.avif)
Resource:
Three Leadership Skills that Build Trust and Drive Business Results
“Ethical Persuasion is when you truly believe what you are trying to bring into that other person's life is going to elevate them. If that isn't there then why are you influencing in the first place?”
What does it take to influence others, build trust, and become a more effective leader? On this episode of Startups in Stilettos, hosts Carlyn Bushman and Ingrid Zapata-Read sit down with Lara Bruner, founder and principal consultant of Vulcan Consulting and an official partner of the Cialdini Institute, to explore the science of ethical persuasion and how women entrepreneurs can use it to strengthen their leadership and grow their businesses.
Drawing on decades of psychology research and real-world experience, Lara breaks down her four-step framework for influence: connect, prove, prime, and move. She explains how building genuine connections, demonstrating credibility, and understanding what motivates others can help you earn buy-in from employees, stakeholders, investors, and potential clients. The conversation also explores why women often face unique expectations around warmth and competence, how to approach investor pitches with confidence, and why trust is becoming even more important as AI transforms the workplace.
What We Talked About:
Lara’s Path to Persuasion [1:43]
Community, Connection, and Unity [8:12]
Influence in Leadership and Fundraising [13:20]
Trust as a Leadership Currency [20:11]
Building Trust with Clients [25:22]
Closing Thoughts [34:17]
Connect with Lara:
@larabruner on Instagram
Lara Bruner on LinkedIn
Connect with Ingrid:
@itsingridsworld on Instagram
Ingrid Zapata-Read on Linkedin
Connect with Carlyn:
@carlynbushmanconsulting on Instagram
Carlyn Bushman on LinkedIn
Members of our Entreprenista League get access to live Office Hours with top founders that have been on our show! Join the Entreprenista League today! We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
Get Featured on Startups in Stilettos
Want a chance to be featured on Startups in Stilettos? We’re currently accepting applications from our Entreprenista League members to be featured on the show! Think of the Entreprenista League as your team members in what can be a lonely startup founder’s journey. You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded female startup founders who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website, social channels – and, of course, the Startups in Stilettos podcast – and so much MORE!
Grow Your Startup with Startups in Stilettos
Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Startups in Stilettos, powered by the Entreprenista Podcast Network. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio
Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more startup founders, like you, and have a chance to win a one-on-one mentor and strategy session with Stephanie Cartin.
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. And for even more exclusive content and information – and to get access to the 8 Secrets to Success in Your Business video course and worksheet – visit our website.
Guests
Lara Bruner
Hosts
Ingrid Zapata Read
Grow With Community
Ingrid Zapata Read is a community strategist and founder of Grow With Community. She helps businesses get closer to the people they serve and build stronger, more intentional relationships around their mission.
After building a global community for moms of over 200,000 members, and through her experience in sales, startups, and customer experience, Ingrid brings a people-first perspective to growth across industries. She’s known for her thoughtful, practical approach and believes community building should be a part of every business strategy.
Carlyn Bushman
Carlyn Bushman is a seasoned business consultant, entrepreneur, and advocate for female founders. She founded POP Business Academy to empower women entrepreneurs with tools for building sustainable, profitable businesses. As CEO of Carlyn Bushman Consulting, she specializes in helping product- and service-based business owners navigate financials, marketing, and growth strategies. With extensive corporate experience, Carlyn, a mom in a blended family and lifelong learner, has been featured on Good Morning America and in Times Square. She's here to help you make money and stay in business.
Join 2,000+ supportive, ambitious founders in the
Highlights
The Latest
Three Master's Degrees, a Doctorate, and Still Afraid to Sell: Where Fear of Failure Really Starts
I hold a doctorate and have lived on three continents, yet a test I failed at age 5 still shows up whenever someone questions what I know. If you dread selling, an earlier version of you may be running the room, and she can be released.
Lara Bruner Teaches Women The Science Of Influence
Automate Your Site with a 1-Month Free Trial
Kartra