Superstar Communicator podcast
Do you want to be a great speaking communicator? To really engage with your audience? With your customers, your colleagues and prospects? Be more visible and make an impact when you speak? This great show has interviews with business leaders, who share their top tips. Hosted by award winning international communications expert Susan Heaton-Wright and composer Nick Simon. They also shares masterclasses on a range of speaking and communication topics. No longer be afraid to speak: go for it instead! Sign up our 10 Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator https://superstarcommunicator.com/ten-top-tips/
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Have an Awesome 2025
01/07/2025
Have an Awesome 2025
INTRODUCTION Welcome to the SuperStar Communicator podcast, where in today’s episode, titled "Great 2025," we'll imagine our best selves and make incredible plans for the upcoming year. Join host Susan Heaton-Wright and her perceptive co-host Nick as they explore a spectrum of ambitions, including creative projects, personal development, and communication strategies. We are using the Awesome 2025 Ebook we have created. Susan aspires to a clutter-free home and dreams of crafting a Chanel jacket, while Nick is committed to developing a new book series and organizing his workspace. We’ll delve into the importance of reflecting on past achievements, inspired by Susan's opera singing experience and Nick's creative endeavors in music and art. Expect practical insights, such as daily reflection exercises, creating a "fabulous year" jar, and using tools like Blinkist for quick knowledge boosts. Discover why reflecting on life's highs and lows, embracing creativity, and organizing your goals matter. We'll also discuss travel ambitions, celebration achievements, and the importance of reaching out for advice and connections. Through this reflective journey, you're encouraged to eliminate distractions, find balance, and plan for a truly remarkable 2025. Tune in and let’s make it great together! Key Topics Susan Heaton-Wright00:02:2000:02:25 The Importance of Reflection: "It's very easy in life to just move forward going from one thing to another." Susan Heaton-Wright00:03:4800:04:05 Topic: The Power of Reflection and Neuroplasticity Quote: "I gave them an exercise to do that at the end of each day was reflecting on how well they've done. And some people call this the sort of happiness thing or gratitude where you choose 3 things that you've done that you're proud of. But I expanded that exercise so that they would really recognize what they'd achieved, what they were proud of, and how they had contributed to those successes." Susan Heaton-Wright00:06:3000:06:44 "Finding Joy in Small Achievements": "I've got this, I don't know if you can see this jar, but it's, a fabulous year, 2024. And in here, I write down on bits of paper things that I've done, and they might be little things." Susan Heaton-Wright00:07:0600:07:25 "Remembering the Little Things: 'That's something that I would recommend to everybody that get a big jar and start this in 2025. And then at the end of the year, they can look back on what what they've done. They might not be big achievements. It doesn't matter. But it's to remember those people you've met and all of those things.'" Susan Heaton-Wright00:08:2100:08:25 Crafting Future Dreams: "Towards the end of December, I start writing things I'd like to do next year." Susan Heaton-Wright00:13:3800:13:52 Resilience and Recovery: "It was great because I got over a really serious shoulder injury and so I was back swimming, driving, doing all sorts of things like that and then I fractured my elbow...That was disappointing for me, but I'll be back in set in January again." Susan Heaton-Wright00:19:1000:19:13 "Dream Big: If you aim for the stars, you might get the moon." Susan Heaton-Wright00:23:4200:24:19 "Summer Travels and Celebrations: I've got I'm going over to Ireland in June, and that is partly for a conference, but also there's a retreat that I'm going to with my husband. I'm going to the Netherlands in, July to do this Chanel jacket, Norfolk to celebrate my mother's birthday with my family, Wales, we've got somewhere that we go to there, and also to Derbyshire to, celebrate 25 years of friendship with a number of people, and all the families are gonna be there." Susan Heaton-Wright00:35:4800:35:52 "Challenge Yourself: So I will be putting into Goodreads that I'll read 50 books." Susan Heaton-Wright00:40:0300:40:08 Embracing Life Fully: "We've only got one life, and it's a shame to let it go through our fingers." Nick00:03:0400:03:08 "Finding Time for Reflection in Constant Performance": "You can sort of not lack the time to sort of reflect on the performances and the production beforehand and see, you don't really get to learn from those things that you did." Nick00:05:0900:05:35 The Journey of a Composer: "As an artist, I think that's one of the nicest things about the, process of starting off and developing your style and that kind of thing, going back to where you started and seeing how you, kind of had initial ideas that, you slowly but surely built up and seeing how you can take those ideas into the future." Nick00:09:1900:09:26 "Reflecting on Creativity": "When you're creating, you're sort of looking to the future and above rather than when you're editing, you're going over what you've done." Nick00:10:5800:11:13 Celebrating Creative Achievements: "Recently, I've filmed and I'm composing music for a short film. It'll be 40 minutes cut up into 4 episodes, and that that will be the biggest score per film I've done." Nick00:14:3500:14:40 "The Challenges of Collaboration: The process of making the projects could have been gone more smoothly, I think, with more experience." Nick00:16:2400:16:32 How to Master CV Writing: "For the more pragmatic writing of job applications, that requires you to be as specific as possible." Nick00:24:5200:25:08 Aspiring to Filmmaker Dreams: "I think I'd wanna become more of a director and writer and become, I guess, it might be against the the rule of it, but become more organized and that kind of thing." Nick00:26:2900:26:36 The Journey of Becoming: "You can go from what you want to become and what you want to achieve out of becoming that." Nick00:28:5300:29:03 Time Management Insight: "I find the more free time you have, the less organized you are or the less, effective use that free time." Nick00:32:0000:32:13 Aim for the Stars: "I want to, further my own writing and create new, book series that I've I've been thinking about, but, I can creatively commit to them." SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee. SuperStar Communicator Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email [email protected] look a tour website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call Purchase a copy of the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day Plan here We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist here Thank you for listening!
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Focus on Why with Amy Rowlinson
12/13/2024
Focus on Why with Amy Rowlinson
Discover your focus INTRODUCTION Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Superstar Communicator Podcast. Today, we're thrilled to have the extraordinary Amy Rowlinson join us—an acclaimed podcaster, life purpose coach, author, and podcast strategist. Get ready to dive deep into the themes of meaning, fulfillment, and authenticity as Amy introduces her latest book, "Focus on Why: Creating a Purposeful Way of Life," a profound collaboration with her late grandfather through his war-time journals. Join your hosts, Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon, as they explore Amy's remarkable journey of discovering purpose, building meaningful relationships, and harnessing the power of reflection and action to lead a more fulfilling life. This episode delves into the importance of defining one's values and understanding inner purpose, with practical insights on how to maintain clarity in communication and find direction, even in uncertain times. You'll be inspired and challenged to reflect on your own life and take purposeful actions toward a more meaningful existence. Don't forget, you can download the episode notes to continue your exploration! Key Topics Amy Rowlinson00:03:0000:03:19 "Bound by Purpose: A Timeless Collaboration": "This is a cowritten book which spans generations. I wrote it with my grandfather, but he's no longer alive. How is that possible? Well, I found a couple of years ago, just after my grandmother died, a journal that he'd kept for 5 years as a prisoner of war." Amy Rowlinson00:12:0500:12:32 Finding Opportunity in Adversity: "There are always going to be obstacles in life. There are always going to be circumstances which are beyond our control, and that's one of the reasons I used my grandfather's story to share his journey because he was confined in captivity for 5 years as a prisoner of war. There were lots of things that he was unable to control, but what he could do was he was able to learn, study, build his skills up." Amy Rowlinson00:17:3000:17:34 The Power of Purpose: "It's not you you're not gonna get very far in life if you try and go alone." Amy Rowlinson00:20:1900:20:33 "The Power of Reflection": "So the reflection with action is a practice that allows you to not just react, not just be constantly reacting to every moment that happens without even thinking." Amy Rowlinson00:23:0800:23:22 Timeless Values: "The focus of my talk was on 3 elements that are etched in stone in the Victory Services Club reception, and that was about common treasures, memories of friendship, and brave deeds." Amy Rowlinson00:25:5500:26:16 Discovering Your Inner Self: "It's about stripping back the societal, cultural, familial influences that maybe you've taken on board. You've you've been brought up in those various paradigms, and you've taken them on, and you then realize that, actually, I don't need or I don't feel that that's how I want to live out my life." Amy Rowlinson00:29:3200:29:45 "Guardians of the Future": "This is about thinking, how am I being a guardian of the existing world, and how am I making it a better world for those who are gonna come behind me?" Amy Rowlinson00:30:2600:30:37 "Understanding Your Values: The clarity around understanding what you stand for and knowing your values is, I would say, the difference between day and night." Amy Rowlinson00:37:0200:37:05 "Creating Fulfilling Moments": "This is the big thing I want to say is that we can so easily just fill in the moments, but it's so much better when you create fulfilling moments." Susan Heaton-Wright00:01:0500:01:15 The Power of Purpose: "Amy Rowlandson empowers people to forge their own path to create a purposeful, sustainable, and fulfilling way of life." Susan Heaton-Wright00:01:3300:01:44 "Creating a Purposeful Life": "Amy's chosen mission is to gift a living legacy of inspiration, insight, and knowledge and create long lasting positive ripple effects." Susan Heaton-Wright00:02:2800:02:34 The Power of Expressing Yourself: "Honestly, you need to say all of these things because people will then really understand." Susan Heaton-Wright00:10:2200:10:29 "The Search for Purpose After Layoffs": "They feel they have no purpose because they felt their purpose was their job." Susan Heaton-Wright00:16:5400:17:03 Navigating Egos While Voicing Purpose: "How would you suggest that people voice their purpose without rumbling other people's egos?" Susan Heaton-Wright00:20:5200:21:18 Power of Purpose: "When you spoke, there was an authenticity. It was almost as though you stepped it into what I would call your your your set your area of excellence. Almost as though there was a circle that you stepped into. And what what you spoke about was it this everything was flowing from your heart." Susan Heaton-Wright00:27:5900:28:07 Finding Your Purpose: "You mentioned the idea that when you had your purpose, it meant that everything flowed." Susan Heaton-Wright00:32:2800:32:43 The Struggle of Fitting In: "Because particularly when you are younger, respectfully to you, Nick, you can feel that you want to join the crowd and be the same as everybody else even if the values don't match." Susan Heaton-Wright00:35:3200:35:41 Finding Your Purpose: "Please could you share 3 quick top tips on how you could start to find out your purpose in life?" Susan Heaton-Wright00:40:3500:40:42 The Power of Communication: "Until next time, this is Nick Simon and Susan Heatonwright from the Superstar Communicator podcast." Nick Simon00:08:0400:08:11 Leveraging Memories for Business Success: "What inspired you to kind of connect those memories and details into a situation of business and how you kind of connected the 2?" Nick Simon00:34:3700:34:47 Finding Self-Worth: "But I know what I enjoy doing and that kind of thing. So I don't really feel the need to or worthy, prove anything to anyone else." SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee. SuperStar Communicator Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work [email protected] look a tour website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call Purchase a copy of the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day We have a lovely gift for you: Thank you for listening!
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Can we just get along? A return to Civiity.
09/30/2024
Can we just get along? A return to Civiity.
"Can we just get along" A return to civility. Welcome back to the Superstar Communicator podcast! In today's episode, hosts Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon are joined by special guest Diana Peterson More, a best-selling author and former employment lawyer. Together, they delve into the art of civil dialogue and the return to civility in today's challenging times. Diana shares insightful strategies for effective communication, using personal anecdotes and practical advice to navigate difficult conversations. From the power of "I" statements to the impact of the "lizard brain," this episode promises to offer valuable insights on how to foster understanding and find common ground in our interactions. So, join us as we explore the importance of courageous communication in cultivating a more harmonious and civil society. Speaker Bios " Diana Peterson More" is a best-selling author and former practicing employment lawyer who specializes in helping clients navigate difficult conversations and opposing views in the workplace. She is known for her expertise in people strategies and organizational systems to support strategic workplace goals. Susan is also a blogger, guest columnist, and frequent conference presenter, and has been featured in CEO Magazine and on numerous podcasts. She is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations effectively communicate and overcome challenging conversations and opposition within meetings. Key Topics Trusted Advisors: "But then, honestly, that and that's why I have kind of these trusted advisors because there are a few people that I didn't like for whatever reason, and I would kind of bend over backwards to be fair with those individuals, sometimes to my detriment." — Diana Peterson More The Challenge of Objectivity in Performance Evaluations: "So that that suggests to me that one can never be a 100% neutral." — Diana Peterson More Viral Topic: Survey on Worldviews Quote: "Most of us tend to speak more frequently with people who agree with us." — Diana Peterson More Empathy and Assumptions: "Listening without comment and really trying to understand is a way back, But it's difficult again because of that good old lizard brain." — Diana Peterson More Climate Change Conversations: "I tend to watch science programs on our public TV. One of them is called Nova. And I said they had just shown something where, the reason they finally figured out why the pyramids at Giza were built there because in that time frame, there was a finger of the Nile that came around." — Diana Peterson More The Proliferation of Online Media: "You can argue on opinions, but not on facts." — Diana Peterson More Conflict Management: "I'm a real believer in conflict management as opposed to conflict resolution. And that's because most or many, at least seemingly today, most conflicts arise from a difference in values, heritage, culture." — Diana Peterson More Diversity and Inclusion: "I went to Venice High School, which was extremely diverse, with races and ethnicities and religions. I mean, everybody was there, and we all learned how we could understand and get along with one another." — Diana Peterson More Rodney King and the LA Riots: "Can we all just get along?" — Diana Peterson More The Arc of Change: "The arc is always forward thinking and always to a better way." — Diana Peterson More "Influences on Writing": "Yeah. I was, interested to see, you've been, a lawyer executive officer and an HR lead, and I was just wondering how, which of those, would you say has influenced your writing the most?" — Nick Simon Viral Topic: Surprising Survey Data Surprising Survey Data: "The book is based on 3 years of survey data. Did the survey data surprise you in any way?" — Nick Simon "Importance of Effective Communication: 'But in fact, you've gotta communicate like a boss.'" — Susan Heaton-Wright Navigating Difficult Conversations: "And part of the super superstar communicator work that we do is to have effective two-way conversations." — Susan Heaton-Wright Title: Leadership and Communication in Turbulent Times Quote: "Come Get It, Just Get Along, Rodney King, Courageous Communication, A Return to Civility." — Susan Heaton-Wright "Opposite Sides in Many Things": "You mentioned early on that in your country at the moment there are 2 very opposite sides in many things, and we see this with lots of international events." — Susan Heaton-Wright Quote: "So for example, the COVID, the vaccine was very polarizing, wasn't it? Certainly in this country, in in the United Kingdom, we have Brexit. And, you know, I have to be honest, I was in the library and somebody was with her finger in my face because she had an opposing view. I thought it was I thought it was a civilized conversation, but something triggered her. And these are nasty things." — Susan Heaton-Wright Viral Topic: "Engaging with the Audience in a Virtual Event" Quote: "So while we're waiting, if there is anybody that's listening who wants to ask a question, do feel free because, Diana clearly knows what she's talking about, and this is a really good opportunity to ask questions." — Susan Heaton-Wright Quote: "There are many there are times we struggle with the unspoken words, especially with the ethnic minority and people of color. You feel from the conversation there is a lack of genuinity." — Susan Heaton-Wright Quote: "Understanding the lizard brain and how we can get triggered or have a response, and then using facts rather than opinions. And finally, the superpower of listening without comment." — Susan Heaton-Wright Authentic leadership can make the world a better place if we understood this. — Susan Heaton-Wright "Courageous Communication, Return to Civility by Diana Peterson Moore, which is available on Amazon and other sites." — Susan Heaton-Wright Transcript of SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work look a tour website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist Thank you for listening!
