The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Dr. Aleksandra Plazinic, an expert in strategic management and communication, to explore the often overlooked challenges women face in professional settings, particularly concerning public speaking and confidence building. This episode dives deep into practical strategies for overcoming the fear of public speaking and developing the confidence to communicate effectively. The discussion revolves around identifying the roots of imposter syndrome among women, with Aleksandra sharing insights from her experience that highlight the societal pressures and self-imposed expectations women commonly face, as well as emphasising practical, actionable advice to manage...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome John Golden, a seasoned sales leader and renowned speaker in the sales industry. With a rich history in sales leadership and strategy, John shares compelling insights into the evolving role of sales leaders and the paradigms that shape effective sales teams. The episode delves into John’s career trajectory that began in Dublin and led him to Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom, painting a vivid picture of his strategic ascent in the sales domain. Throughout the conversation, we explore various facets critical to sales leadership success such as...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Matt Sucha, the CEO of MindWorx Consulting, as we unpack his unconventional journey from being an actuary to becoming a global leader in consumer psychology training, along with his insights into sales and the art of persuasion. The episode centres around Matt’s upcoming book, “The Hidden YES,” and explores profound insights into consumer behaviour and psychology that can transform sales practices. Throughout the conversation, Matt unveils the fundamental mistakes salespeople often make, such as over-reliance on motivation and neglect of psychological barriers. He shares valuab...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Alex Smith, founder of Basic Arts and author of “The No Bullshit Strategy.” Together, we explore the misconceptions surrounding business strategy and how simplifying these concepts can lead to more tangible success. Alex’s unconventional journey in strategy, beginning without formal education in the field, offers enlightening insights into how less can be more in the complex world of business strategy. Alex dives deep into the dynamics of effective strategy by underscoring its simplicity and execution. He emphasises that the real value of strategy lies in action...

In this engaging episode, Dan Norcross shares his remarkable transition from a successful engineering career to becoming the founder and CEO of Regal Relocations, and his journey to becoming a dynamic property investment strategist. As he delves into his strategies for property investments, listeners will discover how Dan leverages data-driven decision-making and innovative business models to achieve win-win scenarios for investors and property owners alike. This episode provides a deep dive into Dan’s journey within the property sector, revealing critical insights into the power of mentoring and coaching, as well as the significant impact of taking decisive actions. Da...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Matt Raad, an expert in buying and selling online businesses, to explore the future of financial independence. Matt recounts his transformative journey from Zoology student to successful entrepreneur, emphasising the pivotal role of sales and the attraction of leveraging online businesses for financial freedom. Together with his wife, Liz, Matt has built a dynamic career by acquiring and managing digital properties, illustrating the viability of generating passive income through strategic online investments. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the nuances of transitioning from traditional sales...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with sales expert Adam Cerra, Founder & CEO of DFY High Ticket Closing & Closer Academy, and creator of The Inverse Closing Method. The conversation explores Adam’s formidable career, beginning in IT support and evolving into the high-stakes world of sales. Particularly for coaches and educators in personal development, Adam’s methodologies are built on creating genuine buying decisions and establishing integrity and authority in sales conversations. The episode delves deep into Adam’s inverse closing method, a distinctive strategy that prioritises understanding customer pain points using emotio...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Neil Reich, Founder & CEO of Care Connect Advisors, from Tampa, Florida. With a remarkable career in sales and healthcare, Neil brings a wealth of experience and insights into building successful sales teams and delivering exceptional value to customers. In this episode, Neil shares his leadership journey, recounting pivotal moments and lessons learned from mentors that have shaped his approach to business and life. We explore the significance of mentorship, developing a successful sales strategy, the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people...

In this compelling episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Terry Wilson, CEO of Chat Metrics, to discuss the critical interplay between human interaction and technology in sales conversions. With a background in accounting and the steel industry, Terry’s transition into digital marketing highlights the importance of human-centric live chat solutions for online businesses. Listeners will gain insights into Chat Metrics’ journey and unique business model that prioritises 24/7 human interaction over automation and AI bots, ensuring quality customer engagement. Throughout the conversation, Terry elaborates on the transformative power of live chat in enhancing lead gene...

In this enlightening episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by experienced & highly successful financial entrepreneur Larry Weidel who shares his journey and insights into building a successful business empire. You will be treated to a rich tapestry of experiences highlighting the challenges and triumphs Larry faced in establishing a financial powerhouse with Primerica, a journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to helping others achieve financial freedom. Larry discusses key principles from his book, “Serial Winner,” emphasising the significance of making decisive steps forward and maintaining a mindset of always improving, which he refe...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome Bob Pizzini, an ex-Navy diver, current CEO, and leadership consultant, to share his insights on leveraging military experience in the business world. Bob brings to the table a diverse background, from being a Navy EOD technician to running a multimillion-dollar business. He discusses his journey, focusing on utilising his military-acquired skills to build and operate a unique venture like iFly Virginia Beach, a renowned indoor skydiving facility. We dive into the core principles of leadership learned from his military career, emphasising health and wellness as critical components of leadership...

In this episode I enjoy an engaging conversation with Nuttha Goutier as we explore her transformational journey from a small Thai village to spearheading a successful spa network in Canada. We delve into Nuttha's personal story, offering insights into the communal values and resourcefulness inherent in her upbringing, which have significantly influenced her business ethos. The conversation provides a detailed look at how Nuttha's deep-rooted belief in community, joy, and wellbeing propelled the Sabai Thai Spa to success. Emphasising the core values of self-care and human connection, this episode highlights how a genuine passion combined with strategic franchising can pave...

In this riveting episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I reconnect with Tanya Pluckrose after four years between podcast episodes. A conversation filled with insights, Tanya shares her transformative journey from a successful career at Qantas to becoming a mindset coach in the United States and now back in Brisbane. She elaborates on the importance of nature, frequency, and vibrational energy as tools for resetting and aligning one's inner frequency for business success. We explore these profound topics as she highlights her living experiences in Las Vegas and how tuning with nature has influenced her mindset. This episode delves...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Jim Carlough, a celebrated author and leadership expert from Dallas, Texas. The conversation highlights the global scope of Jim's influence, evident in his engagements from Nigeria to Switzerland. The focus is Jim's bestseller, "The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership," which he developed as a guide to empower new managers with proven leadership strategies. Jim shares how his own journey into sales leadership started without the traditional sales stint, an environment that taught him valuable lessons about adaptability and integrity. Amid an in-depth discussion on leadership, Jim...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I chat with Mark Gordon, a seasoned sales leader and CEO of Integrated Go-to-Market Solutions. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Mark shares his journey from being a struggling student to a thriving entrepreneur in sales and mortgage businesses. His unique approach to leadership and company culture, emphasising radical candour and transparency, plays a vital role in the success of his ventures. Mark discusses the importance of having a well-structured go-to-market strategy, especially in commodity-based industries, where product differentiation is challenging. Listeners will learn about key sales and marketing strategies that Mark...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome Edd Hayer, CEO of Prospector, a vital player in the realm of sales technology. The conversation unfolds to spotlight the intersection of smart technology and sales strategy and we delve into the transformation of traditional prospecting approaches, underlining the importance of leveraging insights for a dynamic and relevant sales strategy. We explore Prospector's innovative platform that empowers sales teams by identifying business insights that influence positive sales outcomes. This approach aligns with the overarching need in industries today for precision-targeting and accurate understanding of customer needs, beyond the generic...

In this captivating episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Andrew Hulbert, a prominent business leader and founder of Pareto FM. The episode kicks off with the fascinating revelation that Andrew is among the top 0.1% of blood donors worldwide, highlighting his commitment to giving back. This theme of service underpins a compelling discussion on entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the impact of nurturing a community network to achieve sustainable business success. Andrew shares his unique journey from a humble upbringing on a council estate to founding a nine-figure business in the competitive facilities management sector. This episode delves into...

In this gripping episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Stephen Oommen after an eight-month hiatus to explore powerful concepts in sales leadership and personal development. Recorded against the backdrop of Stephen's journey from Microsoft to entrepreneurship, the episode delves deep into the principles of the "Mamba Mentality" as inspired by Kobe Bryant. It articulates the significance of relentless self-improvement, financial stewardship, and the importance of building meaningful human connections within the sales landscape. Focusing on sales as a form of dedicated problem-solving, this episode explores the impacts of mindset and strategy on achieving sales success. Attuned...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Cameron Bishop, the Managing Director of Raincatcher and engage in an insightful discussion, traversing Cameron's unique career path from an unexpected promotion in a small publishing company to leading a multi-million dollar enterprise. Listeners will dive deep into Cameron's ethos around leadership, how to foster respect in sales teams, and the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes in mergers and acquisitions, all of which took his career to new, formidable heights. We explore the nuances of people management, especially the importance of understanding and empowering employees to cultivate...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I chat with Mandy Keene, a formidable leadership coach specialising in personality assessments. Broadcasting from outside Boise, Idaho, Mandy shares insights from her journey, starting with her time at Tony Robbins' organisation, where her affinity for coaching and personality assessments began. Her expertise has led her to coach industry stalwarts like Russell Brunson, helping leaders harness their strengths for optimal performance. This episode delves deep into the world of personality assessments, with Mandy explaining how tools like the DISC profile can significantly enhance one's understanding of personal and team dynamics. She...

In this engaging episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Andres Lares, Managing Director at Shapiro Negotiations Institute. We dive into the fascinating world of negotiation and the powers of influence, as Andres shares insights gained from his vast experience in the field. Known for coaching high-profile sports professionals and corporate leaders alike, Andres brings a unique perspective on negotiation strategies that can be applied across industries. Throughout the discussion, Andres explores the importance of relationship-based negotiation and offers a seasoned take on the often-debated topic of win-win outcomes. He emphasises the critical role of emotional intelligence and...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Hohman, the mastermind behind Sales Recruiting University. We dive into Ryan's journey from a young commission-based sales trainee to establishing a groundbreaking recruitment firm. Throughout the episode, Ryan opens up about his experiences across various sales roles, his foray into entrepreneurship, and the evolution of Sales Recruiting University. This enlightening discussion shines a light on the distinctive strategies that underpin successful recruitment and retention of commission-based sales professionals. The conversation also explores the nuances of building a commission-based sales team, the importance of effective onboarding processes...

In this episode, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Mark Howley, an accomplished business leader renowned for his insights into sales, entrepreneurship, and personal evolution. We delve deep into Mark's journey through the bustling world of business, the philosophies that have guided him, and his unwavering commitment to playing the long game. Mark candidly shares his life's narrative, from starting at an entry-level sales position to navigating through significant career milestones, to owning and selling a successful business. Throughout the conversation, Mark emphasises the importance of long-term planning, resilience, and continuously honing one's craft. Insights into his career are juxtaposed...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Donny Hackett, founder and CEO of VeriDeal. Donny shares the journey leading to the creation of VeriDeal, a groundbreaking platform designed to differentiate genuine sales achievers from the embellished resumes prevalent in tech sales. Through his narrative, he highlights the struggles and realisations that catalysed his transition from a sales executive position at AWS to a tech entrepreneur, aiming to transform industry standards. As Donny delves deeper into the nuances of the VeriDeal platform, he discusses its potential to alleviate hiring challenges by providing...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Christian Jack, a pivotal figure in the landscape of sales coaching and influence. We delve into Christian’s compelling journey from a music teacher to a leading sales force known as the "Sales Dojo." Christian shares vital insights into the importance of developing a meta skill in sales and how his passion for growth led him to significant transformations in business and personal journeys alike. The conversation unfolds around crucial themes like the psychology of sales and the principle of focusing on self-improvement to excel in...

In this insightful episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast I'm joined by Greg Cassar, a business coach, investor and highly successful businessman, and we delve deep into lifestyle design and the significance of creating a career that offers both time and financial freedom. Greg shares his journey from the corporate realm to building a thriving business, emphasising the transformative power of self-investment and personal development. This episode explores the critical importance of diversifying income streams and the advantages of staying current with technological advancements, like AI. Greg highlights how investing in one's financial education and understanding emerging tech trends...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Kylie Denton, the insightful Director and Founder of Performance Advisory Group. We dive deep into the adaptation of the 5 Love Languages in corporate environments, particularly within leadership and sales contexts. Kylie emphasises the importance of understanding these languages—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch—to cultivate a more engaging and productive workplace culture. We explore how leaders can utilise love languages to improve team dynamics and individual productivity, as well as enhancing employee satisfaction and performance, particularly in the fast-paced world of s...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, l welcome the multifaceted Patrick Joyce, CEO of Outboundless, who shares his journey from a math teacher to leading an innovative cold-calling agency. The conversation opens up about Patrick's fascinating path into B2B tech sales, collaborating with leading industry experts to launch Outboundless. With its focus on competitive marketplaces, this discussion delves deeply into sales strategies, especially focusing on the controversial yet essential role of cold calling. The episode proceeds to dismantle the notion that cold calling is obsolete, showcasing it as an enduring and vital sales strategy by presenting...

In this episode I welcome Andy Culligan, co-founder and CEO of Purple Path. Delving into his dynamic career journey, Andy shares insights into his transition from Ireland to Austria, his diverse work experience across various global organisations, and his expertise in sales and marketing alignment. This engaging conversation explores the intricate relationship between sales and marketing, the importance of SDR teams, and the rise of personal branding and AI’s role in enhancing marketing strategies. Andy offers expert advice on how sales and marketing can achieve alignment, emphasising the crucial role of SDR teams as the bridge between the two. Th...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Danny DelVecchio, a seasoned sales leader turned video content specialist. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Danny shares his transition from a 20-year career in sales with major telecom companies like AT&T to founding "Video on Easy Mode." This episode offers a deep dive into how Danny expertly leverages video content to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their presence and revenue on platforms like LinkedIn. Danny explains the benefits and strategies of adopting video content in today's digital landscape, highlighting how video...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Sue Heilbronner, a multi-faceted professional with an impressive career history. Now an executive coach and author, Sue discusses illuminating insights from her upcoming book, "Never Ask for the Sale," which challenges conventional sales methodologies and introduces the concept of passionate ambivalence in sales. Listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation that explores the intersections of law, technology, and sales. Sue shares her journey from a federal prosecutor to a tech executive, revealing how every role she’s undertaken involved selling in one form or another. Throughout the ep...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome the multifaceted Laura Armstrong. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge in business strategy, communication, and personal development. From her origins as a bullied child to becoming a three-time world champion in martial arts, Laura’s journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Having begun her professional career as a commodity trader, she later transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing Wealth Mastery Systems, a platform designed to empower individuals to achieve financial success while living their passion. Throughout the engaging conversation, we explore key themes such as th...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Mickie Kennedy from eReleases, who shares insightful strategies on how small businesses can maximise their public relations efforts. Mickie elaborates on the importance of crafting compelling stories in press releases, stating that a well-written release can turn into dozens of articles that significantly raise a company's profile. His journey from a creative writing background to founding eReleases underscores his dedication to demystifying PR for businesses of all sizes. The conversation dives into the nuances of press releases and emphasises the need for small businesses to tell engaging stories that...

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by lifetime entrepreneur Joseph Incrocci as he takes us on a journey of business leadership and sales excellence. Joseph, an 82-year-old dynamo from Chicago, shares his insights from growing and selling two multi-million-dollar companies. He reveals vital lessons from his storied career, culminating in his latest book, which provides actionable strategies for business growth. Listeners are treated to a candid look at Joseph's fearless approach, underscoring the importance of risk, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Joseph's journey is a testament to enduring business principles, and this...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome back Richard Webbe, a multi-talented entrepreneur with insights into AI's role in sales and marketing. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, we tackle the critical discussion on ethics in AI, emphasising its role as a tool to enhance efficiency and market intelligence rather than replace human jobs. Richard shares his own journey from a tech-savvy engineer to a strategic leader, underscoring the importance of ethical sales practices and the evolving landscape of AI in business. The conversation dives deep into how AI is revolutionising the sales...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I am joined by Joe Davis, a veteran in leadership with a rich history at the Boston Consulting Group. Broadcasting from Minnesota, Joe shares his vast experience, reflecting on his journey from a young sales rep to a senior partner. The discussion traverses Joe's transition and the evolution of leadership, touching on the concepts highlighted in his book "The Generous Leader." Among these concepts, Joe underscores the importance of being a generous leader, focusing on genuine feedback, mentoring, and fostering inclusive environments. The conversation dives deep into the transformative aspects...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Tony Morando from World Emblem, uncovering the fascinating journey of a sales leader who turned unforeseen opportunities into a thriving career. The podcast dives deep into the dynamics of sales leadership amidst evolving global markets and uncovers how Tony leads his sales team with strategic acumen and a client-centric approach. Emphasising the importance of technology, Tony discusses the role of AI and other digital innovations that are redefining sales strategies and customer engagements at World Emblem. The discussion explores the intricacies of balancing aggressive sales targets with client satisfaction...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I engage in a captivating discussion with renowned wildlife artist James Corwin. The conversation delves into James's journey from discovering his passion for art to establishing a successful artistic brand. You will learn how his business acumen paired with artistic talent enabled him to transition from selling small paintings at farmers' markets to building a multimillion-dollar brand—James Corwin Art. The episode is rich with insights into balancing creativity with business strategy as James shares his experiences in expanding an art empire, including opening galleries and leveraging digital platforms for marketing. By...

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Simon Ooley, the dynamic CEO of Veles. The discussion centers on transforming enterprise sales with AI-powered collaborative tools, as well as leveraging innovative pricing and use case presentations to streamline the sales process. Simon shares his journey from being a BDR to leading international sales operations and establishing Veles, with a focus on addressing the prevalent challenges sales teams face today. Throughout the conversation, Simon highlights the critical role that understanding and presenting use cases play in successful sales engagements. He discusses how Veles's platform integrates with...

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Salvatore Manzi, a digital nomad and expert in communications around leadership. Currently based in Madrid, Spain, Salvatore shares his journey from Kansas to becoming a seasoned speaker, facilitator, and coach. The episode delves into how technology facilitates a nomadic lifestyle, enabling Salvatore to foster impactful communication between leaders globally. His upcoming book, "Clear and Compelling," is also highlighted, promising valuable insights into crafting communication strategies. Focusing on the intricacies of public speaking and leadership communication, the episode addresses how introverted leaders can master these skills by...