In this conversation on Making Waves at C Level, I sit down with Eliz Greene, a renowned stress researcher, author, and sailor who learned hard lessons about uncertainty after surviving a rare heart attack while seven months pregnant with twins. Eliz reframes stress as a natural reaction to our environment, not a moral failing, and shows leaders how to bring heart rates down, clear cortisol, and think clearly when the waters get rough.

We explore her Border Collie and Iguana recovery styles, a memorable way to help teams honor that people refuel differently. Some need activity and structure. Others need quiet and space. Great leadership makes room for both. Eliz connects those ideas to sailing on Lake Michigan, where preparation and practice turn unpredictability into something the brain can recognize. Life jackets go on before you need them. In business that means systems, communication, checklists, and visible markers of progress so people feel secure during change.

One story that will stick with you is our discussion of Capacity Optimism. Many of us believe we have more capacity than we do. Eliz discovered her fuel tank held 30 gallons when the label promised 36, and that twenty percent gap mirrors how leaders and caregivers overestimate time, energy, and staffing. Capacity Optimism shows up when we take on a full workload while raising kids, supporting aging parents, and managing a team. The fix is not superhuman effort. The fix is reducing load where possible, and routinely refueling with sleep, movement, real breaks, and friendships that allow you to say the hard things out loud.

We also talk about building your bench. Eliz and I share how our long running mastermind functions like a Bat Signal. When someone calls, we answer. Leaders who model that kind of connection build resilient cultures. Practical tactics include noticing your personal stress indicators, using intentional breathing, scheduling recovery time, and, most importantly, communicating early and often so uncertainty does not hijack performance.

If you lead people in a high change environment, or if you are a high performer who quietly carries too much, this episode delivers language, tools, and stories you can use today.

Learn more about Eliz Greene at https://elizgreene.com

Learn more about Thom Singer at https://thomsinger.com

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In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, host Thom Singer interviews sales trainer, coach, and speaker Chris Bussing, founder of the Tech Sales Accelerator. Chris draws from years of experience working in both large corporations and emerging startups, and now helps salespeople and teams elevate their performance and achieve greater results.

Chris shares that sales is not only about hitting numbers. It is the driver of growth and the foundation of every company’s success. Leaders who do not understand the challenges their sales teams face are leaving opportunities on the table. For Chris, sales became the perfect fit because it allowed him to combine his love of working with people and his drive to excel.

Through his career in both global enterprises and smaller ventures, Chris learned the unique advantages and obstacles of each. Established companies provide instant credibility that makes prospecting easier. Startups demand creativity, resourcefulness, and carefully crafted messaging to get attention. His conclusion is that adaptability is the most important skill a seller can master.

Prospecting is hard work. Many hours of calls and emails often result in silence. Chris explains that the best leaders show empathy for this grind and are even willing to get involved themselves. When leaders roll up their sleeves, model behaviors, and share the hustle, they inspire teams to push forward with commitment.

Chris is skilled at teaching how to secure meetings with top tier prospects, the whales and dolphins that truly move the revenue needle. He recommends a multi channel approach that combines calls, emails, and LinkedIn messages, all tied together with consistent and value driven personalization. He stresses that targeting is equally important. Salespeople must know their ideal customer and avoid chasing minnows that consume resources but offer little return.

Chris shares his personal story of beginning as the lowest performer on his first team and how a pivotal conversation with his manager pushed him to change course. That moment ignited his determination to improve. From this experience, he developed a path to reaching potential:

Learn constantly by studying methodologies and strategies and by staying curious.

Build strong relationships with mentors, peers, and leaders who can share insight.

Prepare thoroughly with clear plans, organized lists, and practiced talk tracks.

Play the numbers game with persistence, knowing that consistent activity creates opportunities.

Chris now leads the Tech Sales Accelerator, an approach that blends online training with personalized coaching. He works with new sellers beginning their careers, experienced professionals looking to break into higher level accounts, and sales leaders who want to strengthen their teams. His program focuses on practical skills that open doors, build trust, and create lasting customer relationships. Alongside coaching, Chris produces daily content on LinkedIn, shares outbound focused videos on YouTube, and hosts his own podcast.