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The Power of Videos for Human Connection
08/30/2024
The Power of Videos for Human Connection
The power of videos for human connection In this episode of Superstar Communicator, hosts Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon delve into the power of videos for human connection. They explore how videos can be used to connect with others in a digital world, the importance of storytelling through videos, and the impact of video length on audience engagement. Nick shares insights from his experience in editing videos for clients and highlights the significance of platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram for video sharing. The conversation also touches on the use of captions in videos and provides top tips for creating impactful video content. Listeners are invited to learn more about leveraging videos for communication and marketing as the hosts wrap up with information on how to connect with Nick for video editing services. So sit back, tune in, and discover the power of videos for forging meaningful connections. Key Topics The Evolution of Visual Stimulation: "Videos are basically a storytelling device that you can use to show off or portray a story you want to tell." — Nick Simon 00:02:3400:02:41 "Podcast Content Creation": "It all differs, what you want to do, really. You can have 1 or 2 hour podcasts that, people can put on there in the background, or you can have 1 minute, snippets of a conversation or a story." — Nick Simon 00:02:4800:03:06 "The Power of Human Connection": I think there's, the human element. There's the element that you can, fully involve yourself or imagine yourself in this scenario, that helps you be able to understand what's going on in the story. — Nick Simon 00:03:2200:03:38 "Maximizing Content Creation Efforts": And the end product is 28 minutes of content that you can post whenever you want, consistently once a week or something like that. And when you do that consistently, it builds up to a following. So it's very useful. — Nick Simon 00:04:2800:04:45 Viral Topic: Content Strategy for Different Social Media Platforms Quote: "Yeah. It it depends where, what your, brand is. In this case, it was an accountancy firm, and that is, hyper business. So it would be on LinkedIn hosting on LinkedIn, with a very focused approach of career advising." — Nick Simon 00:04:5600:05:16 The Impact of TikTok on Creativity and Business: "As a composer, it is essentially the most creative and open space for music at the moment, in my opinion." — Nick Simon 00:06:3100:06:35 Captioning in Video Content: "Captions are an amazing tool for simply raising that chance of success for video to be watched over and over again." — Nick Simon 00:07:5000:07:54 Viral Topic: The Power of Video Editing Quote: "And I think that's the, in essence, what video editing is or the video making is. It's essentially creating content that can be consumed by people who have that kind of interest and want to learn more." — Nick Simon 00:09:0000:09:13 Creating a Showreel as a Creative: "It's a really important video thing that you have up your sleeve whenever you're networking or building connections." — Nick Simon 00:09:4200:09:49 Viral topic: Effective social media platforms for networking LinkedIn: "The best way for me is LinkedIn. I frequently use it every day. And that's, in my opinion, the most business like social media that you can, simply reach out to other people you're interested in working with." — Nick Simon 00:11:1200:11:30 The Power of Videos for Human Connection: "Using videos for human connection is a very, very powerful way to connect with other people." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:01:0000:01:07 Viral Topic: Targeting Audiences on Different Social Media Platforms Quote: "It's interesting, isn't it, thinking about who you're wanting to target and what the purpose is of the video?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:07:0100:07:09 Viral Topic: The versatility of showcasing events Quote: "Can it also be used for showcasing a particular event like you did with the art event? Do you have anything that's coming up in your diary to edit?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:09:1500:09:25 Contacting the Editor for Video Editing Services: "Before we go, obviously, this is work that you do." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:10:5200:10:55 Viral Topic: Video Marketing Quote: "If you are thinking or considering using videos as part of your marketing to either showcase your expertise or to share knowledge, do get in touch with Nick." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:12:0300:12:18 SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee. SuperStar Communicator Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work [email protected] look a tour website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call Purchase a copy of the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day Plan here We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist here Thank you for listening!
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Communicating remotely
08/21/2024
Communicating remotely
Communicating remotely when you work remotely or leading remote teams In this episode of the Superstar Communicator podcast, hosts Nick Simon and Susan Heaton-Wright delve into the world of remote work and leading remote teams. They discuss the challenges and benefits of working remotely, sharing expert insights and personal experiences. From communication tools and managing expectations to building trust and mutual respect, they provide valuable tips for both remote workers and leaders. Join them as they explore the evolving landscape of remote work and its impact on effective communication. Tune in and be inspired to enhance your remote work experience and leadership skills. Key Topics Viral Topic: Remote Collaboration Quote: "It's very useful to be able to essentially work remote with people." — Nick Simon 00:00:5700:01:03 Viral Topic: Remote Work and Commuting Quote: "And, there are solutions for that such as getting a rent renting a place or buying a place in, closer to the work. But that can be incredibly expensive." — Nick Simon 00:02:2500:02:39 "Challenges of Remote Work": "And in a way, working from home can be more distracting because there's less, you might be working in your bedroom or something like that. It's it's, not as good in terms of, being able to focus on work." — Nick Simon 00:04:2600:04:41 Viral Topic - Remote Work: "I work remotely, and I would say that there is a benefit to going to an office and having those kind of loose relationships with other coworkers because it's sort of a mutual interest and that kind of thing." — Nick Simon 00:05:1700:05:20 Remote Work: "With the Internet, it is easy to connect to people and especially tech support tech is based around the Internet and having servers." — Nick Simon 00:07:1600:07:26 Viral Topic: The Simplicity of Online Video Editing Quote: "It's quite straightforward in that way that you receive a video to edit on an online spreadsheet. You finish it and then post it. And I guess, it's quite simple to simply just communicate and give an ETA to when you'll post it." — Nick Simon 00:08:2000:08:30 Viral Topic: Remote Work Management "Remote working is relatively new as a thing, so there'll probably be a solution to that soon." — Nick Simon 00:09:5300:09:56 Viral Topic: Future of Remote Work Software Quote: "And also, I think, there could be a software, similar to Microsoft's, Teams or, if you're depending on what work you're doing. If you're doing accounting, it could be, a special remote work Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, that kind of thing that, monitors and gives a kind of history of entries, something like that that could be, created in the future, to do that kind of work." — Nick Simon 00:10:5700:11:27 Managing Expectations in Work Relations: "So I suppose, manage expectations in general. Don't be too I guess if you're work creating new work relations, it's quite difficult to manage expectations with someone who's new, and you're not aware of how long they take. But in the long run, having trusted people to do that work without having to micromanage them, that's the key to keeping a a a healthy kind of work balance." — Nick Simon 00:13:5400:14:25 Viral Topic: Meeting Your Boss in Person Quote: "And also I think, if you're working remotely and you've never met your boss before, it might be nice to actually go and meet them because that's, yeah, it's a nice kind of get together and you can have a nice, coffee." — Nick Simon 00:14:5000:15:00 Remote Work: "We obviously work remotely. We are not in the same studios, and, I know from my perspective, I work with my suppliers, of course, Nick's one of them, remotely." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:00:3200:00:46 The Future of Work: "Business leaders are particularly keen to work remotely or have more flexibility in their work patterns." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:01:5800:02:03 Viral Topic: Remote Work Challenges Quote: "But there is the problem. And for leaders, this is a challenge, really. How do you monitor what people are doing at work? Are they actually doing their work or are they watching films on Netflix? How can you check that people are doing the work?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:03:3900:03:58 Viral Topic: Minimizing Distractions in the Workplace Quote: "But do you think working at in an office where there are other people around you, you can be distracted by a conversation, you know, it's the final of the of the traitors today, there being massive conversations about who's going to win the money, which remotely you wouldn't have." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:04:4200:05:04 Remote Work Challenges: "How does that work remotely?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:06:5200:06:54 "The Future of Work": Do you think that they should think of jobs, work being a series of small tasks or small projects so that they can see when they are completed? — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:08:5700:09:09 Micromanagement in the Workplace: "But personally, as a leader, I would feel very uncomfortable about micromanaging in that way." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:10:1600:10:21 Remote Work Tips: "I would say first and foremost, communication is key. Keeping in touch with you, updating you, making sure you know what I'm working on, and making sure that you feel comfortable with that. I think secondly, setting clear expectations, making sure that we're aligned on what needs to get done and when it needs to get done by. And then I think lastly, results speak for themselves. So as long as I'm able to deliver on what I say I'm going to do and you see the output of that, then there should be no concern." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:11:5300:11:55 Building Trust and Mutual Respect Through Communication: "So what we've been talking about really is one of the essentials of being a superstar communicator and it's thinking about the ways that we can build up trust and mutual respect and how we work together through using communication." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:15:3700:15:56 Viral Topic: The Value of Diverse Perspectives Quote: "Thank you very much for your input, Nick, because, you know, you're seeing things from another perspective and that's what makes these conversations so useful." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:16:2100:16:31 Transcript of The power of videos for human connection SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee. SuperStar Communicator Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work [email protected] look a tour website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call Purchase a copy of the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day Plan here We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist here Thank you for listening!
