How trusted strategic advisors influence leaders

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In this episode, James (Jim) Lukaszewski joins host Jason Mudd to discuss how to influence leaders through trust, candor, and strategic communication.

Tune in to learn more!

Meet our guest:

Our guest is James (Jim) Lukaszewski, president and CEO of The Lukaszewski Group. Jim has advised business leaders through crises and high-stakes situations for more than five decades. He shares practical strategies for becoming the trusted strategic advisor leaders rely on when making important decisions.

Five things you’ll learn from this episode:

1. Why trusted advisors begin by understanding leadership challenges before communication challenges 

2. How candor helps build credibility with executives 

3. The Three-Minute Drill for presenting strategic recommendations 

4. Why offering options instead of conclusions leads to better leadership decisions

5. How studying leadership helps communicators become more influential advisors 

Quotables

“All problems are management and organizational problems before they are any other kind of problem.” — Jim Lukaszewski

“You have to start where the person you're advising is, not where you think the solution is.” — Jim Lukaszewski

“Management happens in real time.” — Jim Lukaszewski

“Anybody who can offer three perspectives or useful concepts about any problem the boss is facing is a valuable person.” — Jim Lukaszewski

“Your highest and best use … is being a trusted advisor to leadership.” — Jason Mudd

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share it with a colleague or friend. You may also support us through Buy Me a Coffee or by leaving us a quick podcast review.

Guest’s contact info and resources:

James Lukaszewski on LinkedIn

James E. Lukaszewski on YouTube

E911 website

Crisisguru.ai

Pre-order the “Influencing Leaders” book

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When the book is released in August, you'll receive the handbook by email.

Additional Resources:

Does PR play an active role in your strategic planning? Learn how to make it easier to reach your goals

Defining leadership in corporate communications

Axia’s crisis PR service

Listen to more episodes of the On Top of PR with Jason Mudd podcast.

Find out more about Axia Public Relations.

If you like this episode, you're going to love this:

How to be a trusted adviser with Del Galloway

When a crisis hits, say this or stay silent

Recorded: July, 2026

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• On Top of PR is produced by Axia Public Relations, named by Forbes as one of America’s Best PR Agencies. Axia is an expert PR firm for national brands.
• On Top of PR is sponsored by ReviewMaxer, the platform for monitoring, improving, and promoting online customer reviews.