Manage Smarter

Dan Tocchini, leadership development expert and author of "The Change Imperative," reveals the secrets to navigating tough workplace conversations and resolving conflict with courage. Dan is also co-founder of TakeNewGround.com. Learn actionable strategies for leaders and managers looking to develop trust, improve communication, and foster high-performing teams. Dan shares practical conflict resolution and leadership tips that can elevate any organization's team culture. "To improve work relationships, ask: 'Here’s what I’m making up about what you said—tell me if I’m wrong.' It opens up honest, judgment-free feedback." - Dan Tocchini KEY TAKEAWAYS -How to openly invite feedback -Reflection Techniques and how to use them -What business metrics will be affected if you avoid conflict. -How to build difficult conversations and conflict resolution into your overall company culture Connect with Dan Tocchini https://takenewground.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/dantocchini 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/ #salesfuel #dantocchini #leadershipskills #difficultemployees #teamsuccess #leadershipadvice #managesmarterpodcast #cleesmith #audreystrong #salescred #sales #teamtrait #admall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're tackling a topic that every leader has faced at some point: team commitment. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. 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

Theresa Bassett is CEO of The Diamond Group and an expert in relationship sales. With a background in construction, real estate, and digital marketing, she’s driven over $550M in transactions across various sectors. Theresa’s expertise spans working with Fortune 500 companies like Pulte Homes and GE Aviation, and she’s passionate about helping businesses grow through a proprietary system for sales and marketing. As a thought leader, entrepreneur, and speaker, she also focuses on team development and fostering growth-driven cultures, embodying her Progress = Happiness philosophy. "With the onset of AI and all of the generational things that you've talked about, I think credibility more and more is being challenged... People don't know what to trust. So even more to the point that the personal communication, the interpersonal FaceTime conversations... are even more important because people are looking for transparency, authenticity." - Theresa Bassett KEY TAKEAWAYS -The core principle behind effective relationship selling strategies -How organizations should structure their sales and marketing processes for maximum efficiency and lead conversion -What inbound marketing tip can dramatically improve trust and engagement with potential clients -Maintaining face-to-face interaction is still important in the digital age, especially with the rise of AI CONNECT WITH THERESA BASSETT https://www.diamond-group.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresalbassett CONNECT WITH MANAGE SMARTER AND ITS HOSTS Website: https://salesfuel.com/manage-smarter/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreystrong/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ X: https://x.com/tallmediamaven https://x.com/cleesmith Connect with SalesFuel Website: https://salesfuel.com/ X: https://x.com/SalesFuel Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salesfuel/ #sales #relationshipselling #theresabassett #salestips #salesfuel #salescred #cleesmith #audreystrong #salesAI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm Chip Gray and this week, we're talking about the traits that truly make a candidate stand out in the hiring process. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. 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 a topic that's crucial for any leader aiming to empower their team: trust. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. 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

Summer Craig is the President and CEO of the Craig Group , a business growth advisory firm. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, she is a seasoned expert in driving revenue growth for multimillion-dollar companies. Summer specializes in leveraging technology, integrating sales and marketing, and aligning organizations for sustainable business growth. Her expertise extends to working with private equity-backed businesses to lead large in-house teams. Beyond her professional achievements, Summer is also an avid mountain climber, having conquered peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Rainier, which she uses as metaphors for overcoming challenges in business and life. "You don't have to have done it. You don't have to know, but you have to be smart enough to figure it out and maybe go find help or admit that you need help and go solve the problem." - #SummerCraig KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How can professionals overcome imposter syndrome? Summer suggests focusing on what you are good at and leveraging your unique skills to overcome challenges. She believes that identifying and utilizing your strengths can help mitigate feelings of inadequacy and build confidence. -What role does vulnerability play in leadership? Summer argues that admitting when you haven't done something before can actually enhance your credibility as a leader. She believes that showing vulnerability and a willingness to learn can foster trust and collaboration within a team. -How can climbing mountains teach business professionals about overcoming challenges? Summer shares that climbing mountains like Mount Rainier taught her the importance of teamwork and humility. She believes that tackling difficult tasks outside of your comfort zone can provide valuable life lessons and build resilience. -What is a key strategy for managing imposter syndrome in teams? Summer recommends hiring individuals who have the ability to figure things out and encouraging open communication. She stresses the importance of creating an environment where team members feel comfortable admitting when they need help and are supported in finding solutions. #leadership #impostersyndrome #workplace #csuite #teamwork #salesfuel #admall #teamtrait Connect with Summer Craig ⁠https://www.craiggroup.io/⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigsummer/⁠ 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

I'm Chip Gray and this week, we're talking about a skill that's often overlooked but absolutely crucial for sales managers: self-control. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. 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 every leader has faced at some point: team motivation. Gain valuable insights on leadership and team dynamics with host Chip Gray. 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

Dave Garrison, CEO, business strategist, and author of 'The Buy-In Advantage,' dives into how buy-in and employee engagement drive workplace performance. He shares leadership strategies for building trust, increasing motivation, and reducing turnover with proven techniques—plus insights on inspiring purpose in today’s multi-generational workforce. Discover actionable tips and tools to boost productivity and enhance workplace culture. "People buy in on emotion, justify with logic. So how do you tap into that emotional need? That requires great questions and listening." KEY TAKEAWAYS -The definition of employee buy-in and employee engagement and why it's important -How to tell if your employees are faking engagement and interest in their job and the organization -Actionable steps you can take to stop all the damage a lack of employee engagement can do to your organization CONNECT WITH DAVE GARRISON https://garrisongrowth.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-garrison-growth/ 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

This week, we're talking about a question every B-to-B seller secretly asks: can you actually increase sales during the holidays? 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 exploring the unfiltered insights straight from the frontlines of sales — courtesy of over 800 sales professionals who participated in The Voice of the Sales Rep: 2025 Focus Report. 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

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

This week, let's get real about what separates a successful salesperson from just a decent one. It's not just what you say—it's how you say it, and, more importantly, what your body says for you. 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 spotlighting something every business leader faces, but few master: how communication and trust boost your team’s efficiency. 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

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

This week we're talking about something that could make or break your next sales hire: using objective sales assessments, instead of going with your gut. 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 how you can rebuild trust with your salespeople after layoffs. 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

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 discussing underrated traits to look for in your salespeople. 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 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