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Is International Women's Day Still Relevant for Young People
08/14/2024
Is International Women's Day Still Relevant for Young People
Is International Women’s Day still relevant for young people INTRODUCTION Welcome to another episode of the Superstar Communicator podcast, where today we delve into the ongoing relevance of International Women's Day for young people. Hosted by Nick Simon and Susan Heaton-Wright, this episode explores recent events, including a controversial remark from Boris Johnson and the theme of "Inspire Inclusion" for this year's International Women's Day. Join us as we discuss the need for increased safety measures for women, the role of male allies in supporting women's empowerment, and the impact of online harassment on girls' confidence. We'll also touch on the origins of International Women's Day, global celebrations, and corporate responses to the event, all while highlighting the ongoing importance of gender equality and the historic achievements of women. Tune in for an insightful conversation that aims to shed light on the significance of International Women's Day for young people today. Viral Topic: "The Power of Spoken Communication" Quote: "We're here to create intriguing interest about spoken communication to empower you to speak and communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility in all of your business conversations." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: International Women's Rights International Women's Rights: "So tomorrow, it's a day to shed light on those countries as well." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: Celebrating Pride in the City Pride Parade Celebrations: "I'm aware that there are, things like, similar to the the pride parades, there are, big celebrations going on in the city." — Nick Simon Diversity in Corporate Leadership: "But, really, the best way to do that is to shed light on their own, diversity within the corporate realm. So the 1% showing how their CEOs are based around a diverse leadership." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: The Psychological Impact of Internet Communication Quote: "So I think there's a kind of psychological element that people actually don't see the effects of what they're doing, or, they don't think that they're going to have repercussions as badly." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: Online Anonymity and Gender Inequality Quote: "I think it does fall down to that, Internet kind of anonymous 2 things, sir. Element that people can simply say what they want without any repercussions." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: Women's Safety Women's Safety: "I know that the women I know, especially from university, they're always looking to walk in a group, home, which is there is that fear. So I think in general, a positive mindset for output from the police as well." — Nick Simon Gender Bias in Corporate Leadership: "So I think there is a a needed discussion within the higher realms of, a CEO and, the higher roles that needs to be happening as well." — Nick Simon Viral Topic: Social Media's Role in Supporting Annual Events Quote: "So, my outlook on, on social media shows that it's still, a huge thing that goes around, a huge presence, on the day. And, I see I see last year, I saw many people posting online, showing their support. So I think it is definitely, an annual thing that will happen every year." — Nick Simon Transcript of SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work look a tour website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist Thank you for listening!
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The power of mentoring with Michelle Connolly
07/30/2024
The power of mentoring with Michelle Connolly
Welcome to another episode of the Superstar Communicator podcast! In this episode, we delve into the power of mentoring with our special guest, Michelle Connolly, a senior manager at Pfizer and a women's mentoring program director. Together with our hosts, Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon, we explore the significant benefits of mentoring such as increasing engagement, personalized customer experiences, and team retention. We discuss the importance of women's mentoring programs in providing support and opportunities for women to become leaders. Additionally, Michelle shares insights on being a mentor, finding a mentor, and the qualities of a good mentor. Join us as we uncover the impact of mentoring and empower leaders to cultivate meaningful mentoring relationships. Speaker Bios Michelle Connolly is a passionate advocate for mentoring, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. She believes that mentors play a crucial role in guiding and shaping our lives, serving as experienced and trusted advisors. With a focus on Canada, she emphasizes the importance of mentoring and hopes to inspire others to see it in a new light. Michelle believes that mentors, whether formal or informal, help individuals see themselves in a different way and are essential for personal and professional growth. She is excited to share her insights and make a difference in the world of mentoring. Key Topics Viral Topic: Mentoring "Mentoring, to me, is about being a good listener, providing advice when asked, and supporting people to accomplish their goals.": Michelle Connolly — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:00:2400:00:26 Viral Topic: The Importance of Mentors Mentorship and guidance have played a crucial role in my life. - "So, Nick, have do who have you had as mentors throughout your life?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:04:5500:05:01 Mentorship: "What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a mentor or gain a mentor?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:07:0100:07:08 Mentoring Benefits and Responsibilities: "I've noticed your messages, and that is if there is a mentoring scheme in an organisation and there are and there are benefits to the mentor as for their professional development, but they don't show up. They don't really do a good job for the mentee. Any tips on how to manage that situation?" — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:09:0000:09:22 Viral Topic: Mentorship in Healthcare "Mentoring people, so here to listen and hear how I can be the best possible mentor." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:11:0100:11:07 Adjusting Your Mindset When Faced with Failure: "Can you share how to adjust your mindset when you don't achieve what you're working towards? Oh, that's a good question." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:11:4500:11:55 Viral Topic: Acknowledging Appreciation Quote: "What a powerful subject. So thank you, Michelle, and thank you, Simon." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:15:2100:15:26 Mentoring Your Team: "I'm looking down the list of people that are here that have commented. I know I'm gonna shout out for Simon Drake because I know what a good leader you are, and I'm absolutely certain that you do mentor your talent. Michelle, you're also a leader." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:23:1900:23:38 Benefits of Mentoring in the Workplace: "The benefits of mentoring without the shadow of doubt, it increases engagement and ownership, thus ensuring your customers receive a really personalized experience from team members who are bought into what you do as a business." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:26:4900:27:04 Mentorship: "The fact that we can grow as people both by being a mentor and being mentored." — Susan Heaton-Wright 00:33:3700:33:44 Speaker Bios Michelle Connolly is a passionate advocate for mentoring, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation. She believes that mentors play a crucial role in guiding and shaping our lives, serving as experienced and trusted advisors. With a focus on Canada, she emphasizes the importance of mentoring and hopes to inspire others to see it in a new light. Michelle believes that mentors, whether formal or informal, help individuals see themselves in a different way and are essential for personal and professional growth. She is excited to share her insights and make a difference in the world of mentoring. SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not buy us a coffee. SuperStar Communicator Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence We deliver: ● Masterclasses ● facilitate workshops ● deliver speeches ● face to face and virtually ● coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work [email protected] look a tour website http://superstarcommunicator.com or why not book a call Purchase a copy of the SuperStar Communicator 30 Day Plan here We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your Career Accelerator Checklist here Thank you for listening!
