10x Your Team with Cam & Otis

Influence is in Clarity, Not Word Count - Stacey Hanke | 10x Your Team Ep #489

Episode 489

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0:00 | 55:11

Stacey Hanke returns to the show to reveal why eye connection is the only delivery skill that conveys trust—and how leaders can maintain their authentic human edge in an era of AI-generated noise.

In this episode, communication expert and author Stacey Hanke joins Cam and Otis to break down the mechanics of influence. From the "ripple effect" of connecting with large audiences to the critical distinction between being well-liked and having executive presence, Stacey explains why the most common-sense communication habits are often the least practiced. Whether you're pitching a new client or leading a boardroom, this conversation provides the tactical steps to ensure your message actually lands.

In this episode, you'll discover:
• The "No Eyes, No Talk" Rule – Why eye connection is the foundation of trust and how to adapt your delivery to your listener’s needs (03:30) 
• Social vs. Executive Presence – Why being the "funny one" in the room isn't enough and how to elevate your communication for the C-suite (16:19) 
• The Feedback Gap – Why leaders are often the last to know the truth and how to move past "good job" to find real growth (14:24) 
• AI as a Partner, Not an Identity – How to leverage technology for efficiency without losing the authentic voice that your clients trust (26:48) 
• Mindful Listening vs. The "One-Upper" – A powerful technique to stop thinking about what to say next and start truly hearing your team (38:28) 
• Sitting in the Messiness – Why new leadership habits feel awkward at first and why you must push through the discomfort to reach a new level (47:05)

About Stacey Hanke: Stacey Hanke is the Founder and CEO of Stacey Hanke Inc. and the author of Influence Elevated. She has trained thousands of leaders at organizations like Microsoft, Nationwide, and General Mills to communicate with confidence and authenticity.

Are you talking to eyes or just making noise? Hit play to learn the tactical steps to elevate your influence and lead with authentic presence.


Chapters with Timestamps and Descriptions

00:00 — Intro & The Eye Connection Dilemma
• Cam and Otis discuss the struggle of looking at the camera vs. the screen. 
• Stacey introduces the core rule: "Only speak when you see eyes." 
• Why eye connection is the only delivery skill that conveys trust.

05:39 — The Ripple Effect: Connecting with Any Audience
• How to have one-on-one conversations with a room of 100+ people. 
• Using pauses to decide where your eyes land next to maintain attention. 
• Why your nonverbal behavior must adapt to what works for the listener.

13:51 — The Feedback Gap and Executive Presence
• Why leaders stop receiving honest feedback as they move up the ladder. 
• The difference between being well-liked (social presence) and being influential (executive presence). 
• How to handle the transition from a "doer" to an executive leader.

22:38 — AI and the Disruption of Human Connection
• How technology like texting and AI is eroding traditional social cues. 
• Using AI as a partner for efficiency while remaining the "final edit." 
• Why your reputation depends on your authentic voice, not a script.

31:15 — The Art of the Pitch: Tapping into the "Why"
• Why traditional elevator pitches are becoming "noise" in a crowded market. 
• Focusing on the problem you solve rather than your title or company. 
• Using "storytelling by subtraction" to increase the clarity and impact of your message.

36:33 — Mindful Listening and Networking Techniques
• Moving beyond the "What do you do?" question to build genuine empathy. 
• The "One-Upper" trap and how to practice mindful listening for keywords. 
• Using open-ended questions to let others feed you what you need to say.

45:19 — Sitting in the Messiness of Growth
• Why new communication habits feel awkward and "wrong" at first. 
• The importance of muscle memory and sitting in the discomfort of change. 
• Taking baby steps in day-to-day interactions to build long-term influence.

48:43 — Vulnerability and Recording Yourself
• Why recording and watching yourself is the fastest step toward improvement. 
• The courage required to be vulnerable in your own leadership development. 
• Final thoughts on consistency and where to find Stacey’s resources.


Connect with Stacey Hanke:
https://www.staceyhankeinc.com/keynote-speaking
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhanke/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StaceyHankeInc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyhankeinc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/staceyhanke
Website: https://staceyhankeinc.com/

#10xYourTeam #CommunicationSkills #Influence #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutivePresence #LeadershipCommunication #EffectiveCommunication #SelfAwareness #ProfessionalDevelopment #BusinessCommunication