Sparks Squared Speakeasy

About Sparks Squared Speakeasy

Welcome to Sparks Squared Speakeasy. This is where leadership conversations get real. Each week we open the door to the kind of discussions leaders usually have behind closed doors. No scripts. No corporate polish. Just honest conversations about leadership, workplace culture, service excellence, and what it really takes to lead people well. Hosted by Cassandra Sparks, Professional Speaker + Communication & Leadership Coach, and Ewan Riccio-Laing, founder of Figary Learning, this podcast brings bold perspectives, practical insights, and real stories from the front lines of leadership. If you’re tired of leadership clichés and want conversations that are thoughtful, candid, and occasionally a little cheeky, you’re in the right place. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something good, and step inside the speakeasy. New conversations drop regularly, and you can also join the discussion with new episodes every Friday!

Publisher

Figary Learning

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Mar 2026

Latest episode

1 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Aug 2026

   18. No Answers, Just Vibes

   Cassandra Sparks and Ewan Riccio-Laing share a lighthearted “leadership confessional” episode about what real leadership looks like when things get messy and you don’t have the answers. They recap the prior courage challenge—when frustrated, clarify expectations—and Euan shares how redefining quality expectations with a QA specialist resolved recurring slide issues. Cassandra describes the sting of proposal rejection as a small business owner and reframing it as “not right now.” Ewan recounts leading a major customer-service initiative that was paused late in the process due to shifting business priorities, leaving him to manage team disappointment without clear answers. Their takeaway: ground yourself in reality, acknowledge frustration, ask for help, and give yourself grace. Follow @CassandraSparksYou and @EwanRiccioLaing & @FigaryLearning. --------------------------- 00:00 Cold Open & Banter 01:56 Intro to Leadership Confessionals 03:02 Courage Challenge Recap 03:24 Ewan's Story: The Pixel Princess 06:56 Cassandra's Story: Handling Rejection 10:52 Ewan's Story: The Shelved Project 14:50 What To Do Without Answers 21:22 Wrap-Up & Courage Challenge 21:59 Outro & Socials

2. 

   12 Jul 2026

   17. The Late Show (Nobody Asked For)

   In this episode, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks tackle a workplace frustration we’ve all experienced: someone arrives late to a meeting… then feels compelled to explain every detail of why. Together, they explore why the real issue isn’t usually the lateness itself, but how leaders respond to it. From setting clear expectations to creating a culture of respect without embarrassment, this conversation is packed with practical leadership advice you can use in your very next meeting. They also celebrate a listener’s success from last week’s Courage Challenge and introduce a brand-new challenge to help you create greater clarity with your team. ✨ In This Episode: Why late arrivals aren’t the real problem How leaders can protect meeting momentum The difference between intent and impact Setting expectations without calling people out Creating a culture of accountability, not punishment Why meaningful meetings deserve meaningful standards 🎯 Friday Courage Challenge: The next time something frustrates you at work, don’t just vent about it. Ask yourself: What expectation is missing? What needs to be clearer? What conversation do I need to have? Set the standard. Have the conversation. Protect the culture. 📱 Follow: @FigaryLearning @EwanRiccioLaing @CassandraSparksYOU

3. 

   21 Jun 2026

   16. Another One Bites the Trust

   Why do so many leaders avoid difficult conversations… even when they know they need to happen? In this listener-requested episode, Ewan and Cassandra tackle one of leadership’s most common challenges: having the conversations you’d rather avoid. From fear of conflict and being disliked to worrying you’ll make things worse, they unpack the real reasons leaders stay silent, and the hidden cost of doing nothing. In this episode, you’ll discover: 🔥 Why avoiding difficult conversations slowly erodes trust 🔥 The warning signs that small issues are becoming big problems 🔥 How silence can damage team performance, morale, and culture 🔥 A simple framework to make difficult conversations feel less daunting 🔥 How to move from avoidance to action with confidence Plus, Ewan shares the powerful GROW Model for handling difficult conversations in a way that creates clarity, accountability, and ownership instead of defensiveness. This Week’s Courage Challenge Think about a conversation you’ve been avoiding. Ask yourself: What am I actually afraid will happen? What’s the cost if I do nothing? Then take one step toward having that conversation this week. Because every difficult conversation you avoid comes with a price tag… and sooner or later, another one bites the trust. 🎙️ Pull up a chair and join the conversation. #SparksSquaredSpeakeasy #Leadership #DifficultConversations #LeadershipDevelopment #Trust #PeopleLeadership #CommunicationSkills #Management #WorkplaceCulture #Figary #CassandraSparks #AnotherOneBitesTheTrust

4. 

   9 Jun 2026

   15. Shimmy the Self-Doubt Away

   Ever feel like your brain is working against you? In this episode of Sparks Squared Speakeasy, Ewan and Cassandra pull up a stool and tackle one of leadership’s most common (and least talked about) challenges: self-doubt. From failed water-skiing attempts and stubborn entrepreneurs to Thomas Edison’s 2,774 tries and the accidental invention of beer by monks, this conversation explores why success often comes disguised as failure. You’ll discover: ✨ Why even confident leaders experience self-doubt daily ✨ A simple two-question framework to break the anxiety spiral ✨ How to stop letting imposter syndrome run the show ✨ The surprising link between resilience, leadership, and water sports ✨ Why “failing into success” might be the most important leadership skill of all Plus, Ewan and Cassandra share personal stories, practical strategies, and a few unexpected rabbit holes along the way. This week’s Courage Challenge: The next time self-doubt creeps in, ask yourself: What do I think? What’s the proof? Because sometimes the only thing standing between you and success is one more try. 🎙️ Pull up a chair. The Speakeasy doors are open. #SparksSquaredSpeakeasy #Leadership #SelfDoubt #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #CourageChallenge #LeadershipDevelopment #FailingIntoSuccess #Figary #CassandraSparks

5. 

   23 May 2026

   14. A Different Type of Trust Fund

   In this episode of Sparks Squared Speakeasy, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks dive into the concept of the Emotional Bank Account and how trust, empathy, communication, and authenticity shape our relationships as leaders, colleagues, friends, and humans. Episode Highlights Why leadership is built on trust and meaningful human connection Understanding the “Emotional Bank Account” concept from Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People The importance of making intentional “deposits” through listening, empathy, respect, and support How poor communication, negativity, and lack of trust create emotional “withdrawals” Why different people value different types of recognition and connection Emotional bank accounts in leadership, friendships, and romantic relationships The impact of “emotional vampires” and draining workplace cultures Real-world stories about vulnerability, authenticity, and human kindness How self-awareness helps leaders strengthen relationships and reduce friction Courage Challenge of the Week This week, pay attention to: One way you intentionally deposit into someone’s emotional bank account One moment where you may have unintentionally made a withdrawal Awareness is the first step toward stronger, healthier relationships. Connect with the Hosts Cassandra Sparks Instagram: @CassandraSparksYOU Ewan Riccio-Laing LinkedIn & Socials: @EwanRiccioLaing Follow Figary Learning for leadership and learning content. Featured Collaboration Own the Room, Tell Your Story A workshop experience designed to help people communicate with confidence, present authentically, and tell powerful stories.

6. 

   17 May 2026

   13. Boldness Plus: Confidence, Chaos & Catchphrases

   In this episode, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks kick off a fresh new format for Spark Squared Speakeasy while diving into a powerful concept: Boldness Plus. Together, they explore how boldness changes depending on what we pair it with. From confidence and empathy to creativity and even arrogance, this conversation unpacks how intentionality shapes the way we lead, communicate, and show up in everyday life. The episode also revisits the latest Friday Courage Challenge and highlights the power of pausing before reacting in difficult conversations. ✨ In This Episode: The meaning behind Spark Squared Speakeasy What “Boldness Plus” means Confidence vs. arrogance in leadership Why self-awareness matters The power of intentional communication How boldness evolves moment to moment 🎯 Friday Courage Challenge: This week, add something to your boldness equation: Boldness + Grit Boldness + Creativity Boldness + Empathy Ask yourself: How are you showing up boldly this week? 📱 Follow: @FigaryLearning @EwanRiccioLaing @CassandraSparksYOU

7. 

