Claim OwnershipAspire to Inspire Podcast
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Welcome to the Aspire to Inspire Podcast!
When inspiration comes from the top, the whole company will benefit.
In each episode of the Aspire to Inspire podcast, we dig deeper into real-world stories and actionable insights to help founders and executives inspire change. We explore the challenges and triumphs of leaders who have learned to leverage communications expertly.
Join us as we probe the minds of successful CXOs to hear how they use communication to inspire people, drive transformation, and create business impact. Discover how you can ignite transformation within your own company.
When inspiration comes from the top, the whole company will benefit.
In each episode of the Aspire to Inspire podcast, we dig deeper into real-world stories and actionable insights to help founders and executives inspire change. We explore the challenges and triumphs of leaders who have learned to leverage communications expertly.
Join us as we probe the minds of successful CXOs to hear how they use communication to inspire people, drive transformation, and create business impact. Discover how you can ignite transformation within your own company.
36 Episodes
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In this episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, Brian Tomlinson is joined by Advita Patel, president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, founder of Comms Rebel, and cofounder of both A Leader Like Me and Asian Comms Network. Advita is a powerhouse in comms and an admired advocate for building confidence and inclusivity in the workplace.
With her unique blend of experience in DEI strategy, leadership coaching, and change communication, Avita brings a refreshing perspective on how leaders can cultivate a culture. She shares her journey from overcoming imposter syndrome to becoming a leading voice in communications. Then, Advita dives deep into what it takes to build a thriving, inclusive culture—including the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Plus, learn why confidence isn’t about being loud: it’s about quiet assurance and knowing your value.
This episode is filled with actionable strategies for leaders looking to elevate their teams, create psychological safety, and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. Whether you're seeking to build confidence or transform your organizational culture, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.
What does it take to be the kind of leader the world actually needs right now? Charlotte Otter, executive coach and author of We Need New Leaders, joins Brian Tomlinson to unpack the leadership crisis we’re living through—and why outsiders often make the most impactful leaders. Drawing from her decades of experience in global tech and her Reputation 360 coaching program, Charlotte reveals why storytelling, self-awareness, and empathy are essential tools for modern leadership.
In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Charlotte shares how underrepresented leaders turn obstacles into strengths, how behavior and values must align to build trust, and why visibility isn’t vanity—it’s legacy. From reshaping personal narratives to building reputation moats before a crisis hits, this episode offers a refreshing and necessary take on how leadership, communication, and authenticity must evolve in today’s world.
Jim Olson, a seasoned communications leader with a front-row seat to some of the most defining moments in corporate crisis history, joins Athena Koutsonikolas on the Aspire to Inspire Podcast to share the four-step crisis communications plan that has guided him through both his career in crisis comms and his fight against cancer.
From negotiating with terrorists to battling tumors and losing his sight, Jim candidly shares how crises have shaped him—both professionally and personally. He brings the audience inside high-stakes moments from his career and outlines a clear framework communicators can use to stay calm, take control, and craft a winning strategy—even in life-or-death situations.
Jim most recently served as Head of Brand and Communications at Avelo Airlines—America’s first new airline in 15 years—where he built the communications function from scratch. Previously, he led comms at United Airlines, Starbucks, and US Airways, where he helped turn the “Miracle on the Hudson” into a story of employee pride and national inspiration.
How is the most powerful leadership skill also the most neglected — contributing to disengagement costing organizations an estimated 8.8 trillion dollars a year?
In this compelling episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, globally renowned speaker and TED Talk legend Julian Treasure joins host Lottie Bazley to unpack the invisible influence of sound on our work, behavior, and communication. From the neuroscience of noise to the business cost of disengagement, Julian explains why failing to really listen could be your organization’s most expensive mistake.
