Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career

What if the most valuable thing you did all year was stop and look at your life? In this episode, I sit down with Tiago Forte, author of Life in Perspective and creator of the Building a Second Brain method. Tiago has had a huge impact on how I work and live, and we use this conversation to walk through the annual life review, a ritual I've done for years and he has now turned into a book.

We talk about why modern work has stripped away the natural off season, and what happens when years blur together. Tiago breaks down his ARC framework: appreciate the past, reflect on the present, and create the future. We get into the traps to avoid, the role your environment plays in your mindset, and how to turn big ideas into weekly behaviors you can track. I also share a personal story about a decision that shifted how I see myself and how I show up.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why every professional needs an off season, and what happens without one

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The three D's of life: drift, driven, and design

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Why the best time to gain perspective isn't during a crisis

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The easiest cheat code for changing your mindset

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Why planning your life is an emotional exercise before it's an analytical one

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How a single weekly number can reveal what really matters to you

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Two emotions high achievers tend to avoid, and what they can teach you

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The question that can show whether your projects and your priorities actually fit together

If you've ever wondered whether your life is moving in the direction you want, this conversation gives you a way to find out.

Resources Mentioned:

Get Tiago's book, Life in Perspective: http://lifeinperspective.com

Learn about Tiago's AI Second Brain cohort: http://buildingasecondbrain.com/ai-second-brain

Connect with Tiago on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiagoforte

100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the secret to getting more done has less to do with working harder and more to do with how you focus, handle stress, and rest? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christian Poensgen, executive coach and co-author of Ultra Productive with Eric Partaker, to look at productivity through a much wider lens. Christian did his PhD on the interplay between stress and performance, and he applies the research to the moments our audience faces every day: preparing for a pitch, following up with a client who went quiet, and protecting time to think when the calendar never stops filling up.

We talk about why so few of us ever reach real deep focus, how to work the edges of the day to carve out that time, and what it looks like to choose what you'll fail at so you can succeed at what matters. Christian explains the difference between stress and anxiety, why each calls for a different response, and a simple breathing technique to use minutes before a high-stakes meeting. We also get into sleep, why seven hours isn't the whole story, and what a rainmaker's ideal day could look like from start to finish.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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The 60 to 90 minute daily habit that can double what you get done

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Why a 5 to 9 mindset doesn't mean waking up at 5 a.m.

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What it means to choose what you'll fail at each day

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The hidden cost of replying within five minutes

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How stress and anxiety differ, and why it matters before a big pitch

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Three questions that take the sting out of waiting on a client's reply

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Why seven hours of sleep can still leave you running on empty

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What a high-performing relationship builder's ideal day looks like

If you've been living in back-to-back meetings with no room to think, tune in to learn how to protect your focus, use stress to your advantage, and treat rest as part of the job.

Resources Mentioned:

Preorder Ultra Productive and get 9 free infographics plus a free seat in the Ultra Productive Accelerator: http://ultraproductive.com

Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianpoensgen/

Alison Wood Brooks Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cracking-the-code-to-great-conversations-with/id1504330338?i=1000686081141

Johnny Miller Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nervous-system-mastery-science-backed-secrets-to-energy/id1504330338?i=1000673961607

100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the habits that made you successful are now holding you back? I sit down with Darrell Vesterfelt to unpack 10 signs you may be the bottleneck in your own growth, from struggling to delegate and feeling guilty about rest to having a packed calendar while your most important work remains unfinished.

We dig into what's underneath these patterns, including fear, identity, and the systems we create around ourselves. We also talk about recovery, creating space for meaningful work, and why getting better results may have less to do with working harder and more to do with changing how you work.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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The 10 signs you may be the bottleneck

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Why success can eventually become a constraint

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What's really behind resistance to delegation

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Why recovery matters for high performers

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What your calendar may be telling you

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How to make room for your most important work

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Why small experiments can create meaningful change

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When the system you're using needs to change

If you're working harder but not getting the results you want, this conversation will give you a new way to look at what's getting in the way. Tune in and see which patterns might be showing up in your own work.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Darrell: https://darrellvesterfelt.com/

Follow Darrell on IG: https://www.instagram.com/dvest/ Connect with Darrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellvesterfelt

100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if selling got easier when you stopped trying so hard to sell? In this episode, I'm joined by Rob Snyder, creator of the PULL framework, to explore a different approach to business development. Instead of pushing products and services toward clients, we talk about creating the conditions where people naturally pull your solution toward them. Rob breaks down the four pieces of PULL and explains why a client having a problem does not necessarily mean they have a reason to buy.

