Catalyst Sale Podcast

Tim Dyck is the founder of Best Culture Solutions and a seasoned expert in leadership development, employee engagement, and culture transformation. With a strong background in designing meaningful customer and team experiences, Tim is passionate about helping businesses thrive through intentional design and fractional leadership.

1. "Leadership starts with self. Leaders build leaders." – Highlighting the importance of designing a process that begins with personal discipline.

2. "If you don't have a process, how can you expect to achieve repeatable results?" – Emphasizing the foundational role of process in business and leadership success.

Mike and Tim explore how fractional work can help businesses fill critical gaps fast, manage uncertainty, and create memorable customer experiences. They break down leadership mindset, designing for success, and why managing expectations matters. This episode helps leaders rethink how they structure their team, processes, and strategy with clarity and intent.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. Fractional Work Is Strategic, Not Temporary

• Fractionals help close gaps quickly without long-term commitment.

• They offer deep expertise in areas the business needs most.

• Fractional roles allow companies to stay agile during uncertain times.

2. Designing for Experience Builds Trust

• Consistency in customer and team experience increases loyalty.

• Details matter—like the entrance to a ballpark or a product touchpoint.

• Poorly designed experiences break trust and create risk.

3. "Weenies" Keep Momentum

• Borrowing from Disney, "weenies" are milestones or visuals that pull people forward.

• Every process should include visible progress markers to reduce confusion.

• These checkpoints build confidence and clarity in a journey.

4. Process Creates Repeatable Results

• Jumping from A to Z rarely works—stepping stones reduce risk.

• Leaders should design backward (from the goal) and execute forward.

• A thoughtful process builds momentum and enables consistent delivery.

5. Mindset and Self-Discipline Drive Success

• Many leaders struggle due to lack of focus and process.

• True leadership begins with managing oneself effectively.

• Clear mindset = clarity of goals + consistent actions + defined expectations.

Why Fractional Leaders Drive Faster Business Impact

Designing for Experience: Lessons from Disney and Fractional Strategy

The Power of Process: How Fractional Work Builds Clarity and Trust

📈 Podcast Improvement Suggestions

• Add a listener story or case study: Real-world success from a fractional project would deepen connection and credibility.

• Use audio chapters: Segmenting by topic (mindset, design, process) improves replay value.

• Summarize steps visually: A one-page PDF download of the "design backward, execute forward" model could increase engagement.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Jacquelyn: "It honestly looked like a high school or college team was playing a professional team."

Constantine: "Passion. Commitment. Tenacity. These guys live and breathe this shit."

The crew recaps Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, confessing their inaccurate picks and celebrating Constantine's 50% accuracy. With deep hockey insight and hilarious banter, they preview the East and West Conference Finals, reveal their personal favorites, and emphasize the emotional, strategic, and human side of playoff hockey.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. Finding a Catalyst in Failure

• Jacquelyn admits picking the Leafs was a mistake—owning failure leads to better choices.

• The group learns from incorrect picks to sharpen predictions for the next round.

• Recognition of poor team performance (like the Caps) becomes a call to realign and refocus.

2. Performance Under Pressure

• Constantine praises players like Ottinger and Bobrovsky for stepping up in high-stakes moments.

• The playoffs reveal which players rise when it counts most.

• Success is tied not just to talent but to composure under fire.

3. Respect and Resilience in Sport

• The team highlights the powerful sportsmanship seen in handshakes and honoring personal struggles (e.g., Scheifele's loss).

• Emotional intelligence and empathy make great athletes greater.

• Team support and unity often become the catalyst for comeback performances.

4. The Power of Passion

• "Live and breathe this shit"—Constantine's line underscores the deep love for hockey.

• The community's passion, including fans and commentators, fuels the game's momentum.

• Passion is infectious; it inspires action and elevates purpose.

5. Bold Predictions Drive Engagement

• All three make distinct, thoughtful predictions, showing conviction despite past mistakes.

• Debating outcomes encourages critical thinking and creative confidence.

• Even incorrect calls create opportunities to reflect, learn, and improve—hallmarks of catalyst-driven thinking.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

This lively roundtable features hockey fans Mike, Constantine, and Jacqueline as they break down the 2025 NHL Conference Finals. From unexpected losses to bold predictions and favorite hockey movies, their passionate insights and friendly banter bring energy to every play and player discussed.

