Real Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career

What if the very doubts you're trying to silence are actually helping you become more confident? In this episode, I sit down with Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, to unpack the truth about confidence — why it's not about never feeling fear, and how curiosity and self-compassion are your biggest power moves. We explore the "But First" mindset that keeps you stuck, the cost of expensive thoughts, and the powerful shift that happens when you start listening to your body's wisdom, not just your head. Kelli and I dive into real, actionable frameworks for building confidence that sticks — whether you're preparing for a big promotion, leading a team, or simply trying to stop second-guessing yourself. Her tools are practical, evidence-based, and surprisingly heart-centered. If you've ever wondered how to feel confident before you've "earned" it, this conversation will change the way you see yourself and your leadership potential. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The surprising difference between confidence and cockiness — and how curiosity bridges the gap Why your "But Firsts" are secretly sabotaging your success How to turn expensive thoughts into valuable ones that propel your growth Why compassion (not criticism) is the key to lasting confidence The 4-part "LESS" model for doing less while achieving more How to make smarter decisions using your head, heart, and gut together Simple daily practices to build self-trust and resilience What your body is trying to tell you — and how to actually listen If you've ever doubted your readiness, your worth, or your next big move, this episode will remind you that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you create through action, awareness, and self-compassion. Listen in, take notes, and don't forget to check out Kelli's book Closing the Confidence Gap for even more powerful tools to boost your peace, potential, and paycheck. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Purchase Kelli's Book, Closing the Confidence Gap Visit Kelli's Website Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Lorraine K. Lee, a LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, shares insights on building an authentic personal brand. She discusses the significance of reputation and offers her EPIC framework—Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community—as a guide. Lorraine emphasizes the importance of storytelling to showcase expertise, nurturing connections, and crafting unique introductions. Learn how to confidently discuss achievements without bragging and swap minimizing language for powerful phrases to enhance your impact.

What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world's leading experts on the science of "mattering." We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they're seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings. We dig deep into the "why" behind mattering and move into the "how" with clear, repeatable steps you can use to create more meaningful connections in every interaction. From client relationships to internal teams, you'll walk away with concrete ways to build trust, loyalty, and genuine engagement that scales. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why being a "good person" isn't enough to make people feel cared for The three key practices of mattering — noticing, affirming, and needing How small interactions shape trust and loyalty more than big gestures Practical questions that make others feel seen and heard instantly Why documenting details can help you build stronger relationships at scale How to give feedback that inspires change instead of resistance The psychology behind making people feel indispensable How "co-creating" with clients or colleagues increases buy-in and results If you're ready to level up your relational skills and make every connection count, don't miss this one. Zach's frameworks are simple, science-backed, and deeply human — and they'll change the way you lead, sell, and communicate. Check out his book The Power of Mattering and visit thepowerofmattering.com for free self-assessments and templates. Then tune in and start practicing the small moments that make the biggest difference. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ Visit Zach's Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/ Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution. I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why most strategies fail before they even begin The surprising role of "saying no" in fueling growth How the "triangle" of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Alastair: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/ Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Hamilton, a marketing professor and author of "The Growth Dilemma," reveals the intricate dynamics of customer communities. He explains how growth hinges on managing relationships rather than merely acquiring customers. Listeners learn about the four relationship types within client bases and the importance of nurturing connections to avoid conflict. Ryan shares insights from brands like Nike and Carhartt, illustrating how strategic community engagement can unlock exponential growth and influence. Prepare for some surprising revelations on community dynamics!

What does it really mean to lead with respect and how can it transform the way we work, connect, and grow? In this episode, I sit down with Marcy Syms, trailblazing business leader, author of Leading with Respect, and former president of the New York Stock Exchange. Marcy shares how respect goes far beyond a "soft skill" and becomes the foundation for trust, productivity, and lasting relationships. Together, we explore how empathy, compassion, and authenticity weave into leadership and why these qualities are essential to success in both business and life. We also dig into Marcy's experience building Syms into a nationally recognized retailer, her innovative approach to hiring and training, and the intentional choices she made to buck industry trends by putting people and values first. Her stories and insights reveal how respect shows up in the smallest details, like eye contact, listening, follow-through, and in the biggest decisions that define culture and legacy. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why respect is the ultimate driver of productivity The role of empathy vs. compassion in authentic leadership How rethinking "salespeople" as "educators" transformed a retail giant The surprising power of going against industry norms A hiring test that reveals if someone is "selfish or other-ish" The leadership principle Marcy never compromises on How reading the room can shape influence and connection What Marcy looks for when choosing who to work with If today's conversation with Marcy inspired you, don't stop here. Grab a copy of her book Leading with Respect and explore how these timeless lessons can reshape your approach to leadership, relationships, and results. You can also connect with Marcy directly at marcysyms.com or on LinkedIn. And if you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support the show is to leave a short and thoughtful review. It only takes a moment, but it helps more people discover these conversations. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Grab a Copy of Marcy's Book Check Out Marcy's Website Connect with Marcy on LinkedIn

What makes work truly worth it? Is it the paycheck, the prestige, or the purpose behind what we do every day? In this episode, I sit down with authors Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jen Tosti-Kharas to dive into their book Is Your Work Worth It? We unpack the big questions around why we work, what keeps us going long after we "have to," and how to think differently about love versus money in our careers. From rethinking autopilot routines to exploring how work shapes our legacy, this conversation will have you reflecting on your own motivations in a whole new way. Together, we also explore the tension between career demands and personal life, the myths about turning passions into professions, and how leaders can shape meaningful work for others. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply wondering what your next career move should look like, this episode offers fresh perspective on finding fulfillment and redefining success. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The surprising truth about why most people really keep working Why "autopilot" is the hidden enemy of career satisfaction A simple way to test if your work passes the "seven-year-old" explanation test The overlooked connection between love, money, and fairness at work What entrepreneurs often love most about their work (and it's not what you think) How to use "seasons of life" to plan your career with more intention Why the most worthy work is often undervalued—and what to do about it A framework to uncover your deeper purpose that goes beyond surface-level goals Ready to rethink your relationship with work? Tune in now and walk away with new questions to ask yourself, your team, and your organization. And if this episode sparks something for you, share it with a colleague or friend because these are conversations worth having. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Christoper Connect with Jen

Gina Bianchini, CEO of Mighty Networks and a community-building expert, discusses the transformative power of relationships in business. She contrasts networking with authentic community-building, emphasizing the elevated value of being a hub for connection. Gina shares essential strategies for creating vibrant, self-sustaining communities, including identifying member transitions and establishing a clear purpose. She also highlights how software can facilitate engagement and why now is the ideal time to cultivate branded communities for lasting impact.

What if the key to your biggest breakthroughs isn't some giant leap—but a series of small, curious steps? In this episode, I sit down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff—neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of Tiny Experiments to explore how we can apply an experimental mindset to business development, relationship building, and even leadership. We dive into how tiny, purposeful actions can produce big, surprising results, and why perfectionism is often what keeps high-achievers stuck. Whether you're in sales, consulting, or leading a team, this conversation will help you shift your approach to growth—and make it infinitely more adaptable, creative, and human. We unpack Anne-Laure's PACT framework (Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable), talk about linear vs. looped thinking, and explore how high performers can actually start smaller to move further, faster. If you're ready to test, tweak, and grow smarter—not harder—this one's for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why tiny experiments beat big, rigid plans (and how to run them) How to turn ambiguity and uncertainty into an advantage The PACT framework that makes "starting small" ridiculously actionable What metacognition is—and why elite performers swear by it How "working in public" accelerates learning and client trust The surprising link between psychological safety and team creativity Why outcome goals can trap you—and what to do instead The difference between chasing legacy and practicing generativity If this episode inspired you, grab a copy of Tiny Experiments and consider running your own experiment: what's one tiny, meaningful action you can try this week? Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Grab a Copy of the Tiny Experiments Book Subscribe to Anne-Laure's newsletter

Are you too busy to journal—or just not doing it the right way? In this episode, I sit down with the extraordinary Jo Franco—Netflix host, polyglot, entrepreneur, and journaling pioneer—to unpack the true power of journaling as a transformational tool for self-awareness, leadership, and productivity. If you've ever thought journaling was a fluffy "dear diary" ritual, think again. Jo brings science, soul, and strategy to the table, showing how even five minutes with the right prompt can unlock clarity, confidence, and momentum in your life and work. We dive into her personal journey—from being handed a journal as a kid to now leading global journaling workshops that change lives. Along the way, we explore how journaling helps you excavate your goals, align with your values, and become the person you actually want to be—not just the one society tells you to be. Whether you're a seasoned high-achiever or brand new to the concept of journaling, this episode will give you the prompts, structure, and real-world inspiration to make this practice a game changer. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why journaling isn't about documenting your day—but designing your life The surprisingly simple weekly routine that changed everything for me Jo's go-to energy audit framework (and how to use it in under 5 minutes) How journaling helps uncover the real reason behind your goals The science-backed prompts that increase happiness, productivity, and memory Why rereading your journal entries is just as important as writing them How to use journaling to become a more impactful leader and partner The journaling method that builds instant depth in your team or relationship Ready to start writing your future self into existence? Head to JoClub.World to check out Jo's free journaling 101 workshop and grab your starter kit. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend who could use some clarity and confidence. Resources Mentioned: Get Jo's Journaling Starter Kit and Free Workshop Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!