Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.

Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.

Episode Reference Links:

• Allison Kluger
• Book Allison Contributed to: Brand Up
• Naomi Bagdonas
• Nir Halevy
• Christian Wheeler
• Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation
• Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication
• Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict
• Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (03:33) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication
• (05:35) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture
• (07:35) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction
• (11:59) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund
• (14:34) - Using AI in Teaching and Research
• (21:55) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR
• (23:50) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing
• (26:39) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room
• (29:28) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions
• (31:21) - Conclusion

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Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.

A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you’ll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.

Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.

Episode Reference Links:

• Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Audio Book
• Speaking Up Without Freaking Out

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:36) - The Challenge of Q&A
• (03:02) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance
• (03:42) - When to Take Questions
• (04:31) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively
• (05:34) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A
• (06:49) - Managing Questions Efficiently
• (07:50) - Answering Questions with Confidence
• (09:03) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions
• (10:16) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact
• (11:10) - Conclusion

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How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.

Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the power of stories.
Dan breaks down the elements of an impactful story, sharing a case study from his book Reset, outlining how to find compelling stories that connect with audiences, the structure of engaging narratives that keep people hooked, and the power of analogies and unexpected contrasts in storytelling.

Get more done with Grammarly. Download Grammarly for free at grammarly.com/podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dan Heath
• Dan’s Books: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working
• Ep.190 Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want
• Ep.170 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1
• Ep.171 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:45) - A Story About Change: The Hospital Case Study
• (03:53) - Breaking Down the Elements of a Great Story
• (06:25) - Finding the Right Stories
• (08:11) - Crafting Stories with Purpose
• (09:44) - Conclusion

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