logo
episode-header-image
Aug 23
28m 38s

3395: Communication Skills Every Tech Le...

NEIL C. HUGHES
About this episode

What do you do when your technical brilliance doesn’t translate into clear, compelling communication? That’s where Salvatore Manzi comes in. With a background in business communication and a career spent coaching leaders across tech, finance, and global policy, Salvatore helps bold thinkers bring clarity and connection to even the most complex ideas.

In this episode, we talk about the communication challenges that many technical leaders face—especially when speaking to non-technical stakeholders. Whether you’re leading a product team, presenting in a high-stakes board meeting, or trying to assert your voice in a fast-paced discussion, Salvatore offers practical strategies that go far beyond public speaking tips. His insights are grounded in two decades of real-world experience, from coaching TEDx speakers and United Nations delegates to guiding SVPs through business model pivots and helping raise hundreds of millions in funding.

We explore how data-driven leaders can use storytelling without compromising accuracy, how to manage energy and presence when nerves kick in, and what leadership looks like when you lean more analytical than charismatic. Salvatore shares a refreshing take on body language, framing it not as performance but as a tool for genuine alignment between your message and your intention.

We also dig into the nuance of communicating uncertainty—how to be honest and credible without losing influence. For anyone in a technical role looking to lead more effectively, this episode is packed with insight. Salvatore’s mission is to help people speak with clarity and lead with authenticity. After this conversation, you may just find yourself doing both a little differently.

Up next
Yesterday
3446: How Atlassian Is Redefining Teamwork with AI at Team 25
What happens when the future of teamwork collides with the power of AI? That’s the question at the heart of this episode as Tiffany from Atlassian joins me from Barcelona during Team 25, where Atlassian is showcasing how AI-powered collaboration is redefining how work gets done. ... Show More
34m 26s
Oct 7
3445: Why AI Won’t Replace Human Testers at Jalasoft
As AI tools race into every corner of software development, a simple question keeps coming back to me. Will AI replace human testers, or will it force us to rethink what great testing looks like in the first place. In today’s conversation, I talk with Santiago Komadina Geffroy, a ... Show More
24m 34s
Oct 6
3444: Mews on Why Hotel Tech Underperforms and How to Fix It
Here’s the thing. Most of us still picture a hotel lobby with a counter, a queue, and someone typing furiously while we wait after a long flight. In this episode, I sit with Richard Valtr, founder of Mews, to ask whether that scene is quietly fading. Backed by Tiger Global, Goldm ... Show More
33m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
370: This One Leadership Communication Skill Builds MASSIVE Influence Faster than ANY Other
That moment when someone throws a question your way in a meeting? Don’t see it as a pop quiz or even a test. In reality, it's your golden opportunity. As a high-performing leader, you’re already fielding tough questions in meetings, presentations, or even podcast interviews. But ... Show More
9m 33s
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
Jan 2025
360: The One Thing To Be Instantly Clear & Concise, To Get Noticed as a Leader in Key Meetings from Charisma A-lister Steve Jobs
If your audience doesn’t walk away remembering one thing from what you’ve said in that meeting or presentation, you failed. You may have lost credibility as a leader.High-performing leaders like you face razor-thin executive attention spans, and in today’s fast-paced business wor ... Show More
10m 11s
Mar 2021
[057] How to Speak Like a Leader at Work
How to speak like a leader at work. As you advance into leadership, you’ll be required to use a different style of communication in the workplace. You will need to move away from the style of communication you used early on in your career and adopt a more assertive and confident ... Show More
19m 8s
Aug 2024
Elevate Your Leadership - Communication Skills for New Managers
In this episode, we'll dive into essential communication strategies that new managers need to master. We'll explore key behaviors from Google's Project Oxygen—namely, being a good communicator and having a clear vision for your team. Effective communication isn't just about shari ... Show More
9m 25s
Jul 2024
How to Speak Like an Executive: Top Communication Secrets for Leaders
Sign up for group coaching and feedback sessions 🎤 ⁠https://academy.explearning.co/plans/412279⁠ Join our community 🤩 ⁠https://academy.explearning.co/plans/351413⁠ In this episode, we explore the vital components of effective executive communication. Learn how to align your wor ... Show More
9m 43s
Feb 2024
The Most Effective Communication Skills For Managers with Glenn Pasch
In the dynamic world of management, effective communication is not just a skill, but a cornerstone of successful leadership. Whether you're leading a small team or an entire organization, your ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and empathetically can make all the d ... Show More
20m 30s
Dec 2024
337: 3 Tips to Deliver a Killer Presentation That Makes You Unforgettable and Your Executive Presence Unquestionable
They already know what you’re going to say. That’s why you fail at influence.As a high-performing leader, you’re already juggling countless responsibilities, but here’s the thing: uninspired communication costs you credibility, opportunities, and executive presence.  In today’s f ... Show More
11m 22s
Nov 2024
Ep 65 Stop Making These 3 Mistakes If You Want to Speak Like a Leader
In this webinar, I break down 3 actionable strategies to help non-native English speakers build confidence, communicate with clarity and connect with colleagues and peers in any leadership role. Whether you're looking to improve your professional influence, make your ideas heard, ... Show More
53m 9s
Jan 2025
358: The Missed Leadership Opportunity To Inspire Employees that No One Talks About → Use THIS to Your Advantage!
Discover the secret weapon most leaders overlook—a simple yet transformative tool that can inspire loyalty, rally teams, and define your legacy with just a few impactful words.If you're a high-performing leader striving for recognition and influence, understanding how to craft an ... Show More
10m 9s