🗣️ Key Quotes

1. "Sales is a thinking process. Business is a thinking process. Life is a thinking process. How are you thinking different about your process?" – Mike

2. "It honestly looked like a high school team was playing a professional team." – Jacqueline on the Capitals' performance.

3. "Connor McDavid deserves the chance to earn a Stanley Cup." – Constantine

In this episode, the crew dives into the NHL Conference Finals with unfiltered opinions, emotional takes, and hilarious side commentary. They revisit missed predictions, analyze key players and coaches, and share their picks for who moves on. It's all about hockey, heart, and how perspective can be your catalyst.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. Bold Predictions & Upsets

• No one saw the Jets getting dominated by Dallas.

• Edmonton's strong playoff showing surprised the group.

• Everyone chose the Panthers to win, even if they secretly rooted for the Hurricanes.

2. Mental Game is the Real Game

• The Leafs' emotional collapse highlighted playoff pressure.

• The Caps looked lost on the ice—poor positioning and ineffective power plays.

• Focus and mental resilience were discussed as crucial catalysts.

3. Respect Runs Deep in Hockey

• The handshake line after Game 7 was praised for its emotional weight.

• Mark Scheifele's emotional performance reminded listeners of hockey's human side.

• Respect and tradition were spotlighted as hidden catalysts for unity and growth.

4. Coaching as a Catalyst

• Brind'Amour and Paul Maurice received high praise for leadership.

• Coaching decisions and team mentality are game-changers in playoffs.

• Great coaching bridges talent and execution under pressure.

5. Pop Culture Meets Passion

• Favorite hockey movies? "Miracle" and "Mighty Ducks" win hearts.

• Lundqvist's Netflix doc and commentary team banter added depth to the fandom.

• Loving the game—on and off the ice—is a reminder that passion is the true catalyst.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

This episode features a lively, hockey-fueled roundtable with Jacquelyn Nicholson, Constantine Johns, and host Mike Simmons. The trio dives into the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, sharing personal stories, team loyalties, spirited banter, and insightful predictions—all through the lens of sports as a catalyst for connection, memory, and emotion.

"Playoff hockey, hands down, is the best entertainment I've ever seen." – Constantine Johns

In this high-energy episode, Jacquelyn, Constantine, and Mike dissect round one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and make bold predictions for round two. With deep personal ties to the sport, they explore how hockey has shaped their memories and identity, proving sports can be a powerful catalyst in life.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways: 1. Sports Create Catalytic Memories

• Constantine recalls growing up watching Patrick Roy and the Avalanche lift the Cup.

• Jacquelyn shares childhood memories of fuzzy-TV Blackhawks games and tabletop hockey.

• Mike remembers frozen pond skating and the thrill of playoff intensity.

2. Shared Passion Builds Community

• The team has fun tracking predictions, brackets, and emotional team support.

• Friendly rivalries and shared experiences form strong bonds.

• Their family traditions (like mailing a plastic Stanley Cup) reinforce connection.

3. Resilience as a Game Changer

• Mike highlights how goalie Connor Hellebuyck overcame adversity in Game 7 as a catalyst moment.

• Constantine expresses heartbreak over the Avalanche loss, linking emotion to team loyalty.

• They emphasize how players grow stronger under playoff pressure.

4. Bias, Loyalty, and Fun Drive Engagement

• The crew openly admits their emotional (not always logical) picks.

• Teams like the Leafs, Oilers, and Panthers stir heated opinions.

• The playful tension among the group reveals how personal investment drives deep passion.

5. Change and Transition Spark Strong Reactions

• The Arizona Coyotes' move to Utah triggered strong emotional reactions.

• Nostalgia for local teams and childhood connections fueled frustration and loss.

• These changes highlight how teams often serve as emotional anchors.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

The Accidental CISO (AC) is an anonymous voice in cybersecurity who stumbled into the Chief Information Security Officer role through a mix of timing, skill, and necessity. With a background in IT operations and service delivery, AC found unexpected purpose, community, and a platform for candid reflection on security, leadership, and personal growth. He now hosts The Mindful Business Security Show, educating SMB leaders on practical security.

🧠 Three Key Quotes

"I was just looking for a place to vent. I didn't want to get fired for telling the truth."

"Security exists at the confluence of people, process, and technology—it's not just about tools."

"I'm more me under the persona than I actually am in real life."

✏️ 50-Word Summary

In this episode, The Accidental CISO shares how he unintentionally stepped into a security leadership role, the power of anonymity, and how embracing his alter ego helped him find community, confidence, and a calling. He dives into the human side of cybersecurity, masking, and helping others through authenticity and honesty.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. You Can Find Purpose Through Unplanned Paths

• AC became a CISO by accident, not ambition.

• He leaned into unfamiliar responsibilities and grew into the role.

• Sometimes, your catalyst finds you before you find it.

2. Anonymity Can Be a Catalyst for Authenticity

• Online anonymity gave AC a safe space to express frustrations and truth.

• He found a vibrant community that shared his struggles and passions.

• His persona became more "real" than the masked version of himself at work.

3. Security Is a Business Enabler, Not a Barrier

• AC believes in collaborative security—not saying "no" but saying "yes, and…"

• Security must align with business goals and risk tolerance.

• He views security as a multiplier when built with context and care.

4. Risk Is Inevitable—Managing It Is Leadership

• Risk is part of doing business and drives innovation.

• A mature approach balances safety with operational freedom.

• Security teams should advise, not own, risk decisions—that belongs to leadership.

5. Self-Awareness and Community Fuel Growth

• AC's journey helped him understand and support his own neurodiversity.

• His experiences empowered deeper connection with his children, who face similar challenges.

• Real leadership starts with knowing who you are and finding your people.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Follow AC at - https://www.accidentalciso.net/

• "It is playoff hockey time—the best time of year."

• "If you're not a hockey fan, become one during the playoffs; the intensity is absolutely amazing."

• "Find a player, find a team, find a story—and enjoy your playoff hockey journey."

Mike and Jacqueline break down the opening round of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. They compare their brackets, share hockey fandom stories, and highlight key players to watch. It's a mix of friendly banter, expert insights, and encouragement for new fans to fall in love with playoff hockey's unmatched excitement.

1. Passion Powers Persistence

• Playoff hockey demands unmatched intensity—players dig deep to win.

• Fans' passion creates lasting loyalty, driving deep team connections.

• Find your personal "playoff moment" to ignite passion in your work or life.

2. Embrace the Unexpected

• Playoff upsets and overtime games show that anything can happen.

• Embracing uncertainty builds resilience and reveals hidden strengths.

• Catalysts often emerge from surprising, pressure-filled moments.

3. Choose Heart Over Logic Sometimes

• Heart picks (like cheering for the Senators) bring joy even if risky.

• Emotional decisions, when thoughtful, can lead to meaningful experiences.

• Don't be afraid to follow your heart when finding your catalyst.

4. Community Strengthens the Journey

• Hockey communities create bonds that last beyond the season.

• Shared experiences and team spirit are vital for long-term motivation.

• Building a community around your catalyst can speed up your growth.

5. Love the Process, Not Just the Outcome

• Win or lose, playoff hockey is about the journey, not just the Cup.

• Progress, learning, and enjoyment are key parts of finding fulfillment.

• Focus on the small wins and personal growth along your catalyst journey.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Mike Simmons is a leadership and operations expert who helps organizations drive growth through clarity and execution. He leads initiatives through Find My Catalyst, offering services in leadership, revenue, and operations. Tim Dyck brings deep experience in recruitment and people strategies. He is the founder of Best Culture Solutions, helping companies build great teams with purpose.

Together, Mike and Tim dive into the nuances of fractional leadership, sharing hard-won lessons, memorable metaphors, and actionable insights.

💬 Three Key Quotes

"Don't mistake knowledge for experience. And don't mistake experience for expertise."

"If you're hiring a fractional leader, make sure they've run out of gas before—because they'll know how to get you back on the road."

"Learning is great. But presenting yourself as an expert without experience can do more harm than good."

📌 50-Word Summary

Mike Simmons and Tim Dyck unpack the world of fractional work, using real-life analogies to explain the value of experience and the risk of surface-level knowledge. They share the difference between knowing, doing, and mastering—and how true expertise accelerates impact. A must-listen for leaders hiring with intention.

🔑 5 Key Takeaways 1. The Fuel Tank Metaphor for Expertise

• Experience is knowing how far your vehicle can go on empty.

• True experts have broken down before—and know how to recover fast.

• Awareness, experience, and expertise are not the same—and each plays a different role.

2. Beware of Shallow Expertise

• Surface-level learners can use the right words but may not deliver results.

• Using tools like ChatGPT doesn't replace real-world experience.

• Misrepresented expertise can harm organizations and delay progress.

3. Fractional Leadership is Not for Learners

• Fractional leaders must already know how to solve the problem you have.

• They're not there to "figure it out"; they're there to execute.

• Expecting quick results means you need someone who's already done the work.

4. Simplify to Accelerate Speed to Impact

• Complexity slows progress; simplify by removing what's unnecessary.

• Clear next steps fuel momentum in leadership and operations.

• Fractional experts help reduce overwhelm and focus on what matters.

5. Align Role with Readiness

• Use readiness assessments before hiring fractional talent.

• Match the right expert to the right job—based on proven track record.

• Fractional success is rooted in fit, not just availability.

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Shira Abel is a marketing and sales expert with over 25 years of experience, having built a seven-figure agency specializing in account-based marketing (ABM). She is the creator of the Perception Formula, a framework that helps people understand trust, communication, and decision-making in business and relationships. Shira's expertise spans startups, team dynamics, and behavioral economics, making her a powerful speaker and consultant.

Key Quotes:

1. "Trust isn't just about intent—it's about understanding how someone thinks."
2. "If your business relies on manipulation, it won't last—trust builds long-term success."
3. "The golden rule isn't enough; you need to adapt to how others think and perceive the world."

Shira Abel shares the Perception Formula, a framework built on heuristics, hormones, history, and heritage, to improve trust, sales, and team dynamics. She discusses cultural communication differences, feedback, and how perception shapes success. Whether in startups, leadership, or personal growth, understanding how people think can be your greatest catalyst.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiraabel/

5 Key Takeaways: 1. The Perception Formula: Understanding How People Think

• Perception is shaped by heuristics (mental shortcuts), hormones, history, and heritage.
• Without emotional connection, people won't remember or trust you.
• Aligning with someone's background improves communication and decision-making.

2. The Role of Trust in Sales, Marketing, and Teams

• Trust isn't about manipulation—it's about delivering real value.
• High-value sales rely on relationships, not tricks.
• Cultural differences impact trust (e.g., "ask" vs. "hint" communication styles).

3. Feedback: The Key to Growth and Learning

• Feedback helps you iterate and improve faster.
• "Nice" people avoid tough conversations; "kind" people tell the truth to help others grow.
• The best teams and leaders actively seek and apply feedback.

4. Hormones and Decision-Making: The Science Behind Influence

• Dopamine drives excitement and engagement (e.g., notifications, rewards).
• Cortisol (stress hormone) blocks clear thinking—positive reinforcement is key.
• Oxytocin and serotonin create trust and belonging in teams and customer relationships.

5. Coachability: The Differentiator Between Success and Failure

• Coachability is not about instant agreement—it's about long-term adaptation.
• The most successful people take feedback, reflect, and adjust.
• Leaders should observe who listens, applies feedback, and improves over time.

Want to level up your thinking and leadership?

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Christina Brady is a sales leader, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Luster.ai, a company dedicated to measuring and improving sales proficiency through AI. With 18 years of experience in sales, she is passionate about fixing broken hiring and onboarding processes and enabling professionals to succeed. Christina is also the Chicago Chapter Head of Pavilion and serves on the executive team at Women in Sales.

Three Key Quotes from Christina Brady

1. "If you don't measure proficiency, you don't know who you're hiring, how to up-level them, or why they struggle."
2. "AI isn't here to replace you—it's here to make you better at what you do."
3. "Founders have 'magic' because they know the mistakes that have been made and the risks they're willing to take. You can't expect a new hire to replicate that."

In this insightful conversation, Christina Brady discusses why hiring and onboarding in sales are fundamentally broken and how AI can transform proficiency measurement. She also breaks down the "founder magic" that makes transitioning from founder-led to AE-led sales so difficult. This episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to scale effectively.

5 Key Takeaways on Finding Your Catalyst 1. The Hiring Process is Fundamentally Broken

• Companies often hire without a clear understanding of what makes a candidate successful.
• The interview process is subjective, leading to mismatches between candidates and roles.
• Relying on past success (e.g., quota attainment at another company) does not predict future success.

2. Onboarding Needs to Be Personalized and Continuous

• Most onboarding programs are generic and fail to address individual deficiencies.
• Employees are often left confused after onboarding, with no clear roadmap for success.
• The best organizations move from "onboarding" to "everboarding," offering continuous training and development.

3. Measuring Proficiency is the Key to Success

• Companies struggle because they don't objectively measure proficiency at the skill level.
• AI tools can now map skills, identify deficiencies, and predict performance gaps before they become issues.
• Without measurement, companies rely on subjective "gut feelings," leading to inefficiencies and lost talent.

4. AI is a Tool for Enablement, Not Replacement

• AI should be used to enhance human capability, not replace it.
• The right AI tools help sales teams avoid revenue-impacting mistakes before they happen.
• Leaders must shift their mindset from fear to experimentation when adopting AI.

5. Founder-Led Sales is a Different Game

• Founders have "magic" because they understand the product deeply and can flexibly adjust deals.
• Expecting an AE to replicate a founder's selling process is unrealistic.
• The transition from founder-led to AE-led sales requires a structured process, proper tooling, and realistic expectations.

Final Thought

Learn. Think. and Act. with us every Sunday. Our Sunday email is filled with sections dedicated to helping leaders Learn. Think. and Act. These short weekly emails will help you make a difference and accelerate speed to impact at work, with self, and within your family. Subscribe here: https://www.findmycatalyst.com/learn-think-act-opt-in

Jordan Benjamin is a mindset and sales expert passionate about helping people unlock their full potential. With a background in sales leadership and coaching, Jordan shares insights on resilience, professional growth, and the power of mindset. He emphasizes the importance of taking action, embracing failure, and building a strong network for success.

Three Key Quotes from Jordan Benjamin:

1. "The best ideas don't come from grinding at your desk—they come when you create space, like taking a walk or being in the shower."
2. "Authenticity is showing up as an imperfect human. None of us have all the answers—we're all making it up as we go."
3. "It's not about winning or losing—it's about winning or learning. Every failure is a chance to grow."

Jordan Benjamin joins the podcast to explore the power of mindset, resilience, and authenticity in professional and personal growth. He shares actionable strategies for overcoming fear, embracing failure, and developing habits that lead to success. From taking small steps to seeking coaching, Jordan's insights help listeners find their catalyst for lasting change.

Five Key Takeaways: 1. The Power of Nature and Taking Breaks

• Stepping away from work for a walk or time in nature can spark creativity and reduce stress.
• Short breaks can be more effective than grinding through mental blocks.
• Small moments of mindfulness, like deep breathing, can improve focus and decision-making.

2. The Mindset Shift: Growth vs. Fixed Thinking

• A growth mindset helps you see obstacles as opportunities rather than dead ends.
• Failure is not the opposite of success—it's a part of the process.
• Reframing challenges as learning experiences builds long-term resilience.

3. The Importance of Coaching and Accountability

• A coach provides an outside perspective that helps you see blind spots.
• Real change happens between coaching sessions, through consistent action.
• Accountability helps reinforce new habits, making long-term transformation possible.

4. Authenticity as a Strength, Not a Weakness

• True leaders embrace their imperfections and encourage vulnerability in others.
• Everyone struggles with self-doubt—imposter syndrome is normal, even for top performers.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

5. Taking Small, Consistent Steps Toward Change

• Massive change starts with small, manageable actions (e.g., one deep breath, one extra sales call).
• Repetition strengthens habits and rewires the brain for success.
• Making a goal easy and achievable increases the likelihood of long-term commitment.

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Learn. Think. Act. with us every Sunday. Our weekly email is filled with insights to help leaders accelerate their impact in work, life, and family. Subscribe here: Find My Catalyst - Learn, Think, Act