Julian shares insights from his new book Sound Affects and explains how sound shapes our biology, cognition, emotions, and behavior — often without us noticing. Whether you're designing a workplace, leading a team, or just trying to be heard, this episode delivers powerful strategies to elevate your voice and deepen your impact. With tips on improving vocal presence, embracing silence, and becoming a more conscious communicator, this conversation is your wake-up call to start listening with intention.
Join Emma Fischer, Content Marketing Manager at Staffbase, as she sits down with Miri Rodriguez—CEO of Empressa AI, award-winning storyteller, and Microsoft veteran—for a moving conversation about ethical AI, women’s voices, and the power of storytelling. In this deeply personal and visionary episode, Miri breaks down how Empressa is challenging the norms of generative AI by sourcing real insights from women around the world—including returning value to them through royalties and representation.
From emotional honesty in tech to rewriting your origin story as a path to personal power, Miri shares practical frameworks, vulnerable experiences, and bold calls to action for women and allies alike. She dives into the challenges of being heard in a male-dominated space, the biases baked into today’s LLMs, and why storytelling is the cornerstone of inclusive leadership.
Whether you're a tech skeptic or an AI enthusiast, this episode will leave you rethinking how we build, who we include, and why emotion may be our most valuable innovation.
In this episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, host Lottie Bazley sits down with Terry Szuplat, former senior speechwriter to President Barack Obama and bestselling author of Say It Well. They dive into the power of storytelling, the emotional impact of authenticity, and why every person—regardless of title—has a story worth telling.
Terry shares behind-the-scenes White House moments, practical communication tools, and insight on writing speeches that move people—not just inform them. Whether you’re delivering a keynote, a wedding toast, or an internal company update, Terry believes that every one of us has a story worth telling. This episode is filled with insights into how to find your voice, write with impact, and speak with clarity and conviction. For communicators, leaders, and anyone who’s ever said “I don’t know what to say,” this is a must-listen.
Terry Szuplat is a former Obama speechwriter and the bestselling author of SAY IT WELL: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. He served nearly eight years in the White House, including as Deputy Director of Speechwriting and one of President Obama’s foreign policy speechwriters. Today, he’s a keynote speaker, trainer, and adjunct professor at American University who helps leaders inspire audiences around the world.
What do TED speakers, UN officials, and CEOs have in common? When they need to speak with clarity and confidence under pressure, they call Matt Abrahams.
In this episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, Matt Abrahams—Stanford lecturer, author, and host of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast—joins host Athena Koutsonikolas to share practical insights into spontaneous speaking. From managing anxiety to answering difficult questions with confidence, Matt offers science-backed strategies and personal techniques to help anyone sound—and feel—more self-assured in high-pressure moments.
Whether you struggle with small talk, want to command a room, or just need to stop blanking in meetings, consider this your playbook for clear, compelling communication. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words in the moment, this episode is for you.
Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart The Podcast.
How can lessons from cybersecurity lead to revelations about communicating under pressure? Join Staffbase SVP & GM David Maffei as he sits down with Tom Wentworth, CMO at incident.io, to unpack the biggest challenges leaders face in modern crisis communications. In this high-stakes episode, they explore why fear is the #1 silent killer in leadership communication, how executives can own the narrative during a crisis, and the cybersecurity lessons every business must learn to protect their reputation.
With firsthand insights from the CrowdStrike crisis, Boeing’s PR disaster, and AI’s growing role in corporate risk, Tom shares why clarity beats complexity and how the right communication strategy can save your brand from catastrophe. Whether you're a CXO, marketer, or crisis manager, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways on building trust, preventing misinformation, and using AI to stay ahead of threats. Tune in now and discover how to lead with confidence when the stakes are high.
Join Staffbase Head of Content Brian Tomlinson as he speaks with Stephanie Roberts, Chief Communications Officer at Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, to explore the evolving role of internal communications in modern organizations. Stephanie shares insights on why comms should report directly to the CEO, how to influence leadership, and why AI still can’t replace human connection.
