Manage Smarter

Matt Granados, founder of LifePulse Incorporated and author of "Motivate the Unmotivated," reveals how to replace hustle culture with sustainable workplace success. He shares actionable strategies for employee engagement, optimal performance, workplace culture, and leveraging AI for productivity—without risking burnout. Gain leadership tips for integrating work-life harmony and building high-performing teams that thrive in today’s changing business environment. "There’s a difference between high performers and optimal performers, right? So a high performer is where everyone used to try to get to, especially in sales. High output, unsustainable pace compared to others. That’s like saying I beat a bunch of slow people in a race, so therefore I’m fast. Optimal performance flips the script a little bit—same exact high output, but at a sustainable pace compared to one’s own ability. That’s the key." WEBSITE FOR MANAGE SMARTER LISTENERS: lifepulseinc.com/ms -What is optimal performance and how do I get it? -What's the 80/100 performance rule? -How to set both action-based and time-based goals to get greater productivity -How to use AI as a force multiplier and to help work/life balance CONNECT WITH MATT GRANADOS www.lifepulseinc.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt87granados/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ X: Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel Website: https://salesfuel.com/ X: https://x.com/SalesFuel· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sue Heilbronner, author of "Never Ask for the Sale: Supercharge Your Business with the Power of Passionate Ambivalence," reveals top sales strategies to build referrals, trust, and credibility. Learn how her approach increases premium pricing, drives mutual relationships, and enhances your business’s success by focusing on authentic, value-driven sales methods and letting your expertise attract ideal clients. "The reason that the book is titled Never Ask for the Sale is I want to make the point that selling is a mutual process and if you as a seller are putting yourself in a subservient position to a prospect, you are limiting not only your opportunity to close but you are also demeaning your price point and your long term value to that customer." KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why does Sue Heilbronner advocate for 'never asking for the sale' in modern sales methodology? -What is the 'Passionate Ambivalence' model and how does it enhance sales outcomes? -Effective technique for generating client testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals -What steps should sales teams take to transition from a traditional hard-sell approach? CONNECT WITH SUE HEILBRONNER www.heysue.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueheilbronner/https://www.facebook.com/tellsue neveraskforthesale.com Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel Website: https://salesfuel.com/ X https://x.com/SalesFuel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ #sales #selling #salestips #referrals #businessreferrals #salescred #salesfuel #sueheilbronner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leadership communications coach Salvatore Manzi joins to discuss why, when, and how organizations should approach cultural realignment. Drawing on 20+ years in DEI and international consultancy, Salvatore breaks down his powerful 4D methodology: Diagnose, Define, Deploy, and Deepen. Learn practical steps for overcoming employee resistance, aligning values, and ensuring leadership buy-in to advance workplace culture, employee engagement, and organizational performance. Highlights include detailed strategies for fostering lasting change, involving HR in the process, and the significance of office environment and presence. Salvatore also shares insights from his book, "Clear and Compelling: Communication Strategies for Big Thinkers and Bold Ideas," packed with actionable communication and culture change tips for business leaders. #organizational culture #cultural realignment #workplaceculture GET THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQJ6M6B7 KEY TAKEAWAYS: Managing change: What to say when people are scared The 4Ds: Diagnose, Define, Deploy, and Deepen as the framework for effective organizational cultural transformation. The key signs your organization needs a cultural realignment Managing resistance to cultural realignment Harnessing your HR department to assist with realignment "There’s three myths to cultural realignment. The first one is that we can roll this out at a town hall meeting. We just got to tell them... The third is that, oh, this can be done in 90 days. 18 to 36 months to do a cultural realignment is what's required." Connect with Salvatore Manzi www.salvatoremanzi.com Connect with Manage Smarter Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel https://salesfuel.com/ https://x.com/SalesFuel https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're talking about one of the most common growing pains for any ambitious business: figuring out the real difference between a strong sales manager and a top-notch sales representative Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is transforming business, but it also brings new legal risks and compliance challenges. In this episode, attorney Seth Kugler of Grellas Shaw, a Silicon Valley-based expert in AI law, corporate governance, and tech litigation, explains why every company needs a responsible AI policy. "Shadow AI is a real risk: Employees often use unauthorized AI tools, risking data breaches and policy violations. Make sure your AI policy is clear and enforced." - Seth Kugler KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Creating an ethical AI policy for your company -What to include in your employee handbook regarding AI policy -Best legal practices on the daily use of AI in your course of business, to assure data safety and privacy -Seth's legal advice and steps to take regarding the use of AI in your hiring Connect with Seth Kugler https://grellas.