The Leadership Expert: ‘Charisma Isn’t What Makes You Great—This Is’

No Bollocks with Matt Haycox

In this episode of No Bollocks with Matt Haycox, Matt sits down with Rene Rodriguez, an international authority on leadership, communication, and persuasion. Rene shares why influence and magnetism are learned skills rather than innate traits, explaining that “leaders aren’t born—they’re made.” He breaks down the surprising science of communication, revealing that “words make up just 7% of meaning, tone adds 38%, and body language accounts for a whopping 55%.”

Rene also dives into the art of storytelling, explaining how to craft stories that captivate and deliver value, because “the art of storytelling isn’t about entertaining; it’s about delivering a message of value.” Whether you’re overcoming the fear of public speaking or working on mastering new skills, Rene emphasises that “awkwardness is a requirement for growth” and that “your brain isn’t designed to help you grow—it’s designed to keep you the same.”

With practical advice, Rene explains how to move beyond surface-level charisma, reminding us that “we don’t trust polish—we trust congruence. Authenticity comes from aligning your words and actions.” He also warns about the dangers of style over substance: “A lot of people confuse adrenaline with value,” and “if you want to know if something is valuable, transcribe it. If there’s no substance, it’s just adrenaline-triggering fluff.”

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why influence and leadership are skills anyone can develop.
2. The truth about tone, body language, and how we process communication.
3. How to overcome nerves and find authenticity in your message.
4. The neuroscience of change and why persistence is key to success.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to master the art of influence.

Connect with Rene Rodriguez:

• Website: Rene Rodriguez - Keynote Speaker
• Instagram: René Rodriguez (@learnwithrene) • Instagram photos and videos
• Book: Amplify Your Influence with René Rodriguez

Follow Matt Haycox:

• Website: Matt Haycox | Serial Entrepreneur, Investor, Speaker, Podcaster
• Instagram: MATT HAYCOX (@thematthaycox) • Instagram photos and videos

Connect with Matt Haycox:

▶ Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/thematthaycox/

▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-haycox/

▶ Website: https://matt-haycox.com/podcasts/
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Who Is Matt Haycox? - Click for BADASS Trailer
I’m Matt Haycox—entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and your go-to guy for no-bollocks advice on business and personal growth.

With over 25 years of experience building and funding businesses across industries, I’ve faced it all—wins, losses, and the ultimate comeback story. Through my podcasts, No Bollocks with Matt Haycox and Stripping Off with Matt Haycox, I cut through the bullshit to bring you real, actionable strategies and raw conversations with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders.

Whether you’re looking to scale your business, secure funding, or avoid the mistakes I’ve learned the hard way, my goal is simple: to help YOU create YOUR success story.

Want more? Subscribe to my No Bollocks Newsletter and get weekly insider tips on entrepreneurship, strategy, and business growth—because learning in 10 minutes is way better than wasting years on an MBA.

Kapitler

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Leadership Can Be Learnt (00:01:00)

3. What’s in the Words? What’s in the Delivery? (00:03:53)

4. The Technicalities of Speaking (00:06:15)

5. Does Practice Make Perfect? (00:09:51)

6. Top Tips to Transform Your Speaking Skillset (00:13:59)

7. “Authenticity Requires No Preparation” (00:16:33)

8. Final Thoughts (00:17:45)