In this episode, Stephanie unpacks the challenges of engaging frontline workers, the importance of cultural nuances in global comms, and how storytelling can make even the most technical products compelling. She also reveals why every executive needs to be active on LinkedIn — and how communicators can make it happen. Whether you’re leading comms, advising executives, or rethinking your internal strategy, this conversation is full of actionable insights to help you drive real impact.
Staffbase Chief People Officer Neil Morrison sits down with Chequan Lewis, President of Crunch Fitness, to explore his unique journey from law to leadership. Chequan shares his core values, his belief in unlocking people’s full potential, and how a culture of inclusivity, consistency, and radical grace has shaped his leadership style. He reflects on key lessons from his time at Yum! Brands and Pizza Hut, the transition into the fitness industry, and how he’s driving exponential growth at Crunch while keeping a strong focus on people and purpose.
Beyond business strategy, this conversation dives deep into what makes leadership truly transformative — from empowering frontline employees to creating legendary customer experiences. Chequan discusses the power of authenticity, recognition, and vulnerability in leadership, along with the critical role of businesses in community impact. Whether you’re a leader navigating high-paced growth or someone looking for actionable insights on purpose-driven leadership, this episode is packed with real talk, real lessons, and real inspiration.
Join Staffbase Head of Content Brian Tomlinson as he sits down with Honeywell Chief Communicator Stacey Jones to break down what it takes to lead communications at a global scale. Stacey shares how she and her team align 100,000 employees worldwide around a North Star strategy, simplify complex corporate narratives, and ensure transparency during massive transformations — including a $9B M&A journey.
In this episode, Stacey also explores the evolving role of AI in communications, the biggest mistakes leaders make when communicating change, and why quality — not quantity — matters in comms measurement. Whether you're leading through transformation, building a stronger storytelling approach, or looking to future-proof your comms strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with clarity and impact.
Join Staffbase Chief People Officer Neil Morrison as he sits down with bestselling author and executive coach Chester Elton for a deep dive into leadership, culture, and the transformative power of gratitude. Chester shares decades of insights on why recognition and appreciation are the foundation of high-performing teams, revealing how small daily rituals—like the “10 and 10” practice—can foster connection and engagement.
From NASA astronauts using random acts of kindness to eliminate conflict to Texas Roadhouse’s legendary service mantra, this episode is packed with real-world examples of how leaders can build cultures of trust and impact. Chester also addresses the challenges of toxic workplaces and provides actionable strategies for shifting from a traditional management mindset to a coaching culture—one where leaders ask better questions, assume positive intent, and help people grow both professionally and personally.
Join Staffbase SVP & GM of the Americas David Maffei as he sits down with transformational marketing leader Norman Guadagno to explore the pivotal role communication plays in driving successful business transformations. From aligning teams across sales and marketing to embracing AI as a communication tool, Norman shares actionable strategies and lessons from his transformative work at companies like Mimecast and Carbonite.
This episode dives into the complexity of organizational change, the importance of trust and transparency, and how storytelling can drive alignment and engagement. Whether you're navigating a business transformation or adapting to the evolving landscape of AI-driven communication, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire action.
Join Staffbase Head of Content Brian Tomlinson as he chats with Dr. David Burkus, bestselling author and one of the world’s top business thinkers, to explore what it takes to build the best team ever. With insights from his books like Best Team Ever and The Myths of Creativity, David unpacks the traits of high-performing teams, why creativity is a team sport, and how leaders can rethink traditional management norms to foster innovation and connection.
In this episode, David shares actionable advice for leaders navigating today’s workplace, from building trust in remote teams to cultivating a resourceful mindset. He also challenges long-held myths about creativity and reveals why storytelling and networks are vital tools for team success. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a large organization, this conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you inspire, empower, and lead with purpose.
Join Staffbase Chief Strategy Officer Frank Wolf as he sits down with Marco Andre, AI strategist and keynote speaker, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming marketing, communications, and HR. From automating repetitive tasks to enhancing creativity, Marco shares real-world examples of AI's impact across industries and offers actionable advice for leaders navigating this new landscape.
