Michael Piperno

What Emerges When We’re Together 

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Over the past couple of months, I’ve had the privilege of working in several different cities — partnering with leaders who are deeply committed to growing their impact through communication. 

And every time, I’m reminded of something simple but powerful: 

There is something fundamentally different about being in the room together. 

In a world that has become incredibly efficient at connecting virtually, we sometimes forget what becomes possible when people share physical space. The subtle cues. The energy shifts. The quiet moments of hesitation before someone takes a risk, and the collective support that meets them when they do. 

These are the moments where real growth happens. 

In each session, I watched leaders step just outside their comfort zones. They experimented with language, presence, and influence. They tested new ways of showing up. They stretched. They reflected. They tried again. 

Just as importantly, I watched peers create the kind of environment that makes that experimentation possible. One grounded in trust, respect, and genuine encouragement. That kind of environment doesn’t appear by accident. It’s intentionally co‑created by leaders who understand that growth requires both challenge and safety. 

It’s a commitment not just to skill building, but to culture. To raising the standard of how people communicate, collaborate, and lead. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the clients who invite me into these spaces. The trust it takes to say, “Help our good leaders be even better,” is not something I take lightly. And to the leaders I’ve worked with along the way: your willingness to lean in, to try, to support one another. That’s what makes this work meaningful. 

A handful of cities. Countless conversations. And a consistent reminder that when people feel safe enough to take risks, they don’t just become better communicators. 

They become more effective leaders. 

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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The Other Kind of Courage

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When we talk about courage, we usually talk about action.

  • Speaking up.
  • Taking a stand.
  • Having the difficult conversation.
  • Going after what you want.

But lately, several conversations with clients have had me thinking about a different kind of courage:

The courage to let go.

  • To say goodbye when every part of you wishes things were different.
  • To stop fighting for an outcome that isn’t going to happen.
  • To disappoint people you care about because you know what you need.

Many of us have spent years being dependable, accommodating, and helpful. We become so focused on not letting others down that we forget to listen to ourselves.

But there are moments when taking care of yourself means someone else won’t get what they want.

I don’t think that’s selfish.

That’s courageous.

Holding on isn’t always a sign of strength. Sometimes courage and strength look like acceptance. Like letting go. Like trusting that ending something isn’t the same thing as failing.

What are you holding onto—not because it’s right for you, but because you’re afraid of what might happen if you let it go?

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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When Leaders Don’t Say What They Think They’re Saying 

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“I swear I communicated that clearly… so why didn’t anyone hear it that way?” 

From your perspective, the message was clear. The intention was obvious. The direction was straightforward. 

But here’s the twist: Leaders often assume their message is landing simply because they delivered it. 

It’s a bit like speaking into a megaphone that’s pointed in the wrong direction. Lots of volume. Not a lot of impact. 

The Communication Gap No One Talks About 

Most communication breakdowns happen because leaders are communicating from the inside out. 

They know the context. They know the backstory. They know the “why” behind the decision. 

Everyone else? They’re hearing the headline without the article. 

That gap, the space between what a leader means and what people hear, is where confusion, misalignment, and unnecessary stress live. 

Three Patterns I See All the Time 

Here are the most common culprits behind messages that don’t land: 

  • Missing context — Leaders skip the “why” because it feels obvious to them. 
  • Ambiguous phrasing — Words like “soon,” “tighten up,” or “let’s revisit” mean wildly different things to different people. 
  • Assuming shared understanding — Teams don’t always have the same information leaders do. 

The Fix Is Simpler Than You Think 

Be more intentional. A few small shifts make a huge difference: 

  • Add one sentence of context. 
  • Replace vague language with specifics. 
  • Check for alignment early instead of repairing confusion later. 
  • Ask yourself, “How might someone interpret this differently than I intend?” 

These are small moves that help build trust, reduce friction, and make teams feel genuinely supported. 

The Bottom Line 

What you say matters. And what matters even more is what people walk away understanding. 

When leaders embrace that fact, everything gets easier: decisions, collaboration, accountability, even morale. 

And the best part? It doesn’t require more talking — just more awareness. 

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Podcast show art with Michael Piperno and Patricio Larrea

The Art of Being Present with Patricio Larrea

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In this episode, I sat down with fellow leadership and communication coach Patricio Larrea for an unplanned conversation that ended up exploring what it means to grow, learn, and stay connected in a rapidly changing world. From rediscovering passions later in life to helping leaders navigate the rise of artificial intelligence, the discussion centers on a simple but powerful idea: technology can enhance human potential, but it can’t replace human connection.

Patricio and I share personal stories about reframing challenges, embracing the beginner’s mindset, and finding the courage to start again. We also dive into the evolving role of AI in coaching and leadership development, discussing where technology adds value and where the uniquely human elements of empathy, presence, and emotional connection still matter most.

The conversation ultimately lands on one of the most important leadership skills of all: listening. In a world filled with distractions, notifications, and constant demands for our attention, genuine presence has become both rare and incredibly powerful

This episode offers practical insights and meaningful reflections you’ll want to carry into your own life and work. I hope you enjoy it.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

Links Mentioned in the Show:

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The Leadership Lesson Hidden in a Simple Miscommunication 

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Your Team Is Reading You More Than You Think 

Leaders think they’re communicating through their words. Teams think leaders are communicating through… everything else. 

The teams aren’t wrong. 

People pick up on tone, timing, facial expressions, pacing, posture, and energy. All the subtle signals leaders don’t always realize they’re sending. Sometimes those signals reinforce the message. Sometimes they completely rewrite it. 

The “Unintentional Message” Problem 

I hear versions of this all the time: 

  • “I wasn’t upset, why did everyone think I was?” 
  • “I only meant to be direct, not harsh.” 
  • “I thought I was being encouraging.” 
  • “I didn’t realize my silence came across as disapproval.” 

Leaders often underestimate how much their presence communicates before they ever open their mouth. 

That’s not a flaw. It’s human nature. But it is something worth paying attention to. 

Three Signals Teams Notice Instantly 

Here are the cues people read, sometimes more loudly than your actual message: 

  • Your tone — A slight shift can change the entire meaning of a sentence. 
  • Your pace — Rushed delivery often reads as stress, urgency, or frustration. 
  • Your silence — Teams fill in the blanks, and not always in your favor. 

These cues aren’t “good” or “bad.” They’re simply powerful. 

Why This Matters for Leadership 

When your presence and your message don’t match, people trust your presence. 

If you say, “This isn’t a big deal,” but your body language says otherwise, the team believes the body language. If you say, “I’m open to ideas,” but your tone sounds closed, people stop offering ideas. If you say, “We’re in good shape,” but your energy is tense, the team feels the tension. 

Alignment isn’t about perfection — it’s about awareness. 

The Good News 

You don’t need to overhaul your communication style. You just need to tune into the signals you’re already sending. 

A few small shifts go a long way: 

  • Slow down by 10%. 
  • Add one sentence of reassurance or clarity. 
  • Check in with your own energy before you speak. 
  • Make your face match your message (yes, this matters). 
  • Name what you’re feeling if it’s appropriate — it builds trust. 

These are simple moves, but they create enormous impact. 

The Real Leadership Insight 

Your presence is communicating even when you’re not. 

When leaders become intentional about the signals they send, not just the words they choose, their teams feel more grounded, more informed, and more confident. 

And that’s when communication stops being a task… and starts becoming a superpower. 

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Podcast show art with Michael Piperno and Lisa Peluso

Human Connection and Authentic Communication with Lisa Peluso

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In the next episode of I Don’t Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow coach, Lisa Peluso, for a conversation that, as always, went exactly where it needed to.

We talk about authenticity, communication, and how AI is starting to shape the way we show up at work. Along the way, we reflect on 18+ years of friendship and what it really means to build a team culture rooted in appreciation, care, and yes—even love.

We also explore something I think a lot of us are feeling right now: how do you stay human in a world that’s becoming more digital by the day? Especially when it comes to conversations, presentations, and leadership moments that actually matter.

Lisa shares a few great stories too—from bold adventures in Tokyo to learning to embrace imperfection—and offers some honest, practical wisdom for navigating both work and life.

If you care about leadership, storytelling, or just being a little more real in how you show up, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

Links Mentioned in the Show:

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Podcast Show Art with the text "I Don't Know Where This Conversation Is Going to Go" with images of Elissa Lansdell and Michael Piperno

Everything is Energy with Elissa Lansdell

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In this episode, I sat down with Elissa Lansdell for an unscripted conversation that explores the power of energy, intuition, and authentic leadership. Elissa, a former broadcaster turned leadership coach, shares her personal journey from embracing her intuitive gifts to helping others unlock their own inner power—both in and out of the corporate world.

