Episode 19

Carmen Leibel - Impactful Public Speaking with Project Five | EP 19 | Pathfinders Podcast

Published on: 19th March, 2025

Summary

In this episode of Pathfinders, host Vijayan Swaminathan interviews Carmen Leibel, a former news anchor and health reporter who has transitioned into public speaking education through her initiative, Project Five. Carmen shares her journey from childhood aspirations to overcoming challenges in her broadcasting career, her experiences as a health reporter, and the misconceptions surrounding the media industry. She discusses her motivation to help the next generation of communicators and the impact of her work on the community. In this conversation, Carmen shares her journey from a newsroom career to creating impactful public speaking programs for students. She discusses the importance of communication skills, the anxiety surrounding public speaking, and how embracing failure can lead to personal growth. Carmen outlines five actionable steps for effective public speaking, emphasizing preparation, practice, pacing, and the significance of body language and voice projection. In this conversation, Carmen and Vijayan discuss the essential elements of effective public speaking, including breathing techniques, body language, and mental preparation. They emphasize the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in communication, as well as the need to connect with nature for mental clarity. The discussion also touches on the concepts of happiness and joy, highlighting the personal and societal implications of these emotions. In this conversation, Carmen and Vijayan explore the themes of happiness, joy, gratitude, and the importance of following one's intuition. They discuss the shift from chasing happiness to embracing joyful living, the significance of gratitude in everyday life, and insights into public speaking. Carmen shares memorable moments from her media career and unexpected lessons learned from her students, emphasizing the value of creating a safe space for growth. The conversation concludes with recommendations for impactful talks and books, along with advice for future generations to trust their instincts and pursue their true passions.

Sound Bites

"Don't give up on your dreams."

"I felt like I was living my dream job."

"I met the most inspirational people."

"It makes you human."

"I'm worried about tomorrow's leaders."

"I was blown away by the response."

"The world comes together and helps you."

"Public speaking has been a fear forever."

"Your body language tells a story."

"The room is rooting for you."

"Failure is the best teacher."