Speaker Dynamics - Own The Room

EP32: Speak to Lead through Uncertainty with Kevin Eikenberry

Rigid leadership is a thing of the past. In today’s unpredictable world, leaders who adapt are the ones who thrive. But what does true flexibility look like?
 
Karin Reed sits down with leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry to talk about the ideas in his latest book, “Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence.” He challenges the belief that leadership styles should stay fixed, arguing that clinging to one approach can limit effectiveness. Instead, he shares how leaders can stay rooted in their values while adjusting their methods to fit the moment.
 
How do you break free from habits that no longer serve you? When should you step in with direction, and when should you hold back and listen? Kevin shares examples, strategies, and a framework for developing the mindset, skillset, and habit set needed to lead with confidence, no matter what comes next.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Flexible Leadership
06:37 Flexibility Beyond Remote Work
09:01 Real-World Example: Asking vs. Telling
13:23 Importance of Listening in Leadership
15:34 Framework: Mindset, Skill Set, and Habit Set
18:30 Balancing Empathy with Organizational Goals
20:26 Challenges in Adopting Flexible Leadership
24:35 Future of Flexible Leadership
25:44 One Big Takeaway: Context Matters
 
Links
Connect with Kevin Eikenberry:
https://kevineikenberry.com
http://KevinEikenberry.com/flexible
KevinEikenberry.com/gift
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevineikenberry/
https://twitter.com/kevineikenberry
https://www.youtube.com/user/KevinEikenberryGroup
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP31: Marking Communication Milestones

Milestones often go unnoticed in the moment, but looking back, they reveal the moments that shape careers, confidence, and impact.
 
As Speaker Dynamics turns one, Karin Reed reflects on the moments that defined her communication journey: an unexpected assignment that led to an Emmy, a simple legal pad sketch that became a career-defining framework, and the years of preparation that positioned her to help professionals navigate the sudden shift to virtual communication. Along the way, she discovered that the most meaningful opportunities aren’t always the ones we seek out, but the ones that challenge us in ways we never expected.
 
What experiences have quietly reshaped your path? This episode is a reminder to recognize the lessons in past milestones, and to use them to shape what comes next.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
03:06 First Communication Milestone: Tuesday’s Child
05:37 Impact of Tuesday’s Child Assignment
06:48 Emmy Award for Special Needs Adoption Documentary
07:02 Lesson from Tuesday’s Child Experience
07:03 Second Communication Milestone: Teaching On-Camera Communication
08:58 Developing the MVPs of On-Camera Success
10:13 Expanding Workshops and Writing a Book
10:45 Lesson from Teaching On-Camera Communication
11:07 Third Communication Milestone: 2020 and Virtual Communication
12:13 Webinar with Dr. Joe Allen
13:06 Onslaught of Business in 2020
14:00 Scaling Training and Speaker Dynamics University
15:04 Lesson from 2020 Experience
16:10 Reflecting on Career Impact
17:35 This Week’s Big Takeaway
18:17 Encouragement to Reflect on Personal Milestones
18:48 Closing
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP30: Commuting with a Click - An Experiment in Spatial Working... that Worked!

Can remote teams recreate those spontaneous office moments, the quick chats and casual check-ins, without stepping into a building?
 
Karin Reed sits down with Lisette Sutherland, director of Collaboration Superpowers, to talk about spatial working, a fresh approach to remote work that brings a real sense of presence to virtual teams. Instead of relying on scheduled meetings, these digital office spaces create opportunities for spontaneous interactions. Teams can see who is around, drop in for quick conversations, and feel more connected throughout the day.
 
Lisette shares her own experience testing these tools, including Welo, and explains why they offer something that video calls and Slack messages cannot. She also digs into the biggest hurdles, why teams hesitate to try new tech, what makes adoption tricky, and how to introduce it in a way that actually sticks.
 
If remote work feels disconnected or overly structured, this episode offers a different way forward. Could spatial working be the key to rebuilding team culture and making virtual collaboration feel effortless?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction to Spatial Working
01:06 Lisette Sutherland
02:08 Defining Spatial Working
03:55 Benefits of Spatial Working
06:20 Lisette’s Deep Dive into Spatial Working
09:10 Serendipity in Virtual Offices
10:12 Barriers to Adoption
13:13 Ideal Organization Size for Spatial Working
16:14 Solving Connectedness with Spatial Working
18:13 Experimenting with Spatial Working
19:04 Lack of Awareness and Future Trends
21:44 Ingredients for a Successful Launch
23:44 Making Networking Events Fun
24:34 Key Takeaways
26:01 Closing
 
Linkshttps://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/166-why-virtual-coworking-rocks/
Welo (a Collaboration Superpowers favorite) - https://www.welo.space
Remo - https://remo.co
Gathertown - https://www.gather.town
Kumospace - https://www.kumospace.com
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP29: Be a Better Communicator in 2025

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t last, but a few small shifts in how you communicate can lead to meaningful, lasting change.
 
Karin Reed shares three communication resolutions designed to help you show up with more confidence, clarity, and impact. She breaks down why winging it is a gamble, how listening can be a superpower, and why your voice deserves to be heard. Through personal stories and insights, she challenges common habits that hold people back—like underpreparing for high-stakes moments, tuning out instead of truly listening, and staying silent when their perspective matters. 
 
Whether you want to be a stronger leader, a more effective speaker, or simply more intentional in daily conversations, Karin offers a fresh approach to communication resolutions that actually stick.
 
Quotes
“I will not wing it when it matters the most.” (02:49 | Karin Reed)
“The best leaders that I’ve worked with all share this very common belief, this common trait. They believe that it’s more important for them to be good listeners than to be good speakers.” (08:36 | Karin Reed) 
“I’m gonna tell you a quote from the book, ‘People Skills,’ which is an oldie but a goodie. It’s written by Dr. Robert Bolton. And he says, ‘The quality of your friendships, the cohesiveness of your family relationships, your effectiveness at work, these hinge in large measure on your ability to listen.’” (15:45 | Karin Reed)
“Your point of view is worth sharing and might inspire others to share their stories as well.” (20:40 | Karin Reed)
“One of my previous guests, Jenn Chase, said preparation is the antidote to imposter syndrome for her. I think that is a great mantra to keep in mind.” (23:35 | Karin Reed)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP28: Lead Like a Person with Mark Carpenter

Great leadership starts with connecting as a person, not commanding from a position. In this episode, Karin Reed is joined by Mark Carpenter, the best-selling author of “Lead Like a Person, Not a Position,” to discuss how leaders can prioritize human connection over authority. Mark shares the personal regrets that fueled his mission to help leaders avoid the pitfalls of positional power and lead with empathy and humanity.
 
Through a career anecdote, Mark points out the consequences of leadership that’s rooted in authority—damaged trust, strained relationships, and high turnover—and explains why treating team members as people rather than subordinates is essential in today’s knowledge-based economy.
 
Mark introduces three actionable behaviors for leading like a person: listening intently to understand issues fully, communicating clearly to build trust, and recognizing contributions in meaningful ways. These habits do not only strengthen teams but also foster environments where people thrive.
 
The episode also tackles the challenge of leading authentically in cultures that reward hierarchy. Mark provides insights on whether those environments align with a leader’s values and shares a success story of a leader who embraced these principles to build a solid team.
 
Mark’s final takeaway? Leadership is a choice. Be intentional about the legacy you want to create.
 
Quotes
“The times that I had the most regrets about were the times when I treated people less well than they deserve. I didn't treat people like the people they deserve to be treated like.” (01:56 | Mark Carpenter)
“If you’re not listening intently, you are likely, as a leader, to come up with a brilliant solution to the wrong problem.” (11:45 | Mark Carpenter)
“You can’t hold people accountable for behaviors that you haven’t made clear to them. And so, communicating intentionally is being really clear about what those expectations are.” (16:13 | Mark Carpenter) 
“Be intentional and conscious about who you want to be as a leader and what legacy you want to leave behind as a leader.” (25:34 | Mark Carpenter)
 
Links
Connect with Mark Carpenter:
Website: LeadLikeAPerson.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-carpenter-0b55221/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP27: Course Corrections: Communicating Change

"If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." says John Cerqueira, founder of Pinwheel Associates. In this episode, John joins Karin Reed to explore the art of leading through change and communicating that well, offering strategies to ensure that transitions are not only understood but embraced.
 
John introduces the ADKAR model—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement—as a practical framework for engaging employees and sustaining progress.
 
Can leaders balance the logistics of change with the human element? John believes they can. By prioritizing transparency, fostering buy-in, and reinforcing initiatives, leaders can turn resistance into alignment. He shares a case study from a global pharmaceutical company that successfully implemented change through thoughtful communication and consistent follow-through.
 
John also reflects on his personal experience running for public office, applying principles like gratitude, service, and abundance to manage uncertainty and build trust.
 
Whether you’re leading a team through a significant shift or planning for future changes, this episode offers practical advice to help you inspire confidence, manage uncertainty, and create meaningful impact.
 
