Speak by Design

Why Bringing Your Whole Self to Work Is a Trap: Authenticity and Executive PresenceAuthenticity is everywhere in leadership advice. Be yourself. Be vulnerable. Bring your whole self to work. But almost no one tells you where that advice quietly backfires, or how oversharing can cost a strong performer their credibility.In this episode, Stephanie Bickel sits down with Dominique Murray, a marketing and technology leader, author, and longtime Speak by Design University member whose first impression is so strong Stephanie calls her a northbound train. Together they unpack the difference between authenticity that builds trust and authenticity that becomes a liability, why adapting how you show up is not the same as being fake, and how the best leaders use vulnerability with precision instead of spilling everything.You will also hear the small set of changes that completely shifted how a room responded to Stephanie, and why none of them cost her a thing.You'll learn:→ The difference between good vulnerability and bad vulnerability→ Why "that's just not me" is usually resistance, not authenticity→ How to adapt to a room without feeling like you are performing→ Where transparency helps a team and where it quietly erodes trust→ The one reframe that changes how you walk into any roomWhether you are leading a town hall, navigating a new team, or deciding how much of your personal life belongs at work, this episode gives you a clear way to stay genuine without giving everything away. Authenticity is not the goal. Trust is.Dominique's debut novel, Dominion Ascension, is out now.LINKS:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinGet Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationDominion Ascension: https://www.amazon.com/Dominion-Ascension-D-Murray/dp/B0F7T5W74THosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sharing communication pet peeves with co-workers strengthens relationships and elevates communication immediately. This does more than formal performance reviews!Do you know what gets under your skin when someone speaks or communicates? More importantly, do you know what gets under your audience's skin? In this lesson, we explore the fascinating—and sometimes hilarious—world of communication pet peeves. From overused buzzwords like "manifest" and "robust" to distracting filler words and emails longer than a smartphone screen, we explore how these quirks can derail connection and productivity. But here’s the twist: these pet peeves aren’t just nuisances; they’re opportunities for self-awareness and growth.Join us as we share real-life stories from leadership teams and explore how opening up about communication pet peeves can lead to stronger relationships, clearer messaging, and even a bit of team bonding. You’ll learn how to identify your own communication blind spots, give and receive constructive feedback, and turn those pesky pet peeves into a playful and productive tool for personal development. Don't miss this lighthearted yet transformative conversation—it might just change the way you communicate forever!***How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.🔗 Links:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinChicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

When you understand how power dynamics work, you can improve relationships around you immediately. This works at every level of the organization. Learn how to re-balance the power in one-on-one relationships. Maybe you need to give more power to your team members or take some power back. We will examine seven sources of power—from authority and expertise to charisma and knowledge of organizational goals—and learn how to assess and leverage them in your unique work relationships.We'll also explore common workplace politics and how to recognize when it’s not just a feeling but a real barrier. With practical insights on handling exclusion, feeling set up to fail, or lacking visibility, you'll learn to shift your mindset and take action. Whether it's building your own authority or helping your leader feel more empowered, this episode offers tools to reclaim control and foster stronger, more balanced connections in your professional life.*****How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.🔗 Links:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinChicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Do you feel like your meetings are missing the mark? You're not alone! Do you want to design meetings that improve culture and drive better business results?In this lesson, you'll discover how to transform your gatherings into memorable, impactful experiences that people will actually enjoy—and remember for years to come. Through real-life stories of leaders who mastered the art of gathering, you'll learn how to foster connection, creativity, and collaboration among your team.We'll walk you through the three essential elements of a great meeting: thoughtful planning, interactive facilitation, and surprise factors. Whether you're hosting a brainstorming session, strategy meeting, or a cultural team-building event, this lesson will give you the tools to create gatherings that inspire action, strengthen relationships, and leave everyone talking long after it's over. Get ready to make your meetings the highlight of your team's week!***How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.🔗 Links:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinChicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Unlock Your Team's Full Potential with Better CommunicationIn this lesson, learn how to increase team effectiveness through communication and deeper relationships. If you've ever wondered how to inspire your team to work better together, maintain momentum, and even accelerate their productivity, this lesson is for you. We’ll explore how improving the relationships between team members—and between you and your team—can dramatically impact overall performance. Strong team dynamics lead to greater collaboration, innovation, and an energized work culture.We’ll also cover strategies for overcoming common challenges, such as negative beliefs that create distance between peers. Learn how to change the way you think about your team to foster connection and trust, and how small actions, like introducing personal recognition and organizing meaningful team activities, can transform the way your team operates. Tune in to this episode to discover actionable insights for turning your team into a high-performing, cohesive unit!***How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.🔗 Links:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinChicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Earning a promotion requires meeting expectations AND standing out as the obvious choice. In this lesson, we explore what it truly takes to campaign for that next level. The first step? Understand the measuring stick—what does your organization expect for the next role, and how can you clearly demonstrate your impact? But beyond meeting expectations, we explore how you can create undeniable visibility by running a thoughtful, proactive campaign.This episode unpacks strategies for presenting yourself as a mature, confident leader, ready for the next challenge. We discuss the importance of calm communication, handling difficult questions gracefully, and delivering standout presentations that leave an impression. You'll learn how to build impactful stories that your sponsors and supervisors can share with senior leaders, creating a clear case for your readiness. Plus, we cover practical tips on everything from managing your wardrobe to showing up more visibly in your organization, ensuring you're always on their radar. Discover how to make your promotion campaign efficient, effective, and fun!****How you speak is how you lead. Want to study this with other leaders? Take a look at www.speakbydesign.com/join. That's our leadership communication program that includes private, group, and self-paced learning for every learning style.🔗 Links:Start your coaching journey: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/joinChicago Leadership Day (July 15): https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/se2026Get Speak by Design Certified: https://speakbydesignuniversity.com/certificationHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.