Pocket Sized Pep Talks

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why top performers often struggle when transitioning into management roles.How “unconsciously competent” skills make it difficult to coach and lead others.The type of training that truly equips new managers to succeed — and why it must be applied, practiced, and refined with real-world scenarios.Rewarding performance with promotion only works when it’s supported by the training required to lead; and the people being managed will thank you for it.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why repetition isn’t boring when it’s applied to ever-changing audiences.How sticking with proven methods ensures consistency in business, training, and presentations.When and how to innovate without letting boredom undermine effectiveness.Accepting and mastering repetition allows you to perform at your best while maintaining the integrity of your message.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why the ultimate indicator of success isn’t talent, looks, or knowledge; but resilience.How the ability to recover from setbacks separates top performers from the rest.Why hiring or developing people who can “take a punch” ensures long-term results in business and life.Success isn’t about avoiding knocks; it’s about standing back up, learning, and fighting on!

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why the voice of doubt can be your biggest obstacle to performing at your best.How consistent preparation and disciplined routines can eliminate uncertainty.The practical ways you can remove doubt to step confidently into challenges and high-pressure situations.When doubt shows up, it doesn’t have to control your performance, in fact, removing it through deliberate action opens the door to almost limitless potential.

In this episode of Pocket Sized Pep Talks, you'll learn:• How to challenge the assumption that “bigger networks are better” and instead focus on high-value connections.• Techniques for identifying which existing clients or contacts belong on your intentional “short list.”• Common mistakes professionals make when building a priority network and how to avoid them.• How to balance quality versus quantity in outreach, even in volume-driven industries.• Real-world examples of unlocking opportunities by focusing on current relationships rather than chasing new ones.• How to see your existing network with fresh eyes and discover hidden potential.• Practical ways to make first interactions meaningful and authentic, not transactional.• Tips for building relationships with high-value contacts in a way that feels natural and mutually beneficial.• The simplest first step listeners can take today to turn their network into a true catalyst for business growth.To learn more about this guest, visit: PipelinePlus.com/theshortlist.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why comfort can sometimes be the enemy of continued success.How pushing beyond familiar routines or instincts leads to growth.The lessons from business, sports, and personal experience that show why a little discomfort is a good thing.Feeling butterflies or facing challenges isn’t a problem; it’s a sign that you’re growing, improving, and staying ahead.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:What the final rounds of a championship fight reveal about true endurance and mindset.How the concept of “championship rounds” applies to your own toughest challenges.A powerful perspective from boxing legend Marvin Hagler that will help you dig deep when you want to quit.Champions are made in the late rounds, when it’s no longer about talent or training, but about heart.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why polite prospects can be some of the toughest to sell to.How to recognize when “That sounds great!” really means “I’m not interested.”The specific questions that help you uncover real commitment, and save yourself wasted time.Don’t mistake niceness for progress. The right questions can turn politeness into clarity, and help you move on from prospects who were never really prospects at all.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:Why the most powerful sales call you make might come after you’ve lost the sale.How one simple, respectful phone call can turn rejection into a future opportunity.The three hidden benefits that come from calling—not writing—to thank a client who chose someone else.Making that call takes courage, but the insight and respect you earn will far outweigh the discomfort.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn:The turning point that made it clear the life they were living was no longer sustainable.What was happening internally during their darkest moment, and how that shaped what came next.What it felt like to be told to wait eight months for help, and why that moment became a catalyst.The unconventional first step they took instead of waiting—and what motivated that decision.What most people get wrong about pain and discomfort, and how reframing it changes everything.The hidden realities of PTSD that go far beyond flashbacks and nightmares.How practices like martial arts, yoga, and meditation created breakthroughs traditional therapy didn’t.What someone in deep despair needs to hear first—and why it matters.The hardest truth about recovery that people often resist but need to confront.One powerful idea that can reshape how we approach struggle and healing.To learn more about this guest:Social Media Links / Website:         •        Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/robert.greene.799034         •        Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/un_filtered_wisdom/         •        LinkedIn:https://id.linkedin.com/in/unfilteredwisdom         •        Website:www.unfiltered-wisdom.com 

Releasing a book is always a big day, but when "Why People Don’t Believe You" hit the shelves, it felt personal. Too many of us struggle not with what we say, but with being believed when we say it. That struggle chips away at confidence until we find ourselves hiding behind our words instead of truly connecting with them. And once we retreat into doubt, it only gets harder to break free. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll explain why words alone won’t save us, and why the tune behind the words is where the real magic lives. You’ll hear how learning to master your pitch, pace, pauses, and presence can help anyone bring their words to life so people truly will believe them.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn:Why employees often leave managers—not companies—and how that plays out in today’s workplace.How organizations can train managers to build trust and retain employees more effectively.Whether AI and automation will relieve or intensify the labor shortage.What most leaders underestimate about a shrinking workforce and the long-term impact of demographic shifts.Why perks and pay raises don’t fix turnover without trust between employees and supervisors.The warning signs that managers think they have trust—but don’t.The single most important message Dick would share with a CEO about reducing turnover.A real-world example of a company that cut turnover by changing the way leaders lead.Why there’s still reason for optimism, even with a declining labor pool.To learn more about this guest:Dick Finnegan LinkedIn

As we push through another year, most of us are juggling goals, deadlines, and plenty of to-dos. But what if the most meaningful addition to your plate this year doesn’t cost a cent, and ends up being the most rewarding thing you do? In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll share a lesson from my father, a lifelong Lion, about the kind of giving that goes beyond money. You’ll hear why time, presence, and even the smallest acts of kindness can become the ultimate gift, both for others and for yourself.

Some people still don’t understand the true value of a well-trained salesperson, but when one of the largest banks in the country doesn’t get it, that’s really disappointing. . A slick ad, a bold new café concept, and then a tagline that undercuts the very profession designed to protect customers from costly mistakes does not sit well with me!. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll unpack why Capital One’s “Ready to help you; not sell you” message is more harmful than helpful. You’ll hear why dismissing sales isn’t just a branding misstep; it’s a dangerous misunderstanding of what trusted professionals actually do.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you’ll learn:A simple but important definition of “agency” and why it matters for individuals and teams.What it looks like to create “a leader in every seat” — and how that changes the way a team operates day to day.Why agency is especially important right now, and whether it’s harder to cultivate in today’s world.How “agency” differs from the more familiar idea of “empowerment.”What organizations truly gain when individuals and teams embrace agency.A look at the 10-step roadmap to unleash agency, including which steps are the toughest to implement — and a quick win to get momentum fast.Real-world examples of how unleashing agency has made a difference in organizations.The very first step to changing organizations, and practical advice for both leaders and team members who want to make an impact.To learn more about this guest:WebsiteKJCG.com 

The humble pawn may be the least valued piece on the chessboard, but it holds the potential to become the most powerful. That’s why I call it the perfect underdog; overlooked, underestimated, and yet capable of surprising everyone with what it can achieve. With the right mix of skill and luck, the pawn transforms from weakest to strongest, and there’s a lesson in that for all of us. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll share how the pawn’s journey mirrors our own, and why you should never underestimate what’s possible when you combine hard work with opportunity.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn:An explanation for, "strategic imperfection," and how it differs from simply lowering our standards.A concept called the “¾ baked” philosophy, what that means, and how it can be applied in a fast-paced sales environment.How strategic imperfection actually increases agility and confidence in moments where quick pivots are needed.Why Jason encourages people to look forward to failure, despite many people clinging to perfection because they’re afraid of judgment or failure. How he coaches people to move past fear and actually allow for imperfection.How using imperfection can help you to stand out in crowded markets. Some common traps that perfectionists fall into that kill creativity and productivity.One small, practical shift a listener can make today to stop overthinking and start finishing what matters. To learn more about this guest:Website: www.mclennan-design.com LinedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mclennan-2144953/   

Perfection sounds noble, but it often becomes the single biggest roadblock to achieving our goals. Whether it’s an author rewriting chapters for years or a jobseeker endlessly reworking a résumé, the pursuit of perfection often leads to unfinished work and lost opportunities. Done, as it turns out, really is better than perfect. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll explain why striving for progress beats chasing perfection every time, and how adopting this mindset can help you finish what matters most.

In this Pocket Sized Pep Talk, you'll learn:Martha has worked with Ken Blanchard for more than 20 years and discusses the moment when she knew Ken’s story had to be told in full.The One Minute Manager was everywhere when it came out in the early 1980s. Martha discusses why that book became such a phenomenal success.You'll hear a story from the book that moved Martha personally.  (Rob was moved too!) What was different about working with Ken.What it means to “catch people doing things right,” and how can leaders put this into practice today.How Ken experienced deep personal loss and professional rejection, and how this tested his leadership philosophy.To learn more about this guest:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthaclawrence/www.marthalawrence.com 

A cup of green tea may not seem like much, but it’s a reminder that small, consistent choices add up to big results. Just as we stack healthy habits to improve our well-being, we can stack professional habits to increase our odds of success. The power isn’t in one move alone; it’s in the collection of “percentage plays” we choose over time. In this quick, five-minute Pocket Sized Pep Talk, I’ll show you how these percentage plays work not just for health, but for business, communication, and performance because it’s never just one choice that makes the difference, it’s the sum of them.