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The power of the outsider
03/27/2024
The power of the outsider
Introduction: Welcome to the SuperStar Communicator podcast! In today's episode, we delve into "The Power of the Outsider" with our special guest, Samuel Kasumu. Tune in as we navigate through these challenges and explore the incredible insights that Samuel brings to the table. Samuel is a remarkable social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist, having served as a special adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, focusing on civil society and communities. As the most senior black adviser in government, he has been instrumental in setting up initiatives to support the progression of Britain's black and minority ethnic population. Samuel's experiences and perspectives shed light on the true power that lies in standing outside the norms and challenging the status quo. Join us as we uncover the strategies, psychology, and importance of outsiders in shaping our societies, organizations, and politics. Let's dive into this captivating conversation with Samuel Kasumu on "The Power of the Outsider". Key points from the interview 03:06 Accidental achievement: record-breaking votes for student. 05:34 Privileged people have most access, not smarts. 12:32 Outsiders can use their uniqueness as advantage. 14:21 Challenging to be heard, utilize value. Overcoming biases, building allies, communicating goals. Flourishing may require leaving. 19:18 Values need stretch; cultures don't happen randomly. Embrace diversity, encourage respectful disagreements. Culture starts at the top. 29:17 Inclusion, standards, purpose, direction, diversity, power, dominance Samuel Kasumu is an award-winning social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist. Until his resignation in April 2021, Samuel Kasumu was the most senior Black advisor in government and served as Special Advisor to Boris Johnson on the Civil Society and Communities brief. His work included leading on the cross-government vaccine deployment, and while under former Prime Minister Theresa May he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board. Samuel is the founder of Inclusive Boards, an executive headhunting firm specialising in non-executive board appointments across sectors. Samuel has been involved in setting up and growing a number of initiatives to support the progression of Briton's black and minority ethnic population, including a student network connecting peers with employers and a campaign that supported over 8000 start-up businesses. He has won numerous awards for his work including Barclays Business Enterprise Award, the CBI's Young Star of Enterprise Award, and Entrepreneur Champion of the Year. SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication
11/29/2023
Navigating Cross-Cultural Communication
Welcome back to another episode of the Superstar Communicator podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of cross-cultural communication. In today's episode, our hosts, Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon, are joined by special guest Michael Gates, a renowned authority on understanding different cultures. Michael brings over 30 years of experience in the field of cross-culture, and in this episode, he shares valuable insights on mastering cross-cultural communication. Throughout the episode, Michael shares two real-life examples related to air travel that highlight the challenges and nuances of intercultural communication. From a delay caused by bad weather to a situation involving a Russian and a German passenger, these stories provide a glimpse into the complexities of cross-cultural interactions. But it's not just about air travel; Michael takes a deeper dive into the various cultural communication styles and how they impact our interactions. From linear professions like engineering and accounting to multi-active professions such as sales and marketing, he explores how different cultural backgrounds shape our communication strategies. Furthermore, Michael delves into the dangers of stereotyping and generalizations, recounting personal experiences teaching about India and challenging prevailing misconceptions. He emphasizes the importance of cultural assessment, teamwork, and effective communication in international projects. Join us as we explore the intricacies of cross-cultural communication and learn valuable strategies for navigating diverse cultural landscapes. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with practical tips and captivating stories. Let's dive right in! Michael Gates is owner of Michael Gates CrossCulture and an associate fellow at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. He has been in the field of cross-culture for more than 30 years, following 5 years in radio in Manchester, and a couple of years teaching communication skills. Key points from the interview [00:00:02] Welcome to the Superstar Communicator podcast. [00:05:08] Culture: collective programming of the mind, experiences, parents, history, language, religion. [00:07:18] Dangers of stereotyping; limited personal experience. [00:11:10] Flight delay blamed on bad weather in Munich. [00:14:28] Stereotypes impact international team dynamics greatly. [00:18:04] Multi active professions include sales and marketing. Multi active leaders are good at emotionally persuading people but may be disorganized or break rules. Reactives focus on listening and promoting harmony, especially in Far East cultures. [00:20:53] Misunderstood ideas about Southeast Asia's communication style. [00:24:14] Building trust through cross-cultural workshops and communication. [00:29:50] Using AI for short answers in intercultural questions [00:33:03] Culturally attuned language program in multiple languages. [00:35:02] Keep it simple, no idioms, adapt style. [00:40:18] Person considered proposal, hesitated due to grammar fears. [00:41:04] Adapting to cultural differences: talk or observe. SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Men's Health and International Men's Day with Mike Pagan
11/15/2023
Men's Health and International Men's Day with Mike Pagan
Welcome to the SuperStar Communicator podcast! In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking conversation on International Men's Day with special guest, Mike Pagan. Together with Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon, Mike shares his insights on the importance of peer support, mental wealth for men, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore personal stories, practical tips, and expert advice on creating a supportive network, prioritizing self-care, and navigating the challenges of modern work environments. Join us as we delve into this engaging discussion and gain valuable takeaways for personal growth and well-being. Key points from the interview 01:57 Men need help asking for support, vulnerability. 05:48 Transitioning through life stages, evolving with people. 08:03 Identify genuine support in your network. 11:14 Active mindfulness through physical activities like rugby. 15:52 Teenage daughter faces FOMO and social pressure. 17:27 Echo chamber of algorithms reinforces bias on social media. 21:33 Hybrid work is here to stay. 26:50 Men must be open and seek support. 29:15 Bob called for intuitive reason, hospital official insight. 31:28 FAF: False start of feeling fulfilled, mental wealth, well-being, support, reach out, recall, relate. About Mike: Mike Pagan has always been passionate about creating a space for men to ask for help and be vulnerable. He recognizes the historical tendency for men to be reluctant to seek assistance and is committed to changing that narrative. With a focus on promoting mental health and well-being for men, Mike is dedicated to establishing frameworks that allow for vulnerability and imperfection. His mission is to encourage men to put their hands up and ask for help, creating a more open and accepting environment for all. More information: SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Building a Strong Brand and Community: The Power of Radical Humility in Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett
11/09/2023
Building a Strong Brand and Community: The Power of Radical Humility in Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett
Welcome to another exciting episode of the SuperStar Communicator podcast, where we delve into the world of business, communication, and success. Today, we have the privilege of hosting the incredible Jeffrey Hayzlett, a renowned business expert and media personality. In this episode, Jeffrey shares invaluable insights on why radical humility is the key to success. He reveals how building a strong brand, creating engaging content, and connecting with your audience can propel you to new heights. Through his own experiences, including being a Chief Marketing Officer and a judge on The Celebrity Apprentice, Jeffrey offers practical advice for businesses big and small. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us as we explore the power of radical humility with Jeffrey Hayzlett. Let's get started! Jeffrey Hayzlett is a primetime television host of C-Suite with Jeffrey Hayzlett and Executive Perspectives on C-Suite TV, and business podcast host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett on C-Suite Radio. He is a global business celebrity, speaker, best-selling author, and Chairman and CEO of C-Suite Network, home of the world’s most trusted network of C-Suite leaders. Key points from the interview [00:01:17] "Appreciate opportunity to connect with worldwide audience." [00:03:39] Open network, build brand, engage community, attract customers. [00:11:31] Create great content, share it strategically. [00:14:18] Radical humility, transparency leads to success. [00:18:34] Communication has changed from broadcasting to personalization. [00:22:04] Trusted network in business with credible content. [00:26:42] Importance of social media, listening and feedback. [00:28:52] Jeff has four bestselling books, emphasizes importance of people over profit, contact at , active on social media. SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Celebrating the 30 Day Plan from SuperStar Communicator
10/31/2023
Celebrating the 30 Day Plan from SuperStar Communicator
