Presentation Coach, Creative Director, and Author, Ben Levy joins Jeff Abracen to break down the art of compelling communication, why the best idea doesn’t always win, and how to structure a story that sells.

Dig into the biggest mistakes people make in presentations (and how to fix them), why reading slides out loud is killing your pitch, how confidence in public speaking is built through preparation—not personality, the power of pacing meetings to avoid information overload, why agencies need to ditch templates and start answering the right questions, how to create conversations instead of monologues, and how Ben overcame presentation anxiety to then become a presentation coach…and so much more!

Find Ben Levy Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/shop

https://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:42 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

12:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Presentations

21:09 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

25:05 Teaching and Learning in the Creative Industry

33:25 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations

35:20 Influence of Family on Communication Skills

37:54 Overcoming Presentation Challenges

40:09 Learning from Industry Leaders

42:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Presentations

46:30 Lessons from Presentation Failures

50:27 Understanding Client Expectations

52:59 Competing for Attention in a Noisy World

54:13 Disruptive Presentation Techniques

57:18 Building Strong Client Relationships

59:05 The Role of Mentorship in Growth

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Albany-based Alana Sparrow, Brand Strategist, Visual Storyteller, Founder of The VIB, and Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of The Foundry for Art, Design + Culture, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why storytelling is the ultimate tool for branding success, the rapid rise of personal brands in corporate spaces, how confidence is built through action, scaling a business without sacrificing freedom, the impact of authenticity on trust and growth, embracing Ikigai to align work and life, why entrepreneurs need to stop sprinting and start sustaining, shining a light on your strengths to unlock your full potential, how personal brands will shape the future of business in 2025…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Alana's Path to Brand Strategy
03:15 – Leaving Higher Ed for Entrepreneurship
05:21 – COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
07:23 – Personal Branding for High Earners
09:21 – Authenticity in Branding and Marketing
11:15 – Early Influences on Entrepreneurial Mindset
15:26 – From Fine Art to Brand Strategy
17:21 – Time Freedom vs. Hustle Culture
18:30 – Slazy™ – A Smarter Work Approach
22:31 – Finding Purpose and Profit with Ikigai
28:23 – How Personal Branding Drives Growth
32:26 – Confidence, Mindset, and Taking Up Space
36:59 – Client Breakthroughs and Business Shifts
38:45 – The Future of Personal Branding in 2025
43:09 – LinkedIn vs. Instagram for Brand Growth
45:00 – Quality vs. Quantity in Social Media
46:56 – Connect with Alana Sparrow

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

In this extended episode, Darren Lee, Founder & CEO of Voics, and Podcast Host of Kickoff Sessions, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into how he built a 7-figure podcasting business from scratch, the importance of creating your own universe, how focus fuels success, learning through failure, why you should sell before you build, the importance of trust, the power of metrics, niching down and mastering simplicity, monetizing small audiences, leaning into your superpowers and overcoming the odds, why Bali is a haven for creators, personalized tips for my own business…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:56 The Journey of Focus and Discipline
10:10 From Sports to Startups: A Reflective Shift
14:55 Building Connections and Trust
19:45 The Circle of Safety in Leadership
25:04 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic
29:53 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship
33:09 Learning Through Experience
36:01 Mastering the Process
38:55 Building Skills for Success
42:13 The Importance of Measurement
46:01 Simplicity in Business
51:45 Selling Before Building
56:10 Finding Your Niche
01:00:01 Staying in the Market
01:02:57 Disrupting the Podcasting Industry
01:06:49 The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn
01:11:59 Short-Form Video: A New Discovery Tool
01:12:56 Influences and Inspirations in the Podcasting Journey
01:16:15 Building Genuine Connections in Podcasting
01:18:09 Why Bali is the New Hub for Creators
01:22:03 Guidance for Emerging Podcasters
01:28:50 The Importance of Clarity in Communication Offers
01:31:13 The Impact of Helping Others Through Content Creation

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen