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

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!  

Kwame Christian, a negotiation expert and host of the top podcast Negotiate Anything, shares insights on engaging conversations with empathy. He introduces his 'Compassionate Curiosity' framework, designed to navigate tough discussions effectively. Discover why tone is crucial, how to uncover true priorities, and a quick technique to ease tension. Kwame also illustrates the importance of emotional intelligence in negotiations and when to bow out gracefully without damaging relationships. Tune in for transformative tips that apply to all aspects of communication!

What if your success didn't just depend on what you do—but on how you work with people? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to uncover how the quality of our working relationships is the true game-changer in business. Whether you're trying to repair a tricky client dynamic or elevate a good one into something exceptional, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and one incredibly simple but powerful tool: the Keystone Conversation. We dive deep into how to create a Best Possible Relationship (BPR)—and why safe, vital, and repairable relationships are the secret sauce for long-term client retention, team morale, and professional fulfillment. Michael shares the five questions you can ask to build stronger foundations with clients (and colleagues), plus how to model bravery, curiosity, and generosity in ways that truly set you apart. If you've ever wondered how to bring more intentionality and impact into the way you collaborate, this is the episode to hit play on.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:    How one simple mindset shift can change the way you lead every client call Why safety is essential—but not enough—for meaningful collaboration The three hidden traits that define every Best Possible Relationship How to become "easy to work with" in a way that builds unshakable trust What a Keystone Conversation is—and why it's your secret client-retention weapon Five powerful questions that unlock better communication and mutual respect What to do when a relationship goes sideways—and how to repair it with confidence Why modeling curiosity (instead of advice-giving) is a powerful differentiator   If this conversation sparked something in you, now's the time to take action. Think of one relationship that could use a reset—or a boost—and try just one of the questions Michael shared today. You'll be amazed at what opens up. And if you want the full roadmap, grab a copy of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone and visit bestpossiblerelationship.com for bonus resources, free downloads, and a video example of the Keystone Conversation in action. Let's start working better—one conversation at a time.   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! How to Work with Almost Anyone Best Possible Relationship Toolkit  

Have you ever wondered why asking for what you want can feel so awkward—and why people say yes more often than we think? In this episode, I dive deep with Dr. Vanessa Bohns, an organizational behavior expert from Cornell University and the author of You Have More Influence Than You Think. Together, we unpack why influence is so much more than persuasion—and why it's less about manipulation and more about authentic, everyday impact. We explore the psychological biases that make us underestimate our influence, the surprising power of simply asking face-to-face, and the crucial difference between perspective-taking and perspective-getting. Whether you're a leader, a business developer, or simply looking to grow your positive influence, this conversation is packed with insights on building trust, making confident asks, and empowering others while avoiding the "ick" factor.   Topics We Cover in This Episode:    3:05 — Why putting "positive" in front of influence might matter more than you think 6:45 — The 100-year legacy of How to Win Friends and Influence People and why it's still relevant today 10:15 — Why "just ask" works and how face-to-face requests get 34x more yeses than emails 19:00 — How small, spontaneous asks can build authentic connections and why overthinking can kill momentum 25:20 — The hidden power of stating what you want and why it's essential in building relationships 29:00 — The difference between perspective-taking and perspective-getting 38:00 — Why direct asks often outperform polished presentations and how to practice this skill 44:00 — How seeing, feeling, and experiencing influence can make you a more confident and effective leader If you loved this conversation with Vanessa Bohns, share the episode with a friend or colleague who could use a confidence boost—and don't forget to subscribe for more actionable insights on mastering the art of positive influence!   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 Vanessa Get a copy of Vanessa's book, You Have More Influence Than You Think