This episode provides valuable takeaways for professionals at every level. Sales leaders will hear reminders about the power of empathy and the importance of modeling behavior. Individual contributors will find strategies to improve prospecting, preparation, and resilience. Executives will gain insight into why sales must be supported as the key driver of business growth.

Chris Bussing’s passion for outbound sales and his people first approach make this a conversation filled with actionable ideas to accelerate sales performance and professional growth.

Sales as the Core of GrowthInsights from Different EnvironmentsThe Sales Grind and LeadershipLanding Meetings with the Right ProspectsReaching Full Potential in SalesThe Tech Sales AcceleratorWhy This Conversation Matters

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Collaboration is no longer optional for leaders... it’s essential. In this solo episode, Thom Singer shares why collaboration is the new leadership and how creating a collaborative culture drives trust, innovation, and long-term success. Drawing from years of experience speaking about human interaction, networking, and trust, Thom explains why collaboration has become the key factor that separates thriving organizations from those that struggle to adapt.

Leaders who cultivate a collaborative vibe don’t just build stronger teams... they create workplaces where people want to engage, contribute, and stay. Collaboration fosters human connection, breaks down silos, and empowers individuals at every level of the organization. Thom outlines how collaboration is at the heart of problem-solving, innovation, and resilience, especially in industries facing rapid change. By weaving collaboration into daily leadership practices, executives can multiply their impact and build lasting loyalty within their companies and communities.

In this episode, Thom unpacks 8 benefits of a vibe of collaboration that every leader should embrace:

Builds trust faster

Fuels innovation

Improves engagement and morale

Breaks down silos

Strengthens problem-solving

Enhances adaptability

Multiplies leadership impact

Creates long-term loyalty

If you’re a CEO, executive, or rising leader, this episode will inspire you to make collaboration the cornerstone of your leadership style.

****************

Thom Singer, CSP, is a professional keynote speaker and the CEO at the Austin Technology Council. He is know for saying "Community, collaboration, and conversations can solve all problems"

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How to Become a Professional Speaker – My Experience and Advice

This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the audio of a video I made about how to become a professional speaker.

I often get asked, “How do I become a paid professional speaker?” The internet is full of programs promising shortcuts, insider secrets, and magical communities that will make you rich using the spoken word. Some deliver value, but many are designed to separate people with hopes and dreams from their money.

This episode is my opinion based on nearly two decades in the speaking business. If you ask 50 speakers how to make it in this career, you’ll probably get 50 different answers. This is simply my story—what has worked for me and what I’ve seen work for others.

Seventeen years ago, I joined the National Speakers Association (NSA). My career—over 1,000 paid speeches and a sustainable lifestyle business—would not have been possible without NSA. The sessions and keynotes are valuable, but the real gold has been the relationships—my “speaker friends” who work in the business every day. Real community isn’t built in one weekend. I’ve shown up year after year, invested in friendships, and learned directly from people actively speaking for a living. NSA offers new speakers, seasoned pros, and even Hall of Fame members who give back to the industry.

A friend once called for advice. I suggested she attend NSA’s annual conference—less than $3,000 for membership and the event. She chose a $15,000 for-profit group instead, believing it was a shortcut. A year later, the group had essentially dissolved, leaving her without the promised community or ROI. I’m not against for-profits or coaching—I do some coaching myself—but I believe in asking why an organization exists, where the money goes, and whether the people selling advice are actively making a living as speakers.

If you want to build a speaking career that lasts, join your trade association. Surround yourself with working speakers in the lane you want to be in. Learn the lanes of the speaking industry—corporate, association, education, training, Speak-to-Sell, and more—and choose where you’ll focus. Build your reputation over time. Invest in relationships with people who will genuinely help you succeed.

Being a professional speaker isn’t about fairy dust or viral fame. It’s about doing the work year after year, delivering value to your audiences, and being part of a real community. For me, that community has been the National Speakers Association. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re serious about this business, it’s worth exploring.

I’m not the richest or most famous speaker, but I’ve built a career I love, working with clients I respect, and enjoying the lifestyle I want. That’s a win in my book.

Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and experience. Your path may look different. If you ask 50 speakers how to succeed, you’ll get 50 different answers. Take what resonates, test what works for you, and build your own version of success.

