October 9, 2025 • 8 mins
Learn the top three mistakes virtual leaders make — and how to fix them fast. In this 10-minute Minicast Mastery episode of the Virtual Presentation Skills Podcast, we share practical tips to boost your energy, structure, and engagement as a virtual leader.
Even great leaders struggle online, often because of these common pitfalls:
- Hiding behind slides instead of leading with presence.
- Low energy transfer that drains engagement.
- Lack of structure that weakens authority.
You’ll walk away with simple fixes you can apply immediately to strengthen your presence, increase engagement, and build psychological safety in every virtual meeting.
🔥 Episode Challenge
Ask yourself: Which of these three mistakes are you making most often — hiding behind slides, low energy, or lack of structure? Awareness is step one. Fixing it starts now.
Ready to elevate your virtual leadership? Visit 🔗Group Virtual Office Audit Registration to try our 7-step, 30-minute Group Virtual Office Audit — a must-have for modern leaders.
❤️ Support the Show
If this episode lit your brain on fire, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts — it helps us grow organically and reach more leaders like you.
❤️Resources mentioned:
🔗E49 Death by Powerpoint? Fixing Boring Virtual Presentations for Good
🔗E57 Commanding the Room (Without a Room): Your Virtual Leadership Secrets
Let's stay in touch, we would love to here from you.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:10):
A dash of humor and a lot of really cool brain science, we guarantee to deliver value in less than 10 minutes. 5 00:00:20,565.000000001 --> 00:00:27,735 Today's topic is why virtual leaders fail and how to avoid the top three mistakes. 6 00:00:27,943.333333334 --> 00:00:29,803.333333334 I'm Kimberly, one of your co-hosts. 7 00:00:29,983.333333334 --> 00:00:31,753.333333334 And I'm Kathy, the other co-host. 8 00:00:32,513.333333334 --> 00:00:36,953.333333334 Honestly, there are a lot more than three mistakes, but these are. 9 00:00:37,3.333333334 --> 00:00:52,513.333333334 The top three, you can implement right now, and they're really easy to think about and really easy to incorporate into your current presentation and leadership style. 10 00:00:53,83.333333334 --> 00:00:55,243.333333334 Do you agree with that, Kathy? Oh, absolutely. 11 00:00:55,243.333333334 --> 00:00:55,963.333333334 Yes. 12 00:00:56,813.333333334 --> 00:01:10,583.333333334 If you have ever wondered, which I do a lot because I work in this industry, why some leaders struggle to be inspirational online, but they have no problem when they're in person. 13 00:01:10,583.333333334 --> 00:01:11,993.333333334 Inspiring people. 14 00:01:11,993.333333334 --> 00:01:13,493.333333334 Motivating people. 15 00:01:13,973.333333334 --> 00:01:24,23.333333334 Today we're breaking down those top three mistakes and specifically how you can avoid them, here's the truth. 16 00:01:24,443.333333334 --> 00:01:29,153.333333334 Most leaders don't fail online because they're bad leaders. 17 00:01:29,783.333333333 --> 00:01:34,523.333333333 You know, obviously there are a lot of bad leaders in every industry. 18 00:01:35,153.333333334 --> 00:01:50,183.33333333 What I see as a professional expert working in this industry for over 20 years, coaching over 8,500 people in 33 countries, they fail because they're applying in-person leadership habits. 19 00:01:50,673.33333333 --> 00:01:56,883.33333333 To a virtual environment, and guess what? Those two worlds are not the same. 20 00:01:57,43.33333333 --> 00:02:15,518.33333333 You're probably shaking your head and I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but how often do you take a moment to consider? Practical applications in an in-person leadership environment as opposed to online or remote or hybrid, whatever term you choose. 21 00:02:15,758.33333333 --> 00:02:28,988.33333333 Most often people don't give any thought whatsoever to how to adapt those in-person skills to the virtual world, and that is one area where we are absolutely. 22 00:02:29,348.33333333 --> 00:02:30,8.33333333 Passionate. 23 00:02:30,398.33333333 --> 00:02:43,8.33333333 We have so many training programs and so many tools to support you I'm excited to talk about these three mistakes that will really, really help our listeners if they're having those problems. 24 00:02:43,693.33333333 --> 00:02:44,113.33333333 Yes. 25 00:02:44,653.33333333 --> 00:02:47,743.33333333 Number one is hiding behind your slides. 26 00:02:47,743.33333333 --> 00:02:51,973.33333333 You've probably heard one of our previous episodes, death by PowerPoint. 27 00:02:52,273.33333333 --> 00:03:01,123.33333333 This isn't a new concept, but in the virtual world, people are not just using their PowerPoint presentation as a crutch. 28 00:03:01,723.33333333 --> 00:03:04,883.33333333 They are hiding behind their slides.
