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  • That is the question I opened with when I sat down with Tim Dumas. Tim is, as he loves to say, an executive strategic coach by day, and a high school football coach by night. Two very different arenas. One consistent philosophy.

    Tim has spent over a decade helping executives, business owners, and leadership teams build the kind of loyalty that does not show up on a balance sheet, but drives everything that does. And what he shared in this conversation stopped me more than once.

    We got into the real meaning of loyalty, and the number Tim threw out is worth sitting with. Only 1 to 3 percent of the businesses we deal with ever reach raving fan status. If that is the bar, most of us are not even close. Tim explains what it actually takes to close that gap, and why most leaders are not even asking the right question yet.

    We also talked about executive brevity, a concept that Tim learned from a mentor in the UK who told him, point blank, that the length of his answer was inversely related to how well he understood the topic. That one line changed everything for Tim. And honestly, it might change something for you too.

    And then there is the LEADING framework. Seven letters. Seven practices. Tim walked me through each one, and I was still thinking about it hours later. I will leave most of it for you to discover in the episode, but I will say this: the last letter alone is worth the listen.

    Key Takeaways

    Loyalty cannot be expected, only earned. Ken Blanchard's raving fan definition is the bar, and it is higher than most leaders want to admit.Executive brevity is a leadership skill. The more words you use to answer a question, the less confidence you build in the room.Magnanimity, the spirit of striving for greatness by bringing out the greatness in others, is Tim's definition of leadership. It reframes the whole job.Peer learning in formats like CEO Forums works because adults learn through shared experience, not instruction. The right room changes everything.Great leadership shows up in seven specific ways. Tune in to hear the full LEADING framework from Tim.

    Connect with Tim Dumas: Website: servusleadership.com Lawrence and Co: lawrenceandco.com LinkedIn: search Tim Dumas

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

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    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • There are relationship skills — and then there are business skills. For most of my career, I assumed they were pretty much the same thing. This conversation with Joëlle Lydon stopped me in my tracks.

    Joëlle is a certified relationship coach, author of Unbreakable Us: Removing the Barriers to Love, and creator of the 7-Step Relational Growth Pathway. She has spent over 30 years helping individuals and couples build relationships that are emotionally intelligent, intentional, and built to last.

    What I did not expect was how directly her work applies to the business relationships we navigate every single day.

    We talked about why the skills that make people successful in business — drive, strategy, results-focus — often backfire in relationships. We got into boundaries, emotional regulation, old patterns, and what Joëlle calls the sacred third: the idea that a relationship is its own entity, separate from both people in it, and worth protecting.

    One line from Joëlle that I keep thinking about: the most resourced one leads. It has nothing to do with title or tenure. It is about who is most regulated in the moment.

    Key Takeaways

    The skills that build business success are often the opposite of the skills that build great relationships — and recognizing that gap is the first step.Boundaries are not about other people. They are about the clarity of what you are willing and not willing to do, regardless of someone else's reaction.The most regulated person in the room leads — whether or not they hold the title. Emotional grounding is not soft. It is a competitive advantage.Old relationship patterns are not fixed. Neuroscience confirms that the brain remains adaptable throughout our lives. Change is always possible.The sacred third — the relationship itself — deserves to be protected and invested in, just like any other asset in your business or your life.

    Joelle can be found at: joellelydon.com Or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellelydon/

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

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    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

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    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • Saknas det avsnitt?

    Klicka här för att uppdatera flödet manuellt.

  • When I sat down with sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, co-founders of The Passionistas Project, I realized within the first few minutes that we were kindred spirits. Maybe it was the shared love of all things Hollywood, or maybe it was just how easy the conversation felt, but either way, this episode quickly became one of my favourites.

    Amy and Nancy grew up in a small town outside Boston in a house filled with art, music, and theatre. Nancy actually asked her mother for a sibling when she was four years old, and nine months later, Amy was born. They have been best friends ever since. That early bond turned out to be the foundation for everything they have built together as adults, including a podcast, an annual summit, and a global community called the Sisterhood.

    What struck me most was how naturally they have blended their personal relationship with their business relationship. Amy described it as being able to work every day with the one person she trusts most on the planet, and that trust shows in everything they do, from how they split interview opportunities (yes, even when Mick Jagger was involved) to how they made the leap from a side project to a thriving global community.

    We also talked about what makes people feel truly heard. After conducting over 1,700 interviews, Amy and Nancy have learned that starting a conversation with someone's childhood often opens them up in a way nothing else does. It is almost like a small act of therapy, and it creates space for real honesty.

    A few takeaways from this conversation:

    Trust built over a lifetime becomes the strongest foundation for a business partnership.Genuine curiosity and active listening make people feel safe enough to be honest.Authenticity, especially during hard times, is what turns a following into a real community.A side project can become your life's purpose if you stay open to where it leads.Building community takes patience, but the rewards are worth the effort.

    If this conversation made you think about a relationship in your own life or business that deserves a little more attention, reach out to that person. That is where it all starts.

    You can find Amy and Nancy at thepassionistasproject.com, where they also offer a free roadmap called "30 Minutes to Find Your Story."

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • I’ll be honest, when the outreach came in for this guest, I hesitated. Someone who writes content for other people? That is not quite my world. I live in the LinkedIn inbox, building one relationship at a time.

    But the more I got to know Kaila Vander Horn, Head of Content at Speedwork, the more I realized we are speaking the same language. She just comes at it from a different angle. She built Speedwork's entire social department from scratch, writes over 100 posts a month for B2B companies and executives, and is known above all else for capturing each person's authentic voice.

    We talked about what thought leadership actually means, why your content and your inbox conversations are more connected than you might think, and why the best LinkedIn content often has nothing to do with your product. We also went on record about emojis. You will have to listen to find out where we landed.

    Key Takeaways

    Your content is your credibility check. When someone receives a message from you on LinkedIn, the first thing they do is visit your profile. If your content shows up, tells your story, and proves your expertise, the conversation in the inbox has a much better chance of going somewhere.Authentic voice is not accidental. Kaila meets with every client to learn who they are, what lights them up, and how they naturally speak. That process is what separates content that sounds like a person from content that sounds like a press release.A content mix matters more than posting frequency. Not every post needs to be educational or a call to action. Relatable, human content — yes, even a well-placed meme — builds the top-of-funnel trust that makes your more serious posts land.Personal profiles outperform company pages, but do not neglect either. People follow people far more readily than they follow logos. That said, a company page still matters — especially if you are running LinkedIn ads or want to build credibility through social proof.Just start. Kaila shared that 88% of LinkedIn users are lurkers. If you have been waiting until you have something perfect to say, start taking notes on your next business call. The pain points you hear every day are the content your audience is waiting for.

    Connect with Kaila Vander Horn: linkedin.com/in/kailavanderhorn

    Learn more about Speedwork: speedworksocial.com

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • I have to be honest with you, this conversation almost did not happen. The first time Dawn Andrews and I sat down to record, my tech had other ideas. But as I said at the top of the episode, I saw it as a bonus, because any excuse to spend more time with Dawn is a good one.

    Dawn is an executive leadership consultant, business strategist, and host of the She's That Founder podcast. She works with female founders running businesses from $500K to $5 million, and she has one of the clearest, most practical frameworks for using AI in business relationships that I have ever come across.

    What I love about her approach is that she is not selling AI as a magic fix. She sees it as a tool that gives you back the most precious thing in business; time to show up fully for the people who matter most.

    We talked about the biggest relationship mistake female founders make, why so many of us become the bottleneck in our own follow-up, and how to start using AI in your business relationships without needing to be remotely technical.

    One thing Dawn said that I keep thinking about: AI informs, and you decide. AI drafts, and you finalize. That is it. That is the whole philosophy in two sentences.

    Key Takeaways

    The biggest relationship mistake female founders make is going quiet, assuming the people in their network will always be there, without consistently showing up for them.Dawn's three-bucket AI framework divides the work clearly: what AI handles, what humans own, and what LinkedIn does. Knowing which bucket something belongs in changes everything.An AI manifesto, a set of living guidelines for how your business uses AI, does not need to be perfect. It just needs to be a starting point that grows as you learn.The fastest way to start using AI in your relationships is to find your friction point. Where are you spending too much time, or avoiding spending time, because it feels like too much effort?AI is the single greatest tool for giving leaders back time they did not think they could ever reclaim -- and that time is what allows you to be your best self for the people around you.

    You can reach Dawn at: [email protected] or on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/freerangethinking

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • I have been looking forward to this conversation for a while, and it did not disappoint.

    Michael Roderick is a return guest, who was on the show back in 2021 (episode 118), in my very first year. We lost touch for a while, and then something funny happened. His name kept coming up in rooms he was not in. A guest from New York turned out to be a friend of his. That friend introduced me to two people right here in Vancouver, and both of them knew Michael too. Before long, I had no choice but to reach out. Which, as Michael himself would say, is exactly how referability is supposed to work.

    Michael went from high school English teacher to Broadway producer in under two years, not because he had the right connections, but because he understood something most people miss. It is not about access. It is about interest. Today he runs Small Pond Enterprises, helping coaches, consultants, and subject matter experts build brands that are referable, messaging that is memorable, and ideas that are unforgettable.

    In this episode, we get into two things that I think are going to stay with you. The first is his AIM framework for referability, three principles that determine whether people talk about you when you are not in the room. The second is his brand-new Triple Threat framework, borrowed straight from the theater world, which helps experts understand how their natural thinking talents should shape the way they market themselves, build relationships, and get paid for their brains.

    And we close with something that felt timely and true, why this moment, with all its noise and uncertainty and AI overload, is actually the greatest opportunity for people who know how to have a real conversation.

    Key Takeaways

    Referability comes down to three things: AIM. Accessibility, Influence, and Memory. If people cannot easily understand what you do, feel motivated to share it, and remember it well enough to talk about it later, you will stay invisible no matter how good you are.
    Stop leading with your solution. Most experts spend all their time talking about what they have solved. Michael makes the case that the real work is in articulating the problem so clearly that the person across the table says, that is exactly what I am going through. Trust follows from there.Know your thinking talent order. Whether you are a Scientist, Celebrity, or Magician, the order matters as much as the talent itself. Leaning into the wrong talent, because someone told you that is what marketing requires, is one of the most common reasons experts stay stuck.
    Magicians show, they do not tell. If innovation is your top talent, the best thing you can do is demonstrate your thinking in real time. Michael did exactly that in this conversation, breaking down my own triple threat live on air. That is the magic trick.
    Human connection has never been more valuable. In a world where people are spending more and more time talking to AI, a real conversation with a real person feels different. The connectors who lean into that right now are the ones who will stand out.

    I recommend you check out Michael and his work at: smallpondenterprises.com

    and if you are interested, sign up for his Daily email musings … you won’t be disappointed.

    Or you can reach him directly at: [email protected]

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • I had such a great conversation with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, and I have a feeling this one is going to hit home for a lot of you.

    If you have ever told yourself, it is just easier to do it myself, you are in good company. I have said that more times than I can count. But Gina made me see that the resistance we feel around delegation is not really about the task. It is about trust, and trust is built through relationship.

    Gina started Athena Executive Services 10 years ago after a somewhat unexpected path that led her from being an executive assistant herself to building a firm that now pairs high-caliber, US-based virtual executive assistants with busy entrepreneurs and executives across the country. She now runs the whole operation in about 10 hours a week, and she is living proof that when you delegate well and lead with genuine care for the people around you, you get your life back.

    What I loved most about this conversation was how Gina connected the dots between delegation and accountability. Most of us think of those as two separate challenges. Gina sees them as deeply linked, and the thread running through both is the quality of the relationship.

    Key Takeaways

    Better done than perfect. The 80 percent rule is your friend. If someone can get a task 80 percent done while you focus on something else, that is a win worth taking.When you delegate, make it theirs. Gina's approach is to hand over the outcome, not the steps. Tell someone where you want to end up and then ask, what do you need from me? That simple shift puts the thinking where it belongs.Relationship is what makes accountability possible. The richer your background of connection with someone, the easier it is to hold them to their commitments without it feeling like an attack. Gina puts it simply: you are addressing their actions, not them as a person.Ask what, not anything. The word what opens a conversation. The word anything shuts it down. Swapping one for the other changes the quality of every check-in you have with your team.Start somewhere, even small. You do not need a full executive assistant to begin delegating. Make a list of the rote tasks you do every week and find one thing to hand off. Even one hour of relief matters.

    You can find Gina at: athenaexecutiveservices.com or on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • I have wanted to have this conversation for a while, and I am so glad we finally made it happen.

    Andrew Allen is someone I have known for years. I remember watching him perform at a backyard concert in Richmond, BC, long before keynote stages were part of his story. Even then, there was something about him that was different. He was not just performing. He was connecting.

    Today, Andrew is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter with five top ten hits who has toured with Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, and Train. But what really caught my attention recently was his newsletter, and the framework he has been quietly building called The HYDA Theory - How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything. It is part diagnostic, part motivation tool, and it is changing how people think about character, results, and the way they show up in every area of their life.

    What I love most about this conversation is that Andrew does not separate the music from the message. They are the same thing. His whole life has been a masterclass in connection, resilience, and intentional choice, and he brings all of it onto the stage.

    Key Takeaways

    Your results reveal your character. Not your intentions, not your habits, not your goals. Your results. They do not lie, and once you understand that, everything changes.Character is trainable. Andrew makes a powerful case that instead of chasing better habits or better outcomes, the real work starts one level deeper, at the level of character. And the good news is that character can be developed.How you do the small things is how you do the big things. The dishes, the email reply, the way you show up when no one is watching, these are not trivial. They are your character in action.Music creates space to process. Andrew explains why blending live music into a keynote is not just entertaining, it gives audiences a moment to breathe, reflect, and let the message land in a different way.We control our responses, not our circumstances. One of the most moving parts of this conversation is Andrew's story about a childhood tragedy that shaped his decision to pursue life with everything he had. It is a reminder that we do not control everything, but we do control how we respond.

    Check out Andrew’s work (past and present) here: https://www.andrewallenlive.com/

    Speaker reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsWANm7ZtoU

    My favourite Andrew Allen song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxYQsO53qHI&list=RDLxYQsO53qHI&start_radio=1

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • Today we are talking about something that often gets overlooked in business conversations, yet affects everything! The quality of relationships.

    My guest, Norman Wolfe, challenges the traditional view of organizations as machines and introduces a more human-centered way of thinking. We talk about why even the best strategies can fail, what really motivates people at work, and how leaders can shift from creating compliant teams to building truly committed ones.

    This conversation is a powerful reminder that results don’t just come from systems and processes. They come from people who feel seen, heard, and valued.

    Key Takeaways

    People don’t resist work. They respond to how safe and successful they feel in their environment. Many workplaces unintentionally train compliance instead of ownership and critical thinking. Leaders often care, but lack the skills to express that care effectively under pressure. Commitment comes from relationship depth, not just agreement in meetings. Great leadership means hearing both the words and the “music” behind them.

    You can find Norman at: https://quantumleaders.com/ and on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfe/

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel to explore something we often overlook in business relationships: trust. Trust is not just a soft skill. It is rooted in how our brain is wired.

    Lisa shares a powerful and practical perspective on how our past experiences shape the way we perceive others, react in the moment, and build connection. We talk about what really happens when we read the room, why good intentions can fall short, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued.

    One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Lisa’s simple but memorable way of explaining complex brain processes. Her analogies bring clarity to something that can easily feel overwhelming, and they offer a path to greater self-awareness and stronger relationships.

    Key Takeaways

    Trust begins with a sense of belonging and psychological safety Our reactions are often shaped by past experiences, not present reality Self-awareness is the foundation of better communication and connection Curiosity is a learned skill and essential for building meaningful relationships Positivity and gratitude help rewire negative patterns in the brain

    Lisa can be found on LinkedIn and at: www.lisariegel.com

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

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  • In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had a great conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, about what leadership really looks like when it’s grounded in relationships.

    We started with a powerful idea, that leadership has very little to do with titles or results, and everything to do with whether people actually want to follow you. From there, our conversation unfolded into a thoughtful exploration of emotional intelligence, trust, and the small, intentional actions that make a big difference in business relationships.

    Mike shared how his work focuses on developing leaders at every level, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation that everything else is built on. We talked about the importance of listening for understanding, not agreement, and how that simple shift can completely change the way we communicate and resolve conflict.

    One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how Mike and his team create meaningful client relationships through thoughtful, personalized gestures. These are not big, flashy moments, but small, intentional actions that show people they are truly seen and valued.

    We also explored how leaders can build trust by consistently asking for feedback, empowering their teams to take initiative, and creating a culture where people feel heard and supported.

    This episode is a wonderful reminder that business is built on relationships, and that the way we show up as leaders has a lasting impact on everyone around us.

    Key Takeaways

    Leadership is defined by followership, not titles or authorityEmotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadershipListening for understanding builds trust and reduces conflictSmall, thoughtful gestures can have a lasting impact on relationshipsTrust is built through consistency, feedback, and genuine care

    Mike can be found at:

    mikedesjardins.com (Blog)

    virtusinc.com (Company)

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

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    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode, I sit down with Behdad Jamshidi to talk about what it really means to build meaningful business relationships. Behdad has built his business around connection, not just by meeting people, but by understanding them, staying curious, and creating introductions that genuinely help others move forward.

    We talk about the difference between networking and true relationship building, the three types of super connectors, and why curiosity is one of the most important tools we can bring into any conversation. Behdad also shares how he manages a large network with intention, using his roots, trunks, and branches model to decide where to invest time and energy.

    What I loved most about this conversation is how grounded it is in real human connection. This is not about collecting contacts. It is about building trust, being thoughtful, and knowing how to nurture the relationships you already have.

    Key Takeaways

    Building a strong network is not about knowing more people. It is about going deeper with the right people.Curiosity helps people feel seen, and that is often where the strongest relationships begin.Thoughtful follow-up does not have to be complicated. Small touches can make a big difference.The right introduction at the right time can completely change the direction of your business.To ask for help well, you need to be clear about what you want and where you are going.

    You can always reach Behdad on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi/

    or if you are interested in finding a marketing agency to meet your needs check out his website at: cjammarketing.com

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode, I’m joined by Sigrun Gudjonsdottir, an award-winning business coach, entrepreneur, and a strong advocate for helping women build scalable online businesses.

    Sigrun shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Iceland with a strong belief in what women can do, to becoming a CEO, turning struggling companies around, and eventually building her own business. What stood out to me most was how honestly she talked about courage, self-trust, and the decisions that shape not only our businesses but our lives.

    We discussed what separates entrepreneurs who keep going from those who stop too soon. For Sigrun, success is not just about strategy. It is about mindset, perseverance, and being willing to hear the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Her tough-love approach comes from a real desire to help women move forward, not stay stuck.

    One of the timeliest parts of our conversation was around AI and what it means for business owners right now. Sigrun believes that while AI can help us run our businesses more efficiently, it also makes human connection more valuable than ever. As more things become automated, relationships, trust, and live interaction will matter even more.

    This conversation is full of insight for anyone building a business and trying to do it in a way that still feels personal, grounded, and real.

    Key Takeaways

    A positive mindset and perseverance are essential for entrepreneurial success.Strong relationships are not separate from business growth. They are part of what makes growth possible.Tough love, when delivered with care, can help people make the changes they need most.AI may change how we teach and market, but it will not replace the value of human connection.Scaling a business successfully requires both practical strategy and personal growth.

    ** Sigrun has gifted my listeners and viewers with her book – Kickstart Your Online Business –

    ** To claim your FREE copy just go to: www.sigrun.com/relationshipsrule

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, publisher, author, and founder of Highlander Press, to talk about what really goes into writing a book and why it matters more than we often think.

    Deborah shares that the biggest challenge most people face is not writing, but getting clear on what they truly want to say. We explore how that lack of clarity can hold people back, not just from writing a book, but from showing up confidently in their business and building meaningful relationships.

    We also talk about the full journey of becoming an author, from writing and editing to publishing and what comes after. Deborah explains why a book is not just a finished product, but a powerful tool that can open doors, create connection, and amplify your message.

    One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Deborah’s perspective on intuition, and how listening deeply, both to yourself and others, can unlock the stories that truly need to be told.

    This episode is a reminder that your story matters, and that sharing it can have a lasting impact on the people you serve.

    Key Takeaways

    Clarity is the foundation of both writing a book and building strong relationshipsWriting is only the first step. Publishing, launching, and ongoing visibility matter just as muchYour story, when shared authentically, can create connection and open unexpected doorsPerfection is not the goal. Excellence and progress are what move you forwardIntuition plays a powerful role in finding your voice and guiding your message

    You can reach Deborah at: [email protected] or on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/

    She also invites you to check out her contributions to Substack….at StorytellHER - https://debbykevin.substack.com

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode, I’m joined by Derrick Chevalier, negotiation strategist, speaker, and author of Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation for the 21st Century.

    Many people think negotiation begins when it is time to talk numbers, price, or terms. In this conversation, Derrick challenges that idea and explains why negotiation actually starts much earlier, from the first impression to the first email, phone call, or meeting. We explore how negotiation is not just about deals. It is about people, relationships, trust, and communication.

    Derrick shares his perspective on what he calls evolved negotiation, a framework that shifts the focus away from simply negotiating the issue and toward understanding the people involved. We talk about why assumptions can derail conversations, how better listening leads to better outcomes, and why asking stronger questions can completely change the direction of a negotiation.

    One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was Derrick’s insight that effective negotiators are not just persuasive. They are observant, curious, and intentional. They pay attention to demeanor, meaning, and what is happening beneath the surface of a conversation. That awareness can make all the difference in business relationships and in the results we create.

    This episode is a great reminder that negotiation is not separate from relationship-building. In many ways, it is relationship-building. When we listen well, stay curious, and seek to understand before reacting, we create stronger connections and better outcomes for everyone involved.

    Key Takeaways

    1. Negotiation starts earlier than most people think

    It begins with first impressions, early communication, and the assumptions people make before any formal discussion takes place.

    2. Great negotiation is really about people

    Derrick emphasizes that contracts, numbers, and terms do not make decisions. People do.

    3. Listening is a strategic skill

    True listening means checking for shared understanding, not just hearing words.

    4. Better questions create better outcomes

    Open, thoughtful questions invite insight and move conversations forward more effectively than simple yes-or-no questions.

    5. Relationships and negotiation go hand in hand

    Trust, curiosity, and clear communication all play a vital role in reaching outcomes that strengthen rather than damage relationships.

    You can reach Derrick at: https://h-c.com/

    or on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272/

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • You are going to love this episode! I know I did.

    I’m joined by Gabrielle Dolan, global storytelling expert and author of Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. Gabrielle has spent more than two decades helping leaders communicate with more clarity, connection, and trust through real stories.

    We talked about why authentic storytelling matters even more now, especially as AI makes it easier than ever to create polished content quickly. Gabrielle shared what she learned from comparing human-written stories with AI-generated ones, and why authenticity is still the piece people feel when it is missing. This is fully explained with amazing story examples in her book also.

    What stood out for me most was Gabrielle’s reminder that storytelling is not reserved for polished speakers or professional writers. We all have stories. The challenge is learning how to find them, shape them, and connect them to the message we want to share. She also gave practical guidance for using AI wisely as a tool to support communication without letting it replace our real voice.

    This conversation is full of insight for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to build stronger relationships in business through more honest and human communication.

    Key Takeaways

    Authentic stories build trust faster than polished talking points - In a time when people are questioning what is real, genuine stories help us connect in a way that feels human and believable.AI can support storytelling, but it cannot replace authenticity - Gabrielle explains that AI may create clear content, but it often misses the emotional truth and specificity that make a story feel real.Personal stories are often the most powerful in business - Stories from life outside work can create stronger connection, deepen relationships, and bring values to life in a memorable way.Most people already have stories. They just need help finding them - Gabrielle’s process starts with the message, then works backward to uncover moments that reflect it.Storytelling strengthens communication and relationships at the same time - good story does more than share information. It helps people understand who we are and what we stand for.

    You can reach Gabrielle at:

    Her website: gabrielledolan.com

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan

    I do highly recommend her book also – which you can find on Amazon and anywhere books are sold.

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with intuitive artist and spiritual teacher Heather Eck about seeing people and relationships in a completely different way.

    Heather experiences the world through synesthesia, a condition where senses overlap. In her case, people, emotions, and experiences appear as color. What began as a unique way of perceiving the world eventually became the foundation for her work as an artist and guide helping others reconnect with their intuition.

    During our conversation, Heather shared how color can reveal emotional patterns, why intuition often speaks before logic does, and how paying attention to subtle signals can deepen our relationships. We also talked about her journey from a successful corporate HR career into the creative and spiritual work she now does helping people gain clarity and healing through color and art.

    What I found especially fascinating was how Heather uses color as a language for understanding people. It reminded me that strong relationships are built not only on what we say, but also on how deeply we listen and how present we are with one another.

    This conversation invites us to slow down, trust our intuition a little more, and become more aware of the energy we bring into our relationships.

    Key Takeaways

    Synesthesia creates a different lens for understanding people - Heather experiences people, emotions, and environments through color, giving her a unique way of sensing energy and emotional patterns.Intuition often speaks before logic - Many decisions cannot be solved through analysis alone. Learning to notice body signals and intuitive cues can bring clarity.Color can reveal emotional patterns - The colors people are drawn to or avoid may reflect underlying emotions or experiences.Creative expression can be a path to healing - Art can help people process emotions, reconnect with themselves, and move through difficult experiences.Stronger relationships come from deeper awareness - Paying attention to subtle emotional signals can help us understand others and connect more authentically.

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jimmy Page, leadership expert, author, and co-creator of the powerful One Word philosophy.