We discuss the importance of presence, the science of emotional energy, and how honoring our gut instincts can lead to greater fulfillment and success. Through real-life stories and practical insights, the episode challenges listeners to reconsider what “soft skills” really mean and how reconnecting with our emotions can transform our professional and personal lives. Plus, Elissa offers a look at her upcoming ventures and how to join her mission of energetic leadership.

This was a great conversation — one that invites us to be more present, open, and attuned to the energy around, and within, us.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

Links Mentioned in the Show:

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The Leadership Lesson Hidden in a Simple Miscommunication 

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I hear things like this a lot: 

 “I sent an email… and somehow everyone interpreted it differently.” 

It happens more often than you’d think. A leader sends what feels like a straightforward email or gives a simple verbal direction, and suddenly three people are marching in three different directions. Not because they’re careless—but because clarity in one person’s mind doesn’t automatically translate into clarity for everyone else. 

This is one of the most common communication challenges leaders face. 

Why it Happens 

Most miscommunication is caused by assumptions. 

  • Assumptions about what people already know. 
  •  Assumptions about how they’ll interpret a message. 
  •  Assumptions about shared context that… isn’t actually shared. 

And when those assumptions sneak in, even the most well-intentioned message can turn into a puzzle people have to decode. 

What Strong Communicators Do Differently 

The leaders who communicate most effectively think carefully about how their message will land. 

A few habits we see in great communicators: 

  • They add just enough context.  Not mile-long paragraphs, just the “why” behind the “what.” 
  • They choose clarity over cleverness. Concision and precision are signs of respect. 
  • They check for alignment early. A quick confirmation prevents long detours. 
  • They avoid assumption traps. If something might be interpreted two ways, they clarify it. 

The Key Takeaway 

Communication is only successful when it’s understood. 

And that requires intention. 

When leaders shift from “Did I say it?” to “Did they get it?”, everything changes. Alignment improves. Decisions speed up. Teams feel more confident. And the work moves forward with far less friction. 

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Podcast show art featuring Michael Piperno and Julio Govreau

Creating Spaces Where People Thrive with Julio Govreau

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In the first episode of season 2, I sat down with Julio Govreau for a thoughtful conversation that journeys through mentorship, coaching, and career development. We reflect on how our own paths crossed through LinkedIn, connecting over shared passions for helping others grow in their personal and professional lives. Julio shares inspiring stories from his HR career—starting with a pivotal early mistake that became a defining lesson in self-compassion and resilience.

We explore the value of creating safe spaces for reflection, embracing vulnerability and imperfection, and the profound, two-way street of mentoring relationships. The episode delves into the nuances between mentoring, coaching, and sponsorship, spotlighting how organizations can foster stronger cultures and succession planning by investing in employees at all levels—not just at the top.

Whether you’re a leader, an aspiring professional, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode offers a candid conversation that I hope will help you in your own career and leadership journey.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Oh, and there’s a video version on YouTube 😉: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelpiperno

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Career Transitions Aren’t About Reinvention — They’re About Alignment 

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Sometimes, they’re about alignment. 

When people think about career transitions, they often imagine a dramatic reinvention.  

A complete overhaul.  

A brand‑new identity.  

But in reality, most people don’t need to completely reinvent themselves.  

What they truly need is a clearer connection between who they are and the work they choose to do. Alignment. 

After coaching and speaking with hundreds of professionals navigating change, one pattern shows up again and again:  

People feel stuck not because they lack talent or ambition, but because something fundamental is out of sync.  

Alignment comes from four places:  

Purpose  

What drives you? What impact do you want your work to have?  Transitions feel overwhelming when you’re unclear about the “why” behind your next step.  

Strengths  

What are you naturally great at?  Where do you consistently add value?  Most people underestimate their strengths because they come so easily. Guess what? Those are exactly the strengths worth building a career around.  

Values  

What matters most to you in how you work and how you lead?  When your values are violated or ignored, even the “perfect” job feels wrong.  

Environment  

Where do you thrive? What kind of culture, pace, and leadership bring out your best? Sometimes the issue isn’t the work — it’s the setting.  

When these four elements are aligned, something powerful happens:  

Confidence follows.  

Not the loud, performative kind. The grounded confidence that comes from knowing you’re moving in a direction that fits.  

If you’re navigating a transition, start with alignment. Reinvention might sound exciting, but alignment is the first step in any successful transition. It’s what creates clarity, momentum, and long‑term fulfillment.  

Ready to explore what alignment looks like for you? I’d be glad to help you start that conversation.  

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

Career Transitions Aren’t About Reinvention — They’re About Alignment  Read More »

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