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

What if selling got easier when you stopped trying so hard to sell? In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Snyder, creator of the PULL framework, to explore a different approach to business development. Instead of pushing products and services toward clients, we talk about creating the conditions where people naturally pull your solution toward them. Rob breaks down the four pieces of PULL and explains why a client having a problem does not necessarily mean they have a reason to buy.

We also talk about how to listen for what clients are actually trying to accomplish...

What if procrastination is costing you business? In this episode, I sit down with Jon Acuff to unpack why smart, capable professionals procrastinate on the things that actually grow their businesses, especially follow-up, relationship building, and business development. We talk about the four traps that keep us stuck, why procrastination isn't just about getting started, and how even quitting can become something we put off.

Jon also shares practical strategies for getting out of your own way, including his "CEO of follow-up" mindset, the power of the Golden Hour, and why shifting from selling to serving can...

What if the expertise you've spent decades building could become the engine for more predictable revenue, stronger positioning, and better-fit clients? In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Northcutt, founder and CEO of Level Up Creators, to unpack why so many experts struggle with inconsistent lead flow even when they are exceptional at what they do. 

We talk about the "expert trap," why being great at the work is not enough to consistently win the work you actually want, and how personal branding, a clearly defined methodology, and a deep understanding of your ideal client can c...

I'm excited to sit down with Kristy Ellmer, a senior leader at Boston Consulting Group and co-author of How Change Really Works, to talk about what it actually takes to lead meaningful change inside organizations. Rather than relying on intuition or management trends, Kristy explains how years of research in behavioral science, neuroscience, and real-world transformations led to seven practical principles for increasing the odds of success. We explore why so many change efforts stall, why getting genuine agreement matters more than quick consensus, and how leaders can create the conditions for lasting progress instead of temporary compliance.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Cialdini, one of the world's foremost researchers on influence and the bestselling author of Influence, to discuss what actually builds trust in relationship-driven business development. Rather than focusing on persuasion tactics, we explore the small, practical behaviors that help experts create stronger client relationships over time—from expressing genuine affinity and finding authentic points of connection to using language that reinforces partnership instead of distance.

We also talk about why human connection often matters more than demonstrating expertise alone. Dr. Cialdini shares research-backed examples on asking for advice in...

In this episode, I sit down with former Navy SEAL, leadership expert, and bestselling author Rich Diviney to explore what it really means to perform well in uncertain environments. Drawing from the ideas in his book Masters of Uncertainty, Rich explains why chasing peak performance can actually be the wrong goal for most people and why learning to perform optimally in unpredictable situations matters far more. 

We discuss how uncertainty affects decision-making, motivation, relationships, and business development, and how small shifts in focus can help us make progress even when outcomes feel unclear.

If you're l...

In this episode, I sit down with Melody Wilding to talk about a skill that has become increasingly important in today's matrixed organizations: managing up. But not in the traditional sense of simply keeping your boss informed. We explore what it really means to build influence with decision-makers, stakeholders, and leaders whose priorities, communication styles, and levels of involvement may be very different from your day-to-day contacts. Whether you're navigating internal relationships or working with complex clients, Melody shares practical frameworks for creating alignment, building trust, and increasing your impact without feeling political or inauthentic.

We also...

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them.<...

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Kit founder Nathan Barry to unpack the real relationship between money, impact, leverage, and fulfillment. We talk openly about wealth in a way most people never do, especially in professional services and high performing careers where conversations about money can still feel taboo. Nathan shares why he believes money is simply a tool, how value creation leads to wealth, and why building an audience may be one of the greatest leverage opportunities available today.

We also dive deep into Nathan's upcoming book Ladders of Wealth and the framework...

What if the secret to building a high performing team has almost nothing to do with working harder? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Friedman to unpack the science behind what actually makes teams thrive, innovate, and outperform everyone else. We dive into the surprising myths most leaders still believe about teamwork, productivity, meetings, accountability, and motivation, and why the best teams often operate completely differently than conventional wisdom suggests. From shared goals and peer accountability to creating a culture where people genuinely want to do their best work, this conversation challenged the way I think about...

Everything changes the moment you stop doing the work and start managing it. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Herd to unpack what really happens when high performers step into leadership and why so many struggle in that transition. We dig into the hidden challenges of managing both people and client relationships, and why being great at your job does not automatically make you a great manager. I share real examples of where things go wrong, including how silence and overthinking can quietly erode trust, and we explore the simple but powerful "pause, consider, act" framework that...

What if everything you think you see is actually shaped by what you already believe? In this episode, I sit down with Nir Eyal to unpack the fascinating science behind belief, perception, and performance, and it completely changed how I think about business development and success. We explore how our brains filter reality through prior beliefs, often creating invisible barriers that hold us back in relationships, sales, and opportunities we don't even realize we're missing.

I dig into how limiting beliefs quietly sabotage our ability to take action, why motivation isn't what we've been taught, and how...

Are you moving too fast to give advice when the real opportunity is to lead through curiosity?

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and coaching expert Michael Bungay Stanier to unpack what it really means to become a more effective leader, coach, and communicator. We dive into the powerful idea that the best leaders are not the ones with the fastest answers, but the ones who stay curious a little longer. Michael shares why letting your team struggle is often the key to their growth, how leaders accidentally become bottlenecks, and why the instinct...

What does it really mean to lead boldly when the stakes are high and the path ahead isn't perfectly clear?

In this episode, I sit down with leadership expert and author Leigh Burgess to unpack what bold leadership actually looks like in practice. We explore why so many high-performing professionals second guess themselves when making big decisions, having difficult conversations, or stepping into higher levels of leadership. Leigh shares the five core traits she believes define bold leaders and explains how strategic risk taking, trust building, and resilience play a critical role in leading teams and organizations...

Ever wonder why some leaders, brands, and businesses seem to communicate so clearly that people instantly trust them, buy from them, and follow their vision? In this episode, I sit down with communication strategist and author Oliver Aust to unpack why communication is often the hidden bottleneck holding teams, businesses, and leaders back. We dive into why communication is the ultimate leverage skill in modern knowledge work, and how mastering it can transform everything from sales conversations and client loyalty to leadership influence and brand positioning.

Together, we explore the psychology behind powerful messaging and the subtle...

Are you chasing success… or building something that actually lasts? In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I sit down with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to unpack why it's often harder to sustain success than it is to achieve it in the first place. We dive into what separates high performers who burn out from those who stay at the top over the long haul, including how to design your life and business with intention instead of running on autopilot. We talk about control versus chaos, why rest is not a reward but a performance strategy, and how the mo...

What if grit isn't about pushing harder but about knowing when to pivot, pause, and play the long game? In this episode, I sit down with Joel Goldberg, longtime Kansas City Royals announcer, speaker, and author, to pull back the curtain on what high-performing athletes can teach us about resilience, failure, and sustained success in business and life. Drawing from decades inside professional sports, Joel shares the real, behind-the-scenes moments you never see in post-game interviews… the slumps, the setbacks, and the quiet decisions that separate those who burn out from those who endure.

We dig into wh...

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Robertson, former CEO and current Chairman of BBDO and author of The Creative Shift, to unpack why creativity gets squeezed out of adults, teams, and organizations and what it actually takes to bring it back. We talk about the difference between innovation and true creation, why most brainstorming fails, and how businesses unintentionally shut down their people's most powerful ideas. Andrew shares the research, stories, and real-world lessons behind some of the most iconic campaigns of our time and why creativity is not reserved for "creative people," but for anyone solving...

What if the one skill you think you're doing "well enough"… is actually the thing silently sabotaging your performance, your relationships, and your wellbeing?

In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned sleep scientist Dr. Wendy Troxel to uncover the truth about the one behavior most of us think we've mastered — but absolutely haven't. We dive into why sleep is far more than a nightly routine, why high-performers struggle with it most, and how the noise of social media "sleep hacks" is leading so many people astray. I ask Wendy the questions we're all too embarrassed to ask...

What actually happens when generosity, influence, and habits collide in your business development work? That's the question I dive into in this second conversation with my friend Todd Sattersten, publisher of Bard Press and author of The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. We pick up exactly where Part One left off, right at the intersection of relationships, vulnerability, and connecting with others in a way that actually moves your work forward. From the surprising science behind why "givers" rise to the top (and sometimes sink to the bottom), to the behind-the-scenes mechanics of hospitality and how we make people...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and publisher, Todd Sattersten to unpack his brand-new book The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. After spending thousands of hours studying the world's top ideas, Todd distilled them into three massive themes: the core beliefs that shape how we grow, the foundational skills we all need, and the proven strategies for implementation. Together, we explore why purpose matters more than you think, why progress—not perfection—is what keeps us motivated, and how the strongest relationships (both personal and professional) can radically improve your success. We also break down lessons from...

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 fr...

Have you ever wondered how to intentionally shape your personal brand—without feeling fake or "salesy"? In this episode, I sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, to talk about what it really means to build a brand that reflects who you are, how you work, and what you stand for. We dig into why your brand is your reputation, how to stop leaving it up to chance, and the mindset shift that can help you move from being overlooked to being unforgettable.

Lorraine breaks down her EPIC framework—Experiences, Pers...

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 th...

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 Po...

How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it's quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn't just about gaining more customers. It's about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value.

From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into the practical...

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...

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...

What if the real key to your business growth isn't another marketing tactic—but building the right community around you? In this episode, I sit down with Gina Bianchini, CEO of Mighty Networks, to uncover the true difference between networking (which often feels transactional) and community (which sparks transformation). We explore why being the hub of a community can exponentially grow your influence, create opportunities, and bring lasting value to everyone involved.

Gina walks us through the exact framework for building a community that's vibrant, self-sustaining, and deeply rewarding, whether it's in-person or online. From identifying your au...

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, creati...

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 ha...

Are you letting fear or friction hold you back from the conversations that matter most? In this episode, I sit down with Kwame Christian— host of the #1 negotiation podcast Negotiate Anything and creator of LinkedIn's only official negotiation certificate—to explore how we can all get better at negotiation by doing it with more heart. Kwame breaks down his signature "Compassionate Curiosity" framework, a three-step method that helps you navigate any conversation—whether in business or life—with empathy, emotional intelligence, and strategic clarity. If you've ever struggled with "what to say when it's hard to say it," this episode...

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 Re...

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 betw...

What happens when an elite financial advisory firm embraces a "give to grow" mindset instead of the traditional hard-sell approach? In this episode, I sit down with Cannon Carr, CEO of CornerCap, to explore exactly that. Cannon takes us behind the scenes of how his expert-led team has used authenticity, generosity, and tailored business development strategies to drive remarkable growth—without ever feeling like they're "selling."

We dig into how Cannon transformed his mindset, reshaped his firm's culture, and practically applied the GrowBIG and Give to Grow systems to reach entrepreneurs and small business owners on a me...

What really gives a company an edge in a constantly changing world?

In this episode, I sit down with the legendary David Teece—the man behind the most cited paper on strategic management and the creator of the "Dynamic Capabilities" framework. But he's far more than an academic. David has built billion-dollar companies, challenged outdated economic models, and reshaped how we think about competitive advantage. We dive deep into how innovation, adaptability, and capabilities—not just cost efficiency—are the real drivers of enduring success.

You'll hear how David has simultaneously excelled in academia and busine...

What if the secret to peak performance wasn't grinding harder, but simply feeling better? In this episode of Real Relationships, Real Revenue, I sit down with the brilliant Ali Abdaal—doctor, YouTuber, author, and now productivity philosopher—to unpack the science and strategy behind Feel Good Productivity. We explore the idea that happiness isn't a reward for success, but the engine that drives it. Ali breaks down how boosting energy, reducing stress, and infusing joy into your daily work can radically enhance both performance and satisfaction. If you've ever felt burned out, stuck, or like your business development efforts are...

What does it really take to stand out and succeed in a competitive market? In this episode, we dive deep into the strategies and mindset shifts that can elevate your brand and business. Our guest, Topaz Adizes, shares firsthand experiences, practical advice, and thought-provoking insights that challenge the status quo. From overcoming obstacles to leveraging hidden opportunities, this conversation is packed with golden nuggets you won't want to miss.

We discuss the power of storytelling in business, the importance of adapting to change, and how to build lasting connections with your audience. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative...

Have you ever let fear of failure, uncertainty, or judgment hold you back from going after what you truly want? In this episode, we dive into the principles of Wild Courage with author Jenny Wood. We break down three of the nine bold traits she explores in her book—how to be positively manipulative, obsessed, and shameless—to achieve extraordinary success in business and life. Jenny shares how a bold moment on a New York subway shaped her fearless approach, how she landed her dream job at Google, and the powerful strategies she now uses as an entrepreneur to buil...

Have you ever found yourself in a leadership role—whether guiding a team, driving a client project, or shaping a business—without an official title? In this episode, I sit down with leadership expert and author Kevin Eikenberry to unpack the power of flexible leadership and how it can drive both relationships and revenue. We explore how great leaders don't just react—they lead with confidence, even in uncertain times. Kevin shares insights from his latest book, Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, diving into how leadership is a verb, not a title, and how adaptability is the key to lon...