    Jimmy has spent decades helping leaders, teams, and organizations improve culture, performance, and purpose. Through his work with athletes, businesses, and ministries around the world, he has trained more than 100,000 leaders and continues to inspire people to live what he calls an unstoppable life.

    During our conversation, Jimmy shared how the simple idea of choosing one guiding word for the year can bring clarity and focus to every area of life. Instead of setting long lists of goals that often fade away, the One Word approach helps people align their decisions, habits, and relationships around a single intention.

    We also talked about the importance of relationships in shaping our lives and leadership. One of my favorite moments in this conversation was the story involving my previous guest, Coach Jim Johnson. When Coach Jim recently reconnected with Jimmy, he realized Jimmy had actually been one of the high school basketball players he coached years earlier. It was a wonderful reminder that relationships often come full circle in unexpected and meaningful ways.

    Jimmy’s message is simple but powerful: when you focus on what truly matters, you not only perform better, you build stronger relationships and live with greater purpose.

    Key Takeaways

    • A single guiding word can bring clarity and intention to your life and leadership.

    • Simplifying your focus often leads to stronger results than chasing many goals.

    • Purpose and performance are deeply connected to the relationships we build along the way.

    • Leaders who focus on culture, mindset, and wellness create stronger teams.

    • The right word can act as a compass for decisions throughout the year.

    You can reach Jimmy at:

    https://beunstoppable.live/ and https://getoneword.com/

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • Trust feels more fragile than ever right now, and I believe leaders are being asked to navigate change, uncertainty, and higher expectations in ways we have not seen before. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller, EQ expert, TEDx speaker, and author of The Empathic Leader, to talk about empathy as a practical leadership skill that builds trust, improves culture, and drives results.

    Melissa helped me broaden how I think about empathy. It is not only about “feeling what someone feels.” She explains emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and self-empathy, and why leaders can take another person’s perspective even if they do not experience the same emotions. We also talk about the difference between real empathy and performative empathy, and why curiosity is one of the clearest signals that empathy is genuine.

    One of my favorite moments was hearing her simple leadership reminder: trust is often built through visibility and small actions, one person at a time. If you lead a team, manage from the middle, or you are stepping into leadership for the first time, this conversation will give you both insight and real-world tools you can use immediately.

    Key takeaways

    Empathy is both a gift and a skill. You can learn it, practice it, and get better at it over time.Cognitive empathy matters. You can understand someone’s perspective without taking on all the feelings, which helps prevent burnout.Trust is built through visibility and consistency. Culture forms in the everyday moments when people are watching what leaders do.Performative empathy is self-focused. Genuine empathy is other-focused and includes curiosity.Empathy and judgment cannot exist in the same space. The more we compare through our own lens, the harder it is to truly empathize.

    You can find Melissa at:

    https://eqviaempathy.com/

    [email protected]

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

  • This week, I sit down with Nick Richtsmeier to explore something many business owners feel but struggle to articulate: trust is eroding, and it is affecting every sales conversation.

    Nick challenges the traditional growth playbook. Instead of treating hesitation, resistance, or disengagement as problems to fix, he reframes them as valuable data. Distrust is not a failure. It is information.

    We talk about why digital systems reward speed and extraction over relationship building, and why small businesses feel the impact most. Nick introduces the idea of “trust nodes” as simple, human touch points that shape long-term loyalty far more effectively than funnels or persuasion tactics.

    If you have ever wondered why prospects seem more skeptical, why sales cycles feel longer, or why pushing harder no longer works, this conversation will give you language and clarity.

    At its heart, this episode is about returning to what actually grows business:

    authentic relationships built on transparency, alignment, and integrity.

    Key Takeaways

    Resistance in a sales conversation is not rejection. It is feedback.Distrust often reveals misalignment in expectations, incentives, or promises.Small relational moments, or trust nodes, matter more than automated campaigns.Traditional persuasion tactics are losing effectiveness in a skeptical market.Sustainable growth comes from strengthening relationships, not gaming systems.

    You can find Nick at: Culturecraft.com

    In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

    A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

    An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

    AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

    Connect with me:

    http://JanicePorter.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

    https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

    https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

    Thanks for listening!

    Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and

    think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social

    media buttons on this page.

    Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in

    the comment section below!

    Subscribe to the podcast

    If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can

    subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app.

    Leave us an Apple Podcast review

    Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and

    greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which

    exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute,

    please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.