Stuff About Money: The Art of Executive Communication

You can have the best ideas in the world—but if you can’t communicate them clearly, they won’t move anyone. Great leadership requires great communication. Whether you’re casting vision, navigating hard conversations, or just trying to be heard in a noisy world, how you say it matters just as much as what you say. In this episode, Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, and Dr. Matt Morris explore what separates effective communicators from everyone else. From listening well to speaking with clarity and confidence, they share practical ways leaders can build influence and trust through the way they communicate. Because at the highest levels of leadership, words carry weight. Episode Highlights: Erik explains how communication is about influencing outcomes, not just exchanging words. (02:26) Matt discusses the leader’s superpower of moving people forward through big ideas and trust. (03:10) Erik emphasizes that leadership communication happens through culture and clarity of purpose. (06:33) Matt shares the importance of transparency and vulnerability in building trust. (09:44) Erik discusses how storytelling creates timeless, powerful messages. (14:40) Matt believes empathy and curiosity are essential for meaningful connection and leadership. (19:21) Erik and Matt stress that knowing your audience is key to communicating effectively. (23:18) Matt explains why effective leaders listen deeply and ask better questions to foster connection. (27:15) Erik shares how communication starts with self-awareness and clarity of values. (29:02). Matt emphasizes that good communication in leadership means choosing the right time and tone. (31:38) Erik believes nonverbal cues and consistency play a critical role in building trust. (35:41). Matt discusses how leadership is not about dominating the room, but inviting others in. (38:10) Erik concludes that great communicators create safe environments where others feel heard. (40:52) Key Quotes: “ If we want to be successful, leading people, leading a business, leading a family. We have to continually grow in our ability to communicate.” - Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ “ Leaders often have to communicate things that are not easy to communicate. ” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT “ Leaders in communicating also need to be good listeners…There's a balance between listening and speaking.” - Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT Resources Mentioned: Cultivate Success Podcast Series Companion Handouts Dr. Matt Morris, LMFT Matt Morris & Associates Erik Garcia, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™ Xavier Angel, CFP®, ChFC, CLTC Plan Wisely Wealth Advisors