

Find My Catalyst Podcast
Mike Simmons
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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.

Sep 26, 2023 • 14min
Simplify Decision Making with Strategy and Tools - 351
In this episode you will learn: How to simplify decision making by clarifying your strategy How to simplify decision making by using a 2x2 Episode Resources: Catalyst G.A.M.E. Plan Notebook If you are struggling with a transition. Working through change. Lack a system or process. Know that there is something better but don't know where to start. We have something for you. Tools Process Frameworks Thinking by design I'm available 1:1 for coaching 1:small in a workshop, facilitated discussion environment, or fractional role. 1:Many via speaking. I want to help you find your catalyst, and take that next step. https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

Sep 21, 2023 • 47min
Work-Life Bloom with Dan Pontefract - 350
"We have taught one another terribly when it comes to what leadership/management means." Dan Pontefract In this episode you will learn: How data can shift your perspective when thinking about balance - at work, at home, and with self. A new way to integrate our personal and professional lives Work and Life factors that contribute to our blooming, budding, stunted, or renewal state Dan Pontefract With a thriving curiosity and a heart bursting with empathy, Dan Pontefract is the epitome of a benevolent nerd. Dan's knack for understanding the dynamics of leadership in high-stress environments has made him a respected figure in this field. Seamlessly blending business strategy with empathy, Dan's approach was honed during his time at SAP, where he was part of the incredible team that improved the company culture. His insights on transparent communication and self-awareness are lauded for their practicality and foresight and his ability to balance family life and work resonates with leaders. Episode Resources: www.worklifebloom.com Work-Life Bloom 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.

Sep 14, 2023 • 19min
Adversity, Control, and Compartmentalizing - 349
In this episode you will learn: Two things that are always in your control - Attitude & Effort. The importance of compartmentalizing and moving forward Some questions you can ask to determine next logical steps Episode Resources: Catalyst G.A.M.E. Plan Notebook If you are struggling with a transition. Working through change. Lack a system or process. Know that there is something better but don't know where to start. We have something for you. Tools Process Frameworks Thinking by design I'm available 1:1 for coaching 1:small in a workshop, facilitated discussion environment, or fractional role. 1:Many via speaking. I want to help you find your catalyst, and take that next step. https://www.findmycatalyst.com/

Sep 4, 2023 • 49min
Podcasting, Entrepreneurship, Masterminds, Authenticity, and Attraction with Lou Mongello - 348
"I think as entrepreneurs, we need to build a real relationship with our audience, focusing on one-on-one connections instead of just chasing numbers." - Lou Mongello In This Episode You Will Learn: Learn to shift your perception of failure and view it as a learning catalyst, enhancing personal development. How to cultivate meaningful relationships with listeners and audiences at various events, enhancing engagement. The importance of authenticity and its impact on attraction. How community and enagement can drive creativity and learning. Why it's important to be genuinely interested in caring at scale. Lou Mongello Lou is a keynote speaker, coach, and content creator on a mission to share the magic of Disney and help entrepreneurs build their brand and business. He specializes in helping organizations leverage customer service strategies from Disney, and I love bringing unique and impactful "Disney magic" to events, companies, and schools. Episode Resources: Lou Mongello's Momentum Conference - USE Catalyst200 Lou Mongello WDW Radio This episode is brought to you by the G.A.M.E. Plan Notebook Catch Up On Our Last 3 Episodes: Origin Story and What's Next with Mike Simmons Marketing with Cassie Tucker Podcasting & Sales - How They Go Together with Collin Mitchell If you'd like information about the GAME Plan - check us out here - https://www.findmycatalyst.com/ Connect With Us! Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn www.findmycatalyst.com

Aug 31, 2023 • 50min
Origin Story - What's Next, What Challenges We are Focused On, and Who we Serve - 347
What is your Origin Story? How has in informed your business & how you have adapted your approach? What's Next? What Problems do you Solve? Who do you serve? These are just a couple of the question we go deep on in this special episode of the Podcast. What happens when you combine …a move from the East to the west as a freshman in high school. Starting at ASU at 17. Going from… UPS to Smartforce SkillSoft to Safari OReilly to Catalyst Not wanting attention to wanting affirmation Hockey to Football to Golf Builder and rebuilder From erector sets and lincoln logs to legos and cable boxes (🤫) Oldest of seven to family of 4 + some k9s. Curious, focused on continuous learning, deep thinker, and doer. This is some of the experience that built me. ——————— So - allow me to re-introduce myself. I'm Mike Simmons - some of the words that come to mind when folks here my name in conversation. Sales Coach Resilient Persistent Dedicated Genuine Listener Amazing Questions Clarity Simple Strategy Execution We've shifted the business to focus on the individual first. Building culture and leadership from the front line. We believe this will positively impact revenue and execution in your business. If you are struggling with a transition. Working through change. Lack a system or process. Know that there is something better but don't know where to start. We have something for you. Tools Process Frameworks Thinking by design I'm available 1:1 for coaching 1:small in a workshop, facilitated discussion environment, or fractional role. 1:Many via speaking. I want to help you find your catalyst, and take that next step. https://www.findmycatalyst.com/


