The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

In this riveting episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I engage in a thoughtful conversation with Will Steel, a former RAF pilot turned High Performance Coach. Broadcasting from Bologna, Italy, Will shares his journey from piloting fast jets to guiding individuals and organisations towards authentic leadership. He discusses the pivotal moments in his career that led him from aspiring to fly Harriers to finding his true calling in personal development and coaching. Listeners are taken through Will’s exploration of ontology, the study of ‘being’ and its application in his coaching practice. The episode highlights the significance of understanding one’s perceived limitations and the profound impact of self-sabotage on one’s career and life goals. Throughout the conversation, Will offers insights rooted in his personal experiences, offering invaluable guidance to those looking to lead with authenticity. The discussion also covers the importance of establishing a vision and understanding the deeper motivations that drive successful leadership. To connect with Will, to learn more about what he does, as well as to grab a copy of his new book “Free to Lead”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-steel-business-coach-high-performance-transformation/ Website – https://willsteel.com/ Book – https://willsteel.com/freetolead.php Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/willsteelcoaching/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I host the insightful John Nieuwenburg, a veteran business coach with a wealth of experience in both corporate leadership and entrepreneurial coaching. The conversation delves into John’s journey from being a tailor to leading a $3 billion enterprise and then transitioning into business coaching. John shares his methods for helping business owners succeed and we dive deep into coaching philosophies, including the Socratic method, and how business owners can shift from being technicians in their businesses to knowledgeable leaders. John sheds light on overcoming key challenges faced by entrepreneurs, especially in retail and trades industries & using his profound understanding from 17 years in retail and leading BC Liquor Stores, John discusses the importance of systems in business and his experience with government and private enterprise red tape. He emphasises embracing systems to maintain consistency, discusses the mindset shift required for delegation, and explains how AI is transforming coaching. John advises on talent acquisition, explaining how coaching and systemisation can accelerate business growth and increase freedom for entrepreneurs. To connect with John and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/business-coach-canada/ Website – https://w5coaching.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Wesleyne Whittaker to discuss her dynamic journey from a chemist to a sales leader and her transition into founding her own company. We delve into the intricacies of effective sales leadership, the essence of personalised training, the importance of mindset transformation, and the art of unlearning to unlock true potential in sales. With Wesleyne’s new book “The Sales Reset”, to be released on Feb 10th, the conversation showcases her perspective on sales leadership, advocating for change and coaching in sales, and fostering a conducive environment for sales teams to thrive. Wesleyne shares invaluable insights about the power of self-investment and personal transformation, drawing from her diverse experiences. Highlighting the need for a strong foundational mindset to complement skill training, she discusses why sales training can fail without adequate follow-up and accountability. The dialogue also touches upon the significance of authenticity in sales, and how embracing one’s true self can lead to enhanced professional performance. Wesleyne’s anecdotes and methodologies offer a fresh perspective for those steeped in the sales discipline, providing inspiration and direction for future improvements in the marketplace. To connect with Wesleyne, to learn more about what she does and to grab a copy of her new book ‘The Sales Reset’, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleyne/ Website – https://transformedsales.com/ Book – https://transformedsales.com/the-sales-reset/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I engage in a profound conversation with Gene McNaughton, a seasoned business consultant known for his transformative work in sales leadership and revenue growth. We explore Gene’s impressive career trajectory from Gateway Computers to working alongside Tony Robbins, and to now leading Growth Smart Consulting. The conversation is peppered with insights into Gene’s leadership philosophy, the importance of building strong sales processes, and the critical role of effective sales training in achieving business success. Gene shares his journey of transitioning back to focusing on his consulting practice after leading a company in an industry he initially knew little about. As the discussion unfolds, Gene provides listeners with practical methodologies on how to revitalise struggling sales teams using straightforward yet powerful techniques. He emphasises the significance of measuring and tracking performance, recognising and rewarding achievements, and maintaining high standards. Gene’s wisdom and engaging storytelling offer a masterclass in sales leadership and organisational turnaround, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their sales strategy and business performance. To connect with Gene and to learn more about what he does, including getting a copy of his book “The Sales Edge” please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/genemcnaughton/ Website – https://growthsmart.com/ The Sales Edge – https://www.thesalesedge.co/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I am joined by Rome Madison, a renowned confidence coach and president of Genomic Selling Solutions. Broadcasting from Dallas, Texas, Rome shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leading voice in the field of genomic sales. The episode delves into Rome’s experience with overcoming adversity, harnessing confidence, and strategically navigating the often complex world of sales leadership. Throughout the conversation, we explore the crucial role of self-acceptance and proficiency in building lasting confidence. Rome reveals how his pivotal year of personal challenges led to career-defining opportunities, emphasising the importance of constant learning and the self-education journey. Together, we address how adversities can shape one’s path, highlighting Rome’s belief that confidence is not a trait one is born with but rather something that is cultivated through deliberate action. This episode offers invaluable insights into mastering the art of sales and inspiring personal growth for aspiring sales leaders. To connect with Rome, to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book ‘The Sales Elite’, and downloading the ’12 step Confidence Algorithm’, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/genomicsellingsolutions/ Website – https://romemadison.com/ Book ‘The Sales Elite’ – https://bit.ly/4k4DELB Podcast ‘Genetics for Healthcare’ – https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/genetics-for-healthcare/id1801259592 ’12 Step Confidence Algorithm’ – https://iwantmorenow.com/

