This week,Chris Hall, Chairman and Co-Founder of Stacuity Ltd. describes the
challenges of being a small startup grappling with geographical bias in the tech industry,
and the need to convince others of their credibility in spite of these biases.

In this episode you will learn:
How they are trying to change the perception of the industry by offering a better
and more efficient network specifically designed for IoT.
The importance of storytelling and the power of asserting oneself in a
conversation.

Chris shared his experience of convincing skeptical, traditional telecom engineers about the significance of embracing the internet, which ultimately led to successful implementation and adoption.


24 Hour Challenge:

Chris also challenged the listeners to practice concise communication in their own
presentations, emails, and conversations - whatever you are composing, try to cut it in
half!


About Chris Hall:
Chris has worked in the telecommunications sector since graduating from Cambridge
University in 1984. He has held senior roles for British Telecom and O2 in the UK and
Europe, before moving to the Isle of Man in 1999 to become CEO of Manx Telecom.

In 2000, he led a ground-breaking project to build and launch Europe’s first commercial
3G mobile network. The 3G showcase generated a huge amount of interest from the
industry, media and customers and generated valuable learning and insight for Manx
Telecoms parent company, O2 which was used to shape their 3G rollout plans in the UK
and Europe.

In 2011 he returned to his entrepreneurial roots. He is an active angel investor with a
portfolio of investments in early-stage technology start-ups and is co-founder and
chairman at Stacuity Limited, a new venture providing programmable IoT connectivity.

He is also a Board member/advisor for companies across various sectors and is
Chairman of Hospice Isle of Man.

You can connect with Chris in the following ways:
Web: www.stacuity.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishallcando/

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions
Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions
Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week,Chris Hall, Chairman and Co-Founder of Stacuity Ltd. describes the challenges of being a small startup grappling with geographical bias in the tech industry, and the need to convince others of their credibility in spite of these biases.
In this episode you will learn:
<ul>
<li>How they are trying to change the perception of the industry by offering a better and more efficient network specifically designed for IoT.</li>
<li>The importance of storytelling and the power of asserting oneself in a conversation.</li>
</ul>
Chris shared his experience of convincing skeptical, traditional telecom engineers about the significance of embracing the internet, which ultimately led to successful implementation and adoption.
 24 Hour Challenge:
Chris also challenged the listeners to practice concise communication in their own presentations, emails, and conversations - whatever you are composing, try to cut it in half!
 About Chris Hall: Chris has worked in the telecommunications sector since graduating from Cambridge University in 1984. He has held senior roles for British Telecom and O2 in the UK and Europe, before moving to the Isle of Man in 1999 to become CEO of Manx Telecom.
In 2000, he led a ground-breaking project to build and launch Europe’s first commercial 3G mobile network. The 3G showcase generated a huge amount of interest from the industry, media and customers and generated valuable learning and insight for Manx Telecoms parent company, O2 which was used to shape their 3G rollout plans in the UK and Europe.
In 2011 he returned to his entrepreneurial roots. He is an active angel investor with a portfolio of investments in early-stage technology start-ups and is co-founder and chairman at Stacuity Limited, a new venture providing programmable IoT connectivity.
He is also a Board member/advisor for companies across various sectors and is Chairman of Hospice Isle of Man.
You can connect with Chris in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>Web: www.stacuity.com</li>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishallcando/</li>
</ul>
You can connect with Laura in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola</li>
<li>LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/</li>
<li>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions</li>
<li>Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions</li>
<li>Twitter: @LauraSicola</li>
<li>Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions</li>
<li>Website: https://vocalimpactproductions.com/</li>
<li>Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today</li>
</ul>
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal.

Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more!

For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com 

To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@vocalimpactproductions.com

Speaking to Influence

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal. Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more! For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com  To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@laurasicola.com

When you speak, do you want to inspire others and be recognized as a true leader? Do you want to feel more confident, have greater influence, and get bigger results? This is the show for executives, business owners and leaders who need to command the room, connect with their audience and close the deal. Join host Dr. Laura Sicola, communication and influence expert, as she interviews world-class business and industry leaders, who reveal the importance of strong communication skills in their success and the (sometimes hard) lessons they learned along the way. You’ll gain insights into confident public speaking, conflict management, executive presence, and more! For more information, visit https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com  To book Laura as a guest or speaker email info@laurasicola.com

Chris Hall of Stacuity: Silencing the Skeptics

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 seeking feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess one's abilities and areas for improvement. The conversation also touches on the importance of initiating conversations, developing storytelling skills, and simplifying complex concepts for clients.

