Josef Javier Ayala

This week's episode features an in-person discussion with Terry Szuplat, a former White House speechwriter for President Barack Obama and author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience. Terry emphasizes the importance of authenticity, simplicity, and personal storytelling in effective communication. He shares insights on public speaking, leveraging personal narratives, and avoiding jargon, offering actionable advice for students and professionals in the field. The discussion also addresses the impact of social media and how AI is involved in communication. The session concludes with an appreciation for Terry’s contributions and a reminder to engage in authentic human communication.Takeaways:Talk Like a Human: Simplify your language and communicate in a relatable way. Avoid jargon and buzzwords to enhance relatability and impact.Know Yourself Deeply: Understand your identity, values, and story before inspiring others. Clarity in who you are will resonate with your audience's authenticity.Utilize Personal Stories: Incorporate personal anecdotes in your speeches. Unique experiences will engage your audience and create a personal connection.Prepare Thoughtfully: Use the 50-25-25 rule for preparation: spend 50% on planning and research, 25% on content creation, and 25% on practicing and refining your delivery for a polished presentation.Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection: Prioritize being genuine over delivering a flawless performance. Audiences appreciate sincerity and your true self.Quote of the Show:"When you tell the stories that only you can tell, then no one can steal your words, ever."Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-szuplat-456914137/ Website: https://globalvoicescommunications.com/about/ Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind. Inspire Any Audience: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/say-it-well-terry-szuplatShout Outs:Former President of the United States, Barack ObamaTim WalzGeroge Washington College of Professional Studies: https://www.cps.gwu.edu/ 

This episode is a tribute to Mrs. Virginia Ali, co-founder and matriarch of the iconic Ben's Chili Bowl, a true family-owned business. She recounts her early days in the Shaw community in Washington DC, her relationship with civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how Ben's became a crucial gathering spot during pivotal historical moments. Through her warmth and hospitality, Virginia helped the restaurant thrive for 66 years, making it an essential part of the city's cultural and social fabric. The episode also touches on her efforts to archive the restaurant's history and her notable interactions with high-profile dignitaries, including President Barack Obama. As she prepares to expand Ben's Chili Bowl, Mrs. Ali emphasizes the importance of community connection and consistent kindness.Takeaways:Treat Everyone with Kindness and Respect: Mrs. Ali treats everyone who walks into Ben’s Chili Bowl with a smile and kind words, making them feel like the most important person. Leaders should foster a culture of kindness and genuine respect within their teams to build strong and positive relationships.Preserve Your Legacy: Mrs. Ali’s decision to document and preserve her family's and business's history will ensure that her legacy will last forever. Leaders should prioritize recording and preserving important documents and histories that can provide valuable insights and inspiration for future generations.Stay Calm and Collected: Virginia Ali's philosophy of using a soft voice to turn away wrath is a powerful reminder that staying composed and using calm communication can defuse tense situations. Leaders can effectively manage conflicts and maintain a positive atmosphere by practicing patience and composed communication.Be a Beacon During Tough Times: Ben’s Chili Bowl remaining open during the 1968 curfew period exemplifies the importance of being a reliable and supportive presence in the community during crises. Leaders should aim to be pillars of stability and support when their teams or communities face challenges.Value Community Relationships: Mrs. Ali emphasized the mutual support between Ben’s Chili Bowl and their community. Leaders should actively engage with and contribute to their communities, understanding that these relationships can provide critical support during tough times.Commit to Longevity and Adaptability: The success of Ben’s Chili Bowl over 66 years highlights the importance of persistency, adaptability, and a commitment to quality. Leaders should focus on these attributes to sustain long-term success and navigate ever-changing environments.Stay Humble and Grateful: Despite receiving numerous awards, Mrs. Ali remained humble and focused on serving her community. Leaders should embody humility and gratitude, recognizing that their success is often a collective effort and continuing to prioritize service and kindness.Quote of the Show:“Influence doesn’t have to be loud, it can be kind and gentle.”Links:Ben’s Chili Bowl Website: https://benschilibowl.com/ Shout Outs:"Breaking Barriers with Chili: Virginia Ali: The Matriarch of DC": https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Barriers-Chili-Virginia-Matriarch/Lee’s Flower Shop: https://www.leesflowerandcard.com/  Industrial Bank: https://www.industrial-bank.com/home/my-banking-center/u-street Peaches (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl)Mary Wood (Former Employee of Ben’s Chili Bowl) President Kennedy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Barack Obama Adrian Fenty Harriet TubmanHoward University Hospital: https://www.huhealthcare.com/ James Beard Foundation Award Key to the City Award Lifetime Achievement Award 