   1 May 2026

   12. It’s Not What You Say … It’s How It Lands 🎯

   This week on Spark Squared Speakeasy, we’re talking managing up and why it’s not about saying more… it’s about making your message land. Because here’s the truth: 👉 People don’t hold back because they lack ideas. 👉 They hold back because of how they think they’ll be perceived. 🔥 In This Episode Why “saying it right” isn’t enough How small word changes (hello “and” vs “but”) shift conversations What happens when passion turns into tension How to stay grounded when pressure hits 💡 The Big Takeaway If your message creates resistance… 👉 it’s not what you said, it’s how it landed. 🎯 Friday Courage Challenge Don’t hold back your point. Pause, ground yourself, and ask: 👉 “Am I proving something… or moving this forward?”

8. 

   23 Apr 2026

   11. Confidence Is Cute. Presence Wins.

   What if the problem isn’t what you’re saying… but how you’re showing up? In this episode of Spark Squared Speakeasy, Ewan Riccio-Laing and Cassandra Sparks pull back the curtain on one of the biggest leadership myths out there: that more explanation equals more clarity. Spoiler alert… it doesn’t. Because here’s the truth most leaders miss: your team can understand you perfectly… and still not move an inch. So what’s really going on? This week’s conversation dives into the gap between understanding and buy-in, and why logic alone isn’t enough to create momentum inside your team. From real-world training rooms to global leadership experiences, Ewan and Cassandra unpack what actually drives engagement, ownership, and action. You’ll hear how over-explaining can quietly erode connection, why leaders often default to “more detail, more slides, more talking,” and how that approach can leave teams feeling talked at instead of brought in. And here’s where it gets interesting… Understanding is logical. Buy-in is emotional. Which means if your team isn’t moving, you don’t have a clarity problem… you have a connection problem. The conversation then shifts into a powerful reframe around confidence vs. presence. Because while confidence might look good on the surface, it’s presence that builds trust. Cassandra shares a standout moment from a live training where dropping the “perfect delivery” and leaning into real, human emotion completely transformed how the message landed. The result? A room full of people leaning in, connecting deeply, and actually feeling the message instead of just hearing it. Ewan brings in his global leadership experience, highlighting what it takes to lead diverse teams across cultures, and why the most effective leaders don’t just repeat the message… they adapt how it’s delivered without losing its core. Together, they land on a bold but simple truth: 👉 Leadership isn’t about saying more. 👉 It’s about connecting more. This episode is packed with real talk, practical insight, and a refreshing reminder that leadership isn’t performance… it’s presence. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why more explanation doesn’t fix disengagement The difference between understanding and emotional buy-in How over-explaining can damage team connection Why presence beats polish every single time How to adapt your leadership style without losing your message What your team is really asking in every conversation ⚡ Friday Courage Challenge: In your next conversation, focus less on what you’re going to say… and more on how you’re going to show up. Try this: Ask one better question Pause longer than feels comfortable Actually listen to the answer Because when people feel connected… everything else gets easier. Pull up a chair, leaders. This is the conversation you weren’t meant to overhear… but absolutely needed to hear.

9. 

   10 Apr 2026

   10. Keep Calm… Something Else Just Changed.

   🎙️ Spark Squared Speakeasy | EP10 Navigating Change: From Survival Mode to Sustainable Leadership Welcome back to the Speakeasy. The doors are open, the conversation is real, and this week we’re diving into one of the most constant forces in leadership… change. From new leadership energy to ongoing organizational shifts, Ewan and Cassandra unpack what adaptability really looks like and why most teams don’t resist change… they quietly survive it. 🔥 What We’re Talking About This episode explores two powerful realities leaders face: The impact of new leadership entering a team The weight of constant, layered change over time At the heart of both? One question every team member is asking: 👉 “What just changed… and what does that mean for me?” 💡 Key Takeaways 1. Adaptability Isn’t About Speed. It’s About Meaning. 2. Clarity Creates Confidence 3. New Leaders: Slow Down to Build Trust 4. Change Fatigue Isn’t Resistance 5. Humans First. Employees Second. Always. 6. The Best Leaders Create Stability in Motion 🎯 Friday Courage Challenge This week, don’t just announce change. 👉 Answer the question your team is already asking: “What just changed… and what does that mean for me?” Be intentional and specific: What stays the same? What is shifting? What should they focus on right now? Because when people don’t have to guess… 👉 They can actually adapt. 🍸 Final Sip If this episode sparked something for you, pull up another chair and share it with someone who needs it. Because leadership isn’t about controlling change. It’s about helping people move through it… with clarity, confidence, and just enough spark ✨ 📲 Connect with US Cassandra Sparks: @CassandraSparksYOU Ewan Riccio-Laing / Figary Learning: @FigaryLearning & @ewanricciolaing And yes… do it for Laura 😉

10. 

    27 Mar 2026

    9. Ch-ch-changes

    This week, we’re getting real about change, adaptability… and giving a fig. From rebranding a business (👀 hello, Figury Learning!) to navigating the messy middle of transformation, this episode is all about what it actually takes to lead through change without losing your mind—or your authenticity. 💥 Inside the conversation: Why people don’t resist change… they resist how it’s done The power of keeping it simple (and honest) when everything feels uncertain What it really means to meet people where they are How bold, human communication beats corporate polish every single time And yes… a LOT of fig-based puns 🌱 This one’s equal parts leadership insight, real talk, and chaotic brilliance—just the way we like it. 🎯 This week’s Courage Challenge: Pause. Ask what feels unclear about a change you’re facing. Then listen—without fixing. Because real change starts with understanding. Pull up a chair. The speakeasy doors are open. 🍸

11. 

    20 Mar 2026

    8. Leading Creativity

    💡 Ever wondered why some teams seem more innovative than others? The secret isn’t talent, but a culture where failure is just data, not a dead-end. In our experience, the most successful teams play full-out, letting ideas rain down without critique — even the bad ones. Why? Because the magic happens when people feel safe to share wild, unfiltered thoughts. When leaders foster an environment of trust and curiosity, creativity blossoms and solutions emerge naturally. It’s not about perfection; it’s about action and embracing uncertainty.What’s one small thing you can do today to make your team feel safer sharing their ideas? Maybe it’s as simple as saying, “There are no bad ideas here — just opportunities to learn.” Think about it. When was the last time someone truly felt safe to speak up, even if their idea seemed “off”? Let’s break the silence, together.

12. 

    13 Mar 2026

    Sparks Squared Speakeasy ep7

    The conversation covers the topics of leadership, influence, and motivation, with a focus on the importance of clarity in leadership. It explores the impact of leading with influence, the relationship between clarity and motivation, and the spectrum of clarity in leadership. The conversation explores the impact of confusion on momentum, the importance of clarity in leadership, the skill of prioritization, and the use of the Four Box Principle for organizing priorities. It emphasizes the role of leaders in providing clarity and the consequences of workplace roulette and imposter syndrome. The discussion also highlights the significance of effective communication of priorities and the impact of clarity on team progress. Takeaways Leading with influence empowers others Clarity is essential for motivation and success in leadership Clarity is essential for creating forward momentum in teams. Effective communication of priorities and expectations is crucial for team success. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to SparkSquared SpeakEasy 09:01 Clarity is the New Motivation 15:46 The Spectrum of Clarity 21:45 The Impact of Confusion on Momentum 27:57 Clarity and Forward Momentum 33:04 The Four Box Principle

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