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

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 forward. Throughout our conversation, we dive into the mindset shifts required to move from hesitation to confident action. Leigh offers practical ways leaders can strengthen their ability to navigate uncertainty, build meaningful networks, and create a clear vision even when the road ahead feels foggy. If you've ever felt the tension between playing it safe and making the bold move your intuition is nudging you toward, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what courageous leadership really looks like. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The five traits that separate bold leaders from hesitant ones Why strategic risk is often the missing ingredient in leadership growth A surprising reason many high performers struggle with bold decision making How trust impacts your ability to move teams forward during uncertainty The role resilience plays when outcomes don't go as planned What "network weaving" really means and why it matters for leaders A simple mental shift that helps you act even when the full path isn't visible If you're ready to lead with more confidence, take smarter risks, and create greater impact inside your organization, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in to hear Leigh's insights and start identifying where you can take your next bold step as a leader. 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! Get Your Copy of The Bold Leader: https://a.co/d/02eqZbgQ Check out Leigh's Website: https://leighburgess.com/ Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theboldleader/

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 communication dynamics most professionals overlook. Oliver shares the core principles behind his "Message Machine" framework, including how clarity beats complexity, why connection matters more than perfection, and how leaders can frame conversations in ways that inspire action instead of resistance. We also talk about differentiation in crowded markets, the role fear plays in decision-making, and a surprisingly simple framework for preparing impactful presentations in minutes instead of hours. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why communication (not strategy, talent, or expertise) is often the real bottleneck in growing teams and organizations The surprising reason clarity consistently outperforms complexity in messaging and persuasion How the best communicators balance connection and authority in conversations A simple mental shift that can instantly make your marketing and messaging more compelling The hidden fears that influence client decisions (and how great communicators address them) Why being different beats being "better" in branding and positioning How trust is built faster than most people think—and the tiny habits that make it stick A fast framework for preparing speeches or presentations that actually move people to action If you've ever felt like your ideas should be landing better, or that your expertise isn't translating into influence, sales, or growth, this episode will challenge how you think about communication. Tune in to learn the subtle shifts that can dramatically improve how you lead conversations, position your work, and connect with the people who matter most. 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 Oliver Aust on LinkedIn Speak Like a CEO show on Spotify, Apple and YouTube Speak Like a CEO newsletter 21 Storytelling Frameworks

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 most elite performers build systems of support instead of trying to do everything alone. We also explore what it really takes to stay adaptable in a fast-moving world. This conversation goes beyond productivity hacks and gets into the deeper frameworks that help you show up calm, clear, and effective. If you've ever felt stretched thin, stuck in "go mode," or unsure how to keep growing without sacrificing your health, relationships, or impact, this episode will shift the way you think about success. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why peak performance has more to do with design than discipline The hidden habit high achievers use to avoid burnout What most people get wrong about "working harder" How to spot the early warning signs of unsustainable success The surprising link between values and adaptability What elite performers build behind the scenes that others ignore How to create momentum without living in constant urgency If this conversation resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's striving for more but wants to do it the right way. 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! Dr. Robyne's Resources: Adapt & Reset Tool Discover – Pre-Order 'I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It's Hard' Hope isn't just a feeling – it's the key to rewiring your brain for resiliency and well-being, even in the toughest times. Listen – Resiliency Redefined Podcast Conversations about resiliency, well-being, performance and everything in between-what it takes to be well. Join – Stress Wisely Live Webinars Rooted in research, built for real life. Join this interactive live webinar every season. Stay Connected – Subscribe to Dr. Robyne's Newsletter Get exclusive tools, strategies, and Everyday Resiliency—straight to your inbox.

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 what it actually means to "manage failure," why baseball might be the ultimate teacher of resilience, and how grit shows up in unexpected ways. Along the way, Joel shares unforgettable stories of players who refused to quit, leaders who stayed disciplined when no one was watching, and the mindset shifts that allow people to keep moving forward when the outcome feels uncertain. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why failure isn't the problem, but how you process it might be The hidden habits elite performers rely on long before success shows up How to tell the difference between working harder and working smarter What "grit" really looks like behind the scenes of professional sports Why rest, recovery, and off-seasons are strategic, not lazy The subtle ways resilience shows up in relationships and trust-building How staying open to new approaches can change your entire trajectory If this conversation sparked something in you, don't let it end here. Take a moment to reflect on where you might be chasing the same result the same way and what your next move could be instead. Share this episode with someone who's in the middle of a tough season, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future conversations on real relationships, real resilience, and real growth. 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 Joel Find Joel on LinkedIn

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 meaningful problems. We also go deep into the practical side. Andrew breaks down BBDO's famous Workout process, a structured and repeatable way to unlock breakthrough ideas in any organization. Along the way, we explore unforgettable stories from Snickers to Guinness to hard-earned failures that reveal how great ideas are actually discovered, protected, and brought to life. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why innovation alone rarely creates real competitive advantage The surprising reason most teams believe they are "not creative" How redefining the problem can unlock entirely new solutions Why generating bad ideas is a critical step toward great ones The mindset shift that helps leaders evaluate risk without playing it safe How iconic ideas are often hidden in plain sight What most brainstorming sessions get wrong The conditions that allow creativity to thrive inside real organizations If you are leading a team, growing a business, or feeling stuck repeating what has always worked, this episode will challenge how you think about creativity and what is possible when you design for it on purpose. Tune in, listen closely, and ask yourself what could change if you stopped asking for one good idea and started creating space for many. 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! Inquire About Andrew's Talks and Speeches: andrew.robertson@bbdo.com Link to Andrew's Book The Creative Shift: https://a.co/d/hVrfaHr Andrew Robertson Outlines Principles of Business Development Success: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-relationships-real-revenue-video-edition-invest/id1504330338?i=1000565194906

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 — from middle-of-the-night wakeups and racing thoughts to travel schedules, workout soreness, grief, and the myth that effort alone can make us good sleepers. You'll hear Wendy break down the science in a way that's shockingly practical — and sometimes surprisingly counterintuitive. She explains why trying harder actually makes sleep worse, how to reset your internal clock without overhauling your life, and why one mindset shift could change everything. If you think you're an "okay" sleeper… this episode might change your mind in the best possible way. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The one reason most people dramatically overestimate their sleep skills Why high achievers struggle most with sleep — and why "grinding harder" backfires The simple daily practice Wendy calls the non-negotiable circadian reset The surprising pre-bed ritual that can reduce middle-of-the-night wakeups What to do when your brain starts problem-solving at 3 a.m. How soreness, pain, or heavy training days really impact sleep What grief and emotional overwhelm do to sleep — and the permission you actually need Wendy's science-based jet lag strategy (including exactly what not to do) If this episode opened your eyes to how sleep is shaping your performance, your mood, and your daily life more than you realized, share it with someone who needs to hear it too. 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! Order your copy of Sharing the Covers Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn

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 feel in every interaction, this episode pushes far past surface-level tactics. In this conversation, I explore the nuance in generosity, the structures behind positive influence, and six books that can fundamentally reshape how you implement, focus, and stay consistent. We dig into the practical edges of reciprocity, the real reason some professionals burn out while others thrive, and why habits ultimately drive identity and long-term success. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to glide forward with clarity while others stall out, this episode reveals the less obvious patterns hiding underneath. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The subtle mistake that drains value from your "help" without you realizing it How hospitality reshapes the way clients experience your work The six psychological levers that quietly shape every business interaction A habit-building framework that works even when motivation doesn't How to create focus in a world that constantly tries to distract you The identity-level shift that fuels long-term growth The surprising reason goals alone can actually limit your success If you want to deepen your relationships, sharpen your focus, and build the habits that fuel long-term success, this is an episode you'll want to sit with, not just listen to once. 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! Bard Press 100 Best Books for Work and Life

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 books on goals, growth, habits, vulnerability, and the surprising science behind becoming your best self. This conversation skims across decades of research, the best thinkers in the world, and hundreds of lessons that can transform your trajectory. If you've ever wondered what to prioritize, where to focus, or how to build a career and life you actually love, you'll hear ideas you can implement today—along with the stories, examples, and science that make them stick. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The surprising way Todd chose the "100 best" books—and why categories came after the insights The core belief every high performer needs before any real growth can happen A mindset shift from one of the world's most famous researchers that proves anyone can improve The daily and weekly habits scientifically shown to increase happiness, productivity, and clarity Why three layers of your social network influence you far more than you realize The uncomfortable—but essential—truth Brene Brown uncovered about connection and professional success A story of how following intuitive energy (instead of logic) can redirect an entire career The one type of progress that dramatically increases motivation—and how to track it in under 15 minutes If this episode sparks something in you—an idea, a curiosity, or even the sense that it's time for a shift—I'd love for you to dive into Part 2 where we continue the conversation with generosity, influence, habits, and implementation. And if Todd's insights resonated, check out The 100 Best Books for Work & Life and start building your own roadmap for growth. Your next breakthrough might be waiting in the pages of a single book—or a single idea you hear today. 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! Bard Press 100 Best Books for Work and Life: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You

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

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, Personality, Identity, and Community—and shares practical steps to put it into action. From learning to talk about your accomplishments without bragging to crafting a unique and powerful introduction that actually makes people remember you, this conversation is full of tangible takeaways you can use right away. Whether you're looking to stand out inside your organization or build your thought leadership online, you'll walk away with tools to show up more confidently and intentionally everywhere you go. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The mindset shift that transforms "personal branding" from cringe to confidence Why your reputation is your real brand—and how to take control of it How to use the EPIC framework to define what makes you stand out Simple language swaps to sound more confident in any conversation How to talk about your wins without feeling like you're bragging The secret to a "Unique and Powerful Introduction" that people remember How to make your online and offline presence consistent and intentional Why your community is your biggest amplifier (and how to nurture it) Tune in to learn how to shape your personal brand with authenticity, clarity, and confidence. And don't forget to connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn and grab her book Unforgettable Presence for even more practical tips to help you stand out in the best way possible. 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! Follow Lorraine on LinkedIn Visit Lorraine's Website Purchase Lorraine's Book