Episode 310

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Published on:

5th May 2026

Speak Like A CEO

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“The way you speak is a skill, and like every skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered.” Speaking like a leader is not about being charismatic; it’s about mastering the art of clarity, influence, and connection. In this episode, Sharran reveals the eight communication techniques that set CEOs apart and breaks down each tool to help you speak with authority and influence.

Whether you're leading a team, negotiating deals, or simply looking to elevate your communication, these strategies will transform how you speak and connect with others.

Tune in to learn how to communicate effectively, gain trust, and lead with confidence.

“The single biggest superpower of a CEO is to be able to package an idea elegantly.”

- Sharran Srivatsaa

Timestamps:

01:17 - The importance of communication in leadership

01:43 - Technique #1: The 4-MAT framework

03:33 - Technique #2: The "Three Whys" approach to communication

05:48 - Technique #3: Using the ISL framework (Insight, Story, Lesson)

07:58 - Technique #4: McKinsey's SCR method (Situation, Conflict, Resolution)

10:20 - Technique #5: High stakes negotiations with the ALH formula (Agree, Learn, Helpful)

11:51 - Technique #6: The diagnostic process for clear communication

13:27 - Technique #7: Unreasonable belief in a specific version of the future

14:42 - Technique #8: Borrowed language for clearer, more impactful speaking

16:58 - Wrapping up: How CEOs communicate for success

Resources:

- How to Communicate More Effectively Than 99% of People - https://youtu.be/Vx_sSMAJjNg?si=DxlhXVtoOZD73np0

- The Next Billion by Sharran Srivatsaa - https://sharransrivatsaa.substack.com/

- Acquisition.com - https://www.acquisition.com/

- Board Member: ARC Multifamily Real Estate Investing - https://arcmf.com/

- Board Member: The Real Brokerage - https://www.joinreal.com/

Connect with Sharran:

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/likesharran

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharransrivatsaa/

- X - https://x.com/sharran

- LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/in/sharran

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzpl_gT1bVB1iNZl9yQbWuA?sub_confirmation=1

- Threads - https://www.threads.com/@sharransrivatsaa

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About the Podcast

Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa
Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa is the no-fluff, tactical podcast for founders, operators, and underdogs who want to grow with clarity, intention, and results. Hosted by entrepreneur, investor, and operator Sharran Srivatsaa—CEO and Managing Partner at Acquisition.com—this show cuts through the noise to deliver real-world strategies from someone who's built and exited five companies across multiple industries.

Sharran has helped scale two billion-dollar businesses, served as President of Real (NASDAQ: REAX), and led the 10x growth and sale of Teles Properties to Douglas Elliman (NYSE: DOUG). He brings lessons from Wall Street to Main Street, sharing what actually works—because he’s lived through what doesn’t.

Every episode offers simple, actionable playbooks for those who want to build extraordinary companies without the chaos. Whether you're a scrappy operator, a first-time founder, or a seasoned executive, Business School with Sharran Srivatsaa is your blueprint for building with purpose and winning on your terms.

For more free resources, visit Sharran.com

About your host

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Sharran Srivatsaa

Sharran is a serial entrepreneur, sought after keynote speaker, and a respected thought-leadership resource for publications such as the Wall Street Journal, SUCCESS magazine, Huffington Post and Forbes.

While Sharran has had 5 exits in the last 19 years, and also a several humbling failed investments and business initiatives. He talks all about them on his top rated Spotify podcast, Business School.

Most recently, Sharran led Teles Properties’ unprecedented 10x growth over 5 years and a 4-year consecutive streak on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies list resulting in its acquisition by national real estate powerhouse Douglas Elliman.

Prior to Teles, Sharran worked at both Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse, where he collaborated with management teams of fast-growing businesses around the country on investment advisory and corporate strategy. Sharran also spent several years building recreational programs in the Caribbean, Middle East, and Hawaii for some of the finest international resorts such as the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, also has deep experience working with technology companies such as Lightera (acquired by CIENA) and Obopay, a fast-growth mobile payments company.

Sharran is a Principal at Srilo Ventures, a multi-factor private investment fund that focuses investing in and advising technology companies and operating businesses in the consumer space. Having successfully completed many acquisitions, joint-ventures, management buyouts, mergers, and capital raises, Sharran serves as a director and advisor on numerous company boards.

He is also a member of the Genius Network, the highest-level marketing mastermind in the world led by whizkid Joe Polish, and also a member of Young President’s Organization (YPO).

After competing on the professional tennis tour, Sharran received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Luther College and his MBA with Honors from Vanderbilt University.