Are you ready to amplify your influence as a speaker, coach, or leader? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast features celebrated keynote speaker Richard Newman, who peels back the layers on what it really means to be an influential leader in today’s noisy world. Tune in as Marli and Richard explore game-changing topics like breaking through communication habits, the role of “armor” in leadership, and why reading the room is a non-negotiable skill.

Curious about the six paths of influential leadership or how stillness can actually supercharge your presence? Get ready for actionable insights and fresh perspectives that could transform how you lead, present, or facilitate—whether you’re on a stage or in a boardroom. Hit play and discover what might be quietly holding you back—and what to do about it.

At 16 years old, Richard Newman was a shy introvert with a fear of speaking, who struggled to join conversations, let alone inspire people. Today, he stands on stages from LA to Paris and Bangkok, empowering audiences like yours to turn their ideas into impact through storytelling and communication. He’s the author of two books, You Were Born to Speak and Lift Your Impact, and the Founder and CEO of Body Talk, a multimillion-dollar global coaching consultancy that has trained over 150,000 people. His scientific research on communication is published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychology.

His journey to becoming a communication expert and keynote speaker has taken him through living in a Tibetan monastery where he and the monks could only communicate non-verbally, studying 200+ books on communication, and training at the leading drama school in the UK. He then founded Body Talk, leading his expert coaching team for over 25 years. To learn more about Richard’s work go to, richardnewmanspeaks.com.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

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Curious about what it really takes to keep going when life throws its hardest challenges your way? This episode of the Marli Williams Podcast brings you an unfiltered conversation with Krista Ryan—executive coach, mental performance expert, and author of Keep Freaking Going. You’ll hear stories of resilience, vulnerability, and the raw truth about navigating trauma, isolation, and unexpected change. We touch on everything from overcoming shame to the power of asking for help, all wrapped up in Krista’s signature “KFG” (Keep Freaking Going) mindset.

If you’re interested in personal development, mental health, and leadership strategies for thriving through adversity, don’t miss this inspiring talk. Whether you’re facing burnout, loneliness, or want to become a better support for others, this episode offers powerful reminders that you’re not alone—and that authentic connection is just one text away.

Krista Ryan is a certified executive coach, facilitator, speaker, and Workplace Performance expert who is on a mission to help leaders thrive through chaos, change, and challenge.

She’s the CEO of KfG Coaching and a trusted coach for Bravely and Limitless Minds—where she brings the science of mental conditioning to the art of leadership. From C-suite leaders to elite athletes, Krista’s global clients turn to her when they need to communicate better, collaborate stronger, and perform under pressure.

With nearly two decades of experience as a Human Resources Director—and as a third-generation leader in her family-owned bank—Krista has lived what she teaches. Her no-fluff, deeply practical approach blends human insight with real-world strategy.

She’s the author of The Keep F!#ING Going*, a candid, energizing guide to navigating uncertainty and leading with strength in any season.

When she’s not coaching, speaking, or training, Krista is traveling the world in search of the best oyster bar—and fueling up with double-stuffed Oreos along the way.

Connect with Krista:

Instagram - @thekristaryan

Facebook - Krista Ryan

LinkedIn - Krista Ryan, PCC

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram

In this deeply personal episode, I open my heart to share the journey of saying goodbye to Summit, my soul dog and companion for the last 15 years. Through the rawness of grief, I explore what it means to lead, coach, and facilitate with genuine vulnerability and empathy. If you’ve ever experienced loss or wrestled with the heart-wrenching decision to let go of a beloved pet, you’ll find comfort, connection, and understanding here. I reflect on the lessons Summit taught me about unconditional love, trusting myself, and living intentionally—and how those lessons shape us as leaders and humans. You’ll hear honest insights into anticipatory grief, honoring our humanity, and building deeper relationships with those we serve by showing up, tender and true.

Join me for an episode full of gentle reminders, inspiration, and practical wisdom on navigating life’s hardest moments while still showing up for ourselves and others. Whether you’re a coach, speaker, facilitator, or simply someone seeking more meaning and compassion, I invite you to discover how embracing vulnerability and remembering our loved ones—human or animal—can deepen our impact and legacy. Let’s honor our wild and precious lives, together, just like Summit would want us to.

Marli Williams is an international keynote speaker, master facilitator, and joy instigator who has worked with organizations such as Nike, United Way, Doordash, along with many colleges and schools across the United States. She first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor when she was 19 years old. After getting two degrees and 15 years of leadership training, Marli decided to give herself permission to be the “Professional Camp Counselor” she knew she was born to be. Now she helps incredible people and organizations stop waiting for permission and start taking bold action to be the leaders and changemakers they’ve always wanted to be through the power of play and cultivating joy everyday. She loves helping people go from stuck to STOKED and actually created her own deck of inspirational messages called StokeQuotes™ which was then followed by The Connect Deck™ to inspire more meaningful conversations. Her ultimate mission in the world is to help others say YES to themselves and their big crazy dreams (while having fun doing it!) To learn more about Marli’s work go to www.marliwilliams.com and follow her on Instagram @marliwilliams

Follow us on Instagram: @marliwilliams

Our Website: www.podcast.marliwilliams.com

Hire Marli to Speak at your next event, conference, workshop or retreat!

www.marliwilliams.com

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