Great leadership starts with connecting as a person, not commanding from a position. In this episode, Karin Reed is joined by Mark Carpenter, the best-selling author of “Lead Like a Person, Not a Position,” to discuss how leaders can prioritize human connection over authority. Mark shares the personal regrets that fueled his mission to help leaders avoid the pitfalls of positional power and lead with empathy and humanity.

Through a career anecdote, Mark points out the consequences of leadership that’s rooted in authority—damaged trust, strained relationships, and high turnover—and explains why treating team members as people rather than subordinates is essential in today’s knowledge-based economy.

Mark introduces three actionable behaviors for leading like a person: listening intently to understand issues fully, communicating clearly to build trust, and recognizing contributions in meaningful ways. These habits do not only strengthen teams but also foster environments where people thrive.

The episode also tackles the challenge of leading authentically in cultures that reward hierarchy. Mark provides insights on whether those environments align with a leader’s values and shares a success story of a leader who embraced these principles to build a solid team.

Mark’s final takeaway? Leadership is a choice. Be intentional about the legacy you want to create.

Quotes

• “The times that I had the most regrets about were the times when I treated people less well than they deserve. I didn't treat people like the people they deserve to be treated like.” (01:56 | Mark Carpenter)
• “If you’re not listening intently, you are likely, as a leader, to come up with a brilliant solution to the wrong problem.” (11:45 | Mark Carpenter)
• “You can’t hold people accountable for behaviors that you haven’t made clear to them. And so, communicating intentionally is being really clear about what those expectations are.” (16:13 | Mark Carpenter)
• “Be intentional and conscious about who you want to be as a leader and what legacy you want to leave behind as a leader.” (25:34 | Mark Carpenter)

Links

Connect with Mark Carpenter:

Website: LeadLikeAPerson.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-carpenter-0b55221/

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

"If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." says John Cerqueira, founder of Pinwheel Associates. In this episode, John joins Karin Reed to explore the art of leading through change and communicating that well, offering strategies to ensure that transitions are not only understood but embraced.

John introduces the ADKAR model—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement—as a practical framework for engaging employees and sustaining progress.

Can leaders balance the logistics of change with the human element? John believes they can. By prioritizing transparency, fostering buy-in, and reinforcing initiatives, leaders can turn resistance into alignment. He shares a case study from a global pharmaceutical company that successfully implemented change through thoughtful communication and consistent follow-through.

John also reflects on his personal experience running for public office, applying principles like gratitude, service, and abundance to manage uncertainty and build trust.

Whether you’re leading a team through a significant shift or planning for future changes, this episode offers practical advice to help you inspire confidence, manage uncertainty, and create meaningful impact.

Quotes

• "If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." (9:44 | John Cerqueira)
• “The fundamental model that I rely on is a model of call it: gratitude, service, and abundance, to offset and neutralize the natural fear of change and to make way for us to operate in terms of service, which is really the path, the motive that allows us to show up as our best selves.” (23:05 | John Cerqueira)
• "It is super important to recognize the human emotional element. We are emotional creatures, not just because we've been groomed to be that way from a physiological perspective." (28:37 | John Cerqueira)
• “Recognizing that every individual, when they experience change, is prone to feeling threatened is particularly important. And I don't mean you have to pull punches, but just recognizing that to manage your messaging, recognizing that to manage the frustration that I see a lot of leaders feeling when they think, ‘Gosh, this is so simple. Why doesn't everyone just follow this path?’ is helpful for everybody.” (29:25 | John Cerqueira)

Links

Connect with John Cerqueira:

Website: pinwheelassociates.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cerqueira-5a22963/

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“One of my favorite things about doing this podcast has been the opportunity to learn new things. And I hope that you've had the same opportunity as well in listening to these conversations. I'm really excited to continue the conversation next year with all of you,” shares Karin Reed, as she reflects on the podcast’s journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from listeners and takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from episodes from the past year.

Karin revisits her conversation with Matt Abrahams, who reframed small talk as a meaningful opportunity for connection, and J.D. Schramm, who highlighted the power of storytelling to make data relatable. She also shares Guy Kawasaki’s perspective on taking action and making decisions right, Dorie Clark’s advice to pursue what captivates you for personal and professional fulfillment, and Julia Korn’s strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through vulnerability and intentional self-reflection.

This episode is both a celebration of growth and a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Karin invites listeners to carry these insights forward and share their communication challenges for future episodes as she prepares to welcome new guests and fresh perspectives for 2025.

Quotes

• "We have to rebrand small talk. Big things happen during small talk. We connect, we collaborate, we build trust, future relationships." (01:43 | Matt Abrahams)
• "You first have to understand the data and then you have to figure out a narrative that lets other people understand it." (06:07 | J.D. Schramm)
• "If you want to be remarkable, the way you do that is you make a difference. You make the world a better place." (09:11 | Guy Kawasaki)
• “If you're optimizing for interesting, you're choosing things that are genuinely meaningful and cool to you. It doesn't have to be meaningful to society in the sense of like you're saving a life every day, but I mean, it could be. It's something that is interesting enough to you that it almost feels like its own reward.” (Dorie Clark | 14:05)
• "Imposter syndrome loves shame. That's its breeding ground. It loves secrecy." (16:10 | Julia Korn)

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes,” says Mark Graban, the creator of the “My Favorite Mistake” podcast and author of “The Mistakes That Make Us.” How can leaders move from blaming to learning? In this episode, Mark joins Karin Reed to discuss how confident humility—the skill of admitting mistakes while preserving credibility—can transform workplace culture into a space for innovation and growth instead of fear and judgment.

Mark reflects on lessons from his podcast, where his guests share how they turned their missteps into meaningful progress. He challenges the idea that punishment leads to improvement, and suggests that it often results in hidden errors and repeated problems. Can mistakes be viewed as opportunities to build stronger systems rather than as failures?

This episode points out how psychological safety, openness, and systemic thinking can empower teams to speak up, address issues, and create lasting change. Whether you’re leading a team or reflecting on your own mistakes, Mark and Karin's conversation offers insights that can help you transform your setbacks into success.

Quotes

• “There’s this combination I’d call confident humility. You have to be confident enough to realize that sharing a story won’t ruin your reputation, but it might benefit others who are afraid or uncomfortable admitting mistakes to themselves or their employees.” (05:47 | Mark Graban)
• “Mistakes are, by definition, unintentional. We’re doing something we think is the right thing, and it could be due to a mental lapse, a physical slip-up, or a bad assumption. A mistake, large or small, is by definition unintended. When we punish mistakes, it teaches people to hide and cover them up. Then, we’re doomed to repeat them or fail to learn from them.” (10:54 | Mark Graban)
• “Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes.” (15:21 | Mark Graban)
• “There’s a lesson from entrepreneurship of stating your assumptions and realizing, ‘Okay, we’re going to go do something now. We’re testing an assumption. We could be wrong, and that’s okay.’ So, I think if we almost expect mistakes to happen, especially if we’re entrepreneurs or doing new things, launching a new podcast, we almost have to expect it, invite it, and reflect and learn the best we can.” (32:47 | Mark Graban)

Links

Connect with Mark Graban:

Website: http://markgraban.com/

Book: https://mistakesbook.com/

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over,” says Maggie Miller, Speaker Dynamics’ communication coach and tech specialist, as she joins Karin Reed to discuss how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is reshaping presentation skills. Maggie shares how tools like ChatGPT save time, spark creativity, and even offer real-time feedback for presenters looking to refine their delivery.

Can AI enhance your storytelling without losing the human connection? Maggie believes it can. By treating AI as a “sous chef”—a helper for the heavy lifting—presenters can stay focused on authenticity and emotional connection. She also addresses ethical considerations, including data privacy and the importance of fact-checking, while offering practical tips on crafting effective prompts to get the most out of AI.

Starting small is key. Maggie suggests taking small steps, experimenting with AI for simple tasks, and gradually discovering its potential. For those ready to take the next step, Karin introduces Speaker Dynamics’ latest offering: “Using Generative AI for Powerful Presentations,” a program Maggie designed to help individuals and teams confidently enhance their communication skills using AI. Discover more at www.speakerdynamics.com/bonuscontent/

Quotes

• “I think there are really three main benefits for using generative AI for creating powerful presentations… There are tools out there that give you a platform to practice presenting and get real time feedback. And so, this is just another way that you can use these types of tools to become a better presenter.” (04:24 | Maggie Milles)
• “AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over… Think of it as a sous chef—it’s really there to help you with those time-consuming tasks so you can focus more on the big picture.” (07:52 | Maggie Miller)
• “The art is really about being very detailed about what you want. So, let’s say that you wanted to create an outline for a presentation. If you’re writing that prompt, you want to put in there: what is the topic that you want to be talking about? Do you have any time constraints or character constraints that it needs to consider? Are there any other nuances that you want it to take into consideration? I would say the biggest one that I always add to my prompts is: who is my audience?” (19:13 | Maggie Miller)
• “I always say start small. Go to ChatGPT and ask it a simple question… The thing about ChatGPT and these other tools is the more you use it, the more it starts to mimic your behavior, whether you think that’s good or bad. The more you work with it, you’re basically training it to be more like yourself… Don’t be afraid. Give it a try.” (20:41 | Maggie Miller)

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Retaining your power in virtual communication means building a presence that resonates and holds influence, even from behind a screen. So, how do we adjust our approach to make sure our impact truly connects in virtual settings?

In this episode, Karin Reed unpacks what it takes to communicate powerfully online. Reflecting on a colleague’s observation that 80% of people appear significantly more powerful in person than online, Karin explains how small adjustments can elevate virtual presence. True influence in the digital space is created by intentionally shaping how you show up.

Karin shares five practices for retaining power online—from staying visible and speaking up to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere with small talk. Do you find it easy to connect through a screen, or does it feel like a barrier? Karin suggests that everything—your position on camera, lighting, sound, even background—impacts your digital impression.

Treating the camera as a direct link to others can transform virtual interactions and create a sense of connection and trust that feels almost face-to-face. Focusing energy through the lens is more than a technical adjustment; it can powerfully build genuine connections. For anyone aiming to leave a lasting impression in the virtual room, Karin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on communicating with strength and authenticity online.

Quotes

• “In order to be powerful in the medium that you have available to you, you have to understand that there’s nuance and things that you have to change in order to ensure that you can have as much presence as possible in the room as that room allows you.” (02:20 | Karin Reed)
• “Recognize if your goal is to be powerful in that room. So if your goal is to have influence and impact over the decisions that are being made or to inspire people to take action, having the video on is a critical component of that.” (03:16 | Karin Reed)
• “Your digital impression might be the only impression that people have of you. So you owe it to them to make sure it’s a good one. You want them to be able to communicate with you as easily as possible without distraction, but you owe it to yourself because you want what is appearing on the screen here to be a good reflection of your personal leadership brand, a personal leadership brand that you want to be powerful as.” (14:11 | Karin Reed)
• “Focus on connecting with your conversation partners—not just spouting information at them, but connecting with them by injecting humanity into the way you interact and encouraging conversation and dialogue. Be as authentic as you possibly can be… The camera does change everything, but it should not change you.” (21:56 | Karin Reed)

Links

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Personal power is something that starts from the inside and radiates out,” says Chris Lipp, the author of “The Science of Personal Power.” He joins Karin Reed to discuss the core of what it really means to harness your own power. How do we influence others and lead effectively when power isn’t about titles or control but something we cultivate internally? Chris explains that personal power is rooted in our beliefs about ourselves—and how owning that can change everything.

Through engaging stories, including an example of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s rise to leadership, Chris shows how taking responsibility, even in tough moments, strengthens our power and earns respect. But what happens when we give our power away? Chris introduces the “four horsemen” of blame, proving ourselves, reactivity, and seeking approval—behaviors that can slowly chip away at the confidence we project. Are we inadvertently undermining our own power without even realizing it?

Tune in to gain practical insights on how to show up with strength in everyday situations. Whether you’re overcoming a challenging work environment or leading a team, Chris’s advice on building personal power from within is a game-changer. If you’ve ever wondered how to command respect without forcing it, this episode is for you!

Quotes

• “Personal power is something that starts from the inside and radiates out.” (03:14 | Chris Lipp)
• “People who feel powerful on the inside, they take responsibility for things because they feel they have control on the outside.” (05:56 | Chris Lipp)
• “In the process of trying to persuade somebody, you’re actually showing that you lack power, and then they’re going to take you less seriously.” (08:42 | Chris Lipp)
• “Personal power is our own belief in our capability to create impact. So, it’s our belief about ourselves and our own capability to create impact. And of course, the platitude, when we believe in ourselves, we can do anything, but it's scientifically accurate, which is when we believe in ourselves, we show up differently in a way that makes everybody else believe in us.” (12:22 | Chris Lipp)
• “The more we really look to the outside and wait for the outside to empower us, the more we're actually giving our power away.” (28:55 | Chris Lipp)

Links

Connect with Chris Lipp:

https://courses.speakvalue.com/book-bonuses

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

“Leading yourself is about controlling the controllable. And sometimes that is your own mindset and only your own mindset,” says Elizabeth Lotardo, a consultant, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of “Leading Yourself.” She joins Karin Reed in this episode to talk about the power of self-leadership and how it enables anyone, no matter their role, to take charge of their work life. She focuses on the idea that while you can’t always control external factors, like your boss or workplace changes, you can control how you respond.

How often do we let external pressures dictate how we feel or perform? Elizabeth challenges that mindset and encourages listeners to focus on what’s within their power—shifting their perspective, building stronger relationships, and managing their own behaviors. She shares practical tips for dealing with things like micromanagers, fears about AI taking over jobs, and the stress of reorganizations, pointing out that a proactive mindset can change everything.

This episode offers a simple but impactful takeaway: “You’re never powerless.” By leading yourself, you can take control of how you show up, even in tough situations. It’s a skill that not only helps you overcome the challenges of work but one that you can carry with you for life.

Quotes

• “Leading yourself is about controlling the controllable. And sometimes that is your own mindset and only your own mindset.” (02:34 | Elizabeth Lotardo)
• “Leading yourself is a simple shift, but it’s not easy to execute. When you do, it shows up in a million little ways. But the ultimate crux of it is shifting from worrying about what’s outside of our control to focusing on what’s inside of our control. And that is empowering.” (03:37 | Elizabeth Lotardo)
• “AI is so scary. ‘I wonder if it’s going to take my job? Both of us are in the content business. That is a very real threat. This is my chance to lean into my uniquely human skills. This is my chance to build more authentic relationships. This is my chance to define my voice even more specifically. Pointing your brain to what you can control instead of sitting in what you can’t is the only way you’re going to lift out of that.” (09:23 | Elizabeth Lotardo)
• “The takeaway of leading yourself is you are never powerless. Even in the face of rapidly changing technology, even if you’re working for a leader who isn’t great, even if your company is a little bit behind, you are never powerless. The way you show up for your mindset, your behaviors, and your relationships has the biggest impact on the success you do or do not achieve.” (23:56 | Elizabeth Lotardo)

Links

Connect with Elizabeth Lotardo:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlotardo/

Website: https://www.elizabethlotardo.com

Connect with Karin Reed:

Website: www.speakerdynamics.com

Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/

Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/

Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm