Lead. Learn. Grow.

Episode Summary

Robin sits down with Maureen Dingus, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Society of CPAs, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, lifelong learning, and the future of the accounting profession. From a $5/hour internship that launched an entire career to navigating AI, digital wellness, and the talent pipeline — Maureen brings candor, humor, and real insight to every topic.

What We Cover

How It All Started Maureen never planned a career in associations. A paid internship at VSCPA during her VCU days — the only one that paid anything — turned into a calling she never saw coming.

Future-Ready Learning for CPAs The profession is moving fast. Maureen shares how VSCPA is helping members keep up with shorter-format learning, virtual delivery, and the irreplaceable value of in-person connection.

Digital Wellness in the Workplace Maureen breaks down what digital wellness actually looks like in practice — from movement snacks and eye exercises to Zoom fatigue, screen apnea, and why leaders need to walk the talk on healthy tech habits.

AI: The Real Conversation CPAs are excited, confused, and sometimes blocked from using AI tools — often all at once. Maureen shares how the profession is rethinking what new accountants need to learn when AI is handling the grunt work, and how she personally uses ChatGPT (including to think through tough organizational decisions).

Making the Case for Accounting Why should a smart 19-year-old choose accounting today? Maureen makes a compelling argument — and challenges the outdated image of what a CPA actually does.

The Talent Pipeline Firms aren't waiting for senior year anymore. Maureen talks about CPAs in the classroom, high school and middle school outreach, externships, and why starting salaries had to change.

Lightning Round Highlights

• 🏈 Tigers & Lions fan — and pumped about Justin Verlander's return
• 💪 Daily non-negotiable: running, yoga, and strength training
• 🎸 At 19, she wanted to work in the music industry — and still dreams of booking bands at a rock club (matinee hours only)

Connect with Maureen

• 🌐 vscpa.com
• 💼 LinkedIn: Maureen Dingus
• 📧 [email protected]

Connect with Robin at [email protected].

Episode Summary In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin Green talks with entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host Kevin Rice about the journey from starting a business in a garage to building a 250-person company and achieving a nine-figure exit. But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship.

Kevin shares the hard lessons behind growth, including layoffs, reinvention, focus, and what it really takes to create meaningful differentiation in the marketplace. He also opens up about the personal cost of high performance, describing the "robot mode" many leaders fall into when work consumes everything.

The conversation then turns to Kevin's current passion: helping executives lead effectively at work while still being present at home. Drawing from his own experience as a full-time single father, Kevin explains how he began applying business frameworks to family life, creating practical systems and rituals designed to foster deeper connection with his kids.

They also explore the growing impact of AI on leadership, sales, and entrepreneurship, including why AI will likely reward adaptable, high-agency professionals rather than simply replace them.

What You'll Hear in This Episode

• Kevin's founder story: from humble beginnings to a nine-figure exit
• The hardest phase of scaling a business and what most outsiders never see
• Why many founders struggle when hiring salespeople too early
• The difference between generic marketing claims and true differentiation
• How focus and industry specialization helped drive an 80% win rate
• What "robot mode" looks like for high-performing leaders
• Why success can still feel empty when you are emotionally disconnected
• The shift from living by default to living by design
• How Kevin uses business frameworks to create structure and connection at home
• Rituals, presence, and intentionality in parenting
• Kevin's thoughts on AI, work, sales, and the future of entrepreneurship

About Kevin Rice Kevin Rice is an entrepreneur, advisor, investor, and host of the podcast CEOs and ABCs. After helping build and scale a company from a garage startup to a 250-employee business with a nine-figure exit, he has turned his attention to a new mission: helping leaders succeed at work without losing what matters most at home. He is also writing a book currently titled The Executive's Guide to Parenting.

Connect with Kevin Rice

• Website: CEOs and ABCs
• Podcast: CEOs and ABCs
• LinkedIn: Kevin Rice

You can reach Robin Green at [email protected].

In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Andy McGowan, Director of the VCU Center for Professional Selling, to unpack Andy's unconventional career path — from professional sports and corporate communications to building one of the nation's top collegiate sales programs.

Andy shares how an early mentor recognized his natural ability to teach, how real-world selling shaped every chapter of his career, and why developing young sales talent has become his calling. He offers an inside look at VCU's nationally ranked sales team, the rapid growth of collegiate sales competitions, and why employers across industries are eager to recruit his students.

Together, Robin and Andy explore:

• What truly defines professional selling today

• Why outdated sales stereotypes no longer apply

• What employers actually look for in early-career sales talent

• Why engineers and first-generation students often excel in sales roles

• How AI is already reshaping sales preparation, practice, and performance

Andy also extends a direct invitation to Richmond-area business leaders who are looking for motivated, coachable sales talent — and explains why partnering with the VCU program creates value for both employers and students.

A practical, energizing conversation for leaders, recruiters, and anyone responsible for hiring or developing salespeople.

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If you'd like to learn more about Sandler's Sales, Management, and Leadership Performance program, you can email him at [email protected]

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If you like the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast with Robin Green, please rate and review us in your podcast app.

What if the biggest limitation in your sales, career, and life isn't the market… it's the conversation in your own head? In this episode of the Lead.Learn.Grow podcast, I sit down with sales leader and industry "Person of the Year" Hugh Hornsby to talk about belief, resilience, and what it really means to live – and sell – from the inside out. Hugh went from a ninth-grade kid headed for special needs classes… to top producer… to industry consultant… to navigating a misdiagnosed stage-four cancer diagnosis and coming out the other side cancer-free. Along the way, he discovered that the most important conversation you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself. We cover a lot of ground, including: ➡️ How Hugh used gratitude journaling to stay sane and hopeful through cancer ➡️ Why most people fail because of the story they tell themselves – and how to change it The underdog path: fired, broke, couldn't afford pizza… to doubling and tripling company revenue ➡️ What he learned from Napoleon Hill, Bob Proctor, and classic sales training (including Sandler) ➡️ The power of forgiveness – of others and of yourself – in unlocking growth ➡️ Why the very best salespeople are advisor-type givers, not high-pressure closers ➡️ How he ended up doing stand-up comedy in New York City about cancer… and why it changed him If you're a salesperson, leader, or young professional who feels a bit stuck, this is an episode to bookmark, re-listen to, and take notes on. 👂 Listen if you want to: -Build a healthier inner dialogue -Rekindle your desire and sense of mission -Sell in a way that's both high-performing and deeply human If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their story isn't over yet. *** Connect with Hugh on LinkedIn. Watch Hugh's stand-up appearance in New York here. Visit the Napoleon Hill Foundation here. *** If you'd like to talk to Robin about how you can grow your revenue through Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler, email him at [email protected]. Sign up for the weekly newsletter, The Huddle, for a weekly blend of sales wisdom, leadership insight, and real-life grit for leaders. Join here.

In this episode 62 of the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast, Robin Green sits down with Kit Moore—musician, theologian, and head of sales for Damage Prevention Solutions—for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the art of sales. Kit's career path is anything but linear. From earning a master's at Princeton Theological Seminary to pursuing a professional music career in Nashville, Kit made courageous decisions to stay true to his values—even when that meant walking away from prestigious or high-profile opportunities. Now leading an innovative manufacturing company in the damage prevention industry, he brings a deeply creative and thoughtful approach to business growth. You'll hear Kit reflect on: ✅ How "becoming" shaped his early career decisions and leadership style ✅ The parallels between creative work, ministry, and leading a business ✅ Why sales is best understood as a cooperative trade, not a manipulative act ✅ How energy and presence shape the sales process ✅ The mindset shifts needed to scale a business while preserving culture Packed with insights for leaders, sales professionals, and anyone navigating career pivots, this episode is an inspiring reminder that the best leaders are lifelong learners who dare to think differently. Resources Mentioned: "The Sales Coach Playbook: by Bill Bartlett "Getting Things Done" by David Allen "Deep Work" by Cal Newport "10x Is Easier Than 2x" by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy 🎧 Listen, learn, and grow with us! Contact Robin at [email protected].

💡 About This Episode Dr. Sherri Mylott has spent more than three decades leading advancement and fundraising at universities across the country — from small liberal arts colleges to large public research institutions. Today, as Vice President for University Advancement at the University of La Verne, she oversees the vital work of connecting donors' passions with a purpose that transforms students' lives. In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Sherri joins host Robin Green to share timeless lessons that apply far beyond higher education. We talk about: 🎓 Why a liberal arts education is more relevant than ever in today's fast-changing economy 🤝 How fundraising parallels sales — and why both depend on relationships 📖 The power of storytelling in inspiring long-term donor support 🕰️ Why patience might be the #1 skill for advancement professionals 💻 How to think about innovation & technology without losing the human touch 🌍 The University of La Verne's mission to create transformational opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students. Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in higher education, or simply want to build deep, lasting relationships, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways in this conversation. 🔗 LinkedIn 💬 Connect with Sherri Mylott: / sherrimylott 📲 Connect with Robin Green 🔗 LinkedIn: / robingreen2 🌐 Website: https://www.go.sandler.com/green

🔹 Episode Overview: In this powerful episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Nhat Pham, entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of Elevate X. Nhat shares his incredible journey from fleeing Vietnam as a child to building a life of success in America. He discusses the mindset shifts, daily habits, and strategic frameworks that help leaders break through plateaus and achieve exponential growth. We dive into his P.A.C. Model (Perspective, Accelerators, and Compound Action), the importance of resilience, and why mindset—not just tactics—determines success. Nhat also shares practical ways to overcome adversity, execute on big goals, and build daily habits that compound over time. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your game, this episode is for you.

🔹 Resources & Links:

📘 Get Nhat's Book – Elevate X: https://getelevatex.com

🌐 Learn More About Nhat Pham & SuccessWerk Coaching: https://www.successwerk.com

📘 Book Recommendations: The Winner Within, Think & Grow Rich, The Alchemist, Never Split the Difference, Atomic Habits

Contact Robin Green at [email protected].