(03:05):
They are turning into narrators instead of leaders, and that isn't where we need you.
If you are the leader of a team, we don't need you Simply narrating.
And that is what's happening a lot in so many teams with so many individuals.
(03:25):
Kimberly, the fix is use the slides as support, not as a script, because you as the presenter, are the main event.
Absolutely, and we talked about this in the last episode for how you command that virtual room.
Mm-hmm.
The last episode was a really, really good one, and it was fun for us to produce.
(03:47):
They're all fun for us to produce, but I really enjoyed the last one because so many people ask me, how do I command the virtual room? It's a question that is asked often.
Mm-hmm.
Mistake number two is low energy transfer in person energy fills the room naturally.
(04:09):
.67377395You can see it, you know your faces are beaming online. 40 00:04:13,27.67377395 --> 00:04:14,587.67377395 It dies in translation. 41 00:04:15,97.67377395 --> 00:04:15,577.67377395 Mm. 42 00:04:16,937.67377395 --> 00:04:18,467.67377395 I completely agree with that. 43 00:04:18,467.67377395 --> 00:04:21,737.67377395 I see it every single day. 44 00:04:21,851.09647545 --> 00:04:31,244.92493516 A lot of the presenters I coach feel like their 3D energy is going to transfer to a 2D environment. 45 00:04:32,144.92493516 --> 00:04:37,544.92493516 And guess what? Your energy isn't leaked like it is in person. 46 00:04:37,544.92493516 --> 00:04:40,844.92493516 We stand next to each other and we share energy. 47 00:04:41,84.92493516 --> 00:04:44,954.92493516 The energy is pushed through your wifi. 48 00:04:44,954.92493516 --> 00:04:46,934.92493516 It's a completely different concept. 49 00:04:46,934.92493516 --> 00:04:48,644.92493516 We talk about that in episode 57. 50 00:04:48,704.92493516 --> 00:04:48,794.92493516 Mm-hmm. 51 00:04:49,34.92493516 --> 00:04:51,914.92493516 See, it was, it was just such a great episode. 52 00:04:52,364.92493516 --> 00:05:01,214.92493516 If you gauge about 15% more energy, vocal variety, and very purposeful gestures, you are going to be spot on. 53 00:05:01,388.97806082 --> 00:05:04,568.97806082 Number three is no structure. 54 00:05:04,568.97806082 --> 00:05:07,388.97806082 If you have no structure, you have no authority. 55 00:05:07,718.97806082 --> 00:05:08,378.97806082 Period. 56 00:05:08,378.97806082 --> 00:05:09,248.97806082 End of story. 57 00:05:09,248.97806082 --> 00:05:25,398.97806082 If you set your expectations ahead of time, you talk about ground rules, there's a different skillset for different types of meetings, but you let the attendees wander, guess what? That does not feel like leadership. 58 00:05:25,428.97806082 --> 00:05:30,648.97806082 If you let me wander in any type of event, you are going to lose me. 59 00:05:31,218.97806082 --> 00:05:36,738.97806082 And then what's the point? Why are we here? Are we wasting each other's time? Likely? I'm tuned out. 60 00:05:36,738.97806082 --> 00:05:38,208.97806082 I have my microphone turned off. 61 00:05:38,208.97806082 --> 00:05:42,948.97806082 I have my camera turned off, which is a sign by the way, that your audience is tuned out. 62 00:05:43,543.97806082 --> 00:05:48,973.97806082 The fix is to state the agenda upfront and give clear checkpoints along the way. 63 00:05:49,333.97806082 --> 00:05:51,973.97806082 And this is the technique I call mind mapping. 