This episode dives into the practical uses of AI, like Adobe Max and NotebookLM, and their potential to reshape how organizations operate. Marco also addresses the ethical concerns around AI, emphasizing the importance of balancing innovation with regulation. Whether you're a leader exploring AI's potential or a professional adapting to technological shifts, this conversation is packed with insights to inspire action.
Join Staffbase Chief Marketing and Communications Officer David Burnand as he sits down with acclaimed business communications strategist and author Jenni Field. In this episode, Jenni discusses her latest book, Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow, diving into the key traits of credible leadership, building trust, and fostering authentic connections.
Jenni shares actionable insights from her years of research and work with leaders worldwide, revealing how small actions and intentional communication can make or break trust. From understanding the difference between being "liked" and being "likable" to navigating remote work and sensitive conversations, this episode offers practical advice for leaders who want to inspire and lead with purpose.
Join Staffbase Head of Content Brian Tomlinson as he speaks with Andrea Pacini, author and presentation coach, about the secrets to delivering impactful presentations that inspire and drive action. In this episode, Andrea shares his expertise in crafting clear, compelling messages, using storytelling to captivate audiences, and the power of preparation in building confidence.
Andrea also dives into practical strategies for simplifying complex ideas, keeping virtual audiences engaged, and leveraging AI as a tool for more effective communication. Whether you’re pitching an idea, addressing your team, or presenting on a global stage, Andrea’s insights will help you take your presentation skills to the next level.
In this episode of Aspire to Inspire, Staffbase Chief People Officer Neil Morrison talks with Cecilia Crossley, founder of the social enterprise From Babies with Love and host of the How HR Leaders Change the World podcast. Cecilia shares her journey of building a business that channels 100% of its profits to support orphaned and abandoned children globally. With stories that range from early challenges to her motivation for using business as a force for good, Cecilia highlights how thoughtful communication can align business impact with social change.
Through this conversation, Neil and Cecilia delve into the power of purpose-driven storytelling, the significance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the role of HR leaders in transforming workplace culture. Cecilia also discusses the meaningful impact of From Babies with Love’s mission on employees and corporate clients alike, bringing together purpose and profitability.
Join Staffbase Senior Internal Communications Manager Lottie Bazley as she speaks with Stacey Tank, CEO of Bespoke Beauty Brands, about her varied career journey from corporate finance to redefining the beauty industry. With a background that spans GE, Heineken, and The Home Depot, Stacey shares how each pivot has shaped her approach to business transformation — with storytelling remaining a central tool for building connection and brand loyalty.
Stacey dives into the future of retail through social selling, revealing how smaller brands are finding success alongside industry giants. She also discusses her commitment to creating purpose-driven, inclusive brands that resonate with diverse audiences and reflect real-world values. Beyond her role as a CEO, Stacey is a passionate advocate for youth mental health, championing community initiatives and digital safety to support young people in navigating today’s tech-driven world. This inspiring conversation highlights the power of authenticity, inclusivity, and purpose in leadership.
Senior Internal Communications Manager Lottie Bazley speaks with Gen Z leader Ioanna Mantzouridou Onasi, the co-founder and CEO of Dextego, an AI-powered sales coaching company. As a young, innovative CEO, Ioanna shares her journey from a passion for sustainability to founding her own startup, bridging her background in fashion and talent development with her vision for empowering sales teams through AI.
Ioanna delves into what it means to lead as a Gen Z founder, explaining how a digital-first mindset and social media presence have shaped her leadership style and approach to communication. She discusses the challenges of building trust and transparency in a multi-generational workplace, strategies for overcoming age and gender bias, and how she strives to keep AI human-centered in her business.
Tune in for an insightful discussion on navigating leadership in today’s AI-driven world, fostering authentic connections, and Ioanna’s advice for emerging Gen Z professionals.
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