Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Communicating Your Message
Release Date: 09/04/2024
Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Loneliness
Illustrating Leadership
“It’s lonely at the top.” It is a phrase most leaders have heard and many have quietly felt. Especially for new and emerging leaders, that loneliness can feel heavy. You are the one people come to for answers. You are expected to project confidence and clarity, even when you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or exhausted. You carry confidential information you cannot fully share. You navigate decisions others never see. Over time, leadership can begin to feel isolating. But leadership does not have to be lonely. In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore why...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Aligning Your Inner & Outer Life
Illustrating Leadership
Some of the most impactful leaders in our lives do not come with titles, corner offices, or formal authority. They enter our lives through relationship. They challenge us, ground us, mirror us, and sometimes even break our hearts before helping us put ourselves back together with more clarity, self-trust, and wholeness. That truth sat at the center of this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, where I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Brenda Brummond, an intuitive business coach for female entrepreneurs. What unfolded was not just a conversation about leadership, but about...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Leading Different Personality Types
Illustrating Leadership
One of the most important and most overlooked truths about leadership is this: your team does not think like you. And while that realization can feel uncomfortable at first, it is actually one of your greatest opportunities as a leader. Leadership is not about getting everyone to work the way you do. It is about understanding how they work and creating the conditions for each person to thrive. In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore what it really means to lead different personality types with awareness, empathy, and flexibility, without losing your own...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Authenticity Leads to Trust
Illustrating Leadership
In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I sat down with Cindy Spratt, a holistic nutritionist who supports women in rebuilding peaceful relationships with food, body, and self. Cindy’s story offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not about fitting into a predefined mold. It is about knowing who you are, honoring your values, and creating trust through authenticity. The Leader Who Gave Permission to Be Real Cindy shared the story of a leader who deeply influenced her path, Meghan Telpner, founder of the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. While Cindy initially sought Meghan...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Finding your guiding light
Illustrating Leadership
When leadership feels steady, it’s easy to move forward with confidence. But most leaders don’t struggle when things are going well — they struggle when things feel messy, unclear, stressful, or conflicting. When you’re pulled in too many directions, when decisions feel heavier than usual, or when something simply hasn’t gone well in your organization or business. In those moments, it’s tempting to look for more information. Another article. Another framework. Another opinion. But what gets leaders through those seasons isn’t more information. It’s clarity. It’s alignment....
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Reframing Failure
Illustrating Leadership
In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most important and least discussed realities of leadership: failure. Every leader will experience it. The question is not if it will happen, but how you respond when it does. Failure does not mean you are a bad leader. It does not define your character, your capability, or your future. What it does offer is an invitation to reflect, learn, and lead with integrity and resilience. Separating Who You Are from What Happened One of the most damaging patterns leaders fall into after a misstep is personalization. A...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Belief Sparks Possibility
Illustrating Leadership
In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I spoke with Pam Miller, a Life and Health Transitional Coach whose leadership story perfectly illustrates the transformative power of one person’s belief. Pam shared a defining moment from her twenties. A moment when fear was holding her back, her confidence was shrinking, and she fully intended to say no to an opportunity that terrified her. But one leader saw something in her she couldn’t yet see in herself. That single moment changed the entire trajectory of her life. When Fear Keeps Us Small In her twenties, Pam worked...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Trusting Yourself as a Leader
Illustrating Leadership
In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I dive into one of the most essential, and most underrated, leadership skills you can ever develop: self-trust. Leadership will always include moments where the decision, the responsibility, or the next step ultimately rests on you. And in those moments, the voice you trust matters. But for many new and emerging leaders, that inner voice is clouded by fear, doubt, overthinking, or the urge to please others. In this episode, I walk through how to recognize and redirect your saboteurs, tune into your intuition, release...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: Leading With Softness
Illustrating Leadership
In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I had the joy of speaking with Jodi Gagne, Energy coach, EFT practitioner, and former theater stage manager and wedding planner. Jodi’s career path is anything but linear, and that’s exactly what makes her leadership insights so powerful. From high-pressure environments where there are no second chances to the deeply introspective world of energy coaching, Jodi’s story teaches us that leadership isn’t just about strength, structure, or decisiveness. It’s also about softness, self-trust, and the courage to explore what’s...
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Illustrating Leadership Lesson: The Power of the Pause
Illustrating Leadership
A lot of new leaders feel pressure to have the right answer right away. And a lot of seasoned leaders get into trouble when they succomb to this pressure. In this solo episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, I explore one of the most underestimated leadership tools out there: the pause. We live in a world that rewards speed. Fast replies, quick decisions, and constant motion. But some of the best leadership moves come not from rushing forward, but from taking a breath, slowing down, and leading with intention. Quick Doesn’t Always Mean Effective We often glorify leaders who...
info_outlineFirst, did you come here just for the link to join Marisa's free masterclass called "Leave 'Em Wanting More"? Smart move. Sign up here for the live class on September 10, 12, or 14 (2024).
Ok, here's more about the episode...
