Cultural Communication Confidence

In this podcast, we continue our series exploring the pillars of my new book, Become a Global Leader. Today we focus on a capability that every global leader should master if they want real impact in their career and leadership growth: bridge challenging conversations. Challenging conversations appear in every organisation, every industry and every team. What distinguishes a global leader with strong communication skills and cultural intelligence is how to navigate these situations. In this episode, I guide you through the foundations you need before stepping onto the challenging conversation bridge, my framework to resolve conflict, including designing purposeful conversations, understanding the cultural angles in disagreements and turning up your empathy radar so you can move away from division and towards solutions. You'll also hear why openness must come first in any difficult dialogue, how to ladder up to a common goal to reduce friction and create alignment and why adopting an innovation mindset helps you move from conflict to future-focused collaboration. We then explore Listening 101, a practical approach to intelligent listening that supports better leader communication, how to refocus when you're distracted and how to get others' attention when they are not listening to you. Finally, we look at communicating boundaries, why saying no is hard and how to say it clearly and assertively without damaging relationships, especially in culturally diverse settings. In this episode: The elements needed to bridge challenging conversations Designing conversations with cultural intelligence Why empathy is a foundation for productive dialogue Establish openness to dialogue to reduce resistance Ways to align around a shared objective The innovation mindset that unlocks solutions Intelligent listening strategies for stronger communication Reflection Questions: Where could the challenging conversation bridge help you right now in your interactions? Which situation could benefit from intelligent listening strategies? I always enjoy hearing what resonates with you, so feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and share your reflections! If you haven't yet got your copy of my new book, Become a Global Leader, you can find it at http://www.culturecuppa.com/book - plus access the free book resources that accompany the book. And if you're already reading it and finding it valuable, I would love for you to share your Amazon review- thank you! https://mybook.to/GlobalLeader Resources: Buy my new book, Become a Global Leader: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson

There are moments in every leader's journey when reflection meets action, and for me, that moment is now. Today, on publication day for my book, Become a Global Leader, I sit down with my friend, Enfys Maloney, to talk about the leadership stories and learnings behind the book, the lessons I've learned along the way, and what true leadership really looks like behind the scenes. In this podcast episode, the tables are turned, and Enfys interviews me, exploring not only the themes of the book, but also what it means to lead, to grow, and to find your voice as a global leader. We look at the skills, mindset, and strategies required to step confidently into leadership, wherever you are in your career, and what comes next after the book! What you will learn in this episode: Behind the scenes of the book Why this book, and why now What does it mean to be a Global Leader today My personal highs and lows while writing How this book will help you What's next! Your next steps: Buy your copy today, Become a Global Leader. Kindle edition at the SPECIAL LAUNCH PRICE of £1.99 for TODAY, Monday only: https://mybook.to/GlobalLeader Resources: Buy the book: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson A huge thank you to Enfys Maloney for interviewing me for this episode, find more about her and her services here: https://www.salestrainingwithenfys.co.uk/

