Today’s guest is Brenden Kumarasamy, a speaking coach and Founder of MasterTalk.

Growing up poor in Montreal, Brenden started seeking a better life for himself and his mom. He competed in case competitions in college which landed him a consulting job at IBM.

After speaking over 400 times, he has now turned his attention to helping others find their public speaking talents. He founded MasterTalk with the goal of being the top YouTube channel focused on public speaking.

In this episode, you’ll hear Brenden’s thoughts on passion, advice on how to pitch a CEO, and how to grow your following. Of course, Brendan also shares a ton of insight on how to become a better public speaker.

This episode is perfect for someone who thinks they’re too young to accomplish something big.

Key Takeaways:

[13:28] Why passion is bogus and what you can do to find your calling

[19:02] How to pitch a C-level executive by showing not telling

[26:49] How Brenden gained MasterTalk’s first 1,000 subscribers

[31:09] Structuring your speech with a key idea

[36:50] Where the fear of public speaking comes from

Favorite Quotes:

[11:40] “The reason had nothing to do with being a motivational speaker or being a YouTuber. I just wanted to be the best in the program.”

[13:48] “What does the world need you to do the most now and why?”

[16:59] “If you don’t have a vision for the world, steal someone else’s.”

[26:13] “What would you do if you met him tomorrow?”

[35:07] “There is no such thing as boring topics, just boring people.”

[51:18] “Be insane or be the same.”

Mentions:

The Last Dance (Michael Jordan documentary)

https://www.charitywater.org/

The Third Door: The Wild Quest to Uncover How the World's Most Successful People Launched Their Careers by Alex Banayan

More of Brenden

Instagram: @masteryourtalk

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYFP4mZLQovr7W6Si6sueA

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Jonathan Miller, a speaker, facilitator, and communication coach. He is also the host of the incredible podcast, Mindful Communication, where he has conversations with thinkers and influencers about the art and science of connection.

In this episode, Jonathan and I discuss why there is not a right or wrong whenever it comes to communication.

He also gives advice on how to say no to an invite, how to give a powerful apology, and how to take on someone else’s perspective.

This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to have more clarity with their words.

Key Takeaways:

[10:30] There is no right or wrong with communication rather what works or doesn’t work

[20:01] How to say no to an invite without offending the host

[23:17] Conflict can lead to two outcomes: drama or creativity

[35:29] The difference between a regular apology vs a powerful apology

[44:45] How to take on someone else’s perspective

Favorite Quotes:

[18:04] “We are denying the fact that we indeed have a choice and when we don’t have choice, it means we are a victim of circumstances.”

[30:45] “How is this person actually looking to work with me and I am getting in the way of working with them.”

[45:00] “There are as many perspectives on this planet as there are people.”

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Steve Gillen, Senior Executive at Marsh & McLennan Agency, with over 35 years of management and leadership experience.

I was fortunate to work along side Steve for over 7 years. He’s a people first leader whom is both fair and challenging.

In this episode, we will discuss how to become a better leader, addressing performance issues within your team, how to gain trust with more senior leaders, and much more.

This episode is perfect for first time managers looking to grow into exceptional leaders.

Key Takeaways:

[2:01] The difference between a manager and a leader

[10:49] How to become a better leader

[27:03] Three things to ask yourself when addressing performance issues on your team

[32:40] What to look for in a potential leader

[41:36] How to gain trust with senior leaders

[44:45] What is the biggest challenge facing leaders today?

Favorite Quotes:

[3:27] You’re not a leader if you don’t have followers.

[19:44] I am not afraid, and never be afraid, to roll up my sleeves and do the things that they are doing or need to do.

[26:34] If you don’t have confidence in someone to do the job, you need to address that. It’s not about delegation at that point, it’s about performance.

[36:32] When you’re in front of the group or in front of the room, you are representing the organization and that positivity needs to be there.

[42:43] Trust is not given, it’s earned.

[45:04] We are defined as leaders by how well we manage through a crisis.

Mentions:

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

More of Steve:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gillen-6737546/

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s episode is a little different than the usual interview style format.

Gaby Deimeke and I have officially been dating for one year, so I invited her on the show to have a discussion about the past year together.

We share insights including what we’ve learned about each other, what we plan to work on in year two, and break down what’s worked for us so far.

We are far from perfect but we are hoping that we might just say something that you can try out in your relationship.

