You are going to love this episode! I know I did.

I’m joined by Gabrielle Dolan, global storytelling expert and author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. Gabrielle has spent more than two decades helping leaders communicate with more clarity, connection, and trust through real stories.

We talked about why authentic storytelling matters even more now, especially as AI makes it easier than ever to create polished content quickly. Gabrielle shared what she learned from comparing human-written stories with AI-generated ones, and why authenticity is still the piece people feel when it is missing. This is fully explained with amazing story examples in her book also.

What stood out for me most was Gabrielle’s reminder that storytelling is not reserved for polished speakers or professional writers. We all have stories. The challenge is learning how to find them, shape them, and connect them to the message we want to share. She also gave practical guidance for using AI wisely as a tool to support communication without letting it replace our real voice.

This conversation is full of insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to build stronger relationships in business through more honest and human communication.

Key Takeaways

• Authentic stories build trust faster than polished talking points - In a time when people are questioning what is real, genuine stories help us connect in a way that feels human and believable.
• AI can support storytelling, but it cannot replace authenticity - Gabrielle explains that AI may create clear content, but it often misses the emotional truth and specificity that make a story feel real.
• Personal stories are often the most powerful in business - Stories from life outside work can create stronger connection, deepen relationships, and bring values to life in a memorable way.
• Most people already have stories. They just need help finding them - Gabrielle’s process starts with the message, then works backward to uncover moments that reflect it.
• Storytelling strengthens communication and relationships at the same time - good story does more than share information. It helps people understand who we are and what we stand for.

You can reach Gabrielle at:

Her website: gabrielledolan.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan

I do highly recommend her book also – which you can find on Amazon and anywhere books are sold.

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

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In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with intuitive artist and spiritual teacher Heather Eck about seeing people and relationships in a completely different way.

Heather experiences the world through synesthesia, a condition where senses overlap. In her case, people, emotions, and experiences appear as color. What began as a unique way of perceiving the world eventually became the foundation for her work as an artist and guide helping others reconnect with their intuition.

During our conversation, Heather shared how color can reveal emotional patterns, why intuition often speaks before logic does, and how paying attention to subtle signals can deepen our relationships. We also talked about her journey from a successful corporate HR career into the creative and spiritual work she now does helping people gain clarity and healing through color and art.

What I found especially fascinating was how Heather uses color as a language for understanding people. It reminded me that strong relationships are built not only on what we say, but also on how deeply we listen and how present we are with one another.

This conversation invites us to slow down, trust our intuition a little more, and become more aware of the energy we bring into our relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. Synesthesia creates a different lens for understanding people - Heather experiences people, emotions, and environments through color, giving her a unique way of sensing energy and emotional patterns.
2. Intuition often speaks before logic - Many decisions cannot be solved through analysis alone. Learning to notice body signals and intuitive cues can bring clarity.
3. Color can reveal emotional patterns - The colors people are drawn to or avoid may reflect underlying emotions or experiences.
4. Creative expression can be a path to healing - Art can help people process emotions, reconnect with themselves, and move through difficult experiences.
5. Stronger relationships come from deeper awareness - Paying attention to subtle emotional signals can help us understand others and connect more authentically.

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

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please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jimmy Page, leadership expert, author, and co-creator of the powerful One Word philosophy.

Jimmy has spent decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations improve culture, performance, and purpose. Through his work with athletes, businesses, and ministries around the world, he has trained more than 100,000 leaders and continues to inspire people to live what he calls an unstoppable life.

During our conversation, Jimmy shared how the simple idea of choosing one guiding word for the year can bring clarity and focus to every area of life. Instead of setting long lists of goals that often fade away, the One Word approach helps people align their decisions, habits, and relationships around a single intention.

We also talked about the importance of relationships in shaping our lives and leadership. One of my favorite moments in this conversation was the story involving my previous guest, Coach Jim Johnson. When Coach Jim recently reconnected with Jimmy, he realized Jimmy had actually been one of the high school basketball players he coached years earlier. It was a wonderful reminder that relationships often come full circle in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Jimmy’s message is simple but powerful: when you focus on what truly matters, you not only perform better, you build stronger relationships and live with greater purpose.

Key Takeaways

• A single guiding word can bring clarity and intention to your life and leadership.

• Simplifying your focus often leads to stronger results than chasing many goals.

• Purpose and performance are deeply connected to the relationships we build along the way.

• Leaders who focus on culture, mindset, and wellness create stronger teams.

• The right word can act as a compass for decisions throughout the year.

You can reach Jimmy at:

https://beunstoppable.live/ and https://getoneword.com/

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Trust feels more fragile than ever right now, and I believe leaders are being asked to navigate change, uncertainty, and higher expectations in ways we have not seen before. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, EQ expert, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empathic Leader, to talk about empathy as a practical leadership skill that builds trust, improves culture, and drives results.

Melissa helped me broaden how I think about empathy. It is not only about “feeling what someone feels.” She explains emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and self-empathy, and why leaders can take another person’s perspective even if they do not experience the same emotions. We also talk about the difference between real empathy and performative empathy, and why curiosity is one of the clearest signals that empathy is genuine.

One of my favorite moments was hearing her simple leadership reminder: trust is often built through visibility and small actions, one person at a time. If you lead a team, manage from the middle, or you are stepping into leadership for the first time, this conversation will give you both insight and real-world tools you can use immediately.

Key takeaways

1. Empathy is both a gift and a skill. You can learn it, practice it, and get better at it over time.
2. Cognitive empathy matters. You can understand someone’s perspective without taking on all the feelings, which helps prevent burnout.
3. Trust is built through visibility and consistency. Culture forms in the everyday moments when people are watching what leaders do.
4. Performative empathy is self-focused. Genuine empathy is other-focused and includes curiosity.
5. Empathy and judgment cannot exist in the same space. The more we compare through our own lens, the harder it is to truly empathize.

You can find Melissa at:

https://eqviaempathy.com/

[email protected]

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

This week, I sit down with Nick Richtsmeier to explore something many business owners feel but struggle to articulate: trust is eroding, and it is affecting every sales conversation.

Nick challenges the traditional growth playbook. Instead of treating hesitation, resistance, or disengagement as problems to fix, he reframes them as valuable data. Distrust is not a failure. It is information.

We talk about why digital systems reward speed and extraction over relationship building, and why small businesses feel the impact most. Nick introduces the idea of “trust nodes” as simple, human touch points that shape long-term loyalty far more effectively than funnels or persuasion tactics.

If you have ever wondered why prospects seem more skeptical, why sales cycles feel longer, or why pushing harder no longer works, this conversation will give you language and clarity.

At its heart, this episode is about returning to what actually grows business:

authentic relationships built on transparency, alignment, and integrity.

Key Takeaways

1. Resistance in a sales conversation is not rejection. It is feedback.
2. Distrust often reveals misalignment in expectations, incentives, or promises.
3. Small relational moments, or trust nodes, matter more than automated campaigns.
4. Traditional persuasion tactics are losing effectiveness in a skeptical market.
5. Sustainable growth comes from strengthening relationships, not gaming systems.

You can find Nick at: Culturecraft.com

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Jim Johnson, a long-time educator, championship basketball coach, and inspirational speaker who has spent decades helping people see what’s possible for them. Right away, I could see how closely Jim’s leadership style reflects what I’ve witnessed firsthand, with my husband. (He was a lifelong high school basketball coach too.) Leading with belief, care, and encouragement, and understanding that the words we choose can stay with someone for life.

Jim shares honest lessons from early in his career, including a humbling season that forced him to rethink what leadership really requires. We talk about why “caring” and “challenging” are not opposites, and how the best leaders hold high standards while still building trust. Jim also explains how he became more intentional with communication, including a shift from “having the agenda” to becoming what he calls the Chief Question Asker.

We also talk about the unforgettable J-Mac story, a moment that captured the world’s attention and still stands as a powerful reminder of what happens when a team chooses “we over me.” It’s a conversation about trust, team culture, resilience under pressure, and how relationships and words shape performance, confidence, and lives.

Takeaways

1. Words last. The things we say as leaders can become part of someone’s confidence for years.
2. Caring and challenging can live together. High standards work best when people also feel seen and supported.
3. Relationships are the foundation. Trust doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, time, and knowing your people.
4. Teams unite when leaders listen. Asking better questions and creating space for real input builds ownership.
5. Clarity is kindness. Even hard feedback lands better when it’s clear, respectful, and explained.

Jim can be reached at: https://coachjimjohnson.com/

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, I sit down with David Homan, master connector, podcaster, start-up founder, co-author of Orchestrating Connection and founder of Orchestrated Connecting. We explore how connection, generosity, and purpose can transform our businesses and our lives.

David shares how he’s built a system to track and honor referrals — so that connectors get recognized for the value they create. We also talk about his insight that while most people are great at helping others, they often struggle to ask for what they need.

We dive into why being intentional about who you surround yourself with matters, and how success often comes down to the right people in the right conditions.

Key Takeaways:

1. The best connectors give freely — but they also need to learn to ask for themselves.
2. Every introduction has value; honoring the chain of connection strengthens trust.
3. Purposeful communities grow when people align around shared values and generosity.
4. The equation for meaningful success: the right people + the right conditions.
5. True connection isn’t networking — it’s orchestrating relationships with intention.

David can be found at: orchestratedconnecting.com

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode I welcome back Stacey Brown Randall, author of The Referable Client Experience. Stacey challenges the old idea that referrals come from asking. We talk about why excellent work alone doesn’t lead to referrals, what clients are quietly thinking as they move through your process, and how small, human touchpoints build trust, safety, and pride, the emotions that make people willing to put their name behind you.

Key Takeaways

1. Great work ≠ referrals. You need both strong delivery and an intentional relationship layer.
2. Map your client journey. Label every touchpoint “W” (work) or “R” (relationship) and aim for at least ~20% relationship touchpoints per stage.
3. Honor the “quiet voice.” Anticipate what new, active, and alumni clients are feeling and address it proactively.
4. Gifts should be about them, not you. Avoid logoed items for referral sources; extend brand through meaningful, client-centric tokens.
5. Being small is a superpower. Your ability to connect personally is what big brands can’t replicate.

Stacey can be found at: staceybrownrandall.com

Her book is in book stores and on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bhNAExm

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode I’m joined by Dr. Robin Hills, founder of Ei4Change and a long-time educator in emotional intelligence. We explore why the future is human, how empathy drives real performance, and what leaders can do that AI never will. Robin shares how self-awareness translates into intelligent behavior, why personality assessments are only useful when we apply them, and how the seven basic human emotions show up in everyday leadership. We also talk cultural context, creating safe learning environments, and Robin’s updated take on emotional resilience in business – his updated 2nd edition of: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business.

Key Takeaways

1. Emotional intelligence is a success skill. Empathy, purpose, and values-based decisions inspire people in ways technology cannot.
2. Self-awareness is the gateway to intelligent behavior. Know your strengths and limitations, then practice regulating emotions in real situations.
3. Tools are helpful, not definitive. Personality assessments and AI are starting points. Make outputs relevant to your voice, culture, and context.
4. Lead humans, not abstractions. Focus on relationships, collaboration, and creating environments where people can learn and contribute.
5. The seven basic emotions matter at work. Recognizing blends of joy, anger, sadness, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt helps leaders respond wisely.

Robin can be found at:

Website: https://ei4change.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robinhills

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Seeing is Believing!

That’s one of the mantras of my guest, Todd Cherches. Todd has built his career, and written a book called: Visual Leadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Leadership and Life.

In this interview we explore how visual thinking can transform the way we communicate, connect, and build trust in business. Todd shares why helping people “see what you’re saying” isn’t about artistic talent, but about clarity, intention, and empathy.

We talk about how visuals, metaphors, and storytelling create shared understanding, especially when ideas feel complex or abstract. Todd also explains why visual leadership helps prospects, clients, and referral partners feel more confident, engaged, and aligned.

This conversation is a reminder that trust grows faster when people truly understand you — and visual thinking is one of the most powerful ways to make that happen.

Key Takeaways

1. Visual thinking helps people understand ideas more quickly and remember them longer
2. Trust increases when communication feels clear, human, and relatable
3. You don’t need to be “creative” to use visuals effectively in business
4. Metaphors and stories make abstract ideas tangible and meaningful
5. Helping others see your thinking builds confidence and credibility

Todd can be reached at: https://www.toddcherches.com/

or on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/toddcherches

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

the comment section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

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Leave us an Apple Podcast review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.