Erik Ryan of Iron Mountain: The Power of ‘No’

Erik Ryan of Iron Mountain: The Power of ‘No’

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola October 24, 2023 Duration: 31:34

This week’s episode of Speaking to Influence is with guest Erik Ryan, Senior Vice President and CFO of Iron Mountain, in a conversation that focuses on the power of ‘no’.

In this episode you will learn:

  • About a time Erik found himself in a conversation with Prince Edward where he tried to prove himself but ended up in a ridiculous argument about the similarities between different islands…leading him to learn a lesson of how to meet others where they were, avoid tangential conversations, and steer them back on track.
  • Erik’s experiences of initially struggling with saying no but eventually finding it freeing and empowering.
  • How he embraced a moment of being vulnerable with a coworker and came to the realization that most people are looking to forge these deeper connections, aiming not to shy away from them in the future.
  • How he motivated his team by using their own successes as persuasive data.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

Say ‘no’ to requests for 24 hours to understand your values and prioritize effectively.

 

About Erik Ryan:

Erik Ryan is the Finance leader Iron Mountain's Global Records & Information Management business. Erik joined Iron Mountain after 19 years with General Electric, where he was focused on long-cycle product line financial management - partnering with teams to drive margin, cash, and improve the commercial position of franchise products such as the T700 rotorcraft engine, GEnx jet engine, and HA-class gas turbine. Erik holds board and advisory roles with small businesses and nonprofits focused on social impact.

Outside of work, Erik spends time with his wife Susan and two daughters, Adelaide and Hazel. Erik holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Yale University, with a focus on sustainable business development.

 

You can connect with Erik in the following ways:

 

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola 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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