The Manager's Mic With Paul Leon

Paul Leon interviews Curtis Sprouse, a seasoned expert in health care, entrepreneurship, and CEO of Eureka Connect. Curtis shares insights on understanding behavioral profiles and the challenges of identifying key drivers in his industry. Pulling on his experience from healthcare technology, we discuss factors that influence team behavior and the importance of teaching rather than managing.Follow Curtis SprouseWebsite | LinkedIn | YouTubeTakeawaysUnderstanding behavior goes beyond surface-level observations.Great leaders focus on teaching their teams how to think critically.Identifying the root causes of team challenges is essential for effective management.Personal fulfillment can impact professional effectiveness, but it's not always necessary for success.Relationships require ongoing effort and kindness to thrive.Access to knowledge has never been easier; utilize it wisely.Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow.Sales challenges often stem from relationship dynamics, not just product issues.You can always improve relationships, regardless of past difficulties.A commitment to lifelong learning is crucial for personal and professional growth.Sound bites"Great leaders do not manage people.""You can always strengthen a relationship.""You have to understand where the stress is."Chapters00:00 Leadership Expert Curtis Sprouse 02:10 Behavioral Psychology in Business 06:40 Identifying Key Drivers of Employee Behavior 13:34 Sales Psychology & Relationship Selling 16:36 Leadership vs Management: Teaching Critical Thinking 23:11 Career Advice & Motivation for Leaders 26:22 Overcoming B2B Sales Challenges 30:01 Personal Fulfillment & Professional Success 35:45 Family Dynamics & Leadership Skills 39:46 How to Build Strong Business Relationships

In this conversation, Christopher Carter shares his extensive experience in technology, particularly in SAP and AI. He discusses his journey from early computing to becoming a thought leader in AI and entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the evolution of technology, the importance of nurturing human skills in the age of AI, practical applications of AI in business, and the investment required for successful AI integration. Christopher also provides insights into CRM solutions for new entrepreneurs and emphasizes the need for innovation in organizations.Follow Chris CarterLinkedIn | Website | EmailTakeawaysChristopher Carter has worked with companies in over 55 industries.He emphasizes the importance of nurturing human skills alongside AI.AI is not a job replacement but a tool for enhancement.The first year of AI investment is often the most costly.Vibe coding is a collaborative and creative approach to AI development.Organizations need to adapt to the changing landscape of technology.Practical applications of AI can lead to significant cost savings.CRM solutions vary in complexity and suitability for different business stages.Consulting processes should focus on understanding organizational pain points.The future of AI will require more human involvement and innovation.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christopher Carter01:47 Christopher's Journey: From Commodore to Entrepreneur03:18 Current Ventures and Future Aspirations06:43 The Evolution of Technology and AI's Role09:50 Embracing Change: Skills for the Future13:56 Choosing the Right AI Tools16:29 Practical Applications of AI in Business19:25 Understanding Upfront Costs and Long-term Benefits21:34 Vibe Coding: A New Approach to AI Development24:03 Exploring AI Agents and Their Potential26:30 Engaging with AI: Building Personal Connections27:59 Sharing Knowledge: Free Resources and Books29:03 The Human-AI Relationship: A Complex Discussion33:30 Navigating CRM Solutions: A Guide for Entrepreneurs37:50 Consulting for Success: Understanding CRM Challenges41:07 The Future of AI and SAP: Predictions and Insights46:19 Passion for Helping: A Personal Story of DedicationFree Gift From Paul LeonClick Here

Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's. Taelor’s mission is to help people dress up to achieve their goals, whether it is for a job interview, date night, or big presentation—because looking good should not be a barrier to success.Three gifts in this episode of The Manager’s Mic to help give the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style:Get 25% OFF your first month of men's clothing subscription by using the code: PODCAST25Click HereArmoire: Get 50% OFF your first month of women's clothing subscription.Use code: ArmoirexTaelor.Click HereGive the gift of time, convenience, and effortless style with Taelor Gift Cards by using the code PODCASTGIFT to get a 10% discount.Click HereTakeawaysAnya Cheng is the founder of Taylor, an AI-powered clothing subscription service.Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for leaders, especially in tech.Effective management involves solving problems rather than focusing on titles.Team dynamics are crucial; avoid creating enemies in the workplace.Focusing on goals rather than personalities can lead to better outcomes.Curiosity and continuous learning are essential for career growth.AI can enhance productivity and streamline business processes.Understanding resistance is key to pursuing business outcomes.Networking and building relationships can open new opportunities.Embrace change and be open to learning from diverse experiences.Sound bites"AI will pick clothes for you.""Use your strengths, don't give up.""You can never predict what's useful."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Anya Cheng and Taylor AI05:27 Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Insights11:17 The Importance of Problem Solving in Management17:10 Building Trust and Fostering Team Diversity23:03 Embracing Change and the Future of Fashion28:02 The Power of Listening in Communication34:43 Understanding Resistance in Professional Growth40:56 Leveraging Strengths to Overcome Imposter Syndrome47:39 Fashion Advice and Personal StyleDownload a Free Gift From Paul Leon

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Paul Leon shares the life lessons to have a success mindset when pursuing an MBA. The finish line in sight, April of 2026 is graduation, steal my life lessons toward better goal setting and stronger mental strength.Follow Paul Leon by clicking hereChapters00:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Education06:36 Confronting Fear and Emotional Challenges15:08 Navigating Shame and Personal Growth24:46 Understanding Shame vs. Guidance32:54 Celebrating Everyday HeroesTakeaways54% leave college because of emotional stress.Overcoming fear is crucial for personal growth.Speed in business can outweigh free options.On the other side of fear is a better version of you.Creating core memories is invaluable.Bitterness harms the one who holds it.Focus on what truly matters to avoid scattering efforts.Shame can be a tool for growth if understood correctly.Real heroes are often unseen in everyday life.Progress is more important than perfection.

Paul Leon talks with Scott Trumpolt, a Managing Director and Principal Consultant, who shares his extensive expertise in human resources, salary structure, and workplace culture. Discover how companies develop effective employee compensation strategies and incentives that turn pay transparency into growth opportunities. Follow Scott TrumpoltWebsite | LinkedIn | EmailTakeaways✅ Why compensation has been treated as "hush hush."✅ The shift toward pay transparency and what it means for you.✅ How to link your pay to career development (the key to retention). ✅ Coaching strategies for managers having tough pay conversations. ✅ Real-world example: How one manager's pay issue revealed systemic problems. ✅ The employee's role: Active listening and career ownership. ✅ How mentorship can transform your professional trajectory. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Compensation Consulting01:44 Understanding Black Box Compensation05:38 The Importance of Pay Transparency07:47 Real-World Example of Pay Issues11:33 Coaching Managers for Effective Pay Conversations17:20 Scott's Journey to Consulting21:12 Insights from The Defragmented Consultant Book26:05 Bridging the Gap: HR and Management Collaboration30:46 Empowering Employees: The Role of Active Listening35:23 Spotting Potential: Mentorship and Career Growth39:27 Success Stories: Transformative Client Experiences43:23 Final Thoughts: Empowerment and Transparency👉 Podcast Website

When you do a master's in business administration, nobody tells you about the real challenges. I went from college dropout to impacting $100M+ in revenue, then decided to get my MBA. Here's what 75% of the program actually taught me about why you should (or shouldn't) get an MBA, and whether it really matters for your career. Does an MBA matter when you already have real-world wins? In this video, I break down the unfiltered MBA experience: balancing family responsibilities, finding mentors who transform your trajectory, and why spirituality became my competitive advantage. You technically have the biggest boss upstairs guiding business decisions.Follow Paul LeonFree Gift (Click Here) | LinkedIn | YouTubeTakeawaysPursuing an MBA requires balancing multiple responsibilities.Family support is crucial during educational pursuits.Mentorship can significantly impact professional growth.Spirituality can guide decision-making in business.Having a strong support system is essential for success.Education is not just about academics but also personal growth.Networking plays a vital role in business education.Time management is key for MBA students.Real-world experience complements academic learning.The journey of an MBA is transformative.

Are you struggling with how to lead a team by being too much of a servant leader? This video provides a plan to adjust your leadership skills and build a stronger, more effective team with these new manager tips. Paul Leon leverages his career history in coaching and motivating employees to strengthen personal development and power up the leadership style needed to win. Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:27 Phase 104:33 Phase 206:06 Phase 307:47 Personal Example That WorkedFree Gift

Meet Kevin Hubschmann, a comedian and entrepreneur behind laugh.Inc., who masterfully blends humor into the corporate entertainment space. We explore how improv tips and stand-up comedy enhance office culture, comedy, and how funny is a powerful tool to improve company culture. Learn how Kevin brings the funny to increase closing ratios. Follow Kevin HubschmannWebsite | Newsletter | LinkedInChapters00:00 Intro & topic set-up02:07 Why being funny matters in sales06:19 How improv helps discovery & listening08:53 Being funny Speeds Up Rapport17:46 Compounding wins21:18 Tighter pitches23:12 Modeling excellence to be more funny26:43 Virtual comedy in corporate entertainment 29:39 How to hold attention virtually 32:03 Best funny fail storyTakeaways​Comedy can enhance sales skills and effectiveness.​Listening is crucial for successful sales interactions.​Using humor can create a connection with clients.​Improv training helps develop adaptability and presence.​Pausing during conversations can create engagement.​Building rapport is essential in sales calls.​Mentorship plays a vital role in professional growth.​Failure in comedy can lead to valuable lessons.​Visual aids can enhance virtual presentations.​Laughter can improve workplace morale and productivity.Sound Bites"Pausing is a choice.""Comedy allows me to give back.""Laughter is the best medicine."Free Gift From Paul Leon

In this podcast, Paul Leon, a sales trainer, offers five essential lessons to navigate and overcome a toxic situation. He shares his personal journey through an intensely challenging, professional, toxic work environment that necessitated extensive therapy for recovery. Paul is a strong advocate for positive people management and fostering a psychologically safe workplace, emphasizing that understanding of how to deal with toxic people is crucial for personal development and self development.Free GiftTakeawaysYou want to avoid feeding the toxic person.Words like always and never are harmful in communication.Documenting interactions can protect you in toxic situations.Avoid gossip; it can lead to traps.Share your struggles with a therapist, not coworkers.Personal bias plays a significant role in workplace dynamics.Self-absorbed behavior can create toxic environments.Personal wins are more important than professional success.Practice and connection can transform personal relationships.Therapy can provide essential support in difficult times.Sound Bites"Don't feed the toxic person.""Avoid words like always and never.""Avoid gossip; it can trap you."Chapters00:00 Hi, I'm Paul!00:23 Lesson 103:17 Lesson 205:31 Lesson 308:07 Lesson 410:01 Lesson 5

In this conversation, Diana Fritz shares her inspiring journey of resilience through adversity, particularly her battle with cancer. She discusses the importance of mindset, the lessons learned in parenting, and how to create a culture of justified complaints in the workplace. Diana emphasizes the significance of gratitude and the impact of relationships, both personal and professional, in navigating life's challenges. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of choosing one's response to adversity.Follow Diana FrtizBook | Website | LinkedInTakeawaysResilience is about how we respond to adversity.Choosing a positive mindset can change outcomes.Letting people help is a sign of strength.Gratitude plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges.Creating a culture of justified complaints fosters growth.Parenting through adversity teaches valuable lessons.Relationships can provide essential support during tough times.Mental health awareness is increasingly important for youth.Finding love can start with friendship, especially during tough times.Every moment is an opportunity to make a positive impact.Sound Bites"You get to choose your response.""I learned how to let people help me.""Gratitude is also very important."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Personal Journey05:08 Facing Adversity: The Cancer Diagnosis10:32 Lessons in Parenting and Resilience15:59 The Importance of Mindset and Perspective21:26 Creating a Culture of Justified Complaints27:03 Navigating Relationships and Finding Love32:23 Defining Resilience and Moving Forward37:40 Current Victories and Future Aspirations⁠Free Gift

Welcome to The Manager’s Mic, hosted by Paul Leon, a corporate trainer, MBA candidate, and selling strategist. I was a former college dropout who has now trained over 2,000 professionals, which has led to influencing $100M in revenue.This podcast will train you to become a manager who creates rapport in the workplace. Gain real-world leadership insights, communication skill strategies, and lessons from the trenches to improve your management style. Follow Paul Leon: Newsletter | YouTube | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Free GiftSummaryIn this episode of the Managers Mic podcast, host Paul Leon speaks with executive coach Ken Sher about his extensive career in sales and leadership, the importance of trust in building relationships, and the lessons learned from his time at Johnson & Johnson. They discuss the challenges of career advancement, the impact of layoffs, and the role of loyalty in the workplace. Ken shares insights from his book, 'What's Trust Got to Do With It?', and emphasizes the need for transparency and understanding in leadership. The conversation concludes with reflections on success and the importance of helping others achieve their goals.Follow Ken SherBook | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube Sound Bites"Loyalty only goes so far.""It's all about trust.""I love helping people."TakeawaysTrust is the foundation of great relationships.Loyalty only goes so far in corporate environments.Winning is defined by seeing others succeed.Control what you can control in your career.The importance of transparency in leadership.Building relationships is key to success.Therapy can help in overcoming career challenges.Corporate culture impacts employee loyalty.The trust framework is essential for effective leadership.Helping others is a rewarding aspect of coaching.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Ken Sher and His Background02:17 The Trust Model in Leadership05:04 Building Relationships and Trust in Sales07:50 Identifying Leadership Potential10:37 Navigating Career Advancement and Loyalty12:16 Overcoming Layoffs and Building Resilience14:52 Reflections on Corporate Loyalty and Personal Growth17:30 Finding Success After a Layoff22:42 Navigating Loyalty in Leadership28:02 The Journey of Writing a Book30:54 Trust and Transparency in Business33:45 The Impact of Loyalty on Employee Relations35:56 Building Trust in the Workplace

In this episode, Reed Hansen shares his journey to becoming a Chief Growth Officer. Reed's humble journey to where he is now began with working in landscaping alongside his dad. Together, we discussed resilience, people skills, and the significance of authentic content marketing. All while reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave for his family and the impact he hopes to have on them.Follow Reed HansenEmail | Website | LinkedIn | YouTubeChapters00:00 Who is Reid Hansen?05:04 The Power of Resilience10:00 Navigating Layoffs?13:50 People Skills: Balancing Empathy and Assertiveness18:02 Marketing Trends20:00 Leveraging Automation23:15 Key Insights on Content Marketing25:39 Selling Systems with Content Marketing29:03 A Practical Cadence for Content Marketing32:01 The Final Question⁠Free Gift ⁠

Traditional behavioral assessments feel outdated. In this episode, Wei Houng, co-founder of HumanOp, shares a modern people analytics approach that enhances team fit, reduces workplace toxicity, and boosts performance by respecting individual differences and providing HR/People Ops with real compatibility data to reorganize teams effectively.Follow Wei HoungFree Assessment | Website | LinkedInTakeawaysHuman optimization is about understanding and respecting individual differences.Traditional assessments often pigeonhole individuals, leading to workplace toxicity.HumanOp technology is based on the physical expression of individuals.The journey of human optimization began with personal struggles and a desire to help others.Sales performance can be significantly improved by understanding team dynamics.Alchemic boundaries of tolerance are crucial for successful relationships.Reorganizing teams based on compatibility can enhance productivity.Introversion and extroversion are not binary; individuals can exhibit both traits.Dr. Zana Hackett's work is foundational to the HumanOp technology.Education and workshops are essential for implementing human optimization strategies.Sound Bites"Every human being needs access to this.""We need representation of all three ores.""We need to educate, not just sell."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Human Optimization03:03 The Journey of Wei Houng05:42 Challenges with Traditional Human Behavior Assessments08:37 The Science Behind HumanOp Technology10:28 Personal Experiences and Motivations13:03 The Impact of Human Optimization on Sales Teams21:45 Key Insights for New HR Representatives25:36 Understanding Alchemic Boundaries in Relationships28:19 The Complexity of Introversion and Extroversion30:01 The Journey of Human Optimization Technology35:33 Supplementing Education Beyond the App⁠Free Gift

Daren Fields discusses the transformative impact of AI on the sales process. Sharing insights from his book, The Apex 8 methodology. Daren addresses common hesitations sales managers have with AI. The significance of choosing secure AI tools and the concept of 'dark AI.' He also highlights the importance of prototyping and debriefing in sales processes. Advocating for a culture of continuous learning in the face of technological advancements.Follow Daren FieldsBook | Website | LinkedinTakeawaysAI is revolutionizing sales strategies and processes.Sales managers must embrace AI to stay competitive.Choosing the right AI tools is crucial for security.Prototyping fosters collaboration and trust with clients.Debriefing after sales meetings is essential for learning.Dark AI refers to unauthorized use of AI tools.Conscious competence is necessary for effective prompting.AI can significantly boost productivity in sales teams.Simplification in communication can enhance sales effectiveness.The Apex 8 methodology offers a structured approach to sales.Sound Bites"AI is a hot topic in sales.""Simplification scales sales.""Debriefing is crucial for learning."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Daren Fields and AI in Sales02:37 The Impact of AI on Sales Strategies05:02 Overcoming AI Fears in Sales Management07:42 Choosing the Right AI Tools for Sales10:28 Understanding Dark AI and Its Implications13:27 The Role of Prompt Engineering in Sales16:08 Personal Insights from Racing to Sales Success23:50 The Mastery of Language in AI27:01 Conscious Competence in AI Prompting28:04 Effective Prompting Techniques31:59 The Importance of Prototyping in Sales37:43 Debriefing: Learning from Wins and LossesFree Gift!

Albert Bramante, Ph.D, shares his expertise on overcoming imposter syndrome, since there is a phenomenon where individuals are hurting their mental health, which is self-sabotaging to their personal growth. If obtaining more confidence is the goal, by overcoming imposter syndrome, then this video was made for you!Follow Albert Bramante, Ph.DBook | Website | Instagram | Facebook Chapters 0:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome or Impostor Syndrome02:33 The Inner Critic and Its Origins05:01 Reframing Limiting Beliefs to have more confidence 07:12 The Role of Feedback in Personal Growth09:36 The Biological Basis of Fear12:14 The Impact of Childhood on Self-Perception and Confidence13:59 Real-Life Applications and Solutions18:55 Empowering Participation24:06 Navigating Professional Identity26:46 The Human Side of Leadership28:13 Gender Dynamics in LeadershipFree Gift⁠

I sit down with Chip Higgins, founder of The Bizzics Way and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum, to explore the transformative power of momentum and leadership in the business world. Discover how Chip's insights will help you turn your side hustle into a thriving one. We delve into the principles of energy, intention, and the physics of business growth, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you are just starting or looking to scale, this conversation provides valuable takeaways to fuel your journey. Tune in and unlock the potential of your side hustle today!Follow Chip HigginsBook | Website | LinkedInChapters00:00 The Moment Most Founders Quit00:15 Why Listen to Chip Higgins? (Bizzics)00:59 The Leadership Lesson Chip Kept02:10 What Nashville Taught Us About Talent03:19 The “Massive” Small Business (Explained)07:36 How Spanx and the iPod Prove the Point10:58 Physics, Not Hype: The Growth Model11:09 A Train You Can’t Stop (Momentum)16:28 The Real Reason Your Business Stalls20:49 Three Numbers to Track Every Week26:56 Talk Better, Grow Faster (Culture)31:40 AI Without the Hype: What to Use Today36:22 A 24/7 Coach? 43:56 If You Remember One Thing, Make It This⁠Download Our Free Asset

In this episode, I have a conversation with Bernardo Mendez, a coach who, for fourteen years, has specialized in helping ambitious women find lasting love. Hundreds of women, from Fortune 100 executives, doctors, lawyers, and small business owners, have praised Bernardo’s process. Together, we discuss concepts such as finding devotional love, vulnerability in relationships, and the challenges women face when dating. Bernardo shares insights on navigating jealousy, raising standards, and the transformative power love provides. The success stories of women who found love after overcoming significant obstacles highlight the importance of self-worth, personal growth, and the fact that love is attainable regardless of where you are in your journey to find it.Follow Bernardo MendezWebsite | YouTube | LinkedInChapters00:00 Meeting Bernardo Mendez02:02 Understanding Devotional Love04:04 The Role of Spirituality in Relationships08:24 Common Challenges for Ambitious Women11:56 The Importance of Vulnerability in Dating16:45 Navigating Jealousy in Relationships24:07 Raising Standards in Relationships28:48 Transformational Success Stories 33:14 The Journey to Find Love41:04 What if it is too late?Free Gift

In this conversation, Rob Gallaher shares his journey from struggling entrepreneur to successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of self-education, reflection tactics, and the power of profit sharing. Rob shares the challenges he faced, defining moments, and key questions he asked himself to maintain focus, which led to a motivated workforce during the process of implementing and proving a profit-sharing model that works. Rob offers insights to business owners and their managers looking to implement effective profit-sharing programs. His story serves as an inspiration for those facing personal and professional struggles, encouraging them to take action and pursue their goals with determination.Follow Rob GallaherFree Tool: 10 Rules of Profit SharingBook | Website | LinkedIn | FacebookChapters00:00 Meet Rob Gallaher02:29 Rob's Journey from Construction to Entrepreneurship05:04 Overcoming Personal Struggles07:44 Daily Self-Reflection and Leadership Questions10:22 The Impact of Rock Bottom on Success12:51 Building a Successful Business Empire15:26 The Concept of Profit Sharing in Business25:24 The Journey of Profit Sharing Implementation28:57 Transforming Business Mindsets through Profit Sharing32:23 The Impact of Profit Sharing on Team Dynamics36:46 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Building Ambition42:19 Creating a Roadmap for Success⁠Free Gift