Kurt Luidhardt, Co-Founder of the Prosper Group.  “Be Clear”

Kurt Luidhardt, Co-Founder of the Prosper Group. “Be Clear”

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola March 21, 2023 Duration: 35:36

This week Kurt Luidhardt shares how critical it is that you know who the decision makers are when you are working with a client.  Kurt shared an example of when he and his team worked diligently on a pitch assuming that they knew who the decision makers were only to find out that one of the decision makers had not been originally included and the entire pitch had to be redone.

Here are a few things that you will learn in this episode:

  • How accountability discussions don’t have to equal conflict.
  • Being clear on who needs to weigh in on a decision so as to not waste time.
  • Understanding that the use of video can help you get right to the point.
  • Sharing your passion and translating that passion to a group to create engagement.

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Kurt challenges the viewers to remove qualifiers when they communicate to a third party.  Examples include “maybe, probably, etc.

About Kurt Luidhardt:

Kurt is CEO at The Prosper Group, a digital agency he co-founded in 2006. Together with his wife Kristen, they have grown a company that has become known as “one of the top thinkers in online campaigning”.

His unique blend of experience gives him a different perspective on politics and communication. His Midwestern values of hard work and service have led to positive and long term relationships with clients ranging from nonprofits to politicians – those folks include Governors Chris Christie, Scott Walker, and Brian Kemp as well as current and former US Senators Ben Sasse, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio.  In addition, dozens of members of the US House have worked with Kurt - from Indiana to New Jersey to California.  Outside the office, Kurt is passionate about faith, good books, Indiana, and the Indianapolis Colts. 

You can connect with Kurt 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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