Managing Former Peers
Internal promotions can be mixed blessings. Managing former peers has the potential to upset everyone. This month’s coaching conversation explores ways to handle this live grenade with aplomb. Two books mentioned during…
The Look & Sound of Leadership
Ever wonder why some people just seem to command a room, their ideas landing with clarity and respect, while others with equal talent struggle to be heard? That gap between capability and perception is exactly where The Look & Sound of Leadership lives. Hosted by Tom Henschel of Essential Communications, this isn't a theoretical lecture; it's a practical, ongoing conversation rooted in real executive coaching. Each episode feels like a private session, breaking down the subtle, often overlooked behaviors that shape how you're seen by colleagues, boards, and teams. You'll hear specific language shifts, physical presence adjustments, and communication frameworks that translate intention into impact. Whether navigating a difficult feedback conversation, leading a hybrid meeting, or simply wanting your contributions to carry more weight, this podcast provides actionable tools. It’s for anyone in the business world who believes leadership is a skill you hone, not just a title you hold. Tune in for thoughtful, nuanced discussions that move beyond generic advice, helping you align your professional presence with your ambitions.
Episodes
Executive Presence - Three Pillars
This month’s coaching conversation explores the three pillars of executive presence. In this episode's commentary, Tom mentions research about Executive Presence conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation. The key fin…
Ask The Coaches - Readers’ Letters
This month’s coaching conversation is between Tom Henschel and Mindy Danna who answer questions from our audience. Tom and Mindy have grown up together professionally. He runs Essential Communications where Mindy is a co…
The Executive Impostor
This month’s coaching conversation explores that insidious feeling of being an impostor. Research tells us that the vast majority us experience this to some degree at one time or another. Here are ways to combat impostor…
Leading Offsites
A senior leader wants to give one of his direct reports the experience of leading her own offsite. This month’s coaching conversation is about how a leader can foster an offsite with the power to create change. AN INVITA…
Animating Your Persona
A coaching client needs to exude more presence. Tom proposes a visualization process and walks another coach through it. In the archive, this episode is tagged in three categories: Developing New Behaviors, Perception -…
Managing Bad Behavior
This month’s coaching conversation focuses on a feedback technique that can help manage bad behavior. The coachee likes the technique so much, he wants to try it on his high performers, too! Related episodes: Discussing…
Managing Trauma
This month’s coaching conversation focuses on developing someone who may be a trauma survivor. A team leader’s compassionate caution may not be in the survivor’s best interest. Related episodes: Dealing with Emotional Re…
Taming the Wild Child
This month’s coaching conversation features a high-performing client who sometimes wrestles with her fear. Knowing that her fear can diminish her, she seeks a way out. Tom also talks about the new course "Improv for Lead…
Readiness in Coaching
Why do some coaching engagements achieve positive transformations while others get stuck in the starting gate? This month’s coaching conversation explores who’s coachable, who isn’t, and why. The PDF discussed during thi…
