Dealing with Goliath: Psychological Edge for Business Leaders

The Mission of Dealing with Goliath is to sharpen the psychological edge in business leaders with skin in the game, who want to be more effective under pressure, uncover hidden value and increase profitability. Think clearer, negotiate better. Connect, influence and persuade ethically. Get your espresso shot of insight to boost business performance using our 5 questions in 9 minutes format interview, a single shot with my solo episodes, and take your time and go deeper with our long form interviews with domain experts in a wide array of businesses and industries. www.almcbride.com/podcast

How to Scale Without the Chaos: Smarter Growth for Founders with Chris Davenport II #101

Scaling a business beyond its early wins often reveals deeper cracks; misaligned teams, operational bottlenecks, and a drop in service quality. In this episode, Chris Davenport shares battle-tested strategies for overcoming these growing pains and building healthier, more resilient organizations. With a deep background in tech and nearly 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Chris brings fresh perspective on hiring smart, leading with clarity, and running meetings that actually move the ne...

07-29
18:30

How to Be Indispensable Not Obsolete in An AI World with Alastair McDermott #100

AI is changing everything and faster than most professionals are prepared for. As knowledge work becomes increasingly automated, the critical question isn’t if your role will be affected, but how you’ll stay relevant. Will you be replaced or elevated? In this milestone 100th episode, we dive into the tension between human adaptability and machine efficiency. From the quiet disappearance of entry-level roles to the rise of AI across industries and white collar roles, we explore how leade...

07-17
47:07

Chaos to Clarity: Streamlining Teams & Projects with Smartsheet Expert Paul Koetke #99

When communication breaks down and everyone’s working from a different playbook, even the best teams can fall into chaos. If you've ever felt the friction of misaligned expectations, unclear priorities, or endless status-chasing, this episode offers a clear way forward. We explore how to create shared definitions, structure meaningful conversations, and align teams—whether you're managing complex projects or just trying to get better results across departments. Discover why the first step to ...

06-04
17:34

Elegantly Simple Growth: How to Attract Your Next Client Without the Guesswork with Christine Campbell Rapin #98

Feeling stuck between client projects with no clear path to your next buyer? You’re not alone! The real problem might not be your tactics, but a lack of strategic clarity. In this episode, we explore the critical (and often overlooked) shift from reactive marketing to intentional client attraction. Learn why doubling down on the latest tactic is rarely the answer, how to spot the signs you’ve outgrown your existing clients, and what to do when your messaging no longer lands. Host Al McBride i...

05-22
22:07

Become a Leader Not Just a Boss: Managing Teams with Integrity with David Hatch #97

Struggling with the shift from doing the work to leading the work? You’re not alone. For many first-time managers and founders, the leap into leadership is one of the toughest transitions they’ll ever face — bringing challenges like imposter syndrome, micromanagement tendencies, and even loneliness. In this episode, we explore how to navigate that tricky middle ground between being “one of the team” and stepping into your new leadership role with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn how to av...

04-24
22:19

Master the Art of Interviewing: Building Rapport in High Stakes Conversations with Mark Anderson #96

SHOW NOTES: Are your interviews, negotiations and client conversations not yielding the results you expect? The problem might not be what you're asking, but how you're asking it. Explore the nuances of effective interviewing and negotiation strategies with Mark Anderson, an expert in investigative techniques and behavioral science, in this enlightening episode of the Dealing with Goliath podcast. In this discussion, Mark sheds light on the transition from traditional to evidence-based, psycho...

04-09
46:05

Authenticity Beats Perfection: Aligning Sales and Marketing with Ciaran and Rachel McKenna #095

Many small business owners struggle with sales, not because they lack a great product or service, but because they’re uncomfortable “selling themselves.” They overinvest in polished branding, only to freeze when it’s time to show up and connect. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone and this episode is for you. Discover how to bridge the gap between marketing and sales to create a more authentic, customer-focused business. We'll explore how to overcome the fear of rejection, build momentu...

03-26
27:38

The Power of Connecting: Building Better Bonds with Others with Dr J Rodriguez #94

When communication breaks down in an organization, the consequences are costly, misalignment, conflict, and disengagement. Too often, leaders try to fix the problem by focusing on individuals rather than addressing the broader cultural and structural issues at play. So how do you create an environment where people communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and align with a shared mission? In this episode of Dealing with Goliath, host Al McBride is joined by Dr. J Rodriguez, an expert in et...

03-11
28:26

Turn Leads into Loyalty: Rapid Trust-Building to Accelerate High-Ticket Sales with Simon Severino #93

Would you like to turbocharge your high-ticket sales and drastically cut down your sales cycle? In this episode of the Dealing with Goliath podcast, Simon Severino unpacks powerful strategies that streamline sales processes and build rapid trust with potential clients online. Discover the secrets to optimizing your daily interactions and effectively capturing your audience’s attention from the first click. Learn from Simon's expert insights on how to find, refine and prioritise tasks th...

02-24
25:19

Negotiate with Confidence: Turn Fear into Connection with James Carson #92

SHOW NOTES: Are you struggling to communicate effectively in high-stakes business situations? Discover essential strategies to enhance your negotiation and presentation skills in this enlightening episode of the Dealing with Goliath podcast. We dive into the complexities of business communication with expert James Carson, a renowned communication strategist. James shares invaluable insights on building confidence, avoiding common pitfalls, and mastering the art of influence in business envir...

01-15
26:48

How to Easily Write Books That Attract Clients & Inspire Change with Ben Gioia #91

Discover how to write a book that engages your ideal clients and advances your business. In this Dealing with Goliath episode, host Al McBride talks to Ben Gioia, a master at transforming expertise into bestsellers. Explore strategies to streamline your writing process, ensure your book resonates with your audience, and transform readers into clients. Ben shares pitfalls to avoid and tips on leveraging your intellectual property effectively. Join us as he provides actionable strategies for i...

12-30
25:48

Master Self-Leadership & Conquer the Five Universal Fears with Elizabeth Smith #090

Struggling with internal doubts and external judgments while striving for success? Discover the hidden barriers holding you back in this insightful episode. Learn how to break free from the five universal fears that plague leaders and entrepreneurs, and unlock your true potential. Elizabeth Smith, a self-leadership coach with a background in mental health and nursing. Elizabeth shares her unique insights into the psychological challenges faced by high-achieving business leaders, offering prac...

05-22
34:35

From Stuck to Soaring: Living Your Own Definition of Success Not Anyone Else's with Helen Tuddenham #089

Are you living up to your definition of success or someone else's? What does success mean to you? As business leaders, it can be too easy to chase a definition of success that has been foisted on us by others or may once have resonated but now no longer fits with the leader we aspire to become. Without an authentic and personal definition of success, we can fall into a cycle of wavering between projects, being solely influenced by external trends or comparisons with our competitors and peers....

04-24
15:24

Turn Chaos into Clarity: Stress Free Productivity to Raise Performance with James Parnell #088

Are you struggling to manage your time, prioritize tasks, and avoid burnout while trying to innovate and scale your business? Discover agile coaching strategies that can transform chaos into productivity in this insightful episode. James Parnell, an expert Agile coach, dives deep into how entrepreneurs can harness agile methodologies to maximize efficiency and drive high performance across their teams. Learn how to make agile predictions, streamline business processes, and focus on what truly...

04-18
25:26

From Burnout to Balance: Rethinking Productivity & The Science of the 4 Day Workweek with Dr Dale Whelehan #87

Are you struggling to manage your team's productivity and keep up with the ever-increasing demand for work-life balance? Imagine a work environment where burnout is drastically reduced, and productivity soars—all within a four-day workweek. Implementing a four-day week can significantly increase revenue, reduce staff turnover, and enhance work ability. GUEST BIO: Dr. Dale Whelehan is dedicated to creating a million new years of free time alongside a remarkable team of collaborat...

04-15
57:07

Eventually You Will Exit Your Business: Plan early for the best outcome with Julie Keyes #085

Are you prepared for the day you exit your business? Many owners aren't, risking their hard-earned nest egg by waiting too long to plan their departure. In this eye-opening episode of the Dealing with Goliath Podcast, we dive into the critical yet often overlooked aspects of exit planning. Discover the optimal timeline for a smooth transition, common pitfalls to avoid, and actionable steps to ensure your business thrives even in your absence. Host Al McBride welcomes Julie Keyes, a certified ...

11-22
15:44

Leveraging the Human Attention Algorithm to Unlock $120 Million in Sales with Donnie Bryant #084

Struggling to make your mark in a sea of sameness? In this espresso shot episode of "Dealing with Goliath," host Al McBride converses with Donnie Bryant, a direct response copywriter and marketing consultant who’s mastered the art of standing out. Donnie, whose strategies have powered over $120 million in sales, delves into the essence of leveraging the human attention algorithm to not just capture attention but to convert it into meaningful action. He emphasizes the critical mistake business...

11-14
20:53

Principled Selling: What Questions Are You Not Asking Yourself with Marcus Cauchi #083

Are you tired of the constant pressure of short-term objectives overshadowing your core values? Marcus Cauchi delves deep into the pitfalls of traditional sales and marketing practices that result in poor conversion rates, wasted resources, and fleeting customer relationships. Discover the importance of understanding your customer's journey, the need for simplicity in technology, and the concept of the "anti-ICP." Marcus doesn't just identify the problems; he offers a new perspective o...

09-27
38:31

Entrepreneurial Guide: a High-Ticket Strategy for Exponential Growth with Sasha Garcia #082

Sasha Garcia is on a mission to guide tech entrepreneurs in starting, scaling, and selling their businesses successfully. In this insightful episode, Sasha shares valuable strategies to overcome common challenges and achieve rapid business growth. Discover the power of decisive action in overcoming fear and propelling your business forward. Sasha emphasizes the role of responsibility as a catalyst for personal and professional development. Taking on more significant responsibilities can moti...

09-19
19:54

The Best Way to Build Brand and Drive Demand For Your Business with Lloyed Lobo #081

Join Lloyed Lobo, co-founder of boasts.ai and author of "From Grassroots to Greatness," as we uncover the essence of community over cutting-edge technology and we see how a company can triumph by focusing on its dedicated followers. We dissect the layers of audience, community, and movement, while examining how AI can strengthen, not sever, human ties. Gain insights on startup evolution and the CAMPER framework. Lloyed's personal tale emphasizes achievements beyond material gains. GU...

09-10
40:03

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