The Sales Leadership Show

In this engaging episode, Phil Gerbyshak sits down with Wayne Turmel, co-author of The Long-Distance Leader, to discuss the intricacies of leading remote teams effectively. With insights from both the first and second editions of the book, Wayne shares practical advice for leaders navigating the challenges of remote work.

The episode dives into topics such as:

* The evolution of leadership strategies between the first and second editions of the book.

* Why the second edition is a must-read, even if you’ve already devoured the first.

* How leaders can adapt their skills to foster trust and accountability in a virtual environment.

* Actionable tips for improving communication and collaboration across distances.

* The critical importance of empathy and clarity when leading remote teams.

You’ll leave this episode with actionable insights and an appreciation for the thoughtful updates Wayne and his co-author Kevin Eikenberry have made in their latest edition.

Resource Mentioned:Grab your copy of The Long-Distance Leader at https://longdistanceworklife.com/LDL .

Connect with Wayne Turmel:

* Website: longdistanceworklife.com

Pull Quotes:

* Wayne Turmel: "The first edition was a starting point, but the second edition brings new clarity to what leaders truly need in today’s remote world."

* Wayne Turmel: "Leading from a distance isn’t about control; it’s about building trust and creating alignment across miles."

* Wayne Turmel: "Empathy and communication are the backbone of effective long-distance leadership—it’s about connection, not just logistics."

The research on mentoring is clear. Those who are mentored, out-earn and outperform those who are not. They make higher salaries, get promoted more often, have greater job and career satisfaction and lower rates of burnout. For organisations that invest in mentoring their employees, they benefit from higher productivity and greater loyalty. Mentoring works as a great retention tool. But despite all this, only 76% of people understand the undisputed benefits of having a mentor, and only 37% of people actually have one.

But how do you do mentoring well, both as a mentor and in building a mentoring programme in your organisation? Join me for a conversation with Dr. Ruth Gotian, co-author of The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring.

This is a conversation between Lisa Haneberg, one of my favorite writers and thinkers, and yours truly. It’s a far from ordinary conversation, and I know you’ll be entertained if you listen to the whole thing.

Enjoy!Phil

Episode Highlights:

* Lisa discusses her new book, Far From Ordinary: Predicaments, Misadventures, and Eliminations, a collection of personal stories, fictional pieces, and reflections on life’s unpredictable moments.

* The conversation dives into Lisa’s philosophy on adventure, storytelling, and finding purpose through creative expression.

* Lisa shares memories from a life lived with intention, including a memorable cross-country motorcycle tour, her journey into fiction writing, and her connection to Albuquerque’s inspiring landscapes.

Key Quotes from Lisa Haneberg:

* On Living Adventurously"Happiness to me is living an adventurous life every day, in small and big ways."

* Embracing the Unknown"My secret to success from an adventure standpoint is to commit before I know if I can do it."

* Advice on Following Your Own Path"Make sure the context matches your intentions... Don’t follow someone else’s trail."

* Reflecting on Misadventures"It’s the misadventures in life that we overcome that often fuel our remembrances."

Topics Discussed:

* Commitment to Adventure: Lisa encourages listeners to dive into new experiences without knowing all the answers. Her commitment to a 9,400-mile motorcycle book tour is a testament to her adventurous spirit.

* Power of the ‘What If’ Question: Lisa suggests making time for “What if” questions daily to uncover paths that align with personal passions, challenging listeners to ask, "What if I took an hour just to do something I've always wanted to try?"

* The Value of Storytelling: Lisa’s book, Far From Ordinary, is a journey through life’s unusual twists, where the “almost disasters” often become the most memorable and cherished stories.

* Advice for Creating Personal Adventure: Lisa stresses the importance of aligning life choices with one’s core intentions and values, avoiding societal expectations or others’ definitions of success and excitement.

Where to Find Lisa’s Work:Listeners can dive into Lisa's world by picking up a copy of Far From Ordinary or exploring her fiction on LisaHaneberg.com. Whether it’s for adventurous insights or a dose of quirky mystery, Lisa’s stories offer an escape from the ordinary and a chance to reflect on the richness of life.

