Mark Denton knows what it means to lead in uncertain conditions. Twenty-five years ago, he led a team of non-professionals in one of the world’s toughest yacht races, sailing against the spin of the earth, facing harsh weather, fatigue and the constant need to adapt. The experience taught him lessons about leadership, teamwork and resilience – lessons he has since shared with business leaders and professional audiences around the world.
When people think about improvisation, they often imagine actors on a stage making things up on the spot. But Patricia Ryan Madson, author of Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up, has spent decades showing that improvisation is much more than a performance tool – it’s a way of thinking that can transform the way we communicate.
In our conversation on the Ideas on Stage Podcast, Patricia shared how improv principles can help anyone become a better speaker, presenter and communicator. She has taught at Stanford University, worked with some of the world’s top companies, and distilled her wisdom into 13 maxims that encourage people to embrace spontaneity, handle uncertainty and trust themselves.
If you need to present data in your work, chances are you've used a chart or graph that didn’t quite land. Maybe it looked fine, but the message didn’t come through. Or maybe your audience didn’t know what to focus on.
In a recent session with Dr Jonathan Schwabish, over 200 professionals joined us to learn how to avoid these problems. Jonathan is a leading voice in data communication, and his session was full of useful examples and simple strategies anyone can apply.
What does it take to write speeches for a president? In our latest podcast, I had the honour of speaking with Terry Szuplat, Barack Obama’s speechwriter. He shared lessons on public speaking, storytelling and how to connect with an audience in a way that sticks. His advice applies to anyone who wants to communicate with impact – whether on a big stage or in a small meeting.
Many high achievers believe that success will silence self-doubt. But what if the opposite is true? What if the more we accomplish, the more likely we are to feel like we don’t belong?
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jill Stoddard, TEDx speaker, psychologist, and author of Imposter No More. We explored why so many people – even those at the top of their game – struggle with imposter feelings, and how leaders can create cultures that encourage vulnerability and self-compassion.
Influence plays a key role in our lives, shaping how we interact and succeed in different settings. Vanessa Bohns, a professor of organizational behavior and author of You Have More Influence Than You Think, explores this important topic in her work. In a recent conversation, she shared practical insights backed by research that can help you better understand and leverage your natural influence.
Recognising Your Influence
Facilitation is a vital skill in today’s collaborative workplaces. In a recent interview with Pedram Parasmand, we explored the art of facilitation and how structured design can transform your workshops into engaging and impactful experiences. Pedram shared insights, strategies and practical tips that can help facilitators create workshops that engage participants and drive meaningful outcomes.
This article highlights some of the key takeaways from our conversation. Whether you’re a trainer, team leader or educator, these principles will help you deliver sessions that resonate.
Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with others, especially in business. If you want to attract the right clients, learning how to tell your story can make all the difference.
Why Storytelling Matters
Stories help you connect emotionally with your audience. They build trust and show the real you. By sharing your story, you attract clients who resonate with your values and vision. As Susan Payton says, “Before people buy from you, they need to buy into you.”