The Disruptive Leader

The Disruptive Leader

By Ranya B ✨BusinessEntrepreneurship
Download on the App Store

The Disruptive Leader episodes

  • Vinyls, Values, and Virtual Ventures with Lica Wouters

    Are you ready to spin into a world where business meets the heartbeat of humanity? In our latest episode, we're rolling out the red carpet for Lica Wouters, the dynamo behind Mind & Metrics. 


    This isn't just a podcast; it's a journey through culture, technology, and the timeless art of storytelling!


    • Lica's Grand Tour [00:00 - 02:15]: We kick off with a warm welcome and dive into Lica's nomadic childhood, from Dutch canals to New York skyscrapers. It's like watching "The Amazing Race" in a business context!
    • From Digital Pranks to Professional Prowess [02:15 - 07:45]: Discover how Lica went from tweaking MySpace profiles to mastering the digital universe with HubSpot. It's not every day you meet someone who's practically the MacGyver of online marketing!
    • Work Culture World Tour [07:45 - 10:20]: Get the scoop on blending the efficiency of American hustle with the finesse of European work culture. It's like cooking with Gordon Ramsay but without the shouting!
    • Storytelling: The Business Blockbuster [10:20 - 13:45]: Learn how Lica's film school days craft today's business narratives. Spoiler: Your brand needs a plot twist, not just a product!
    • AI, Humans, and Brand DNA [13:45 - 17:30]: In a world where AI is the new normal, Lica explains why your brand's DNA should be as distinct as your fingerprints.
    • Analog in a Digital Era [17:30 - 26:40]: Ever wondered how vinyl and typewriters fit into the digital age? Lica's here to educate and entertain with tales from her analog adventures.
    • Crafting Business Legacies [26:40 - 29:15]: Lica shares her recipe for building a business that lasts longer than a well-kept vinyl record.
    • The Three Musketeers of Transformation [29:15 - 32:45]: Uncover the three pivotal shifts that can catapult your business into the future.
    • Humanity vs. The Algorithm [32:45 - 36:20]: Drawing parallels with Good Will Hunting, we explore why human experiences always trump AI's binary world.
    • Third Culture, First Class Leadership [36:20 - 39:45]: Lica reveals how her "third culture" upbringing has supercharged her leadership style. It's diversity as the ultimate business strategy!
    • Smashing the Stereotypes [39:45 - 44:30]: Breaking glass ceilings and challenging norms, Lica discusses the evolving role of women in business leadership.
    • Motivation Beyond Money [44:30 - 47:15]: Money talks, but what walks? Lica's insights on motivation will have you rethinking your morning alarm.
    • Humanity: The Ultimate Business Hack [47:15 - End]: We wrap up with a heartfelt look at why embracing the human experience in business isn't just good ethics; it's good economics.


      • Key Takeaways:

      • Storytelling: The secret sauce to stand out in the digital soup.
      • Double Transformation: Digital and human, because one without the other is like bread without butter.
      • Cultural Chameleon: Adaptability isn't just a skill; it's a superpower.
      • Self-Awareness: The mirror to your business soul.
      • Humanity: The future of business isn't less human; it's more human.


        • Quote of the Show: "Remember, it's not the paycheck that gets you up in the morning; it's the passion and purpose." - Lica Wouters


        Links & Resources:

        • Mind & Metrics: Where Lica's magic happens.
        • HubSpot's Content Remix Tool: Your content's new best friend.
        • Good Will Hunting: Watch it for the math, and stay for humanity.


          • Connect with Lica:

          • LinkedIn: Lica Wouters
          • Mind & Metrics
            • 46 min
          • From Banker to Hummus Baron: Ibra Idrees' Recipe for Resilience

            In this profoundly moving episode, we sit down with Ibra Idrees, founder of Malmö's beloved Hummusson and former banking executive, who shares his extraordinary journey from Syria to Sweden with a story that embodies resilience, family devotion, and the power of starting over.


