
Find My Catalyst Podcast
We all have problems we are looking to solve. We know that there are solutions out there, but we struggle with this.
How do we find the solution, where does the nudge come from to help us take the next step, and start solving tough problems. The intention of this podcast is to help you find your catalyst and take that next step.
The Find My Catalyst Podcast is a weekly podcast with Catalyst Sale founder Mike Simmons. We discuss real stories with practical application, in the context of leadership, problem solving, decision making, thinking, goal setting and execution.
Other topics discussed include - Systems, Frameworks, Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, Training, Onboarding, Sales Enablement, Organization Enablement, Workforce Development, Coaching, and Mentoring.
Latest episodes

Dec 31, 2023 • 30min
The Phoenix Club - 2024
Launching a New Community for Growth and Connection Our goal with this is that any of the content that we share, any of the people that we bring in as speakers, any of the sessions that we have, someone will be able to take out at least one thing that applies to growth in their business, growth from a family perspective, or growth in self. - Mike Simmons Relaunching the Phoenix Club If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of trying to innovate on your own, only to find yourself hitting roadblocks and feeling frustrated, then you are not alone! Many entrepreneurs and professionals fall into the trap of thinking they can achieve success in isolation, only to realize that true growth comes from diverse collaboration. Instead of achieving the breakthroughs and progress they desire, they find themselves feeling stagnant and unable to reach their full potential. But there is a better way to foster innovation and achieve greater success, and it starts with building a diverse and collaborative community. In this episode of the Find My Catalyst podcast, Mike & Jen dive into the importance of building a diverse and collaborative community for personal and professional growth. Jen shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the value of connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and industries to foster creativity, innovation, and learning. The conversation highlights the significance of mindset in driving success, as well as the need for continuous learning and adaptation. The guests' transparent and relatable discussion creates an open and encouraging environment for listeners, offering a glimpse into their plans for the Phoenix club and their vision for fostering growth among its members. By tuning in, you'll gain valuable perspectives on building a supportive community, embracing change, and unlocking innovation in both personal and professional endeavors. Embrace diversity Embracing diversity leads to the cultivation of a richer, more dynamic community. By inviting people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, we introduce a spectrum of ideas and viewpoints into the mix. This diversity fosters creativity, spurs innovation, and is key in building a multifaceted, collaborative community for growth. Key Takeaways Foster innovative solutions through diverse collaboration. Achieve greater success by shifting your mindset for better outcomes. Harness the power of positive thinking to propel your personal and professional growth. Master the art of sales as a strategic thinking process. Cultivate a growth mindset to unlock your full potential. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Join the Phoenix Club by visiting findmycatalyst.com to become a member and gain access to the community, events, and resources mentioned in the conversation. Send a direct message to Mike Simmons or Jen Simmons on LinkedIn for more information about the Phoenix Club and how to get involved. Follow Mike Simmons on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, or Twitter for updates and insights on community building, leadership, and growth. Interested in the Phoenix Club? Find more information here - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/the-phoenix-club

Dec 30, 2023 • 46min
The Intersection of AI, Revenue, Systems Thinking and Design with Wissam Tabbara - 360
So until you get there, definitely you should not automate and scale think because your reputation is behind the line here. - Wissam Tabbara Tech-savvy CEO Wissam Tabbara reimagines sales with AI, aiming to revolutionize customer interactions while navigating the delicate balance of human expertise and automation. Wissam Tabbara, a true technologist at heart, found himself deeply immersed in the ever-evolving journey of sales and B2B customer interactions. He realized that what worked in the past was no longer as effective, leading him to ponder how technology could be harnessed to solve these challenges at scale. This sparked the birth of Truebase, Wissam's brainchild, aimed at leveraging AI in sales to enhance efficiency and personalize customer interactions at the top of the funnel. His passion for engineering and systematic thinking led him to explore the intersection of revenue and AI, seeking ways to streamline processes and empower sales professionals with technology. Wissam's journey is not just about leveraging technology for sales but also about understanding the human element in the sales process, seeking the perfect balance where automation and AI enhance human efficiency rather than replacing it., His expertise lies in bridging the gap between engineering and sales, advocating for a systematic approach to problem-solving and design thinking. With a keen eye for the intersection of revenue and AI, Wissam's insights offer valuable perspectives for sales professionals and business leaders looking to optimize customer interactions and enhance their sales strategies. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the intersection between AI and revenue to unlock untapped potential in sales. Master the art of leveraging technology for B2B sales to stay ahead in the competitive market. Streamline the sales process by harnessing the power of automation and AI for enhanced efficiency. Embrace the future of technology with prompts as a new interface, revolutionizing sales interactions. Harness AI tools for personalized sales communication to create meaningful connections with clients. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Wissam on Linkedin truebase.io https://www.findmycatalyst.com/podcast Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Dec 28, 2023 • 37min
Social by Design with Mark Britz - 359
Fostering Connection: Designing Organizations for Collaboration With a profound realization, Mark Britz's journey took an unexpected turn, unveiling a hidden truth that challenges traditional workplace dynamics. As he delved deeper into the systemic issues, a compelling narrative emerged, shedding light on the barriers hindering collaboration and knowledge sharing. From his unique experiences and research, a fresh perspective on fostering a more connected and collaborative organizational culture unfolds, offering a glimpse into a future where knowledge sharing and collaboration reign supreme. But what will this newfound understanding mean for the future of organizational design and knowledge management? Mark Britz is a renowned authority in organizational design and knowledge management. Drawing from his extensive background in education and instructional design, Mark brings a wealth of practical wisdom to the table. His engaging speaking style and insightful discussions have positioned him as a sought-after figure in the industry. Mark's dedication to nurturing collaboration and streamlining organizational processes has empowered numerous leaders to reevaluate their knowledge management strategies. Known for his knack for simplifying intricate concepts, Mark effortlessly connects with audiences across various levels. With his wealth of expertise and approachable nature, Mark continues to be a go-to source for those seeking to elevate collaboration within their organizational framework. How do we get back to the core values of who we are? How do we get back to the core processes that made us a strong business in the first place? I'm talking about large businesses getting small again, so to speak. And that to me is optimistic because I think ultimately it leads back to people and importance and the value that people bring. - Mark Britz In this episode, you will be able to: Unlock the power of organizational design and knowledge management to drive success. Overcome challenges in fostering internal collaboration for a more cohesive team. Smooth out friction points in communication and collaboration for enhanced productivity. Discover the impact of recognition and rewards for teamwork on organizational culture. Navigate economic challenges and align with organizational priorities for sustainable growth. Addressing communication friction points Effective communication is the cornerstone of a well-functioning organization. Yet, many companies stumble due to a competitive atmosphere that discourages open dialogue. This can be remedied by prioritizing a culture of trust and fostering an environment where employees feel secure in discussing their ideas and concerns. Furthermore, lean processes and clear guidelines can reduce confusion and enhance communication flow, fostering greater collaboration. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Check out Mark Britz's website at markbritz.com to stay updated on his speaking engagements and latest work. Connect with Mark Britz on LinkedIn for regular updates and insights on social learning and organizational design. Explore Social by Design, the book co-authored by Mark Britz, for practical insights on fostering social connections within organizations. The book is a quick read and offers valuable strategies for creating a more socially engaging environment. Learn more about the events organized by The Learning Guild, where Mark Britz serves as the Director of Event Programming. These events provide opportunities to engage with industry experts and gain valuable knowledge on social learning and organizational design. Share this podcast with individuals who would benefit from the insights shared by Mark Britz and Mike Simmons. Sharing the podcast can help spread valuable information and spark meaningful conversations about organizational design and social learning.

Dec 27, 2023 • 13min
What is your Purpose? - 358
What is your purpose? This is a tough question for many of us to answer. If you are struggling with answering the question, or are open to re-thinking your answer, this live podcast episode may help. What is my purpose? - Be a Catalyst for Change. What is your purpose? What gives you energy? What sucks the life out of you? When you plot the work you do, the places you spend your time, against the Energy Axis (X-Axis) - what do you see? Once you do this, and you look at those things through the lens of Impact (Y-Axis) - what do you see? Here's the link to the video.

Dec 21, 2023 • 36min
SKOs, Leadership, Events, and Authenticity with Jen Allen - 357
I think if I look back, even in the last 15 months, it's always really motivating to me to meet these leaders who recognize there needs to be a shift in how we sell and recognize that sometimes that message is best delivered by a peer and not an internal leader. - Jen Allen Key Topics Discussed Uncover the secrets behind effective sales leadership and motivation. Discover the transformative impact of attending industry events. Master the art of authentic sales communication for genuine connections. Embrace the positive shift in sales methods for enhanced performance. Jen Allen is a sought-after sales expert known for her authentic and impactful strategies. With over 20 years of experience in selling to sales and marketing organizations, Jen brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her passion for empowering sales leaders and professionals shines through in her approach, as she emphasizes the importance of meaningful customer relationships and improved sales performance. Jen's insights on sales kickoffs, leadership, events, and authenticity make her a valuable catalyst for change in the sales industry. Her engaging and relatable style makes her a trusted resource for those looking to elevate their sales game. Episode Resources: Jen Allen-Knuth on LinkedIn Catch up on our last 3 episodes: Leadership, Sales Process, Sales Training, and Deal Management - David Weiss - 356 45 Days to Kickstart 2024 - Game Plan 2023 Challenging Comfort Zones: The Path to Personal Growth with Letty Benavides https://www.findmycatalyst.com/podcast Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Dec 18, 2023 • 52min
Leadership, Sales Process, Sales Training, and Deal Management - David Weiss - 356
Revolutionizing Sales Processes: Break Free from Traditional Stages - David Weiss "The willingness to do painful, hard things causes learning. So, if you want to be successful, be willing to work harder and smarter than everyone else around you." - David Weiss In this episode, you will be able to: Master effective sales processes and deal management to boost your sales performance. Gain valuable insights from military strategies applied in business for a competitive edge. Explore impactful books on management and leadership for practical wisdom and inspiration. Develop self-accountability in sales and business for personal and professional growth. Uncover essential leadership development lessons to enhance your leadership skills. My special guest is David Weiss. David Weiss is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in sales processes and deal management. He is recognized for his expertise in applying the MEDDPIC framework to sales motions, particularly inbound, budgeted, inbound, unbudgeted, and outbound categories. Weiss emphasizes the significance of understanding the distinct approaches required for each category and stresses the importance of addressing blind spots in the sales process. His practical insights focus on leveraging MEDDPIC as a tool for effective deal management, enabling sales professionals to enhance their sales forecasting accuracy. Episode Resources: David on LinkedIn The Sales Collective Deal Doc Catch up on our last 3 episodes: 45 Days to Kickstart 2024 - Game Plan 2023 Challenging Comfort Zones: The Path to Personal Growth with Letty Benavides Manage Like a Mother with Valerie Cockerell https://www.findmycatalyst.com/podcast Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Oct 23, 2023 • 19min
45 Days to Kickstart 2024 - Game Plan 2023 - 355
By connecting the dots between your work and your goals, and tracking your progress with metrics, you can ensure that you are making real and measurable progress towards your desired outcome. - Mike Simmons In this episode you will learn: The importance of systems in goal-setting and how they can supercharge your progress. That clarity, strategy, and accountability are critical to your success About our upcoming 45-Day Cohort Episode Resources: 45-Day Cohort for Business Owners 45-Day Cohort for Individuals www.findmycatalyst.com Catch up on our last 3 episodes: Challenging Comfort Zones: The Path to Personal Growth with Letty Benavides Manage Like a Mother with Valerie Cockerell Leading With Clarity: Boost Your Decision Making Skills Through Reflection with Matt Ferguson https://www.findmycatalyst.com/podcast Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Oct 19, 2023 • 48min
Challenging Comfort Zones: The Path to Personal Growth with Letty Benavides - 354
Seek out discomfort and challenge yourself daily. It's in pushing past your comfort zone that you'll discover your true potential and build the confidence to achieve your dreams. - Letty Benavides In this episode you will learn: How to unleash your potential and create a purposeful life How to gain clarity and direction to accelerate your personal development To embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth Letty Benavides Letty Benavides is a respected coach and speaker in the field of personal growth and fulfillment. With a background in personal development, Letty has honed her expertise in embracing discomfort as a catalyst for personal growth. Through her own journey, she has discovered the power of courage and taking bold action in the face of challenges. Episode Resources: Letty on Instagram Catch up on our last 3 episodes: Manage Like A Mother with Valerie Cockerell Leading with Clarity: Boost Your Decision-Making Skills Through Reflection with Matt Ferguson Simplify Decision-Making with Strategy and Tools https://www.findmycatalyst.com/podcast Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 1min
Manage Like a Mother - Author Valerie Cockerell - 353
"Just get experience" - Valerie Cockerell In this episode you will learn: Gain a new perspective on parenting and leadership by embracing the importance of letting go and allowing independence. Discover the transformative power of establishing structure and organization in writing a book, unlocking your full potential as an author. Empower children and employees to excel by providing opportunities for independent learning and exploration, fostering growth and innovation. Enhance your leadership skills by embracing the importance of letting go and allowing independence in parenting and leadership roles. Discover the value of establishing structure and organization in your writing, and unlock the potential to write a book that captivates and inspires. Learn the art of accepting imperfection and gain the confidence to know when to finalize a project, leading to greater productivity and satisfaction. Provide children and employees with the freedom to explore and learn independently, fostering growth, creativity, and motivation. Break down silos within your organization and foster communication and collaboration, leading to improved teamwork, innovation, and overall success. Valerie Cockerell Valerie is a mother, daughter, speaker, leader, and the author of "Manage like a Mother." Born and raised in France, Valerie brings a unique perspective to the topic of managing like a mother. With her extensive experience in leadership and her own personal journey as a mother, Valerie offers valuable insights and practical advice to help leaders and professionals enhance their leadership skills and find a better work-life balance. Her book, which is set to release on October 10th, is a labor of love that took her over a year and a half to complete. Through her writing, Valerie aims to share her wisdom and experiences to help others navigate their careers and find success. Episode Resources: Valerie on LinkedIn Cockerell Consulting Manage Like a Mother Catch up on our last 3 episodes: Adversity, Control and Compartmentalizing Podcasting, Entrepreneurship, Masterminds, Authenticity and Attraction with Lou Mongello Origin Story Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.

Oct 3, 2023 • 55min
Leading with Clarity: Boost Your Decision-Making Skills Through Reflection - Matt Ferguson - 352
“If I'm not getting fired up, then am I just kind of buying time and just going through the motions?” Matt Ferguson In this episode you will learn: Gain the confidence to know when it's time to leave a company and navigate challenging relationships with difficult bosses or leaders. Evaluate your personal growth and belief in the product or service being sold, leading to a clearer understanding of your career path. Cultivate continuous learning and growth in your current role, unlocking new opportunities and expanding your skills. Utilize an energy-impact matrix to guide decision-making, ensuring you make choices that align with your values and priorities. Recognize and overcome the fear of change, empowering yourself to make bold decisions and pursue fulfilling roles. Matt Ferguson Matt is the founder of MDF Coaching and Consulting. He helps Sales Leaders and Reps Drive Predictable Sales, and New Sales Managers Turn their Sales Process into a Leadership Process. Episode Resources: Matt on Linkedin GAME Plan Readiness Assessment Catch up on our last 3 episodes: Adversity, Control and Compartmentalizing Podcasting, Entrepreneurship, Masterminds, Authenticity and Attraction with Lou Mongello Origin Story Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www,findmycatalyst.com Please share this podcast episode with friends and colleagues and leave us a review and rating via your favorite podcast platform.