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Join our podcast with John and Greg as they interview Elisabeth Bachman. Elizabeth Bachman is THE go-to person for advanced-level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, Career Development, and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients get the promotion/job/recognition they deserve — within an organization and within an industry. “Change the way you are perceived by changing the way you communicate.”

Drawing from her unique career in directing more than 50operas around the world and founding her own company, she now helps professionals overcome communication barriers that prevent them from being recognized and advancing in their careers.

At the heart of Elizabeth's approach is a profound insight: men and women often struggle to communicate effectively because they're essentially speaking different languages while using the same words. She reframes this challenge by distinguishing between "single-focus thinkers" (traditionally men) who process one task at a time and "multi-focus thinkers" (traditionally women) who maintain multiple threads simultaneously and value relationships and context. This isn't about gender politics but rather understanding different communication styles to bridge the gap.

The stakes are high—Elizabeth shares research showing organizations with diverse voices in leadership achieve up to 35% higher profits, yet many senior women become so frustrated at not being heard that they exit companies, creating substantial costs in lost talent and recruitment. Through her "Visible and Valued" program and upcoming book, she teaches professionals to adapt their communication style without losing authenticity, using the principles of "awareness, adaptation, and allies."

One compelling success story involves an IT specialist named Janet who had been stuck at senior director level for 13 years despite consistently solving problems. After working with Elizabeth to frame her contributions strategically and engage stakeholders individually, Janet's company created a vice president position specifically for her, later promoting her to CIO.

Whether you're a woman fighting to be heard, a man wanting to be a better ally, or anyone looking to communicate more effectively, Elizabeth's insights transform how we understand workplace dynamics. Her message is clear: strategic speaking gets results when you learn to translate your ideas into a language your audience can hear.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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Forget every leadership trend you've heard about—2025 demands one skill above all others: Resilience. This captivating discussion between hosts John Wandolowski and Greg Powell delves deep into why resilience has become the cornerstone of effective leadership in today's volatile world.

Drawing from Forbes Council member Gina Martin's powerful insights, we explore how resilience goes beyond merely enduring challenges to actually thriving because of them. Martin's own journey—arriving as an immigrant with just $300, a child in her arms, and limited English skills, then rising to lead teams of 600 people—exemplifies the transformative power of bouncing back stronger after each setback.

We break down six practical strategies for cultivating this essential leadership muscle: practicing authentic optimism, embracing adaptability, building endurance, developing clear vision, mastering stress management, and creating strong support systems. Through personal stories and hard-earned wisdom, we reveal how these approaches can help you navigate uncertainty while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.

As we navigate political turbulence, cultural shifts, and economic volatility in 2025, this conversation offers a roadmap for becoming the resilient leader your organization desperately needs. Remember, as Nelson Mandela wisely noted, success isn't measured by achievements alone, but by "how many times I have fallen and got back up again."

Ready to strengthen your leadership resilience? Visit authorja.com to connect with us directly or explore successgrowthacademy.com to learn more about the Management by Responsibility program that has shaped our leadership approaches. The true measure of your leadership might not be how you handle success, but how effectively you rise after falling.

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell

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Words shape our workplace environments, influencing employee morale, productivity, and relationships in profound ways. Effective leaders understand that conscious communication fosters psychological safety and inclusivity, creating spaces where people can express themselves openly without fear of judgment.

• Words can perpetuate stereotypes or build inclusive environments
• Using positive reinforcement and constructive feedback properly motivates teams
• Recognition of achievements, even through simple "thank you" statements, significantly impacts morale
• Active listening demonstrates respect and builds trust
• Consistency in messaging reinforces reliability and credibility
• Admitting mistakes openly demonstrates integrity and accountability
• Genuine praise strengthens team morale and reinforces positive behaviors
• Tone and timing matter as much as the words themselves
• Thank you cards have tremendous power when they express genuine appreciation
• Finding trusted colleagues who provide honest feedback improves communication effectiveness

Visit successgrowthacademy.com for more leadership resources or find John's book "Building your Leadership Toolbox" on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Contact us at www.authorjaw.com and let us know what you think!

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Presented by John Wandolowski and Greg Powell