Today, I’m joined by Dr. Catherine Hua Xiang, an applied linguist, educator, and award-winning author who specializes in intercultural communication and language learning. Catherine leads East Asian languages at the London School of Economics and Political Science, serves as Program Director for LSE’s BSc International Relations and Chinese program, and is the UK Director of the Confucius Institute for Business London.

In this episode, Catherine and I explore what great communication really looks like in a global environment. We talk about building rapport and managing relationships, why knowing your audience is more than just a best practice, and how cultural differences shape expectations, politeness, and even everyday interactions.

As AI continues to change how we work and communicate, Catherine offers a powerful reminder about the unique value of learning other languages and what it unlocks in empathy, perspective, and connection.

Let’s dive in.

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond

► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn:

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

► Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-hua-xiang-75890599/

► Subscribe to Communicast:

https://communicast.simplecast.com/

► Learn more about Communispond:

https://www.communispond.com

Today, I’m joined by Karen Canham—founder of Karen Ann Wellness and a coach who works with founders, high performers, and teams operating in high-pressure environments. Karen’s work is all about expanding capacity—helping people understand how nervous system regulation shapes the way we communicate, lead, handle conflict, and show up authentically at work.

In this episode, Karen and I explore what it really means to communicate from a regulated state, why so many people cycle between “go-go-go” and shutdown, and how that pattern contributes to miscommunication and burnout.

Karen brings a grounded, human approach to communication that connects performance, leadership, and well-being in a way that feels both actionable and refreshing.

Let’s dive in.

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond
► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/
► Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannwellness/
► Learn more about Karen’s work: https://www.karenannwellness.com/
► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/
► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com

Today, I’m joined by Angela R. Lewis—former professional basketball player, coach, author, and communication strategist. At her core, Angela is a connector and a coach, someone who has spent her life helping people grow—on the court, in the workplace, and in life.

In this episode, Angela and I explore the powerful parallels between sports, leadership, and communication. We talk about what truly makes someone a great communicator, why understanding your audience matters more than having the perfect message, and how authenticity, energy, and intentional listening can dramatically elevate your impact. Angela also shares why communication is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and improved—and how feedback and coaching play a critical role in that growth.

Angela brings a refreshing mix of insight, optimism, and real-world experience to this conversation, with practical takeaways for leaders, athletes, and professionals at every stage of their journey.

Let’s dive in.

Additional Resources:

► Follow Communispond on LinkedIn for more communication skills tips: https://www.linkedin.com/company/communispond
► Connect with Scott D'Amico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdamico/
► Connect with Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/
► Learn more about Angela’s work: https://angelarlewis.com/
► Subscribe to Communicast: https://communicast.simplecast.com/
► Learn more about Communispond: https://www.communispond.com