In this podcast episode, I'm continuing my special mini-series in the lead-up to the launch of my book, Become a Global Leader. With only one week to go until release day on 17th November, I'm diving into the 2nd of the 4 key pillars from my book: Mastering Your Clarity to Elevate Your Influence. Clarity is one of the most powerful and often underestimated skills for aspiring global leaders. In my work, I've seen that it's not only your specialist knowledge or expertise that drives your career growth and leadership impact, but how clearly and confidently you can communicate your ideas. Whether you're presenting to senior stakeholders, leading global teams, or managing complex cultural dynamics, your ability to communicate with clarity defines how others perceive your leadership. In this episode, I share insights into why clear communication can feel so challenging, to the power of structuring your thoughts under pressure, so you can elevate your influence, manage those mental blocks and communicate like a leader. What You Will Learn: Why mastering clarity is fundamental to your leadership development and global career success. The common reasons clarity feels challenging, particularly when working across cultures. Structure your thoughts to sound more articulate, concise and confident. My key principle: slow down your communication to help speed up the action. Influence with confidence by creating ideas that inspire action and alignment. When your mind goes blank and you need to quickly regain your clarity. Reflection Questions How could sharpening your communication clarity help you achieve your leadership goals? How are you positioning your ideas and recommendations in a way that lands with your key stakeholders? I'd really love to hear your thoughts. Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me what resonated most from this episode and how you're applying it in your own leadership communication. We're only a week away from the global launch of my book, Become a Global Leader on Monday 17th November 2025 at 6pm GMT (London time), and I'd love for you to join me to celebrate. This online launch event is completely free and open to everyone around the world. During the session, I'll be running a masterclass on Identifying Your Unique Leadership Signature, hosting a live Q&A where you can ask me anything about leadership, cultural intelligence and communication, and of course, we'll celebrate with some fun competitions and giveaways. Get your free ticket here: https://culturecuppa.com/book-launch Resources: Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Website:https://culturecuppa.com

Today is a very special episode as we mark the launch of my first book: Become a Global Leader, out to buy on 17th November 2025. It's been an incredible journey bringing this book to life, and I cannot wait for you to read it. Over the next four weeks, we'll be diving into the four core pillars of the book, the foundations for any ambitious global leader who wants to grow their influence, leadership presence and impact. Today, we begin with Pillar One: Empower Your Confidence. Whether you're stepping into new leadership spaces, aiming for your next promotion, or navigating a global career move, confidence isn't a "nice-to-have", it's essential. But let's be honest, it's not always easy. In fact, confidence is one of the most misunderstood elements of leadership development. In this episode, I break down the steps to sustainable confidence, and how to build it in a way that aligns with who you truly are. What You Will Learn: Why confidence is not constant, and how to work with its natural fluctuations Identifying your unique leadership value and communicating it with impact The key mindset habit to move from self-doubt to self-belief What could be holding you back and keeping you stuck Why visibility is critical to building your personal brand Practical ways to signal leadership with your presence and energy Reflection Questions: Take a few minutes after listening to reflect on these questions: On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate your confidence today? What strengths have you possibly overlooked that you should be doubling down on right now? What does your leadership identity say about you today, and is it aligned with where you're heading? Join me for the LIVE virtual book launch of Become a Global Leader on Monday, 17th November 2025 at 6PM GMT London. This event includes a live masterclass on identifying your unique leadership signature, Q&A, giveaways, and your chance to ask me your questions about leadership, career growth, and developing your communication. Register for your free ticket here: https://culturecuppa.com/book-launch/ Resources: Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Website:https://culturecuppa.com

In this latest podcast episode, I'm joined by the straight-talking Laura Barber, founder of Ripple Impact, brand storyteller and experienced brand and insight strategist with 22+ years of experience in global multibillion-dollar businesses. We explore confidence, the evolving nature of leadership across multinational corporations and entrepreneurial ventures, and why authenticity and cultural intelligence are your greatest assets in developing meaningful communication. Laura shares practical, down-to-earth advice on pushing beyond your comfort zone, mastering the physicality of confidence, and stepping into leadership without waiting for titles or validation. We also explore the power of storytelling in leadership and the importance of empathy and connection in today's global business landscape. What you'll learn in this episode: Why confidence is a practice, not an automatic state, and how to build it deliberately How to use body language and physical presence to project and cultivate confidence The myth that extroversion defines leadership, and how authenticity is your unique leadership superpower The critical role of storytelling and empathy in communication How to stop waiting for permission and start leading now Reflection Questions: In what ways are you currently stepping outside your comfort zone to grow your confidence? What physical practices might you incorporate to help project confidence in challenging situations? Where in your leadership journey are you waiting for permission, and how can you shift that into action? Laura Barber is the founder of The Ripple Impact, advising businesses on brand strategy and insights taken from her 22+ years of experience in global multibillion-dollar businesses, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Walgreens Boots and General Mills. At The Ripple Impact, she helps ambitious brands unlock the power of their story and strategy so they can make waves in their industry. They partner with visionary founders, leaders and teams to uncover the deep insights, bold thinking, and human truths that shape how brands show up in the world. Whether you're scaling a startup, evolving your positioning, or launching something new, they help you connect the dots and create impact that lasts. She is also the host of The Ripple Impact podcast, where she goes under the surface of the human stories, those ripple moments that have created waves in business and in life. Resources: Find out about my new book publication and get your exclusive invitation to the launch event: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Linktree for Laura Barber: http://linktr.ee/therippleimpact 🎧 Spotify for Laura Barber: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rsTk2Jr69lHFq0bCrc9kG?si=0d1b0e1c31e5423e ▶️ YouTube for Laura Barber: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRippleImpact 📸 Instagram for Laura Barber: https://www.instagram.com/the.ripple.impact/ 🔗 Linkedin  for Laura Barber: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurambarber/ and https://www.linkedin.com/company/therippleimpact/