            Episode Highlights:

            • The difficult decision to leave Syria at age 27, just before the civil war began
            • Building a successful banking career in Qatar while supporting his family
            • The emotional weight of living with temporary residency and yearly visa renewals
            • Applying to over 2,000 jobs in Sweden without success
            • The pivotal moment of transforming rejection into opportunity by creating Hummusson
            • How banking skills translated into entrepreneurial success
            • The role of the community in supporting a new business during COVID
            • Creating a Mediterranean oasis in Malmö with his parents and aunt


              • Memorable Quotes:

              "I never had a proper goodbye with Syria... those few days [visiting] are now 12 years." - Ibra Idrees


              "When applying from abroad, they consider you a skilled worker. But when you come without a job and apply for jobs in Sweden, they see you as an immigrant." - Ibra Idrees.


              "The thing I hate most about giving up is how easy it is." - Ibra Idrees.


              "We are Mediterranean. Our balcony is our second living room on the street. We say hi to everyone. We wave to everyone. We invite everyone." - Ibra Idrees.


              Key Takeaways:

              1. Success often requires redefining your goals rather than changing your strategy.
              2. Family can be both a responsibility and a source of strength
              3. Cultural integration can happen through food and genuine hospitality
              4. Professional expertise in one field can provide unexpected advantages in another
              5. Community support is crucial for immigrant entrepreneurs


                6. Notable Moments:

                • The newspaper interview that made Ibra cry on the bus, seeing his story through someone else's eyes
                • Getting a microfinance loan approved in 3 hours due to his banking background
                • Creating a community in his apartment building through chocolate and laundry room diplomacy
                • The family collaboration that makes Hummusson's food "taste like love."


                  • Resources Mentioned:

                  • Hummusson - Malmö's first hummus bar
                  • Red Cross volunteer program
                  • Swedish microfinance initiatives


                    • Connect with Ibra:

                    • Visit Hummusson in Malmö
                    • Ibra on LinkedIn


                      • Remember to subscribe to The Disruptive Leader podcast and leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode!

                      39 min
                    • Unlocking Entrepreneurial Potential: From Corporate Consultant to Business Owner

                      In this episode, Ranya chats with Jon Mogard, a new entrepreneur who recently started his own business after spending years in corporate consultancy.


                      Jon shares his journey, discussing the fears and motivations that led to his decision to jump into entrepreneurship. They delve into the challenges of balancing family life with starting a business, the importance of personal fulfillment beyond the career, and the practicalities of managing a startup.

                      Jon also discusses the psychological aspects of entrepreneurship, including dealing with the fear of failure and learning to say no. The conversation touches on Jon's cultural experiences while living in New Zealand and how his role as a gymnastics coach has influenced his professional life.


                      Advice for Making the Leap: Corporate to Entrepreneur


                      Financial Preparation

                      • Create a realistic budget based on your partner's/family income
                      • Aim for 3 months of financial buffer
                      • Start with a clear minimum revenue target
                      • Don't focus on maximizing profit initially


                        • Define Your Purpose

                        • Write down why you're starting this business (beyond money)
                        • Create rules to keep you aligned with your purpose
                        • Schedule regular check-ins with yourself about purpose alignment
                        • Plan how to use your newfound freedom


                          • Client Strategy

                          • Start with choosing clients you genuinely want to work with
                          • Learn to say no early - not all revenue is good revenue
                          • Focus on building authentic relationships
                          • Don't take on too many clients too quickly


                            • Work-Life Design

                            • Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
                            • Plan for non-revenue-generating activities
                            • Keep time for hobbies and family
                            • Start with 3-4 days of client work to maintain balance


                              • Mindset Shifts

                              • Accept that fear is normal but shouldn't stop you
                              • View selling as helping when you believe in your service
                              • Trust that things will work out if you add value
                              • Remember: you can always return to employment if needed


                                • Support System

                                • Have open discussions with family about the transition
                                • Find other entrepreneurs to connect with
                                • Be transparent with clients about your new business model
                                • Build a network that supports your vision


                                  • Personal Growth

                                  • Embrace the learning curve
                                  • Document what works and what doesn't
                                  • Stay true to your values
                                  • Focus on making each day a "good day."


                                    • Remember: You don't need to have it all figured out to start. Sometimes, the best approach is to take the leap and adjust as you go.


