The SMARTA Podcast

How to Communicate Like a Leader with Todd Cherches

The SMARTA Podcast

Show Notes

What if the only thing keeping you from your dream job is the courage to walk up to a stranger on an airplane?

Today, we are breaking down why "Visual Leadership" is the ultimate competitive advantage in an era where attention spans are plummeting. I am joined by Todd Cherches, an executive coach, NYU and Columbia University professor, and the author of Visual Leadership. Todd shares his incredible origin story, from a 24-year-old taking a terrifying leap of faith to approach the President of NBC on a flight, to surviving a string of terrible bosses in the TV industry.

If you want to know how to solve a multi-million dollar corporate problem using nothing but a 30-second sketch on a napkin, this episode is for you.

What you will learn in this episode: Why you should Expect the Unexpected and be "prepared to be unprepared".

The ACR Framework (Attention, Comprehension, Retention) and why visual thinking works.

How to use the "Pizza Slice Approach" to navigate office politics and influence stakeholders.

The "4 Gs of Leadership" (Genuineness, Generosity, Graciousness, Gratitude).

Why you should stop trying to be the hero of your own stories.

Todd Cherches is the CEO of BigBlueGumball, a management and leadership consulting firm. He is an executive coach, a TEDx speaker, and an award-winning adjunct professor at NYU and Columbia University. His book, Visual Leadership, teaches leaders how to use visual thinking to communicate more effectively. Connect with Todd on LinkedIn to learn more about his coaching.

In this episode:

00:00 - Welcome

02:51 - Todd: Expect the Unexpected

03:22 - The Airplane Pitch: Meeting the President of NBC

08:14 - What is Visual Leadership & The ACR Framework

13:40 - A Love Letter to Horrible Bosses

17:40 - Are You in the Right Seat on the Right Bus?

22:00 - The Multi-Million Dollar Napkin Sketch

24:52 - Overcoming the "I Can't Draw" Syndrome

28:51 - The 10 Types of Visual Thinking

34:20 - The Pizza Slice Approach for Influencing People

38:22 - Stop Being the Hero of Your Own Stories

42:04 - Why Critical Thinking is Dying in the Gen Z Era

46:33 - Advice to His 18-Year-Old Self: Fail Faster

50:11 - The 2 Books That Changed Todd’s Life

52:23 - Final Advice: The 4 Gs of Servant Leadership

If you loved Todd's advice to "Be prepared to be unprepared," take a screenshot of this episode right now and share it to your Instagram Story! Tag me and Todd, and tell us one bad boss experience that actually made you a better leader. Don't forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a conversation that helps you grow 1% smarter every day.

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