Speaking With Confidence

Have you ever wondered if you’re missing the clues that are pointing you to your true purpose? On this episode of Speaking with Confidence, we tackle one of the most important questions anyone can ask: What if your unique design isn’t something you have to invent, but something that’s already waiting to be discovered in the signals of everyday life?

I’m Tim Newman, and today we dig deep into the art and science of finding and living your purpose, with the help of a truly fascinating guest, Caleb Matthews. Caleb Matthews is the founder of the C Link, a renowned speaker in the spiritual strategy space, and the creator of the SSB method (spirit, soul, and body). With two decades of experience helping thousands decode the hidden signals in their dreams, personal history, and daily frustrations, Caleb Matthews brings insight from new age festivals to meeting rooms with government leaders, and his radio broadcasts have reached millions across Africa.

In our conversation, we unpack what it really means to have a “DNA of Design,” why so many people struggle to interpret their own purpose, and the crucial role that our spirit, not just our mind or body, plays in guiding us. Caleb Matthews shares his own remarkable journey from practicing speeches with stuffed animals to speaking at a Kenyan orphanage at 18, which was a life-altering lesson in gratitude and the power of perspective.

We explore why Western culture often sidelines the spiritual side of ourselves, and how reawakening it can be a powerful anchor, especially in times of crisis. We also get very practical: how can you start recognizing everyday signals and “dots” that point toward your calling? Caleb Matthews offers simple strategies, including the importance of writing down and reflecting on your dreams which, he argues, are not just random brain static, but coded messages from your deeper self (or even the divine).

Some of the things we covered in this episode include:


Caleb Matthews’s unique method for discovering purpose through spirit, soul, and body


The transformative experience of speaking in Africa and what it taught about gratitude


How Western society tends to diminish the role of spirit in personal growth and why that matters


The essential practice of recognizing and interpreting dreams as guides for your life


Specific reasons why most people miss the clues to their purpose by rushing from A to Z


The importance of staying connected to awe, wonder, and childlike curiosity in adulthood


The dangers of stuffing down conscience and emotion and how to open up again


How who you surround yourself with (the five people you see most) shapes your identity and fulfillment


The “three Cs” of construct, conform, and contract in self-development


Practical tips on dream journaling and the first question to ask when interpreting your dreams


The significance of safeguarding your senses in a noisy, social media-driven world


Lessons learned from speaking across more than a dozen countries: every audience is different, yet fundamentally the same

If you’ve ever wondered where your purpose is hiding or how to listen to your life for clues you might be missing this episode will give you both inspiration and clear steps to move forward. Plus, Caleb Matthews shares how you can take his free “DNA of Design” quiz at calebmatthews.net to get started on your own journey toward discovering your design type.

I hope this conversation challenges and empowers you to look deeper, listen closer, and take the next step in living out your unique calling.

Connect with Caleb:

Website: https://www.calebmatthews.net  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theseelink/   

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSeeLink  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caleb.matthews.334/  

X: https://x.com/TheSeeLink

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Have you ever wondered if the classic “sandwich method” for delivering feedback (compliment, criticism, compliment) actually works, or if it’s causing more harm than good? In today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we’re tackling a management myth that’s been passed down for generations, but quietly erodes trust and sours relationships in the workplace.

I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor turned communication coach, and I’ve seen countless managers, including myself, reach for this tried-and-true technique in hopes of softening the sting of tough feedback. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: our teams see it coming from a mile away, and the result isn’t motivation or clarity, it's confusion, distrust, and a growing reluctance to believe any positive feedback we share.

In this episode, I dig into why the sandwich method fails everyone involved, and introduce you to Tim Elmore’s ALAG framework, a modern, honest, and far more effective way to have those hard conversations without burning trust in the process. While there’s no guest today, I’ll share a real-world story from my own experience to show you how this framework works in practice.

We’ll talk about why the sandwich method was created to protect managers’ comfort more than employees’ growth, and how it ends up poisoning praise, confusing communication, and eroding the very trust managers hope to build. Then, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the ALAG framework: Ask, Listen, Empathize, and Guide. Each step is designed to break the pattern of defensiveness, invite genuine conversation, and move your team forward with both compassion and clarity.

In this episode, you’ll hear:


A breakdown of what actually happens inside a “sandwich” feedback conversation—and why it so often backfires


The invisible ways trust is eroded conversation by conversation, even if you don’t see it happening


Why opening with curiosity instead of conclusions instantly changes the tone and outcome


How to practice genuine active listening instead of debating or rehearsing your next response


The critical but overlooked role of empathy why it’s not agreement, and how to avoid compassion fatigue as a manager


The power of the word “and” in balancing empathy with accountability


How to gently guide toward action and clarity instead of shoving someone toward your standards


A real-life example of helping a student navigate a tough decision with grace, using ALAG instead of empty praise


Why being a better leader is about building character, not just managing discomfort

Finally, I’ll challenge you to try the ALAG approach the next time you need to have a difficult conversation, and explain why real growth happens when you risk showing up with presence and honesty. Remember, we’re not aiming for perfection; we’re aiming for progress, every single day.
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How can technically brilliant professionals turn their expertise into influence and success in the workplace? That's the question we dive into on this episode of Speaking with Confidence. I’m Tim Newman, a former college professor who’s become a communication coach, and I know from experience that technical skills will get you hired, but communication is what gets you noticed and promoted. We see too many talented people missing out on opportunities because they haven’t developed the soft skills that build trust and win work. That's why I sat down with Ken Harms, an advisor, speaker, and author of "Building Trust, Winning Work," to unpack exactly why soft skills are the critical difference maker.

Ken brings over 40 years of experience observing technically skilled folks stumble not because of lack of knowledge, but because of an inability to connect, communicate, and build authentic relationships. In our discussion, we tackle the persistent gap in our education system that leaves graduates with excellent technical training but few tools for powerful interaction. Ken shares research from the Carnegie Institute: a staggering 85% of future earnings stem from your ability to communicate and lead rather than strictly from technical know-how.

We go deep on the root causes of this soft skills gap, from education to workplace culture, and why so many people resist improvement, even when feedback could dramatically accelerate their careers. Ken talks through his experience with "doer-seller" models in industries like construction explaining why public speaking, storytelling, and, importantly, listening with confidence must be learned and practiced intentionally, not left to chance. We cover actionable ways to prepare for meetings and interviews, showing that confidence is really about preparation and client focus, not just charisma.

Here’s what we covered in this episode:


Why technical skills alone aren’t enough to succeed and get promoted


The education system’s failure to teach communication, public speaking, or relationship-building


Doer-seller dynamics in architecture, engineering, and construction fields


The difference between speaking with confidence and listening with confidence, including Ken’s WAIT (Why Am I Talking?) framework


How to prepare for meetings and client interactions by researching and planning thoughtful questions


Reframing sales as service and why this matters to younger generations


The enduring power of face-to-face meetings and practical ways to create trust digitally


Likability, Competence, and Trust: the three professional hurdles and why likability is often the biggest obstacle for new grads


The intersection (and collision) between authenticity and professionalism


Real talk about workplace attire, first impressions, and why they still matter


The importance of teamwork, collaboration, and how group skills learned in sports or competitions apply to the workplace


Why mentorship matters and how both young professionals and seasoned leaders must meet each other halfway


Ken’s actionable advice for technically brilliant but invisible young professionals: get training, practice relentlessly, and seek out opportunities to shine

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a full picture of how soft skills can elevate your technical expertise so you can speak, serve, sell, and lead with real impact.

Connect with Ken:

Website: https://kenharms.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-harms-12b56629/

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Have you ever wondered why some presentations are instantly forgettable while others stay with you for weeks, even months? In this episode of Speaking with Confidence, I dig into the surprising science and strategies behind messages that stick, and how the secret might just be your story, not your slides.

