EP41: The Lowdown on GenAI Tools for Speakers
Can artificial intelligence really coach us to be better communicators, or does true connection still require human intervention? Karin Reed is joined by returning guest, communication coach and tech strategist Maggie Miller, for a conversation about how AI is reshaping the way we prepare, present, and connect. What begins with Karin testing Microsoft’s Speaker Coach unfolds into a deeper look at where technology helps and where it falls short. Can an algorithm truly capture your tone, your energy, your presence in the room? Karin shares what AI gets right, things like pacing, filler words, and vocal variety, and what it still can’t grasp: nuance, emotion, and context.
EP40: Strategically Real on Socials
Authentic leadership online means showing up as yourself rather than hiding behind corporate polish.
Karin Reed sits down with Jess Jensen, the founder of Co-pilot Communications, to talk about what it really takes for executives to build a digital presence that feels genuine and earns trust. After two decades leading digital strategy for global brands like Microsoft, Nestlé, Qualcomm, and Adidas, Jess has seen firsthand how the landscape has shifted. People no longer want polished brand statements – they want to hear from leaders directly. So how do you decide who you’re really speaking to? What values do you want to be known for? And how can you use your story to spark connection in a way that feels true to you?
EP39: Culture Gaps with Global Virtual Teams
Global teams can look united on the surface yet still struggle with distance, culture, and trust. Leaders often assume that what works in the office will work online, only to discover that virtual dynamics play by a very different set of rules.
Karin Reed sits down with global virtual team expert and author Theresa Hollema to unpack the realities of leading across borders. Theresa explains why team configuration matters, why cliques form when a handful of colleagues share the same space, and why some teams actually found fully remote work easier during the pandemic.
EP38: The Power of Silence
Silence can feel uncomfortable, yet it has the power to make every word count. How do pauses change the way others hear you? When does stopping at the right moment strengthen your message instead of weaken it?
Speaker Dynamics – Own The Room is back, and in this episode, Karin Reed explores silence as one of the most underused but transformative skills in communication. She shares how pausing before you speak can command attention and project confidence, why ending once your point is made keeps your message clear and credible, and how intentional quiet creates space for real listening. Karin reflects on lessons from her work with global leaders, her experiences moderating conversations, and even her personal relationships, showing how silence can shift both professional dynamics and personal connections.
EP37: Inspiring through Storytelling
Most business presentations are packed with data no one remembers. Stories are what actually stick. Karin Reed is joined by senior communication coach Andrea Brody for a conversation that redefines what storytelling looks like in a business setting. What makes someone pause, lean in, and actually remember what you said? Well, it’s probably not your bullet points.
EP36: Pitch Perfect – Becoming a Media Expert with Paula Rizzo
Becoming a go-to media expert doesn’t happen by chance. There are multiple factors that make you the guest who is on speed dial. But what are those factors? Karin Reed talks with Paula Rizzo, an Emmy-winning producer, author and media trainer, about what it really takes to get booked by the media and asked back. Why do some experts become regulars while others never hear a word? What makes a producer stop scrolling and actually open your pitch?
EP35: Will You Let Me Finish?
Controlling a room full of senior leaders starts with knowing your mission and refusing to let interruptions derail it. So what happens when you walk into a meeting ready to present and the executives start cutting you off before you even reach slide two? Karin Reed knows the feeling, and she offers a smarter way to handle it without losing control or losing your nerve.
In this episode, Karin breaks down five practical strategies for staying in charge when senior leaders steer the conversation off course. She shares why setting expectations early can help you hold the room, how trimming your content down to what matters most can work in your favor, and why you should never make a busy executive wait for the point you’re trying to make. Would your presentation land differently if you led with the ‘ask’ instead of saving it for the end? Karin explains why it would and how it changes the way people listen. You’ll also hear smart ways to handle interruptions without giving away control and how to design your slides to flex with the conversation instead of boxing you in.
EP34: Tales from the Trenches of the Speakers Circuit
Most people think polish makes a speaker great. Authenticity is what makes an audience listen. In this episode, Karin Reed talks with international keynote speaker and bestselling author Ryan Vet about what it really takes to build a professional speaking business. From a non-linear journey shaped by entrepreneurship and early Twitter fame to a moment of clarity sparked by unexpected feedback, Ryan shares how authenticity, not polish, is the quality that sets great speakers apart.
EP33: An Executive Presence Toolkit
Executive presence isn’t something you’re just born with. It’s built through intention, visibility, and the willingness to quiet your inner critic. These are some of the key takeaways from Karin Reed’s talk produced by e-learning titan, Madecraft, as part of their &Then speakers’ series. Karin returns to a topic she’s known for—owning the room—but this time through a more personal lens. What does it take to show up with confidence when your inner voice is questioning every move? How do you project leadership when imposter syndrome is creeping into your psyche?
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.