# Episode 55: From Stage to C-Suite: Transforming Executive Leadership with Kevin Simmons Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/909exec-7089471/episode-55-from-stage-to-c-suite-transforming-executive-leadership-with-kevin-simmons Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/909exec-7089471/episode-55-from-stage-to-c-suite-transforming-executive-leadership-with-kevin-simmons.md Podcast: [909Exec](https://stenobird.com/podcast/909exec-7089471) Published: 2026-02-23T00:55:22+00:00 Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/909exec-podcast/episodes/Episode-55-From-Stage-to-C-Suite-Transforming-Executive-Leadership-with-Kevin-Simmons-e3ff86d Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/faf7fd28/podcast/play/115891853/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-1-23%2F418620217-44100-2-8402e3fa6e577.mp3 Processing state: not_requested JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/909exec-7089471/episodes/episode-55-from-stage-to-c-suite-transforming-executive-leadership-with-kevin-simmons Duration seconds: 3267 ## Resource Join Den Jones as he explores the intersection of performance arts and executive leadership with Kevin Simmons, founder of Speak Deeply. This conversation reveals how theatrical techniques, emotional regulation, and authentic communication can transform workplace culture and build stronger, more trusting teams. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: - From Opera House to Boardroom Kevin's transition from 30-40 years as an actor, director, and opera singer to executive coaching Key quote: "This is what made us human. This is how we won against the Neanderthals" - Reframing Fear as Excitement How to transform pre-presentation anxiety into positive energy Key quote: "Excitement and fear are felt indistinguishably and interchangeably, and they're felt in exactly the same spot in the body. So why not just call it excitement?" - Three Critical Communication Scenarios for Leaders VCs, team leadership, and customer acquisition require different communication approaches Key quote: "Those are all three distinctly different communications" - Defining Company Culture Simple framework for establishing organizational values Key quote: "What is sacred here and what is taboo here? What is the stuff we always do and what is the stuff we never do?" - The Gift-Giving Approach to Presentations Transforming presentations from survival mode to service Key quote: "It's not about survival, it's about gift giving" - The Power of Play in Professional Settings Why adult play is crucial for team building and innovation Key quote: "We are the only mammal species that doesn't play as it ages" - Leadership as Teaching The fundamental principle connecting great leaders and educators Key quote: "The best leaders are teachers. Leaders are teachers, period&q… ## Actions - request_transcript: `POST https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/909exec-7089471/episodes/episode-55-from-stage-to-c-suite-transforming-executive-leadership-with-kevin-simmons/transcription-requests` — Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode. - read_markdown: `GET https://stenobird.com/podcast/909exec-7089471/episode-55-from-stage-to-c-suite-transforming-executive-leadership-with-kevin-simmons.md` — Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource. A page view does not enqueue transcription. Agents should invoke `request_transcript` explicitly when they need this episode processed. ## Transcript Full transcripts are not published on public pages unless there is a clear rights basis.