Evolving your leadership today isn't only about what you achieve, it's about how you grow, how you connect, and how you show up as a whole person, both at work and in your life. In this episode, I'm joined by the dynamic and deeply insightful Sarah Perugia, Executive Leadership Master Coach, women in leadership advocate, and whole-person leadership transformation specialist. With a background in professional acting and a passion for communication, Sarah brings a bold and empowering perspective to how we develop women in leadership in a global world and create more gender equality. Together, we explore what it means to lead with your whole self, how women can overcome outdated success metrics, and how to unlock true leadership impact. Sarah shares her practical and thought-provoking ideas around redefining success, setting boundaries, and what male allies actually need to be doing to support female leadership development. What you'll learn in this episode: Why whole-person leadership matters more than ever The power of redefining success on your own terms How to spot the invisible blockers holding women back in their careers How to assert boundaries without the push back What male allies can do to support female leadership meaningfully Why intention setting transforms your communication impact instantly Reflection Questions: What does success look and feel like for you? Where are you saying "yes", and what would it take to say "no"? How do you want to show up in your next conversation, meeting or presentation? Sarah Perugia is a whole-person leadership transformation specialist and passionate Women in Leadership Master Coach, driven by the belief that true leadership encompasses more than professional success - it involves nurturing the whole person. It's about understanding and supporting the values, passions, and overall happiness of leaders so they can create incredible career success and build strong high-achieving teams. Drawing on her unique blend of professional acting and expertise in neuro-linguistic programming, Strengths and Positive Psychology, she brings a fresh approach to leadership development. She helps leaders and their teams explore what matters to them, what they are great at, and the unique value they bring with them into the room. This enables them to lead with a clear mission and result in a more profound and impactful leadership style. Resources: Find out about my new book publication and get your exclusive invitation to the launch event: https://culturecuppa.com/book/ Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Learn more about Sarah Perugia: https://sarahperugia.com/ Connect with Sarah Perugia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-perugia-leadership-coaching/ Connect with Sarah Perugia on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahperugialeadershipcoaching

Welcome to episode 150 of Cultural Communication Confidence! It's a milestone we're celebrating- thank you so much for listening, whether this is your 1st episode or your 150th! Today's topic is something timely, relevant, and let's be honest, a little bit uncomfortable: How do you lead yourself, and others, when you feel out of control? Whether you're currently navigating uncertainty, restructures, redundancies, economic or political instability, or you're supporting others through it. Whether it's happening to you directly or to someone in your circle, this conversation is about how to take practical steps forward, have agency and create movement, even when so much feels out of your hands. We talk about how to stay resilient, visible, and effective in moments that challenge your confidence and identity. What You Will Learn: Why control is an illusion, and what to focus on instead How to manage your mindset and emotional response during rapid change Practical ways to move from resistance to agency in uncertain times Shift your self-narrative Key strategies and foundations to establish What to accept and let go Reflection Questions: Take a moment after the episode to reflect on these questions, or journal on them if you prefer: Which of the strategies could help you start moving forward again? How are you supporting others while keeping your own emotional energy? Message me on LinkedIn for your free gift, a resource to strengthen your global leadership communication skills. And in celebration of 150 episodes- if this episode resonated with you, please do take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, it really helps more global leaders like you find these conversations. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact:https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released:https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website:https://culturecuppa.com

