The Look & Sound of Leadership

The Look & Sound of Leadership

Author: Essential Communications - Tom Henschel Language: English Episodes: 100
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
Leading with Political Savvy – Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:41
Tired of losing to more savvy players, a leader seeks to decode the secrets of playing politics, focusing particularly on company culture. Download our free Political Style Chart here. “The Secret Handshake” is a great t…
Leading with Political Savvy – Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:09
A leader feels stuck. She sees others winning resources she felt should have been hers, but she hates playing politics. What to do? Download our free Political Style Chart here. “The Secret Handshake” is a great tool for…
Building Consensus – Savvy or Sin? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:06
A leader, surrounded by people she knows and trusts, can’t seem to get traction with them. In conversation with her coach, she discovers an unexpected cause. Tools for teams abound in this episode. The four tools Tom sug…
The Conflict Resolution Wheel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:56
A co-founder, at odds with his partner (also his best friend!), reaches out to his coach for help saving the business and the friendship. The episode introduces The Conflict Resolution Wheel. Download it for free from ou…
Essential Skills that Shaped a Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
A senior leader, having risen through the ranks, ends her coaching engagement by comparing notes with her coach about the skills that have helped her most. This episode identified seven essential leadership skills: Conqu…
Taming the Defensiveness Dragon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:56
At the end of her rope, a leader asks her coach for help managing a direct report who, she says, is the most defensive person she’s ever met. This episode was packed with tools. We’ve put them into an easy-to-understand…
Unlocking Executive Presence through Emotional Intelligence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:11
During her first C-suite years, a leader burned a lot of bridges. Her boss, who’d traveled a similar path, gets her a coach and sets only one goal: repair relations through emotional intelligence. Lots and lots of tools…
Staying Afloat in a Shitstorm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:01
A highly effective leader finds herself in the middle of a terrible mess, not of her own making. When her coach marvels at her ability to stay calm amidst the chaos, she shares a lesson she learned from her dad. In addit…
How to Command a Room [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
Wanting to command rooms with her voice, a team leader turned to her coach for exercises. She learned the secrets of “RVP.” In this episode, five practices to help you develop a voice that will command a room are discuss…
The Sound of Leadership & Management - 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:51
In conversation with her coach, an executive explores whether leaders and managers use language differently in order to be effective in their roles. There are lots of ideas in this episode. To help you sort the tools and…