Celebrating the 30 Day Plan from SuperStar Communicator Introduction: Hello, everybody. It is a very exciting day because I am am launching the Superstar communicator 30 day plan. And very exciting. I have have contributed to other books in the past, which has been a huge honor but this is my first one of a number that I'll planned. And I have my partner in crime from podcasting. Nick Simon, who's gonna ask me some questions about the superstar communicator 30 day plan. Key points from the interview (bold) [00:02:23] Celebrate strengths, challenge weaknesses, grow skills. [00:04:27] Smiling changes conversation dynamics and perceptions. [00:06:56] Amazon offers Susan Heaton- Wright's 30-day plan. Download the transcript of the interview (add link from SuperStar Communicator) https://superstarcommunicator.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/30-day-plan-transcript.pdf SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Talking on Eggshells: managing difficult conversations
08/29/2023
Talking on Eggshells: managing difficult conversations
"On this episode of SuperStar Communicator, our hosts Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon are joined by the renowned speaker and pitch coach, Sam Horn. In this episode, Sam shares a powerful technique on what to say in the first 60 seconds of a presentation, pitch, or negotiation that will captivate your audience, earn their respect, and generate buy-in. She encourages listeners to shape behavior rather than shame it, and shares practical tips on how to introduce oneself effectively and provide specific details to facilitate follow-up conversations. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Sam Horn aims to help listeners improve their communication skills, handle difficult situations, and have honest conversations. Whether you're navigating corporate environments, personal relationships, or any other aspects of life, Sam's teachings and insights will equip you with the tools you need to confidently express yourself and cultivate meaningful connections. So tune in to this enlightening episode of Susan Heaton-Wright with Sam Horn, and discover how to effectively navigate conversations, make a lasting impression, and communicate with impact. Key points from the interview: 00:02:44] Disagreeing with friends, focus on common ground. [00:09:19] Discover four conflict styles: avoid, accommodate, angry, assert. [00:13:31] Counselor sets boundaries for student support. [00:23:26] Technique to win respect and buy-in in 60 seconds. [00:30:31] Invite, incentivize, introduce, be memorable, provide contact information, offer value, increase engagement. [00:37:17] Criteria for publishing a book: show the shift. [00:42:11] Joe started as an individual consultant. Then he created an umbrella brand called "Brief Lab" to stand out. This led to a book deal and a successful career. [00:48:49] Umpire stops fighting, avoid blaming, find solutions instead of fault. Remove "no can't," use "yes as soon as." [00:55:24] Avoiding conflict won't make it better. [00:59:01] Growing up in silence, tiptoeing around relationships. Sam Horn is the Founder/CEO of the Tongue Fu! Training Institute. She is the originator of the trade-marked communication process called Tongue Fu! which has been taught to hundreds of organizations worldwide - including Oracle, Intel, Accenture and Outsystems. Her newest book TALKING ON EGGSHELLS received a cover endorsement from Whole Foods founder John Mackey who calls it "the course-correct for today's cancel culture. People can contact us at [email protected] to receive a free WORDS TO LOSE - WORDS TO USE reminder card they can post by their desk and on their refrigerator to keep these tips in sight, in mind so they say what they want to say ... the first time and every time. You can purchase her latest book "Talking on Eggshells" SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not And why not subscribe to our podcast! Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Trust, Connection, and Building Strong Teams: Insights from Scrum Master Angela Johnson
08/08/2023
Trust, Connection, and Building Strong Teams: Insights from Scrum Master Angela Johnson
On this episode of SuperStar Communicator podcast, host Susan Heaton-Wright interviews Angela Johnson, a certified Scrum trainer and author. They discuss the importance of trust and communication in building strong teams, particularly in the context of implementing Scrum and Agile methods. Angela shares her experience teaching virtual classes during the pandemic, detailing how her organization had to quickly adapt and pivot to virtual teaching to stay afloat. She highlights the challenges of teaching virtually to a global audience, recognizing the need to be more aware of cultural and linguistic differences. Key points from the interview: [00:00:26] interviewing Angela Johnson on Scrum. [00:06:42] Diverse opinions, respectful disagreement lead to strength. [00:10:26] Certifications are important but not sufficient. [00:11:32] Scrum Alliance adapts classes to virtual format. [00:17:47] Adapted classes virtually changed world of work. [00:19:16] Breaking silos, sharing knowledge, and promoting transparency. [00:24:04] Building trust through vulnerability and shared experiences. [00:26:33] Teams need agreements for effective collaboration. Some teams have them, but they may need revision. Guardrails can be set for behavior and decision-making. An expired agreement can lead to toxic behaviors. [00:29:43] Book about failures turned into valuable learning. [00:32:20] Engaging interview sparks thoughtful reflections and gratitude. Angela Johnson is a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and the author of “The Scrum Master Files: secrets every coach should know”. As a professional people geek, Angela helps others successfully implement Scrum and Agile to achieve their goals and objectives. You can contact Angela at where you can also purchase her book. SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not And why not subscribe to receive great content from us. Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Using the Superpower of Listening
07/28/2023
Using the Superpower of Listening
On this episode of SuperStar Communicator titled host Susan Heaton-Wright and co-host Nick Simon engage in a live discussion with guest Raquel Ark. The episode dives deep into the importance of listening in leadership and creative problem-solving. The episode highlights the episodic nature of listening, with moments of focused attention being crucial. Listeners are encouraged to pay attention to when they listen at their best and recreate those conditions to foster effective listening. Self-listening and feedback are also discussed as methods to improve listening skills. Key points from the podcast: 00:03:00] Listening is a powerful and energizing superpower. [00:04:26] Effective listening: being present, fully engaged. [00:12:32] Listening is harder than people think. It's important for leaders to listen to their teams. Good listening promotes complex thinking and understanding. Asking questions and showing genuine interest is key. [00:17:13] Listening and showing interest is crucial. [00:19:31] Powerful listening: ask questions and follow. [00:22:39] Leaders need clarity, discipline, and structure in listening. They should create conditions for effective listening. [00:28:39] Allow yourself to fail and start over. [00:34:20] Powerful women write book on embracing equity. [00:38:41] Thank you Nick and Raquel, much appreciated. Raquel Ark, MA, CPC, is a podcast host, speaker, mentor, coach and trainer. She has over 25 years of experience in multinational corporations and academia, currently spending most of her time in tech. She is the Founder of listening ALCHEMY, a communication training and coaching organisation including foundational, evidence-based listening and communication programs. She is the podcast host of the listening SUPERPOWER podcast focused mainly on listening in teams and organisations for more effective communication. She has spoken on the TedX stage. Raquel is currently the President of the International Listening Association. She is a Puerto Rican-American living in Germany. You can contact her here: Email: [email protected] Website: https://listeningalchemy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquel-ark-b2067613/?originalSubdomain=de Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Listening-Alchemy/100027214076836/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listening_alchemy/ listening SUPERPOWER podcast: https://listeningalchemy.com/podcast/ SuperStar Communicator Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver: · masterclasses, · facilitate workshops, · deliver speeches – · face to face and virtually · coach individuals. Our focus is on emerging leaders to ensure they progress in their careers. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Understanding the X Men The Neurodiverse Talent, in the world with Diva Diaz
06/28/2023
Understanding the X Men The Neurodiverse Talent, in the world with Diva Diaz
On this episode of the SuperStar Communicator podcast, we dive into the world of neurodiversity and communication with guest Diva Dias. Diva believes that those who are neurodiverse have a unique superpower when it comes to communication due to their curiosity and open-mindedness. This perspective also allows them to look at situations in multiple ways, leading to creative solutions that others may not consider. Diva also discusses the role of AI in emotional intelligence and why we should embrace diverse forms of communication versus relying on technology as the norm. Additionally, the importance of creating a culture where neurodiverse employees feel free to express themselves and share their thoughts is emphasized, along with tips on how to combat self-judgment and get out of overwhelm. Diva Dias is a global speaker and facilitator of Access Consciousness classes and seminars, who shares her perspective on curiosity as a driving force behind innovative solutions in the marketplace and how understanding our differences can lead to a more empowered society. Key points of the interview: [00:04:41] "The Unique Mental Imagery of Individuals with Autism" [00:09:49] "Autism and neurodiversity as a superpower" [00:12:46] "How Asking Questions Can Empower Neurodiverse Employees" [00:18:42] "Combat Self-Doubt and Boost Creativity: Expert Advice" [00:23:23] "Embrace Neurodiversity through Perspective Changes and Curiosity" [00:29:23] "How Asking Questions Can Help You See Differently" You can find out about Diva Diaz and her work Here at SuperStar Communicator HQ Susan and Nick love sharing great content. If you like our podcast why not Is a multi award winning international company empowering emerging leaders to speak and communicate with clarity, confidence, credibility and influence. We deliver masterclasses, facilitate workshops, deliver speeches - face to face and virtually as well as coach individuals. If you would like more details of our work email look at our website or why not We have a lovely gift for you: Grab your 10 top tips to presenting Thank you for listening!