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Attention management needs to be payed to how we develop relationships with people. Our world is more disconnected and yet when we have more friendships we live longer and are happier.

CEOs, business leaders, and association managers need to realize that companies and trade assocations play a special role in helping people make new connections.

Thom Singer has been speaking about the importance of Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI - Driven world.... but he really wants other people to be talking about his.

Younger professionals need to realize that the relationships they build early in their career are their secret weapon to more success down the line.

This episode of Making Waves at C-Level is the first of many new episodes after some time off. Enjoy

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In this solo episode of Making Waves at C-Level, keynote speaker and leadership strategist Thom Singer returns to the mic to address a vital question for today’s business world: What is the evolving role of the CEO in a time of massive technological and societal transformation?

As artificial intelligence, automation, and other disruptive technologies accelerate change across every industry, leaders in the C-suite are facing a new responsibility... not just to steer their companies, but to help guide their teams, communities, and broader society through an uncertain future.

Thom shares his insights on how CEOs can lead with intention, compassion, and clarity during times of disruption. Drawing from over a decade of working with executives and tech leaders, he outlines four powerful actions every CEO and senior executive can take right now to elevate their leadership:

• Model calm in the face of uncertainty

• Stay visible and engaged in your organization and community

• Talk openly about the human impact of technological change

• Partner with purpose-driven organizations to strengthen community trust

If you’re a business leader seeking to understand how to remain relevant, respected, and trusted in an AI-driven world... this episode is for you.

As a keynote speaker focused on human interaction, trust, and leadership in the digital age.

Want to bring Thom to speak at your next leadership summit, executive offsite, or industry event? Learn more at ThomSinger.com.

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In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer interviews Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). Rick shares insights from his 35+ years in association leadership, including his journey from radio DJ to running successful organizations like the Maryland Tech Council and APMP. They discuss the pivotal role of proposal management professionals in driving revenue, the evolution of associations in a changing world, and the importance of human connection in leadership. Rick highlights APMP's innovative certification programs and how they position members for success, as well as strategies for fostering growth, adapting to generational shifts, and creating a culture of inclusivity and respect within organizations. Packed with actionable advice for leaders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make an impact in business and beyond.

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In this video, discover why prioritizing human interaction is essential for a successful career in law. Join [Thom Singer] as he shares key insights on how building relationships not only enhances your reputation but also drives client loyalty and firm growth. Whether you're aiming to grow your network, strengthen client connections, or advance your legal career, these proven strategies will help you stand out in a competitive industry. Watch now to learn how authentic engagement and networking can transform your practice and position you for long-term success.

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In this episode of Making Waves at C-Level, Thom Singer dives deep into the power of networking and human interaction in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. With over 15 years of experience as a keynote speaker, author, and CEO of the Austin Technology Council, Thom shares his unique insights on how real human connections are the key to unlocking new opportunities, building business relationships, and fostering community. He explains why, despite the rise of AI and technology, face-to-face interaction is irreplaceable when it comes to creating trust and long-lasting relationships.

Thom also discusses the concept of "uncommon connections" and how leaders can cultivate environments where these meaningful relationships can flourish. He breaks down the importance of getting out of your comfort zone at events and offers practical advice on how to maximize your networking efforts at conferences and business meetings.

Tune in to learn how human interaction remains one of the most powerful tools for business success, even in an increasingly tech-driven world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their career, build their personal brand, or create a strong, connected business community.

#Makingwavesatclevel #peoplematter #humanconnections

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Welcome to Making Waves at C-Level! Hosted by Thom Singer, this podcast has been shaking things up for a decade, evolving from Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do into a show that inspires professionals at all levels to make waves in their careers. You don’t have to be a CEO, CFO, or CIO to gain insights from Thom’s candid conversations and solo episodes, packed with actionable advice.

In this episode, Thom dives into the challenges and opportunities of career reinvention after the age of 50. Drawing from personal experiences and coaching others, he shares practical tips on how to leverage experience, embrace lifelong learning, and network like your life depends on it. Thom reminds us that, regardless of age, it's never too late to make a big change in your professional journey.

Tune in for valuable insights, real-world advice, and a dose of inspiration as Thom helps you navigate the twists and turns of building a successful career—whether you’re just starting out or seeking a fresh start later in life.

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