One Handshake

Christine Michaelis joins One Handshake to share how she built and grew her work across five countries by prioritizing communication, relationships, and practical systems. She talks about becoming an “accidental entrepreneur,” publishing 22 books in nine years, and how preparation turns ideas into action.Christine reflects on personal moments that shaped her path, including a health scare and the importance of values, community, and patience. We close with next steps, including her challenge to all listeners. Connect with Christine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinethecoach/Her Books: https://www.creativestartupacademy.com/books/Her website: https://letstalk.training

What does it really take to start over—professionally, creatively, or personally? Sarah has done all three, across continents and industries. In this conversation, she shares how she moved from big-name productions to founding her own creative company, the role of relationships and mentorship, and the impact of leading with integrity. She also opens up about burnout, identity, and how storytelling has the power to heal and connect. It’s honest, reflective, and full of insight for anyone at a turning point.Connect with Sarah:Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-bell-109092a1/IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellah9/Portfolio: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567349313264

This episode explores how to get the most out of professional events by combining strategy with spontaneity. Jillian shares how she evaluates events using a personal tracking system, prepares for speakers and attendees she wants to meet, and sets clear objectives before showing up.She also highlights the magic of unplanned conversations, those chance encounters that often turn into lasting relationships. Listeners will hear stories of meaningful connections made both through preparation and serendipity, and be encouraged to test new approaches at upcoming events. This episode is a guide to maximizing the value of networking while keeping human connection at the center.If you’d like to learn more about joining our Community, check out OneHandshake.coMentioned in the Episode: Workshop: Your Career, In One Line: Craft a Self-Pitch That Opens Doors https://youtu.be/_zA8lCWcdCwShare your experience or feedback about this episode: https://forms.gle/GRB9HaXao4aHfLqn7

What happens when you start a business with no roadmap but a deep sense of curiosity and a commitment to doing it your way? Dorien Morin-van Dam shares how she built a values-aligned, six-figure business after 40, while raising kids and moving internationally. She talks about organic marketing, agile systems, relationship-based growth, and the shift from undercharging to pricing for value. Dorien’s story is a masterclass in starting small, staying consistent, and learning through doing. Whether you're recalibrating your business, re-entering the workforce, or just want to hear how someone made it work, this conversation is packed with honest insight and practical takeaways.Sept 17 Workshop: How to Meet Your Sales Goals: Close Out 2025 Strong To register: https://lu.ma/6zl5oje5  Check out Derrick’s podcast episode: https://one-handshake.simplecast.com/episodes/16-from-48k-to-1m-the-mindset-strategy-behind-business-growthConnect with Dorien:https://www.linkedin.com/in/moreinmedia/https://www.moreinmedia.com/To learn how you participate in future Fireside Chats, private unrecorded conversations with our podcast guests, check out OneHandshake.co

Authenticity and boundaries both matter, but what happens when honoring one seems to strain the other?In this episode, Jillian unpacks that friction and offers grounded strategies to navigate it. She shares real-life scenarios, like how to respond when someone asks to "pick your brain," what to say when a collaboration doesn’t align, and how to pause before saying yes too quickly.You’ll also hear about creating a realistic weekly schedule based on your actual energy and capacity, not just your ambition. If you’ve ever struggled with over-giving, over-promising, or feeling guilty for saying no, this conversation will leave you with clarity, language, and tools you can use right away.If you could use support around topics like exercising boundaries while building business authentically, you’re invited to check out the OneHandshake community; these are topics we discuss and host workshops, strategy sessions, and dialogues around. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love to know! Either leave a review or share your feedback via the form linkAlso mentioned in this episode, Petra Fisher’s episode: Building Connections That Count: Petra Fisher on LinkedIn, Visibility, and Being Unapologetically You. Check it out here.

Jillian sits down with marketing leader Stefana Sopco to trace her improbable rise from jobless newcomer to a top voice in maritime decarbonization and diversity advocacy.Stefana shares the pivotal networking moment that landed her first Dutch role, the tactics she uses to stay “un-layoffable” in an AI-filtered job market, and why sustainability, inclusion, and mental health all belong in the same conversation.She breaks down decarbonization in plain language, reflects on resistance she’s faced around so-called “woke” topics, and offers practical guidance for anyone swimming against the tide.Whether you’re determined to drive meaningful climate impact or carve out a career aligned with your values, Stefana’s story proves that one brave question—and one handshake (or prosecco) —can change everything.If you’d like to learn more about joining our Community, check out OneHandshake.coHere is the LinkedIn post about plastic that Jillian referenced. To connect with Stefana,https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefana-sopco-marketing-manager/https://www.instagram.com/stefana.sopco/

Posture is more than just body language, it’s a reflection of mindset, confidence, preparation, and alignment.In this solo episode, Jillian explores the often-overlooked impact posture has on connection, opportunity, and perception.She breaks it down into four key areas: physical presence, online behavior, internal belief, and external presentation, and invites listeners to reflect on how their posture might be affecting their influence.With personal stories and practical questions, this episode is a reminder that how we carry ourselves can be a powerful advantage in business and life. Alignment between what we believe and how we show up is where true influence begins.If you’d like to suggest a topic or guest for a future episode or submit a question for Jillian to answer in a future episode,  you can do so here.Learn more about the opportunities available with OneHandshake.com.

In this episode, globetrotting storyteller Ryan Millar unpacks the mindset that carried him from Canadian actor to Roman tour guide, London writer to Brussels bureaucrat, and finally founder of Dashwell Coaching in Amsterdam.He introduces a four-stage lens—Living, Reflecting, Transforming, Synthesizing—for turning raw experiences into artful stories and high-impact talks. Ryan credits 500+ consecutive days on 750words.com and 300+ yoga classes with keeping him grounded while leaping between careers and countries, and he explains his “eat the frog first” philosophy for tackling hard tasks without sacrificing creativity.The conversation also explores merging multiple professional identities into one authentic narrative, using humor to stay composed in high-pressure rooms, and why consistent micro-habits outpace dramatic reinventions. Stick around to enter Ryan’s book-giveaway challenge celebrating neural entrainment—proof that great communication syncs speaker and audience brains alike.Ryan’s improv-style offer to win a free copy of his book, The Confident Presenter (he shared instructions at the end of the episode), send your request to Ryan@RyanMillar.comFor those in the One Handshake Community, check out the Member Perks section to see the other juicy offers Ryan (and all previous podcast guests) have extended to us. If you’d like to learn more about joining our Community, check out OneHandshake.co To connect with Ryan:www.linkedin.com/in/rsmillar/www.ryanmillar.comwww.instagram.com/ryanscottmillar/

This episode explores four out-of-the-box tactics to help you genuinely engage the people you want to reach, especially those you’ve identified through the 10 vital business relationships framework.Jillian shares real-life stories, including how a bowl of soup and a $4 harmonica opened doors to long-term friendships and meaningful business opportunities. You’ll also hear practical tips like jumping to text, using podcasts as research tools, and the impact of thoughtful, analog touches.The episode closes with three mindset reminders to help you stay grounded: be patient, stay human, and focus on what you can control. If you’re looking to stand out without being salesy, this one’s for you.To connect with Jillian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianvorceLearn more about the opportunities available with OneHandshake.co

Seymour Ellis has spent 20+ years building high-performing sales teams across five countries, grounded in one belief: when done right, sales is an act of service.In this episode, he breaks down what it means to grow without compromising your values - and why founders should lead their own sales before hiring it out.As co-founder of B Corp-certified Matchstick, Seymour shares real strategies for purpose-led outreach, including how to identify aligned clients and build trust through thoughtful, human connection.This isn’t a conversation just about tactics - it’s also about mindset, integrity, and designing business growth around who and how you want to serve. If traditional sales don't sit right with you, this one’s for you.Check out the Partner Program that Seymour and his team created at Matchstick: https://www.thematchstick.co/partner-programSeymour has extended a VERY generous offer for our listeners: a Sales Health Check. This is a 30-minute complimentary, no-strings audit of your current sales process.  https://calendly.com/seymour-matchstick and please use One Handshake as a reference. If you would like to join us for a future Fireside Chat, and go behind the scenes for an unrecorded deeper conversation with our podcast guests and members of the OH community, learn how you can at OneHandshake.co

This episode wraps up the 10 Vital Business Relationships framework by digging into the final three often underestimated but high-impact categories: media/influencers/events, vendors/suppliers, and the last one is a surprise.From building visibility through podcasts and conferences to reassessing supply chains and reducing waste, this conversation invites you to see your business through a lens of interconnected opportunity.Jillian shares practical ways to research, map, and engage each of these relationships, including tips on how to turn insights into action. By the end, you’ll have completed your business ecosystem map and be ready to use it as a foundation for growth, strategy, and stronger stakeholder alignment.This is the kind of groundwork that sets your business up for sustainable success without chasing, forcing, or burning out.If this appeals to you, you’re invited to join us in the One Handshake community. Many of us are business owners, established or just getting started, who value and prioritize relationships in our businesses and together we learn and work on applying this framework along with many others. To learn more, visit OneHandshake.coMentioned in the Episode: A great resource for companies to measure, assess, and compare their environmental impact to that of their peers, is the B- Impact Assessment: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/programs-and-tools/b-impact-assessment/Here are the links to the three previous episodes where Jillian explored the first seven key relationships for building a relationship-driven business:Ep 23: Beyond Revenue: The First Three Spokes of a Relationship-Driven BusinessEp 25: Relationship #4: Serve Your Customers—Past, Present & FutureEp 27: Strategic Growth Through Relationships: Neighbors, Community, and Competitors

In this episode of the One Handshake podcast, host Jillian Vorce sits down with Shaena Harrison, professional Wing Woman and founder of Tjena.io. Shaena shares the raw and remarkable story behind her career transformation; from corporate roles and repeated layoffs to launching a business rooted in helping people connect more meaningfully.Together, they talk about the signs that shape our paths, how technology can support rather than replace real human connection, and the power of staying true to your values even when everything feels uncertain. You’ll also hear practical tools for managing relationships and reflections on building a career from instinct, purpose, and persistence.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re allowed to start over, this conversation is your reminder that not only can you, but your whole story might just be your superpower.If you have enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe and leave us a review. If you'd like to have access to exclusive offers like the one from Shaena today or participate in future Fireside chats, check out OneHandshake.Co and perhaps we'll see you in the future. Connect with Shaena (and remember to tell her you heard her on the One Handshake podcast!)LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjenashaena/Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/tjena_wing_people/Her company, Tjena  - https://www.tjena.io/

In this episode of the One Handshake podcast, host Jillian Vorce continues her breakdown of the “10 Vital Business Relationships” framework, focusing on three groups you may be overlooking: your neighbors, your communities, and even your competitors.With real-life stories and practical actions, Jillian shows how these relationships - often underutilized or misunderstood - can become powerful levers for business growth, reputation, and alignment.From initiating local collaborations to rethinking competitive dynamics, this episode offers fresh ways to expand your ecosystem and contribute meaningfully. The mindset shift?Stop chasing strangers and start seeing the strategic value in those already within reach.Links + Resources Mentioned in Episode:If you would like to explore this framework for your business privately, consulting options are available. However, if you’d like to work on these alongside a group of peers, we invite you to join us at One Handshake where we offer regular workshops, strategy sessions, and a diverse community of people who have each others’ backs. Check us out at OneHandshake.co

Shankar’s career has spanned everything from digital banking and tech consulting to yoga coaching and cross-cultural facilitation. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore how he defines real success—not by traditional accolades, but by alignment, impact, and intimacy with his work and the world around him. We talk about career pivots, personal values, and how to stay grounded in an increasingly complex business landscape. Shankar also offers insights into the intersection of ethics, technology, and human behavior, making this episode especially relevant for professionals seeking depth, clarity, and authenticity in their work. It’s a refreshing reminder that strategic growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of what matters most.Shankar has made a generous offer to listeners of our podcast. He is offering personalized coaching and values-based business guidance to help individuals and organizations realign with what truly matters—spiritually, physically, and strategically.Receive 30% off coaching, in-person yoga, or a half-day alignment health check for your business via https://linktr.ee/oldskoolyoga (scroll down to "One Handshake Offer")To learn more about how you could join our growing Community, go to OneHandshake.co 

Picking up where episode 23 left off, Jillian zeroes in on customers as the next essential relationship, urging listeners to suspend the “I already know that” reflex. She breaks the audience into past, present, and prospective segments and shares concrete tactics, including anniversary postcards, wellness-check calls, and surprise speaking invites that reactivate dormant clients and delight active ones while impressing future buyers. By reframing every interaction through the lens of service, companies build trust, increase retention, and empower employees to care more deeply about their roles. The conversation underscores that relationship-building compounds over time, making it the most reliable growth engine.Jillian closes by challenging listeners to test one service-oriented idea this week and report back - send an email to Podcast@OneHandshake.co or else, share it in the One Handshake community, if you’re already a member.Links mentioned in the episode:ep 23: Beyond Revenue: The First Three Spokes of a Relationship-Driven Businessep 13: From Chaos to Connection: How a CRM Can Transform Your Networking GameFor all episodes

What happens when curiosity, courage, and kindness meet opportunity? Aaron Endré’s story is a perfect example. In this episode, he walks us through the moment a single connection launched his career in PR, the leap of faith that shaped his leadership, and why he shifted his entire business to support climate tech startups. Aaron opens up about identity, mentorship, risk-taking, and the joy of helping mission-driven founders shine—especially those who are experts in their field but unsure how to tell their story. It’s a warm, wise conversation about building more than a business—it's about building a life aligned with your values.For more about Aaron’s work click here, he’s offering listeners of The One Handshake the opportunity to beta test HackYourPR.comFor more information about One Handshake and our membership visit  OneHandshake.co.

In this episode, consultant- and host Jillian Vorce argues that revenue is the result of healthy relationships, not the starting point. Drawing on 25 years of advising companies, she introduces a ten-spoke framework but dives deep into the first three spokes this time: clear CEO-employee communication, leadership accessibility, and a culture that passes the “smile test.”Get concrete tactics, from five-minute monthly selfie videos to weekly open-Zoom sessions that dismantle silos and build trust. Jillian stresses that even solopreneurs with teams of freelancers must lead intentionally, treating team members as strategic resources rather than costs.The conversation sets the stage for next solo episode’s exploration of the remaining spokes, reinforcing One Handshake’s core belief that relationships, not slogans, drive lasting growth.Link to Employee Engagement GuideIf this resonates with you, you're invited to come explore our community. These are the topics we break down and work on together - in strategy sessions, workshops, and in good old fashion conversations.

Sarah Santacroce joins Jillian Vorce to talk about her journey from professional disillusionment to building a business that reflects her values. Sarah recounts her transformative decision in 2018 to abandon conventional marketing tactics, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and alignment with personal values in a shifting business landscape.In the conversation, Sarah shares insights from her upcoming book, Business Like We’re Human, and introduces her new, 'Conversations for Change' initiative for launching it. Together, they reflect on the power of relationships, wiring, and the courage it takes to do business your own way.The conversation underscores the necessity for meaningful work and ethical marketing strategies, inviting listeners to join the ongoing dialogue.If you’d like to support Sarah and her new book,  she is crowdfunding the official launch, Business Like We're Human and would love your help.  You can offer as little as $8 and it can help change the conversations we’re having around marketing.  With your contribution, you will also get access to the ebook and audio book. https://www.humane.marketing/conversationsforchange .  It is open till June 9th. For links and resources mentioned in the episode:Sarah is offering our podcast listeners her One Page Marketing PlanOne Handshake Members can access Marketing Like We’re Human FOR FREE by going to https://onehandshake.co/Watch Jillian on Sarah’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-phWzkPGbQkListen to Jillian on Sarah’s podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-nurture-10-vital-business-relationships/id1108005708?i=1000599024918Other books mentioned;Rutger Bregman, Moral Ambition: https://rutgerbregman.com/books/moral-ambitionTo connect with Sarah, you can connect with her via her website or LinkedinIf you’d like to learn more about the One Handshake Community, come find us at https://onehandshake.co/ where you can also sign up to join us on our firechats as well as see our other events.

Career changes often begin with a quiet nudge - a subtle knowing that something’s not right. This episode walks through what to do when that nudge becomes a shove, whether due to layoffs, client loss, or internal misalignment.Instead of jumping straight to job boards and resume updates, host Jillian Vorce offers a more intentional approach: clarify your ideal scenario, align your passions with your professional skills, and build meaningful connections through authentic outreach.Jillian also shares how to research industries and leaders creatively - through podcasts, LinkedIn, and direct engagement - and highlights tools from her book 20/20 Mind Sight to help listeners reflect and get clear on what they truly want. It's a roadmap for designing a career shift that feels aligned, empowered, and well-informed. For more information about the One Handshake community, come visit us Onehandshake.cohttps://20-20mindsight.com/Amazon Link

In this heartfelt episode, internationally accredited Executive Coach Tania Carvalho opens up about her decision to walk away from a 20-year career in financial services — without a clear plan for what came next.She shares how discomfort became a guide, how coaching and connection helped her rebuild, and how she’s now helping others navigate similar transitions with clarity and purpose.Jillian and Tania explore themes of identity, authenticity, and how redefining success can lead to unexpected freedom. This episode is a thoughtful, down-to-earth invitation to reflect on your own path - especially if something inside you is quietly asking, “Is this it?”For our podcast listeners, Tania invites you to check out her The High Performance Leadership Programme, designed for high-achieving professionals who are ready to step into greater leadership, influence and fulfilment in their careers. If you’d like to learn more about how you can participate in/join future Fireside Chats, the unrecorded, private chats we have with our podcast guests, tell us more about yourself here. One Handshake is a global, values-driven network that fosters authentic connections across diverse industries and backgrounds. To learn more about the community we're building and how join us, visit https://onehandshake.co