I’m Tim Newman, recovering college professor turned communication coach, and today I want to shatter a misconception: that confident speakers are just born with it. In reality, the best speakers aren’t those with loud personalities or endless credentials; they’re the ones who know how to use storytelling to connect, build trust, and inspire action.

I’m unpacking the game-changing research on narrative, why audiences remember stories 22 times more than facts, and the counterintuitive way to earn authority (hint: it’s not by leading with your résumé). I pull back the curtain on the real mechanics of storytelling, the “show, don’t tell” principle, and why sharing your mistakes can make you instantly more credible.

You’ll hear about my own most embarrassing moment on stage, the neuroscience behind “neural coupling,” and practical tips you can use right away to transform your next presentation. I walk you through step by step on how to rewrite your stories for maximum impact, avoid the biggest storytelling mistakes, and end with actionable takeaways that tie your stories back to your main message.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:


Why telling stories activates your audience’s entire brain—and why that matters


The research that proves stories build trust and authority faster than credentials


Why sharing a personal setback in your first 60 seconds is often the smartest move


The difference between telling and showing, with concrete examples


How to audit and edit your stories to make them vivid and memorable


The one sentence every story needs to tie back to your main point


Three mistakes most speakers make when telling stories—and how to fix them


A weekly challenge: how to find, craft, and deliver a powerful story from your own life

Whether you’re selling, teaching, leading, or just want to show up more powerfully in everyday conversations, this episode will give you the blueprint for becoming a more memorable, trusted, and confident speaker.

Remember, your voice has the power to change the world. Let's start building that confidence, one real story at a time.
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How much of what’s holding you back is really about your emotional habits rather than your skills? On today’s episode of Speaking with Confidence, we get into the heart of emotional discipline, exploring the powerful concept of emotional sobriety and how mastering your emotions is a key to excelling not just in communication, but in every area of life.

I’m Tim Newman, and in this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Andrea Vitz, a leading expert on emotional sobriety, best-selling author, keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and president and co-founder of Lifted Academy. Andrea brings years of experience as a chiropractor and coach and is acclaimed for her work helping thousands break free from destructive emotional habits. She’s known for her revolutionary “reps-based” approach to training emotional maturity and has two new leadership books coming out this year.

We dive deep into the real distinction between high performance and emotional maturity, how so many of us in high-pressure roles perform at a high level on the outside but remain stuck in immature emotional patterns on the inside. Andrea shares her own story of reaching a turning point at age 30 and realizing that true growth required retraining the way she responded emotionally rather than just pushing through or pretending to be above it all.

We also unpack:


The difference between your ‘why’ and your purpose, and why knowing both is crucial for impact and fulfillment


How to create a culture of emotional safety at home and at work


The science of emotional habits and why you can feel powerless to change until you intervene at the cellular level


The self-centeredness trap and how to break the cycle of taking everything personally


Why true leadership starts with internal mastery regardless of your age or status


How to accelerate maturity in young people, and why emotional skills matter as much as academic achievement


Andrea’s method for uncovering your emotional triggers and developing emotional composure


Real strategies for forgiveness, letting go of the past, and reclaiming wasted energy


The role of value and investment in personal transformation—why people who pay for change get the best results


Personal stories of failure, growth, and using our biggest struggles to serve others


Continuous improvement: our own blind spots, financial worth, and ongoing growth as coaches and humans

If you’ve ever wondered why you keep falling into the same conflicts, why you can’t let go of certain feelings, or how to truly “show up” with confidence in every area of your life, this episode packs in hard-won wisdom, practical tools, and personal vulnerability. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how emotional discipline can change everything—and a roadmap for getting started.

Join me and Dr. Andrea Vitz for a revealing, actionable conversation that has the power to completely reframe your approach to communication, relationships, and self-mastery.

Connect with Andrea:

Website: https://liftedacademy.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandreavitz  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreavitz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourlevelheadeddoc

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