                                    Notable Quotes from Jon:

                                    1. "The purpose was never for me to start my own business to become rich... it was about freedom to work with the people I like working with and have time for other things that don't bring me money."
                                    2. "Following your dream is the easy part. Finding that dream is the hard part."
                                    3. "Things can materialize - you're in control... nothing strange about it, someone decided to do this and that and then it just happened."


                                      4. Timestamps

                                      • 00:00 Morning Greetings and Weekly Catch-Up
                                      • 00:31 Starting a New Business Journey
                                      • 01:29 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Fears
                                      • 03:48 Balancing Family and Business
                                      • 08:25 Career Reflections and Decisions
                                      • 15:05 Living by Chance and Manifestation
                                      • 20:58 Cultural Shifts and COVID Experiences
                                      • 27:43 Entrepreneurial Realizations and Client Choices
                                      • 35:19 Balancing Business Goals and Personal Freedom
                                      • 36:37 Managing Client Expectations and Workload
                                      • 37:20 The Importance of Enjoying Your Work
                                      • 38:43 Human-Centric Business Approach
                                      • 40:49 The Role of Relationships in Business
                                      • 42:18 Embracing Change and Taking Risks
                                      • 44:51 The Intersection of Sports and Professional Life
                                      • 50:45 Overcoming the Fear of Failure
                                      • 57:16 Adapting and Managing Personal Habits
                                      • 01:04:05 Effective Communication with Teenagers
                                      • 01:06:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
                                        • 1 hr 8 min
                                      • From Channel Consultant to Executive Coach: Crushing It with Sam Hirbod

                                        In this episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya interviews Sam Hirbod, Senior Partner Development Manager and 2023's #1 Top-Performing Strategic Channel Consultant at HubSpot and Harvard-trained Executive Coach.

                                        Sam shares his remarkable journey from reviewing dating profiles in Stockholm to becoming a leading figure in HubSpot's partner ecosystem, offering unique insights into cross-cultural leadership, executive coaching, and the future of business optimization.


                                        Episode Highlights

                                        • ​Sam's journey from Sweden to Ireland to the US
                                        • ​The intersection of analytics and executive coaching
                                        • ​Building successful partner relationships at HubSpot
                                        • ​Cross-cultural leadership insights
                                        • ​The importance of continuous adaptation in business


                                        Key Takeaways

                                        The Power of Listening: Sam emphasizes that coaching is 90% listening and 10% speaking, highlighting how better listening can unlock opportunities in sales, leadership, and business growth.

                                        Cultural Adaptability: Moving between continents has taught Sam valuable lessons about adapting communication styles and business approaches across different cultures.

                                        Partner Success Strategy: Sam's partner optimization approach involves carefully auditing current processes and breaking down goals into tangible, achievable steps.

                                        Change Management: Staying current with market trends and regularly revisiting business strategies is crucial for sustained success.


                                        Memorable Quotes

                                        "I'm passionate about seeing people overcome obstacles... If something is hindering you from reaching a certain point that you thought was impossible and then you reach that point, I get thrilled when I can enable that person to overcome that obstacle." - Sam Hirbod.


                                        "Data, it's there. You can do whatever with the data. As long as you have good reporting, this is not always true. Dealing with egos requires more time, but it's a great challenge." - Sam Hirbod.


                                        Cultural Insights

                                        Sam shares fascinating contrasts between Swedish and American business cultures:

                                        • ​Swedish meetings: Direct, business-focused, minimal personal chat
                                        • ​American meetings: Always start with a personal connection
                                        • ​The importance of adapting communication styles across cultures


                                        Future of Leadership

                                        • ​Discussion on generational shifts in leadership styles
                                        • ​Impact of AI and technological changes
                                        • ​Importance of staying adaptable and open to change


                                        Connect with Sam

                                        Reach out to Sam Hirbod on LinkedIn for executive coaching and consultancy opportunities.


                                        The Disruptive Leader podcast is your catalyst for revolutionary business thinking. Join us as we uncover game-changing strategies, embrace innovation, and learn to lead with vision.

                                        36 min
                                      • From English Major to EdTech Pioneer: Building HubSpot's Global Academy with Brenna Zenaty

                                        In this episode of The Disruptive Leader, host Ranya sits down with Brenna Zenaty, Senior Solutions Partner Professor at HubSpot Academy, to explore the evolution of corporate education and the future of tech-enabled learning.

                                        Key Discussion Points:

                                        • Brenna's journey from English major to "accidental customer education professional."
                                        • The expansion of HubSpot Academy from a simple onboarding tool to a global education platform in 6 languages
                                        • Building and measuring the success of educational content at scale
                                        • Creating culturally inclusive learning experiences across different markets
                                        • The role of AI in transforming corporate education while maintaining human connection


                                          • Notable Quotes:

                                          "Digital by default, but designed by humans for humans." - Courtney Sembler, as quoted by Brenna

                                          "Don't try to come out of the gate and do everything at once." - Brenna Zenaty on starting educational initiatives

                                          Key Takeaways:

                                          1. The importance of measuring both content effectiveness and business impact in educational programs
                                          2. How HubSpot Academy leverages a team of native speakers to ensure cultural relevance across markets
                                          3. The growing importance of micro-learning and "Academy on the Go" content in the age of short-form video
                                          4. The balance between leveraging AI for efficiency while maintaining human-centered education


                                            5. Resources Mentioned:

                                            • HubSpot Academy's core languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Portuguese
                                            • ADDIE Framework for instructional design
                                              • HubSpot's Education Partner Program


                                                • Connect with Brenna on LinkedIn


                                                About the Guest:

                                                Brenna Zenaty is the Senior Solutions Partner Professor at HubSpot Academy, where she leads content creation for Solutions Partners and technical end users. With a marketing and customer success background, she has played a crucial role in expanding HubSpot's educational offerings globally.


                                                28 min
                                              • From Tourism to Tech: Breaking Cultural Barriers with Mali Diaz

                                                In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya interviews Mali Diaz, a Senior Strategic Partner Account Manager at AirCall and former HubSpot Principal Latam's Customer Success Manager.

                                                Mali shares her remarkable journey from Paraguay to Boston and discusses the intersection of culture, language, and leadership in the global tech landscape.

                                                Key Highlights

                                                • Mali's pivot from pursuing civil engineering to tourism and, eventually, technology
                                                • The impact of speaking multiple languages on business relationships and cultural understanding
                                                • Insights on impostor syndrome and its roots in colonial history
                                                • How growing up in the Global South shapes leadership capabilities and resilience
                                                • The role of technology in both connecting and disconnecting human relationships
                                                • Leadership lessons from managing teams through periods of significant change


                                                  • Notable Quotes

                                                  • "If you don't work with people first, then business will never happen." - Mali Diaz.
                                                  • "Technology has allowed us to become more productive than we've ever been as humankind... Yet, we don't live better." - Mali Diaz.
                                                  • "Everything is transitional. Everything's just for now and in cycles." - Mali Diaz.


                                                    • Leadership Insights

                                                    Human-Centric Leadership

                                                    • Focus on building genuine relationships before business
                                                      • Invest time in understanding people's motivations and goals
                                                      • Remember that position doesn't equal leadership.


                                                        • Managing Through Change

                                                        • Keep eyes on the horizon during turbulent times
                                                        • Maintain clear communication about changes and roles
                                                        • Understand that everything moves in cycles


                                                          • Cultural Intelligence

                                                          • Leverage language skills to understand cultural nuances
                                                          • Recognize how different cultures approach work and relationships diverse experiences as a strength in leadership


                                                            • Key Takeaways for Global Leaders

                                                            1. Leadership isn't about position - you can lead from any role
                                                            2. Invest in knowing your people beyond their professional roles
                                                            3. Don't let productivity metrics overshadow human connections
                                                            4. Understanding yourself is as essential as understanding others
                                                            5. Embrace transitions and be ready to pivot when needed


                                                              6. About Mali Diaz

                                                              Originally from Paraguay, Mali Diaz has built an impressive career spanning tourism, technology, and leadership. Her journey includes roles at HubSpot and AirQol, where she's leveraged her multilingual abilities and cross-cultural experience to drive success in global markets.


                                                              The Disruptive Leader podcast explores game-changing strategies, embraces innovation, and shares insights from leaders transforming their industries. Join us for more episodes that challenge traditional business thinking and inspire revolutionary leadership.

                                                              41 min
                                                            6. From Code to Consciousness: Rich Habets's Journey to Corporate Transformation

                                                              In this enlightening episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya sits down with Rich Habets, founder of the Corporate Coaching Academy and a seasoned transformation leader. Rich shares his fascinating journey from software architect to corporate consciousness expert, revealing how his obsession with understanding "how things work" led him from debugging computers to debugging human behavior in business.

                                                              Key Highlights

                                                              • Rich's transition from computer science to corporate transformation
                                                              • The crucial difference between successful and unsuccessful individuals: clarity
                                                              • How the "onboard consultant" (ego) affects decision-making in business
                                                              • The importance of being your authority in both life and leadership
                                                              • Why some leaders resist personal transformation and growth
                                                              • The concept of "slow down to speed up" in leadership

                                                                • Notable Quotes

                                                                • "Life has no meaning. Life is empty and meaningless... But you can create your meaning. Isn't that the best news ever?"
                                                                • "The unexamined life is not worth living."
                                                                • "It's impossible for your job to give you satisfaction. Why don't you bring satisfaction to the job?"
                                                                • "The limit you set as a leader is that you cannot expect your people to go above that."

                                                                  • Key Insights

                                                                  The Journey to Self-Discovery

                                                                  Rich shares his early experiences, starting with a personality test in Amsterdam at age 17, which sparked his lifelong interest in psychology and human behavior. His journey from software architecture to transformation leadership demonstrates the importance of following one's curiosity and passion.

                                                                  Leadership and Cultural Change

                                                                  • The critical role of leadership in organizational transformation
                                                                  • Why cultural change must start from the top
                                                                  • The importance of walking the talk and setting the right example
                                                                  • How leadership behavior directly impacts client relationships and trust

                                                                    • The Balance of Left and Right Brain Thinking

                                                                    • Discussion on the dominance of left-brain thinking in Western business
                                                                    • The need for both analytical and intuitive approaches in modern leadership
                                                                    • How incorporating "mom thinking" can transform organizational culture
                                                                    • The prediction for a significant shift in business leadership approach by 2027

                                                                      • Personal Growth and Corporate Success

                                                                      • The relationship between personal clarity and professional success
                                                                      • Why some people resist change despite having access to information
                                                                      • The importance of distinguishing between ego-driven decisions and authentic choices
                                                                      • How meditation and self-reflection can enhance leadership capabilities

                                                                        • Actionable Takeaways

                                                                        1. Practice distinguishing between your ego's voice and your authentic self
                                                                        2. Consider attending a Vipassana retreat for deeper self-awareness
                                                                        3. Before implementing significant changes, examine your leadership behaviors
                                                                        4. Take time to slow down and reflect before making important decisions
                                                                        5. Focus on bringing value to situations rather than seeking value from them

                                                                          6. About Rich Habets

                                                                          Rich Habets founded the Corporate Coaching Academy and has spent decades helping leaders and organizations transform through enhanced self-awareness and conscious leadership. With a software architecture and management consulting background, Rich brings a unique perspective to corporate transformation, combining technical expertise with profound psychological insights.

                                                                          Resources Mentioned

                                                                          • Corporate Coaching Academy
                                                                          • Vipassana meditation retreats
                                                                          • Rich's upcoming book on Being Your Authority
                                                                          • Website: richhabetz.com

                                                                            • Connect With Rich

                                                                            • Website: ⁠richhabets.com⁠
                                                                            • ⁠Corporate Coaching Academy community program⁠
                                                                            • Look out for his upcoming book on leadership and personal authority
                                                                              • 45 min
                                                                            • Breaking Barriers: Diana Zalaquett‎‏'s Global Journey from UN to Tech Enablement

                                                                              In this powerful episode of The Disruptive Leader, we sit down with Diana Zalaquett‎‏, HubSpot's Go-to-Market Enablement and Change Management Project Manager. From her early days working on landmine ban treaties at the UN to becoming a force in tech enablement, Diana shares her remarkable journey of transformation, resilience, and authentic leadership.

