The Lida Citroën Podcast

What do you wish you'd known when you started your career? Did you understand the role personal branding, relationship-building, and authenticity would play in it? In this episode, we help you find direction, meaning, and the tools for a successful career. Professionals often enter the workforce without much knowledge about personal branding, networking, and social media management. In this episode, Lida shares what she wishes she had known when she first started out. Joining her is Beau Saltz, Director of Workforce Solutions at PEG Colorado, who built his career on authenticity, relationship-building, and a constant commitment to learning. His story is a real-world case study in personal branding and reputation management principles in action. In this episode, you'll learn: The three questions to ask about your career: what direction you want it to take, how you want to be known, and the mark you want to leave Why perception matters, and how others' perceptions of you shape decisions about your future The difference between authenticity and transparency (especially online), and why you can be real without telling people everything How your online presence can work for or against you, and how consistency across platforms signals what you care about to employers, clients, and colleagues How to build a network before you need one, and why maintaining relationships matters more than making them How to conduct an informational interview the right way, and its benefits for your career Whether you're starting out, starting over, or striving for the next level, this episode gives you the foundation to move forward with clarity and confidence. Links from this episode LinkedIn Learning Courses  Stay connected  LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 

Courage and vulnerability aren't soft skills. They're key pieces of the foundation of a strong personal brand that builds long-lasting influence. In this episode, Lida draws from The New Rules of Influence to make the case that showing up with courage and vulnerability isn't a weakness or a liability, but it's the key to building a leadership brand and influence that connects with your teams and stakeholders, and establishes trust and credibility. In this episode, you'll learn: Why courage is not the absence of fear and what it actually means to take action before you feel ready That courage isn't an end state, it's a muscle built through small, consistent acts of showing up even when it's uncomfortable The difference between being real and being transparent and why you don't have to share everything to build deep, lasting trust Why vulnerability is the engine of influence and how it creates the psychological safety that makes people follow you, believe you, and bring their best Why AI makes this more urgent than ever. AI creates sameness, and your willingness to be real is something that can't be replicated This episode will give you a courage framework and empower you to start showing up with realness today. _______________________ Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence Executive Coaching with Lida _______________________ Stay connected LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook 

Many leaders say they want a high-performance team, but few have a clear philosophy for how to build one.  In this episode, Lida sits down with Paul Barwick-Copeland, Director of Business Consulting and Value Realization Services at NiCE, one of the world's leading AI and customer experience technology companies. Paul leads global high-performing teams across EMEA and APAC, spanning multiple cultures, time zones, and languages. What makes him stand out isn't his title or results, but the way he leads.  Paul's leadership philosophy is rare. Built on authenticity, empowerment, and a willingness to grow people even when it means letting them go.  In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between managing and leading, and how knowing the distinction changes every decision you make about your team How to lead with consistency across cultures. Why authentic leadership transcends time zones, languages, and cultural differences, and what that means for global leaders How to hire for positive disruption. Why Paul actively recruits people who will challenge him, and what he looks for beyond credentials How to build a brilliant team, not just a collection of strong individuals. The philosophy of collective over ego, and how to create psychological safety for people to thrive How to see potential in people before they see it in themselves. The conversations Paul has with his team that go far beyond the standard performance review Why letting people go is an act of leadership, not failure. How supporting someone's growth, even out of your team, is one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader How to stay authentic as a leader in an AI-driven world. What it looks like to lead authentically inside one of the most AI-forward companies in the world If you lead a team, or want to, this episode will give you the philosophy for authentic leadership that you can start applying immediately. Links from this episode Executive Coaching with Lida  Stay Connected LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook 

What if the behavior you think is making people like you is the exact thing preventing them from respecting you, considering you for new opportunities, and taking you seriously as a leader? People-pleasing rarely feels like a problem when you're doing it. It feels like kindness, generosity, and being a good teammate. In this episode, Lida gets personal about a moment she said yes to something she never should have, spent three weekends resenting it, and realized she had been quietly teaching people that her “no" wasn't a real option. Sound familiar? Using research from Brené Brown and Adam Grant, her own values framework, and the direct connection to self-talk and imposter syndrome she unpacked in Episodes 21 and 25, Lida breaks down what people-pleasing actually costs you, and the practical tools to stop it starting today. In this episode, you'll learn: Why people-pleasing is a personal branding problem. How chronic accommodation creates a reputation that's likable but not influential, and what that costs your career How to tell the difference between real generosity and people-pleasing. The three distinctions (generosity, collaboration, kindness) and how to identify which one is actually driving your behavior The self-talk underneath the automatic yes. The internal tape that runs before every yes that should have been a no, and how to interrupt it Why boundaries free you instead of limit you. The playground study that reframes everything you thought you knew about setting limits  The values filter. Three questions to run every future yes or no through, starting with your next high-stakes decision Liked vs. trusted. Why these aren't the same thing, and which one actually builds influence If you've ever felt quiet resentment after saying yes, or wondered why people describe you as agreeable but never as decisive, this episode will name what's happening, and give you a way forward. Links from this episode The Human Advantage: Elevating Executive Presence & Influence in the Age of AI  Episode #21 and #25   Stay connected LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook   

Now that you understand how self-talk shapes your narrative and reputation (listen to episode #25), it's time to take that internal foundation and translate it into the kind of executive communication that actually moves your stakeholders to act. Knowing what to say to yourself is step one, and communicating and influencing up is the next level.  In this episode, Lida sits down with Naomi Price, SVP of Global Accounts at Vantage Partners and an internationally recognized expert in executive communication and strategic influence, to give you a practical, repeatable playbook for communicating at the highest levels. In this episode, you'll learn:   • How to use self-talk in high-stakes conversations: The three specific phrases Naomi recommends saying to yourself before any important meeting, and why getting them right is visible to everyone in the room • The micro-behaviors that build or destroy trust: Composure vs. energy, eye contact, gestures, and the small physical signals leaders read before you say a single word • The Lean In, Link, Leverage framework: Naomi and Vantage's three-step method for speaking up and influencing the decision-makers • How to sell up without being ignored: The problem-solving approach that turns resistance into buy-in, including the exact script for getting a yes from your boss's boss • What to say so others will listen: How to filter everything you know down to the only thing your audience actually needs to make a decision   If you've ever had the right answer in a high-stakes room and still couldn't get traction, this is where you start. Links from this episode Executive Coaching with Lida  The New Rules of Influence Follow Naomi Price on LinkedIn Vantage 2026 Negotiation Study   Stay connected  LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook 

What if the biggest threat to your reputation isn't what you say out loud, but the story you're telling yourself before you even open your mouth? In this episode, Lida Citroën shares a personal moment that spiraled into a fully imagined situation, and uses it to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of leadership presence: your self-talk!  Lida breaks down the three-step narrative formula that shapes how you're perceived, and why the conversation happening in your head matters just as much as the one happening in the room. In this episode, you'll learn: How self-talk shapes your reputation. The three-part chain from what you tell yourself, to what you tell others, to what others tell others about you Why your mind treats your own words as fact, and how negative self-talk leaks out even when you think you're hiding it The line between reframing and faking, and why "fake it till you make it" deserves a closer look How to use physiological cues to your advantage. The exact reframe Lida uses before every stage appearance to turn nervous energy into confident presence Why overconfidence backfires. The nuance between owning your value and tipping into arrogance Whether you're prepping for a high-stakes conversation, walking into a networking event, or just trying to quiet a critical inner voice, this episode gives you a practical way to make sure your internal narrative is working for you, not against you. Links from this episode Executive Coaching with Lida Control The Narrative Stay Connected LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

What happens to your personal brand when you run multiple businesses, wear multiple hats, and show up in completely different spaces, all at the same time? In this episode, Lida Citroën sits down with Rani Alfers, entrepreneur, insurance agency owner, skincare brand owner, and host of the Working Women Mentor Podcast, to explore one of the most common challenges professionals with multiple businesses, or that manage several teams face: how to build a personal brand that’s clear, credible, and authentically yours, even when your ventures look nothing alike. Rani brings a refreshing and deeply human perspective on what it really means to show up as yourself across industries, roles, and responsibilities, without losing your voice, your values, or your sense of self in the process. In this episode, you will learn:     • How to find the single through line that connects all your ventures to one clear personal brand     • Why the "professional voice" trap is costing you connection and credibility     • How AI is reshaping personal branding and why your authentic voice matters more than ever Whether you are juggling multiple businesses, navigating different professional roles, or simply trying to figure out how to show up consistently as yourself, this conversation is for you! Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence Executive Coaching Stay Connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube  Facebook

Every leader thinks it won't happen to them, until it does… What do you do when your reputation, the one you've spent years building, is suddenly on the line? In this episode, Lida Citroën tackles one of the most emotionally charged and professionally complex challenges a leader can face: a reputation crisis. Whether you made a mistake, were in the wrong place at the wrong time, or became the target of a smear campaign, everything you stand for is now in question, and how you respond next matters greatly.  Drawing from 20+ years of reputation repair work and her book, Control the Narrative, Lida walks you through the real emotional and professional impact of a reputation crisis, on you and on those around you, and shares the step-by-step framework she uses with her executive coaching clients to navigate it. In this episode, you'll learn: Why isolating and removing your social media can make things worse How to separate emotion from fact when everything feels catastrophic What an "apology tour" looks like, and when you need one When to consider legal action (and when not to) How to rebuild your presence and protect your reputation going forward Whether you're in crisis right now, know someone who is, or want to be prepared in case it ever happens, this episode is for you. Links from this episode Reputation Repair Coaching Control The Narrative Stay connected LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

Your online presence can open doors for you before you even walk into the room. In this episode, Lida Citroën sits down with 3x LinkedIn Top Voice, retired U.S Army Sergeant Major, and founder of HireMilitary, Michael Quinn, to discuss what it really takes to build influence, trust, and meaningful professional relationships online that open doors in your career. Together, they unpack:  • Why LinkedIn is more than a digital resume     • How to create trust and credibility online     • Mistakes leaders make when building an online presence     • How leaders can build authentic visibility without oversharing  • Why consistency matters more than perfection  • The role of engagement in building influence at scale Michael shares the exact networking and engagement strategies that helped him grow one of the most respected professional communities on LinkedIn. If you’re a leader, executive, entrepreneur, or military veteran trying to strengthen your reputation and visibility in today’s digital world, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. Links from this episode: The Human Advantage: Elevating Executive Presence & Influence in the Age of AI Stay connected: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook  

Imposter syndrome is one of the most talked-about challenges in leadership, and yet, it continues to hold even the most capable professionals back. In this episode, Lida Citroën breaks down what imposter syndrome really is, why it shows up, especially in high-achieving leaders, and (most importantly) how it may be quietly costing you influence, visibility, and career growth. Drawing from real client experiences and research, Lida explores:   • The hidden cost of staying silent in high-stakes moments • Why waiting to feel “ready” is limiting your leadership influence • How imposter syndrome can both hinder, and unexpectedly strengthen, your leadership style • Practical strategies to separate feelings from facts and build evidence-based confidence • How to stop shrinking your executive presence and start showing up with intention   You’ll also learn how social media and AI may be amplifying self-doubt, and how to use them as tools for growth instead of comparison. If you’ve ever hesitated to use your voice, second-guessed your value, or felt like you don’t fully belong in the room, you’re not alone. But staying there comes at a cost. This episode will help you reframe the narrative, reclaim your voice, and step into your next level of influence, before you feel fully ready. Links from this episode: Executive Coaching   Stay connected: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

Imagine performing at your highest level, with no script and no edits. That’s the reality of live broadcasting, but it’s also the reality of leadership today. In this episode, Lida sits down with Marc Vandermeer, Vice President of Broadcasting and the “Voice of the Houston Texans,” to explore what leaders can learn from a career built in the most high-pressure, public environment imaginable: live sports broadcasting. For over two decades, Marc has called every Houston Texans game—live, unscripted, and without a safety net. No edits. No second chances. Just presence, clarity, and trust in the moment. Together, we unpack what it really takes to: • Build influence when every word is public and every moment is live • Stay composed and credible when things go wrong (and they will) • Develop a voice that is recognizable, trusted, and unforgettable • Balance authenticity with professionalism in a highly visible role • Navigate feedback, criticism, and judgment without losing confidence • Bet on yourself: even when there are no guarantees • Find joy in the journey while building a meaningful, impactful career Marc also shares powerful insights on why “real is a great currency,” how momentum matters more than certainty, and why leaders must learn to bring energy, presence, and intention into every room they enter. This conversation is a powerful lesson in communication, personal branding, leadership presence, and reputation management, for anyone navigating visibility in today’s world. Links from this episode: The Human Advantage: Elevating Executive Presence & Influence in the Age of AI   Stay connected: LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook 

How can leaders communicate so their messages break through the noise? In a world flooded with information, notifications, emails, and meetings, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively has never been more important. But effective communication isn’t just about speaking well or writing a polished email (I see you AI). It’s about knowing how to share ideas in a way that builds trust, earns credibility, and inspires action. In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida sits down with Sarah Blansett, former Vice President at Military.com and  US Navy Public Affairs Officer, to explore what it really takes to communicate with clarity and influence in today’s fast-moving professional world. Drawing from her experience in journalism, military communications, and digital media, Sarah shares practical insights on how leaders can strengthen their voice, avoid common communication mistakes, and build stronger relationships through empathy and intentional messaging. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why empathy, not emotion, is the key to effective communication • How leaders can build credibility when they don’t have all the answers • The “Edit Three Times” rule for writing clearer, more effective messages • Why brevity and clarity matter when communicating with decision-makers • How to communicate effectively across cultures, generations, and remote teams • The role AI is playing in communication, and how human voice still matters most If you want your message to break through the noise and build trust with your audience, this episode will help you communicate with greater clarity and impact. Links from this episode The Human Advantage: Elevating Executive Presence & Influence in the Age of AI   Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

Many accomplished leaders believe that if they work hard, deliver results, and stay visible, opportunities will naturally follow. But building influence works differently, and they find themselves: • Visible, but not influential with decision-makers • Working hard, but overlooked in critical conversations • Publishing thought leadership, but attracting the wrong audience • Navigating a career transition or layoff without clarity on how to re-engage the right stakeholders   Influence is determined by this critical question: What do your key stakeholders need to see, hear, and consistently experience from you in order to trust you?  In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida explains how leaders can strategically strengthen their influence by ensuring the right stakeholders know them, trust them, and advocate for them when they’re not in the room.    You’ll learn how to identify the stakeholders who control your ideal opportunities, how to align your visibility with their priorities, and how to build the trust that drives influence at the highest levels of leadership. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to Identify Your Key Stakeholders Learn how to determine who actually shapes your opportunities(board members, executive peers, investors, clients, and decision-makers)and distinguish them from a general audience. What Stakeholders Need to Know About You Clarify the leadership narrative you must consistently communicate to strengthen your authority, credibility, and strategic value. How Stakeholders Need to Feel About You Understand the emotional drivers of executive influence, confidence, reliability, strategic clarity, and alignment with business priorities, and why leaders must address both functional and emotional needs. How to Strategically Curate a Network of Sponsors Learn how to build relationships and nurture a network of sponsors and position yourself at their top of mind, so they’ll advocate with you when you’re not in the room.  If you want to strengthen your leadership presence, expand your influence, and ensure the right people are advocating for you, this episode will show you how. Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence Stay Connected LinkedIn Instragram YouTube Facebook

Have you ever finished reading something interesting and realized you don’t remember a single word? In a world flooded with information and powered by AI, leaders are consuming more than ever. But are we actually retaining it? And more importantly, can we apply it when it matters most? In this episode, Lida sits down with Charles Good, leadership and learning science expert and President of the Institute for Management Studies, to unpack: The AI Paradox: How AI can strengthen or weaken your thinking Why most professional learning fails (and it’s not because you’re not smart) Why reading more books won’t automatically make you a better leader How storytelling dramatically increases retention The difference between goals and systems in sustainable growth The science behind spaced learning and habit stacking If you want to differentiate your leadership brand, build stronger judgment, and ensure your learning actually sticks, this conversation is essential! In an AI-enabled world, your competitive advantage is how well you think. Links from this episode - Executive Coaching   Stay connected - LinkedIn - YouTube - Instagram - Facebook  Connect with Charles Good - LinkedIn 

Everyone has a personal brand, by design or by default! In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida breaks down what personal branding really means (and what it doesn’t), why it’s the foundation of influence, and how your values, reputation, narrative, and visibility shape the opportunities that come your way. If you’ve ever believed that doing good work quietly should be enough, this conversation will challenge that thinking. Lida shares the practical framework she uses in her executive coaching sessions with professionals around the world to help them: • Identify the values that anchor their brand • Understand how they are currently perceived (perception mapping) • Define how they want to be known and remembered • Identify their true target audience • Align their narrative, network, and digital presence with their desired reputation   You’ll learn why personal branding is not self-centered; it’s service-centered! And why clarity about who you are makes it easier to say no, set boundaries, and show up with confidence and authenticity. This episode will help you build a personal brand that gives you influence, credibility, and the ability to be advocated for, even when you’re not in the room. ____________________ Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence ______________ Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

Why do so many talented professionals stall right when they’re ready for more?   In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida Citroën shares her own career journey and sits down with corporate executive, Navy veteran, and senior enlisted leader, Latoya Roberts, for a candid conversation about mentorship, visibility, and using your voice when it matters most.   They dig into the moments where careers quietly plateau—especially for women—how always putting others first can limit your growth, and why mentorship isn’t optional if you want to build confidence, credibility, and momentum.   You’ll learn: • Why staying silent costs more than you think • How mentorship accelerates leadership growth • How to navigate career transitions without losing confidence or identity • Where boundaries, grace, and priorities actually fuel success • How to find the right mentor—and be a powerful mentee   If you’re stepping into leadership, navigating a career pivot, or ready to stop doing it all alone, this episode will challenge you to claim your voice, and grow your influence. ____________________ Links from this episode Control The Narrative ______________ Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook   

Visibility is not about being everywhere, it’s about being intentional! In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida challenges the myths around visibility and personal branding, and reframes visibility as a leadership strategy, not ego. Drawing from real client conversations, her book The New Rules of Influence, and a recent LinkedIn poll of over 33,000 professionals, Lida explores why becoming visible is a challenge leaders face today.   You’ll learn how to: • Build visibility without self-promotion or burnout • Move from being seen to being seen as valuable • Align visibility with your values and personal brand • Navigate imposter syndrome and other roadblocks • Show up in the right places, at the right time, with the right people • Use LinkedIn and in-person moments as influence accelerators   Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, early-career or senior leader, this episode offers practical, empowering strategies to help you speak up, be recognized, and expand your influence, without compromising who you are.   If you want your ideas to matter, your voice to be heard, and your leadership to scale, this conversation is for you!  _____________________ Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence The Power of Presence: Influence Every Room With Confidence ______________ Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

This episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast explores one of the most defining leadership traits of 2026: Empowering others!  Lida and her guest speaker, Jessica Lovett, unpack why empowerment is a core leadership skill that builds trust, resilience, and long-term influence. Together, they explore how empowerment shows up across generations, in remote and hybrid workplaces, and in an era shaped by AI and rapid change. You’ll hear practical insights on: • The difference between managing tasks and truly leading people • How empowerment reduces burnout and strengthens leadership presence • Why saying “no” can be a powerful act of leadership • How mentoring, delegation, and trust accelerate growth • What it really means to pay it forward as a leader   This conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, generosity, and influence—and inspire you to lead with courage, confidence, and intention in the year ahead. ____________________ Links from this episode Executive Coaching ______________ Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida reflects on the lessons of 2025 and tackles one of the most critical leadership skills of our time: resilience. Drawing from her work with global leaders, entrepreneurs, military veterans, and executives navigating layoffs and organizational change, Lida answers real questions from coaching sessions and client conversations, including how to lead during uncertainty, support burned-out teams, and build influence when job security feels fragile. You’ll learn how to: • Build resilience without burning out • Lead teams through anxiety, uncertainty, and change • Strengthen your personal brand during adversity • Prepare for career disruption with agility • Control the narrative when things don’t go as planned • Expand your influence by serving others   This episode offers practical leadership strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world examples to help you build a strong personal brand, increase leadership presence, and move into the next year with clarity, courage, and confidence. Links from this episode ____________________ Control The Narrative   Stay connected ______________   LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook  

In this episode of The Lida Citroën Podcast, Lida sits down with guest expert Megan Bozzuto for a powerful conversation about influence, trust, advocacy, and what it really takes to authentically serve a community. Drawing from personal stories—including Lida’s journey into the military community and Megan’s work elevating women leaders—they explore how leaders can build meaningful relationships, earn trust, and show up with integrity in communities they want to support. You’ll learn: How to find your place in a community (even one you don’t come from) The difference between advocacy, mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship Why active listening is a core influence skill What leaders often get wrong about “serving” a community How to show up authentically and build long-lasting trust Why inclusive leadership matters more today than ever Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, this conversation will help you: ✔ Build deeper, more meaningful relationships ✔ Lead with intention and integrity ✔ Influence a community you want to support ✔ Serve others with authenticity and impact If you’re committed to finding your community—and serving them well—this episode is for you. ____________________ Links from this episode The New Rules of Influence Executive coaching ___________________ Stay connected LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook