What Makes Mentorship Work: Lessons from the Closers Inner Circle Podcast with Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III

Mentorship is one of the most powerful forces in business and in life, but not every mentorship works. On today’s episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III dive into what truly makes mentorship thrive—and why so many attempts fall short. At its core, a successful mentorship is built on trust, respect, and commitment from both sides. The mentor must be willing to invest time, wisdom, and accessibility, while the mentee must show accountability, humility, and a willingness to act. Without that balance, even the best intentions can collapse.

We’ll explore the importance of chemistry and compatibility—how some mentor–mentee relationships click naturally, while others struggle despite the best credentials. Great mentorship isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about listening, guiding, and sharing real-world experiences in a way that resonates. Ben brings decades of lived stories from the world of sales and leadership, showing how storytelling and careful listening become the glue that holds the relationship together.

Finally, we’ll tackle the long game of mentorship. The best relationships often grow into lifelong connections, with lessons that ripple far beyond the individuals involved. And yes, we’ll also talk about what happens when mentorship fails—how to recognize the signs and why not every great leader makes a great mentor. Whether you’re seeking guidance or stepping into the role of guiding others, this conversation will give you the practical insights and inspiration to make mentorship truly work.

And for listeners who want to dive deeper into Ben’s teachings, you don’t have to stop at the podcast. His entire catalog of books — including The Closers series and many other powerful works authored by him and select colleagues — is available directly through him. Every book arrives with free shipping and is personally signed by Ben Gay III. This makes each copy not only a resource but also a keepsake, carrying the legacy of one of the most respected voices in sales and mentorship.

If you’re serious about learning from the best, I encourage you to explore his collection. It’s a library of wisdom that captures decades of experience, insight, and timeless principles — not only from Ben himself but also from the legendary mentors and peers who influenced him along the way. https://www.ebay.com/str/ronzonebooks

SPONSORED BY: David L. Brown. David has been a longtime supporter of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast and a valued friend behind the scenes. He’s a true advocate for meaningful conversations rooted in integrity, service, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His steady encouragement and unwavering belief in doing business the right way have made a lasting impact on this show and its mission. 

You can connect with David at dbrowncompany.com, on LinkedIn, and across other social platforms. Tell him we sent you!

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

MindShifting with Mitch Weisburgh: How to Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Success

Welcome to Your Partner In Success Radio. I’m your host, Denise Griffitts. This podcast has been bringing you conversations with authors, entrepreneurs, mentors, and business leaders for more than 17 years, and we’re honored to be ranked in the top 1.5% of podcasts worldwide.

My guest today is Mitch Weisburgh. Mitch is an entrepreneur, educator, and author who has spent decades helping people and organizations move past obstacles and unlock their potential. He has co-founded businesses, advised schools and nonprofits, and built communities around learning and growth.

Mitch is the author of MindShifting: Stop Your Brain From Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success — and I want to note that this book is sitting right here on my desk today, because it’s one of the topics we’ll be exploring together. Mitch also has a new book on the way, Conflict and Collaboration: MindShifting With Mitch (Volume 3), which will be released in November 2025.

Through his work, Mitch continues to write, teach, and mentor while building a vibrant community around MindShifting, empowering individuals and businesses alike to thrive.

Connect with Mitch: Website | Blog | Books | LinkedIn

SPONSORED BY: This episode is sponsored by Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit and author of The Learn-It-All Leader series. Damon believes that curiosity, humility, and continuous growth are the keys to effective leadership. Through Learnit, he helps organizations worldwide build skills that drive both individual and team success.

You can find his books — The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools and The Learn-It-All Leader: Leading with Confidence in the Face of Uncertainty — wherever books are sold. To learn more, visit Learnit.com.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

The Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude with Joel Zuckerman - Author of Gratitude Tiger

Today’s guest on Your Partner In Success Radio is Joel Zuckerman, celebrated author, speaker, and champion of living with gratitude. He has written ten books, including GRATEFUL and Gratitude Tiger, and his career as a golf and travel writer earned him two Book of the Year awards from the International Network of Golf.

Joel now dedicates his time to exploring and teaching the transformative power of gratitude. Through his writing and speaking, he highlights how proactive gratitude, workplace appreciation, and simple daily practices can foster loyalty, boost morale, and even improve health. His framework, The Seven Pillars of Expressive Gratitude, provides a structured yet accessible path for individuals and organizations alike to embrace gratitude as a powerful force for connection and change.

Connect with Joel Zuckerman on his website and Amazon

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is sponsored by Damon Lembi, CEO of LearnIt and author of The Learn-It-All Leader: Mindset, Traits, and Tools.

Damon is passionate about helping individuals and organizations thrive through continuous learning and leadership development. His work is a must-read for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Thank you, Damon, for supporting this episode and for your commitment to empowering leaders everywhere. https://www.learnit.com/

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

The Legacy Question: What Will They Say About You When You’re Gone? with Ben Gay III & Denise Griffitts

Welcome to The Closers Inner Circle Podcast. I’m Denise Griffitts here with my co-host, Ben Gay III.

Today we’re diving into a question that every leader, entrepreneur, and human being eventually has to face:

“What will they say about you when you’re gone?” — The Legacy Question.

For Ben, legacy isn’t just an abstract idea. Early in his career, he had the rare privilege of being personally mentored by Dr. Napoleon Hill, the author of Think and Grow Rich. Through Dr. Hill, Ben also came to know and befriend W. Clement Stone, whose influence and friendship became another powerful thread in Ben’s journey. These relationships didn’t just shape his career — they shaped his sense of purpose and the legacy he wants to leave behind.

SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast is brought to you by Roberta Fernandez — integrative emotional intelligence trainer, hypnotist, and creator of the Conscious Napping® app.

I use this app every single day, and it’s become one of my favorite tools to reset and recharge. In just minutes, Roberta guides you through soothing visualizations that ease stress, improve focus, support better sleep, and so much more. With over 100 sessions in both English and Spanish, there’s truly something for everyone.

Learn more at RobertaFernandez.com/conscious-napping.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

Sarah Cavallaro: From Award-Winning Producer to Dog Rescue Storyteller

Today’s guest on Your Partner In Success Radio, Sarah Cavallaro, has lived at the intersection of art, storytelling, and rescue. She began her career in New York City, where she earned awards as an Executive Producer, known for discovering talent and bringing bold creative projects to life. But Sarah didn’t stop there—she transformed her company, Emerald Films, into a venture focused on creating stories that inspire change.

Her passion for rescue became personal and powerful when she wrote the award-winning novel Dogs Have Angels Too. What started as fiction turned into a movement—growing into a brand that champions “underdogs” everywhere with apparel, merchandise, and storytelling designed to spread kindness, inspiration, and love.

Sarah’s creative energy also extends to the world of public art. She co-directs Art Above Ground, a nonprofit that produces playful, thought-provoking installations meant to cross cultures, spark conversation, and shift perspectives. And alongside her husband, internationally renowned artist Cosimo Cavallaro, she helps bring large-scale art projects to life.

Sarah’s story is one of reinvention, creativity, and mission-driven work—and I can’t wait to share it with you today.

Connect with Sarah: Website | LinkedIn | Amazon

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is sponsored by Cynthia Kay — better known as CK. She’s the founder of Cynthia Kay and Company, an award-winning media production firm, and a recognized leader in the world of small business. With more than 35 years of experience, CK has been helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise, grow their companies, and lead with clarity and confidence. She’s also someone I deeply respect and admire. You can learn more at CynthiaKayBiz.com.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

How to Make a Million in Business: Gary Beckwith on Building, Growing & Selling Family-Run Enterprises

My guest today is Gary Beckwith, visionary entrepreneur, best-selling author, and founder of City Cruises—one of the most successful family-run businesses in the UK, transporting over four million passengers a year on the River Thames. His book, How to Make a Million in Business, shares the lessons he learned from building a pioneering tourism and hospitality brand, growing Gillingham Marina, and ultimately selling a thriving company.

He also reflects on remarkable moments, from meeting the Queen (Queen Elizabeth II) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to celebrating his wife Rita’s OBE, and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to overcome fear, scale sustainably, and create businesses that stand the test of time. Whether you’re building your first company or preparing to exit, Gary’s wisdom will give you tools, inspiration, and clarity to make your next bold move.

Connect with Gary: Website | Linkedin | Amazon

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is sponsored by Frederick J. Fisher, a true pioneer in professional liability insurance with over 50 years of experience. As president of Fisher Consulting Group and founder of ELM Insurance Brokers, Fred Fisher has reshaped the industry with sharp insight and a deep commitment to protecting clients. He’s also the author of Claims-Made Insurance: The Policy That Changed the Industry and a founding member and past president of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, where he earned the prestigious PLUS Founders Award. For expert guidance on liability and risk, Frederick J. Fisher is the trusted name—helping professionals secure their financial future and navigate complex insurance challenges. You can find Frederick online at Fisher Consulting Group and on LinkedIn.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

Good morning and welcome. I am your host Denise Griffitts and in this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, my cohost, legendary sales trainer Ben Gay III will be sharing Ben’s Daily Success System — a proven practice taught to him by his legendary mentor, Dr. Napoleon Hill.

Ben still uses this system every single day to stay focused, productive, and on track with his goals. It’s simple, powerful, and timeless — and it might just change the way you approach your own success.

Tune in and learn how to apply this classic but highly effective method in your own life and business! And as Ben often says (again, he learned this from Dr. Hill... TAKE NOTES📒! )

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is brought to you by Mitch Weisburgh, the author of MindShifting: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success. Why do I recommend this book? Because Mitch gets right to the heart of what so many of us struggle with—how our own minds can trip us up. He doesn’t just point it out, he gives you tools to recognize those patterns and replace them with habits that build clarity, confidence, and momentum. 

MindShifting isn’t theory—it’s a practical guide you can use every single day to stop the self-sabotage and start creating the life and success you want. You’ll find it on Amazon, and I encourage you to add it to your success library.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

Asphalt and Algorithms: Randy Chaffee’s Hybrid Sales Playbook for Building Lasting Business Wins

Meet Randy Chaffee: a master connector, seasoned sales pro, and the force behind #HybridRoadWarriorRandy. For over forty years, Randy has led the way in the metal roofing and building materials industry, helping brands grow and sales teams adapt to a changing marketplace. Through his award-winning work at Source One Marketing, his dynamic BuildingWins.LIVE podcast, and his latest book "Asphalt and Algorithms," 

Randy champions the blend of old-school client care and cutting-edge digital tools. Whether he’s on the road, behind the mic, or guiding sales professionals, Randy’s approach is authentic, customer-first, and always focused on delivering real business wins.

SPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is brought to you by Ben Gay III—a legendary sales trainer, bestselling author, and the visionary behind The Closers series. Ben’s classic resources are essential for anyone committed to getting results in sales. I’m especially grateful for the proven sales principles he shares with entrepreneurs and professionals everywhere. You can find The Closers Books at Ronzone Books on eBay. You can also find The Closers Inner Circle Podcast each Wednesday on Your Partner In Success Radio.

Connect with Randy: Website | Building Wins Podcast | LinkedIn

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

Shen Yun Conductor Ying Chen on 18 Years of Reviving China’s 5,000-Year Culture Through Music, Dance, and Resilience

My guest today on Your Partner In Success Radio is Ying Chen, and her story reads like a symphony of courage, resilience, and unshakable faith.

In 2006, she stood at the conductor’s podium as Shen Yun Performing Arts was born—not in the glitter of Broadway or the security of an established institution—but as an all-volunteer effort by first-generation immigrants determined to bring back 5,000 years of Chinese civilization nearly erased by communist rule. Against impossible odds, they transformed that vision into what is now the fastest-growing performing arts company in American history.

But Ying’s journey goes far beyond the music. Her family in China endured detention and torture for holding to their beliefs. Instead of silencing her, those experiences gave her voice even more power. Today, through Shen Yun’s orchestra, she leads a sound that does more than entertain—it awakens memory, revives culture, and delivers a message of hope to audiences worldwide.

Ying’s life reminds us that even in the face of tyranny, the human spirit cannot be crushed. It finds a way to rise, to create, and to inspire. And that is exactly what Shen Yun does every time the curtain goes up.

Shen Yun Tickets & Show Info https://www.shenyun.com/

SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is brought to you courtesy of The Blaine Group. I want to thank my friend and powerhouse publicist, Devon Blaine, for introducing me to today’s extraordinary guest, Ying Chen.

When it’s time to be seen, heard, and remembered, Devon is exactly who you want in your corner. Her firm, The Blaine Group, is a full-service communications agency specializing in media relations, crisis management, and high-impact publicity that delivers results. Whether you’re launching a book, building your brand, or navigating a critical moment, Devon and her team know how to move the needle.

Visit The Blaine Group Inc to discover how they can help you stand out and stay ahead.

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]

Good morning and welcome. I am your host Denise Griffitts and in this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, my cohost, legendary sales trainer Ben Gay III reflects on the timeless lessons he learned from his greatest mentors—wisdom that continues to guide his work and life to this day.  We are picking up from where we left off last week. There was just too much to talk about!

From mastering the art of influence to understanding the psychology of human connection, Ben shares the strategies, stories, and turning points that shaped him into one of the most respected voices in sales. 

In my LinkedIn newsletter today, I hadn’t planned to write about Dr. Napoleon Hill and Chapter 6 — I actually had a completely different article queued up and ready to go. But after our conversation last week, it seemed only right to slightly shift gears.

Ben mentioned that he feels the “tide is turning back” in America, pointing to ads and corporate behavior. He compared it to the backlash against New Coke, calling it a “Cracker Barrel lesson.” That connection to Coca-Cola made the timing of today’s article feel perfectly aligned. I hope you will read and comment!

SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast is sponsored by Roberta Fernandez — an emotional intelligence trainer, hypnotist, and the creator of the Conscious Napping® app.

I’ll be honest — sleep has never been one of my strong skills, and that’s why I really like this app and use it myself. In just a few minutes, Roberta guides you through calming sessions that help you relax, reset, and get the rest you need.

The app includes more than 100 recordings in English and Spanish, plus six core courses that focus on stress, pain, sleep, weight, and smoking or chewing cessation. Each course is delivered one module at a time, spread out over 7 to 55 days, so you can build lasting change step by step.

Learn more at RobertaFernandez.com/conscious-napping

We appreciate you tuning in to this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio with Host Denise Griffitts. If you enjoyed what you heard, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners and create even better content!

• Website: Your  Partner In Success Radio
• Email: [email protected]