Chrissy McGarry of Second Front Systems – Leadership and Vulnerability

Chrissy McGarry of Second Front Systems – Leadership and Vulnerability

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola June 20, 2023 Duration: 37:02

Description:

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Chrissy McGarry, the COO of Second Front Systems, a national security software company. Chrissy has emerged as one of the few female leaders in the defense tech space. Her mission is to “Lead it better than she found it”.

In this episode you will learn:

  • How skills from sales, marketing, and performance can transfer over to the C-Suite.
  • The value you bring to the table where there may not be someone like you present.
  • The importance of open communication and mutual understanding in enhancing team productivity.
  • There is power in having your peers speak to who you are, what you do, and why you are here.
  • How practicing communication skills in your personal relationships will help improve your professional communication skills.
  • True leaders “pay it forward” and seek to influence beyond their sphere.

 

Chrissy recommends:

Exactly What to Say: Your Personal Guide to the Mastery of Magic Words

by Phil M. Jones.

 

About Chrissy McGarry:

Chrissy is seeking to change the narrative around what successful leadership as a ‘working mom’ and tech startup COO looks like—for the better.



She is Chief Operating Officer at national security software company Second Front. She is also a wife, a mother of two and wildly passionate about careers, leadership, and startups.



As a force multiplier with 12+ years of experience in building and scaling brands like Red Bull and Salesforce, Chrissy never shies away from a challenge. This penchant for the unknown has reinforced her leadership skills and allowed her to break into the world of startups with no prior experience.

Chrissy is proof that you can come from any career background and build a successful trajectory in the industry of your choice—you just have to have the courage to challenge the status quo, continue to expand your network, and never stop being a student.

By asking the right questions to understand the “why,” practicing courageous authenticity, and always opting for candid conversation, she helps lead ambitious individuals—especially women and ‘working moms’—toward the path they were always meant for but were too afraid to attempt.

 

You can connect with Chrissy in the following ways:

 

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
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