What's holding you back in your leadership communication? This week's podcast episode is a deeply personal one, as we continue the celebration of the podcast's third birthday and approach our 150th episode. Today I'm sharing not only the common blocks that I see hold people back from stepping into their leadership, but also my own story of how I overcame some of these same obstacles. If you're ambitious, experienced, and ready to grow your career and impact as a leader, but you're still holding back when it comes to being more visible, speaking up, or communicating with confidence, then this episode is for you. We'll explore the blocks such as imposter syndrome, perfectionism, the impact of cultural preferences on how you communicate, and the fears. More importantly, I'll guide you through the mindset shifts and practical reframes that can help you start to unlock your voice and show up as the leader you truly are. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why imposter syndrome is far more common than you think, and how to shift your mindset about it The perfectionism-imposter syndrome cycle, and how it sabotages your visibility and impact The critical difference between communication and performance Why 'Said is better than perfect'- stop letting fear quieten your voice Cultural intelligence to help you communicate authentically, without feeling like you need to be louder or more extroverted The truth about confidence vs. arrogance Reflection Questions: Which of these areas is holding you back the most in your leadership communication? Is there something else that's stopping you from becoming visible, confident, and impactful? To celebrate the podcast's third birthday, I have a free gift just for you, a powerful resource to help you grow your global leader communication skills. Message me directly on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson) and I'll send it your way. Let's make sure your voice is heard and your leadership is seen. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact:https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released:https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website:https://culturecuppa.com

Celebrating 3 Years of the Podcast: Leadership Lessons from Behind the Mic Today marks a major milestone, 3 years of my podcast, Cultural Communication Confidence, in the same week as International Podcast Day. In this special celebratory episode, I'm going behind the mic to reflect on the real lessons I've learned from creating nearly 150 episodes. And, more importantly, I'm sharing what those lessons mean for you as a current or future global leader. This isn't only about podcasting. It's about what I've learnt along the way about global leadership, communication, cultural intelligence and growth. What does it take to stay visible, relevant and connected? What does it mean to take action before you're 'ready'? And how do you keep leading with confidence, especially when it's not perfect? What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why your personal purpose is a non-negotiable, and how to get clearer on it How imperfect action builds real confidence and momentum Why broadcasting isn't communication, and how to invite true conversation What it means to show up with energy and presence, especially in virtual spaces Why celebration matters, and how to keep evolving and growing Reflection Questions: What is your personal purpose? Why do you do the work you do? Where are you waiting for "perfect" circumstances before taking action? What would change if you just started? How are you encouraging conversation in your team, not broadcasting? To say thank you for listening, whether it's your first episode or you've been with me from the start, I have a free gift to mark the podcast's 3rd birthday. Message me directly on LinkedIn and I'll send it over to you. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact:https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released:https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website:https://culturecuppa.com

Evolving your leadership today isn't only about strategy, goals and performance, it's about people, being real and growing through change, with all its highs and lows. In this episode, I'm joined by Sri Sharma, serial technology entrepreneur, who has founded 2 companies that have both sold to private equity, and is now a strategic advisor to B2B software and agency scale-ups. In our conversation we explore what it means to be a leader with authenticity, how to build global teams, and stay resilient and strong in moments of uncertainty and business pressure. Sri shares about how leadership is different from management, the power of truthful communication, and how to lead high-performing remote and multicultural teams. He offers brilliant insights on empathy, mentoring, and how to keep learning and evolving your leadership style. What you'll learn in this episode: Why authentic leadership creates trust and stronger teams. How to communicate truthfully during challenging moments. Growth through doing, not only thinking. Building high-performing, culturally diverse remote teams. The 2 types of empathy and how they support better leadership and mentoring. Reflection Questions: What does leading authentically look like for you What leadership habits support your growth? Boost your leadership communication skills with my free training resource to accompany the podcast, Global Leader Impact. Download it now at https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader and strengthen the key communication skills you need. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Connect with Sri Sharma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srisharma Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