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Walter Crosby, the esteemed CEO of Helix Sales Development, from Detroit, Michigan. Walter returns to the podcast to discuss his newly released book, “Inside Out: Why Strong EOS Companies Have Weak Sales Teams and How to Reignite Growth“. The conversation revolves around key issues sales teams face, such as the need for ongoing personal development, the pitfalls of complacency, and the vital role of high-level engagement from sales leaders. Delving deeper, the episode explores how organisational mindset impacts sales team performance, emphasising the importance of treating sales as a prestigious profession. Walter reveals insights from his book about integrating sales processes into company culture effectively and shares strategies for hiring top sales talent. The discussion also touches on how adopting a consultative sales approach, akin to a doctor’s diagnosis method, can help in creating lasting client relationships and building trust. To connect with Walter, to learn more about what he does, to plug into his Podcast “Sales & Cigars”, and to grab a copy of his book, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterlcrosby/ Website – https://helixsalesdevelopment.com/ Book – https://bit.ly/3Nsix9P Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/1o3FsRX0zstsxKeuIDjwab

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Usman Sheikh, the CEO and Founder of Agentive, for an insightful conversation on how AI is revolutionising the sales cycle. Usman discusses the journey that led him to build Agentive, a company focused on leveraging AI to enhance productivity across the entire sales process. From predicting buyer mindsets to automating time-consuming tasks, Usman shares how AI can transform sales teams into more efficient, customer-centric entities. The episode delves into the core capabilities of Agentive, including aligned lead discovery, pipeline generation, and autonomous hyper-personalised outreach. Usman explains how these innovations aim to improve customer experience, accelerate sales cycles, and increase conversion rates. With the implementation of AI, organisations can achieve significant productivity gains, deliver personalised customer interactions, and foster a culture of innovation. Usman also addresses concerns about AI taking over human roles, emphasising its role as an enabler rather than a replacement for human creativity and ingenuity. To connect with Usman and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/usmanmsheikh/ Website – https://www.beagentive.com/

In this riveting episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I reconnect with Dr. Noah St. John after a two-year hiatus. Our conversation delves into the core concepts of removing friction from life and business to achieve unparalleled success. Recognised for his innovative “Afformations” and being the “Zero Friction Doctor,” Noah shares transformative insights into how individuals and organisations can break through invisible barriers to reach their goals more efficiently. The discussion spotlights the significance of identifying and addressing unseen friction to unleash potential. Noah explains his tried and tested methodologies, which have helped clients achieve exponential growth. In this dialogue, listeners will learn about the impactful power of asking the right questions, reprogramming subconscious thoughts, and employing system-driven success strategies. By emphasising the practicality and science behind his techniques, Noah provides actionable advice for both personal and professional development. To connect with Noah and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahstjohn/ Website – https://noahstjohn.com/ Speaking – https://noahstjohn.com/book-noah/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Fred Joyal, a trailblazing entrepreneur and the brain behind 1-800-DENTIST. Fred shares invaluable experiences from his journey of building a billion-dollar enterprise from scratch. He offers insights into the challenges faced during the early days of his business and highlights the significance of commitment, leading with integrity, and fostering a positive workplace culture. The discussion emphasises the importance of taking bold actions, even when the path is uncertain, as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Fred elaborates on the transformative power of boldness in enhancing confidence and opening doors to unforeseen opportunities. He underscores the critical role of perseverance in business success, illustrated through anecdotes of overcoming legal and financial challenges. The conversation expands towards addressing the pervasive Tall Poppy Syndrome, especially in Australia, and the societal impact on individual ambition. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode is rich with actionable insights on fostering boldness, embracing discomfort, and prioritising ethical business practices. To connect with Fred and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Superbold-From Under Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredjoyal/ Website – https://www.fredjoyal.com/ Book – https://www.fredjoyal.com/books YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@FredJoyal

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I enjoy a tremendous conversation with Julian Goldie, a dynamic force in the worlds of AI and SEO. Broadcasting from Bangkok, Thailand, Julian shares his transition from a corporate marketing manager in the UK to a thriving entrepreneur impacting global audiences. This episode reveals Julian’s journey, beginning with a life-changing trip to Thailand, leading to the establishment of a successful online business and ultimately the Goldie Agency. His impactful strategies have empowered millions, demonstrating how consistency, volume, and leveraging AI tools are pivotal in online growth and presence. The conversation delves into Julian’s methodical approach to scaling his business and reach through strategic SEO and AI applications, creating success in enhancing customer engagement and expanding digital footprints without the reliance on traditional ad platforms. Implementing consistency and patience, Julian outlines the importance in overcoming instant gratification pitfalls prevalent within entrepreneurial circles, also focusing on leveraging AI to streamline operations, thus enabling business leaders to focus on more strategic, growth-centric tasks. To connect with Julian and to learn more about what he does, including information on AI Profit Boardroom, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliangoldieseo/ Website – https://juliangoldie.com/ AI Profit Boardroom – https://www.skool.com/ai-profit-lab-7462/about

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome DJ Carroll, an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO of Carroll Media Group. DJ shares insights from his extensive career in sales and entrepreneurship, discussing his experiences over ten years of podcasting, his journey through seven successful businesses, and the creation of two impactful books. The conversation touches on DJ’s unique approach to personal branding, the importance of resilience in business, and the evolving role of entrepreneurship in today’s AI-driven world. We delve into the crucial mindset required for entrepreneurial success, emphasising resilience, mental toughness, and the ability to embrace failure as a stepping stone to growth. DJ draws parallels between entrepreneurship and sales, highlighting the need for proactive adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape. We explore the impact of AI on business operations, especially in sales and small business contexts, making a case for AI as a game-changer in efficiency and customer interaction. Throughout, DJ offers valuable insights into building a strong personal brand and leveraging new technology to stay ahead in business. To connect with DJ and to learn more about what he does, including getting a copy of his new book “The Hunter Head Game”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-carroll-65589b21/ Website – https://www.coachcarroll.com/ Book – https://thehunterheadgame.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Alexis Sikorsky from Surrey, UK, for an engaging discussion on entrepreneurship and business scaling. Alexis shares insights from his journey, emphasising the importance of risk-taking, navigating failures, and learning from past mistakes. As a renowned expert in helping businesses prepare for sale, Alexis breaks down his proven frameworks and approaches that facilitate a successful business exit to private equity firms. Explore how Alexis believes entrepreneurship is an inherent quality fuelled by a drive to innovate amidst challenges. Discussing his transition from startup struggles to a successful nine-figure business exit, he underscores the pivotal role of failure in shaping a resilient entrepreneurial mindset. Alexis elaborates on his APEX framework, a strategic plan entailing Assess, Plan, Execute, and Exit phases, guiding entrepreneurs to scale their ventures efficiently. The episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom for business owners seeking to refine their approach to scaling and selling businesses. To connect with Alexis and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/ Website – https://www.knightscalepartners.com/

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Chelsea Olsen, a versatile sales consultant and founder of CLOHZ. The discussion explores a broad spectrum of sales topics from Chelsea’s origin story in sales to her multidisciplinary professional journey. We explore the concept of sales authenticity and the ever-important transition from traditional sales tactics to modern methodologies centered on buyer-centric approaches and the psychology of consumer behaviour. Chelsea sheds light on the challenges faced by salespeople today, including the pressure to meet targets in a world overloaded with information and competition. The episode delves into effective strategies for cutting through the noise, building genuine relationships, and developing resilience in the face of rejection. Drawing from personal experiences, Chelsea discusses the importance of maintaining an ego-free mindset and the role of self-awareness in sales success. This episode is packed with valuable insights for sales leaders aiming to adapt to the evolving sales landscape while fostering a supportive environment for their teams. To connect with Chelsea and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsea-olsen-sales-growth/ Website – https://clohz.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome sales expert Gary Daly, dialing in from the bustling city of Dubai. With Irish roots and global sales acumen, Gary shares transformative experiences that have shaped his career, including his intriguing journey across different countries and overcoming professional hurdles. The conversation delves into Gary’s multifaceted career, from his shaky start in a small startup in Sydney to making his mark in a Fortune 500 company. Gary emphasises the importance of early personal development, inspired by a life-changing seminar with Tony Robbins, which taught him to take ownership of his future. The episode also explores the power of relentless self-investment. Gary advocates for continuous learning, sharing insights from his journey with public speaking mastery and breath-work practice. His ethos of ‘paying to play’ underscores the need to invest in one’s growth actively. Additionally, Gary reveals his upcoming endeavours in the field of coaching, aiming to blend his sales expertise with his newfound coaching skills. Tying his narrative together is a focus on being of service, fostering curiosity, and nurturing gratitude, all while keeping a firm grip on humility and authenticity, key tenets that he suggests can elevate any sales career. To connect with Gary and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Built By Lessons – Turn Your Challenges into Triumphs”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/garydalysales/ Book – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW8LHGDB

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Geoffrey Reid, an esteemed sales executive and thought leader in the world of revenue generation. With a career spanning nearly a quarter of a century at Marcus Evans, Geoffrey shares his journey from an entry-level sales position to becoming the CEO of a major international firm. This enlightening discussion explores Geoffrey’s innovative approaches to sales leadership, his focus on attitude over aptitude in hiring, and the importance of maintaining humility and a service-oriented mindset in driving organisational success. The episode delves deeply into Geoffrey’s leadership philosophies, particularly his emphasis on fostering a supportive and empowering environment for his team, which resulted in a remarkable advancement in sales and team cohesion. Geoffrey expounds on the significance of embracing individual learning styles in sales training and the power of resistant selling strategies over traditional persuasive techniques. Notably, Geoffrey’s insights align with his influential book, “The Revenue Catalyst,” which offers a comprehensive guide for mastering sales in today’s dynamic market. This conversation is a treasure trove of knowledge for sales leaders looking to enhance their team’s potential and drive sustainable success. To connect with Geoffrey, to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book ‘The Revenue Catalyst’, go to: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymreid/ Website – https://geoffreymreid.com/ TedX Speech – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPJPydf3kEI

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Adam Rosen, Co-Founder & CEO at Email Outreach Company, and a pioneering figure in the domain of email marketing strategy. Adam shares how he turned college lessons into a successful business by honing email outreach to secure clientele like Bank of America and Disney. This episode delves deep into the power of cold emails and strategic persistence, topped with Adam’s insights into how historic tools like email continue to drive results by crafting personalised, well-timed messages in an AI-driven landscape. Venturing further into the nuances of email marketing, Adam explores compelling strategies that differentiate good outreach from mere spam. The conversation traverses various topics including innovative methods to elude spam filters, the significance of deep personalisation, and the incremental upticks in response rates achievable through keen attention to market psychology. As Adam puts it, understanding one’s audience and crafting a trial of intention not just in businesses, but in life, wins the race. He imparts valuable tips on crafting short, effective emails with impactful subject lines, ensuring ethical selling remains at the core of all marketing endeavours. To connect with Adam and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamirosen/ Website – https://eocworks.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/adamirosen/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Rajiv Lamba, a trailblazer in the field of consumer research. The discussion dives into Rajiv’s innovative journey from a consulting firm employee to founding SurveySensum, a company breaking new ground in market research. The episode explores how SurveySensum utilises technology to provide real-time customer insights at a fraction of the cost usually incurred when employing large consulting firms. This conversation sheds light on the challenges and learnings Rajiv faced in positioning SurveySensum as a credible alternative for obtaining valuable customer feedback. The episode provides an in-depth look at how SurveySensum is revolutionising consumer research through AI-driven insights. We discuss the transformation of traditional customer research methods, emphasising the adoption of platforms that enable businesses to pivot quickly based on customer feedback. Rajiv shares his expertise on enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing churn through actionable insights, positioning SurveySensum as a competitive player in the AI and consumer insights space. Whether you’re an SME or a large corporation, understanding and acting on customer feedback is made simpler with SurveySensum. To connect with Rajiv, and to learn more about what he does, including taking advantage of a free trial of SurveySensum, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajiv-lamba/ Website – https://www.surveysensum.com/

In this insightful episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome Katie Nelson, the CEO of Sales Uprising, known as the Sales Catalyst, to delve into the nuances of sales, sales leadership, and the essential relationship between sales and marketing. Katie shares her journey from starting in a call centre at 15 to leading a company that’s reshaping sales processes for small businesses. Together, we unravel the fabric of what truly makes sales work: building genuine relationships and understanding client needs. We explore the intricate challenge of aligning marketing efforts with sales endeavours and discuss strategies for creating consistent messaging across teams, emphasise the importance of understanding the sales lifecycle, and highlight how customer appreciation events can strengthen long-term relationships. Katie passionately advises on focusing on human interaction and viewing sales as a tool for meaningful connections rather than a transactional activity. Enhancing company growth through clear customer profiles and niche targeting, while balancing the pressure of immediate results with strategic long-term goals, forms a core theme of the conversation. To connect with Katie and to learn more about what she does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesalescatalyst/ Website – https://salesuprising.com/ YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@SalesUpRising Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/salesuprising

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 stage fright and assert presence in professional environments. Listeners gain a wealth of knowledge on how to transform anxiety into excitement and embrace authenticity in communication. To connect with Aleksandra and to learn more about what she does, including downloading a free guide “3 Steps to Prepare For Your Public Speaking”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-plazinic-phd/ Website – https://aplazinic.com/ Free Guide – https://mailchi.mp/bd941fc15c82/welcome-freebie

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 the indispensability of coaching, the importance of a robust CRM system, and the creation of self-reliant sales teams. John emphasises the necessity for sales leaders to invest in personal coaching and mentorship, advocating for a shift from command-and-control management to an empowering, supportive approach. The episode also covers the concept of “salespreneurs,” highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that high-performing salespeople often embody, ensuring a dynamic, self-sufficient sales atmosphere. To connect with John, and to learn more about what he does, including checking out his podcast, Sales Pop, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngolden/ Website – https://www.pipelinersales.com/ Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/sales-pop-podcasts-insights-from-top-experts-in-sales/id1455305326