Because People Matter

Steps to Powerful Communication with Salvatore Manzi of Leadership Communications

Salvatore Manzi, Speaker, Facilitator and Coach at Leadership Communications, shares how leaders can elevate their communication to build trust, inspire action and create meaningful connections. He explains why his "you then me" approach shifts the way leaders interact, emphasizing the importance of understanding others before presenting their own ideas. Salvatore explores the role of self-awareness in developing presence, how storytelling enhances leadership and why cultural awareness strengthens communication. Key Takeaways: (4:38) The path to feeling better with yourself. (6:42) Accepting yourself and finding a place in society. (10:58) Asking for feedback is the fastest path to growth. (11:31) The "you then me" principle. (13:46) Effective communication is not about knowledge, it's about building trust and a relationship. (15:05) Public speaking fear comes from feeling out of place. (23:50) Communicating on multiple levels. (25:10) Self-awareness and acceptance is the foundation of presence. (38:38) Storytelling moves people to action. Resources Mentioned: Salvatore Manzi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/] Leadership Communications - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-communication-coach/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-communication-coach/] "You Then Me Playbook" by Salvatore Manzi - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ [https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/] "Leadership and Self-Deception" by The Arbinger Institute - https://arbinger.com/store/leadership-and-self-deception/ [https://arbinger.com/store/leadership-and-self-deception/] Thanks for listening to "Because People Matter." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

The Role of Leadership in Retaining Top Talent with Kenneth Sharperson of Armstrong Teasdale

In this episode, Kenneth Sharperson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharperson/], Chief Diversity Officer of Armstrong Teasdale [https://www.linkedin.com/company/armstrongteasdale/], shares how his experiences in law have shaped his approach to leadership. He explains why a strong workplace culture keeps employees engaged and how firms can create an environment where employees feel valued and supported, reducing the costly impact of high turnover. Kenneth emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and listening to employees and other leaders as key ways for leaders to grow. Key Takeaways: (02:45) Growing up as one of the only Black families in a neighborhood. (06:33) Working in pharmaceutical defense and clerking for a Supreme Court justice. (11:08) How workplace culture impacts employee retention. (17:50) The biggest challenge in law firms: Everyone is always busy and rarely takes time for deep reflection. (21:29) How technology has transformed the legal profession. (24:10) The best leaders ask, "What kind of leader am I?" (25:51) A surprising fact: Kenneth was once a punk rocker. (28:42) Why delivering the right message is more important than ever. Resources Mentioned: Kenneth Sharperson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharperson/ Armstrong Teasdale | LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/armstrongteasdale/ Armstrong Teasdale | Website - https://www.atllp.com/ "It Goes Without Saying" by John C. Condon - https://www.amazon.com/Goes-Without-Saying-Culture-Communication/dp/B0DNG6R1VV Thanks for listening to "Because People Matter." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Navigating Complexity in Uncertain Times with Samantha Guenther and Helen Fagan

In this episode, Helen Fagan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhelenfagan/] and Samantha Guenther [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-guenther-86915514b/] have an in-depth conversation about the qualities and skills leaders need to succeed. They share how emotional intelligence shapes effective leadership, strengthens teams and fosters a cohesive workplace culture. They discuss how leaders can create environments where people feel valued and heard. Samantha also explains the difference between managers and leaders, how emotional intelligence helps navigate uncertainty and why these skills are more critical than ever in 2025. Key Takeaways: (03:58) Emotional intelligence is essential for leadership. (06:58) Leaders with curiosity and compassion build stronger teams. (07:47) Team members go above and beyond when they feel valued. (10:17) Openness to learning is key to leadership growth. (14:55) Failing forward fosters innovation and creativity. (18:13) Control and management versus leadership. (21:43) Leadership is about influence, not control. (24:25) Navigating high emotions is crucial in 2025. (27:44) Extend grace to others as they grow and learn. Resources Mentioned: Samantha Guenther [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-guenther-86915514b/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-guenther-86915514b/ Helen Fagan and Associates [https://www.helenfagan.com] - https://www.helenfagan.com Emotional Intelligence for Leveraging Differences (EID) Train-the-Trainer Program [https://www.instagram.com/helenfaganandassociates/p/DF713RgtiSq/] - https://www.instagram.com/helenfaganandassociates/p/DF713RgtiSq/ Nebraska Innovation Campus [https://innovate.unl.edu/] - https://innovate.unl.edu/ "The Silent Language" by Edward T. Hall [https://ssir.org/books/reviews/entry/silent_language_edward_t_hall] - https://ssir.org/books/reviews/entry/silent_language_edward_t_hall Edward T. Hall's Quote [https://quotefancy.com/quote/1221642/Edward-T-Hall-Culture-hides-more-than-it-reveals-and-strangely-enough-what-it-hides-it] - https://quotefancy.com/quote/1221642/Edward-T-Hall-Culture-hides-more-than-it-reveals-and-strangely-enough-what-it-hides-it Thanks for listening to "Because People Matter." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