Quotes
"If we're going to communicate something to anyone, particularly a large organization, we've got to ensure that they are aware of the condition that we're in, aware of the change." (9:44 | John Cerqueira)
“The fundamental model that I rely on is a model of call it: gratitude, service, and abundance, to offset and neutralize the natural fear of change and to make way for us to operate in terms of service, which is really the path, the motive that allows us to show up as our best selves.” (23:05 | John Cerqueira)
 "It is super important to recognize the human emotional element. We are emotional creatures, not just because we've been groomed to be that way from a physiological perspective." (28:37 | John Cerqueira)
“Recognizing that every individual, when they experience change, is prone to feeling threatened is particularly important. And I don't mean you have to pull punches, but just recognizing that to manage your messaging, recognizing that to manage the frustration that I see a lot of leaders feeling when they think, ‘Gosh, this is so simple. Why doesn't everyone just follow this path?’ is helpful for everybody.” (29:25 | John Cerqueira)
 
Links
Connect with John Cerqueira: 
Website: pinwheelassociates.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cerqueira-5a22963/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP26: Best of 2024: Own the Room

“One of my favorite things about doing this podcast has been the opportunity to learn new things. And I hope that you've had the same opportunity as well in listening to these conversations. I'm really excited to continue the conversation next year with all of you,” shares Karin Reed, as she reflects on the podcast’s journey. She expresses heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support from listeners and takes a look back at some of the most impactful moments from episodes from the past year.
 
Karin revisits her conversation with Matt Abrahams, who reframed small talk as a meaningful opportunity for connection, and J.D. Schramm, who highlighted the power of storytelling to make data relatable. She also shares Guy Kawasaki’s perspective on taking action and making decisions right, Dorie Clark’s advice to pursue what captivates you for personal and professional fulfillment, and Julia Korn’s strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome through vulnerability and intentional self-reflection.
 
This episode is both a celebration of growth and a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Karin invites listeners to carry these insights forward and share their communication challenges for future episodes as she prepares to welcome new guests and fresh perspectives for 2025.
 
Quotes
"We have to rebrand small talk. Big things happen during small talk. We connect, we collaborate, we build trust, future relationships." (01:43 | Matt Abrahams)
"You first have to understand the data and then you have to figure out a narrative that lets other people understand it." (06:07 | J.D. Schramm)
"If you want to be remarkable, the way you do that is you make a difference. You make the world a better place." (09:11 | Guy Kawasaki)
“If you're optimizing for interesting, you're choosing things that are genuinely meaningful and cool to you. It doesn't have to be meaningful to society in the sense of like you're saving a life every day, but I mean, it could be. It's something that is interesting enough to you that it almost feels like its own reward.” (Dorie Clark | 14:05)
"Imposter syndrome loves shame. That's its breeding ground. It loves secrecy." (16:10 | Julia Korn)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP25: The Mistakes that Make Us

“Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes,” says Mark Graban, the creator of the “My Favorite Mistake” podcast and author of “The Mistakes That Make Us.” How can leaders move from blaming to learning? In this episode, Mark joins Karin Reed to discuss how confident humility—the skill of admitting mistakes while preserving credibility—can transform workplace culture into a space for innovation and growth instead of fear and judgment.
 
Mark reflects on lessons from his podcast, where his guests share how they turned their missteps into meaningful progress. He challenges the idea that punishment leads to improvement, and suggests that it often results in hidden errors and repeated problems. Can mistakes be viewed as opportunities to build stronger systems rather than as failures?
 
This episode points out how psychological safety, openness, and systemic thinking can empower teams to speak up, address issues, and create lasting change. Whether you’re leading a team or reflecting on your own mistakes, Mark and Karin's conversation offers insights that can help you transform your setbacks into success.
 
Quotes
“There’s this combination I’d call confident humility. You have to be confident enough to realize that sharing a story won’t ruin your reputation, but it might benefit others who are afraid or uncomfortable admitting mistakes to themselves or their employees.” (05:47 | Mark Graban) 
“Mistakes are, by definition, unintentional. We’re doing something we think is the right thing, and it could be due to a mental lapse, a physical slip-up, or a bad assumption. A mistake, large or small, is by definition unintended. When we punish mistakes, it teaches people to hide and cover them up. Then, we’re doomed to repeat them or fail to learn from them.” (10:54 | Mark Graban)
“Leaders who lead by example set the tone for others to admit mistakes.” (15:21 | Mark Graban)
“There’s a lesson from entrepreneurship of stating your assumptions and realizing, ‘Okay, we’re going to go do something now. We’re testing an assumption. We could be wrong, and that’s okay.’ So, I think if we almost expect mistakes to happen, especially if we’re entrepreneurs or doing new things, launching a new podcast, we almost have to expect it, invite it, and reflect and learn the best we can.” (32:47 | Mark Graban)
 
Links
Connect with Mark Graban:
Website: http://markgraban.com/
Book: https://mistakesbook.com/
 
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP24: Using GenAI for Powerful Presentations

“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over,” says Maggie Miller, Speaker Dynamics’ communication coach and tech specialist, as she joins Karin Reed to discuss how generative AI, like ChatGPT, is reshaping presentation skills. Maggie shares how tools like ChatGPT save time, spark creativity, and even offer real-time feedback for presenters looking to refine their delivery.
 
Can AI enhance your storytelling without losing the human connection? Maggie believes it can. By treating AI as a “sous chef”—a helper for the heavy lifting—presenters can stay focused on authenticity and emotional connection. She also addresses ethical considerations, including data privacy and the importance of fact-checking, while offering practical tips on crafting effective prompts to get the most out of AI.
 
Starting small is key. Maggie suggests taking small steps, experimenting with AI for simple tasks, and gradually discovering its potential. For those ready to take the next step, Karin introduces Speaker Dynamics’ latest offering: “Using Generative AI for Powerful Presentations,” a program Maggie designed to help individuals and teams confidently enhance their communication skills using AI. Discover more at www.speakerdynamics.com/bonuscontent/
 
Quotes
“I think there are really three main benefits for using generative AI for creating powerful presentations… There are tools out there that give you a platform to practice presenting and get real time feedback. And so, this is just another way that you can use these types of tools to become a better presenter.” (04:24 | Maggie Milles)
“AI is there to support storytelling, but not take it over… Think of it as a sous chef—it’s really there to help you with those time-consuming tasks so you can focus more on the big picture.” (07:52 | Maggie Miller)
“The art is really about being very detailed about what you want. So, let’s say that you wanted to create an outline for a presentation. If you’re writing that prompt, you want to put in there: what is the topic that you want to be talking about? Do you have any time constraints or character constraints that it needs to consider? Are there any other nuances that you want it to take into consideration? I would say the biggest one that I always add to my prompts is: who is my audience?” (19:13 | Maggie Miller)
“I always say start small. Go to ChatGPT and ask it a simple question… The thing about ChatGPT and these other tools is the more you use it, the more it starts to mimic your behavior, whether you think that’s good or bad. The more you work with it, you’re basically training it to be more like yourself… Don’t be afraid. Give it a try.” (20:41 | Maggie Miller)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP23: Don't Give Away Your Power When Virtual

Retaining your power in virtual communication means building a presence that resonates and holds influence, even from behind a screen. So, how do we adjust our approach to make sure our impact truly connects in virtual settings?
 
In this episode, Karin Reed unpacks what it takes to communicate powerfully online. Reflecting on a colleague’s observation that 80% of people appear significantly more powerful in person than online, Karin explains how small adjustments can elevate virtual presence. True influence in the digital space is created by intentionally shaping how you show up.
 
Karin shares five practices for retaining power online—from staying visible and speaking up to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere with small talk. Do you find it easy to connect through a screen, or does it feel like a barrier? Karin suggests that everything—your position on camera, lighting, sound, even background—impacts your digital impression.
 
Treating the camera as a direct link to others can transform virtual interactions and create a sense of connection and trust that feels almost face-to-face. Focusing energy through the lens is more than a technical adjustment; it can powerfully build genuine connections. For anyone aiming to leave a lasting impression in the virtual room, Karin’s insights offer a fresh perspective on communicating with strength and authenticity online.
 
Quotes
“In order to be powerful in the medium that you have available to you, you have to understand that there’s nuance and things that you have to change in order to ensure that you can have as much presence as possible in the room as that room allows you.” (02:20 | Karin Reed)
“Recognize if your goal is to be powerful in that room. So if your goal is to have influence and impact over the decisions that are being made or to inspire people to take action, having the video on is a critical component of that.” (03:16 | Karin Reed) 
“Your digital impression might be the only impression that people have of you. So you owe it to them to make sure it’s a good one. You want them to be able to communicate with you as easily as possible without distraction, but you owe it to yourself because you want what is appearing on the screen here to be a good reflection of your personal leadership brand, a personal leadership brand that you want to be powerful as.” (14:11 | Karin Reed)
“Focus on connecting with your conversation partners—not just spouting information at them, but connecting with them by injecting humanity into the way you interact and encouraging conversation and dialogue. Be as authentic as you possibly can be… The camera does change everything, but it should not change you.” (21:56 | Karin Reed)
 
Links
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm