Start 2026 with a Stronger Leadership Presence

Before we dive into 2025's top episodes, I want to share two free webinars I'm hosting in January:

Presentation Secrets - January 7 at 18:00 CET - This one helps you become a much stronger presenter. I share the techniques I use with C-Levels to cut prep time in half while doubling impact.

Confidence on Command - January 14 at 18:00 CET - I share my method that helps leaders project unshakeable confidence when the stakes are highest. The same system I use in my $30k executive coaching, delivered live in one focused hour.

Both sessions include live Q&A where you can get direct answers to your specific communication challenges.

Even if you can't attend live, register to get the recordings – they're completely free and designed to give you immediate, practical tools you can use right away.

PODCAST

YOUR Top 10 Speak Like a CEO Episodes of 2025

For the third year in a row, the Speak Like a CEO show more than doubled its audience. Total listening has gone up by 155% and total new audience increased by a crazy 999% from last year.

A huge thank you to you for tuning in and for supporting the show and the newsletter – I appreciate you more than I can express in a newsletter!

Hosting the show for seven years now has been one of the absolute highlights of my career, and it’s only possible because of your continued trust.

What’s next for the show? In 2026, we will make a big push on YouTube because video is now the language of the internet.

I also plan to do more solo episodes, in addition to bringing you the world’s biggest guests in leadership communications.

In early 2026, expect Stephen M.R. Covey (THE global expert on trust), Kate Mason (on becoming powerful AND likeable), and Nir Eyal (he’s back to talk about his new book Beyond Belief on how to achieve the extraordinary).

Before I get too excited about next year, here are YOUR Top Ten favorites of 2025 – all of these episodes are packed with actionable advice to help you become a 10/10 communicator:

🧠 272 | Master the Science of Conversations with Dr. Alison Wood Brooks
Every career is built one conversation at a time. Harvard’s Alison Brooks unpacks how to navigate conversations with authenticity and impact.

👂 282 | Talk Less, Lead More with Oscar Trimboli
Listening is the most underrated leadership skill. Oscar Trimboli explains how deep listening transforms communication and leadership.

🚀 285 | Get What You Want from the People in Charge with Melody Wilding
Managing up isn’t optional – it’s a skill. Melody Wilding shares practical strategies to influence decision-makers with confidence.

🎤 290 | Speak Like a Top 1% Leader – I am a guest on Oliver Degnan’s show
What makes a leader truly listenable? I break down the tools that help leaders make their message stick.

🔑 291 | Get to the Point with Joel Schwartzberg
“If you don’t have a point, everything you say is pointless.” Joel Schwartzberg shares techniques to tighten your message and cut the fluff.

🎢 294 | Pitch Like a Pro with The Pitch Guy aka Danny Fontaine
A great pitch isn’t a slide deck. It’s a performance. Danny Fontaine reveals how to build emotionally charged, unforgettable pitches.

✨ 296 | Unforgettable Presence with Lorraine K. Lee
Being great at your job isn’t enough—if no one notices. Lorraine K. Lee shares how to build visibility, influence, and executive presence.

🎯 299 | The Science of Influence – with Steve Martin
Influence isn’t about changing minds – it’s about changing behavior. Steve Martin explains what actually persuades us in today's world.

⚔️ 300 | “I’m Not That” – Laura Ries on the Power of Positioning
You don’t need a better pitch. You need a sharper position. Laura Ries explains how contrast cuts through and creates memorability.

💸 301 | Bad Communication Costs You – with Celeste Headlee
Poor communication costs businesses $37 billion annually. Celeste Headlee shares how to fix it with clarity and intention.

You can listen and watch on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube.

Happy holidays, and have a wonderful Christmas,

Oliver