What if the most powerful communicators aren't the most polished ones?
In this episode, Dia Bondi shares how watching a three-day communication skills class transformed her life. She had no resume to support her desire, but she made the ask that changed everything: "Will you apprentice me?" That mentor said yes, and 25 years later, she's still helping leaders speak powerfully from who they truly are. Dia's work goes beyond messaging to something deeper: helping clients articulate what they have to say before figuring out how to say it. She's coached VC-backed founders past Series B, VP-level executives, and even helped Rio de Janeiro win the right to host the 2016 Olympics (a $7 billion decision) without ever knowing who referred her.
Dia reveals the six attributes of the most compelling communicators: they make the choice to be big in big moments, they know how to make strategic asks, they absolutely know their voice, they've got killer setups for their asks, they bridge their voice to the business really well, and they prep on purpose by actually talking through what they'll say.
She shares the story of a founder who created a 40-minute story to invite existing customers to help inform what gets built next. That task drove $10 million of value in the business. Dia also explains why the most powerful moment in her career might have been her first deal that included both cash and shares, because once she did it once, she now had the confidence and understanding to recreate it over and over again.
[00:08:20] The Ask That Changed My Life
Watched three-day communication skills class about storytelling in business
Had no resume to support desire to do that work
Asked if he would apprentice her, and he did
25 years later still finds it compelling because it truly moves the needle for people
[00:10:20] What You Have to Say vs. How to Say It
Messaging is "how do I say it?" but Dia lives in the step before that
"What is it that you have to say?"
Until a leader can articulate things that feel innate but aren't obvious, can't create the message
First articulate what you have to say, then figure out how best to express it
[00:12:00] The 40-Minute Story Worth $10 Million
Former client needed to invite existing customers to participate in informing product development
Put together compelling story bridging what founder has to say with story of business
Set up really killer ask, 40-minute story to set up that ask
Client secured participation needed, will drive about $10 million of value in business
[00:17:20] The First Deal With Shares
Introduction to blockchain company working directly with founders
First time setting up deal that included both cash and shares
It paid off, and importantly gave confidence and understanding
Once you do it first time, now have opportunity to do it over and over because it's in your radar
[00:20:00] Helping Rio Win the Olympics bid
Got a request over the internet: "We heard you're good, can you give us a call?"
Turned out to be production team working on Rio's bid for 2016 Olympics
$7 billion decision, got to work in those teeny tiny rooms where stories get crafted
Still doesn't know who referred her, but knows what part of work it came from
[00:24:40] Six Attributes of Powerful Communicators
One: Make choice to be big in big moments (not about being polished or showboat)
Two: Know how to make strategic asks and use asking strategically
Three: Absolutely know their voice and can give good feedback to creative collaborators
Four: Got killer setups for the asks they make of partners
[00:27:20] The Last Two Attributes
Five: Bridge their own voice to the business really well
Six: Prep on purpose by actually talking through it, not just thinking about it
One founder's pregame routine: end call, go downstairs, change shirt, wash face, drink water
If he did that six times in day, he'd go through six shirts
[00:30:00] Kevin's $16.1 Million Conversation
2003, owned cleaning and restoration company with website producing $15,000/month
Mentor Joe Polish: "Come speak at event, document what you do into a course"
Had never spoken publicly before, invested in Speaker's Bootcamp training
Made $35,000 in course sales that day, but that wasn't the big win
[00:32:40] The Real Big Win
Over next 12 years sold $16.1 million worth of that course
All because of one conversation: "Why don't you come down and speak?"
Brought energy, joyfulness, willingness to share with generosity
When you're invited, say yes
KEY QUOTES
"I made the ask that changed my life. That gentleman brought me in and let me watch his class. I asked if he would apprentice me, and he did." - Dia Bondi
"The most compelling communicators make the choice to be big in big moments. And that's never about being a showboat." - Dia Bondi
CONNECT WITH DIA BONDI
🌐 Website: https://www.diabondi.com
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dia-bondi
📚 Book: Ask Like an Auctioneer: How To Ask For More and Get It
🎯 Special Page for MDR Listeners: https://www.diabondi.com/mdr
✨ The Intensive: https://www.diabondi.com/intensive
📋 21 Strategies to Elevate Your Voice: https://www.diabondi.com/getthe21
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