Jeffrey Orlando,  Bristol Myers Squibb: Simplifying Messages - The Rule of Three

Jeffrey Orlando, Bristol Myers Squibb: Simplifying Messages - The Rule of Three

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola June 4, 2024 Duration: 35:58

In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Orlando, the Chief Learning Officer for Bristol Myers Squibb, about leadership communication. They discuss the importance of simplifying complex concepts and using the rule of three to convey messages effectively.

Jeff shares a story about missing an opportunity because he held back and waited for more support, instead of moving forward with a smaller group of influential leaders. They also discuss the value of engaging in conversations with senior leaders and asking them what they want to hear.

In this episode you will learn:

  • The importance of influence in leadership and how to effectively communicate decisions to key stakeholders
  • The value of seeking advice from influential individuals and using them as sounding boards.
  • The power of storytelling and using data to support your message.
  • Taking risks and successfully managing change by setting expectations and mitigating potential issues.

About Jeff:

Jeff is Chief Learning Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), overseeing the company’s learning and leadership strategy and execution. Jeff believes we have a special responsibility in the healthcare sector to stay on the cutting-edge – our skills, capabilities and performance directly translate to the medicines and therapies we deliver for our patients.

Prior to BMS, Jeff led learning, organization development and talent teams at Medtronic and Deloitte. At Medtronic, Jeff led learning and development evolution and supported the company’s multi-year culture change journey. At Deloitte, Jeff oversaw various functions including executive development, leadership development and performance management and related talent practices. Earlier in his career, Jeff advised Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical and entertainment sector on human capital matters.

Jeff has a M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology and French from Susquehanna University, where he served as a Presidential Fellow and was a member of the Honors program.

Jeff regularly speaks on topics related to talent, learning and innovation – having shared the stage with leading academics, NFL coaches and prominent educators. Jeff’s work has also been featured in publications such as People & Strategy and Harvard Business Review. Jeff’s professional affiliations include the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

Jeff is engaged in community service, having recently served on the board of Heights Philadelphia, a leading non-profit focused on college success, economic mobility and workforce success.

Jeff lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two school-aged daughters.

 

You can connect with Jeff 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/laurasicola-inc
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc
  • Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
  • Twitter: @LauraSicola
  • Instagram: @drlaurasicola
  • Website: https://laurasicola.com
  • 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.
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