(Ep. 258) Rebecca Okamoto: Memorable first impressions

IN EPISODE 258:Want to make a great first impression? Put the other person first. In Episode 258, Rebecca Okamato shows us how to make a lasting first impression in 20 words or less. We discuss why so many first impressions fail to impress, how to craft a clear and compelling message, and how to tune our nonverbal cues for success. Whether you're trying to stand out at work, land a new job, or discover new opportunities, these tips will make your first impression memorable.ABOUT REBECCA OKAMOTO:Rebecca Okamoto is the founder of Evoke Strategy Group. She teaches people how get their audience to say “tell me more” in 20 words or less. Her talk, “How to introduce yourselfand get hired” is one of the most popular TEDx talks of 2025.

IN EPISODE 257:To be a super-performer, you don't need extraordinary effort - just ordinary habits. In Episode 257, George Pesansky explores ways individuals can optimize their everyday behavior and decisions to drive improvement throughout their organization. Whether it's listening to frontline workers, understanding the root causes of success, or creating a culture of continuous improvement, super-performers aren't born -- they're bred. ABOUT GEORGE PESANSKY:George Pesansky has fostered a culture of continuous improvement in numerous Fortune 500 organizations and has provided training, coaching and support for over 10,000 Six Sigma, Lean and World Class Manufacturing professionals across six continents. He's the author of Superperformance: 8 Strategies to Reach Full Potential for Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization.

IN EPISODE 256:In Episode 256, Kelli Thompson explores the cost of overestimating others and underestimating ourselves. We discuss ways to align decisions with values, how to stay grounded as a leader, why we should treat AI with white gloves, and the importance of mentorship.ABOUT KELLI THOMPSON:Kelli Thompson is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and executive coach who is on a mission to help more women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She is theauthor of Closing The Confidence Gap, and her work has been published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Marketwatch, Quartz, Business Insider. Her TEDx talk on fulfilling your leadership potential was a 2025 Editor’s Pick.LINKS:Episode #80: How to grow sideways in your careerTEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVbsZ52jgLs

IN EPISODE 255:What looks like “good fortune” is often the result of understanding — and leveraging — the hidden markets that govern access to opportunity. Judd Kessler is here to help us understand them. Whether it’s the algorithms behind dating apps, the psychology of lotteries and waitlists, or the structure of modern hiring, we can design our own luck — as long as we know the rules and are prepared to play. ABOUT JUDD KESSLER:Judd B. Kessler is the inaugural Howard Marks Endowed Professor at the Wharton School, where is he a professor in the Business, Economics, and Public Policy Department. His work and research has appeared across the popular press, and he's the author of LUCKY BY DESIGN: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want.LINKS:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juddkessler/Website: juddbkessler.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/0316566829

IN EPISODE 254:Can you collaborate with people you don't like, agree with, or trust? In Episode 254, Adam Kahane shows how it's possible to collaborate even when we can't pick our partners. We explore the limits of traditional collaboration and how "stretch collaboration" can allow us to better embrace conflict, experiment with solutions, and recognize our personal agency.ABOUT ADAM KAHANE:Adam Kahane is the co-founder of Reos Partners, a global social impact company that helps people move forward together on their most important and intractable issues - from executives and politicians to generals and guerrillas, civil servants and trade unionists, community activists and United Nations officials, even clergy and artists. Adam is also the author of six books and was named a Schwab Foundation Social Innovation Thought Leader of the Year at the World Economic Forum in Davos.LINKS:Website: http://www.adamkahane.comBook: https://reospartners.com/resource-library/collaborating-with-the-enemyReos Partners: https://reospartners.com/

IN EPISODE 253:The truth about high-achieving teams is that they engage in honest talk. In Episode 253, Steven Gaffney shows us how to get the unsaid said through more honest team communication. We discuss ways leaders can create stronger feedback cultures, why accountability measures often backfire, and how to screen for candidates who align with your values. ABOUT STEVEN GAFFNEY:Steven Gaffney is a speaker, author and advisor who has helped develop high-achieving teams at Fortune 500 companies, recognized brands, and government and military agencies.

In this solo episode, I share my complicated relationship with feedback - and why I'm now thankful it's a major part of my life. A Thanksgiving edition of things I wish you knew.

In this solo episode, I share the power of adopting the "silver rule" in our everyday feedback. Learn why having a to-don't list can help you improve your feedback message and delivery, and why "right sizing" and "bite sizing" feedback can produce stronger outcomes.

IN EPISODE 250:Are you looking to create the "new you"? In Episode 250, Nataly Kogan drops by to discuss her framework for personal reinvention. We talk about letting go of limiting beliefs, getting in tune with our passion and purpose, and uncovering the dimensions that bring us closer to who we want to be.ABOUT NATALY KOGAN:Nataly Kogan is a globally recognized expert in transformation and leadership. She’s an international keynote speaker, artist, and former tech CEO, and the bestselling author  of three books. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, HarvardBusiness Review, Forbes, and hundreds of other outlets.

IN EPISODE 249:Minimalism isn't about doing or having less - it's about doing the right things with more intention. In Episode 249, Shira Gill explores the importance of making intentional choices in our work and lives, emphasizing the impact of minimalism on personal growth and goal setting. We discuss the power of a having a clean space, how leaders can create a culture of prioritization and focus, and how to co-exist with someone who loves clutter. ABOUT SHIRA GILL:Shira Gill is a world-renowned organizing expert and the bestselling author of three books: Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled. She’s  been featured by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, People, Forbes, goop, Architectural Digest, Oprah Daily, Vogue, and The New York Times. She also offers business strategy, support, and mentorship to female founders across the globe.