I never planned to host a podcast. I never planned to become a communication coach. And I definitely never planned for a group of engineers on the other side of the world to change how I think about leadership.
But that is exactly what happened.
It Started in Papua New Guinea
In 2017, I was working in Papua New Guinea with a group of exceptionally talented engineers. Their technical ability was outstanding, but for many of them, English was not their first language. One of the local engineers introduced me to Toastmasters, and it immediately clicked for me. I could see that technical skill alone was not enough. Communication was what helped people build influence, create impact, and grow lasting careers.
At first, I stayed in the background. I would sit in the back of the room and tell myself I was there to support others and "let them practice." But over time, I realized Toastmasters was helping me just as much as anyone else. It challenged me to speak up, become more intentional, and grow in ways I had not expected. Matt Malan's story reminds me of that — he went from a childhood stutter to competing on stage, and it started with the same decision to just show up.
What began as something I encouraged others to do eventually became an important part of my own leadership journey.
More Than 15 Years Across Two Worlds
My background spans more than 15 years across both corporate and startup environments. I have worked in technical, operational, and leadership roles in industries including energy, engineering, software, and advanced analytics. I have experienced the structure and complexity of large global organizations as well as the speed and adaptability required in fast-growing companies.
Working with teams across different cultures, generations, and regions has shown me something I keep coming back to: communication is often the difference between simply managing work and truly inspiring people.
The best leaders I have worked with were not necessarily the most technically skilled. They were the ones who could connect, listen, and make other people feel heard. That observation has shaped everything I do now.
What Yoga Taught Me About Communication
This might seem like an unusual connection, but teaching yoga changed how I think about communication.
Yoga strengthened my ability to listen with intention, stay present, and connect beyond words alone. When you are guiding someone through a practice, you learn quickly that the words matter less than the energy behind them. You learn to read the room. You learn to meet people where they are.
It reinforced a lesson that now defines my podcast and broader brand: great communication is not about sounding perfect. It is about being real.
How Speak Arizona Found Me
I joined the podcast on a whim. Sara Mayer, the previous District 3 Director, suggested it, and I said yes without thinking too hard about it.
But as time went on, members changed, conversations evolved, and I began to see the real power of what we were building. It was not just about recording interviews. It was about capturing authentic conversations, sharing stories, and creating space for people to connect in a more human way. Our conversation with Bridge Improv Theater is a perfect example — that episode showed me how much people open up when the format is right.
That was the turning point for me. I started to enjoy the storytelling side of it more and more, and I saw how much meaning there was in helping people share their voice.
I have always been drawn to growth, inspiration, and community. Over time, I also realized that many of the lessons I had learned came through trial and error — and often through major mistakes. The podcast became a way to share those lessons more broadly, mentor others at scale, and build a community around communication, leadership, and personal growth.
Why This Work Matters
I believe authentic communication can change lives. It can open doors, build confidence, strengthen relationships, and help people step into leadership more fully.
Hosting Speak Arizona gives me a way to contribute to that in a meaningful way. Every week, I sit down with someone who has something worth sharing — a lesson learned the hard way, a perspective that challenges assumptions, a story that makes you rethink how you show up.
My mission is simple: to explore the human side of communication and help others find the courage to use their voice. If you are not sure where to start, our guide on how to start a speech is a good first step.
New episodes drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss a courageous conversation. Want to learn more about the podcast? Read our story.