Leaders don’t fail because they lack ideas — they fail because they can’t communicate them.

In this episode, I sit down with Lucille Ossai, award-winning communications trainer and author of Influence and Thrive. From Lagos Business School to global boardrooms, Lucille has helped leaders transform how they connect, persuade, and inspire.

We unpack her 3 rules of effective communication and why mastering writing is often the fastest way to expand your influence.

🔑 In this conversation:

• How Lucille stumbled into communication after starting as a stay-at-home mum
• The surprising power of writing in an AI-driven world
• The 3 rules that instantly make you clearer and more credible
• Why communication is the #1 skill that drives leadership impact

📖 Learn more about Lucille:

Book: Influence and Thrive → https://amzn.eu/d/5h8mZDO

Website: www.lucilleossai.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lucilleossaicommunicationspro

✨ If you’ve ever felt your voice isn’t being heard, this episode will give you the tools to change that.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Powerful Communication

00:14 Lucille Ossai's Journey to Communication Expertise

01:29 The Importance of Communication Skills

03:19 Benefits of Effective Communication

05:19 Implementing Effective Communication

09:09 Three Rules of Effective Communication

12:56 Influence Through Communication

15:50 Overcoming Communication Challenges

24:50 The Power of Writing in Communication

26:22 A Nervous Start and Building Skills

26:45 The Importance of Writing in Business

27:57 Reading to Improve Writing

29:10 Blogging as a Tool for Improvement

30:46 The Role of AI in Writing

37:50 Effective Leadership Communication

41:56 Optimism for Future Business Leaders

45:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Overcoming the Feeling of Being Ignored: Real Stories and Practical Strategies

SUMMARY

In this episode, the host and his coaching friend James discuss the painful experience of feeling ignored, whether at work, online, or among friends. They share personal stories and explore the reasons why feeling ignored can hurt deeply. The conversation delves into strategies to combat this feeling, including setting boundaries, persistence, and reframing rejection. They emphasise the importance of self-awareness, the value of small successes, and not letting fear of judgment hold you back. With practical advice for speaking up and being heard, this episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling to make their voice matter.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: Feeling Ignored

00:34 Personal Stories and Boundaries

01:59 The Pain of Being Ignored

03:54 Coping Mechanisms and Self-Reflection

06:22 Childhood Experiences and Fitting In

11:38 Professional Challenges and Gender Differences

16:04 Taking Action and Setting Boundaries

20:40 Online Presence and Open Mic Experiences

24:08 Overcoming Failure in Comedy

24:50 The Importance of Persistence

26:19 Choosing the Right Platform

30:19 Seeking Help and Building Networks

35:31 Embracing Imperfection

37:46 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

Mastering Human Interaction: Insights from a Former US Secret Service Agent with Brad Beeler

SUMMARY

In this episode of Present Influence, host John Ball welcomes Brad Beeler, a former US Secret Service agent. Brad shares profound insights from his experiences in high-stakes environments to help decode human behaviour, build trust, and improve communication. Key topics discussed include the effectiveness and use of polygraph tests, the importance of congruent body language, effective first impressions, and the potent, often-overlooked influence tools like curiosity and respect. Brad also teases his upcoming book, 'Tell Me Everything,' which promises to delve deeper into these critical skills for anyone looking to enhance their influence and persuasion in personal and professional contexts.

Get the free PDF with the full rundown of everything Brad talked about on the show; you don't even need to submit an email: CLICK HERE

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Present Influence

00:09 Meet Brad Beeler: From Secret Service to Polygraph Expert

00:56 The Role and Effectiveness of Polygraph Tests

01:55 Brad's Journey and Insights into Human Behaviour

05:59 The Science of Body Language and Communication

10:58 Practical Tips for Presenters and Speakers

21:53 The Importance of First Impressions

25:56 Context and First Impressions

27:52 The Role of Lies in Social Interactions

28:53 Detecting Deception: Techniques and Tips

33:35 The Power of Social Media and Personal Information

38:40 Influence Principles in Action

43:27 Respect and Curiosity in Communication

45:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Book

Visit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.

For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedIn

You can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluence

Thanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.