Libsyn Directory

511: Crafting Messages That Connect with Ben Guttmann

Release Date: 09/17/2024

538: How to Lead in High-Stakes Environments with Jeffrey Sanow

Leaders Of Transformation

How do you lead under pressure—when the stakes are higher than ever? Join host Nicole Jansen as she welcomes Jeffrey Sanow—a highly decorated former senior CIA intelligence officer and social skills instructor—for a rare, behind-the-scenes exploration of negotiating, leading, and communicating in the world’s most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of experience from covert missions to boardrooms, Jeffrey shares hard-earned lessons in the art of human intelligence (HUMINT), the nuances of managing high achievers, and the subtle balance between respecting authority and staying...

537: Cultivating Servant Leadership in Sales with Max Cates

Leaders Of Transformation

What if sales could be transformed from a high-pressure, toxic grind into an uplifting, collaborative, and deeply rewarding experience? In this insightful episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen welcomes Max Cates—award-winning author, nationally recognized sales leader, and founder of Servant Leaders in Sales—for a powerful conversation on revolutionizing the world of sales through the principles and practices of servant leadership. Drawing from 37 years of proven sales management success, Max reveals how empathy, sacrifice, teamwork, and accountability can supercharge...

536: Navigating Leadership Shock with Pete Steinberg

Leaders Of Transformation

What if the key to thriving in leadership isn’t doing more—but leading with greater intention and authenticity? In this compelling episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with executive coach and former USA Women’s Rugby head coach Pete Steinberg, author of Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success. Drawing on decades of elite coaching and executive leadership, Pete introduces the concept of “leadership shock”—those jarring moments when once-successful strategies suddenly fail you. Pete unpacks the turning points he’s witnessed and lived...

535: Unbreakable Spirit: The Inspiring Journey of Martial Arts Grandmaster Lawrence Stone

Leaders Of Transformation

What could you achieve if you let go of all excuses and limiting beliefs? In this deeply motivational episode, Nicole Jansen welcomes Lawrence “Stoney” Stone—a remarkable martial arts grandmaster, published author, stunt coordinator, rock band singer, and cancer survivor whose life story is anything but ordinary. Born with congenital hip problem, later with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy) a degenerative nerve disease, Stoney has faced significant physical challenges since birth, yet has refused to let them define or limit him. From building future champions in his dojo to serving as...

534: Anchored Leadership in a Shifting World with Rusty Rueff

Leaders Of Transformation

What if lasting success isn’t about what you achieve—but who you become? In this powerful episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Rusty Rueff—renowned tech executive, startup advisor, philanthropist, and co-author of Faith Code—to explore how inner purpose and spiritual identity provide the only truly unshakable foundation for life and leadership. Drawing from two decades of reflection, Rusty shares a compelling metaphor: Are you building your life on a solid platform (faith, values, purpose), or just stacking up flashy but fragile apps (titles, possessions, roles)? In this...

533: Distributing Hope to Over a Million Children Every Year with Lynn Margherio

Leaders Of Transformation

What if unlocking a child’s full potential began with something as simple as a clean, well-fitting set of clothes? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Lynn Margherio, the visionary founder of . Each year, Lynn’s organization provides over a million packages of essentials—clothing, shoes, diapers, school supplies—to children living in poverty or crisis, completely free of charge. But this isn’t just about meeting material needs; it’s about addressing the often-ignored crisis of clothing insecurity, which impacts over 20 million children across the U.S. Join...

532: From Invisible To Unstoppable: Shaping the Next Generation of Leaders with Dr. Abraham George

Leaders Of Transformation

What does it take to break the cycle of social discrimination in India? In this inspiring episode, host Nicole Jansen is joined by the visionary philanthropist and social entrepreneur, Dr. Abraham George. As the founder of the in India, Dr. George has dedicated his life to empowering children of the most marginalized communities by providing opportunities through education. Over the past 27 years, the school has changed the lives of over 15,000 children. 98% of its students are college graduates, with many making it to Ivy League institutes like Stanford, Dartmouth, and Princeton. Discover...

531: Leveraging the 3 Mega Forces in Business Today with John Rossman

Leaders Of Transformation

How Can Leaders Prepare for the Next Era of Business Transformation? In this high-powered episode, host Nicole Jansen dives into the dynamic forces shaping American business with distinguished guest John Rossman. As a former Amazon executive and author of the acclaimed "Amazon Way" series, John Rossman brings a wealth of knowledge on innovation, leadership, and digital transformation. With a focus on his latest book, , John shares valuable insights, drawing on his extensive experience at Amazon to discuss the top three mega forces impacting businesses today. Key takeaways include the critical...

530: How to Land Your Next Perfect Job with Stephanie Brown

Leaders Of Transformation

What if losing your job is the key to unlocking your next perfect role? In this encouraging episode, Nicole Jansen sits down with Stephanie Brown, the dynamic founder of Creative Career Level Up. As a former senior marketing executive at Nike and Apple, Stephanie’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and finding purpose. She provides invaluable insights on how getting fired became the catalyst for discovering her true calling and empowering others to secure their next perfect role with increased confidence, promotion, and salary. Join us as Stephanie unfolds her personal...

529: Ending the Cycle of Poverty with Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene with Shilpa Alva

Leaders Of Transformation

What can we do to help end the cycle of poverty in the world? In this compelling episode, host Nicole Jansen sits down with Shilpa Alva, founder and executive director of Surge For Water. Committed to breaking the cycle of poverty, Shilpa shares how her organization delivers safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and menstrual health solutions to communities worldwide. Through her inspiring journey from management consulting to non-profit leadership, Shilpa demonstrates the significant impact of investing in fundamental human needs and championing women's voices. Discover how prioritizing clean...

More Episodes

How can you make your message clearer and more impactful? In this episode, host Nicole Jansen speaks with Ben Guttmann, author and marketing expert, to break down the essentials of clear communication. They explore the 5 keys to effective messaging, including how simplicity, empathy, and focus impact your ability to connect with your intended audience.

Ben shares lessons from his career, moving beyond flashy taglines to emphasize the importance of everyday communication. Through practical examples and actionable tips, they reveal how clear messaging can enhance leadership and inspire teams. This episode also covers balancing features and benefits, AI's role in communication, and making your message resonate in a noisy world.

What We Discuss in This Episode

Ben’s journey to mastering simple, effective messaging.
Why simplicity makes your message stick, and how empathy helps connect with your audience.
The shift from listing features to focusing on the benefits that matter.
Actionable communication strategies to improve your clarity and focus as a leader.
How AI can aid clarity without losing the human touch.
Using "so" instead of "and" to improve message flow.
The art of delivering your message clearly and effectively.
The formula for distilling complex topics into easy-to-understand messages.
How empathy helps you see your message from the audience’s perspective.
How feedback refines your communication to better serve your audience.

Podcast Highlights

0:00 – Introduction

1:18 - Why clear communication matters in leadership.

3:45 - The importance of understanding your audience.

6:12 - The power of simple, relatable messages.

9:20 - Why benefits resonate more than features.

13:05 - Real-world advice for better communication.

16:42 - The role of AI in crafting your message.

20:21 - Enhancing message coherence.

23:30 - Practical ways to explain complex concepts.

27:14 - How empathy improves your connection.

30:22 - Using feedback to sharpen your message.