Melissa Schoger of Avery Dennison: "Navigating Mixed Messages: A Finance VP's Journey to Clarity and Collaboration"

Melissa Schoger of Avery Dennison: "Navigating Mixed Messages: A Finance VP's Journey to Clarity and Collaboration"

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola November 21, 2023 Duration: 27:29

On this week’s episode, Melissa Schoger, Vice President of Finance for Identification Solutions and Vestcom at Avery Dennison talks with Laura about how she helped teams overcome an instance of mixed messaging to achieve mutual understanding.

In this episode you will learn:

  • How Melissa made sure the integrity of a message remained intact after witnessing how different leaders in a meeting had varying takeaways
  • How she learned to take the time to listen to team members on the ground, rather than assume she knew best from a top-down perspective as their General Manager.
  • How she handled her team having the rug pulled out from under them within 24-hours of a deadline, and what she learned about coming to any negotiation with a thoughtful mindset instead of a winning at all cost mindset.
  • Why recording yourself before doing a presentation can be the best preparation.

 

24 Hour Challenge:

If you consider yourself an introvert, challenge yourself to be more vocal in team meetings. Alternatively, if you are an extrovert, give the spotlight to a quieter member of the group.

 

About Melissa Schoger:

Melissa Schoger serves as a VP at Avery Dennison in their investment and business divisions. She previously worked for almost two decades at RPM International where she held fully integrated P&L responsibility including Finance, Sales & Marketing, Research & Development, Manufacturing Operations, Distribution, and Customer Service, transforming and consolidating 5 distinct subsidiary companies operating in 25 countries into 1 pan-European division during her tenure as well as managed the budget of a large division within a reportable segment of RPM and led 1,400 employees. She holds her MBA in Business Administration from The Wharton School and her B.A in Accounting from Ohio Wesleyan University.

 

You can connect with Melissa 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

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