If you're leading global or cross-functional teams and finding your meetings fall flat, with cameras off, periods of silence and little interaction, this episode is for you. In today's podcast, I look at the culturally-driven behavioural preferences that could be silently shaping the level of your meeting engagement. Whether you're hearing from only one or two dominant voices, or struggling to encourage participation at all, this isn't only a communication issue, it's a cultural one. I share how understanding and applying your Cultural Intelligence (CQ) can transform your meetings from disengaged to dynamic. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why silence in meetings doesn't always mean disinterest. Which behavioural preferences shape who speaks up in the meeting. The impact of power distance and hierarchy on meeting dynamics. The behavioural preferences that can cause friction or frustration. Practical ways to design more engaging meetings to encourage contribution and participation. How to use Cultural Intelligence to build team connection and collaboration. Reflection Questions: Which of the behavioural preferences do you recognise in yourself? What preferences might be influencing your team's meeting dynamic? To go further and explore more of the communication skills every global leader needs, download my free resource: Global Leader Impact. It's designed to help you lead with clarity and cultural intelligence: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

In this podcast episode, I'm tackling one of the biggest time drains for global leaders: ineffective meetings. We've all sat through meetings that drift with no clear outcome. But with the right communication strategy, your meetings can become high-impact spaces that drive action, connection, and leadership growth. In this episode, I share my practical 5 Ps framework for meeting clarity, a tool I use with my clients who want to lead with purpose and build connection. This is how to stop wasting time and start getting results. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The real cost of ineffective meetings, and what to do about it. Why clarity is essential for leadership communication and global team impact. The 5 Ps and how to use them. Simple strategies to put them into practice. How to prepare quickly and effectively, even when time is tight. Reflection Questions: How much clarity do your meetings currently have? Which of the 5 Ps could help you shift from drift to direction? What will you do differently to make your next meeting count? For more on developing the communication skills every global leader needs, explore my free training resource Global Leader Impact. Download it now at: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

In this podcast episode, I'm diving back into a crucial but often overlooked communication skill: active listening. It sounds simple, but in reality, truly listening, especially in fast-paced, distraction-heavy environments, is far from easy. Whether you're in a virtual meeting or face-to-face, your ability to listen well is a key part of your global leadership impact, helping you build trust, demonstrate emotional and cultural intelligence. We explore what it means to make a conscious choice to listen, how to manage the distractions that pull your attention away, and why showing you're listening (even without speaking) is essential for career growth and leadership development. What you'll learn in this episode: Why active listening is a cornerstone of effective communication. The three types of distractions you need to manage. How to show you're fully present, through body language and non-verbal cues. What "intelligent listening" looks like, and how to read between the lines. Simple techniques to bring your focus back when your mind drifts. Reflection Questions: How intentional are you about listening in meetings and conversations? What distracts you most, and how could you manage that better? Which strategy will you try first to strengthen your listening skills? For more on developing the communication skills every global leader needs, don't forget to explore my free training resource Global Leader Impact. Download it now at: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader  Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

