Welcome to Here's the Deal, your go-to podcast to make sense of the toughest challenges in leadership, culture, and the future of work. Every month, join hosts Shujaat Ahmad and Joselle Deocampo-Gautam who are immigrants who broke through not only in some of the privy rooms in corporate America but also owned them with impact. They share their wealth of experience and actionable strategies at the intersection of culture, business, and technology to help others understand the real deal that is mostly unsaid, break through barriers, and design purposeful careers and lives.
Executive Presence Decoded: What It Really Is & How to Build It (in the AI Era)
skool.com/leadwithoutblinders
In this episode, Shujaat and Joselle explore the concept of executive presence, particularly in the context of the AI era. They discuss the importance of soft skills, communication, and the myths surrounding executive presence. The conversation emphasizes that executive presence is not just for senior leaders but can be developed by anyone. They provide a framework for understanding executive presence, which includes gravitas, appearance, and communication. The hosts also highlight the significance of empathy and business judgment in today's workplace, especially as AI becomes more prevalent. The episode concludes with practical tips for practicing executive presence and leveraging AI as a tool for improvement.
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Shujaat Ahmad's LinkedIn: / shujaatahmad
Joselle Deocampo-Gautam's LinkedIn: / joselledeocampo-gautam
Don't forget to subscribe to Here's The Deal monthly podcast for more insights on career growth and leadership, and our weekly AI and Future of Work mythbusting and tutorials for your career transformation with AI! / @belongandlead
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Executive Presence
01:53 Understanding Executive Presence in the AI Era
09:48 Myths Surrounding Executive Presence
14:39 Defining Executive Presence
15:06 The Three Pillars of Executive Presence
21:08 Why It Matters Even More In the AI Era
26:28 Example From A High Stakes Consulting Engagement
32:28 Practical Applications of Executive Presence
37:41 Recognizing Executive Presence
42:50 The Journey of Executive Presence
51:11 Communication as a Foundation
01:02:42 Leveraging AI for Executive Presence
#executivepresence #AI #communication #leadership #careerdevelopment #softskills #negotiation #empathy #businessculture #personalbranding
Listen also on YouTube, Apple Podcast, and Amazon Music.
13 Nov 2025
How We Negotiated Unique Careers With Top Global Brands While Tackling Immigrant Challenges
skool.com/leadwithoutblinders
In this episode, Shujaat and Joselle delve into the critical yet often overlooked skill of negotiation in leadership. They discuss the importance of negotiation as a foundational skill for professionals, especially in today's dynamic job market. The conversation explores various frameworks for effective negotiation, real-world scenarios, and the unique challenges faced by immigrant leaders.
The hosts emphasize the need for a strategic approach to negotiation, highlighting the significance of understanding the stakes, co-creating value, and the cultural influences that shape negotiation styles. They also discuss how AI can be leveraged to practice negotiation skills and the importance of personal branding in the negotiation process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Insights
01:11 The Importance of Negotiation in Leadership
06:45 Framework for Effective Negotiation
10:26 Real-World Negotiation Scenarios: Tough Job Market, Negotiating for Career Moves, and Negotiating for Flexibility
21:55 Using AI for Negotiation
24:36 Negotiating With Yourself When You Have Little Leverage
27:56 Negotiation as a Leadership Skill
30:32 Negotiation Challenges for Immigrants
39:00 Wrap Up
#ai #leadership #negotiationskills #career #immigrants #personaldevelopment
9 Oct 2025
Personal Branding in the AI era
In this conversation, Shujaat and Joselle explore the critical importance of personal branding in today's job market, especially for immigrants.
They discuss how branding shapes perceptions and influences career opportunities, emphasizing the need for individuals to actively manage their personal brand.
The discussion covers strategies for building a brand, the impact of AI and social media, and the significance of thought leadership. The hosts provide actionable insights and frameworks for listeners to define and enhance their personal brand, ultimately encouraging them to take control of their narrative in the professional landscape.
Don't forget to subscribe to Here's The Deal monthly podcast for more insights on career growth and leadership, and our weekly AI and Future of Work mythbusting and tutorials for your career transformation with AI!
https://www.youtube.com/@belongandlead
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Branding
03:20 The Importance of Personal Branding
06:25 Defining Personal Branding
08:53 Building Your Brand: Perception and Intentionality
10:10 Framework for Defining Your Brand
12:48 The Role of AI in Branding and Job Market
15:54 Social Media and Professional Branding
17:26 Using AI Tools for Personal Branding
20:22 Conclusion: The Future of Branding in the Workplace
27:19 Exploring Personal Branding and AI
30:04 The Importance of Thought Leadership
34:57 Navigating the Landscape of Branding
38:37 The Immigrant Perspective on Branding
45:09 Reframing Presence and Performance
47:55 Strategies and Tactics for Effective Branding
4 Sept 2025
The Pope's Selection and How Succession Planning (really) Happens in Companies.
How can a centuries-old selection process for a Pope teach us about modern corporate succession? In this episode, Shujaat Ahmad and Joselle Deocampo-Gautam reveal the surprising parallels between the Vatican's conclave and the often-unspoken rules of getting ahead in business.
We explore how to strategically position yourself for future opportunities, build a legacy that lasts, and navigate the emotional and operational challenges of leadership transitions.
Here's The Deal is your guide to understanding the toughest challenges in leadership, culture, and the future of work. Hosted by Shujaat Ahmad and Joselle Deocampo-Gautam.
#SuccessionPlanning #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth #Podcast #BusinessStrategy #HeresTheDeal
Audio time stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Succession Planning
02:51 The Importance of Succession Planning
04:49 Lessons from the Papal Conclave
06:49 Understanding Power Dynamics in Leadership
09:39 Status Quo vs. Change in Leadership
12:06 The Role of Tradition in Succession
14:01 Implications for Companies and Leaders
16:57 Navigating Succession as Immigrant Leaders
26:17 Understanding Succession Planning
33:21 The Importance of Followership
41:03 Navigating Succession as an Immigrant Leader
49:19 Frameworks for Leadership Success
25 Jun 2025
How to Craft Career Pathways in a Tough Market | Insights for 2025 Grads
Hosts Shujaat and Joselle offer advice for 2025 graduates, emphasizing leveraging capital, understanding company culture, and using AI to navigate a tough job market.
29 May 2025
Special Audience Q&A Episode: Career Shifts, Learning, and Taking Risks with AI in a Volatile Job Market
Hosts Shujaat and Joselle address audience questions about navigating career shifts, continuous learning, and leveraging AI in a volatile job market, highlighting adaptability and networking as key strategies in this interview episode.
22 May 2025
2025 Job Market Predictions
Industry experts forecast significant labor market volatility, AI's transformative impact, evolving corporate culture, and the rise of solopreneurs in 2025, emphasizing flexibility and continuous learning.
27 Feb 2025
The Illusion of Performance Management
In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat delve into the complexities of performance management, exploring the illusions that often cloud the process. Drawing parallels with the movie 'The Prestige', they discuss how performance reviews can create a façade of fairness while masking deeper issues. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the hidden dynamics of calibration meetings, the significance of transparency and trust, and strategies for both employees and leaders to navigate the performance management landscape effectively.
Key Takeaways:
Performance management often feels like a political game.
Calibration meetings can obscure the true evaluation process.
The illusion of fairness can lead to distrust among employees.
Understanding the 'pledge, turn, and prestige' framework is crucial.
Transparency in performance management processes is essential.
Employees should actively engage in understanding the evaluation criteria.
Building a network of support can enhance performance evaluations.
Trust between managers and employees is foundational for effective performance management.
Economic factors can significantly impact performance ratings and bonuses.
Leaders must foster a culture of trust and transparency in their teams.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Performance Management Illusions
02:54 The Prestige: Analogy for Performance Management
06:03 The Illusion of Fairness in Calibration Meetings
08:31 Understanding the Game: Pledge, Turn, and Prestige
11:43 The Players in the Calibration Game
14:13 Strategies for Navigating Performance Management
16:44 Transparency and Trust in Performance Ratings
19:37 The Distinction Between Performance and Compensation
28:06 Exploring the Spectrum of Performance Management
30:56 The Importance of Transparency in Evaluations
33:40 Navigating the Politics of Performance Management
36:54 Strategies for Success in Performance Evaluations
40:41 Redesigning the Calibration Process
49:57 Building Trust and Transparency in Leadership
Keywords
performance management, leadership, employee engagement, calibration meetings, trust, transparency, organizational culture, workplace politics, talent management, business outcomes
29 Jan 2025
The Anatomy of Layoffs
Summary
In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat delve into the complex topic of layoffs, breaking down the deal on the anatomy of layoffs. They walk through the financial number, the game, and the systems that drive layoffs. They discuss the emotional toll on employees, and the critical role of leadership and communication. They discuss the importance of transparency, the need for individuals to prepare for potential layoffs, and the broader implications for workplace culture and the future of work.
Takeaways
Layoffs are often a result of long-term market shifts.
Understanding the financial metrics behind layoffs is crucial.
Leaders must communicate transparently during layoffs.
Survivor guilt can affect those who remain after layoffs.
Individuals should always have a financial buffer.
Networking is essential for job security.
Layoffs reflect a company's values and priorities.
Emotional support is vital for those impacted by layoffs.
Preparation is key for individuals in uncertain job markets.
The future of work will continue to evolve, impacting job security.
Chapters
00:00 Intro: Understanding the Landscape of Layoffs
02:43 The Anatomy of Layoffs
05:28 Layoffs Context: The Secret Number That Rules Them All
09:12 Why Companies Get Layoffs Wrong
10:51 The Freakonomics at Play: Executive Compensation
12:54 Part 2: The Inhuman Game of BS Justifications
15:12 The Emotional Toll on the Entire Organization
18:16 Survivor Guilt
19:25 Part3: The People Systems Not Built to Run Layoffs
22:07 Understanding Company Signals and Preparing for Change
30:06 Empowering Individuals: Control in Uncertain Times
32:04 Leadership During Layoffs: Transparency and Vulnerability
37:27 The Human Element in Corporate Decisions
Keywords
layoffs, leadership, workplace culture, emotional impact, communication, future of work, job security, employee engagement, corporate strategy, workforce management
21 Nov 2024
Navigating Career Transitions | A Playbook
Shujaat and Joselle share a 5-step playbook for navigating career transitions effectively, emphasizing the importance of listening to inner signals and embracing discomfort for personal growth.
10 Oct 2024
Innovating Amid Economic Volatility
Please see detailed show notes at the end.
Summary
In this episode, Joselle and Shujaat discuss the criticality of innovation amidst economic volatility, and how to lead it during such uncertain times. They explore three key strategies for leaders:
dreaming big while starting small,
thinking like a scientist through experimentation,
and crowdsourcing innovation from within the organization.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and the need to challenge common myths about leadership and decision-making. Through practical examples and insights, they provide actionable advice for leaders looking to drive meaningful change in their organizations.
Key Takeaways
Innovation is crucial for business survival in volatile times.
Leaders must foster a culture of experimentation.
Dreaming big while starting small allows for manageable progress.
Thinking like a scientist helps in validating ideas through testing.
Crowdsourcing innovation leverages internal talent and collaboration.
Leaders should be the last to speak in meetings to encourage input.
Assuming leaders have all the answers is a common myth.
Cultural change is essential for sustainable innovation.
Data-driven decision-making should not become decision-driven data making.
Building diverse networks enhances innovation and career growth.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:56 Topic: Innovation Amid Economic Volatility
08:25 Chapter 1: Dream Big, Start Small
16:23 Chapter 2: Think Like a Scientist
28:55 Chapter 3: Crowdsourcing Innovation
38:22 Chapter 4: Creating a Culture of Innovation
44:37 Chapter 5: Practical Application in Team Meetings
References Discussed
Ex Google Leader: Shujaat was referencing Sukhinder Singh Cassidy who gave a brilliant talk on taking risks, experimenting, and how your behavior as leaders drives the right culture for that in your team. Her publicly available talk can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4-7UZZ8M1Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4-7UZZ8M1Q)
Correction: Blockbuster operated 9,094 stores at its peak.
Keywords
innovation, economic volatility, leadership strategies, crowdsourcing, experimentation, business transformation, digital transformation, purposeful leadership, career development, organizational culture
26 Jun 2024
Are You Ready for the Class of 2024?
In this dynamic episode of Here's the Deal, Joselle and Shujaat take you on an engaging journey through the art of leadership and communication. They tackle the tough conversations head-on, reveal the secrets behind effective communication frameworks like road shows, and highlight the critical importance of truly understanding employee perspectives. Along the way, they share must-read book recommendations for leaders and fresh graduates alike, packed with insights to fuel your personal and professional growth. Tune in for practical advice, actionable steps, and thought-provoking discussions that will empower you to lead with authenticity and empathy. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your leadership game and navigate the ever-evolving business landscape with confidence.
7 Jun 2024
Embracing AI as Leaders
Welcome to the first episode of Here's the Deal, where hosts Joselle Deocampo-Gautam and Shujaat Ahmad unravel the mysteries of AI. We discuss how the role of leadership evolves in response to the transformative changes brought by AI. We discuss what leaders need to do to embrace the impact on their businesses, organizations, careers, and purposeful living.
Using Shujaat's expertise in culture change and the future of work, and Joselle's expertise in economics and innovation strategy, we explore the far-reaching implications of AI in reshaping organizations to drive business and societal value. Discover how AI is not just a tool for tech experts but a new team member with transformative force influencing everyone from Fortune 100 leaders to Formula One enthusiasts.
Tune in now to unlock the secrets of success in an AI-driven world!
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 31 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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Questions about Here's the Deal
Who hosts Here's the Deal?
Joselle and Shujaat host the show. Published by Shujaat Ahmad and Joselle Deocampo-Gautam.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Here's the Deal take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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