PowerSpeaking Podcast

Best-Practice Communication for Technical Leaders

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0800

In this podcast, we’ll join host CEO Carrie Beckstrom and her expert panelist, Gwen Acton, PhD, author of “Leadership for Scientists and Engineers,” as they explore strategies and concrete actions to help leaders and managers of technical teams model clear, confident, and effective communication.

Navigate Your Career in 2026 and Beyond

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0800

If ever there was a time to seek guidance in charting (or changing) your career course, the AI era is it. Join us for our first PowerSpeaking Live! of 2026, as host CEO Carrie Beckstrom and her expert panelist, Shveta Miglani, PhD, author of “Navigating Your Career,” share invaluable insights and advice for making smart career moves in these uncertain—and yet exciting—times.

Panelist:

Shveta Miglani, PhD: HR Talent Leader/Learning & Development Executive and Author of "Navigate Your Career: Strategies for Success for New Roles and Promotions."

From Anxious to Authentic: Unlock the Joys of ‘Small Talk’

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 15:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we explore how to turn small talk into meaningful conversations and connections.

Panelists Include:

Susan RoAne: Keynote speaker and author of the bestselling book, “How to Work a Room.”

Speaking Up: How to Steer Executive-Level Discussions

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0800

In this episode we explore why executive presentations aren't one-way monologues, but complex conversations where influence is earned. We'll discuss practical strategies for keeping high-level discussions on track, helping leaders develop the agility to flex in the moment and drive meaningful impact.

Panelists Include:

Bianca Wong: Regional Vice President, Fedex

Gillian Fox: Managing Director, Gillian Fox Leadership

Joan Collar: Chief Commercial Officer, Marsh McLennan Asia

Proven Frameworks That Make You a Better Communicator

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we explore how proven frameworks and tools can help you become a better presenter and communicator.

Panelists Include:

Deb Aliprandi: Facilitator and Executive Communication Coach

John Warren: PowerSpeaking Facilitator and Coach

Leading Through Change: Why Communication Makes or Breaks Success

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we explore how best-practice communication can engage, inform, build trust, and inspire buy-in from employees across the organization during times of change.

Panelists Include:

Donna Faria: Communications and Marketing Consultant

Beth Zampieri: Vice President, Project Management, WSFS Bank

How Improv Can Transform Your Speaking Skills

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode we’ll explore how improvisation skills can help you communicate in the workplace, from presentations and talks, to participating in meetings.

Panelists Include:

Vince Ricci: Owner, VincePrep.com

Jess Rogers: Facilitator & Coach, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Make Your Data Tell a Compelling Story

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0700

During this Live! event, we’ll explore how to transform complex data into a compelling narrative—and why mastering this skill is essential for speakers who want to make a lasting impact.

Panelists Include:

Emily Schmidt: Speaki2i Communications Consultant

Seriously Funny: Learn the Strategic Art of Humor When Presenting

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0700

Humor can be a tricky thing in a business context, especially if you have a very diverse audience or are presenting to senior executives or clients. Join PowerSpeaking, Inc. CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists as they share how to artfully use humor to engage, connect, and make your message stick.

Panelists Include:

Gerry Leonard: CEO, Transit Technologies

Brian Moore: Learning and Development Manager, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Andrew Moore: Digital Content Manager, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Your Burning Questions Answered!

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, CEO Carrie Beckstrom and Facilitators and Coaches Isabel Walker, David Goad, and Payal Gandhi Hoon answer people’s most common questions about the art and science of presenting and public speaking.

Cracking the Code to Executive Presentations

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, CEO Carrie Beckstrom and host Sarah Palmer, Facilitator and Coach, discuss the findings from Carrie’s 2024-25 interviews with senior leaders about how to communicate with executives successfully.

Amplify Your Voice: Women Communicating for Impact

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, CEO Carrie Beckstrom and her panelists explore how to become more clear, confident, and courageous communicators.

Panelists Include:

Amanda Bailey: VP of Global Analytics at Activision

Patricia Coan: Chief Operating Officer at Pura

Amy Furber: Lead Facilitator and Coach, PowerSpeaking

How to Make Meetings Count

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:00:00 -0800

This episode explores the art, science, and best practices of running effective meetings.

Panelists Include:

Stephanie Moore: PowerSpeaking Facilitator and Coach

Chris Williams: COO, Interaction Associates

Your Best Self: How to Give and Receive Feedback

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we discuss how honest, constructive, and timely feedback fosters strong relationships, drives business success, and supports career growth.

Panelists Include:

Kay Malcolm : Vice President, Database Product Management at Oracle (@iamkaymalcolm)

Matt Holcomb: HR Executive & Consulting Practitioner

Smart Communication: Harnessing AI’s Power

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we explore how to leverage generative AI to enhance business and educational communications while ensuring the end product remains authentic and inclusive.

Panelists Include:

Avron Barr: Consultant, Aldo Ventures, inc.

Aimee Escalante: Lecturer, CSU Monterey

George Station: Lecturer, CSU Monterey

Lucas Petty: Founder, AI Daddy

PowerSpeaking's AI Best Practices Job Aid: Download Here

Communicate a Powerful Presence!

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0800

Join CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists to learn strategies and practices to help you develop a confident, engaging, authentic presence when you present, give a talk, and communicate in general. Whether you are an expert individual contributor or an aspiring leader, communicating a powerful presence will help you make a greater impact and advance your career.

Panelists Include:

Julia Kraft: Founder, Speak to Inspire

Monica Poindexter: Consultant and Advisory Board Member

Level Up Your Facilitation Skills!

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we share strategies to help you successfully facilitate a dialogue during a presentation or talk, in meetings, or in any situation where you need to foster an inclusive, efficient, productive discussion.

Panelists Include:

Tara Bergen: PowerSpeaking Facilitator and Coach

Mike Sweeney: Executive and Team Coach, Chief Strategy Officer, RallyBright

Elevate Your Talk With Powerful Visuals

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we share strategies and practices to help you create slides and visual aids that support your main message, illustrate key points, clarify complex concepts, and more!

Watch the video recording HERE

Panelists Include:

Michael Baldwin: Founder and CEO, Michael Baldwin Inc.

Hala Hachem: Product Designer

Rebecca Morgan: International Speaker and Consultant

Make Storytelling Your Power Skill!

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0700

Join CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists to learn strategies and practices to help you learn the art and science of storytelling that engages, illuminates, and moves people to action.

Panelists Include:

Karin Hurt: CEO, Let’s Grow Leaders

Laura Nespoli: Strategic Storyteller & Public Speaker

Engage Your Audience With a Delivery Style That Connects

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:00:00 -0700

Join CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists to learn strategies and practices to help you cultivate an authentic, engaging, and effective delivery style.

Panelists Include:

Yolanda Tate: Technical Discovery Lead, Accenture Federal Services and Principal, Elevate 2 Wellness, LLC

Bill Treasurer: Chief Encouragement Officer, Giant Leap Consulting, Inc.

Less is More: Learn How to Be More Concise!

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:00:00 -0700

Join CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists to learn strategies and practices to help you be more succinct and clear in presentations, talks—and in general!

Panelists Include:

David Binder: Master Facilitator and Coach, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Stephanie Moore: Master Facilitator and Coach, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Master the Art of Q&A

Fri, 24 May 2024 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode we’ll explore how to manage question-and-answer sessions like a pro and deal effectively with challenging audience members.

Panelists include:

Sharon Black: President of Strategic Accounts, Robert Half

Dan Molloy: Communications Manager, Concussion Legacy Foundation

and Amy Furber: Master Facilitator and Coach, PowerSpeaking

Robert Half Insights: https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/insights

Concussion Legacy Foundation: https://concussionfoundation.org/
CLF Helpline: https://concussionfoundation.org/helpline

Watch the next episode LIVE!: https://www.powerspeaking.com/live
Check Out PowerSpeaking’s Range of Programs: https://www.powerspeaking.com/training-programs

Best-Practice Crisis Communication

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode PowerSpeaking, inc. CEO Carrie Beckstrom and panelists explore how communication plays a vital role in responding to crises, adapting to disruptive change, and enabling employees to thrive through the challenges.

Panelists Include:

Curtis Kellogg: Strategic Communications Professional

Staci Slaughter: Business and Strategic Communications Advisor

Spontaneous Communication!

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0700

Join us for a fireside chat between Matt Abrahams (author, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter”) and CEO Carrie Beckstrom. You’ll learn proven strategies to communicate like a pro when you’re on the spot in meetings, in front of an audience, and more.

Panelists Include:

Matt Abrahams: Lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of “Think Faster, Talk Smarter.”

Communication Strategies That Foster Creativity

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:00:00 -0800

Do you create an environment for your team that sparks creativity and innovation? Do they feel free to experiment—and yes—fail? Do you know how to walk the fine line of giving needed direction yet letting them spread their wings?

Join us for a lively, enlightening discussion about communication strategies that spark and support creativity among teams.

Panelists Include:

Dawn Bryan: Senior Vice President of Global Practice, The Kaleidoscope Group

Steve Kowalski, Ph.D.: Global Product Development, Genentech
Author, “Creative Together: Sparking Innovation in the New World of Work”

From Boring to Brilliant: Powerful Openings!

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 14:00:00 -0800

What you say and do in the first minute (sometimes seconds!) of a presentation or talk will either engage or disengage your audience.

Do you know how to craft an opening that resonates and makes people want to hear what comes next?

In this Live! conversation we’ll talk about how to create and deliver memorable openings that help you make a greater impact.

Panelists Include:

Josh Marx: Senior Program Manager, Leadership Development at Sony Interactive Entertainment

Sarah Palmer: Master Facilitator and Coach at PowerSpeaking

Make the Most of 1:1 Speaker Coaching

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we’ll explore the powerful benefits of one-on-one presentation and speaker coaching, and how you can make the most of them.

Panelists Include:

Chris Brannen: Master Facilitator and Coach at PowerSpeaking

Ralf Wolter: Master Facilitator and Coach at PowerSpeaking

Nicole Wajer: Technical Solutions Architect at Cisco

Upscale Your Interviewing Skills

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0700

Is it time to take your job interviewing skills to the next level? Whether you’re looking to move to another company or be promoted from within, this month’s Live! conversation is for you.

PowerSpeaking CEO Carrie Beckstrom will be joined by expert panelists to share insights and tips to help you better prepare for and ace your next job interview.

Panelists Include:

Pamela Skillings: Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Big Interview/Skillfull Communications

Rita Williams: Master Facilitator and Executive Coach, PowerSpeaking

Next-Level Technical Presenting

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0700

The best technical presenters know that to have an impact, they need to be clear, compelling, and focused on the business case for their data—not just the data itself.

Join us for an expert panel discussion on how to ensure you connect with and persuade people—whether you’re pitching a new product design, driving a complex project to completion, or lobbying for a bigger research budget.

Panelists Include:

Emilio Reyes Le Blanc: Technology Specialist, Microsoft
Sarah Polan: Field CTO, Hashicorp
John Warren: Master Facilitator and Coach, PowerSpeaking

Lessons in Powerful Leadership Communication

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’ll explore how the best leaders communicate across and outside the organization to build trust, inform, and inspire.

Panelists include:

Mary Olesky: Associate Director, Strategy and Curricular Support, Stanford Graduate School of Business
Dan Albaum: Marketing Leader, Market Impact
Mano Cheema: former Head of Architecture, AstraZeneca

Effective Presenting to Decision Makers

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we discuss insights and practical tips to deliver a winning presentation to time-pressed executives.

Panelists include:

Brent Kedzierski Chief Learning Officer, HumanWRKS

Anshu Arora, PowerSpeaking Master Facilitators and Coach
David Binder, PowerSpeaking Master Facilitators and Coach
Payal Gandhi Hoon, PowerSpeaking Master Facilitators and Coach

From Fearful to Courageous Presenting

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’ll discuss how you can make the journey from fearful
to courageous public speaking and presenting.

Panelists Include:

Liane Davey: 3COze, Inc. Co-founder and Principal

Mitesh Kapadia: PowerSpeaking Master Facilitator and Coach

Janell Payne: PowerSpeaking Master Facilitator and Coach

High-Impact Conference Speaking

Fri, 19 May 2023 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’ll discuss how to become a more confident, engaging, and memorable conference speaker.

Panelists include:
Rebecca Mackenzie: Global Director, Product Marketing for Salesforce

Bonny Shapira: Corporate Events Planner for Cisco

Use Your Voice to Make a Difference

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’ll discuss how becoming a more powerful communicator can help you make a difference at work, in your community, or for a cause.

Panelists include:
Geoffrey Kasangaki: Uganda Country Director, Asante Africa Foundation
asanteafrica.org
Christa Gannon: Coach, Consultant, and Founder, Fresh Lifelines for Youth
flyprogram.org
Kevin Yates: Owner, L&D Detective, and Nonprofit Founder
mealsinthemeantime.org

Powerful Communication for Women in Tech & Science

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we’ll discuss powerful communication strategies for women in tech & science to help you make your voice heard, your message clear, and your impact strong.

Panelists include:
Neema Uthappa: Head of Engineering for Cloud Data Analytics & AI, McKinsey & Company
Sarah Palmer: Director of Business Development EMEA with PowerSpeaking
Karen McDonagh: Transformation Director & Board member, London Market Joint Ventures
Eleanor Deal: Tech Lead for Digital Publishing, Office for National Statistics UK

Storytelling That Drives Business and Community

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we’ll discuss the power of good storytelling to help you make a greater impact at work—and in your community.

Panelists include:

Isabel Walker: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Mark Fleischer: Founder and Executive Director of Storyboard Memphis
Paul van der Lingen: Director, Cloud Solutions Architects Office of the CTO at Netapp

Best-Practice Hybrid Communications

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we’ll discuss the challenges of and best-practice solutions for this brave new world of hybrid communication in our workplaces and communities.

Panelists include:

Jenny DeVaughn: VP, Transformation Communications at ADP
Amy Furber: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Amy Riley: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Lesson From The Stage: What Speakers Can Learn From Actors

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode we talk about "Lessons From The Stage: What Speakers Can Learn From Actors" The episode includes insights and actionable tips to help you improve your speaking and presentation skills.

Panelists include:

Donnie Hill: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Brian Moore: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Lisa Rothman: Facilitator, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Building Your Personal Brand

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800

In this episode we talk about "Building Your Personal Brand." The episode includes insights and actionable tips to help you build your personal brand.

Panelists include:

Kristin Lincoln: CEO, LiveWire
Amy Powell: VP Leader Development, The Marcus Buckingham Company
Morgan A. Wider: Founder, Wider Style
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

C-Suite Communication Matters

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk about "C-Suite Communication Matters." The episode includes insights and actionable tips to help you become a stronger communicator.

Panelists include:

Andrew Blotky, Founder, Azure Leadership Group
Brad Whitworth, Senior Advisor, Strategic Services, Haiilo
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Cross-Cultural Communication - A Global Skillset that Drives Business

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk about cross-cultural communication. The episode includes insights and actionable tips to help you become a more inclusive communicator.

Panelists include:

Rajani Shailender: VP of Sales, Tech Mahindra
Elizabeth Bachman: Principal, Strategic Speaking for Results
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Making a major change? Communicate!

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk about the power of best-practice communication before, during, and after a major change.

Panelists include:

Sandia Ren: Chief Transformation Officer, Vitech Systems Group
Mary Schafer: VP, Strategic Advisory Services, ADP
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

The Power of Storytelling

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we discuss the power of storytelling. Good storytelling is good for business. But not everyone knows how to tell a tale that drives a project or a proposal forward.

Panelists include:

Jon Billett: Salesforce Storyteller SE: EMEA
Bei Wang: Media & Communication Consultant
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Is TEDx in Your Future?

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we discuss how to secure & nail a TEDx talk and enhance your day-to-day communication and presentation skills.

Panelists include:

Payal Gandhi Hoon: Master Facilitator, TEDx Speaker, and Coach
Reci Schmellick: Master Facilitator and TEDx Coach
Rachel Lindbergh: Space Policy Analyst, IDA Science and Technology Policy Institute
Carrie Beckstrom: CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

Re-entering The World of Industry Conferences

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0700

In this episode we discuss re-entering the world of industry conferences, whether you're a keynote speaker, a panelist, or an attendee.

Panelist include:

Cindy Solomon: CEO, Courageous Leadership Institute
Sarah Palmer: Director of Business Development, EMEA, PowerSpeaking, Inc.
Joao Vasconcelos: Senior Content Producer, Ascend Global Media
Carrie Beckstrom, CEO, PowerSpeaking, Inc.

The Power of Sponsors in the Workplace

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode we cover how sponsors are different from mentors, how they can benefit you, how to earn them, and much more.

Panelists include:

Brent Bloom - Brent Bloom Consulting, LLC and PowerSpeaking, Inc. Board Member
Gillian Fox - Program Lead and Managing Director, Gillian Fox Group

The Power of Mentors and Sponsors

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode we discuss the power of Mentors and Sponsors with our panelists and guests.

Panelists include:

Carla Borango - SVP Global Engineering & Facilities Pharma Technical Operations, Genetech
Dr. Bindu Garapaty - VP Talent & Inclusion, Diversity & Equity, Impossible Foods
Erna Grasz - CEO, Asante Africa Foundation