AI, automation and rapid digital change have transformed work, but what does this mean for the future of leadership? In this episode, I'm joined by Zahra Shah, AI expert and leader, to explore the leadership, communication and cultural skills leaders now need to grow and adapt to. We talk about the ethical and practical sides of AI, how to adopt it effectively in your organisation, and why strong human skills like empathy, cultural intelligence and critical thinking will define the next generation of leadership. Zahra also shares her inspiring journey to becoming a director on several boards, encouraging and supporting diverse women into leadership, and her own leadership lessons, including how she built resilience through challenge and change. What you'll learn in this episode: How to lead effectively alongside AI. Practical and responsible ways to start integrating AI. Why emotional intelligence, empathy and critical thinking matter more than ever. Resilience lessons through challenge and change. Supporting diverse voices through culturally intelligent leadership. Reflection Questions: How are you adapting your leadership for AI? What skills do you need to grow for the future? Boost your leadership communication skills with my free training resource to accompany the podcast, Global Leader Impact. Download it now athttps://www.culturecuppa.com/leader and strengthen the key communication skills you need. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Connect with Zahra Shah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahra-shah Follow Zahra Shah on X (Twitter): https://x.com/ZahraSh00153113 Follow Zahra Shah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zahra_o_shah/?hl=en Connect with Zahra Shah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zahra.shah.1694/ Follow Zahra Shah on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@zahrashah9750 Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

When your idea, recommendation or initiative needs a 'yes', but you're hitting a block, it's not only about repeating yourself or speaking louder. It's about how you frame your message. In today's podcast episode, I explore a powerful, practical approach for professionals who want to influence more effectively in their organisations. Drawing on my work with leaders navigating complex, multicultural environments, I share 6 key positioning frames that help you communicate your ideas and connect more strategically with your audience, elevate your message and get the buy-in you need. What you'll learn in this episode: The six Influence Frames and when to use them. Why framing is essential for fast-changing, high-stakes environments. How to align your message so it lands and connects. Understanding the value for internal and external stakeholders. Reflection questions to consider: What project or idea do you need support for right now? Which of the six frames resonates most? This is about your leadership communication and I'd love to hear how you apply these frames to your current challenges, message me directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriarennoldson/ to let me know. To go deeper and strengthen your Global Leadership communication skills, download Global Leader Impact, my free training resource to accompany this podcast, at https://culturecuppa.com/leader . Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Let's face into a topic that's on many minds right now: how to genuinely stand out and communicate your value in a highly competitive and rapidly changing job market. With widespread layoffs, redundancies and restructures, and evolving hiring processes increasingly influenced by AI screening, simply updating your CV or LinkedIn profile won't cut it anymore. Instead, standing out starts much earlier, with self-leadership and knowing your unique value. In this latest podcast episode, I share practical strategies to help you identify your core talents, reflect on your career highs and lows, and align your job search with what truly brings you joy and purpose. By embracing this approach, you can build a compelling personal career narrative that will resonate deeply. What you'll learn in this episode: Why standing out begins with self-leadership. How to recognise and articulate your unique talents and strengths. The importance of mapping your career highs and lows. Understand your individual leadership style. Owning your career narrative. Reflection Questions: What unique talents and strengths truly set you apart as a global leader? How have your career challenges shaped you? Boost your leadership communication skills further with my free training resource to accompany this podcast, Global Leader Impact. Download it now at https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader and deepen your development in key leadership communication areas essential for career growth and impact. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Navigating redundancy with resilience, the evolving role of AI in the workplace, and what impactful learning and development looks like in today's hybrid, fast-moving world. In this podcast episode I am joined by Learning & Development specialist, Valerie Merrill, who shares her personal journey of being made redundant multiple times, how it led her to becoming her own boss, and why she believes redundancy can be a pivotal moment for reflection, reinvention, and growth. We explore the realities of transition, if you're considering starting a business, adapting to AI-led change, and why inclusive, human-focused Learning & Development design is more essential than ever. With over 35 years in training across industries, Valerie has a wealth of experience and knowledge identifying the right learning interventions to achieve team and organisational goals in learning and development, while focusing on return on investment. What you'll learn in this episode: How to reframe redundancy as an opportunity rather than a setback. Practical strategies for staying resilient and taking action in uncertain times. How to assess whether running your own business is the right move. Where AI is making the biggest impact in learning and workplace communication. Why inclusive, adaptive learning design matters more than ever. Reflection Questions: How do you respond to unexpected change: do you resist it or explore it? Could moments of uncertainty be your opportunity to grow or pivot? Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader Connect with Valerie Merrill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrillvalerie/ Visit Valerie Merrill's website: https://www.merrillconsultants.com/ Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

