Summary

In this episode of 'Maps are Dead', Mike Dauphinee speaks with Jonas Fridrichsen, VP of Sales at Thrive AP, about navigating the complexities of sales and leadership through the lens of CliftonStrengths. They explore Jonas's background in healthcare sales, the challenges of transitioning from a salesperson to a sales manager, and the importance of intellectual curiosity and resilience in achieving success. The conversation delves into the influence of mentors, the dynamics of managing teams, and the balance between personal strengths like Relator and Achiever. In this conversation, Mike Dauphinee and Jonas explore the complexities of being an achiever, the importance of measurable impact, and the role of context in decision-making. They discuss the balance between gut instinct and data in leadership, the significance of clarity in communication, and the power of written words. The dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity in a fast-paced world and how understanding one's strengths can lead to more effective leadership.

About Jonas Fridrichsen (Relator, Achiever, Context, Arranger, Intellection)

Jonas Fridrichsen serves as the Vice President of Sales for ThriveAP. He has over 15 years of experience working in healthcare technology.

Prior to joining ThriveAP, Jonas owned his own go-to market advisory firm, as well as holding growth leadership roles at HealthStream, Medalogix, and Meru Health, all enjoying double digit growth during his tenure. His healthcare experience includes focuses on workforce development, credentialing/privileging, predictive analytics, provider data management, and digital behavioral health across providers and payers.

Jonas graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee and enjoys live music, mountain biking, and road trips with his wife, 2 labs, and 3 kids (in that order).

takeaways

• Maps are becoming less relevant in today's world.

• Understanding one's strengths can help navigate challenges.

• Sales is akin to a game with its own rules and dynamics.

• Intellectual curiosity drives success in sales.

• The transition from salesperson to manager can be challenging.

• Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal development.

• Resilience is important, but buoyancy is key to quick recovery.

• Creating distance in customer interactions can lead to better outcomes.

• Relators prefer deep connections over small talk.

• Achievers need to redefine success in leadership roles. Stopping is not restful for achievers.

• Active distraction can be as restful as sitting.

• Feedback tied to an outcome is impactful for achievers.

• Context helps in understanding how the past informs the future.

• Career transitions can be intuitive and enlightening.

• Gut instinct plays a significant role in decision-making.

• Mistakes are learning opportunities, but repeating them is not acceptable.

• Clarity in leadership is crucial for engagement.

• Written communication is often more effective than verbal.

• Authenticity is increasingly valuable in a fast-paced world.

titles

• Navigating Sales with CliftonStrengths

• The Game of Sales and Leadership

• From Salesperson to Sales Manager: A Journey

• The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth

• Intellectual Curiosity: The Key to Sales Success

Sound Bites

• "Maps are basically useless."

• "It's the game of life."

• "I want to teach and coach."

• "Let's be buoyant, not just resilient."

• "I want to get four layers deep."

• "Celebrate every time I check a box."

• "Stopping is not restful for achievers."

• "I'd rather be miserable than bored."

• "Written word is vastly important to me."

• "Good cook, home cooking takes time."

• "Leadership as art takes time."

Summary

In this episode, Mike Dauphinee interviews David Merritt, COO of UNRL Clothing, discussing his unique career transition from a successful lawyer to a leader in the athleisure industry. They explore themes of personal growth, the importance of faith and perspective in decision-making, and the challenges of navigating career changes. David shares insights on trusting oneself, seeking guidance from trusted individuals, and finding purpose in one's work. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication and relationships in professional settings, as well as the lessons learned from taking risks and embracing new opportunities.

About David Merritt (Communication, Competition, Achiever, Relator, Woo)

David Merritt is the Chief Operating Officer at UNRL, a premium athleisure brand based in St. Paul, Minnesota. With a background in law, David previously served as a partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, where he specialized in trademark and advertising law, representing major technology, clothing, food, and consumer goods brands in compliance and litigation matters.

At UNRL, David brings his legal expertise and strategic leadership to the forefront, overseeing operations and contributing to the brand's rapid growth and national recognition. Under his operational guidance, UNRL has expanded its reach, including notable collaborations and a Super Bowl commercial that garnered national attention.

