Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence expert, speaker, author of Speaking to Influence: Mastering Your Leadership Voice, and host of the podcast, Speaking to Influence: Communication Secrets of the C-Suite. Her mission is to transform executives into confident, inspiring leaders whether live or virtually in order to get the results they want and turn their vision into their Legacy. As the founder of Vocal Impact Productions, she has trained and coached executives at Comcast, IBM, the US Department of Commerce and Women Against Abuse along with politicians, business owners and non-profit leaders from around the world.
Laura’s TEDx talk, “Want to Sound Like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right,” has nearly 7 million views, and she has been featured on programs such as Fox & Friends First, NBC10 @Issue and PHL 17. She has also spoken to thousands at conferences such as the Professional BusinessWomen of California Conference and the PA Conference for Women.
Laura received her PhD in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, where she also taught from 2001-2013.
Recent Content
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen…
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO…
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen to a direct report, leading to a strained relationship. Dr. Combs also discusses the significance of engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions. She shares a story about a project where she had to pivot from building housing to creating a park based on community feedback. She highlights the importance of humility and being willing to admit mistakes as a leader.In thi…
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen…
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO…
Dr. Sarah Combs, CEO of University Area Community Development Corporation, shares her insights on the importance of active listening and recounts a personal experience where she failed to fully listen to a direct report, leading to a strained relationship. Dr. Combs also discusses the significance of engaging the community and seeking their input before making decisions. She shares a story about a project where she had to pivot from building housing to creating a park based on community feedback. She highlights the importance of humility and being willing to admit mistakes as a leader. In this…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different per…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different personality types, and the power of going to bat for others.Misty shares her experiences of taking risks, delivering hard news, and finding humor in everyday situations. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others.In this episode you will learn:● Authenticity is key in effective communication. ● Understanding different personalit…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different per…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Misty Davis, the Chief Marketing Officer of Circana. They discuss the importance of authenticity in communication, the value of understanding different personality types, and the power of going to bat for others. Misty shares her experiences of taking risks, delivering hard news, and finding humor in everyday situations. The conversation highlights the significance of acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of others. In this episode you will learn: Authenticity is key in effective communication. Understanding different personality types can…
In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transpare…
In this conversation…
In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transparency caused disruption and unrest within her organization.Liz emphasizes the need for leaders to communicate the big rocks and immovable objects in a business, while acknowledging that there may still be uncertainties. She also highlights the value of having opposing force personalities in a team to challenge and push against strengths and weaknesses.In this episode you’ll learn: ● Transpa…
In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transpare…
In this conversation…
In this conversation, Liz Ross, CEO of Shift Paradigm, discusses the importance of transparency within a framework in leadership communication. She shares a personal experience where lack of transparency caused disruption and unrest within her organization. Liz emphasizes the need for leaders to communicate the big rocks and immovable objects in a business, while acknowledging that there may still be uncertainties. She also highlights the value of having opposing force personalities in a team to challenge and push against strengths and weaknesses. In this episode you’ll learn: Transparency …
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communicati…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communication and the benefits of asking for help. Kate shares a missed opportunity where she didn't speak up and the lessons she learned from it. They also talk about taking risks in marketing and the importance of combining digital and physical outreach.In this conversation, Kate McQuade discusses her approach to risk-taking in marketing, the importance of delegation, and the dynamics of team collaborat…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communicati…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Kate McQuade, the Vice President of Marketing at P360, a life sciences SaaS company. They discuss the importance of collaboration in leadership communication and the benefits of asking for help. Kate shares a missed opportunity where she didn't speak up and the lessons she learned from it. They also talk about taking risks in marketing and the importance of combining digital and physical outreach. In this conversation, Kate McQuade discusses her approach to risk-taking in marketing, the importance of delegation, and the dynamics of team collaboratio…
Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency…
Reed Phillips, CEO o…
Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in communication and the negative consequences of being secretive with employees. Reed also discusses a time when he made a wrong hiring decision and had to let someone go, highlighting the importance of admitting mistakes and seeking input from others. He shares his experience as an investment banker and offers advice on building influence and overcoming communication challenges. Reed suggests s…
Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency…
Reed Phillips, CEO o…
Reed Phillips, CEO of Oaklins De Silva and Phillips, shares insights on leadership communication and lessons learned from his career in investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of transparency in communication and the negative consequences of being secretive with employees. Reed also discusses a time when he made a wrong hiring decision and had to let someone go, highlighting the importance of admitting mistakes and seeking input from others. He shares his experience as an investment banker and offers advice on building influence and overcoming communication challenges. Reed suggests s…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the valu…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Richard Blank, the CEO of Costa Rica's Call Center, about the importance of communication skills and influence in the business world. They discuss the value of soft skills, such as foreign language proficiency, and the need to recognize and leverage one's unique talents. Richard challenges listeners to improve their voicemail messages and congruence between their audio and visual presence. They also talk about the importance of giving people a personalized outbound voicemail message and the impact it has on the impression they leave. He emphasizes t…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, incl…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, including the importance of precision in word choice, the need to be a translator between the C-suite and the team, the power of timing in communication, and the challenge of explaining things to teenage kids. Katie also shares her experience of going to bat for someone on her team and the lessons she learned from it. In this episode you will learn:Precision in word choice is crucial to avoid mis…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, incl…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Ekaterina (Katie) Curry, the Managing Director of Millennial Specialty Insurance. They discuss various topics related to communication and leadership, including the importance of precision in word choice, the need to be a translator between the C-suite and the team, the power of timing in communication, and the challenge of explaining things to teenage kids. Katie also shares her experience of going to bat for someone on her team and the lessons she learned from it.In this episode you will learn: ● Precision in word choice is crucial to avoid mi…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key ele…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key elements that make them powerful.She emphasizes the need for simplicity, relatability, and passion in delivering an elevator pitch. She also invites listeners to join her for an event where they can practice and improve their own elevator pitches.In this episode you will learn: • Crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch is essential for effectively communicating one's value proposition. …
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key ele…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola discusses the importance of crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch. She deconstructs several examples of effective elevator pitches and highlights the key elements that make them powerful. She emphasizes the need for simplicity, relatability, and passion in delivering an elevator pitch. She also invites listeners to join her for an event where they can practice and improve their own elevator pitches. In this episode you will learn:Crafting a clear and compelling elevator pitch is essential for effectively communicating one's value proposition. …
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius. They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, and c…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and The Six Types of Working Genius. They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, and conflict in teams, as well as the six types of working genius. Patrick shares personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for effective communication and leadership. The conversation explores the five dysfunctions of a team, emphasizing the importance of trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and attention to results. It also delves into the significance of effec…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' and 'The Six Types of Working Genius.' They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, a…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Patrick Lencioni, author of 'The Five Dysfunctions of a Team' and 'The Six Types of Working Genius.' They discuss the importance of trust, vulnerability, and conflict in teams, as well as the six types of working genius. Patrick shares personal experiences and insights, providing valuable advice for effective communication and leadership. The conversation explores the five dysfunctions of a team, emphasizing the importance of trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and attention to results. It also delves into the significance of effect…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Orlando, the Chief Learning Officer for Bristol Myers Squibb, about leadership communication. They discuss the importance of simplifying complex conce…
In this episode, Dr.…
In this episode, Dr. Laura Sicola interviews Jeff Orlando, the Chief Learning Officer for Bristol Myers Squibb, about leadership communication. They discuss the importance of simplifying complex concepts and using the rule of three to convey messages effectively. Jeff shares a story about missing an opportunity because he held back and waited for more support, instead of moving forward with a smaller group of influential leaders. They also discuss the value of engaging in conversations with senior leaders and asking them what they want to hear. In this episode you will learn:The importan…