#39: Don’t Just Lead — Communicate With Intention. Wes Kao Shows You How

In this powerful episode, Wes Kao; co-founder of Maven and pioneer of cohort-based learning, joins us to explore what separates good leaders from great ones, and why intentional communication is at the heart of it all.

We dive into everything from how to sharpen your judgment and make faster, better decisions, to why concise communication isn't just efficient, it's essential. Wes unpacks her signature concept of “avoiding negative inception” and shows how certain well-meaning phrases can actually sabotage your message and plant doubt.

We also talk about how to turn worries into action, why owning your strengths is a quiet superpower, and what it looks like to challenge your own thoughts with intention. Wes shares her biggest leadership challenge to date, and how she learned to balance transparency with confidence, especially when leading through uncertainty.

If you're a leader, creator, or communicator of any kind, this conversation is packed with tactical wisdom that will shift how you speak, lead, and show up.

Topics we cover:

• The communication traps even smart leaders fall into
• What it means to “incept negative ideas” and how to avoid it
• Why saying less can help you lead more effectively
• The underrated power of self-awareness and reframing
• How to personalise your communication to truly connect

Tune in and learn how to lead not just with vision, but with voice.

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Wes Kao’s Passion for Education 

02:08 Good vs Great Leadership: What Sets Them Apart?

04:12 How to Sharpen Your Judgement and Make Better Decisions 

08:28 The Importance of Concise Communication 

10:24 Stop Incepting Negative Ideas: How to Protect Your Message

14:41 Turning Your Worries Into Action 

18:54 The Beauty of Owning Your Strengths 

22:53 Saying ‘No’ to Unproductive Struggles 

26:33 The Art of Challenging Your Own Thoughts 

29:51 Wes Kao’s Biggest Leadership Challenge and Lessons Learned 

31:59 Transparency vs. Confidence: Communication as Leaders 

35:05 The Importance of Personalising Your Communication 

36:25 Episode Closing 

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