This episode is a reminder to embrace life’s unpredictability and to look for adventure in every day. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration to make bold commitments and explore personal passions!

Click above to listen to the podcast conversation.

What does it take to become a bookable speaker? In this conversation, Christa Haberstock, founder of the See Agency and someone who has decades of experience booking speakers, shares the secrets to becoming a bookable speaker.

Rather than go in depth into what we discussed in text, I encourage you to give this a listen if you want to become a bookable speaker. I’ll warn you: It’s not easy work that Christa suggests, but it is work that has worked for the speakers Christa has worked with.

In this episode of The Happiness Practices, Phil Gerbyshak sits down with Jack Craven, author of The Aliveness Mindset, to explore what it truly means to live a life of passion, purpose, and joy. They delve into the seven core mindsets that form the foundation of Jack's philosophy and discuss practical steps to cultivate a more fulfilling life. Jack shares personal stories of transformation, actionable strategies for embracing aliveness, and how to overcome common obstacles like fear, perfectionism, and the inner critic.

Key Takeaways:

* Aliveness Mindset Defined:

* Jack describes the Aliveness Mindset as a holistic approach to living "all in." This mindset is about being fully committed to what matters most and aligning personal, professional, and community priorities with a sense of purpose and joy.

* The Importance of Ownership:

* Jack opens up about his journey toward ownership, beginning with a personal story of burnout while running a family business. He discusses the powerful shift that came when he started taking responsibility for his own happiness, leading to greater personal freedom and fulfillment.

* Confronting the Inner Critic:

* Both Jack and Phil talk about the pervasive nature of the inner critic and the power of shifting toward an "inner coach." Jack shares techniques to develop a kinder, more supportive internal dialogue that can be a game-changer in both personal and professional settings.

* Seven Core Mindsets of Aliveness:

* Jack details the seven mindsets that form the basis of his philosophy: Ownership, Openness, Awareness, Authenticity, Courage, Tenacity, and Love.

* Ownership: Taking full responsibility for one’s life and outcomes.

* Openness: Approaching life with curiosity and an open heart.

* Awareness: The foundation of change, enabling a clearer understanding of patterns, behaviors, and emotions.

* Authenticity: Living true to oneself without imposing judgment on others.

* Courage: Embracing challenges head-on and learning from them.

* Tenacity: The resilience needed to push through difficulties and setbacks.

* Love: Showing love not just through words, but by being present and attentive to others.

* The Power of Self-Talk:

* Jack emphasizes how critical self-talk is for personal growth and happiness. He encourages listeners to replace negative self-talk with affirmations, modeled after how one’s best mentors would speak. This reframing helps build confidence and resilience.

* Anchoring Mindsets for Daily Practice:

* Jack shares his "anchoring mindsets"—traits he embodies daily: play, connect, learn, and impact. He explains how anchoring these traits helps cultivate consistent aliveness.

* Strategies for Overcoming Fear and Building Courage:

* Jack discusses how he draws inspiration from courageous individuals throughout history, such as Ernest Shackleton, and how witnessing others' bravery can help reframe personal fears into more manageable challenges.

* Living Authentically:

* Jack and Phil explore what it means to be truly authentic without being overbearing. Jack offers advice on aligning words and actions with an open heart, ensuring that interactions are both genuine and compassionate.

* The Role of Love in Aliveness:

* Love, as Jack defines it, isn’t limited to personal relationships but extends to professional settings through acts of attentiveness and empathy. He encourages listeners to give their full attention as a form of love, which fosters deeper connections at work and in life.

* Getting Started with the Aliveness Mindset:

* Jack recommends starting by reflecting on past moments of feeling truly alive and identifying traits that made those experiences special. He suggests incorporating small, intentional actions each day to increase aliveness incrementally.

