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#52 (S5E14) Influence, Trust, and the Skills of Modern Leadership

Suzanne Sherry, Kat Shanahan

JUL 21, 2026 | Test Kitchen

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In this Test Kitchen episode of Fresh Take with IDDBA, Kat Shanahan talks with Suzanne Sherry, Principal of Talentlabs2, about how modern leaders can build trust, gain buy-in, communicate through chaos, and influence people without relying solely on authority.

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Suzanne explains why the best influencers allow themselves to be influenced and why strong partnerships are essential to effective leadership. She also discusses how to frame ideas around what matters most to your audience, give direct feedback before frustrations begin to build, and recognize your natural reactions when work becomes chaotic.

The conversation also previews the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program, taking place September 15–17, 2026, on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Participants will have opportunities to practice influence, collaboration, framing, and other skills they can begin using when they return to work.

Learn more about the IDDBA Leadership Certificate Program as well as the potential for member scholarships here: https://www.iddba.org/education/certifications/leadership-certificate-program

Are you an industry professional with insights, innovations, or best practices to share? We are always looking for guests to join the conversation. Reach out to us to be considered for a future episode.

Speaker Bios

Suzanne Sherry

UW School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development

Consultant

Suzanne-Sherry

Kat Shanahan

VP of Marketing & Membership

Kat-Shanahan

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