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Public Speaking Top Tips with the SuperStar Communicator
06/09/2023
Public Speaking Top Tips with the SuperStar Communicator
On this episode of SuperStar Communicator, we explore the importance of presenting the best version of yourself in business conversations, focusing on public speaking. Our expert guest shares tips on how to cater to diverse audiences, including summarizing your speech beforehand and using interactive polls to keep audiences engaged. We also dive into nonverbal communication, overcoming mental blocks, and the changing landscape of public speaking, including the rise of virtual events and the demand for more Q&A sessions. Stay tuned to learn about neutral "diva feet," "sitting diva," and other posture techniques that can help you shine in every business conversation. Some key points; 00:02:51] "Overcome speaking nerves with these two tips" [00:08:10] "How to Engage Your Virtual Audience: Tips" [00:10:23] "Expert tips for overcoming public speaking mishaps" [00:14:02] "Creating Curiosity: Effective Speech Preparation Tips" [00:15:37] "Tips for Reaching Diverse Audiences in Presentations" [00:18:32] "Speaker's Role Shifts Toward Workshop Facilitation" [00:23:09] "Master Nonverbal Communication for Virtual Meetings" [00:25:32] "Uncovering the terms behind effective communication" [00:28:44] "Encouraging Interaction in Virtual Presentations: Strategies" Tips for overcoming nerves when public speaking The importance of knowing who is in the audience when you speak. Consider how to involve the audience when you are speaking to make it truly interactive You can download the transcript is a leading learning and development company, providing facilitated workshops, masterclasses, speeches and coaching. We specialise in all areas of spoken communication; ensuring everyone presents the best version of themselves in all business conversations. Why not Are you interested in grabbing our Ten Top Tips to presenting? We create these podcasts to support others. If you would like to support us to create more content, please
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Negotiate with excellence with Greg Williams
05/30/2023
Negotiate with excellence with Greg Williams
In this episode of the Superstar Communicator podcast, negotiation and body language expert, Greg Williams, sat down with hosts Susan and Nick Simon from "Superstar Communicator" to discuss tips and tricks for successful negotiations. From the importance of compromising to the power of observing body language, Greg shares insights from his 30 years of experience and Harvard training. The episode covers negotiation strategies such as using silence, taking breaks, and stalling tactics, as well as the crucial role body language plays in communication. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of negotiating effectively and using nonverbal cues to their advantage. There are many key points including: [00:04:42] "Exchanging Information: The Basis for Trust" [00:06:53] "Negotiation Success Depends on Win-Win Mindset" [00:08:30] "The Power of Demeanor in Negotiations: Explained" [00:10:30] "The Power of Silence in Negotiation Tactics" [00:12:23] "The Power of Body Language in Negotiations" [00:13:51] "Why Throat Clearing Can Reveal Hidden Tension" [00:15:29] "Negotiation Power Plays: How to Win" [00:20:39] "Negotiation: Mastering the Art of Compromise" [00:24:00] "New leader, new ways: King Charles asserts authority" [00:27:00] "Mastering Body Language for Successful Negotiations" three top tips are: Remember you are always negotiating. Learn about body language cues because there are many things that are unsaid, that could be clues. Consider how today's action could impact the future. Grab the transcription of this podcast Greg Williams is an expert negotiator who believes that observing people's behavior in a normal environment is key to assessing how they may act in the future. Through assessment, he can determine the level of motivation a particular tactic has on a person's posture and position during a negotiation. He believes that negotiating is a continuous process that sets a baseline in the present to be compared to in the future. You can grab more information including downloadable checklists from The SuperStar Communicator podcast is hosted by Susan Heaton-Wright and Nick Simon. SuperStar Communicator facilitates masterclasses and workshops empowering everyone to present the best version of themselves in all business conversations. We also deliver speeches and coaching. For more information go to We do this podcast for the love of supporting everyone to present the best version of themselves. Do Buy us a coffee
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How to communicate and engage with clients using video
04/17/2023
How to communicate and engage with clients using video
In an increasingly virtual world, we all need to be aware of effective ways to communicate on video. We were joined by Tim Kovoor who is based in London but has lived and worked cross-culturally and multilingually around the world. Communication has been a lifelong passion. Tim is now a key part of the growth team at tech company Quench: connecting the world's top experts with companies and their employees through video learning and consulting services. This is a content packed interview; takeways include: 8.38: how videos bring the human connection in a way that A1 doesn't 14.11 the different types of video content and delivery 22.48 Top tips for delivering the video content with confidence And there is much more! If you would like to contact Tim directly his email is and the website is Quench is offering listeners who are serving professional niches through video courses and consulting services the opportunity to be considered for Quench's enterprise partners program. This gives you the opportunity to deliver your video guides and sell your professional services to enterprises. is a leading International company empowering everyone to present the best version of themselves in all business conversations. We work with organisations and individuals with: masterclasses facilitating workshops face to face and virtually one to one coaching Keynote and lunch and learn speeches We also have complimentary resources:
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How to build successful business relationships
03/01/2023
How to build successful business relationships
We are delighted to host a discussion with Colette Cooper, Client Services Director at Cariad Marketing. An Award-winning Hertfordshire digital marketing agency. With a passion for helping SME's compete with the online giants, Colette is the most often the first person people see for help with their marketing. With over 20 years of Sales and Marketing experience, Colette is a a hybrid professional who is good at sales, marketing and leadership. We discuss top tips on how to build successful business relationships: whether you have your own business; are part of a larger organisation or even you building your personal brand for career success. Some highlights include: 6:04 It is about reading the room and picking out the cues from people to see who is receptive to discussion and who might be uncomfortable. 9.34 Reading the situation. Clues like people sending an agenda beforehand or their job title will indicate how much time they have available to speak and the focus of the conversation. 17:38 Some great tips on maintaining contact with existing clients. You can also connect with . We deliver masterclasses, facilitate workshops, speeches and coaching on all areas of spoken communication. We deliver work virtually and face to face. To book a call to discuss us working with you,
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The power of diverse line ups at events
02/15/2023
The power of diverse line ups at events
With International Women's Day on 8th March this is a good time to remind everyone the power of a wide range of different speakers at events. I am joined by Mette Johansson, a leading Diversity leadership consultant and founder of Keynote women speakers. During the discussion we covered: Why having a diverse line up in events is so important How we can find diverse speakers for events what we can do to challenge event organisers to have more diverse speakers at events More information about Keynote Women Speakers “KeyNote Women is on a mission to bring diversity to speaking stages around the world. Why? We’re still far from having balanced gender representation on stages. Not only do we make sure that women are more visible through our site and social media forums; we also train the next generation of KeyNote speakers Bring more diversity to your next event! Reach out to us: Do you want Susan to be a speaker at your event. or Susan is available to facilitate workshops on communications, as a speaker coach and speaker. Here is the
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Be a great technical speaker with Bob Ferguson
12/30/2022
Be a great technical speaker with Bob Ferguson
Bob Ferguson is an Engineer by profession who now supports technical experts to make a positive impact when they present and pitch. We discuss how technical experts NEED to be heard. And Bob shares some top tips to being more impactful when discussing technical topics. Here are three highlights. 1. Try not to rely on powerpoint slides and specifically slides full of information. You will overwhelm your audience. 2. Learn to summarise key points for the audience. This will generate interest - and possibly questions at the end. 3. Technical experts have the ability to influence decisions and thoughts; share your information! Read the transcript you can contact Bob at His website is His book is available Here at SuperStar Communicator we support individuals and teams to present the very best version of themselves in all business conversations. We deliver: Workshops Masterclasses Speeches Lunch and Learn Virtual Workshops ONline courses Why not book a call You can grab your copy of our Ten Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator
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Managing your emotions when your buttons are pressed
12/21/2022
Managing your emotions when your buttons are pressed
In 2022, there was an incident at the Oscars where Will Smith hit the compere Chris Rock, when Rock made a derogatory comment about Smith's wife. This was shocking to see. I am joined by international executive coach, We discuss why this incident was so shocking and what we can learn from this as leaders. Some key points include: 1. Why both men were at fault in this incident. 2. How a pause and a verbal response would be far more effective 3. How as leaders we should be aware of what we say; the impact this has on others and how we say it to our teams More information about Carol and how to work with her Our Host, is the founder of She is an international Speaker; has empowered clients worldwide to speak and communicate in all business conversations with impact, clarity, confidence and credibility. She is also a brilliant podcast guest; if you would like her to appear on your podcast . SuperStar Communicator is a leading organisation empowering everyone to make more impact in all business conversations. We offer: Workshops Masterclasses Speeches Coaching virtual workshops For all businesses worldwide. Why not contact us to arrange a call to discuss how we can ensure your team are all SuperStar Communicators Grab your copy of 10 Top Tips to being a Superstar Communicator
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Celebrating International Men's Day
11/19/2022
Celebrating International Men's Day
international men's day is on 19th November. Not only should we celebrate the men in our lives we should also support them. I am joined by Dave Algeo who supports men with their health and mental health. We discuss a number of topics including how we can reach out to men who might find it difficult to discuss their feelings. This is full of content but some key points are: 1. Men will often use humour or alcohol to hide their feelings 2. Remembering to 'nudge' regularly to remind men they need to look after themselves 3. Those short text messages or voice mail messages make all the difference to a man who is isolated or depressed. You can contact Dave directly: Website: Podcast - Email: Linkedin - Instagram - Fb - Twitter - @stressedguru Do you want to grab your Ten Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator? Here is our We deliver workshops, speeches, masterclasses, speaker coaching and virtual workshops. Do you want to discuss us working with you?
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Recognising others emotions from non-verbal cues
10/28/2022
Recognising others emotions from non-verbal cues
We are joined by Dr Paddy Ross, Associate director of psychology at Durham University. Paddy has done a lot of work on how children learn to read emotions. He highlights the fact that before a certain age, sound is more important than non-verbal cues. We don't exclusively communicate with what we say but how we say it - and hand gestures, facial expressions and body language play a big role in this. Some highlights include: 1. Wearing a mask (during covid) or not makes little difference in reading emotions because we use our eyes, gestures and body language more. 2. The body is a significant driver for conveying emotions 3. What we don't consider much is what our bodies are doing when we are speaking and communicating. Our body conveys so much emotion. Do you want to work with SuperStar Communicator? We organise a range of communication learning: workshops, masterclasses, speeches, online courses, virtual learning. Included in the work we do is focus on non-verbal communication ensure you make an impact when you speak. Grab our 10 top tips to being a SuperStar Communicator Do you want to book a call to book Susan to speak or our team to deliver workshops or coaching.
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Speaking and Engaging with International Clients
10/24/2022
Speaking and Engaging with International Clients
Do you wish to engage and make more impact with international clients? In this podcast episode Susan Heaton-Wright shares top tips and case studies to ensure you have invaluable engagement with your clients; whether they speak English as their first language or not. She uses examples of working with clients in North America, the Middle East and Myanmar. Tips include: * Modifying the way you speak and the language you use to ensure everyone understands you. * Read the room; be aware of what is going on in the room, and modify what you do accordingly. * Never assume that because your clients speak some English, they will understand you. * Be aware of cultural differences. Are there specific topics you you should avoid to prevent your clients being offended. * Use of examples. Check that the clients will understand the examples you give. * Allow your clients to look at your slides to check the words and examples are clear to them. Do you want to work with SuperStar Communicator? We offer a range of workshops, masterclasses, individual coaching and online courses on all areas of communication in business. Why not book a call to discuss how we could assist you and your business Why not grab our Ten Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator
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Lessons to lean into your influence with Joel Green
10/14/2022
Lessons to lean into your influence with Joel Green
Joel Green is the CEO of pro level training, the National Director of Nike sports camps, a former professional basketball player, and renowned motivational speaker. He endured significant trauma as a child, and experienced unacceptable racism, yet went on to have a successful basketball career and to alter his mindset and "Filter". This is such a powerful tool he developed, where he was able to focus on the good rather than continue to be impacted by the appalling acts he witnessed and experienced. Three of many highlights are: 1. Use dark moments to get aways from them even more. 2. Get help and support from others and talk. We all need a network of people who will support us. 3.The power of filtering: being your own therapist and self assessing to see what you need, and what you need to get rid of in your life. And there are many, many gems. You can contact His latest bookFiltering: The Way to Extract Strength from The Struggle is available Here at SuperStar Communicator we love sharing excellent content to inspire you. Don't forget to subscribe. Grab our Ten Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator Here is our We deliver workshops, masterclasses and coaching in all areas of Spoken Communication to ensure you and your team speak with clarity, confidence, influence, credibility and impact. Susan is also an International Speaker for conferences and internal events. Do you want to book a call to see how we can assist?
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Managing Microaggressions as a leader with Joanne Lockwood
09/26/2022
Managing Microaggressions as a leader with Joanne Lockwood
Microaggressions cause harm in the workplace. What might appear to be a tiny comment; if repeated, undermines someone's confidence. In this incredible podcast discussion with We discuss: * What Microaggressions are * The impact on individual talent and the team * Ways we, as leaders can manage these so we have an inclusive, effective workforce. You can contact Joanne's company SEE Change Happen Connect with Joanne on Linkedin Remember you can grab your copy of our 10 Top Tips for Presenting Book a call to discuss how we could deliver a speech, masterclass, coaching or workshops Do look at the Connect with Susan Heaton-Wright on Linkedin
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Top tips for Leading New Graduates
09/06/2022
Top tips for Leading New Graduates
Early September is the time new graduates are employed in their graduate roles. These young people are the "COVID generation" whose degrees were studied, in part, online. And it is even more important to support and demonstrate positive leadership to these talented young people. I am joined by He is a recent graduate who has researched his friends' experiences and what they need in the way of information and support to thrive in their new role. The discussion highlighted: * How important it is to provide information on prospects, working hours, whether it is hybrid, remote or in the office work * The value of the graduate asking questions and feeling it is okay to do this * That any hardware and software is already ready when the new employee arrives on the first day. * Socials to get to know colleagues * A mentor for the new graduate to discuss challenges. SuperStar Communicator delivers power skills packages for organisations onboarding new graduates. Face to face and virtual If you would like to arrange a call to discuss us working with you
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Managing your emotions as a leader
08/22/2022
Managing your emotions as a leader
As a leader or emerging leader, there are times when you need to manage your emotions - even if you are triggered or impacted by a situation or what someone else has said. In this impactful episode Susan is joined by to discuss this important communication skill. We cover: * Why it is important to understand what might trigger your emotions * Why there are occasions where managing your emotions are extremely powerful and important as a leader * Techniques and tips to help you manage your emotions. Here are details of the company. Remember you can contact us to arrange a call to discuss speaking, masterclasses and workshops. And why not grab your copy of our 10 Top Tips to being a SuperStar Communicator
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