Quotes from the Episode:

* "It’s a lot easier to change yourself than it is to change the rest of the world." – Jack Craven

* "Self-compassion is not a weakness; it’s the foundation of sustainable growth." – Jack Craven

* "Awareness is the first step to change." – Jack Craven

* "Courage is needed when you’re in fear—it’s the push you need to take that extra step forward." – Jack Craven

Resources Mentioned:

* Books:

* The Aliveness Mindset by Jack Craven

* The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Diana Chapman and Jim Dethmer

* Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

* The Expectation Effect by David Robson

* Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

* Authors/Researchers:

* Carol Dweck, Ethan Kross, Jim Loehr

* Jack’s Website: JackCraven.com - Learn more about the Aliveness Mindset, join the newsletter, and get a copy of the book.

How to Connect with Jack Craven:

* Website: JackCraven.com

* LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/JackCraven1

* Newsletter: Sign up at JackCraven.com for exclusive content, resources, and insights on living with aliveness.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Phil Gerbyshak sits down with Dr. Susan Kahn to dive into the theme of vulnerability and its transformative power in both personal and professional life. Susan shares her insights into how embracing vulnerability can lead to deeper connections, greater self-awareness, and ultimately, a more fulfilling and resilient life. Drawing from her experience as a psychologist and author, she provides practical guidance on how to use vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.

Key Topics Discussed:

* The Definition of Vulnerability: Susan clarifies what vulnerability truly is, moving away from the misconception of it being a weakness. Instead, it's about authenticity, self-acceptance, and embracing imperfection.

* Vulnerability and Leadership: They explore how vulnerability in leadership helps build trust, create more genuine connections, and foster an environment where others feel safe to share their struggles.

* Knowing When to Be Vulnerable: Susan offers strategies on when and how to reveal vulnerability effectively, stressing the importance of “revealing your scars, not your wounds.”

* Practical Steps to Embrace Vulnerability: Simple but powerful exercises to start small in moments of uncertainty, encouraging honesty and openness in everyday interactions.

3 Pull Quotes from Susan Kahn:

* "When we reveal a little of our vulnerability, we’re able to make deeper connections. It reminds us that as human beings, we all share the commonality of being flawed and imperfect."– Susan talks about how showing vulnerability helps us build genuine relationships by recognizing our shared humanity.

* "First of all, we need to accept ourselves as being flawed. Only then can we look at others with the generosity to see that they, too, are imperfect."– Susan emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance as the foundation for accepting and connecting with others.

* "Reveal your scars, not your wounds. Sometimes, we need the psychological safety of trusted individuals to heal first before we can share our vulnerabilities with others."– Susan shares her wisdom on knowing when it's appropriate to be vulnerable, underscoring the value of healing before sharing.

Actionable Insights:

* Start Small: Next time you’re in a meeting or conversation, admit when you don’t know something instead of pretending to have all the answers. This small act of vulnerability can open up space for others to do the same.

* Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be authentic and vulnerable. A strong support network makes it easier to embrace your imperfections and grow.

* Focus on Self-Acceptance: Work on accepting your own flaws and mistakes. This not only builds your own happiness but also fosters more meaningful relationships with others.

Final Thoughts:

This episode is a masterclass in how vulnerability can become a superpower. Whether you're a leader looking to inspire your team or someone striving for more authentic relationships, Susan Kahn's insights provide a practical roadmap for embracing vulnerability in your life.

To learn more about Susan Kahn’s work, visit drskahn.com and pick up her book Reinvent Yourself.

Listen to the audio above or watch our conversation below.

In this insightful episode of The Happiness Practices, host Phil Gerbyshak welcomes Tamsen Webster, author of Say What They Can't Unhear, for an engaging conversation about connection, storytelling, and transformational change. Tamsen shares her journey as a master storyteller, exploring the importance of building bridges of belief and creating arguments that resonate with your audience on a deeper level. She also delves into the personal aspects of her life, from overcoming anxiety to her work as a Weight Watchers leader, and how her experiences have shaped her approach to lasting change.

Together, Phil and Tamsen discuss how stories shape our decisions, why making lasting change requires more than just motivation, and the science behind belief and action. Tamsen also introduces her concept of creating “thousands of little yeses” to inspire transformational change, both in business and personal settings. This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to communicate more effectively, build meaningful connections, and lead change in a way that sticks.

NOTE: After you listen to the episode above (or below in the video), Tamsen has a free resource for you: The Compact Case. It's a simple worksheet that helps readers follow the guidance of the book to develop their own case for change. Then go get your copy of the book at https://littlechangebook.com

Key Discussion Points:

* The Power of ConnectionTamsen shares how her love for connecting ideas, people, and shiny new insights fuels her work. Her philosophy that true connection stems from compatibility, whether between ideas or people, helps explain her unique approach to communication.

* The Genesis of Say What They Can't UnhearPhil and Tamsen dive into her latest book and the process behind it. Tamsen reveals her passion for lasting, transformational change, sparked from her own experiences overcoming panic attacks and working in change management and marketing. She explains how the book was born out of her belief that real change happens on an individual level before it can affect larger systems.

* A Story is an ArgumentOne of the central ideas from Tamsen’s book is that every story is an argument. She discusses how stories create an internal narrative for the decisions we make, and why the key to inspiring lasting change is building a stronger story than the one already in place.

* Building Bridges of BeliefTamsen introduces her powerful concept of “building bridges of belief,” emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are in their belief system, instead of asking them to take a leap of faith. She explains how this strategy, combined with “thousands of little yeses,” can create incremental but impactful change.

* Smart, Capable, and GoodA core concept in Tamsen’s work is that people want to be seen as smart, capable, and good. Phil and Tamsen discuss how understanding this simple but profound idea can shift the way we approach communication and change, both personally and professionally.

* Lessons from Weight WatchersTamsen reflects on her 13 years as a Weight Watchers leader and how the lessons she learned about helping people achieve personal transformation have informed her professional work in storytelling and communication.

* Practical Tools for Messaging and ChangeAs a bonus, Tamsen gives listeners a preview of her upcoming Message Design Institute, where she’ll teach practical methods for applying the principles of effective messaging and transformational change in both professional and personal contexts.

Quotes from the Episode:

* “The longer someone holds a belief, the stronger that belief becomes, and our job isn’t to change that belief, but to build on it.” – Tamsen Webster

* “A story is an argument. It's a case for how to get what you want or need.” – Tamsen Webster

* “Change can only happen when the story behind it is stronger than the one that stands in its way.” – Tamsen Webster

* “Little yeses, not big leaps of faith, are the foundation for transformational change.” – Tamsen Webster

* “We have to start by seeing people as smart, capable, and good—before we ask anything of them.” – Tamsen Webster

Call to Action:Feeling inspired to make a lasting change? Be sure to pre-order Say What They Can't Unhear at LittleChangeBook.com and check out Tamsen’s Message Design Institute launching soon at MessageDesignInstitute.com for more practical tools on transformational communication.

Connect with Tamsen Webster:

* Website: TamsenWebster.com

* Pre-order Say What They Can’t Unhear: LittleChangeBook.com

In this insightful episode of the Sales Leadership Show, host Phil Gerbyshak sits down with Katie Smith, the founder of Wild Path Consulting and a fractional CMO, to explore the unconventional journey of guiding companies through growth and marketing challenges. Katie shares how her background as a wilderness guide informs her approach to business, emphasizing the importance of fun, authenticity, and adapting to change. Through engaging stories and practical insights, Katie explains how businesses can stay agile, maintain authenticity, and navigate the complexities of modern marketing.

Key Takeaways:

* Put Fun First: Katie emphasizes the importance of starting the day with something enjoyable and aligning work with fun to unlock productivity and creativity.

* The Power of Authenticity: In a world full of marketing gimmicks and buzzwords, Katie advocates for telling the truth, even when it’s imperfect, to build trust and lasting relationships.

* Fractional CMO Advantage: Katie explains how the fractional CMO model provides growing companies with strategic marketing leadership at a fraction of the cost, helping them navigate periods of intense growth without the need for a full-time executive.

Pull Quotes:

* "When I put fun first, that’s when the magic happens. Why are we working if we’re not having fun?" – Katie Smith

* "Authenticity means telling the truth, no matter what that looks like. If you talk about your imperfections, that builds trust." – Katie Smith

* "As a fractional CMO, I help companies navigate their growth, not by being static, but by adapting to the environment around us and finding the best way forward." – Katie Smith

Connect with Katie Smith:

* Website: FollowTheWildPath.com

* LinkedIn: Search "Katie Smith Wild Path Consulting"

Listen above or enjoy the video.

In this episode of The Sales Leadership Show, Phil Gerbyshak is joined by two powerhouse leaders in the agency space—Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, and Drew McLellan, CEO of the Agency Management Institute. They dive deep into the strategies that agencies can use to grow, streamline their operations, and foster better client relationships. Both guests share their wisdom on the evolving landscape of digital marketing and sales, with actionable insights for agency owners looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Key Topics Covered:

* Building and Scaling Agencies:

* Jason shares insights into how agencies can leverage marketing automation to enhance client engagement and grow their business.

* Drew discusses the importance of operational efficiency and how agencies can better structure themselves to scale sustainably.

* Client Retention and Relationships:

* Both guests highlight the critical role of client relationships in sustaining long-term success, offering tips for creating deeper connections and trust.

* Technology and Tools for Growth:

* Jason emphasizes the importance of choosing the right technology stack and offers advice on how agencies can effectively integrate automation tools to drive growth.

* Drew touches on the balance between using technology and maintaining a personal touch in client interactions.

Listen in above or enjoy the video below.

In a recent episode of the Sales Leadership Show, Phil Gerbyshak interviewed Joseph Michelli, author of Customer Magic. Michelli shared valuable insights on customer service and leadership, emphasizing that the best advice he ever received was from his parents, who taught him that his purpose in life is to create value for others. This principle of service has shaped Michelli's career and philosophy, particularly in his latest book, Customer Magic.

The book was inspired by a unique experience Michelli had with an Australian telecommunications company. Initially skeptical about their genuine commitment to customer service, Michelli was impressed by how this company prioritized customer experience in a traditionally transactional industry. This experience led him to use the company as a case study in his book, highlighting them as a "challenger" brand that successfully competed against industry giants by focusing on exceptional service.

Michelli explains that the "magic" in Customer Magic refers to challenging the seemingly impossible. It's about finding ways to exceed customer expectations in environments where people often believe that going the extra mile isn’t feasible. He stresses the importance of starting with a clear mission, identifying underserved markets, and aligning the entire organization behind this mission. By hiring the right people—those who are hungry, humble, and smart—companies can create a culture that fosters outstanding customer service.

A key takeaway from the interview is the importance of hiring and training. Michelli discussed how the Australian company initially focused on hiring top-tier engineers but later realized that technical expertise alone wasn't enough. They needed employees who were also skilled in customer interaction. The company eventually shifted to hiring people who were not just technically proficient but also had the "customer service gene"—people who genuinely wanted to improve customers' lives.

Another critical point Michelli made was about the necessity of simplifying processes for customers. He shared a staggering statistic: while 80% of companies believe they provide excellent customer service, only 8% of customers agree. This disconnect highlights the importance of not just having good intentions but also executing them effectively. Simplification and reducing customer effort are crucial for improving satisfaction.

Michelli also introduced the concept of "freedom within boundaries," where business units operate independently but are measured against common performance indicators like net promoter score and revenue. This balance allows for creativity and autonomy while ensuring that all parts of the organization are aligned toward a common goal.

The interview wrapped up with Michelli encouraging organizations to always be on the lookout for exceptional talent and to invest in their employees' development. He emphasized that creating a positive workplace culture and aligning employee growth with company goals are vital for long-term success. Michelli also advised companies to reflect on their unique strengths and the emotional impact they want to have on customers, suggesting that this introspection is the first step in creating a truly customer-centric organization.

Get your copy of Customer Magic today.

3 Great Quotes from Joseph Michelli

* "Magic is challenging the seemingly impossible—it's about finding ways to create value for customers, even when others say it can't be done." — Joseph Michelli

* "If we can align our mission with our employees' personal values, we create a culture where exceptional customer service becomes the norm." — Joseph Michelli

* "Simplifying the customer experience and reducing friction is key. The more we can reduce complexity, the better we serve our customers." — Joseph Michelli