Everyone Has a Story with Doug Holladay

Sep 7, 2025

Explore the profound impact of vulnerability in personal and professional relationships. The conversation highlights how owning your story and fostering authentic communication can transform team dynamics. Discover the value of asking the right questions instead of just seeking answers. There's a deep dive into the effects of social media on youth and the importance of embracing imperfections. At the heart of it all, everyone has a story, and true connection lies in authenticity rather than perfection.

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ADVICE

Ask Questions Before Answers

Instead of hunting for the single best answer, gather the best questions first to guide problem solving.
Have every team member write one or two questions so quieter voices shape the solution.

INSIGHT

Broken Parts Build Connection

Vulnerability attracts connection because people relate to broken parts, not perfection.
Authentic sharing creates common ground and invites others to open up.

INSIGHT

Social Media Fuels Loneliness

Social media projects unattainable lives and increases loneliness and despair among youth.
Being nobody but yourself takes bravery and counters the harmful curated image culture.

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In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, John McMahon and John Kaplan share a thought-provoking segment with Doug Holliday, author of Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life. Doug explores the significance of vulnerability, owning your story, and fostering authentic communication in leadership and relationships. Learn how asking the right questions, embracing imperfection, and understanding the stories of others can transform both personal and professional connections.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[00:00:40] Understanding Team Dynamics
[00:01:55] The Power of Vulnerability
[00:02:24] The Impact of Social Media on Youth
[00:04:19] Owning Your Story

QUOTES

[00:01:38] "Instead of looking for answers, why don’t we try to identify the 20 best questions that’ll help us get to the best answer?"
[00:02:03] "People are attracted to our broken parts. Nobody's really attracted to perfection."
[00:03:16] "To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s trying to make you someone else is the bravest thing you can do." – E. Cummings (cited by Doug Holliday)
[00:04:31] "Everybody has a story. Don’t think for a minute anyone you encounter doesn’t have their own."
[00:05:12] "There are no heroes, no victims—just a story."
[00:05:39] "What people want to see isn’t perfect people, but authentic people."

Connect and learn more about Doug Holladay through the link/s below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougholladay/

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Hosted by five-time CRO John McMahon and Force Management Co-Founder John Kaplan, the Revenue Builders podcast goes behind the scenes with the sales leaders who have been there, done that, and seen the results.

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