In this episode of the podcast, I explore a vital, current topic: how AI tools can genuinely support and enhance your communication skills as a global leader. This is not about replacing you, but rather empowering and improving the way you communicate. Drawing on real-world examples, hands-on experimentation, and what the latest research is saying, I break down how to use these tools effectively, and importantly, what not to do with AI. In this episode, you'll learn: AI supports, it's not there to replace your communication skills. Why AI can give productivity boosts that are a game-changer for leaders. What it means to use AI as a 'thinking partner' and 'download partner'. The critical do's and don'ts when integrating AI into your communication. How to maintain your humanity, tone of voice and presence while using AI. Reflection questions to consider: Which of the AI uses shared in this episode will you try next? How can you maintain your personal communication style while using AI tools? What boundaries do you need in place to use AI effectively? Download your free leadership resource to accompany the podcast, Global Leader Impact, to continue developing your future communication skills: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/ Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

Communication is your most powerful tool as a leader. It's how you share your vision, engage your team, influence decisions, and build your personal brand. From one-to-one conversations to addressing large audiences, your communication style shapes your leadership presence and determines your career trajectory. In this podcast episode, we dive deep into the communication skills that are essential for today's and tomorrow's global leaders. Whether you're a seasoned expert or stepping up into leadership, mastering these skills is the key to maximising your impact through the way you communicate, with the opportunity to accelerate your career. What you will learn in this episode: Structure and articulate your ideas with clarity, ensuring your message lands exactly as intended. Handle challenging conversations, from conflict resolution to giving and receiving feedback. The importance of connection and cultural intelligence in building trust and collaboration across your team. Communicating with confidence, especially during times of transition or uncertainty. Key reflection questions for you: Which of these communication skills - clarity, challenging conversations, connection, and confidence - is your current strength? Where do you see your biggest development opportunity in leadership communication? What is your next step to enhance your communication skills and grow your leadership impact? For those wanting to deepen their learning, I have a free resource, Global Leader Impact, that explores these topics further. Access it anytime at: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader Remember, your ability to communicate effectively as a global leader will influence your career growth, the impact you have on your teams, and your leadership legacy. Start honing these skills today. Get in touch if you would like my help to transform your communication into your greatest asset: https://culturecuppa.com/contact/ Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/ Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com

How do you get noticed by senior leaders when you're getting ready for promotion?  How do you communicate your value beyond your local team or region? In this latest podcast, I'll guide you through the practical steps to grow your visibility and impact, even before you're ready for that next career move. This is not about shortcuts or quick wins. It's about investing in your career visibility strategies now, so you can confidently be ready for future leadership opportunities. This is your chance to build connections and put yourself on the radar for global leadership roles. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Leadership mindset before job title. Flag your ambition strategically. Mentorship and how to find the right mentor. Research missions as a part of your plan. Strategic networking to raise your profile. Practical, low-barrier actions you can take today to become more visible. Key Reflection Questions: What does becoming a global leader mean to you personally and professionally? Where are you already showing leadership, even without the title? Who could you reach out to for a 20-minute conversation to broaden your perspective? Ready to go further? Download your free leadership resource to accompany the podcast here: https://www.culturecuppa.com/leader. You'll get short, practical training to help you deepen your communication skills, grow your leadership confidence and create more impact in your career. Resources: Access my free resource: Global Leader Impact: https://culturecuppa.com/leader To follow Simon Olsen and learn more about his work, find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-olsen-582aa74/ Sign up to receive future episodes of the podcast as soon as they are released: https://culturecuppa.com/get-free-insights Follow me on LinkedIn for more strategies, skills and tips: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-rennoldson Email me: victoria@culturecuppa.com Website: https://culturecuppa.com