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August 21, 2025 33 mins
High-Stakes Communication: Lessons for Leaders From Crisis to Product Launch: Mastering High-Stakes Messaging

Episode 270 (Angela is based in Massachusetts)

In this conversation we explore…
  • why every business needs a crisis communication plan

  • how to identify vulnerabilities and prepare for unexpected risks

  • why proactive preparation is a positive mindset

  • how to communicate with honesty, transparency, and values

  • why “no comment” often damages credibility

  • how high-stakes opportunities like product launches mirror crises

  • the importance of aligning launches with brand and values

  • authentic ways to show gratitude to your “stunt team”

  • how stories help explain, justify, and inspire in high-stakes situations

  • why customer service and communication plans drive launch success

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About our guest: Angela Betancourt:

Angela is a strategic communications expert with over 20 years of experience across five continents helping business, nonprofits, political leaders and startups clarify and amplify their messages - especially when the stakes are high.

As founder of Betancourt Group she works with purpose-driven organizations that are tackling today's urgent issues.

Learn more about Angela and her services at:

https://groupbetancourt.com/

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Key Learning Points
  • prepare a crisis communication plan before you need it

  • understand your organization’s unique risks and vulnerabilities

  • proactive preparation is positive thinking, not negative

  • avoid “no comment” and lean into honesty and transparency

  • high-stakes opportunities require the same planning as crises

  • align product launches with your brand and values

  • celebrate wins and show authentic gratitude to your “stunt team”

  • storytelling makes complex or high-stakes messages relatable

  • origin stories and narratives reinforce purpose and intention

  • communication plans must include both strategy and customer service

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Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

 

Your host is George Torok

George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.

 

Connect with George

www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com

https://superiorpresentations.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/

https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills

 

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