Key Takeaways:

[8:48] Effort is the bedrock of every healthy relationship

[11:45] Sharing the spotlight and supporting each other in our relationship

[21:08] How we adapt to each other’s primary love languages

[31:25] How we do weekly date nights

[45:09] Being able to respectfully tell your partner no

[53:10] Defining core values in our relationship

Favorite Quotes:

[3:07] Okay, wow. We are a year in, forever to go.

[8:51] Always put in 10 times the effort even if you aren’t going to get that in return.

[29:06] Real love and real relationships are the most effort you can put in.

[55:27] Figure out what values you want to cultivate. And it's crazy how much by being intentional about cultivating it, it will come into your relationship.

Mentions:

5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Relationship Theory with Tom & Lisa Bilyeu

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

More of Gaby:

Instagram: @gdeimz

Website: www.gabydeimeke.com

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Lee Chambers, a Workplace Wellness Consultant that wants to help people live a healthier version of themselves.

At a critical time in his life with a young child and a pregnant wife at home, he lost the ability to walk. After 11 months of rehabilitation, he regained mobility and decided to start a coaching business called Essentialise.

During our conversation, Lee shares advice on practical ways to improve your sleep including caffeine curfews and bedroom optimization.

Key Takeaways:

[2:17] Why Lee started Essentialise

[8:08] How Lee responded when he lost the ability to walk

[20:25] Lee’s thoughts on the culture around sleep deprivation

[31:16] Strategies for balancing coffee and alcohol with sleep optimization

[36:30] How to redesign your bedroom to optimize your sleep

Favorite Quotes:

[9:52] You get a lot of time to reflect when you’re stuck in a hospital bed and can’t move.

[12:06] By the time she’s walking, god dammit I’m going to be walking too.

[25:03] In the past 10 years people have started to realize sleep is the fundamental driver of health and performance.

[37:55] Your bedroom should be for sleep and sex.

[45:05] We don’t even embrace boredom anymore.

More of Lee:

Instagram: @essentialisecoach

Website: https://www.essentialise.co.uk/

Website: https://leechambers.org/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClTzVmPvXM09HB7uL-gWPag/

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Daniel “Dee” Goines, who has spent the last 15 years crafting an impressive career in higher education.

His story illustrates how you can create opportunities for yourself and capitalize on them. He has an infectious personality with a humble storyline. Oh, and he shook The Rock’s hand (you’ll hear more about it in the episode).

This episode is perfect for someone who has been going through a time of rejection and needs some inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

[3:06] Dee’s difficult route to college

[18:14] Dee meeting his mentor John Buck

[27:23] Advice on how to overcome rejection and cultivate more hunger

[33:39] How you go from knowing no one in high school to being a super connector in college

[44:57] How Dee met Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

[55:41] Dee’s thoughts on the current racial climate and advice on being an ally

Favorite Quotes:

[22:28] “If you think about it, all the cool people have one name.”

[31:32 “All of those 10 times I asked for a job, it was like an interview 10 times.”

[36:25] “Buck taught me the value of remembering someone’s name and greeting them by name.”

[37:54] “Just call me Dee.”

[44:30] “No stands for next opportunity.”

[49:56] “Having a plan, and not giving up, and like knowing you have to make stuff happen.”

[50:44] “It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice.”

[53:29] “She said, Danny, there is a Santa Claus.”

[1:01:22] “If you care about a piece of property more than someone’s life, then there is a greater conversation that needs to be had.”

More of Dee:

Twitter: @deeucme

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dee.goines

Email: [email protected]

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Kate Holtz, a good friend who I admire for her ability to follow through with scary decisions.

As a left-brain dominate, I’ve find sanctuary hearing that most of Kate’s big decisions are based on a gut feeling.

In this episode, Kate and I discuss her decision to go to Butler University, how she found herself in San Francisco post-college, and handling the transition to long distance dating.

This episode is perfect for those who find themselves overthinking decisions way too often.

Key Takeaways:

[4:41] How Kate’s upbringing affected who she is today

[15:35] How Kate made the decision to go to Butler University

[26:12] Kate’s choice to move to San Francisco and the challenges she had to overcome when doing that

[40:07] Handling long distance dating

[0:00] Advice when you’re seeking your first job

Favorite Quotes:

[10:54] My seventh grade brother called me bossy and that was definitely the tipping pointing where you start to realize you need to grow up and refine some of your characteristics

[13:28] Is there somebody else in the room that could do that better?

[19:58] There you go again thinking

[30:00] You know, I think I’m moving to San Francisco?

[46:53] You realize small things can make a big impact. You don’t have to do these grand gestures to make the other person feel loved.

More of Kate:

Instagram: @kate_holtz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-holtz-arm-40b4ba10a/

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Geoff King, a communication expert and all around great human.

In this episode, Geoff and I discuss why we believe effective communication is the number one skillset that everyone should be investing time into mastering.

Geoff shares some of his insights he’s learned from growing his real estate business, being President of a Toastmasters club, and competing and coaching in speech and debate.

This episode is perfect for those who are looking to keep themselves relevant in a world where clear communication can make a huge difference.

Show Notes:

[2:10] What Geoff learned from Toastmasters 

[15:56] The most important skill Geoff looks for when hiring

[28:27] Stories from coaching speech and debate

[32:30] How to give effective feedback

[41:24] Why failure and learning are synonymous

[44:50] Using the 10X Rule to crush your goals

Favorite Quotes:

[22:50] “We look for someone that’s consistent. Are you committed to whatever it is that you’re doing?”

[25:24] “It’s not supposed to sound like you. It’s supposed to sound like someone that has already sold hundreds of houses.”

[38:57] “Once you get in the real world, the more you mess up, the faster you learn.”

[52:54] “It’s business as usual in an unusual way.” 

Mentions:

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone

More of Geoff:

Instagram: @thegeoffking

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

This is a special episode for me. With a group of friends in April, I completed a running challenge called the Calendar Club.

I invited our group onto The Struggle is Real to discuss the challenge and lessons learned. We have lots of laughs throughout as everyone shares stories about their personal experiences.

This light-hearted episode is perfect for those looking to learn more about a fitness challenge that they could use to jumpstart their health journey.

Key Takeaways:

[3:27] Why each member wanted to do Calendar Club

[4:48] Discussion about our views on being a runner

[10:58] How we held themselves accountable throughout the month

[20:31] Overcoming long run days using mental fortitude

[32:08] Lessons learned by completing Calendar Club

Favorite Quotes:

[10:14] It’s encouraging for anyone who’s like, I don’t think I can do that. Actually you can do it, if you just decide to be dedicated to it. - Gaby

[15:10] I disliked most of it. - Shane

[26:25] There was this head wind, a really strong head wind. And it seemed to change direction no matter what side of the track I was on. - Mike

[34:07] Before you know it, your hardest workout is now your warmup. - Shane

[38:54] It’s on like donkey kong. - Bri

Mentions:

Jesse Itzler IG: @jesseitzler

TSIR episode with Shane Jenne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfDJxjkECqg&t=651shttps://www.tsirpodcast.com/e4-shane-jenne-from-overweight-to-fitness-coach-i-the-sandbox-with-justin-peters/

The Struggle is Real episode with Kyle Peters: https://www.tsirpodcast.com/e2-kyle-peters-the-power-of-authenticity-i-the-sandbox-with-justin-peters/

More of Calendar Club:

Instagram:

Brianna Schaeffer @brishafe

Shane Jenne @shanejenne

Gaby Deimeke @gdeimz

Mike Neace @mikeneace

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/

Today’s guest is Alexandra Dickinson, Founder and CEO of Ask For It, a negotiation training and coaching business.

In this episode, Alexandra and I discuss how negotiating doesn’t need to feel combative and unpleasant. She gives tactics and advice on a myriad of topics including figuring out an appropriate salary range, practicing for a salary negotiation conversation, and handling the question “how much do you currently make?”

This episode is perfect for those who feel they deserve more, but might not have the skills, or more importantly, the confidence to ask for it.

Key Takeaways:

[2:38] Starting Ask For It and overcoming imposter syndrome

[10:36] When to negotiate and how to go about it

[11:53] How to figure out an appropriate salary range

[22:04] How to practice for a salary negotiation conversation

[30:43] Advice on handling “how much do you currently make?”

[38:23] Utilizing the “wish, want, walk” method when negotiating

[45:21] Alexandra’s favorite negotiating advice

[51:12] Alexandra values and how she wants to raise her daughters

Favorite Quotes:

[5:23] You have to believe that you are worth it before anyone else is going to believe it.

[19:26] How much are you willing to pay to avoid an awkward conversation?

[26:47] It’s not about what you will do, it’s about what you have done.

[46:01] Speech is silver, silence is golden.

More of Alexandra and Ask For It:

Instagram: @askforitco

More of TSIR:

Find show notes and more at https://www.tsirpodcast.com/

Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tsirpod/