We also talk about how to listen for what clients are actually trying to accomplish, why customer feedback does not always predict buying behavior, and how Rob uses the framework with real businesses and his own AI offering. We even apply the PULL framework to one of my own potential offers. If you're trying to grow your business without constantly feeling like you have to convince people to buy, this conversation offers a completely different way to think about sales.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why having a problem doesn't always create a reason to buy

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The four conditions that create PULL

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What you may be missing when prospects agree but don't buy

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How to listen for what clients are actually trying to accomplish

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Why customer feedback can be misleading

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How to be proactive without becoming pushy

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Why Rob recommends selling an offer before fully building it

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The question that can reveal what someone would actually pay to solve

Tune in to rethink the way you approach sales, business development, and creating demand for what you offer.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsnyder1/

Check Out Rob's Website: http://robsnyder.org/

100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if procrastination is costing you business? In this episode, I sit down with Jon Acuff to unpack why smart, capable professionals procrastinate on the things that actually grow their businesses, especially follow-up, relationship building, and business development. We talk about the four traps that keep us stuck, why procrastination isn't just about getting started, and how even quitting can become something we put off.

Jon also shares practical strategies for getting out of your own way, including his "CEO of follow-up" mindset, the power of the Golden Hour, and why shifting from selling to serving can completely change how you approach relationships. We also dig into knowing what to stop doing, choosing the right platforms for your business, and building relationships that lead to long-term revenue.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why your biggest competition might actually be yourself

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The hidden ways procrastination shows up in business

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Why follow-up gets harder after rejection

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How to use your "Golden Hour"

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When quitting is actually the right move

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Why serving can make selling easier

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How to focus on the platforms that actually matter

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What it takes to turn relationships into revenue

If you've ever known exactly what you should be doing but still found yourself putting it off, this episode is for you. Tune in and find out what's really getting in your way.

Resources Mentioned:

Jon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/

Jon's Website: http://jonacuff.com/

Stage and Page workshop: http://jonacuff.com/stage

100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the expertise you've spent decades building could become the engine for more predictable revenue, stronger positioning, and better-fit clients? In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Northcutt, founder and CEO of Level Up Creators, to unpack why so many experts struggle with inconsistent lead flow even when they are exceptional at what they do.

We talk about the "expert trap," why being great at the work is not enough to consistently win the work you actually want, and how personal branding, a clearly defined methodology, and a deep understanding of your ideal client can change the way people see and choose you. Amanda also shares how to extract the expertise that has become second nature, turn it into a repeatable methodology, and use AI to help uncover and codify what may otherwise be difficult to articulate.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why being exceptionally good at your work can actually make it harder to explain what you do

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The missing piece between expertise and predictable, recurring revenue

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How to uncover the methodology hiding inside your own experience

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Why your personal brand may matter more to the buying decision than your company name

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What a product ladder can look like, even when you think you only have one service to sell

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How to make it easier for the right prospects to say yes

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Why the language your clients use may be more valuable than the language you use to describe your work

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How AI can help turn years of expertise and conversations into usable intellectual property

If you're an expert, consultant, professional services provider, or business leader who wants to become easier to find, easier to understand, and easier to hire, this is a conversation you don't want to skip.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Amanda: https://welevelupcreators.com/ 100s of Infographics: https://bunnell-idea-group-inc.kit.com/a9d68c6c15

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

I'm excited to sit down with Kristy Ellmer, a senior leader at Boston Consulting Group and co-author of How Change Really Works, to talk about what it actually takes to lead meaningful change inside organizations. Rather than relying on intuition or management trends, Kristy explains how years of research in behavioral science, neuroscience, and real-world transformations led to seven practical principles for increasing the odds of success. We explore why so many change efforts stall, why getting genuine agreement matters more than quick consensus, and how leaders can create the conditions for lasting progress instead of temporary compliance.

