

192: Overcoming Setbacks and Seizing Mega Deals: Rich Strobel's Success Story at Smart Data Solutions
Aug 5, 2025
Rich Strobel, a top sales performer at Smart Data Solutions, shares his inspiring journey from selling car stereos to strategic enterprise deals in healthcare technology. He emphasizes the importance of tactical empathy, a proactive mindset, and building a personal support network he calls a 'C-suite.' Rich discusses overcoming setbacks in his sales career and the critical role of internal relationships in deal-making. He also explores the balance between professional ambitions and personal life, offering actionable steps for growth.
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Tactical Empathy Drives Better Negotiation
- Tactical empathy means understanding how the other person sees their world and tailoring your approach accordingly.
- Rich credits tactical empathy as a core skill that enables better negotiation and internal collaboration.
Action Creates Motivation
- Act first and let the results create motivation instead of waiting to be inspired.
- Use consistent action to generate momentum and deeper, longer-lasting motivation.
Assemble A Personal C‑Suite
- Build a personal "C-suite" of paid and unpaid advisors to support different life areas.
- Rich uses coaches for revenue, mindset, talent protection, and finance to maintain high performance.