Episode 328: Ever walked out of a meeting with your CEO, wondering if you just tanked your credibility instead of strengthening it? If you ever feel your conversations with senior leaders don’t land quite right—or worse, stall your projects instead of moving them forward—you’re not alone. This episode dives into the subtle communication mistakes that quietly kill your influence and shows you how to turn every CEO interaction into an opportunity to showcase your strategic value and leadership presence.
Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
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How to shift from reporting activity to communicating impact that earns executive trust.
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Simple language strategies that keep your CEO engaged and aligned with your priorities.
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Proven phrases that help you bring clarity, confidence, and focus to every high-stakes conversation.
Press play now to learn how to master CEO conversations and walk into your next one with confidence, clarity, and influence.
Common Communication Mistakes That Kill Your Influence
[01:00] – Why CEO Conversations Matter More Than You Think.
David explains that one-on-ones with your CEO are among the most high-leverage conversations you’ll ever have. Done well, they move strategy forward—done poorly, they create friction and stall progress.
[02:00] – Mistake #1: Looking for a Pat on the Back.
Instead of listing everything you’ve worked on, focus on strategic results. CEOs don’t want activity reports—they want clarity on what matters most and how your work ties to business outcomes.
[03:12] – Mistake #2: Speaking in Jargon.
Using team-level acronyms or technical shorthand forces your CEO to decode your message. Keep your language simple and connect your points to the broader business impact.
[04:19] – Mistake #3: Treating the CEO Like a Counselor.
Don’t bring problems without perspective. CEOs expect you to show awareness of risks and options—bring context and a potential path forward before asking for input.
[06:36] – Mistake #4: Thinking Out Loud.
Unfiltered, half-formed ideas can cause confusion and unnecessary work. CEOs expect you to have a considered point of view, not brainstorm in real time.
How to Communicate with Clarity and Executive Presence
[08:08] – Do’s and Don’ts for Strategic Conversations.
Start with the headline, not the backstory. Be prepared for ROI, risk, and timing questions—and when you don’t know something, pair “I don’t know” with a plan and timeline to find out.
[09:55] – Balancing Friendliness and Professionalism.
Even if you have a warm relationship with your CEO, begin every discussion with business clarity before easing into casual conversation. That’s how you model true executive presence.
[11:13] – Phrases That Build Credibility.
Learn powerful openers like “Here’s the core issue I think you need visibility on” or “From a strategic perspective, here’s how this ties to our top priorities.” These show confidence and focus.
[12:53] – Anticipate Their Questions Before They Ask.
Proactively address what your CEO is likely to ask—ROI, next steps, or strategic direction. This approach communicates preparation, respect, and leadership maturity.
[13:33] – The Real Secret: Think Higher, Say Less.
Influential leaders don’t talk more—they think at a higher level. Concise, strategic communication earns trust, saves time, and makes every CEO interaction count.
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