Our conversation also moves beyond strategy into the human side of transformation. We discuss why people are more likely to embrace change when they have ownership in shaping it, how leaders can encourage productive disagreement without slowing momentum, and why stories often inspire action more effectively than metrics alone. Whether you're leading a company, managing a team, or guiding clients through change, these ideas offer practical ways to think differently about how people commit to new directions and sustain them over time.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why "false alignment" creates more problems than open disagreement

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How to know when your team is truly aligned before moving forward

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A simple exercise that exposes hidden assumptions in leadership meetings

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What the "IKEA Effect" teaches us about ownership and commitment

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Why involving more people doesn't always slow a transformation down

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How stories and symbols can motivate people in ways data alone cannot

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The role of healthy debate in building stronger decisions and better execution

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Why successful change is often about designing the process, not just setting the goal

If you're responsible for leading change or influencing others through uncertainty, I think you'll find this conversation incredibly helpful.

Resources Mentioned:

Purchase How Change Really Works: https://a.co/d/08tqzPRZ

Connect with Kristy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-r-ellmer-b25b7a23/

Connect with Kristy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristy_ellmer/

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Robert Cialdini, one of the world's foremost researchers on influence and the bestselling author of Influence, to discuss what actually builds trust in relationship-driven business development. Rather than focusing on persuasion tactics, we explore the small, practical behaviors that help experts create stronger client relationships over time—from expressing genuine affinity and finding authentic points of connection to using language that reinforces partnership instead of distance.

We also talk about why human connection often matters more than demonstrating expertise alone. Dr. Cialdini shares research-backed examples on asking for advice instead of opinions, making communication feel more personal, framing conversations around shared goals, and even how admitting a past mistake can strengthen credibility.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why the principles of liking and unity are foundational to lasting client relationships

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A simple language shift that turns critics into collaborators

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How to find authentic common ground without forcing rapport

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Why humanizing your communication can be more persuasive than emphasizing credentials

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What Warren Buffett's shareholder letters teach about building trust

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How acknowledging a past mistake can make future recommendations more credible

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When framing outcomes as potential losses can be more motivating than highlighting gains

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Practical ways to make emails, conversations, and client interactions feel more personal

If you're looking for practical ways to strengthen trust, communicate more effectively, and build relationships that last, I think you'll find plenty to take away from this conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

Cialdini Free Assessment — http://cialdini.com

Book: Influence by Robert Cialdini — https://a.co/d/05dd7GPv

Robert Cialdini's other books — https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AP9KKG/

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this episode, I sit down with former Navy SEAL, leadership expert, and bestselling author Rich Diviney to explore what it really means to perform well in uncertain environments. Drawing from the ideas in his book Masters of Uncertainty, Rich explains why chasing peak performance can actually be the wrong goal for most people and why learning to perform optimally in unpredictable situations matters far more.

We discuss how uncertainty affects decision-making, motivation, relationships, and business development, and how small shifts in focus can help us make progress even when outcomes feel unclear.

If you're leading a business, growing relationships, managing a team, or simply trying to navigate a challenging season, this conversation offers practical ways to stay focused and effective when certainty is nowhere to be found.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

•

Why optimal performance is often more useful than peak performance

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How uncertainty creates stress and what your brain is looking for in difficult situations

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The Duration, Pathway, Outcome (DPO) framework and how it can reduce overwhelm

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Why breaking goals into smaller horizons can improve motivation and follow-through

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How fear, uncertainty, and anxiety interact and what helps reduce their impact

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What attributes reveal about how people show up under pressure

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How high-performing teams adapt leadership responsibilities in real time

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Why trust depends on more than competence and consistency alone

If you're looking for practical ways to navigate uncertainty with more confidence, clarity, and resilience, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to Secrets to Thriving Under Pressure with Author and Retired Navy SEAL, Rich Diviney: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-to-thriving-under-pressure-with-author-and/id1504330338?i=1000683901565

Connect with Rich: https://learn.theattributes.com/mastering-uncertainty

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this episode, I sit down with Melody Wilding to talk about a skill that has become increasingly important in today's matrixed organizations: managing up. But not in the traditional sense of simply keeping your boss informed. We explore what it really means to build influence with decision-makers, stakeholders, and leaders whose priorities, communication styles, and levels of involvement may be very different from your day-to-day contacts. Whether you're navigating internal relationships or working with complex clients, Melody shares practical frameworks for creating alignment, building trust, and increasing your impact without feeling political or inauthentic.

We also discuss how to identify the people who truly influence outcomes, make the most of limited access to senior leaders, and communicate your value in ways that resonate with decision-makers.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why "managing up" means much more than managing your relationship with a direct supervisor

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How to identify the stakeholders who have the greatest influence over key decisions

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A simple power-mapping framework for navigating complex organizations

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Better questions to ask when trying to understand what decision-makers truly care about

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How to communicate updates in ways that highlight business impact instead of activity

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The role curiosity plays in creating meaningful networking opportunities

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Why involving others in the process often creates stronger buy-in than presenting a polished solution

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How to use brief interactions with senior leaders to build stronger long-term relationships

If you enjoy conversations about influence, business development, leadership, and relationship-building, I think you'll find a lot to consider in this discussion. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future episodes, and if you found this conversation valuable, please share it with a colleague or friend who would enjoy it as well.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Melody: https://melodywilding.com/

Get Melody's free training, 5 Steps to Speak Like a Senior Leader, here: https://melodywilding.com/training

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them.

A major theme throughout our conversation is the tension between outcome-focused thinking and process-focused action. We discuss Steve's PACT framework, the role of self-compassion after disappointment, why experimentation lowers the stakes of trying something new, and how high performers recover from setbacks more quickly by learning rather than dwelling. Whether you're pursuing new clients, launching a project, building relationships, or simply trying to make progress in an uncertain situation, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and the long game of meaningful growth.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why comedians, entrepreneurs, and business developers all rely on repetition more than perfection

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How the concept of "pre-accepting any outcome" can reduce anxiety and improve performance

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The difference between persistence and continuing to push in the wrong direction

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What Steve's PACT framework teaches about responding to setbacks constructively

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Why treating challenges as experiments can make change feel more approachable

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How curiosity can be more useful than self-criticism when evaluating past failures

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What separates people who recover quickly from disappointment from those who stay stuck

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Why genuine generosity and relationship-building often outperform transactional networking approaches

If you've ever found yourself wondering what to do after a missed opportunity, a failed initiative, or a result that didn't match your expectations, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging. Tune in, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on learning, adapting, and trying again.

Resources Mentioned:

Steve's Website: http://stevekamb.com/

Order Steve's Book: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/

https://www.nerdfitness.com/

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and Kit founder Nathan Barry to unpack the real relationship between money, impact, leverage, and fulfillment. We talk openly about wealth in a way most people never do, especially in professional services and high performing careers where conversations about money can still feel taboo. Nathan shares why he believes money is simply a tool, how value creation leads to wealth, and why building an audience may be one of the greatest leverage opportunities available today.

We also dive deep into Nathan's upcoming book Ladders of Wealth and the framework behind it. He breaks down the four "ladders" people climb as they move from trading time for money to creating scalable products and equity driven wealth. Along the way, we explore the hidden skills behind making money, the importance of leverage and compounding, and how leaders can create systems that multiply impact over time. Nathan gets candid about his own financial journey, what motivates him now that he's achieved significant wealth, and how he's thinking about raising kids around work, ownership, and generational wealth. This conversation is packed with mindset shifts that completely change how you think about business, success, and the life you're building.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why Nathan believes money actually can buy happiness when used intentionally

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The hidden "micro skills" behind learning how to make money

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The four ladders people climb on the path to wealth creation

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How leverage quietly changes everything in business and life

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Why the highest earners often focus more on winning work than doing work

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The surprising role compounding plays in careers, relationships, and business growth

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How to think differently about equity, ownership, and long term wealth

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The mindset shift that helps leaders continue growing even after achieving success

If you want more conversations like this around growth, leadership, business development, and building a meaningful career, make sure you subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with your network. These conversations are designed to help you think bigger, create more impact, and build a life that compounds in every direction.

Resources Mentioned:

Get into Nathan's World: http://nathanbarry.com

You Only Need This To Become Rich (Millionaire Explains) | 119: https://nathanbarry.com/you-only-need-this-to-become-rich-millionaire-explains-119/

Kit: https://kit.com/

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the secret to building a high performing team has almost nothing to do with working harder? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Friedman to unpack the science behind what actually makes teams thrive, innovate, and outperform everyone else. We dive into the surprising myths most leaders still believe about teamwork, productivity, meetings, accountability, and motivation, and why the best teams often operate completely differently than conventional wisdom suggests. From shared goals and peer accountability to creating a culture where people genuinely want to do their best work, this conversation challenged the way I think about leadership at every level.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why some teams accidentally create burnout while others create momentum

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The overlooked difference between a "group" and a true team

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What elite teams do differently with meetings, focus time, and energy

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The hidden reason peer accountability works better than top down pressure

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How innovation often comes from mistakes, not perfection

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Why shared metrics can completely change team behavior

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The surprising connection between meaning, performance, and retention

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A simple leadership shift that helps teams improve without micromanagement

If this episode sparked ideas for your own team, leadership style, or business development strategy, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who leads people. These conversations are designed to help you grow faster, think bigger, and create a career and team culture you're proud of building.

Resources Mentioned:

Ron's Bonus Material: http://superteamsinc.com/bonus

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

Everything changes the moment you stop doing the work and start managing it. In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Herd to unpack what really happens when high performers step into leadership and why so many struggle in that transition. We dig into the hidden challenges of managing both people and client relationships, and why being great at your job does not automatically make you a great manager. I share real examples of where things go wrong, including how silence and overthinking can quietly erode trust, and we explore the simple but powerful "pause, consider, act" framework that can completely shift how you lead in high-stakes moments.

We also get into the practical side of delegation, trust, and scaling your impact without burning out. I talk through the common trap of thinking it is faster to just do everything yourself, and why that mindset keeps so many professionals stuck. Together, we explore how to actually develop others, build systems that multiply your effectiveness, and create a culture where people share knowledge instead of hoarding it. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by responsibility, unsure how to lead, or stuck in the weeds of your own work, this conversation will challenge how you think about management and give you a new way forward.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

•

Why getting promoted can quietly feel like a step backward

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The simple framework most people skip that changes everything

•

What your team is actually thinking when you delegate work

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The hidden cost of staying silent in leadership moments

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Why doing it yourself is keeping you stuck longer than you think

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How trust is built or broken in small, everyday decisions

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The mindset shift that turns teams into high-performing networks

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A subtle communication habit that instantly changes how people see you

Take one idea, one conversation, or one action and put it into practice today. Then share this episode with someone you lead or work alongside because these are the kinds of shifts that don't just change your work, they ripple into every relationship you build.

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: http://growbig.ai/

Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: http://growbigplaybook.com/

Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: http://givetogrow.info/

Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc

Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

Get Ashley's book Manage Method: http://managermethod.com/book

Access free book club guide + reflection questions (included with book resources): http://managermethod.com/book

Learn more: http://managermethod.com

Follow Ashley: @managermethod on social platforms

What if everything you think you see is actually shaped by what you already believe? In this episode, I sit down with Nir Eyal to unpack the fascinating science behind belief, perception, and performance, and it completely changed how I think about business development and success. We explore how our brains filter reality through prior beliefs, often creating invisible barriers that hold us back in relationships, sales, and opportunities we don't even realize we're missing.

I dig into how limiting beliefs quietly sabotage our ability to take action, why motivation isn't what we've been taught, and how we can actually manufacture our own luck through simple, intentional behaviors. We also talk about practical ways to reframe discomfort, build persistence, and shift the internal narratives that determine whether we show up or shut down. If you've ever felt stuck, hesitant, or like you're "just not that kind of person," this conversation will challenge that idea in the best way.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why you might be missing opportunities that are right in front of you

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The subtle belief patterns that shape your results more than your skills

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A surprising way to make networking feel natural instead of draining

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How "luck" is actually something you can create on demand

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The hidden force that's really driving your motivation every day

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A simple mindset shift that can dramatically increase your persistence

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How to rethink failure so it actually works in your favor

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A powerful technique to challenge beliefs you've always assumed were true

Take one idea from this conversation and actually apply it this week, whether that's reaching out to someone, reframing a limiting belief, or simply noticing where your mindset might be holding you back.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Nir's website: https://www.nirandfar.com/

Beyond Belief on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06JkNWDy

To inquire about Nir speaking at your event: https://www.nirandfar.com/book-nir-eyal/

Are you moving too fast to give advice when the real opportunity is to lead through curiosity?

In this episode, I sit down with bestselling author and coaching expert Michael Bungay Stanier to unpack what it really means to become a more effective leader, coach, and communicator. We dive into the powerful idea that the best leaders are not the ones with the fastest answers, but the ones who stay curious a little longer. Michael shares why letting your team struggle is often the key to their growth, how leaders accidentally become bottlenecks, and why the instinct to jump in with advice can actually limit the people around us. We also explore how coaching skills can transform everything from leadership and delegation to client relationships and sales conversations.

Along the way, Michael breaks down the mindset shifts and practical scripts that help leaders bring out the best in others. We talk about the surprising cost of doing everything yourself, the hidden "advice monster" that shows up in conversations, and how asking the right questions can unlock better thinking, stronger teams, and deeper relationships. He also shares the four paradoxes of great leadership including humble confidence, fierce love, and the ability to care deeply about outcomes while also letting go of control.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why the best leaders are willing to let people struggle and what that unlocks

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The hidden reason many high performers accidentally become bottlenecks

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How the "advice monster" quietly sabotages leadership and collaboration

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A simple phrase that instantly shifts conversations from advice to coaching

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The surprising way curiosity can improve both leadership and sales conversations

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The four paradoxes that powerful leaders learn to hold at the same time

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Why great conversations often come down to just a few powerful questions

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How staying curious longer can build stronger teams, relationships, and results

If you want to become a better leader, communicator, and coach to the people around you, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can start using immediately. Tune in and see how a few simple shifts in how you ask questions and show up in conversations can completely transform the impact you have on the people you lead.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

The Coaching Habit (revised edition) on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0j43EVpR

Learn how to show up fully present and human: http://mbs.works/best

Head to http://thecoachinghabit.com/ for free book downloads and bonus materials

What does it really mean to lead boldly when the stakes are high and the path ahead isn't perfectly clear?

In this episode, I sit down with leadership expert and author Leigh Burgess to unpack what bold leadership actually looks like in practice. We explore why so many high-performing professionals second guess themselves when making big decisions, having difficult conversations, or stepping into higher levels of leadership. Leigh shares the five core traits she believes define bold leaders and explains how strategic risk taking, trust building, and resilience play a critical role in leading teams and organizations forward.

Throughout our conversation, we dive into the mindset shifts required to move from hesitation to confident action. Leigh offers practical ways leaders can strengthen their ability to navigate uncertainty, build meaningful networks, and create a clear vision even when the road ahead feels foggy. If you've ever felt the tension between playing it safe and making the bold move your intuition is nudging you toward, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what courageous leadership really looks like.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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The five traits that separate bold leaders from hesitant ones

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Why strategic risk is often the missing ingredient in leadership growth

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A surprising reason many high performers struggle with bold decision making

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How trust impacts your ability to move teams forward during uncertainty

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The role resilience plays when outcomes don't go as planned

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What "network weaving" really means and why it matters for leaders

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A simple mental shift that helps you act even when the full path isn't visible

If you're ready to lead with more confidence, take smarter risks, and create greater impact inside your organization, this episode will give you plenty to think about. Tune in to hear Leigh's insights and start identifying where you can take your next bold step as a leader.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Get Your Copy of The Bold Leader: https://a.co/d/02eqZbgQ

Check out Leigh's Website: https://leighburgess.com/

Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theboldleader/

Ever wonder why some leaders, brands, and businesses seem to communicate so clearly that people instantly trust them, buy from them, and follow their vision? In this episode, I sit down with communication strategist and author Oliver Aust to unpack why communication is often the hidden bottleneck holding teams, businesses, and leaders back. We dive into why communication is the ultimate leverage skill in modern knowledge work, and how mastering it can transform everything from sales conversations and client loyalty to leadership influence and brand positioning.

