Aspire to Inspire Podcast

Join Staffbase’s David Maffei for an impactful conversation with Monne Williams, Chief Impact Officer at Handshake and former McKinsey leader. Monne breaks down what Gen Z actually wants from employers, why authenticity means many voices on video, and how to treat employer brand like your health — you already have it, so manage it. She shares a memorable Fenway Park lesson on ownership and explains how small teams can have a significant impact.

They also tackle AI’s messy middle: bots on both sides of the hiring table, setting clear rules for candidates, and keeping those rules consistent with the job....

In this episode of the Aspire to Inspire Podcast, Brian Tomlinson is joined by Advita Patel, president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, founder of Comms Rebel, and cofounder of both A Leader Like Me and Asian Comms Network. Advita is a powerhouse in comms and an admired advocate for building confidence and inclusivity in the workplace.

With her unique blend of experience in DEI strategy, leadership coaching, and change communication, Avita brings a refreshing perspective on how leaders can cultivate a culture. She shares her journey from overcoming imposter syndrome to becoming a leading voice in communications. Then,...

What does it take to be the kind of leader the world actually needs right now? Charlotte Otter, executive coach and author of We Need New Leaders, joins Brian Tomlinson to unpack the leadership crisis we’re living through—and why outsiders often make the most impactful leaders. Drawing from her decades of experience in global tech and her Reputation 360 coaching program, Charlotte reveals why storytelling, self-awareness, and empathy are essential tools for modern leadership.

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Charlotte shares how underrepresented leaders turn obstacles into strengths, how behavior and values must align to build trust, and why visibility...

Jim Olson, a seasoned communications leader with a front-row seat to some of the most defining moments in corporate crisis history, joins Athena Koutsonikolas on the Aspire to Inspire Podcast to share the four-step crisis communications plan that has guided him through both his career in crisis comms and his fight against cancer.

From negotiating with terrorists to battling tumors and losing his sight, Jim candidly shares how crises have shaped him—both professionally and personally. He brings the audience inside high-stakes moments from his career and outlines a clear framework communicators can use to stay calm, take control, and craft...