speaking on steroids by someone who knows how to captivate an audience.  

If you are a scientist, engineer or deal with technical topics, this one's for you. 

This week Oliver is a guest on Mark Bayer’s When Science Speaks podcast to give you the strategies to create clarity out of complexity. 

Mark is one of the world’s preeminent experts on science communication who has helped hundreds of scientists to communicate with impact and clarity. 

During the episode, Oliver highlights common communication challenges and offers strategies for improvement, such as using clear structures, storytelling, and simplifying language. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience and dealing with linguistic nuances for non-native English speakers.

Many leaders spend their time on the wrong tasks and therefore don’t achieve their goals. 

Oliver Aust explains on the Besser Gründen podcast which leadership skills are essential for a company's success.

In this episode (in German), expect to learn:  

• The 3 most essential skills for entrepreneurs and leaders

• How you can develop and improve these skills most effectively, and

• How entrepreneurs can inspire, motivate and lead a team to achieve common goals.

How do you handle a PR crisis that could jeopardize your business? 

This week, Oliver Aust joins Gloria Chou in this episode of “Small Business PR,” to discuss strategies for dealing with PR crises and creating buzz on a budget.

Oliver shares his extensive experience in crisis communication and creative PR campaigns. He provides actionable tips for how small businesses can prepare for inevitable crises, from negative reviews to cyberattacks, and highlights the importance of having a crisis communication plan. 

Learn how to implement the triple A's—Acknowledge, Apologize, Act—while avoiding the three D's—Deny, Diminish, Deflect. Discover powerful PR tactics to build buzz around your brand, even with limited resources.

Oliver's lessons provide small businesses with practical tools to find their way through tough times, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and visibility. Tune in for your crisis communication strategy and know how to make your message stand out.

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How many times has your technical presentation fallen flat? 

Or perhaps you have been in the audience and have not understood the subject matter. 

This week, Oliver is joined by Mark Bayer who shares his expertise on the art of making complex subjects understandable and engaging. Mark is one of the leading experts in the world on how to translate scientific or technical topics into clear communication. 

We take a deeper look at something missing in many of our presentations - connection. 

Many of us start presenting without any attempt to connect with our audience. By understanding and relating to your audience, you can communicate complex ideas without dumbing them down. 

He also shares insights from his RISE framework, which stands for Raising the Influence of Scientists and Engineers, aimed at helping technical professionals elevate their communication skills.

Mark can help you understand how to shift your mindset from what you want to say to what your audience needs to know. 

We discuss how metaphors, similes, and analogies can help you make intricate topics relatable and memorable.

If you’re a scientist, engineer, or anyone who deals with technical subjects, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you inform your audience and keep their attention. 

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Public speaking is one of humanity’s worst fears. Yet it is entirely possible that you shift from nervous and uncomfortable to confident and charismatic.

In this episode, Oliver shows you how you can become a highly confident speaker and presenter – even if speaking in front of an audience gives you the chills.

So how do you stay calm and build confidence? With the BMW method. By focusing on your Body, Mind and Words.

Oliver shows you how to work with your body rather than against it, how to effectively reframe the situation in your mind, and how to present your words with impact so that you join the ranks of the top 1% communicators. 

Try the free Speak Like a CEO newsletter and get Oliver’s tactical guide “50 Presentation Hacks” to become a master communicator.

No one wants to be ignored, especially in a job search. 

That’s why Oliver joined Loren Greiff on the fantastic “Career Blast in a Half” podcast to help you become unignorable.

In this episode, Oliver shares secrets from his bestselling books "Unignorable" and “Message Machine” on communicating like the top 1% of CEOs.

The last few years have seen a shift in how we brand ourselves, giving us a new opportunity to be visible.

Social media has given us a great platform and AI has remarkably sped up our processes, but this has led to a huge volume of content. We can not just create any content, it has to provide meaning and value.

This episode is about how you can use this as your opportunity to become unignorable. 

Most of us have not optimized our communication for success which bites us when we are looking for new opportunities. We can get our point across, deliver presentations and know, in essence, what good leadership looks like. Here, Loren and Oliver discuss how to go from a good communicator to a great one. 

Suppose you are dealing with a career transition or negativity at work. In that case, Oliver walks you through how to handle your feelings privately, keeping your search for new opportunities positive and forward-looking. We look at how this can be done while maintaining authenticity.  

Join us for an insightful conversation filled with actionable advice on how to become unignorable when you need it most.  

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Dr. Carmen Simon is a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in how the brain processes and retains information. She teaches at Stanford and just published her excellent new book, "Made You Look”. 

In addition to her academic work, Dr Simon helps the likes of GE, McDonalds, HP, JP Morgan, and Google to create messages and presentations that are based on how the brain remembers information and is likely to act on that information.

In this episode, Dr. Simon shares her insights on the science behind effective communication, and how you can use it to create better presentations, sales pitches and marketing messages. 

Carmen also debunks the myth of short attention spans, asserting that if the content is engaging and relevant, audiences can maintain focus for extended periods. She encourages communicators to "control your 10%" by ensuring the main message is clear, repeated, and supported by the rest of the content.

Listen to this episode to learn how to use the power of neuroscience to make your communication more effective and memorable.

You can find Dr. Carmen Simon on LinkedIn and YouTube, and explore her work through her books, "Impossible to Ignore" and "Made You Look."

Furthermore Carmen Simon invites listeners to join a new community focused on the science of slides and content memorability. Explore unique slide examples and micro lessons here:

In this episode, Oliver Aust sits down with J.D. Meier, former Head Innovation Coach of a 3-Trillion-Dollar Company, who shares his communication secrets for unleashing innovation.

J.D. spent 25 years at Microsoft where he was head coach for CEO Satya Nadella’s innovation team, driving one of the most exciting corporate turnarounds of the Century that allowed Microsoft to eclipse Apple as the “world’s most valuable company” earlier this year.  

Today, J.D. is a high-performance, innovation & leadership coach, a unique voice on LinkedIn and the author of ‘Getting Results The Agile Way’. 

J.D. shares highly actionable advice on clear and direct messaging, the significance of structured storytelling with data, how to use conversation frameworks like the double diamond, how to apply Bill Gates’ “precision questions and precision answering” technique, and how to speak from the top by applying the pyramid principle.  

These powerful techniques will improve your communication at work, ensuring your ideas are heard and valued.

How do you communicate in a career transition? How do you handle the emotional rollercoaster when your identity is no longer tied to your job title? 

In this episode, host Oliver Aust is joined by experts Loren Greiff and Konstanty Sliwowski to tackle the questions that many of us face at some point in our careers.

Loren is the founder of Portfolio Rocket, a platform dedicated to helping executives and professionals transition successfully in their careers. With extensive experience in executive coaching and recruitment, Loren provides strategies to help individuals navigate their career paths and leverage their strengths in the job market.

Konstanty runs the School of Hiring, a resource for companies and individuals seeking to improve their hiring processes. With a background in executive search and recruitment, Konstanty focuses on practical techniques for effective hiring and job searching. 

In this conversation, they share personal experiences and actionable steps to gain clarity before communicating, understanding your reasons for the change, and how to convey them confidently. We discuss the importance of leading with the truth, as Oliver highlights, "What's wrong with the truth?"

They talk about the importance of maintaining your professional identity and offer strategies for separating your personal worth from your job title.

They also delve into the emotional impact of career transitions, providing practical tips for managing these challenging times. As Loren shares, "Communicating with others about this journey allows you to see yourself through the eyes of others."

The discussion encourages us to embrace the unknown and look forward to new possibilities, viewing this as a time of exploration and creativity. 

Whether you're preparing for a job exit, dealing with an unexpected layoff, or forging out a new career path, this episode offers valuable advice on how to communicate these changes effectively and handle the emotional aspects with grace.

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How do you craft simple messages that win big? 

Are your employees truly engaged and aligned with your company's vision, or are they just "free range" workers wandering aimlessly?

In this episode, host Oliver Aust is joined by world-class internal communications expert Monique Zytnik to discuss the critical role of strategic internal communication for leaders and organizations. 

Monique shares valuable insights from her new book "Internal Communication in the Age of AI". She shares why most transformations fail and what to do about it, how to get attention for your internal message, how you can build trust internally, and how to communicate bad news. 

As the name of the book suggests, we also discuss the impact of technology and AI on the ways leaders communicate with their teams. 

Whether you're a seasoned leader or aspiring to improve your communication skills, this episode offers practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives that will help you enhance your internal communication efforts and foster a more engaged, aligned, and motivated workforce.

How do you communicate technical topics to a large audience without losing them? How do you manage anxiety before speaking in public? How do you prepare for potential crises when your product is used in life-or-death situations?

In this episode, Oliver Aust interviews Bjoern von Siemens, one of the world’s preeminent experts on improving human health through AI, robotics and automation. 

He is founder of Caresyntax – a company using AI to make surgery smarter and safer for caregivers and patients worldwide. 

We all sell, and selling is one of the oldest professions. However, selling has changed significantly in recent years, and businesses that don’t adapt get left behind. 

To find out what works in sales today, Oliver speaks to Doug C. Brown. Doug is a leading expert on sales and profit growth, the founder of CEO Sales Strategies, host of the CEO Sales Strategies Podcast, and author of several books on the art and science of selling. 

Doug has advised the likes of Tony Robbins as well as multibillion-dollar companies on how to acquire, convert, and lock in clients for life.

Doug and Oliver dive deep into the strategies and mindsets of top-performing leaders and salespeople. 

Doug reveals why selling is all about understanding and resolving your buyer's challenges through effective communication. He shares actionable tips on finding the right target buyers, building trust, understanding their motivations, and crafting compelling messaging that resonates.

You'll learn how to handle rejection without taking it personally, how to activate word-of-mouth marketing, how to hire a sales team, and how to succeed in this brave new world of sales. 

Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to uplevel your selling and communication skills, this episode is packed with invaluable insights from Doug's decades of experience.