Together, we explore the psychology behind powerful messaging and the subtle communication dynamics most professionals overlook. Oliver shares the core principles behind his "Message Machine" framework, including how clarity beats complexity, why connection matters more than perfection, and how leaders can frame conversations in ways that inspire action instead of resistance. We also talk about differentiation in crowded markets, the role fear plays in decision-making, and a surprisingly simple framework for preparing impactful presentations in minutes instead of hours.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why communication (not strategy, talent, or expertise) is often the real bottleneck in growing teams and organizations

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The surprising reason clarity consistently outperforms complexity in messaging and persuasion

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How the best communicators balance connection and authority in conversations

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A simple mental shift that can instantly make your marketing and messaging more compelling

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The hidden fears that influence client decisions (and how great communicators address them)

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Why being different beats being "better" in branding and positioning

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How trust is built faster than most people think—and the tiny habits that make it stick

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A fast framework for preparing speeches or presentations that actually move people to action

If you've ever felt like your ideas should be landing better, or that your expertise isn't translating into influence, sales, or growth, this episode will challenge how you think about communication. Tune in to learn the subtle shifts that can dramatically improve how you lead conversations, position your work, and connect with the people who matter most.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Connect with Oliver Aust on LinkedIn

Speak Like a CEO show on Spotify, Apple and YouTube

Speak Like a CEO newsletter

21 Storytelling Frameworks

Are you chasing success… or building something that actually lasts? In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I sit down with Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe to unpack why it's often harder to sustain success than it is to achieve it in the first place. We dive into what separates high performers who burn out from those who stay at the top over the long haul, including how to design your life and business with intention instead of running on autopilot. We talk about control versus chaos, why rest is not a reward but a performance strategy, and how the most elite performers build systems of support instead of trying to do everything alone.

We also explore what it really takes to stay adaptable in a fast-moving world. This conversation goes beyond productivity hacks and gets into the deeper frameworks that help you show up calm, clear, and effective. If you've ever felt stretched thin, stuck in "go mode," or unsure how to keep growing without sacrificing your health, relationships, or impact, this episode will shift the way you think about success.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why peak performance has more to do with design than discipline

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The hidden habit high achievers use to avoid burnout

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What most people get wrong about "working harder"

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How to spot the early warning signs of unsustainable success

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The surprising link between values and adaptability

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What elite performers build behind the scenes that others ignore

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How to create momentum without living in constant urgency

If this conversation resonates with you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's striving for more but wants to do it the right way.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Dr. Robyne's Resources:

Adapt & Reset Tool

Discover – Pre-Order 'I Hope So: How to Choose Hope Even When It's Hard' Hope isn't just a feeling – it's the key to rewiring your brain for resiliency and well-being, even in the toughest times.

Listen – Resiliency Redefined Podcast Conversations about resiliency, well-being, performance and everything in between-what it takes to be well.

Join – Stress Wisely Live Webinars Rooted in research, built for real life. Join this interactive live webinar every season.

Stay Connected – Subscribe to Dr. Robyne's Newsletter

Get exclusive tools, strategies, and Everyday Resiliency—straight to your inbox.

What if grit isn't about pushing harder but about knowing when to pivot, pause, and play the long game? In this episode, I sit down with Joel Goldberg, longtime Kansas City Royals announcer, speaker, and author, to pull back the curtain on what high-performing athletes can teach us about resilience, failure, and sustained success in business and life. Drawing from decades inside professional sports, Joel shares the real, behind-the-scenes moments you never see in post-game interviews… the slumps, the setbacks, and the quiet decisions that separate those who burn out from those who endure.

We dig into what it actually means to "manage failure," why baseball might be the ultimate teacher of resilience, and how grit shows up in unexpected ways. Along the way, Joel shares unforgettable stories of players who refused to quit, leaders who stayed disciplined when no one was watching, and the mindset shifts that allow people to keep moving forward when the outcome feels uncertain.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

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Why failure isn't the problem, but how you process it might be

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The hidden habits elite performers rely on long before success shows up

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How to tell the difference between working harder and working smarter

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What "grit" really looks like behind the scenes of professional sports

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Why rest, recovery, and off-seasons are strategic, not lazy

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The subtle ways resilience shows up in relationships and trust-building

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How staying open to new approaches can change your entire trajectory

If this conversation sparked something in you, don't let it end here. Take a moment to reflect on where you might be chasing the same result the same way and what your next move could be instead. Share this episode with someone who's in the middle of a tough season, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss future conversations on real relationships, real resilience, and real growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Connect with Joel

Find Joel on LinkedIn