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-kugler-2218747/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel Website: https://salesfuel.com/ X: https://x.com/SalesFuel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ The contents of this podcast are not a substitute for professional legal advice and are solely the opinions of the guest. Consult with your own counsel on any specific legal matters you may have. #AI #AILAW #HR #AIHIRING #HIRINGASSESSMENTS #AIDANGERS #OPENAI #LAWTIPS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about what really moves the needle in inside sales. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something every sales leader should have on their radar: resilience. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie Weier, CEO and co-founder of Brandwood Global, dives into copyright, trademark, and intellectual property rights for content creators and marketers. She shares actionable tips to avoid legal risks, explains the impact of AI on content, and introduces her Brandingo app for secure brand engagement. Essential listening for anyone in content creation, digital marketing, or brand management. "If you are broadcasting in any forum, you know, Facebook streaming, whatever, that then becomes a commercial, so to speak. So when you go from a personal use... to posting it on different social media sites, then you become a commercial use. And so those music pieces that are going to be heard, do they carry forth, you know, so now you're infringing on those copyrights.4It's going to be a burgeoning litigation field, I believe, because [AI is] completely vacuuming up all copyrights, all trademarks. And then it's morphing those into new products, new designs." - Stephanie Weier KEY TAKEAWAYS -Learn best practices for music licensing -Latest definitions of fair use -How to protect your company from liability and protect your content -Uses of logos and artwork -More insights for influencers, content creators on actionable legal insights and SEO tips to protect intellectual property Connect with Stephanie Weier www.Brandwoodglobal.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieweier/https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.weier.14 Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!!· Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel· Website: https://salesfuel.com/· Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ #internetinfluencer #socialmedia #socialmediainfluencer #tiktokinfluencer #youtubeinfluencer #facebookinfluencer #snapchatinfluencer #legal #AI #fairuse #intellectualproperty #Brandingo #Brandingoapp #BrandwoodGlobal #stephanieweier #copyrights #trademarks #law #video #audio #logo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about a sales technique that’s all about finesse—trial closes. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about ego in sales—how it can be your secret weapon or your biggest obstacle. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leah Stiegler, a seasoned labor attorney from Woods Rogers, delves into the complexities of modern workplace dynamics. From handling toxic personalities to navigating the intricacies of non-compete agreements, Leah offers invaluable insights for employers. She discusses the importance of maintaining a psychologically safe environment and the role of documentation in protecting both employees and employers. Leah also touches on the ethical use of AI in workplace management, emphasizing transparency and responsible practices. Tune in to learn how to manage workplace challenges effectively and keep your organization legally compliant. Whether you're dealing with workplace toxicity or exploring AI's role in sales, Leah's expertise is a must-listen for all managers. "I would say that the best advice I can give on that is for managers to address concerns early on, to hear someone out regardless of whether they think the concern is ridiculous or whether they know that the person is wrong about their perception, whatever it may be." - Leah Stiegler KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How can managers handle false allegations without appearing retaliatory? -The importance of handling workplace HR legal issues promptly -The latest unusual workplace HR trends and accommodations, including furries, litter boxes and other requests -Non-Compete agreements -What to do about workplace romances and the various dynamics and scenarios of those -AI, technology forensic data, social media posts legal latest #HR #humanresources #businesslaw #law #lawyer #laborlaw #laborattorney #HRattorney #workplaceaccommodations CONNNECT WITH LEAH STIEGLER www.woodsrogers.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-stiegler-28aa7a62/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/woodsrogers/ Connect with Manage Smarter Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel· Website: https://salesfuel.com/· X: https://x.com/SalesFuel· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something that every leader, manager, and team member should care about: civility in the workplace. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about some of the most underrated traits that can take your sales game to the next level. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With over 30 years in training, consulting, and professional development, Tracy LaLonde’s courses, keynotes, and guidance propel professionals and businesses to success. Her current work centers around helping professionals develop trustworthiness as a key part of their personal brand, teaching revenue generators to strengthen client loyalty, and working with businesses to create environments where trust and loyalty drive results. She is the author of “Trust Me: The Insider’s Guide to Being a Go-To Person at Work” which helps individuals become indispensable in their jobs. "Trust is a physiological phenomenon. When I extend trust to you, it releases oxytocin in your brain, the bonding or connection hormone, and that makes you like me and want to trust me in return." - Tracy LaLonde KEY TAKEAWAYS -The Physiological part of trust -How managers can effectively delegate tasks to build trust -The Six Elements of Trust -How to repair broken workplace trust CONNECT www.joychiever.