In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Dave Sanderson—speaker, author, and survivor of the “Miracle on the Hudson”—about how professionals can create powerful business relationships through what he calls the “real AI”: authentic interactions. Drawing from his experience in sales and crisis leadership, Dave introduces his five-step “Access to Influence” model: Access, Connection, Relationship, Influence, and Affinity. He shares how building meaningful, trust-based relationships—especially through in-person interactions—leads to long-term business success and client loyalty.

Dave emphasizes that while artificial intelligence is gaining traction, authentic human connection remains the most effective tool for rainmakers. He explains how to navigate gatekeepers, identify internal champions, and develop influence that drives results—even in high-stakes sales environments. This episode offers a powerful framework for professionals who want to deepen their impact and grow through purposeful, relationship-driven strategies.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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On January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson was one of the last passengers off the plane that crashed into the Hudson River, best known as The Miracle on the Hudson, and considered to be the most successful ditching in aviation history. As President of his firm, Dave Sanderson Speaks International LLC, he has built a career as a motivational speaker, mentor, and author. Recently named by Inc.com as one of the top 100 Leadership Speakers, Dave speaks to audiences around the globe about the harrowing experience that shaped his future.

At a time when people are longing for connection and community, they are also seeking a way to create an extraordinary life truly. So many don’t have a mentor or their own personal “board of directors, so today, Dave works with people of all ages to help them decide what their personal “life” brand will look like going forward. From his own life-changing experience, Dave is now convinced that everyone has their own defining moment but that most don’t know how to take that first step to find the opportunities that exist out of their own uncertainty.

Links:

https://davesandersonspeaks.com/

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

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