🚀 How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success

🔹 Episode Overview: In this episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Bill Lopez, a seasoned entrepreneur and sales leader, to explore his journey from IT engineer to successful business owner. Bill shares his gritty early days, including failures, lessons in resilience, and the sacrifices it took to build a thriving IT business. Bill's story highlights the relentless hustle required to succeed in business, from working out of his garage to making a Thanksgiving Day cannonball run to Tampa for a client. The conversation shifts into sales and leadership, where Bill discusses the mindset shift that took him from selling on passion alone to mastering a structured, repeatable sales process. He reflects on the challenges of growth, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and how his background in martial arts shaped his competitive mindset and ability to handle failure. If you're a business owner, sales professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on perseverance, strategy, and sales excellence.

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Bill's Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Family Influence

08:30 – The Grit It Takes to Start & Scale a Business

16:45 – The Thanksgiving Road Trip Story: Doing Whatever It Takes for Clients

25:20 – How IT Services Evolved from Fixing Problems to Strategic Partnerships

35:10 – The Mindset Shift: From 'Muscle & Feel' to a Proven Sales Methodology

45:00 – Lessons from Martial Arts: Handling Failure & Continuous Improvement

55:30 – Why Sales Is About Finding the Truth, Not Pushing a Product

1:05:00 – Advice for Young Sales Professionals & Developing a Winning Mindset

🔹 Resources & Links: 🌐 Bill's Company, Strategic Solutions: https://strategicsolutions.com

📘 Recommended Book – Inter Excellence: https://amzn.to/xyz123

🎯 Learn More About Sales Training: https://go.sandler.com/green/

🔹 Episode Overview

In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Ed Johnson, an executive coach specializing in Positive Intelligence (PQ), to explore how mental fitness shapes success in business, leadership, and personal growth.

Ed shares how self-sabotaging behaviors (saboteurs) hold us back and how shifting to a sage mindset can improve decision-making, relationships, and resilience. We dive into how negative emotions hijack our thoughts, how to recognize and shift out of them, and how simple exercises (PQ reps) can rewire your brain for better focus, confidence, and emotional intelligence.

This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to build mental strength, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways

00:00 – Ed's Background: From Pastor to Executive Coach

07:15 – What Is Positive Intelligence?

15:30 – The Power of Mental Fitness & How It's Different from Traditional Self-Improvement 22:45 – Negative Emotions: The "Hand on the Hot Stove" Analogy

30:10 – Understanding Your Saboteurs & Self-Sabotage Patterns

40:20 – Live PQ Exercise: How to Shift Out of a Negative Mindset

50:00 – The Science of Mental Rewiring & Building Emotional Resilience

1:00:00 – How This Applies to Sales, Leadership, and Performance

1:10:30 – Ed Coaches Robin on His Own Saboteurs (Hyper-Achiever & Hyper-Rational)

1:20:00 – How to Improve Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence

1:30:00 – Free Saboteur Assessment & Next Steps for Listeners

🔹 Resources & Links

🌐 Learn More About Ed Johnson & His Coaching: https://craftedcoach.com

📘 Take the Free Saboteur Assessment: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab...

🎯 Recommended Book – Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine

📅 Schedule a Free Saboteur Coaching Session with Ed: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab...

🚀 How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success

🔹 Episode Overview: In this episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Bill Lopez, a seasoned entrepreneur and sales leader, to explore his journey from IT engineer to successful business owner. Bill shares his gritty early days, including failures, lessons in resilience, and the sacrifices it took to build a thriving IT business. Bill's story highlights the relentless hustle required to succeed in business, from working out of his garage to making a Thanksgiving Day cannonball run to Tampa for a client. The conversation shifts into sales and leadership, where Bill discusses the mindset shift that took him from selling on passion alone to mastering a structured, repeatable sales process. He reflects on the challenges of growth, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and how his background in martial arts shaped his competitive mindset and ability to handle failure. If you're a business owner, sales professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on perseverance, strategy, and sales excellence.

🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Bill’s Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Family Influence

08:30 – The Grit It Takes to Start & Scale a Business

16:45 – The Thanksgiving Road Trip Story: Doing Whatever It Takes for Clients

25:20 – How IT Services Evolved from Fixing Problems to Strategic Partnerships

35:10 – The Mindset Shift: From ‘Muscle & Feel’ to a Proven Sales Methodology

45:00 – Lessons from Martial Arts: Handling Failure & Continuous Improvement

55:30 – Why Sales Is About Finding the Truth, Not Pushing a Product

1:05:00 – Advice for Young Sales Professionals & Developing a Winning Mindset

🔹 Resources & Links: 🌐 Bill’s Company, Strategic Solutions: https://strategicsolutions.com 

📘 Recommended Book – Inter Excellence: https://amzn.to/xyz123

🎯 Learn More About Sales Training: https://go.sandler.com/green/