293. 5 Leadership Lessons From Stanford: Me2We 2026

293. 5 Leadership Lessons From Stanford: Me2We 2026

Author: Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart June 1, 2026 Duration: 35:28

What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader.

Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it, “Communication is operationalized leadership.”

At a recent Me2We event, in connection with Stanford GSB's Executive Education LEAD program, Abrahams held a live discussion with four of the podcast’s most popular guests: Celine Teoh, facilitator of the GSB’s famous Interpersonal Dynamics course; Huggy Rao, organizational behavior professor and co-author of The Friction Project; legendary Stanford basketball coach Tara VanDerveer; and Dave Dodson, lecturer and author of The Manager's Handbook.

In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the panel shares frameworks and lessons for leading and communicating more effectively. From Teoh’s five A’s for inviting dissent to Rao’s warning against “jargon monoxide,” from VanDerveer’s relationship-first approach to Dodson’s case for leading like a teacher, this conversation explores what it takes to communicate as a leader — and lead as a communicator.

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Ever find yourself scrambling for the right words in a high-stakes meeting or struggling to get your point across clearly? That’s the territory Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques explores. Hosted by Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer and author who understands the real-world pressure of thinking on your feet, this podcast digs into the mechanics of how we connect and convey ideas. Each episode features conversations with specialists across various fields, moving beyond theory to deliver concrete methods you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a difficult conversation, structuring a persuasive pitch, or simply becoming a more engaged listener, Matt focuses on the tactical skills that build confidence. The discussions are grounded in his professional experience and academic background, offering a blend of research and relatable application. You’ll hear specific techniques for organizing your thoughts under pressure, using storytelling to make data memorable, and adjusting your communication style for different audiences. This isn’t about abstract concepts; it’s a resource for anyone who needs to influence, lead, or collaborate more effectively in their career and daily interactions. Tune in to this practical podcast for a regular dose of insights that aim to make your communication more intentional and impactful, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Podcast Episodes
314. Rethinks: Turn Tension Into Trust [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:29
"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story."Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuiti…
313. Hold the Headline: How Curiosity Cuts Through Complexity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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"The dumbest thing you can be is a know-it-all."Curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions. Journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza believes the strongest communicators balance confi…
312. Quick Thinks: Speak with Confidence, Clarity, and Power [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:47
"You want to make sure you have the energy at the end of your communication as well as at the beginning." Why do some people command a room without raising their voice? Being heard isn't about speaking louder—it's about…
311. Don't Lose the Room: How to Make Ideas Stick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:32
"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there."How do you explain complex ideas without losing your audience? The challenge isn't knowing more—it's helping others understand. For Marketplace host Kai Ryssd…
308. Ask Matt Anything: From Nerves to Know-How in High-Stakes Moments [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your message. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart Ask…