In this episode of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast, host Jessica interviews Marisa Corcoran, founder of the Copy Confidence Society. They discuss Marisa's influence on Jessica's journey to creating the podcast, the importance of clear and effective messaging, and authentic communication strategies. Marisa shares insights on the 'Copy Stars' framework, the significance of small, relatable storytelling, and common pitfalls in creating impactful messages. Jessica highlights how Marisa's guidance has transformed her approach to copywriting and leadership. Tune in for valuable tips on enhancing your communication skills and becoming a more effective leader.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:20 The Story Behind the Podcast
03:06 Marisa's Background and Philosophy
03:39 The Importance of Messaging in Business
05:00 Leadership and Personal Branding
11:24 Crafting Clear and Engaging Messaging
22:45 A Funny Acting Anecdote
23:30 Understanding Entrepreneurial Communication
24:26 Overcoming Fear in Business
25:37 The Three Rs of Business Success
26:54 The Copy Stars Concept
33:14 The Power of Storytelling
43:34 Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Marisa and Her Magic
Marisa Corcoran is a genius when it comes to crafting compelling messages. Her innovative approach has shaped businesses and personal brands, guiding them to communicate in ways that truly resonate. Before we dive into her treasure trove of wisdom, let me share how Marisa has impacted my own journey.
I've known Marisa for a while now, being a member of her Copy Confidence Society. She's been instrumental in the evolution of my business, Right Life Coaching, and even encouraged me to start the Illustrating Leadership podcast. Her encouragement and insights have been invaluable, making her a cornerstone of my professional growth.
Cultivating Authentic Leadership
One of the pivotal points Marisa touched on in our chat was the importance of showing up authentically in leadership roles. She emphasized the need for clarity and confidence when discussing what we do. I loved how she broke it down into what she calls the "three licks" to get to the center of your messaging, akin to the classic Tootsie Roll Pop commercial.
1. **First Lick**: Start with a clear and specific statement about what you do. Avoid jargon and keep it simple.
2. **Second Lick**: Engage curiosity by providing relatable anecdotes or metaphors that illustrate your role or mission.
3. **Third Lick**: Deepen the conversation with more detailed insights and your bigger vision or mission.
This method not only makes your message more digestible but also opens up a dialogue rather than delivering a monologue.
The Power of Relatability
Marisa is a master storyteller. She underscored that the smaller, slice-of-life moments often have the most significant impact. Instead of aiming for grandiose narratives, tap into everyday experiences that your audience can relate to. For example, Marisa shared a story about her daughter to highlight communication gaps, making a compelling point about not assuming how others will react.
Stories like these create a sense of empathy and understanding among your audience, whether it's your team, clients, or a broader community. People are naturally drawn to authenticity and vulnerability, qualities that storytelling helps you to convey effectively.
Leveraging the Copy Stars
Understanding your unique strengths as a leader is crucial. Marisa introduced her concept of the Copy Stars, a system inspired by her acting background. This tool helps identify your dominant communication style and strengths, making it easier to present yourself authentically. Here are the main Copy Stars:
- **Hooker with a Heart of Gold**: Direct, funny, and relatable.
- **Nerdtastic Leader**: Detail-oriented and strategic.
- **Relentless Cheerleader**: Positive and motivational.
- **Quirky Misfit**: Unique and innovative.
By identifying your Copy Star, you can tailor your communication style to be more effective and resonate with your audience.
Storytelling: Your Secret Weapon
Marisa highlighted that storytelling is humanity's oldest form of communication, dating back to the Chauvet Cave paintings over 30,000 years ago. It's proven to be a powerful method for relaying messages and building connections.
One crucial aspect of good storytelling is to "think small." Rather than crafting elaborate tales, focus on specific, relatable moments that convey your message powerfully. In our conversation, I shared how my vegetarian lifestyle intersects humorously with my husband's love of steak, and how that story connects to leadership principles. It’s these everyday anecdotes that make your message memorable and impactful.
Closing Thoughts
The insights Marisa shared are not just for entrepreneurs but for anyone in leadership roles striving for better communication. As she prepares for the launch of her acclaimed Copy Confidence Society, it's clear that her methods can revolutionize how we present ourselves and our missions.
If you're interested in diving deeper, Marisa offers a fabulous live masterclass, "Leave Them Wanting More." It's a must-attend for anyone looking to whip up irresistible copy with creativity and chutzpah. Join me by clicking here for your free ticket! Classes are live on September 10, 12, and 14 in 2024.
To learn more about Marisa and her transformative work, visit her website, follow her on Instagram, and consider joining her next masterclass. Trust me, it’s worth every moment.
Your host, Jessica Wright, is a Life & Career Development Coach for Leaders and the Founder of Wright Life Coaching, LLC. You can follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Learn more about Leadership Masterclass, the private podcast and community at www.jessicawright.online/leadership-masterclass.
Want to help make more of the Illustrating Leadership Podcast happen? Donate $5 at https://ko-fi.com/wrightlife. Thank you so much for your support!