                                                                              Episode Highlights

                                                                              From International Affairs to Tech Leadership

                                                                              • Diana's transition from UN Program Officer to tech industry leader
                                                                              • How skills from international diplomacy translate to tech enablement
                                                                              • The universal nature of change management across different sectors

                                                                                • Navigating Cultural Identity

                                                                                • Growing up in Lima, Peru, with Chilean and Lebanese heritage
                                                                                • Personal experiences that shaped her understanding of security and privilege
                                                                                • The impact of moving to the US at 18 and adapting to cultural differences

                                                                                  • Breaking Through Cultural Barriers

                                                                                  • Managing different perceptions of time and relationship-building across cultures
                                                                                  • Adapting communication styles between Latin American and US business contexts
                                                                                  • Transforming challenging experiences into sources of strength

                                                                                    • The ADKAR Revolution at HubSpot

                                                                                    • Implementing the ADKAR model for change management
                                                                                    • The importance of creating buy-in before implementing change
                                                                                    • Why reinforcement is crucial for sustainable transformation

                                                                                      • Diversity Beyond Token Representation

                                                                                      • Moving past checkbox diversity to meaningful inclusion
                                                                                      • Empowering Latina women in tech to speak up and take space
                                                                                      • The business value of authentic diversity in problem-solving and innovation

                                                                                        • Personal Development and Leadership

                                                                                        • The role of movement and fitness in professional success
                                                                                        • Balancing emotional intelligence with business acumen
                                                                                        • The power of turning compassion inward

                                                                                          • Key Quotes

                                                                                          • "Show up from a place of your worth and not a place of your wound."
                                                                                          • "Representation is about diversity, but inclusion is about impact."
                                                                                          • "Your unique perspective is your superpower."

                                                                                            • Resources Mentioned

                                                                                            • Diana's coaching practice for high-achieving women
                                                                                            • The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
                                                                                            • ADKAR change management model

                                                                                              • Connect with Diana

                                                                                              • Instagram: @danzadiana
                                                                                              • Website: dianazalaquett.com

                                                                                                • Episode Insights

                                                                                                Diana's journey exemplifies the power of embracing one's authentic self while navigating complex professional landscapes. Her experience shows how cultural diversity, when correctly leveraged, becomes a competitive advantage in today's global business environment. The episode provides valuable insights for leaders looking to drive meaningful change while fostering genuine inclusion in their organizations.

                                                                                                Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading change initiatives, or working to create more inclusive spaces, Diana's story offers practical wisdom and inspiration for turning challenges into opportunities for growth and impact.

                                                                                                40 min
                                                                                              • Identity Architecture - Reflecting Your True Self with John B. Johnson

                                                                                                In this episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya sits down with John B. Johnson, Principal at Small Studio and Identity Architecture pioneer, to explore the intersection of personal identity, business authenticity, and community building.

                                                                                                Episode Highlights:

                                                                                                • John shares his journey from architecture to becoming an identity architect, explaining how architectural concepts translate to brand and personal identity work.
                                                                                                • The powerful impact of authentic identity work, including how it helped launch this very podcast
                                                                                                • Deep dive into the "six-man approach" Small Studio uses to serve clients while staying true to their mission
                                                                                                • Discussion of the current identity crisis in modern business and why oversimplification of roles limits human potential
                                                                                                • Insights on the evolution of community building and the role local businesses should play
                                                                                                • The importance of authentic engagement in business and why projecting sameness leads to mediocrity
                                                                                                • How younger generations are changing workplace dynamics and demanding more authentic leadership
                                                                                                • The impact of AI and automation on brand identity and the importance of maintaining human connection

                                                                                                  • Key Insights:

                                                                                                  🎯 On Purpose vs. Roles: "Instead of trying to find your purpose, how do you live on purpose right now?"

