Welcome back to Girl, Take the Lead! — the podcast where we explore real, raw, and remarkable stories that inspire us to lead with courage and heart.
Today’s guest is Salvatore Manzi (Gen X) — a leadership communication coach, speaker, and author who helps mission-driven leaders transform their insight into influence. With two decades of experience coaching executives from Silicon Valley to the United Nations, Salvatore believes your leadership goes beyond how you show up and communicate your truth.
In this episode, Salvatore and Yo dive into the art and science of communication — exploring how content, delivery, and presence shape our impact. They discuss how introverts can command the room, why communication training often fails analytical thinkers, and how reframing fear into excitement can help you speak with confidence.
✨ In this episode, we cover:
How to own the spotlight no matter your comfort level with public speaking
The three pillars of communication: content, delivery, and presence
How to “reframe the rush” from fear to excitement
Why asynchronous communication (emails, texts) often misfires
The importance of intention and feedback in becoming a better communicator
How to adapt your communication style without losing authenticity
Taking up space — physically and emotionally — when you’ve been conditioned not to
What Salvatore would tell his 20-something self about voice and courage
⏱️ Episode Highlights
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Salvatore Manzi
01:00 – The missing link in communication training for introverts
04:40 – The three pillars: content, delivery, and presence
06:55 – Why presence matters most in today’s world
09:35 – Dialogue, not download — and why metaphors move minds
11:02 – “You may be on mute, but your body isn’t”
13:18 – Expanding what feels authentic
15:31 – Reframing the rush: fear into excitement
18:23 – How to add warmth to asynchronous communication
22:17 – Setting intention before you speak
23:42 – Why feedback fuels growth
26:35 – Communication as context: knowing your audience
29:15 – Taking up space and overcoming conditioning
32:24 – Body and mind hacks to restore presence
36:33 – “Speak before it feels comfortable” — Salvatore’s 20-something-self advice
💡 Key Takeaways
Presence is built through self-awareness, not performance.
Communication is both art and science — it can be learned.
Fear and excitement feel the same in the body; label them wisely.
Every voice deserves space; every story deserves to be heard.
✨ Connect with Salvatore Manzi
🌐 Website & Free Resources: salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb
📸 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/CommsCoachSalvatore
📧 Email: salvatore@salvatoremanzi.com
💌 Store Highlight
Salvatore’s favorite from our Girl, Take the Lead! Card & Gift Shop is the “You Got This” card — a reminder to trust your worth, wisdom, and voice. Explore this and other guest-inspired cards at girltaketheleadpod.com/shop
📬 Connect with Yo, Your Host
🌐 Website: girltaketheleadpod.com
📸 Instagram: @yocanny
💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yocanny
📘 Facebook: facebook.com/yolanda.canny