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176: Master the Room Without Saying a Word with Brian Galke
11/12/2025
176: Master the Room Without Saying a Word with Brian Galke
In this fascinating episode of Heartbeat for Hire, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Brian Galke, a communication strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Subtle Skills, to explore the science of face reading, body language, and connection in an increasingly digital world. Known as The Decoding Detective, Brian reveals how understanding facial features can unlock deeper human connection and more effective communication — whether you’re in leadership, sales, or just trying to better understand the people around you. From overcoming social anxiety to managing a $40M book of business, Brian’s journey proves that anyone can learn to decode others and communicate with confidence. He breaks down the subtle cues that reveal how people process information, make decisions, and prefer to be spoken to — and how applying these tools can make you more influential, authentic, and connected. 📌 Timestamps – Introduction: The Importance of Human Connection and AI – Episode Teasers: Reading Faces, Influence, and Confidence – Meet Brian Galke, The Decoding Detective – Overcoming Social Anxiety and Finding His Mentor – The Skeptic’s Challenge: Debunking Face Reading – The Disarming Accuracy of Facial Decoding – The Lost Art: Face Reading in English Universities – How Decoding Works in Sales and Leadership – Deep Dive 1: What Ears Reveal About Adaptability – How Learning Can Literally Change Your Features – Deep Dive 2: Eye Angles and Communication Style – Why We Naturally Look at Eyebrows First – The Inspiration Behind Subtle Skills – Teaching the Next Generation to Communicate – Sharing Your Story and Building Your Tribe – Exploring New Skills and Vibe Code – How to Connect with Brian Galke – Closing Thoughts 👤 About the Guest Brian Galke is a communication strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Subtle Skills, where he teaches people how to decode others — their faces, conversations, and connection styles — to improve communication and influence. After overcoming social anxiety early in his career, a mentor introduced Brian to the concept of Decoding Facial Features — a framework revealing how people naturally process information and communicate. Combining it with body language, active listening, and statement analysis, Brian built a proven system for reading people and connecting authentically. These same skills helped him rise to Regional VP of Sales, managing a $40 million book of business before launching Subtle Skills. Today, he’s a sought-after speaker who’s shared stages with Chris Voss, Brad Lea, Janine Driver, Steve Sims, and Greg Reid. 🌐 Connect with Brian: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: 👩💼 About the Host Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. 🛍️ To my loyal listeners, I am here to hook you up! These are the deepest discounts you can find anywhere. If you like luxury and you love a deal- go check out these sites! Happy shopping! My deals and discounts: - Eric Javits (20% Off) - Cozy Earth (41% Off) 🔗 Get them at: 🎁 Code: LEADWITHHEART 📲 Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: 👉 Website: 👉 LinkedIn: 👉 Instagram: 👉 Facebook: 👉 Tiktok: #HeartbeatForHire
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