logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2025
32m 15s

194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadersh...

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
About this episode

Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.

Episode Reference Links:

Connect:

Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:44) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
  • (04:46) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
  • (06:46) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
  • (11:10) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
  • (13:45) - Using AI in Teaching and Research
  • (21:06) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
  • (23:01) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
  • (25:50) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room
  • (28:39) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
  • (30:32) - Conclusion

 ********
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.  

Up next
Aug 21
224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry
Why modern communication still relies on ancient words and narratives.All communication and connection depend on one thing: language. That’s why Laura Spinney says understanding language — where it comes from and how it evolves over time — can help us use it more effectively.“Lan ... Show More
23m 29s
Aug 19
223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection
By lightening up your communication, you can build serious connections.Humor in communication isn’t all fun and games. According to Alison Wood Brooks and Naomi Bagdonas, levity is one of the most serious tools we have in building successful connections.Wood Brooks and Bagdonas, ... Show More
23m 41s
Aug 12
222. Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most
Some conversations are uncomfortable, but avoiding them comes with a cost.You want a more successful career, a more fulfilling relationship, a more meaningful life? What if all that’s standing in your way — are the conversations that you’re avoiding?“Most things that we want in l ... Show More
24m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 25
?️Mentorship, Leadership & Mindset Growth with Marcus Gurske | Speak English Clearly & Confidently at Work
In this inspiring episode of the Real English Conversations Podcast, Curtis reconnects with longtime friend and leadership strategist Marcus Gurske to explore how international professionals can lead with purpose, mentor with impact, and communicate clearly in English — even unde ... Show More
23m 56s
Aug 2024
Become a Leader-Communicator
As John Maxwell says, “A leader that can communicate maximizes his or her leadership potential.” Communication is a multiplier of potential. That means today’s lesson from John on becoming an effective leader-communicator will help you exponentially increase your impact! After hi ... Show More
35m 6s
Oct 2024
How to Be a REAL Success (Part 1)
In this episode, leadership expert John Maxwell shares the first two of four transformative lessons that can significantly improve your life and leadership. Drawing from his years of experience and learning from leaders ahead of him, John reveals actionable insights to elevate yo ... Show More
38m 46s
Sep 2024
Struggling to Influence as a Leader? Executive Communication in English for Instant Impact and Trust
🤩Join our 1-Year Communication Skills BOOTCAMP 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🏆EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE MASTERCLASS 🏆 https://academy.explearning.co/plans/1434245 Are you struggling to influen ... Show More
1h 10m
Apr 2025
398: 5 Signs You're Undervalued at Work & How to Reclaim Your Identity for Long-Term Success
In today’s episode you’ll discover how to know if you’re being undervalued at work and what to do about it.Many top talent professionals are burning out not because of a lack of ability, but because they’re stuck in environments that don’t see or leverage their full value. In thi ... Show More
30m 52s
Oct 2024
How to Be a REAL Success (Part 2)
Looking to become a more effective leader and add more value to others? This episode is packed with leadership insights and personal growth strategies! John Maxwell, renowned leadership expert, shares two of the final four principles that will help you grow both personally and pr ... Show More
39m 21s
May 3
Why Leaders Ignore Your Ideas (And How to Pitch Without Overwhelming Them)
Boost your Communication Skills and get the life and job you want🤩 ⁠https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891⁠Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠Ever feel like your brilliant ideas get lost or ignored when presenting to senior leade ... Show More
8m 32s
Jun 4
Turn Bad into Better: How to Grow From Tough Experiences
How can you take something bad and make it better? In today’s episode, John C. Maxwell answers this question and shares a lesson on how you can grow from tough experiences! After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson sit down to discuss what John shared and give you practical ... Show More
29m 54s
Jun 2024
How to Become a Great Leader with David Novak
Unlock the Secrets of Leadership Mastery with Ed Mylett and David Novak! Leadership isn't just a role; it's a journey of constant learning and adaptation. This week, I'm excited to host David Novak, the legendary co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, on a deep dive into the d ... Show More
1h 5m
Oct 2024
702: Moving Past Transactional and Towards Relational, with Jonathan Raymond
Jonathan Raymond: Good Authority Jonathan Raymond is the founder of Refound and Ren AI. He helps leaders make work a better place, one conversation at a time. He’s the author of the book Good Authority: How to Become the Leader Your Team Is Waiting for and hosts the podcast of th ... Show More
39m 16s