Your Intended Message

12 Words and Phrases That Sabotage Your Communication Communication Tips from George Torok

Episode 283

In this episode we explore:

• why vague words prevent listeners from seeing what you mean

• how double negatives create confusion and weaken your intent

• where emotional trigger words derail your message

• how insulting phrases show unintended arrogance

• why self-diminishing language lowers your authority

• how dishonest ope...

Fear, AI & Leadership: How to Stay Human in a Digital World The Truth About Executive Presence

Episode 282 (Roz is based in Florida)

In this coversation with Roz Usheroff we explore:

• how authenticity shapes executive presence

• why emotional intelligence matters more than polish

• how leaders can support people through AI-driven uncertainty

• the rise of “quiet cracking” and what it signals

• why psychological safety fuel...

Why Top-Down Change Fails and how leaders can fix it How to lead change without burning out or losing your team

Episode 281 (Jeff is based in Maine)

In this conversation with Jeff Wetherhold we explore:

• why 88% of change initiatives fail and what leaders consistently overlook

• how treating change as a communication challenge shifts results

• how ambivalence, not resistance, explains employee behaviour

• how motivational inte...

Don't force teamwork, harness your team's superpowers Great teams don't need to be friends

Episode 280 (Mark is based in Georgia)

In this conversation with Mark Murphy, we explore:

• why you don’t have to like your teammates to perform well together

• how forced fun can kill real teamwork

• the five essential roles that make up every high-performing team

• how to diagnose what’s missing when your team is stuck

• why adaptive le...

Praise in Public, Criticize in Private Leadership Lessons with Martha Lawrence

Episode 279 ( Martha is based in San Diego, CA)

In this conversation with Martha Lawrence, we explore:

• how the culture of positivity shaped Ken Blanchard’s leadership philosophy

• why The One Minute Manager changed how organizations lead and communicate

• how to apply “catch people doing things right” both at work and at home

• the fine line betwee...

The Power of Listening—Lessons from Elephants and Lions Elephant Wisdom: Be Still, Listen, and Lead

Episode 278: (Hugh is based in San Fransico)

In this conversation with Hugh Coppen we explore:

• how animals communicate clearly without words

• why listening is a survival skill in nature—and in business

• what elephants and lions can teach us about leadership

• how body language signals intent, trust, and respect

• the importan...

Managing Fear and Chaos The Ant, the Elephant, and the Earthquake

Episode 277 (Vince is based in Dallas, Texas)

In this conversation with Vince Poscente we explore:

• how fear operates in both the conscious and subconscious mind

• why alignment between intention and emotion determines progress

• the meaning behind “there’s no linear way out of chaos”

• how to face personal earthquakes like loss, failure, or crisis

• why breathi...

Why Logic Doesn’t Sell — and What to Do Instead Brain Glue: Why Emotion Beats Logic in Business Communication

Episode 276 (James is bases in LA, California)

In this Conversation we Explore:

• Why the emotional brain makes 90% of our decisions

• How rhyme, rhythm, and repetition make ideas memorable

• The secret power of metaphors and analogies in persuasion

• What “Brain Glue” is and how to apply it in marketing and leadership

...

Feedback First: The Starting Point for Better Sales Coaching Listen for What Isn’t Said: The Coaching Skill Most Managers Miss

Episode 275 (Keith is based in Philladephia)

In this conversation with Keith Willis, we explore:

• why real coaching starts with clarity, not a barrage of questions

• how an Army leadership mindset accelerates business coaching outcomes

• the pharma sales reality and why managers must coach for influenc...

Targeted messaging wins: why “market to everybody = market to nobody” Plateaued growth? Check your vision, strategy, and team empowerment

Episode 274 (Shay is based in Charlotte NC)

In this conversation with Shay Prosser, we explore:

• why strategy must come before messaging

• how interviewing customers sharpens language that resonates

• the danger of “laundry list” offerings and what to say instead

• how clear targeting helps ...

Manage Difficult Conversations & Meetings

The 3-step script to calm angry people (ignore words, read feelings, label)

Episode 273 (Doug is based in California)

In this conversation we explore…

• https://dougnoll.com/why decisions are emotional and what that means for leadership credibility

• the 92-second reset protocol that calms intense situations fast

• a three-step method: ignore words, read emotions, reflect with “you”...

Build trust in business through authentic storytelling The brand blueprint: how to define values and tell your story

Episode 272  (Deevo is based in Charlotte, NC)

In this conversation we explore…

• how to cut through industry noise with a no-fluff branding approach

• why self-discovery is the foundation of personal branding

• the role of trust and experience in building client relationships

• how authentic storytelling creates...

Build Innovation Teams That Thrive in Ambiguity Human Ingenuity: Clever, Inventive and Fearless Thinking

Episode 271 (Ken is based in the Greater Toronto Area)

In this conversation we explore…

• why innovation often stalls in organizations

• the difference between innovation, entrepreneurship, and ingenuity

• how to measure and manage openness to ambiguity

• why diversity of thought and background is essential for innovation

• ...

High-Stakes Communication: Lessons for Leaders From Crisis to Product Launch: Mastering High-Stakes Messaging

Episode 270 (Angela is based in Massachusetts)

In this conversation we explore…

• why every business needs a crisis communication plan

• how to identify vulnerabilities and prepare for unexpected risks

• why proactive preparation is a positive mindset

• how to communicate with honesty, transparency, and values

• why “no...

Cold Calling in 2025: Strategies That Still Work Combining Emotional Intelligence with Artificial Intelligence

Episode 269 (Ashely is based in Indianapolis, Indiana)

In this conversation we explore:

• how AI can serve as a no-cost, personalized sales coach

• why combining emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence strengthens selling skills

• the importance of reviewing your own sales calls to identify scarcity languag...

Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success Mind Shifting for Leaders: Building Teams That Solve Complex Problems

Episode 268 (Mitch is based in New York State)

In This Conversation We Explore…

• how cultural values shape communication and decision-making

• the hidden “lies” that societies accept and how they influence relationships

• why the survival brain reacts faster than the resourceful brain

• what “Part X”...

Secret to Memorable Presentations Be Funny without Offending: Self-Deprecating Humor

Episode 267 (Danny is based in Denver, Colorado)

In this conversation with Danny Brassel we explore:

• how to instantly connect with your audience using relatability, authority, and purpose

• why storytelling beats bullet points for memorability and emotional connection

• how to mine everyday experiences for meaningful stories that support your...

Fix What's Broken with Traditional Networking Replace Referrals with Introductions to Build Your Business

Episode 266 (Donnie is based in Texas)

In this conversation with Donnie Boivin we explore:

• why the traditional rules of networking fail in the B2B space

• how to eliminate the pitch and still make meaningful connections

• how to use LinkedIn QR codes instead of business cards

• what it means to rank your network and why i...

Stop Hiding Your Flaws—Use Them to Lead One-Eyed Wisdom: Using Your Flaws to Connect with Others

Episode 265 (Diana is based in Florida)

In this conversation with Diana Fritz we explore:

• how Diana uses her literal blind spot to teach about communication blind spots

• why vulnerability builds stronger connections in leadership and teams

• how DISC profiles reveal communication styles and hidden friction

• strategies to adjust ...