In this episode you will learn:
Transparency in communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment.
Admitting mistakes and seeking input from others can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.
Negotiation is a valuable skill that can help find win-win solutions and avoid missed opportunities.
Being open to new opportunities and exploring alternatives can lead to personal and professional growth. Approach negotiations as win-win situations to find mutually beneficial solutions.
Seek feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess your abilities and areas for improvement.
Initiate conversations and find common ground to build relationships and influence.
Develop storytelling skills to engage and connect with others.
Simplify complex concepts to make them more accessible and understandable for clients.

About Reed

With over 29 years of experience as a CEO and co-founder of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, Reed has successfully built and led one of the world's premier investment banking firms focused on the media, marketing, information and technology sectors. He has also expanded their global presence as the chairman and president of Oaklins International, which has 850 investment bankers in 45 countries.



You can connect with Reed in the following way:
Website: https://www.oaklins.com/dp/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipsreed/

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc
Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @drlaurasicola
Website: https://laurasicola.com
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 seeking feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess one's abilities and areas for improvement. The conversation also touches on the importance of initiating conversations, developing storytelling skills, and simplifying complex concepts for clients.
In this episode you will learn:
<ul>
<li>Transparency in communication is essential for building trust and fostering a positive work environment.</li>
<li>Admitting mistakes and seeking input from others can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving.</li>
<li>Negotiation is a valuable skill that can help find win-win solutions and avoid missed opportunities.</li>
<li>Being open to new opportunities and exploring alternatives can lead to personal and professional growth. Approach negotiations as win-win situations to find mutually beneficial solutions.</li>
<li>Seek feedback from industry colleagues and friends to assess your abilities and areas for improvement.</li>
<li>Initiate conversations and find common ground to build relationships and influence.</li>
<li>Develop storytelling skills to engage and connect with others.</li>
<li>Simplify complex concepts to make them more accessible and understandable for clients.</li>
</ul>
About Reed
With over 29 years of experience as a CEO and co-founder of Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips, Reed has successfully built and led one of the world's premier investment banking firms focused on the media, marketing, information and technology sectors. He has also expanded their global presence as the chairman and president of Oaklins International, which has 850 investment bankers in 45 countries.
 
You can connect with Reed in the following way:
<ul>
<li>Website: https://www.oaklins.com/dp/en/</li>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipsreed/</li>
</ul>
You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola</li>
<li>LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc</li>
<li>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc</li>
<li>Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola</li>
<li>Twitter: @LauraSicola</li>
<li>Instagram: @drlaurasicola</li>
<li>Website: https://laurasicola.com</li>
<li>Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today</li>
</ul>
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reed Phillips - Oaklins DeSilva + Phillips: Mastering the Art of Win-Win Negotiations

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 the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.

In this episode you will learn:
Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.
Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.
Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.
Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.
Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.
Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.
Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.
Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.

About Richard Blank

At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.



You can connect with Richard in the following way:
Website: https://costaricascallcenter.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessprocessoutsourcingcallcenter
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ST99AEp7COEWS4q4VUw4Q
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc
Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @drlaurasicola
Website: https://laurasicola.com
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the importance of trust, faith, and having a sense of humor in building relationships and achieving success.
In this episode you will learn:
<ul>
<li>Character during chaos is an important leadership trait.</li>
<li>Promote individuals based on their strengths and redirect them to roles where they can excel.</li>
<li>Express appreciation and acknowledge the contributions of team members.</li>
<li>Take calculated risks and communicate with stakeholders about challenges and unique aspects of the business. Soft skills, including foreign language proficiency, are valuable and marketable skills in the business world.</li>
<li>Recognize and leverage your unique talents and skills, and don't downplay their importance.</li>
<li>Improve your voicemail message and ensure congruence between your audio and visual presence.</li>
<li>Give a personalized outbound voicemail message to make a positive impression.</li>
<li>Be the lone voice of dissent when necessary and advocate for others.</li>
</ul>
About Richard Blank
At 27 years old, Richard relocated to Costa Rica to train employees for one of the larger call centers in San Jose. He has trained over 10 000 bilingual telemarketers over two decades. Richard has the largest collection of restored American Pinball machines and antique Jukeboxes in Central America making gamification a strong part of CCC culture. Richard Blank is the Chief Executive Officer for Costa Rica’s Call Center since 2008.
 
You can connect with Richard in the following way:
<ul>
<li>Website: <a href="https://costaricascallcenter.com/en/videos/">https://costaricascallcenter.com</a></li>
<li>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessprocessoutsourcingcallcenter">https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessprocessoutsourcingcallcenter</a></li>
<li>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ST99AEp7COEWS4q4VUw4Q">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ST99AEp7COEWS4q4VUw4Q</a></li>
<li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaricascallcenter/</a></li>
</ul>
You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola</li>
<li>LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc</li>
<li>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc</li>
<li>Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola</li>
<li>Twitter: @LauraSicola</li>
<li>Instagram: @drlaurasicola</li>
<li>Website: https://laurasicola.com</li>
<li>Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today</li>
</ul>
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Blank - CRCC - Building Rapport: Getting to Know Your Team

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 misinterpretation and potential problems.
Being a translator between the C-suite and the team is an important leadership skill.
Timing plays a significant role in effective communication.
Explaining things to teenage kids can be challenging, but building a strong relationship and providing guidance can help.

About Katie:

Ms. Ekaterina (“Katie”) Curry is a global business & operations leader with deep expertise in financial services and insurance. She currently leads Operations, Quality, Process improvement and Agency teams at Millennial Specialty insurance multifamily.

2x Fortune 500 leader, she has led colleagues on 5 continents through transformation and rapid growth. Katie transitioned from Financial Services to insurance at the end of 2022 and is focused on bringing best practices to the insurance industry.

Katie is originally from Bulgaria but has lived and worked in the U.S. for over 20 years. She holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Yale University.

She is a frequent industry speaker and author on operations,leadership, and working with Gen Z and Millennial colleagues. When she is not working, you might find Katie hiking with her husband, kids and their dog Flynn.

You can connect with Katie in the following way:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinacurry/

You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola
LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc
Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola
Twitter: @LauraSicola
Instagram: @drlaurasicola
Website: https://laurasicola.com
Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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:
<ul>
<li>Precision in word choice is crucial to avoid misinterpretation and potential problems.</li>
<li>Being a translator between the C-suite and the team is an important leadership skill.</li>
<li>Timing plays a significant role in effective communication.</li>
<li>Explaining things to teenage kids can be challenging, but building a strong relationship and providing guidance can help.</li>
</ul>
About Katie:
Ms. Ekaterina (“Katie”) Curry is a global business &amp; operations leader with deep expertise in financial services and insurance. She currently leads Operations, Quality, Process improvement and Agency teams at Millennial Specialty insurance multifamily.
2x Fortune 500 leader, she has led colleagues on 5 continents through transformation and rapid growth. Katie transitioned from Financial Services to insurance at the end of 2022 and is focused on bringing best practices to the insurance industry.
Katie is originally from Bulgaria but has lived and worked in the U.S. for over 20 years. She holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Yale University.
She is a frequent industry speaker and author on operations,leadership, and working with Gen Z and Millennial colleagues. When she is not working, you might find Katie hiking with her husband, kids and their dog Flynn.
You can connect with Katie in the following way:
<ul>
<li>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinacurry/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinacurry/</a></li>
</ul>
You can connect with Dr. Laura Sicola in the following ways:
<ul>
<li>LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola</li>
<li>LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurasicola-inc</li>
<li>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraSicolainc</li>
<li>Facebook: Dr. Laura Sicola</li>
<li>Twitter: @LauraSicola</li>
<li>Instagram: @drlaurasicola</li>
<li>Website: https://laurasicola.com</li>
<li>Laura’s Online Course: virtualinfluence.today</li>
</ul>
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hall of Stacuity: Silencing the Skeptics

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