E161 | Leading with Influence | Gauri Seshadri

Send us Fan MailThe moment you forget your own name on stage can define you—or free you. We sit down with Gauri Seshadri, a global leader at Toastmasters International, to explore how a shaky first step turned into a career built on clarity, connection, and service. From introvert in a new culture to first vice president shaping strategy across 149 countries, Gauri shares the habits and frameworks that help nervous speakers become confident communicators and leaders who influence without titles.We dig into the story behind her icebreaker, the mentors who nudged her forward, and the decision to say yes before she felt ready. Gauri unpacks a practical 3A approach—audience, authenticity, alignment—that reliably turns information into impact. She explains why great speeches are felt, not just heard; how to flip tense rooms with one better question; and what it takes to build trust across cultures and time zones. You’ll hear tangible examples from corporate workshops, volunteer leadership, and sales presentations, including the mindset shift that transformed nerves into excitement.We also tackle the AI question head-on. Tools can draft and polish, but intent, empathy, and intuition remain human. Gauri offers a simple microhabit to grow clarity week after week: expand your library of knowledge beyond your bubble. Rounding it out, she shares crisp, adoptable habits—listen to understand, pause before speaking, keep it simple and sincere—and a closing mantra worth posting on your desk: clarity builds confidence, and confidence builds connection.If you’re ready to communicate with purpose, lead through influence, and make your words move people, this conversation is your playbook. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear what you’ll try first.Have you purchased the copy of Inspire Someone Today, yet? - Give it a go geni.us/istbookAvailable on all podcast platforms, including, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify