Colleen Stanley is the founder and president of SalesLeadership, Inc., a sales development firm specializing in emotional intelligence (EQ), consultative selling, and leadership skills. She is the author of three books:

📖 Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success

📖 Emotional Intelligence for Sales Leadership

📖 Growing Great Sales Teams

With an impressive background in sales leadership, Colleen grew Varsity Spirit Corporation’s sales from $8 million to $90 million as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She developed the Ei Selling® system, integrating emotional intelligence into sales processes for better client relationships and long-term success. Recognized as a Top 50 Sales & Marketing Influencer and a Top 30 Global Sales Guru, Colleen’s impact on the sales industry is global, with her work translated into eight languages.

Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time in Colorado with her husband.

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Daryl Amy sit down with Colleen Stanley, a leading expert on emotional intelligence in sales, to discuss the power of authenticity, trust, and mentorship in sales leadership. Colleen shares how emotional intelligence enhances sales relationships and why mentorship plays a crucial role in career development.

The discussion covers the importance of sales leaders creating mentorship programs, practical advice for becoming an effective mentor, and how mentorship provides mutual benefits for both mentors and mentees. Colleen emphasizes that great mentors offer support, truth, and guidance, and that mentorship is not just about giving but also about growing together.

If you're looking to build stronger sales relationships, become a better leader, or give back through mentorship, this episode is packed with insights and actionable strategies to help you lead with heart.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

✅ Authenticity Builds Trust – Successful sales professionals prioritize relationships over transactions, fostering trust and credibility.

✅ Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Drives Sales Success – Self-awareness, empathy, and strong communication skills are essential for building long-term client relationships.

✅ Mentorship is Key to Growth – Mentors provide support, honest feedback, and career guidance, shaping the next generation of sales professionals.

✅ Sales Leaders Should Prioritize Mentorship – Creating structured mentorship programs helps develop high-performing, motivated sales teams.

✅ Giving Back is Also Paying It Forward – The benefits of mentorship are mutual, allowing both mentor and mentee to grow, learn, and succeed together.

✅ Proactive Mentorship Creates Impact – Great mentors don’t wait for mentees to come to them—they actively seek opportunities to guide and inspire others.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

💬 "Mentorship isn’t about the money or the glory—it’s about making others better, and in turn, becoming better yourself." – Colleen Stanley

💬 "Trust is the currency of sales. Without it, you’re just another salesperson. With it, you’re a trusted advisor." – Larry Levine

💬 "You don’t have to have all the answers to be a great mentor. Sometimes, just being there and offering guidance makes all the difference." – Colleen Stanley

💬 "Sales leaders who build mentorship programs build cultures of success." – Darrell Amy

💬 "If you’ve been mentored in your life, it’s your turn to pay it forward. Find one person, offer to help, and inspire them to grow." – Colleen Stanley

📌FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION

Connect with Colleen Stanley

➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleenstanleysli/

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:  

➡️Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

➡️Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

➡️Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Explore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast—nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!

Listen to Larry Levine’s Bestselling Book — Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  

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