Onward: A Conversation With Inclusion Strategist Joe Gerstandt

Inclusion strategist Joe Gerstandt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegerstandt/] joins us to discuss the journey of building inclusive leaders and organizations. He emphasizes the importance of reflective, deep work in leadership to achieve self-awareness and advance the journey toward building inclusive workplaces. Joe highlights the need for safe spaces and support circles to foster open dialogue and collaboration. He also shares practical advice on fostering inclusivity in remote work environments. Key Takeaways: (02:32) From skeptic to practitioner, Joe shares his journey. (05:34) Inclusion is an ongoing process of change. (09:45) Intentions are not enough for inclusive leadership. (11:53) Leaders must prioritize time for deep work. (13:55) The benefits of office work for young people. (18:32) Practitioners need supportive communities like the Circle. (25:04) How to support your inclusion team. (30:10) The importance of developing a common language. (35:30) Taking care of ourselves in hard times to come. (41:50) Creativity in the face of challenges. Resources Mentioned: Joe Gerstandt - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegerstandt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegerstandt/] Nebraska AIDS Project - https://www.nap.org/ [https://www.nap.org/] Greater Good Science - https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/ [https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/] Awe Outing - https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/awe_walk Intercultural [https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/awe_walk%20Intercultural] Development Inventory (IDI) - https://www.idiinventory.com/ [https://www.idiinventory.com/] Malcolm Gladwell - https://www.gladwellbooks.com/ [https://www.gladwellbooks.com/] Iowa State University - https://www.iastate.edu/ [https://www.iastate.edu/] University of Nebraska–Lincoln - https://www.unl.edu/ [https://www.unl.edu/] Thanks for listening to "Because People Matter." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence

Fearlessly Navigating Spaces: Nazia Mollah's Journey From Multicultural Roots to Artist Management Success

In this episode, we're joined by entrepreneur Nazia Mollah [https://www.linkedin.com/in/naziamollah/], an Artist Manager at Roc Nation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocnation/] and CEO of Nazia Mollah LLC. Nazia explains how her multicultural upbringing shaped her adaptability and professional success. Raised in a Bengali Muslim household in Queens, New York, Nazia developed the ability to navigate between traditional family expectations and Western societal norms. This duality equipped her with transferable skills that have fueled her journey from banking to higher education and on to the music industry. Nazia also discusses how diverse backgrounds drive innovation within organizations. Key Takeaways: (03:37) Growing up in a bilingual, multicultural household teaches adaptability. (07:41) The role of mentorship in career transitions. (11:21) Learning "to wear different hats" begins at home. (17:14) A multicultural background can be a springboard for success. (20:05) The challenges women face in the workplace. (24:23) Diverse teams spark innovation and creativity. (27:32) Being open-minded and approachable creates great leaders. (28:44) Meeting Jay-Z, founder of Roc Nation, and observations on his leadership style. Resources Mentioned: Nazia Mollah [https://www.linkedin.com/in/naziamollah/] - https://www.linkedin.com/in/naziamollah/ Roc Nation [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocnation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rocnation/ "Third Culture Kids" [https://www.academia.edu/107860747/Third_Culture_Kids_Growing_Among_Worlds_by_David_C_Pollock_and_amp_Ruth_E_Van_Reken] by David C. Pollock and Ruth E. Van Reken - https://www.academia.edu/107860747/Third_Culture_Kids_Growing_Among_Worlds_by_David_C_Pollock_and_amp_Ruth_E_Van_Reken Roc Nation | Website [https://www.rocnation.com/] - https://www.rocnation.com/ https://www.rocnation.com/ Thanks for listening to "Because People Matter." If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review. And be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations. #PeopleMatter #LeadershipDevelopment #InterculturalCompetence #EmotionalIntelligence