David resides in Minnesota with his family and is known for his commitment to excellence and innovation in both the legal and business arenas.

takeaways

• ​UNRL Clothing focuses on empowering everyone to be an athlete.
• ​David transitioned from a successful law career to COO of UNRL.
• ​Discontent can be a catalyst for change and growth.
• ​Faith plays a central role in navigating career decisions.
• ​Trusting oneself is crucial, but seeking guidance is equally important.
• ​Perspective can help clarify what truly matters in life.
• ​It's important to recognize the value of past experiences, even if they seem unrelated.
• ​Building relationships and trust within an organization enhances collaboration.
• ​Finding purpose in work can lead to greater fulfillment.
• ​Confidence can be remembered from past successes, not just conjured.

titles

• ​Navigating Career Transitions with David Merritt
• ​From Lawyer to COO: A Journey of Growth

Sound Bites

• ​"Everybody can be an athlete."
• ​"I was a little discontent."
• ​"I want to partner in this."

No Fluff. No hype.Navigation Brief⁠

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Mike Dauphinee reconnects with Barb Roose to unpack self-awareness, personal growth, and what it means to truly know when to let go. They explore how fear can hijack our decision-making, how to get off the “wrong highway,” and the mental discipline required to choose peace over control. From dating in midlife to managing ambition and embracing mindfulness, Barb shares her real-world insight with humility and strength. This episode is packed with stories, frameworks, and the reminder that sometimes the strongest move forward starts with stopping.

About Barb Roose (

Barb Roose is a popular speaker, author, and literary agent. She regularly speaks in the US and abroad, including national platforms like the Aspire Women’s Events, She Speaks Conference, COMPEL Pathways, and the UMC Leadership Institute. She’s the author of seven Bible studies and five books that equip women to live beautifully strong and courageous lives, experiencing God’s adventure of faith and purpose. Barb also writes a weekly Happy Monday devotional and hosts the Bold, Brave & Beautiful podcast. She’s the proud mom of three adult children and lives in Northwest Ohio. And whenever possible—Barb eats dessert first.

Learn more at barbroose.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbroose . (@barbroose)

Barb's Recent Book - Stronger Than Stress

Takeaways

Understanding your strengths can lead to greater self-awareness.

Fear can drive decision-making; it's important to recognize it.

Letting go of control can lead to personal growth.

Dating can be approached strategically, but deeper connections matter.

Confidence is about remembering past successes, not just creating new ones.

Learning is essential for navigating life transitions.

Rest is crucial for those with high achiever traits.

Mindfulness practices can help quiet a busy mind.

Navigating transitions requires self-care and awareness.

It’s okay to have a holy discontent for more in life.

Sound Bites

"Confidence isn't created, it's remembered."

"We are human beings, not human doings."

"The journey of self-discovery is ongoing."

No map? No problem.
If this hit you in the gut—in a good way—there’s more where that came from:

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We help people navigate when the map stops working. You in?

Episode Summary
What do you do when life doesn’t come with a map? In this vulnerable and honest conversation, Mike sits down with artist and mom of three, Mariah Smith, to explore what it looks like to navigate from the inside out. They unpack the intersection of strengths, creativity, motherhood, and identity—especially when you're in a season where everything feels both full and foggy. Mariah shares how her CliftonStrengths themes (like Futuristic, Ideation, and Maximizer) both inspire and overwhelm her, and how she’s learning to trust her internal compass, even when the future feels unclear. Together, they talk through what it means to stay creatively alive while raising a family, balancing ambition with reality, and why personal peace might just be the real win. Whether you're chasing dreams, changing diapers, or both—this one’s for you.

Mariah Smith's Top-5 Strengths: Futuristic, Activator, Ideation, Relator, Maximize

What You'll Hear

Why navigating life starts with knowing yourself

How strengths like Futuristic and Maximizer show up in real-time

The tension between creativity and responsibility

The role of authentic partnership in decision-making

Parenting, burnout, and the power of seasons

Creating space for self-prioritization (without guilt)

The beauty of slowing down to speed up later

Soundbites to Remember

"It's okay to navigate this."

"Your kids need to see you fully alive."

"I want to prioritize myself."

Want your own Navigation Brief?

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