Johnny C. Taylor serves as the President and CEO of SHRM, a global organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of workers and workplaces. With a membership of 325,000 individuals spanning 165 countries, SHRM is a leading authority and convener on contemporary workplace issues, impacting millions of workers and families worldwide.At the core of Johnny's leadership philosophy lies a belief in the transformative potential of personal branding and workplace civility. He underscores the importance of authenticity, urging leaders to remain true to themselves across professional and personal spheres. Johnny distinguishes himself as a leader committed to fostering positive influence and meaningful connections by prioritizing trust and civility.In today’s episode, Johnny shares his approach to embracing change and prioritizing his digital presence. He discusses the challenges of navigating difficult conversations and promoting inclusivity while highlighting the strategic significance of personal branding in cultivating trust and influence. Moreover, Johnny offers insights into modern leadership complexities, advocating for embracing change and exploring the integration of AI in the workforce.Takeaways:The world is evolving rapidly, and leaders must cultivate a mindset that welcomes change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. By practicing adaptability, leaders can navigate challenges and seize new opportunities more effectively.Authenticity is crucial in today’s workplace. Leaders need to be genuine, transparent, and true to their values. This builds trust and credibility, creating a stronger connection with their teams.The shift to remote and hybrid work models has shown the importance of trusting employees. Leaders should focus on outcomes rather than monitoring every step, fostering an environment of empowerment and respect.Disagreements are inevitable, but how we handle them makes all the difference. Leaders should promote healthy, respectful discourse and encourage teams to 'disagree better,' enhancing collaboration and understanding.Inclusion goes beyond diversity numbers. It’s about making every individual feel valued and heard. Leaders must strive to create workplaces where everyone feels they belong, contributing to a more cohesive and productive environment.With AI and automation reshaping job landscapes, leaders must guide their teams toward embracing new technologies. This includes identifying new skill requirements and preparing employees for future challenges and opportunities.Leaders should prioritize effective policy-making that benefits the workforce and the organization over political considerations. This approach ensures decisions are made based on data, fairness, and the company's and its people's long-term well-being.Quote of the Show:“We have to create an environment where we can disagree better. Where we can have a civil conversation, and that doesn't mean you compromise on your values and what you believe in.” - Johnny C. TaylorLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnyctaylorjr SHRM Website: https://www.shrm.org Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval (Book link): https://a.co/d/6Wo59NI Shout Outs:Roy Abdo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royabdo Digital Revamp (Website): https://digitalrevamp.com 

Sharon McBride is the Global Head of Mobilization at DoorDash. Sharon is a pioneer in the field of public affairs and grassroots mobilization, both in the United States and around the globe. She believes fervently in giving people a voice in government, and throughout her career, she's advocated for workers and small businesses, helping them connect with policymakers. Sharon joins Host Anthony Shop to share what it means to help others with a servant’s heart, the importance of in-person interactions with customers, and how to take the first steps toward building influence.This episode is a special, live recording that was filmed at the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management in collaboration with the George Washington University College of Professional Studies. Takeaways:Being an advocate for others can be particularly fulfilling because you are amplifying the voices of those folks who don't think they have a voice. Regardless of the situation, if you have connections or a platform, you should use your means to share the message of those who need to be heard.Elected officials in Washington, D.C. really do want to hear what their constituents have to say and what issues impact them. Those officials genuinely want to represent the opinions and concerns of those they serve.Spend time with your customers both in-person and over the phone. These two methods of communication are much more valuable compared to text-based communication such as email. These high-value touchpoints build the relationship with the customer.To truly understand the perspectives of people that you serve, you need to walk a mile in their shoes. For example, Sharon shared that even those in Doordash’s C-Suite take part in “we-dashes” where they deliver actual Doordash orders to really understand what the experience is like for dashers.If you struggle with promoting yourself, your company, or your accomplishments, pivot to elevating team members, peers, etc. The first step toward influencing your community, neighborhood, and family is to start with bettering yourself, your family, your community, etc. Once you start making a difference that change will compound, gradually building to an immense total impact.Quote of the Show:“I believe the best way to influence either in a small way or in a large way, is to approach everything with a servant's heart.” - Sharon McBrideLinks:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-mcbride-advocate/ Doordash Careers Website: https://careers.doordash.com/