                                                                                                  🏢 On Business Authenticity: "A brand is a concept. The identity of an individual is a concept... It comes down to distilling the raw concept."

                                                                                                  🤝 On Community Building: "It's tough for businesses to engage authentically in their communities if the people running that business aren't engaging authentically."

                                                                                                  💡 On Design Philosophy: "Design is innately about solving problems... design is about bringing peace."

                                                                                                  Guest Profile:

                                                                                                  John B. Johnson is the principal of Small Studio and a pioneering identity architect. With a master's in architecture and an MBA, John helps founders and organizations uncover their authentic identity and translate it into meaningful brand experiences. His "six-man approach" emphasizes serving clients from the sidelines while making an impact when called upon.

                                                                                                  Connect with John:

                                                                                                  • Website: asmallstudio.com
                                                                                                  • Instagram: @JohnBCreating
                                                                                                  • John B Johnson on LinkedIn
                                                                                                    • 54 min
                                                                                                  • From College Club to Sales Success: Connor Delaney's Journey

                                                                                                    In this episode of The Disruptive Leader, Ranya sits down with Connor Delaney, Lead Sales Consultant at Impact, to discuss his Journey from leading a college marketing association to becoming a successful sales consultant. Connor shares insights on empathetic selling, the parallels between athletics and business, and maintaining work-life satisfaction.

                                                                                                    Connor Delaney

                                                                                                    • Current Role: Lead Sales Consultant at Impact
                                                                                                    • Previous Role: Director of Revenue Operations
                                                                                                    • Background: Transformed a struggling college marketing chapter into a nationally recognized organization
                                                                                                    • Notable Experience: Former intern at BIC in sales analytics and shaver innovation

                                                                                                      • Key Highlights

                                                                                                      • 🏆 How Connor transformed a dying college marketing chapter into a top 5 nationally recognized organization
                                                                                                      • 🌍 Experience working with global teams at BIC and insights on international business perspectives
                                                                                                      • 📈 Journey through various roles at Impact, from content trainer to RevOps to sales consultant
                                                                                                      • 🤝 The importance of empathy in sales and building genuine customer relationships
                                                                                                      • 🏃‍♂️ Parallels Between Athletic Training and Professional Development
                                                                                                      • 🐕 Lessons learned from dog training that apply to client relationships

                                                                                                        • Notable Quotes

                                                                                                        • "Finding moments of empathy within your sales conversation... that's when you build trust with a customer. That's when you show them that you're here to help them, not here to help yourself." - Connor Delaney.
                                                                                                        • "I'm a big believer in luck, which is a huge component of success, but you have to put yourself in position for things to fall into place." - Connor Delaney.

                                                                                                          • Key Takeaways

                                                                                                          On Sales Success: 

                                                                                                          • Listen actively and find moments for empathy
                                                                                                          • Don't be afraid to tell prospects they're not a good fit
                                                                                                          • Build trust through authentic conversations

                                                                                                            • On Professional Growth: 

                                                                                                            • Be willing to take on different roles and learn new skills
                                                                                                            • Put in the work before expecting rewards
                                                                                                            • Recognize when to step up and when to step back

                                                                                                              • On Work-Life Balance: 

                                                                                                              • Focus on work-life satisfaction rather than perfect balance
                                                                                                              • Communicate clearly about commitments and needs
                                                                                                              • Schedule regular check-ins with partners and colleagues

                                                                                                                • Career Advice for Young Professionals

                                                                                                                • Don't expect opportunities to land in your lap - put in the work first
                                                                                                                • Learn to communicate needs and feelings effectively
                                                                                                                • Find the right balance between confidence and humility

                                                                                                                  • Resources Mentioned

                                                                                                                  • EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
                                                                                                                  • American Marketing Association (AMA)
                                                                                                                  • Impact Plus (Sales & Marketing Training)
                                                                                                                    • 50 min

                                                                                                                  About The Disruptive Leader

                                                                                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                                                                                  From braiding hair to breaking barriers, felonies to PhDs, and neurodivergent innovators crushing it - these aren't your typical success stories. Join Ranya for raw, unfiltered conversations with rebels redefining leadership on their terms.