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/joychiever/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylalonde/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!!· Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/· LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel Website: https://salesfuel.com/ Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel #workplace #trust #credibility #workertrust #managertrust #trustworthiness #professionaldevelopment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're exploring the fascinating world of customer motivators. You know, those elusive factors that drive people to make purchases. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something that can transform your business from the inside out—customer retention Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode, Eric Charran, author of 'Have You Ever Had a Boss That?', delves into the complexities of navigating dysfunctional workplaces. With more than 25 years of experience in digital innovation and AI-driven solutions, Eric shares practical strategies for dealing with difficult bosses and enhancing personal effectiveness. Discover how to manage up, grow your manager, and succeed in challenging environments. "I wrote this book after experiencing and observing unhelpful behaviors in the workplace. Many employees feel these behaviors are directed at them personally, but often it's just a matter of leaders using the wrong tools in their toolbox." - Eric Charran Charran identifies the nine boss archetypes as: The Surprised – The Deer-in-Headlights Boss who is caught off guard by issues, even when previously informed. The Emergency Broadcaster – The Chicken Little Boss who believes every minor issue is a major crisis and panics frequently. The Complainer – The Woe-is-Me Boss who constantly complains about problems without seeking solutions. The Amnesiac – The Forgetful Leader who frequently forgets past discussions, decisions, and promises. The Firefighter – The Crisis Junkie who thrives on managing crises, often creating emergencies to feel important. The Order Taker – The Yes-Man (or Woman) who always agrees with superiors and avoids making independent decisions. The Raw Nerve – The Overly Sensitive Boss who reacts emotionally to feedback and criticism, often taking things personally. The Attack Sub – The Stealthy Saboteur who engages in undermining behaviors and indirect attacks on colleagues. The LIFO (Last in, First Out) – The Fickle Manager who frequently changes priorities, often abandoning tasks or projects halfway through. Key Takeaways: -How do I identify my boss' archetype and how do I deal with it? -How do I know my worth and leverage it to become more valuable to my boss? -What is the Q-Tip Principal and how can it help me? -How can I manage up? -How can I survive in a dysfunctional workplace? #careeradvice #workplacetips #dysfunctionalworkplace #badleaders #horriblebosses #AI #workplaceculture #careergrowth #careerproblems #hatemyboss Connect with Eric Charran https://prbythebook.com/experts/eric-charran/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcharran/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!! · Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel · Website: https://salesfuel.com/ · Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're talking about something that could be a game-changer for your leadership journey—peer advisory groups. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're tackling a topic that's as crucial as it is challenging: hiring the right people. Join us each week for a brand new bonus Extra Point episode. In less than 5 minutes, you'll get additional insights about the psychology of leadership and management from the producers of the Manage Smarter podcast. Find all of the Manage Smarter episodes on ManageSmarter.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aviva Leebow, a Vistage Chair, explores the impact of peer advisory groups on leadership development. She shares insights on how these groups help CEOs and business leaders break barriers, gain diverse perspectives, and make impactful decisions. Aviva emphasizes the importance of addressing blind spots and the unique benefits of peer groups over traditional mentorship. She is based in Atlanta, Georgia, where she leads two groups within the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and mid-sized businesses. "If you had to choose one between a coach and a peer group environment, I choose a peer group environment all day long. Even as a coach, I say that." - Aviva Leebow KEY TAKEAWAYS -Benefits of a peer advisory group -Shallow networking vs. deep connections -Different structures, arrangements and leadership levels of peer groups. What should you look for? -Most common networking mistakes most leaders make CONNECT WITH AVIVA LEEBOW https://app.vistage.com/sites/s/chairs/0038000001eDGIVAA4/aviva-leebow https://www.linkedin.com/in/avivaleebow/ Connect with Manage Smarter and its hosts!!!! · Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ · LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ TWITTER/X Audrey https://x.com/tallmediamaven Lee https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel · Website: https://salesfuel.com/ · Twitter: https://x.com/SalesFuel · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ #networking #peers #peertopeer #vistage #salesfuel #managesmarter #peeradvisorygroups #businessnetworking #networkinggroups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices