The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

In this riveting episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I reconnect with Tanya Pluckrose after four years between podcast episodes. A conversation filled with insights, Tanya shares her transformative journey from a successful career at Qantas to becoming a mindset coach in the United States and now back in Brisbane. She elaborates on the importance of nature, frequency, and vibrational energy as tools for resetting and aligning one's inner frequency for business success. We explore these profound topics as she highlights her living experiences in Las Vegas and how tuning with nature has influenced her mindset. This episode delves into Tanya's expertise in mindset coaching, emphasising the power of self-image and paradigm shifts as pivotal elements for success in sales. Drawing from her work with the renowned Bob Proctor, Tanya reveals how internal programming and paradigms dictate our results. The discussion bridges practical, actionable steps that leaders and entrepreneurs can take to transform their subconscious mind and improve their business outcomes. Key insights include leveraging creative visualisation and maintaining a positive self-dialogue to align with one’s goals and manifest income and success. To connect with Tanya and to learn more about what she does, go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyapluckrose/ Website - https://www.tanyapluckrose.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@tanyapluckrose

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Jim Carlough, a celebrated author and leadership expert from Dallas, Texas. The conversation highlights the global scope of Jim's influence, evident in his engagements from Nigeria to Switzerland. The focus is Jim's bestseller, "The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership," which he developed as a guide to empower new managers with proven leadership strategies. Jim shares how his own journey into sales leadership started without the traditional sales stint, an environment that taught him valuable lessons about adaptability and integrity. Amid an in-depth discussion on leadership, Jim emphasises integrity as the cornerstone of effective leadership, recounting lessons from his early start in public office and pivotal experiences that shaped his career. Further, he illustrates how leaders are made, not born, by sharing compelling narratives about integrity, compassion, empathy, and focus—all crucial leadership pillars in his book. Jim recounts noteworthy experiences, such as leading a sizeable team under challenging conditions, and provides practical insights on building credibility, executing with empathy, and consistently delivering results. Jim’s storytelling offers relatable and valuable lessons for aspiring and seasoned leaders alike, making for a comprehensively informative episode. To connect with Jim and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book "The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership - a Roadmap to Success", go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcarlough/ Website - https://www.jimcarlough.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I chat with Mark Gordon, a seasoned sales leader and CEO of Integrated Go-to-Market Solutions. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Mark shares his journey from being a struggling student to a thriving entrepreneur in sales and mortgage businesses. His unique approach to leadership and company culture, emphasising radical candour and transparency, plays a vital role in the success of his ventures. Mark discusses the importance of having a well-structured go-to-market strategy, especially in commodity-based industries, where product differentiation is challenging. Listeners will learn about key sales and marketing strategies that Mark uses to establish competitive advantages. He discusses how to create a unique messaging approach to attract top talent and sustain a high-performance culture. Mark also emphasises the importance of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in building a self-sustaining organisation. This episode provides invaluable insights for VPs of sales, entrepreneurs, and business leaders looking to refine their market approach and drive sustainable growth. To connect with Mark and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdouglasgordon/ Website - https://igtms.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markdgordon?igsh=MTV2OTdnbGM0OTM0ZA==

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I welcome Ed Hayer, CEO of Prospector, a vital player in the realm of sales technology. The conversation unfolds to spotlight the intersection of smart technology and sales strategy and we delve into the transformation of traditional prospecting approaches, underlining the importance of leveraging insights for a dynamic and relevant sales strategy. We explore Prospector's innovative platform that empowers sales teams by identifying business insights that influence positive sales outcomes. This approach aligns with the overarching need in industries today for precision-targeting and accurate understanding of customer needs, beyond the generic spray-and-pray technique. Edd stresses the critical nature of timing and messaging in connecting with prospects, crafted through understanding an organisation's unique challenges and industry dynamics. Throughout the episode, the dialogue also touches on the role of AI, highlighting its potential and pitfalls in modern sales processes and how it complements human sales tactics. To connect with Edd and to learn more about Prospector, go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edd-hayer-97b871106/ Website - https://prospector.com.au/

In this captivating episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Andrew Hulbert, a prominent business leader and founder of Pareto FM. The episode kicks off with the fascinating revelation that Andrew is among the top 0.1% of blood donors worldwide, highlighting his commitment to giving back. This theme of service underpins a compelling discussion on entrepreneurship, personal branding, and the impact of nurturing a community network to achieve sustainable business success. Andrew shares his unique journey from a humble upbringing on a council estate to founding a nine-figure business in the competitive facilities management sector. This episode delves into how Andrew's dedication to values such as diversity, equity, and inclusion has not only set his company apart but also formed a solid foundation for his personal brand. He emphasises the importance of building authentic relationships, the power of inspiring company culture, and how a differentiated approach led Pareto FM to consistently win pitches against significantly larger competitors. To connect with Andrew and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewhulbert/

In this gripping episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Stephen Oommen after an eight-month hiatus to explore powerful concepts in sales leadership and personal development. Recorded against the backdrop of Stephen's journey from Microsoft to entrepreneurship, the episode delves deep into the principles of the "Mamba Mentality" as inspired by Kobe Bryant. It articulates the significance of relentless self-improvement, financial stewardship, and the importance of building meaningful human connections within the sales landscape. Focusing on sales as a form of dedicated problem-solving, this episode explores the impacts of mindset and strategy on achieving sales success. Attuned to the latest technological evolution with AI, Stephen discusses its implications on the sales industry while championing the irreplaceable value of genuine human interaction and continuous learning. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone committed to excelling in sales leadership by absorbing the mastery reflected in sports legends like Kobe Bryant and applying similar dedication to their career. To connect with Stephen and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenoommen/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Cameron Bishop, the Managing Director of Raincatcher and engage in an insightful discussion, traversing Cameron's unique career path from an unexpected promotion in a small publishing company to leading a multi-million dollar enterprise. Listeners will dive deep into Cameron's ethos around leadership, how to foster respect in sales teams, and the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes in mergers and acquisitions, all of which took his career to new, formidable heights. We explore the nuances of people management, especially the importance of understanding and empowering employees to cultivate a thriving and cohesive corporate culture. We also examine the significance of succession planning and transparent communication in maintaining business sustainability. Cameron's engaging storytelling underscores the necessity of humility, empathy, and innovative practices in driving sales success and organisational growth, making this episode a must-listen for current and aspiring sales leaders. To connect with Cameron and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bishop-19b6804/ Website - https://raincatcher.com/

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I chat with Mandy Keene, a formidable leadership coach specialising in personality assessments. Broadcasting from outside Boise, Idaho, Mandy shares insights from her journey, starting with her time at Tony Robbins' organisation, where her affinity for coaching and personality assessments began. Her expertise has led her to coach industry stalwarts like Russell Brunson, helping leaders harness their strengths for optimal performance. This episode delves deep into the world of personality assessments, with Mandy explaining how tools like the DISC profile can significantly enhance one's understanding of personal and team dynamics. She emphasises the importance of self-awareness in leadership, illustrating how understanding one's strengths and weaknesses fosters more cohesive and high-performing teams. The conversation also explores the distinction between authentic passion and trauma-driven pursuits, offering rich insights for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike. To connect with Mandy and to learn more about what she does, please go to: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mandyjokeene Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandyjkeene/ Website - https://understand.me/

In this engaging episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Andres Lares, Managing Director at Shapiro Negotiations Institute. We dive into the fascinating world of negotiation and the powers of influence, as Andres shares insights gained from his vast experience in the field. Known for coaching high-profile sports professionals and corporate leaders alike, Andres brings a unique perspective on negotiation strategies that can be applied across industries. Throughout the discussion, Andres explores the importance of relationship-based negotiation and offers a seasoned take on the often-debated topic of win-win outcomes. He emphasises the critical role of emotional intelligence and reframes negotiation as an opportunity for collaboration rather than compromise. Andres also highlights the significance of preparation and understanding the interests of both parties to achieve optimal results. This episode is packed with actionable advice on enhancing negotiation skills, improving influence, and becoming more effective in sales or leadership roles. To connect with Andres and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreslares/ Website - https://www.shapironegotiations.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I sit down with Ryan Hohman, the mastermind behind Sales Recruiting University. We dive into Ryan's journey from a young commission-based sales trainee to establishing a groundbreaking recruitment firm. Throughout the episode, Ryan opens up about his experiences across various sales roles, his foray into entrepreneurship, and the evolution of Sales Recruiting University. This enlightening discussion shines a light on the distinctive strategies that underpin successful recruitment and retention of commission-based sales professionals. The conversation also explores the nuances of building a commission-based sales team, the importance of effective onboarding processes, and the game-changing role of technology in recruiting. Ryan discusses the comprehensive methodology employed by Sales Recruiting University, emphasising AI's vital role in transforming onboarding systems. Delving into the sales process, he explains how businesses can better position themselves in the marketplace by leveraging these processes to improve sales team retention and productivity. With a keen eye on industry trends, Ryan offers a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of the sales recruitment landscape. To connect with Ryan and to learn more about Sales Recruitment University, including downloading a 20 Step Workbook to Build, Scale & Lead a High Performing Commission Based Sales Team, go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hohman-5423b890/ Website - https://getsru.com/ 20 Step Workbook - https://s20salesteam.com/

In this episode, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Mark Howley, an accomplished business leader renowned for his insights into sales, entrepreneurship, and personal evolution. We delve deep into Mark's journey through the bustling world of business, the philosophies that have guided him, and his unwavering commitment to playing the long game. Mark candidly shares his life's narrative, from starting at an entry-level sales position to navigating through significant career milestones, to owning and selling a successful business. Throughout the conversation, Mark emphasises the importance of long-term planning, resilience, and continuously honing one's craft. Insights into his career are juxtaposed with his personal revelation of maintaining sobriety for over four decades, and how that discipline translated to his professional life. Listeners also gain a glimpse of his passion project, "The Mark Howley Show," a podcast that allows him to share his extensive experience while engaging with guests who display creativity and grit in their respective crafts. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in sales, leadership, and personal growth. To connect with Mark and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-howley-consulting/ Website - https://www.themarkhowleyshow.com/

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Donny Hackett, founder and CEO of VeriDeal. Donny shares the journey leading to the creation of VeriDeal, a groundbreaking platform designed to differentiate genuine sales achievers from the embellished resumes prevalent in tech sales. Through his narrative, he highlights the struggles and realisations that catalysed his transition from a sales executive position at AWS to a tech entrepreneur, aiming to transform industry standards. As Donny delves deeper into the nuances of the VeriDeal platform, he discusses its potential to alleviate hiring challenges by providing verified proof of performance for sales professionals. This episode covers crucial themes such as the importance of authentic relationship-building in sales, the impact of market dynamics on job security, and the innovative approach of leveraging client feedback for career advancement. Donny's vision is to empower individuals and enhance recruitment processes through a verifiable, results-driven framework, making significant strides toward reshaping the competitive landscape of tech sales. To connect with Donny and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnyhackett/ Website - http://www.VeriDeal.io

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Christian Jack, a pivotal figure in the landscape of sales coaching and influence. We delve into Christian’s compelling journey from a music teacher to a leading sales force known as the "Sales Dojo." Christian shares vital insights into the importance of developing a meta skill in sales and how his passion for growth led him to significant transformations in business and personal journeys alike. The conversation unfolds around crucial themes like the psychology of sales and the principle of focusing on self-improvement to excel in sales roles. With discussions anchored in improving one’s self-identity, building confidence, and effectively utilising AI in sales, Christian highlights the transformative power of authentic communication. Incorporating anecdotes and experiential wisdom, the episode offers a wealth of actionable insights for sales professionals aiming to enhance their influence, establish authority, and achieve long-lasting success. To connect with Christian, to learn more about what he does, as well as gain access to some free sales resoources, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-jack-989306295/ Website - https://thesalesdojo.co/ Free sales resources for Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast listeners - https://thesalesdojo.co/exceptional

In this insightful episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast I'm joined by Greg Cassar, a business coach, investor and highly successful businessman, and we delve deep into lifestyle design and the significance of creating a career that offers both time and financial freedom. Greg shares his journey from the corporate realm to building a thriving business, emphasising the transformative power of self-investment and personal development. This episode explores the critical importance of diversifying income streams and the advantages of staying current with technological advancements, like AI. Greg highlights how investing in one's financial education and understanding emerging tech trends can lead to sustained economic growth. Drawing parallels from his own experiences, Greg reveals valuable insights on leveraging personal and professional growth to unlock financial independence, whilst ensuring a balanced life through strategic time management. To connect with Greg and to learn more about what he does, including gaining access to a free mini class around business growth, lifestyle design, exponential investing and biohacking & lifehacking, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregcassar/ Website - https://collective.com.au/ Free Mini Class - https://collective.com.au/class/

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome back Kylie Denton, the insightful Director and Founder of Performance Advisory Group. We dive deep into the adaptation of the 5 Love Languages in corporate environments, particularly within leadership and sales contexts. Kylie emphasises the importance of understanding these languages—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch—to cultivate a more engaging and productive workplace culture. We explore how leaders can utilise love languages to improve team dynamics and individual productivity, as well as enhancing employee satisfaction and performance, particularly in the fast-paced world of sales. Kylie shares her expertise on how leaders can conduct enjoyable and effective activities to identify and apply team members' preferred love languages, bolstering connection and reducing burnout. To connect with Kylie, to learn more about what she does, as well as taking the quiz to identify your primary love language, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyliedenton5/ Website - https://performanceadvisorygroup.com.au/ 5 Love Languages Quiz - https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, l welcome the multifaceted Patrick Joyce, CEO of Outboundless, who shares his journey from a math teacher to leading an innovative cold-calling agency. The conversation opens up about Patrick's fascinating path into B2B tech sales, collaborating with leading industry experts to launch Outboundless. With its focus on competitive marketplaces, this discussion delves deeply into sales strategies, especially focusing on the controversial yet essential role of cold calling. The episode proceeds to dismantle the notion that cold calling is obsolete, showcasing it as an enduring and vital sales strategy by presenting insights from Patrick's varied experiences and achievements. The compelling narrative details an industry filled with misconceptions, emphasising the importance of integrity, customer-focused communication, and effective network building to sustain a successful career in sales. With potent advice and anecdotes, Patrick reiterates the timeless value that personalised interaction brings to the table, even in the age of AI and mass digital communication. To connect with Patrick and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his cold call script, go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwilliamjoyce/ Cold Call Script - send Patrick a LinkedIn message at https://www.linkedin.com/in/pwilliamjoyce/

In this episode I welcome Andy Culligan, co-founder and CEO of Purple Path. Delving into his dynamic career journey, Andy shares insights into his transition from Ireland to Austria, his diverse work experience across various global organisations, and his expertise in sales and marketing alignment. This engaging conversation explores the intricate relationship between sales and marketing, the importance of SDR teams, and the rise of personal branding and AI’s role in enhancing marketing strategies. Andy offers expert advice on how sales and marketing can achieve alignment, emphasising the crucial role of SDR teams as the bridge between the two. The discussion highlights the importance of creating brand awareness as crucial air cover for sales teams. Andy shares personal anecdotes from his career, emphasising the transition from quantity to quality in sales approaches and how AI and technology can expedite marketing processes. The episode is filled with valuable insights on navigating the challenges in today's dynamic market and the imperatives of staying top-of-mind for potential buyers. To connect with Andy and to learn more about what he does, including plugging into his podcast "Growth Path", go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-culligan/ Website - https://www.purplepath.io/ Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/growth-path/id1763061563

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I enjoy a phenomenal conversation with Danny DelVecchio, a seasoned sales leader turned video content specialist. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Danny shares his transition from a 20-year career in sales with major telecom companies like AT&T to founding "Video on Easy Mode." This episode offers a deep dive into how Danny expertly leverages video content to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their presence and revenue on platforms like LinkedIn. Danny explains the benefits and strategies of adopting video content in today's digital landscape, highlighting how video can become a powerful tool for establishing authority and creating connections with a target audience. The conversation expands on the nuances of LinkedIn's ever-changing algorithm and the importance of being adaptable to these shifts. Danny provides insights into overcoming common barriers when creating video content, emphasising the need for authenticity and engagement. He also touches on effective client outreach methods through video, suggesting that businesses should think strategically about audience engagement to maximise their reach and impact. Danny underscores the essence of authenticity, communicating that video's laid-back, conversational style can be an invaluable approach to connecting with an audience, building trust, and driving sales. To connect with Danny and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydelvecchio/ Website - https://videooneasymode.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@coachdannyd

In this episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Sue Heilbronner, a multi-faceted professional with an impressive career history. Now an executive coach and author, Sue discusses illuminating insights from her upcoming book, "Never Ask for the Sale," which challenges conventional sales methodologies and introduces the concept of passionate ambivalence in sales. Listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation that explores the intersections of law, technology, and sales. Sue shares her journey from a federal prosecutor to a tech executive, revealing how every role she’s undertaken involved selling in one form or another. Throughout the episode, key ideas such as leveraging personal authenticity in sales and the significance of truly understanding one’s ideal customer profile (ICP) are discussed, providing a fresh perspective on optimising sales strategies. This episode is a deep dive into how sales professionals can enhance customer engagement by prioritising value, trust, and authentic relationship-building over traditional sales pitches. To connect with Sue, to learn more about what she does, as well as to grab a copy of her new book "Never Ask For The Sale", please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueheilbronner/ Website - https://www.heysue.com/ Book - https://www.heysue.com/never-ask-for-the-sale

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome the multifaceted Laura Armstrong. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge in business strategy, communication, and personal development. From her origins as a bullied child to becoming a three-time world champion in martial arts, Laura’s journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Having begun her professional career as a commodity trader, she later transitioned into entrepreneurship, establishing Wealth Mastery Systems, a platform designed to empower individuals to achieve financial success while living their passion. Throughout the engaging conversation, we explore key themes such as the importance of support networks, the dynamics of high-performance achievement, and the allure of work-life balance. Laura shares insights into the psychology of disassociating from outcomes as a strategy for success. Her experiences training elite performers have equipped her with unique strategies to help business professionals and leaders overcome limiting beliefs. Together, we delve into practical ways individuals and teams can align their intentions with their actions to create impactful and sustainable results in their professional journeys. To connect with Laura and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurayarmstrong/ Website - https://www.leadershipwithlaura.com/ If you would like a 60 minute wealth strategy session - https://wealthstrategywithlaura.com/