Chris Hall of Stacuity: Silencing the Skeptics

Chris Hall of Stacuity: Silencing the Skeptics

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola October 3, 2023 Duration: 31:29

This week,Chris Hall, Chairman and Co-Founder of Stacuity Ltd. describes the
challenges of being a small startup grappling with geographical bias in the tech industry,
and the need to convince others of their credibility in spite of these biases.

In this episode you will learn:

  • How they are trying to change the perception of the industry by offering a better
    and more efficient network specifically designed for IoT.
  • The importance of storytelling and the power of asserting oneself in a
    conversation.

Chris shared his experience of convincing skeptical, traditional telecom engineers about the significance of embracing the internet, which ultimately led to successful implementation and adoption.


24 Hour Challenge:

Chris also challenged the listeners to practice concise communication in their own
presentations, emails, and conversations - whatever you are composing, try to cut it in
half!


About Chris Hall:
Chris has worked in the telecommunications sector since graduating from Cambridge
University in 1984. He has held senior roles for British Telecom and O2 in the UK and
Europe, before moving to the Isle of Man in 1999 to become CEO of Manx Telecom.

In 2000, he led a ground-breaking project to build and launch Europe’s first commercial
3G mobile network. The 3G showcase generated a huge amount of interest from the
industry, media and customers and generated valuable learning and insight for Manx
Telecoms parent company, O2 which was used to shape their 3G rollout plans in the UK
and Europe.

In 2011 he returned to his entrepreneurial roots. He is an active angel investor with a
portfolio of investments in early-stage technology start-ups and is co-founder and
chairman at Stacuity Limited, a new venture providing programmable IoT connectivity.

He is also a Board member/advisor for companies across various sectors and is
Chairman of Hospice Isle of Man.

You can connect with Chris in the following ways:

  • Web: www.stacuity.com
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishallcando/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
  • LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
  • Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
  • Twitter: @LauraSicola
  • Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
  • Website: https://speakingtoinfluence.com/podcast/
  • Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Speaking to Influence
Podcast Episodes
Martha Sharkey: Letting Go as a Sign of Strength [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
Martha Sharkey, founder and CEO of Today Is a Good Day, shares her experience in nonprofit leadership and the mission of her organization to provide support for families who have experienced the Neonatal Intensive Care U…
Dr. Laura Sicola: What’s Your Executive Communication IQ? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:38
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of measuring and improving executive presence and leadership communication. She introduces a simple tool that assesses 10 core communication contexts and compete…
Jeff Wetzler, Transcend: Curiosity and Reinventing School [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Wetzler, co-founder and co-CEO of Transcend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming education. They discuss the need for education reform and the challenges o…
Amy Bernstein, Harvard Business Review: Motivate, Don't Micromanage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
In this compelling episode, Amy Bernstein, esteemed editor at Harvard Business Review, delves into the nuances of leadership communication and the transformative power of relinquishing control. Drawing from her wealth of…
Marian Baldini - Kencrest: Leading a 90-Day Miracle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:50
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Marian Baldini, the CEO and president of Kencrest, a human services and early learning provider. Marian shares her experiences and insights on leadership communication, includ…
Jason Scott - 120VC: Winning Teams and Effective Leadership [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:02
In this episode of Speaking To Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola engages in a captivating conversation with Jason Scott, CEO of 120VC, unraveling the core elements of winning teams and effective leadership. In this episode you…