64 00:05:51,973.97806082 --> 00:06:03,463.97806082 I know people use mind mapping in different areas, but for me, in this world, this is mind mapping because it makes the easiest choice, the one to engage with you. 65 00:06:04,103.97806082 --> 00:06:07,313.97806082 That's what we're looking for, those engagement rates that soar. 66 00:06:07,463.97806082 --> 00:06:17,543.97806082 We have clients that have engagement rates who begin at about 15% engagement, and by the time they leave us, their engagement rates are closer to 95 and above. 67 00:06:18,213.97806082 --> 00:06:23,116.19797486 Kimberly, doesn't this also bring us back to setting the ground rules? Oh, absolutely. 68 00:06:23,116.19797486 --> 00:06:26,986.19797486 In creating, what do you call it? Safe space or, psychological safety. 69 00:06:26,986.19797486 --> 00:06:27,466.19797486 There you go. 70 00:06:27,466.19797486 --> 00:06:27,946.19797486 That's it. 71 00:06:28,186.19797486 --> 00:06:29,386.19797486 Yes, absolutely. 72 00:06:29,386.19797486 --> 00:06:36,286.19797486 This helps create psychological safety that isn't as easy to achieve in the virtual world. 73 00:06:36,586.19797486 --> 00:06:39,106.19797486 It is absolutely achievable. 74 00:06:39,106.19797486 --> 00:06:42,256.19797486 It just takes a little bit of work, and it's a different perspective. 75 00:06:42,266.19797486 --> 00:06:46,76.19797486 We use a different training technique for psychological safety in the virtual world. 76 00:06:47,341.19797486 --> 00:06:51,181.19797486 Take a moment to ask yourself this question. 77 00:06:51,451.19797486 --> 00:07:18,271.19797486 Which of these three mistakes are you making most often? Is it hiding behind your slides? Is it low energy transfer? Or are you not providing a structure that is clear and gains respect from the audience and the authority they're looking for? The next part of this learning journey is you admitting that you could potentially be making a mistake. 78 00:07:18,961.19797486 --> 00:07:22,741.19797486 The step after that, step number two is fixing it. 79 00:07:23,671.19797486 --> 00:07:29,686.19797486 In this learning journey, it's important to admit to yourself you could be making a mistake. 80 00:07:30,386.19797486 --> 00:07:32,456.19797486 We have so many tools to help you. 81 00:07:32,876.19797486 --> 00:07:37,76.19797486 If you're ready to lead with authority online, we would love to help. 82 00:07:37,76.19797486 --> 00:07:38,846.19797486 This is our passion. 83 00:07:38,846.19797486 --> 00:07:49,106.19797486 We love teaching a skillset that is achievable in a leadership manner in the virtual world, the group virtual office audit. 84 00:07:49,746.19797486 --> 00:07:55,716.19797486 We'll help you in 30 minutes, seven steps, and it's less than a hundred dollars. 85 00:07:56,376.19797486 --> 00:07:58,536.19797486 This is a must have training. 86 00:07:58,566.19797486 --> 00:08:00,426.19797486 This is no longer nice to have. 87 00:08:00,426.19797486 --> 00:08:02,166.19797486 This is a must have. 88 00:08:02,171.19797486 --> 00:08:02,471.19797486 Mm-hmm. 89 00:08:02,551.19797486 --> 00:08:06,696.19797486 You must start your learning journey somewhere for your virtual skillset. 90 00:08:07,116.19797486 --> 00:08:10,926.19797486 Join us today@virtualofficeaudit.com 91 00:08:10,926.19797486 --> 00:08:13,776.19797486 and take back your leadership presence. 92 00:08:13,836.19797486 --> 00:08:14,961.19797486 Kimberly, I think this is a wrap. 93 00:08:16,11.19797486 --> 00:08:16,701.19797486 All right. 94 00:08:16,701.19797486 --> 00:08:17,541.19797486 Woo hoo. 95 00:08:18,51.19797486 --> 00:08:18,861.19797486 Great job. 96 00:08:18,861.19797486 --> 00:08:30,141.19797486 I know people will benefit from these three easy fixes, and we cannot wait to share time with you in the next episode where we go live from the waist up.
A dash of humor and a lot of really cool brain science, we guarantee to deliver value in less than 10 minutes. 5 00:00:20,565.000000001 --> 00:00:27,735 Today's topic is why virtual leaders fail and how to avoid the top three mistakes. 6 00:00:27,943.333333334 --> 00:00:29,803.333333334 I'm Kimberly, one of your co-hosts. 7 00:00:29,983.333333334 --> 00:00:31,753.333333334 And I'm Kathy, the other co-host. 8 00:00:32,513.333333334 --> 00:00:36,953.333333334 Honestly, there are a lot more than three mistakes, but these are. 9 00:00:37,3.333333334 --> 00:00:52,513.333333334 The top three, you can implement right now, and they're really easy to think about and really easy to incorporate into your current presentation and leadership style. 10 00:00:53,83.333333334 --> 00:00:55,243.333333334 Do you agree with that, Kathy? Oh, absolutely. 11 00:00:55,243.333333334 --> 00:00:55,963.333333334 Yes. 12 00:00:56,813.333333334 --> 00:01:10,583.333333334 If you have ever wondered, which I do a lot because I work in this industry, why some leaders struggle to be inspirational online, but they have no problem when they're in person. 13 00:01:10,583.333333334 --> 00:01:11,993.333333334 Inspiring people. 14 00:01:11,993.333333334 --> 00:01:13,493.333333334 Motivating people. 15 00:01:13,973.333333334 --> 00:01:24,23.333333334 Today we're breaking down those top three mistakes and specifically how you can avoid them, here's the truth. 16 00:01:24,443.333333334 --> 00:01:29,153.333333334 Most leaders don't fail online because they're bad leaders. 17 00:01:29,783.333333333 --> 00:01:34,523.333333333 You know, obviously there are a lot of bad leaders in every industry. 18 00:01:35,153.333333334 --> 00:01:50,183.33333333 What I see as a professional expert working in this industry for over 20 years, coaching over 8,500 people in 33 countries, they fail because they're applying in-person leadership habits. 19 00:01:50,673.33333333 --> 00:01:56,883.33333333 To a virtual environment, and guess what? Those two worlds are not the same. 20 00:01:57,43.33333333 --> 00:02:15,518.33333333 You're probably shaking your head and I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but how often do you take a moment to consider? Practical applications in an in-person leadership environment as opposed to online or remote or hybrid, whatever term you choose. 21 00:02:15,758.33333333 --> 00:02:28,988.33333333 Most often people don't give any thought whatsoever to how to adapt those in-person skills to the virtual world, and that is one area where we are absolutely. 22 00:02:29,348.33333333 --> 00:02:30,8.33333333 Passionate. 23 00:02:30,398.33333333 --> 00:02:43,8.33333333 We have so many training programs and so many tools to support you I'm excited to talk about these three mistakes that will really, really help our listeners if they're having those problems. 24 00:02:43,693.33333333 --> 00:02:44,113.33333333 Yes. 25 00:02:44,653.33333333 --> 00:02:47,743.33333333 Number one is hiding behind your slides. 26 00:02:47,743.33333333 --> 00:02:51,973.33333333 You've probably heard one of our previous episodes, death by PowerPoint. 27 00:02:52,273.33333333 --> 00:03:01,123.33333333 This isn't a new concept, but in the virtual world, people are not just using their PowerPoint presentation as a crutch. 28 00:03:01,723.33333333 --> 00:03:04,883.33333333 They are hiding behind their slides.
(03:05):
They are turning into narrators instead of leaders, and that isn't where we need you.
If you are the leader of a team, we don't need you Simply narrating.
And that is what's happening a lot in so many teams with so many individuals.
(03:25):
Kimberly, the fix is use the slides as support, not as a script, because you as the presenter, are the main event.
Absolutely, and we talked about this in the last episode for how you command that virtual room.
Mm-hmm.
The last episode was a really, really good one, and it was fun for us to produce.
(03:47):
They're all fun for us to produce, but I really enjoyed the last one because so many people ask me, how do I command the virtual room? It's a question that is asked often.
Mm-hmm.
Mistake number two is low energy transfer in person energy fills the room naturally.
(04:09):
.67377395You can see it, you know your faces are beaming online. 40 00:04:13,27.67377395 --> 00:04:14,587.67377395 It dies in translation. 41 00:04:15,97.67377395 --> 00:04:15,577.67377395 Mm. 42 00:04:16,937.67377395 --> 00:04:18,467.67377395 I completely agree with that. 43 00:04:18,467.67377395 --> 00:04:21,737.67377395 I see it every single day. 44 00:04:21,851.09647545 --> 00:04:31,244.92493516 A lot of the presenters I coach feel like their 3D energy is going to transfer to a 2D environment. 45 00:04:32,144.92493516 --> 00:04:37,544.92493516 And guess what? Your energy isn't leaked like it is in person. 46 00:04:37,544.92493516 --> 00:04:40,844.92493516 We stand next to each other and we share energy. 47 00:04:41,84.92493516 --> 00:04:44,954.92493516 The energy is pushed through your wifi. 48 00:04:44,954.92493516 --> 00:04:46,934.92493516 It's a completely different concept. 49 00:04:46,934.92493516 --> 00:04:48,644.92493516 We talk about that in episode 57. 50 00:04:48,704.92493516 --> 00:04:48,794.92493516 Mm-hmm. 51 00:04:49,34.92493516 --> 00:04:51,914.92493516 See, it was, it was just such a great episode. 52 00:04:52,364.92493516 --> 00:05:01,214.92493516 If you gauge about 15% more energy, vocal variety, and very purposeful gestures, you are going to be spot on. 53 00:05:01,388.97806082 --> 00:05:04,568.97806082 Number three is no structure. 54 00:05:04,568.97806082 --> 00:05:07,388.97806082 If you have no structure, you have no authority. 55 00:05:07,718.97806082 --> 00:05:08,378.97806082 Period. 56 00:05:08,378.97806082 --> 00:05:09,248.97806082 End of story. 57 00:05:09,248.97806082 --> 00:05:25,398.97806082 If you set your expectations ahead of time, you talk about ground rules, there's a different skillset for different types of meetings, but you let the attendees wander, guess what? That does not feel like leadership. 58 00:05:25,428.97806082 --> 00:05:30,648.97806082 If you let me wander in any type of event, you are going to lose me. 59 00:05:31,218.97806082 --> 00:05:36,738.97806082 And then what's the point? Why are we here? Are we wasting each other's time? Likely? I'm tuned out. 60 00:05:36,738.97806082 --> 00:05:38,208.97806082 I have my microphone turned off. 61 00:05:38,208.97806082 --> 00:05:42,948.97806082 I have my camera turned off, which is a sign by the way, that your audience is tuned out. 62 00:05:43,543.97806082 --> 00:05:48,973.97806082 The fix is to state the agenda upfront and give clear checkpoints along the way. 63 00:05:49,333.97806082 --> 00:05:51,973.97806082 And this is the technique I call mind mapping. 64 00:05:51,973.97806082 --> 00:06:03,463.97806082 I know people use mind mapping in different areas, but for me, in this world, this is mind mapping because it makes the easiest choice, the one to engage with you. 65 00:06:04,103.97806082 --> 00:06:07,313.97806082 That's what we're looking for, those engagement rates that soar. 66 00:06:07,463.97806082 --> 00:06:17,543.97806082 We have clients that have engagement rates who begin at about 15% engagement, and by the time they leave us, their engagement rates are closer to 95 and above. 67 00:06:18,213.97806082 --> 00:06:23,116.19797486 Kimberly, doesn't this also bring us back to setting the ground rules? Oh, absolutely. 68 00:06:23,116.19797486 --> 00:06:26,986.19797486 In creating, what do you call it? Safe space or, psychological safety. 69 00:06:26,986.19797486 --> 00:06:27,466.19797486 There you go. 70 00:06:27,466.19797486 --> 00:06:27,946.19797486 That's it. 71 00:06:28,186.19797486 --> 00:06:29,386.19797486 Yes, absolutely. 72 00:06:29,386.19797486 --> 00:06:36,286.19797486 This helps create psychological safety that isn't as easy to achieve in the virtual world. 73 00:06:36,586.19797486 --> 00:06:39,106.19797486 It is absolutely achievable. 74 00:06:39,106.19797486 --> 00:06:42,256.19797486 It just takes a little bit of work, and it's a different perspective. 75 00:06:42,266.19797486 --> 00:06:46,76.19797486 We use a different training technique for psychological safety in the virtual world. 76 00:06:47,341.19797486 --> 00:06:51,181.19797486 Take a moment to ask yourself this question. 77 00:06:51,451.19797486 --> 00:07:18,271.19797486 Which of these three mistakes are you making most often? Is it hiding behind your slides? Is it low energy transfer? Or are you not providing a structure that is clear and gains respect from the audience and the authority they're looking for? The next part of this learning journey is you admitting that you could potentially be making a mistake. 78 00:07:18,961.19797486 --> 00:07:22,741.19797486 The step after that, step number two is fixing it. 79 00:07:23,671.19797486 --> 00:07:29,686.19797486 In this learning journey, it's important to admit to yourself you could be making a mistake. 80 00:07:30,386.19797486 --> 00:07:32,456.19797486 We have so many tools to help you. 81 00:07:32,876.19797486 --> 00:07:37,76.19797486 If you're ready to lead with authority online, we would love to help. 82 00:07:37,76.19797486 --> 00:07:38,846.19797486 This is our passion. 83 00:07:38,846.19797486 --> 00:07:49,106.19797486 We love teaching a skillset that is achievable in a leadership manner in the virtual world, the group virtual office audit. 84 00:07:49,746.19797486 --> 00:07:55,716.19797486 We'll help you in 30 minutes, seven steps, and it's less than a hundred dollars. 85 00:07:56,376.19797486 --> 00:07:58,536.19797486 This is a must have training. 86 00:07:58,566.19797486 --> 00:08:00,426.19797486 This is no longer nice to have. 87 00:08:00,426.19797486 --> 00:08:02,166.19797486 This is a must have. 88 00:08:02,171.19797486 --> 00:08:02,471.19797486 Mm-hmm. 89 00:08:02,551.19797486 --> 00:08:06,696.19797486 You must start your learning journey somewhere for your virtual skillset. 90 00:08:07,116.19797486 --> 00:08:10,926.19797486 Join us today@virtualofficeaudit.com 91 00:08:10,926.19797486 --> 00:08:13,776.19797486 and take back your leadership presence. 92 00:08:13,836.19797486 --> 00:08:14,961.19797486 Kimberly, I think this is a wrap. 93 00:08:16,11.19797486 --> 00:08:16,701.19797486 All right. 94 00:08:16,701.19797486 --> 00:08:17,541.19797486 Woo hoo. 95 00:08:18,51.19797486 --> 00:08:18,861.19797486 Great job. 96 00:08:18,861.19797486 --> 00:08:30,141.19797486 I know people will benefit from these three easy fixes, and we cannot wait to share time with you in the next episode where we go live from the waist up.
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