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In this solo episode, Mindy East explains why so many business owners struggle to get clients even when they’re great at what they do. She reframes the challenge from “I need more clients” to “I need more leads,” then shares how relationships, networking, LinkedIn, and speaking can help create consistent referrals.
Key topics
Timestamps
00:00 – The frustration behind not getting new clients
01:14 – Why business owners need more leads
02:43 – Becoming the best kept secret in your industry
04:02 – Michelle’s LinkedIn story
06:30 – What “putting yourself out there” really means
08:01 – Making your business easy to remember and refer
09:15 – The “known for statement”
11:34 – Why relationships matter in lead generation
13:54 – Networking in person and on LinkedIn
14:30 – Why networking leads can take time
16:04 – A referral that began with a networking event a year earlier
18:09 – Using LinkedIn to keep relationships alive
19:08 – Speaking as a lead generation tool
21:27 – Why lead generation supports every part of your business
22:28 – Three practical steps to take this week
Action steps
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
Mindy East talks with Dana Williams about how strengths work, intentional relationships, and internal leadership can shape career transitions and business growth. Dana shares how her Southwest Airlines background, coaching experience, and new book connect through one theme: helping people understand their value and show up authentically.In this episode, Mindy and Dana explore why relationships can be a powerful source of business, how strengths can support hiring and team alignment, and how Dana built her work around helping people live in their unique talents every day.
Key topics
Timestamps
Notable quotes
“I help people birth their purpose and live in their unique talents every day.”
“Changing me changes everything.”
“We have been taught that our title is our identity, but we're never shown our value.”
About Dana Williams
Dana Williams is a leadership identity expert, Gallup-Certified CliftonStrengths Coach, and founder of Dana Williams Consulting with more than 25 years of leadership experience at Southwest Airlines. Through her consulting, speaking, and workshops, she and her team help high-achieving leaders and their employees align who they are with how they lead and work.
As the creator of the Authentic Imprint™ framework and author of The Internal Revolution, she equips executives to lead from their authentic identity instead of performance pressure and burnout. Dana is also the host of the Dominate Your Day podcast and creator of The Strengths Journal™, the only Gallup-certified daily strengths planner.
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
Visibility plus relationships equals opportunity
In this solo episode, Mindy East breaks down the core equation behind her approach to business growth: visibility plus relationships equals opportunity. She explains why either one on its own falls short, and how combining the two creates referrals, warmer conversations, and opportunities that find you instead of the other way around.Mindy also shares her own networking example, including how LinkedIn and in-person events worked together to create a real opportunity before she even walked into the room.
Key topics
Timestamps
00:00 - The question that reveals whether your name comes up when it matters
00:48 - The equation behind business growth: visibility plus relationships
03:17 - When strong relationships go cold because you are no longer visible
06:15 - Why visibility alone does not create referrals without trust
07:34 - What happens when both visibility and relationships are working
09:38 - Your name starts showing up in rooms you are not in
11:29 - Why Mindy says 98% of her business comes from referrals
12:33 - A San Antonio networking event where LinkedIn opened the door first
14:32 - How posting on LinkedIn supported the in-person opportunity
15:07 - Why modern networking requires both in-person and virtual presence
16:28 - In-person without LinkedIn versus LinkedIn without in-person
17:25 - The Remember Me Roadmap inside networking school
18:22 - The three steps: direction, visibility, and relationships
19:24 - Choose the side of the equation that is weakest right now
Action items
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
In this episode, Dr. Kristine Sickels shares insights from her upcoming book 'The Clearest Voice in the Room,' focusing on how women can speak with power and intention at work. We explore the barriers women face in voicing their ideas and practical strategies to overcome them.
Key Topics
Timestamps
0:01 – Intro & welcome back Dr. Kristine Sickels
2:32 – What prompted the book, The Clearest Voice in the Room
4:51 – The seven silencers that keep women from speaking up (overview)
7:43 – Silencers broken down one by one (fear of "no," not feeling good at it, men dominating conversation, fear of judgment, fear of job loss, not wanting to talk too much, not knowing what to say)
14:26 – Defining your personal values (curiosity, optimism, candor) as the foundation of voice
17:50 – Everyday, low-stakes ways to build your "speaking up" muscle
20:20 – The training story that became a catalyst for the book
25:14 – The Voice Framework (values, outcome, identity, energy, consistency)
28:08 – Advice for male listeners/leaders on creating space for others to speak
32:34 – Closing thoughts and where to find the book
Notable Quotes
"It's better to speak up than to stay silent."
"Define your values to clarify your voice."
"Candor is care and clarity."
Action Items
About Dr. Kristine Sickels
Dr. Kristine Sickels rose up the corporate ladder for 20 years, becoming SVP of Marketing for a $2 billion dollar multi-brand portfolio—including Crockpot, Calphalon, Mr. Coffee, and Oster. During her time in corporate, she revitalized beloved legacy brands like Rubbermaid for new generations, and became known as an executive who led with curiosity, candor, and optimism.
A former executive turned entrepreneur, she has co-founded several companies including C-Sweet, a multi-million-dollar, women-owned consulting firm where Kristine and her team advise companies including Conair, BaBylissPRO, BIC, Vitamix, GoodCook, and Kimball International.
In addition, Kristine is an owner and CEO of Mic Drop, a company that helps women hone their public speaking skills, book paid speaking engagements, and increase their income and impact. She also co-owns and invests in several women-centered ventures, including Lorraine’s Retail Group, a mother-daughter business that reflects her belief in generational empowerment and possibility.
Throughout her career, she noticed a major problem: women’s voices are often missing from the rooms where decisions get made. Determined to change this, she has dedicated the second half of her career to championing women’s voices. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she shows women how to speak with clarity and confidence at work.
Kristine holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Georgia State University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. She splits her time between Washington and Georgia, marketing, teaching, leading women, and building what she once searched for in corporate: rooms where women are not silent, interrupted, talked over, or underestimated, and where they speak up and shape the future.
Connect with Dr. Kristine Sickels
drkristinespeaks.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkristinesickels/
Click here to get her book The Clearest Voice in the Room.
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
Built on Relationships: Why strategic networking starts with one clear business goal
Mindy East opens the newly renamed podcast, Built on Relationships, with a clear premise: business grows through relationships, not random networking. In this solo episode, she explains why networking can feel exhausting and ineffective, then gives a simple framework for turning scattered effort into intentional connection-building.
Key topics:
Timestamps:
(00:00) Restarting the episode and introducing the new podcast name
(02:09) Why Built on Relationships replaces The People's Success Circle
(03:08) The pain of networking hard without seeing results
(04:28) Why most people network without direction
(05:08) Random networking creates random results
(06:08) A mile wide and an inch deep: the cost of shallow connections
(07:24) The real fix: choose rooms on purpose
(07:55) Networking is the vehicle, not the strategy
(08:51) Your goal should guide where you spend time
(09:24) Question one: define your number one business goal clearly
(10:23) Question two: identify the people connected to that goal
(12:19) Question three: find where those people spend time
(13:08) Use your answers as a filter for events and rooms
(14:08) How clarity changes your introduction and listening
(15:29) Why strong follow-up comes from real conversations
(16:22) When networking stops feeling like a chore
(17:12) The three questions to ask before your next event
(18:21) Networking School and the closing reminder to network with intention
Key framework
The Strategic Networking Filter
Mindy’s rule for rooms. If a room does not put you near the people you want to build with, it is optional.
Notable quotes
Business does not get built on tactics or templates or how many events you went to last month. It gets built on relationships.
Networking is actually not the strategy. Networking is the vehicle. The business goal is the definition.
You can't cram relationships. You have to build them before you need them.
Built on Relationships: Why strategic networking starts with one clear business goal
Action items
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
If you're the person in your organization responsible for developing everyone else — who's developing you?
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Nakisha Hicks, founder and president of The ElevateHer LLC, to talk about one of the most overlooked gaps in most organizations — the development, support, and empowerment of HR leaders themselves. Nakisha brings nearly two decades of HR executive experience to this conversation, and she does not hold back. We talk about what HR leaders actually need to thrive, how to stop shrinking in high-stakes rooms, and what it really looks like to own your seat at the table. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in HR — or anyone who leads people and wants to show up with more confidence and impact.
In this episode, we talk about:
Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're an HR professional, a people leader, or anyone who wants to lead with more presence and purpose.
About Kisha Hicks:
Nakisha Hicks is a beacon of empowerment, devoted to helping women of color in the dynamic realm of human resources soar to extraordinary heights. Known as the Career Path Finder, Nakisha has ignited a fire within countless ambitious HR professionals, guiding them towards their dream jobs and unlocking their full potential. As the driving force behind The ElevateHer LLC, she has earned a stellar reputation for transforming mindsets, turbocharging careers, and unleashing exponential earnings growth. With nearly two decades of trailblazing experience in top-tier HR executive roles, Nakisha stands tall as an industry luminary whose insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and countless podcasts and publications nationwide.
Connect with Nakisha Hicks:
Website: nakishahicks.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nakisha-hicks
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
What if the key to better communication, less conflict, and higher engagement at work wasn't another process — it was actually understanding the people?
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober, also known as Enneagram Ashton, community psychologist and Enneagram expert, to talk about one of the most powerful — and underutilized — tools for building stronger workplace cultures. Ashton shares how the Enneagram goes far beyond personality labels to uncover the motivations behind why people do what they do, and how that insight can change the way we lead, communicate, and collaborate at work. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike.
In this episode, we talk about:
Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team, building a business, or just trying to understand yourself a little better.
About Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober:
Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober is a Community Psychologist, certified Enneagram coach, speaker, and author known as Enneagram Ashton. With a master's degree in community psychology and social change, Ashton helps individuals, teams, and organizations use the Enneagram to understand the motivations behind why they do what they do — so they can communicate better, build stronger relationships, and create real, lasting change. She has led 150+ workshops and speaking events, helped more than 6,000 people, and published four books on the Enneagram. Ashton speaks to corporate teams, organizations, and communities, making self-awareness feel accessible, practical, and genuinely fun.
Connect with Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober:
Website: enneagramashton.com
Instagram: @enneagramashton
The Enneagram Advantage Program: enneagramashton.mykajabi.com/advantage
Free Self-Assessment: truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test
Books: The Enneagram for Relationships, The Enneagram Made Simple, and A Little Bit of Enneagram — available on Amazon
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
What if the thing that's hurting your performance, your patience, and your focus at work isn't your workload — it's your sleep?
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michele Kreuzer, keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist, to talk about one of the most overlooked drivers of workplace performance — sleep. Michele shares her journey from special education teacher to sleep expert, and unpacks the science, the habits, and the mindset shifts that can help professionals finally get the rest they need. This conversation is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away — and a few surprising truths about sleep that just might change how you think about your own.
In this episode, we talk about:
Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — because better sleep is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your performance, your health, and your leadership.
About Michele Kreuzer:
Michele Kreuzer is a keynote speaker and Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialist who helps organizations and professionals improve performance and well-being through evidence-based sleep strategies. As a teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michele hit a wall she couldn't power through — waking night after night at 2 or 3 a.m., exhausted but unable to sleep. It was watching the children she worked with regress due to poor sleep that changed everything, revealing the ripple effect that one person's sleep has on an entire family, team, and workplace. That experience led her back to school to become a Certified Behavioral Sleep Practitioner — and now she helps businesses see what exhaustion is really costing them. Michele offers corporate keynotes, team workshops, and 1:1 coaching, delivering science-backed strategies that spark real change.
Connect with Michele Kreuzer:
Website: michelekreuzer.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-public-speaker/
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
What if the clutter in your workspace — and your mind — is costing you more than you think?
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Michelle Shinagawa, Reiki master teacher and KonMari organizing consultant, to explore two powerful Japanese practices that can help professionals reduce stress, release mental clutter, and create more space for joy — both at work and in life. Michelle shares her own journey from a shy girl in Osaka to a keynote speaker teaching mindfulness and intentional living, and walks us through practical techniques you can start using right away. This conversation is packed with fresh perspectives on burnout prevention that go far beyond the usual advice.
In this episode, we talk about:
Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're leading a team or simply trying to create more breathing room in your day.
About Michelle Shinagawa:
Michelle Shinagawa helps professionals protect their energy, reduce stress, and create space, physically, mentally, and emotionally, so they can show up fully for their work and the people they serve. Originally from Japan, Michelle brings a mindfulness-based workplace solutions perspective to her speaking and training, combining modern stress-reduction strategies with the grounding practices of Reiki and the transformational clarity of KonMari. Through this integrated approach, she equips organizations and individuals with practical tools to prevent burnout, sustain performance, and build healthier workplace cultures — without sacrificing well-being.
Connect with Michelle Shinagawa:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
Are you waiting for your career to move forward — or are you actively making it happen?
In this episode of The People Success Circle, I sit down with Alexis King, keynote speaker, author, LinkedIn learning and development professional, and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to navigate career transitions, stay relevant, and become unignorable at work. Alexis shares her journey from banking to corporate training to tech — and how each unexpected turn actually prepared her for the next one. This conversation is packed with practical strategies for anyone who wants to take ownership of their career, build multiple income streams, and show up with more intention.
In this episode, we talk about:
Listen for mindset shifts and practical takeaways you can start applying right away — whether you're looking to grow where you are or take your career in a whole new direction.
About Alexis King:
Alexis King, MBA, CPTD®, is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, executive coach, and Amazon Best-Selling Author who helps organizations navigate rapid, disruptive change—especially in the age of AI—so their people stay engaged, adaptable, and driving results instead of falling behind. Drawing from a career spanning banking, tech leadership, entrepreneurship, real estate investing, and talent development, Alexis equips audiences with actionable tools they can immediately apply during periods of uncertainty and transition. Her work focuses on helping individuals and teams move from overwhelmed and reactive to agile, proactive, and high-performing contributors.
Connect with Alexis King:
Website: alexiskingconsulting.com
Book: The Career Ninja Mindset — available on Amazon
Join Networking School & Become Known In Your Industry: https://limerockconsulting.co/networking-school
Company Website: www.limerockconsulting.co
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com
From the publisher's feed
Built on Relationships with Mindy East is your source of strategies for growing your business through the relationships you build.
Join me every Wednesday for honest…
I spent 30 years in HR leadership at Disney, McDonald's, Gap and Old Navy, and two global nonprofits, and I learned the same thing in every one of them. Nothing moves without relationships. Today I run a business that comes 98% from referrals. Not because I got lucky, and not because I'm the loudest person in the room. Because I stopped leaving my relationships to chance.
Here's the thing. Most of us were never taught how to do this well. We were told to show up, hand out cards, and hope something came of it. That's why networking feels like a waste of time to so many capable people.
Each week we get into what actually works. How to walk into a room and leave with more than a stack of cards. How to use LinkedIn as the tool it is instead of the billboard most people treat it as. How to follow up so people remember you. We'll also get into the relationships that keep a business running once the introduction is over. Clients who stay, partners who show up, the people you lead and the people who open doors for you.
Whether you're a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a professional building your reputation, you'll walk away from every episode with something you can use this week.
Visit www.mindyeast.com to learn more, and listen every Wednesday.