Finding a Lighter Path

Finding a Lighter Path

Author: Essential Communications - Tom Henschel January 12, 2023 Duration: 19:10
A leader, stuck in an unhealthy cycle, searches for a way out. In conversation with his coach, he learns a four-square tool that just might work. A new free Essential Tool illustrating the four-square model is available for download in the Essential Tools bin. No login required. Help yourself. The model in this month’s episode is a variation on The ACT Matrix. Here’s our favorite YouTube video about The Matrix. The creators of The ACT Matrix wrote a book to help practitioners use the tool. ...

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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Look & Sound of Leadership
Podcast Episodes
How to Manage Defensive People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:24
A leader with a direct report who is, she says, the most defensive person she’s ever known, devotes an entire coaching session to gathering tools to help her cope. All the tools and ideas and scripts in this episode are…
How to Own Healthy Assertion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:13
Still traumatized over an angry explosion she’d aimed at an abusive leader years before, a leader asks her coach to help her access healthy assertion to use during moments of conflict. Where are you on the assertion scal…
How to Create Engagement Online [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
Convinced that participants need to engage in order to learn, a leader is discouraged after the cheerless rollout of her online learning program. She turns to her coach for help facilitating virtual groups. Tools in this…
How to Deepen Relationships at Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:33
Knowing she’s never been good with people, a leader seeks coaching to her deepen relationships in ways she can tolerate. Two ways to deepen workplace relationships: Matching & Curiosity 4 Ways to Match: Match Purpose Mat…
How to Talk so People Understand You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:07
A leader is losing credibility with her senior leaders. Her boss thinks she can turn it around by learning the sorting tool that transformed him as a communicator, so he brings in the coach who taught him. Sorting & Labe…
How to Answer Questions Powerfully [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:54
A leader was given one goal for his coaching: improve how he answered questions. Knowing he struggled with this not only at work, but at home, he asked his coach for tools. Our free PDF shows the two scripts: one for clo…
How to Build Self-Esteem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
A leader suddenly hears how harshly she speaks to herself. Wanting help, she turns to her coach who gives her tools to build a practice of self-esteem. The three self-esteem practices are: Self-Acceptance: Practice being…
How to Build an Executive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
A coaching client wonders what elements need to be present for someone to appear ‘executive.’ Two executive coaches ponder this question and come up with five elements they deem essential. Categories in the archive to ex…
How to Answer “Tell Us About Yourself” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:41
A senior leader, upset about having flubbed her reply to ‘Tell us about yourself’ during a high-stakes interview, talks with her coach about how to prepare for what she considers to be an incredibly stupid question. Cate…
How to Tackle Overtalking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:11
A chief officer had known for years he was an over talker. His CEO, desperate for improvement, gave him a coach. This episode highlights their first coaching conversation. Two mindsets from this episode: When you speak,…