Speak Arizona

Improv Improves Leaders - Jess Klemm & David Raftery

In Part 2 of our conversation with The Bridge Improv Theater, host Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Rachel Perez dig into how improv skills translate directly to stronger leadership. Guests David Raftery and Jess Klemm share how "going with the flow" helps leaders navigate constant change, why leadership is a shared activity (not a single role), and how "Yes, And" creates momentum and trust on teams. They also explore the power of third spaces for community, and why authenticity will matter even more as AI and automation accelerate. Perfect for leaders and communicators who want to build trust, presence, and authentic connection.

Key takeaways
- Leaders improve outcomes when they can adapt in real time and keep moving forward.
- "Yes, And" is a practical framework for shared leadership and stronger collaboration.
- Listening and empathy create connection, especially when people drop the "masks" they wear.
- Third spaces help people build community outside of work and home.
- Authenticity becomes more valuable as AI makes communication easier and less human.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:16 - The Bridge Improv returns
02:19 - Recap Part 1
03:11 - Leadership as improvising
04:22 - "No one person is the leader"
08:24 - The "third space" and why community matters
14:30 - Why people are craving authentic connection
16:52 - Improv celebrates being human
33:25 - Where to find The Bridge

Guests and cohost

Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.
Connect
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/

David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012.
Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/

Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio.
Connect
- https://www.composion.design/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/

Improv Skills for Confident Speaking - Jess Klemm & David Raftery

In Part 1 of our conversation with Bridge Improv Theater, co-owner David Raftery and education director Jess Klemm join host Rupesh Parbhoo and co-host Rachel Perez (Composion) to explore how improv builds confident communicators. You will hear simple warm-up games to spark creativity, why presence and active listening beat memorizing a script, and the real meaning of "yes, and" as agreement and support. They also clear up common misconceptions about improv and share how a playful mindset can reduce speaking anxiety and strengthen connection with any audience. Perfect for professionals, leaders, and speakers who want to show up more present, confident, and connected.

Key takeaways
- Presence and listening reduce anxiety more than memorizing a perfect script.
- Quick warm-up games help you think faster and loosen up before speaking.
- Improv is collaborative discovery, not standup or "being funny on command."
- "Yes, and" is really agreement - supporting what is happening and building together.
- Repetition in a safe, playful environment builds confidence and connection.

Chapters
00:00 - Cold open
00:55 - Welcome to Speak Arizona 
01:38 - Meet co-host Rachel Perez
02:56 - Meet Bridge Improv Theater 
04:51 - Warm-up games
10:13 - What improv is and what happens on stage
14:24 - Stop clutching the script
18:14 - How Jess and David got into improv
23:41 - Misconceptions
28:56 - Confidence and community
37:38 - "Yes, and" 
43:14 - How to visit Bridge

Guest
Jess Klemm is the education director at Bridge Improv Theater and began her improv journey in 2018.
Connect
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/bridgeimprovtheater/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridge-improv-theater/

David Raftery is a co-owner of Bridge Improv Theater and has been performing and teaching improv in Arizona since 2012.
Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-raftery-7ab689212/
- https://www.bridgeimprovtheater.com/
- https://www.facebook.com/bridgeimprov/

Rachel Perez is a brand identity designer and runs Composion, a one-person design studio.
Connect
- https://www.composion.design/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/

Intentional Communication for Remote Teams - Kelly Soifer

Remote work makes communication more visible - and more fragile. In this episode, host Rupesh Parbhoo talks with leadership coach Kelly Soifer about how to create clarity across time zones, tools, and work styles without burning people out. They unpack why many meetings feel draining, how to balance asynchronous and synchronous work, and what it looks like to set expectations and boundaries around responsiveness. You will also hear practical ways leaders can model healthy norms, like clarifying response windows and removing pressure from late-night messages. Perfect for managers, team leads, and individual contributors who want to communicate with more clarity and less stress in remote or hybrid teams.

Key takeaways

- Stop using meetings for status updates. Move updates to async and use meeting time for decisions and discussion.
- Make expectations explicit: response times, channels, and what is truly urgent.
- Meetings should earn their place on the calendar (brainstorming, professional development, trust and team building).
- Healthy boundaries are a leadership skill, model them so your team does not feel "always on".
- Zoom fatigue is often a meeting-design problem, not a Zoom problem.

Chapters

00:00 - This could have been an email
01:33 - Introduction
02:32 - Remote, hybrid, and distributed realities
09:27 - Replace live reporting with async updates
11:48 - What meetings are really for
16:46 - Setting response-time norms and discussing responsiveness across channels
18:03 - Model boundaries with late-night email disclaimers and clear cues
21:39 - Cameras on/off, engagement, and why "Zoom fatigue" happens
23:46 - The "golden rule" for communication in remote teams
26:49 - Rapid fire collaboration preferences + closing

 

Kelly Soifer is an ICF-certified leadership development and career coach at KS Leadership Development. For nearly 40 years, she has guided professionals through personal and career transitions, helping them clarify identity, values, and purpose. Her approach blends emotionally intelligent coaching with practical tools that support leaders navigating change.

Connect

- Website: ksleadershipdevelopment.me
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellysoifer/

Hook Them in 7 Seconds: Start strong - Serban Mare

Most speakers lose the room before the first slide. In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Serban Mare to break down the most common opening mistakes that kill momentum, and the simple fixes that help you earn attention fast. They walk through 10 “how not to start” tips, including the cold “Hi, my name is…” opener, nervous disclaimers, tech checks, purposeless questions, housekeeping first, time excuses, and more. Each tip comes with a better alternative that helps you establish value, confidence, and clarity in the first seconds. If you present to customers, leadership, or cross-functional teams, this one will upgrade your opening immediately.

Key takeaways
- Your opening should create value fast, not apology, nerves, or admin.
- If you ask the audience something, have a purpose and use the response.
- Avoid time excuses and “I didn’t prepare” signals. They lower trust instantly.
- Humor is high risk early. Use it only when it supports the message.
- Memorize your first 2-3 sentences and your last 2-3 sentences to deliver with presence.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:50 - Tip 1: “Hi, my name is…” (why it is a weak start and what to do instead)
05:56 - Tip 2: “I’m so nervous…” (how it undercuts authority)
10:17 - Tip 3: “Can anybody hear me?” (avoid tech fumbling as your opener)
13:23 - Tip 4: “How are you doing today?” (stop asking questions with no purpose)
16:23 - Tip 5: Starting with housekeeping and logistics (why it kills momentum)
18:09 - Tip 6: “I only have ten minutes…” (do not waste time talking about time)
20:26 - Tip 7: “I didn’t have enough time to prepare…” (what it signals to the room)
22:47 - Tip 8: The weak joke opener (when humor backfires)
26:16 - Tip 9: Starting with a negative example or confusing setup (how it loses the room)
30:00 - Tip 10: Over-explaining your title, background, or topic (start with the point)
31:58 - Practical tactic: Memorize your first 2-3 sentences (and your last 2-3)
44:00 - Where to connect and closing thoughts

About the guest
Serban Mare is PMP-certified Technical Program Manager with 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, leading complex mixed-signal IC projects from concept to mass production. Serban is a corporate speaker specializing in stress resilience, energy management, and workplace well-being.

Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/serban-morea-pmp/
- https://serbanmare.com/

From Stutter to Stage: Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking - Matthew Malan

What happens when the story you tell yourself is “I can’t speak” - and you decide to rewrite it? In this episode, Rupesh sits down with Matthew Malan to unpack his journey from a childhood stutter and years of hiding to finding confidence on stage through Toastmasters, coaching, and consistent reps. Matt shares how fear shows up (and how it lies), why all-or-nothing thinking stalls growth, and how changing your words can change your future. You’ll also hear the role a mentor played in helping him practice, believe again, and keep showing up. Perfect for professionals who want to speak with confidence even when they feel nervous.

Key takeaways
- Confidence is built through reps, not waiting until you “feel ready.”
- Reframe mistakes as feedback so you can improve without spiraling into shame.
- The words you repeat become beliefs, and beliefs shape behavior.
- Surround yourself with positive people and find a coach or mentor who will challenge you.
- Baby steps and consistency beat perfectionism every time.

Chapters 
00:26 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
01:22 - Meet Matt Malan and why his story matters
02:09 - The moment fear won: skipping his first speech
03:10 - Childhood stutter and speech therapy
08:07 - Hiding to stay safe and the decision to change
09:21 - Words, beliefs, and the “spell” fear can cast
09:41 - Growth mindset: learning from flops and building confidence
12:03 - The power of a mentor: meeting Don and relentless practice
17:18 - Training under pressure: the 26 posture sequence analogy
23:52 - “Speeches aren’t written, they’re rewritten” - how to get better fast
40:29 - Closing encouragement: take risks, change things up, and keep going

Guest
Matthew Malan is a sales representative at Vemo Smart Energy.

Connect
- Instagram: @mattmalan6
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-malan-766a15208/

Networking for Introverts - Rachel Perez

Introverted and tired of networking that feels like forced small talk? In this episode, Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with Rachel Perez, Owner and Creative Director of Composion, to share low-pressure ways to build real professional relationships. They talk about why deep listening is an introvert superpower, how arriving early makes conversations easier, and simple icebreakers that feel natural. Rachel also shares how improv classes helped her get comfortable thinking on her feet. Perfect for introverts and quiet professionals who want to grow their network with confidence and authenticity.

Key takeaways

• Lead with curiosity, not an agenda. People can feel when you are trying to sell.
• Arrive early to events so conversations start one-on-one, not in a big group.
• Use easy icebreakers: shared context (like the food), genuine compliments, and thoughtful questions.
• Regulate the anxiety: zoom out, keep it playful, and remember the stakes are smaller than they feel.
• Practice outside your comfort zone (like improv) to build social confidence over time.

Rachel Perez is the Owner and Creative Director of Composion. She specializes in branding, logo design, and website design for small, service-based businesses in the human and animal health and wellness space, with 14+ years of experience and a degree in Visual Communication.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-perez-composion/
• Website: https://www.composion.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.rachelperez/

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Speak Arizona
00:57 - Why networking can feel hard for introverts
01:16 - Meet Rachel Perez and Composion
04:55 - Building confidence with improv reps
06:09 - What networking is really about
11:20 - Network without an agenda
12:48 - Brownies and other easy icebreakers
15:10 - Arrive early to make it easier
15:35 - The "floating rock" perspective shift
18:24 - Following up after events (Instagram and LinkedIn)
26:01 - Speaking gigs, confidence, and practice
28:46 - Box breathing and where to connect with Rachel
29:36 - Closing and outro

Job Interview Prep with AI: Stand Out & Stay Authentic - Serban Mare

Description: 

Case studies and live demos can feel like the scariest part of a job interview, but they can also be your biggest advantage. In this episode, host Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with Serban Mare to break down how to prepare for the case study portion of a job interview, how to leverage AI for sharper practice and feedback, and how to stay authentic instead of sounding scripted. Serban shares what surprised him on the job hunt, why Rupesh had an epiphany about case studies as real-time proof, and a simple twist on the STAR method that makes answers easier to remember and more impactful. Perfect for job seekers who want to stand out and stay authentic.

 

Key takeaways:

• Treat the case study like real-time proof of how you think, not a test you survive.
• Use a simple story structure (CAR: Challenge, Action, Results) to stay clear under pressure.
• Practice out loud and iterate: your first version is rarely your best version.
• Leverage AI as a coach: generate questions, run mock interviews, and ask for blunt feedback.
• Stay authentic by using AI for structure and rehearsal, not to replace your voice.

Serban Mare: PMP-certified Technical Program Manager with 20 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, leading complex mixed-signal IC projects from concept to mass production. Corporate speaker specializing in stress resilience, energy management, and workplace well-being.

www.SerbanMare.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/serban-morea-pmp/

Serban@SerbanMare.com

 Stress Test Evaluation: https://serbanmare.com/stress-check/

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Serban’s job hunt perspective and what has changed
03:00 - Interview mindset: sell your value with confidence
06:02 - STAR method refresher with a practical twist
09:28 - Stop saying “we”: own your impact without ego
12:03 - Stay authentic: turn the interview into a real conversation
15:01 - Practice behavioral answers until they sound natural
16:55 - The case study epiphany: what hiring managers are really testing
21:14 - Leveraging AI for job interview prep (resume + case study planning)
26:30 - Make it a dialogue: smart questions that separate you
33:00 - Feedback loops: mock interviews and using ChatGPT as a coach
36:00 - Final tips and where to connect with Serban  

Communicating from Your Strengths - Kelly Soifer

How can knowing your strengths change every conversation you have? In this episode, host Rupesh Parbhoo sits down with leadership coach Kelly Soifer to explore how a strengths-based lens reshapes communication, collaboration, and conflict. They unpack what CliftonStrengths really measures, how your “balconies and basements” show up when you speak, and why some people thrive in debate while others shine in one-on-one conversations. Kelly shares real coaching stories, practical ways to map your strengths to your communication style, and one simple habit you can start using in your very next meeting. Perfect for leaders, managers, and communicators who want to connect more effectively and bring out the best in every voice.

Takeaways
Our strengths shape how we communicate.
CliftonStrengths provides language to describe how you get things done.
Understanding communication styles can improve team dynamics.
Leaders should recognize that some team members need time to process information.
Conflict can be healthy and energizing in the right context.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to Speak Arizona & episode setup
01:10 – Meet Kelly Soifer & her leadership journey
04:00 – What CliftonStrengths actually measures
08:20 – How your strengths shape communication
13:30 – Microwaves vs crockpots: processing styles
18:10 – Using strengths language to improve team dynamics
23:50 – When strengths collide: conflict & miscommunication
29:40 – Coaching stories from real leaders and teams
35:20 – Practical ways to lead from your strengths
40:30 – Final reflections & how to get started with strengths

Turn Goals Into Results - Team212's Crystal & Hugo Vasquez

Always setting goals but not following through? In this episode of Speak Arizona, host Rupesh sits down with Hugo and Crystal Vasquez to explore how accountability can turn vague intentions into real results. They share the story behind their Team 212°, why most people stall after the initial excitement, and how a simple structure of check-ins, tracking, and encouragement keeps members moving forward. You’ll hear practical ideas for setting meaningful goals, staying consistent when life gets busy, and creating a culture where people feel both supported and challenged.

Perfect for Toastmasters, leaders, and growth-minded professionals who want their goals to finally stick.

 

00:00 – Welcome to Speak Arizona
01:32 – Meet Hugo & Crystal Vasquez | Team 212 Founders
02:54 – Weight Loss Wake-Up Call & Failed Goals Story
08:56 – What Is an Accountability Group & Why It Works
10:14 – How Accountability Makes Your Goals 95% More Likely
13:30 – Leaving Corporate Life, Entrepreneurship & Career Goals
26:43 – “Who Not How," Delegating What Drains Your Energy
32:19 – Team 212 Origin Story & The 212 Success Mindset
37:11 – Team 212 Success Stories, Real Results from Accountability
44:43 – Fear vs Love in Goal Setting & Building Lasting Habits
49:30 – Rapid-Fire Questions

Leadership in the Wild: The Origin Story - Serban Morea

In this episode of Speak Arizona, hosts Serban and Rupesh delve into various facets of effective communication, inspired leadership, and the power of creating versus consuming. They discuss how creating content, such as Rupesh’s LinkedIn newsletter 'Leadership in the Wild,' provides energy and reflection. They also share insights on storytelling versus pragmatic discussions, the balance of vulnerability and embarrassment, and the importance of asking questions to understand your audience better. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a professional speaker, this episode offers valuable tips and inspiring stories to elevate your communication skills.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Speak Arizona
00:36 Meet the Hosts: Serban and Rupesh
01:21 Rupesh's LinkedIn Newsletter: Leadership in the Wild
03:13 The Power of Creation vs. Consumption
06:28 Balancing Energy: Work and Personal Life
11:13 Pragmatic vs. Inspirational Leadership
16:17 The Art of Storytelling in Communication
18:34 The Power of Questions in Communication
21:04 Navigating Job Interviews: Selling Yourself
23:57 Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Judgment
30:24 Conclusion: Be Brave and Step into the Arena