Summary
I almost quit my MBA and faced my biggest fears. In this video, I am sharing 7 critical business lessons. I learned these from my biggest failures and how to use them to "fail forward" into owning your career. We often talk about success, but real growth happens in the setbacks. I break down the insights about fear, speed, and the difference between moral and toxic shame.
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Chapters
00:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Education
06:36 Confronting Fear and Emotional Challenges
15:08 Navigating Shame and Personal Growth
24:46 Understanding Shame vs. Guidance
32:54 Celebrating Everyday Heroes
Takeaways
54% leave college because of emotional stress.
Overcoming fear is crucial for personal growth.
Speed in business can outweigh free options.
On the other side of fear is a better version of you.
Creating core memories is invaluable.
Bitterness harms the one who holds it.
Focus on what truly matters to avoid scattering efforts.
Shame can be a tool for growth if understood correctly.
Real heroes are often unseen in everyday life.
Progress is more important than perfection.
Ever wonder why your salary feels like a mystery? The "black box" of compensation is finally opening up. In this episode, Scott Trumpolt—compensation consulting expert—reveals the pay transparency secrets HR departments do not openly discuss. We break down why compensation has been so secretive, how younger generations are demanding change, and what you need to know to take control of your career growth.
✅ Why compensation has been treated as "hush hush."
✅ The shift toward pay transparency and what it means for you.
✅ How to link your pay to career development (the key to retention).
✅ Coaching strategies for managers having tough pay conversations.
✅ Real-world example: How one manager's pay issue revealed systemic problems.
✅ The employee's role: Active listening and career ownership.
✅ How mentorship can transform your professional trajectory.
Whether you're feeling underpaid, stuck in your career, or managing a team navigating compensation discussions, this conversation will change how you approach pay and career development.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Compensation Consulting
01:44 Understanding Black Box Compensation
05:38 The Importance of Pay Transparency
07:47 Real-World Example of Pay Issues
11:33 Coaching Managers for Effective Pay Conversations
17:20 Scott's Journey to Consulting
21:12 Insights from The Defragmented Consultant Book
26:05 Bridging the Gap: HR and Management Collaboration
30:46 Empowering Employees: The Role of Active Listening
35:23 Spotting Potential: Mentorship and Career Growth
39:27 Success Stories: Transformative Client Experiences
43:23 Final Thoughts: Empowerment and Transparency
👤 ABOUT SCOTT TRUMPOLT
Scott is a compensation consulting expert specializing in pay transparency, employee engagement, and HR strategies. His work focuses on transforming "black box compensation" into clear, development-linked frameworks that drive retention and manager effectiveness.
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When you do a master's in business administration, nobody tells you about the real challenges. I went from college dropout to impacting $100M+ in revenue, then decided to get my MBA. Here's what 75% of the program actually taught me about why you should (or shouldn't) get an MBA, and whether it really matters for your career. Does an MBA matter when you already have real-world wins? In this video, I break down the unfiltered MBA experience: balancing family responsibilities, finding mentors who transform your trajectory, and why spirituality became my competitive advantage. You technically have the biggest boss upstairs guiding business decisions.
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Takeaways
In this conversation, Paul Leon discusses the challenges of servant leadership and presents a structured 90-day plan for team management that emphasizes the importance of setting goals, monitoring progress, and continuously reassessing strategies to improve team performance. Paul shares personal experiences and practical tips for enhancing communication and closing sales effectively, ultimately advocating for a psychologically stronger workplace.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Phase 1
04:33 Phase 2
06:06 Phase 3
07:47 Personal Example That Worked
Can comedy make you a better sales professional? On The Manager’s Mic, Paul Leon interviews comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hubschmann (Laugh.Events) on how improv and stand-up techniques sharpen sales listening, discovery calls, objection handling, and concise messaging, thereby raising close rates in both virtual and in-person meetings. Learn practical moves for sales reps and managers.
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Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Pausing is a choice."
"Comedy allows me to give back."
"Laughter is the best medicine."
Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:07 Why comedy skills matter in sales
06:19 How improv helps discovery and listening
08:53 Rapport
17:46 Compounding wins
21:18 Tighter pitches
23:12 Mentors and modeling excellence
26:43 Virtual comedy & the power of…
29:39 How to hold attention virtually
32:03 Best bombing story (and lesson)
38:57 How to work with Laugh.Events
Summary
In this conversation, I share five essential lessons for navigating toxic work environments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing toxic behavior, documenting interactions, avoiding gossip, and seeking professional support. I also emphasize the importance of what a good win looks like, regardless of the workplace.
Takeaways
You want to avoid feeding the toxic person.
Words like always and never are harmful in communication.
Documenting interactions can protect you in toxic situations.
Avoid gossip; it can lead to traps.
Share your struggles with a therapist, not coworkers.
Personal bias plays a significant role in workplace dynamics.
Self-absorbed behavior can create toxic environments.
Personal wins are more important than professional success.
Practice and connection can transform personal relationships.
Therapy can provide essential support in difficult times.
Sound Bites
"Don't feed the toxic person."
"Avoid words like always and never."
"Avoid gossip; it can trap you."
Chapters
00:00 Hi, I'm Paul!
00:23 Lesson 1
03:17 Lesson 2
05:31 Lesson 3
08:07 Lesson 4
10:01 Lesson 5
Summary
In this conversation, Diana Fritz shares her inspiring journey of resilience through adversity, particularly her battle with cancer. She discusses the importance of mindset, the lessons learned in parenting, and how to create a culture of justified complaints in the workplace. Diana emphasizes the significance of gratitude and the impact of relationships, both personal and professional, in navigating life's challenges. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of choosing one's response to adversity.
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Takeaways
Resilience is about how we respond to adversity.
Choosing a positive mindset can change outcomes.
Letting people help is a sign of strength.
Gratitude plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges.
Creating a culture of justified complaints fosters growth.
Parenting through adversity teaches valuable lessons.
Relationships can provide essential support during tough times.
Mental health awareness is increasingly important for youth.
Finding love can start with friendship, especially during tough times.
Every moment is an opportunity to make a positive impact.
Sound Bites
"You get to choose your response."
"I learned how to let people help me."
"Gratitude is also very important."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Personal Journey
05:08 Facing Adversity: The Cancer Diagnosis
10:32 Lessons in Parenting and Resilience
15:59 The Importance of Mindset and Perspective
21:26 Creating a Culture of Justified Complaints
27:03 Navigating Relationships and Finding Love
32:23 Defining Resilience and Moving Forward
37:40 Current Victories and Future Aspirations
Summary
In this episode of the Managers Mic podcast, host Paul Leon speaks with executive coach Ken Sher about his extensive career in sales and leadership, the importance of trust in building relationships, and the lessons learned from his time at Johnson & Johnson. They discuss the challenges of career advancement, the impact of layoffs, and the role of loyalty in the workplace. Ken shares insights from his book, 'What's Trust Got to Do With It?', and emphasizes the need for transparency and understanding in leadership. The conversation concludes with reflections on success and the importance of helping others achieve their goals.
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Book | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
Sound Bites
"Loyalty only goes so far."
"It's all about trust."
"I love helping people."
Takeaways
Trust is the foundation of great relationships.
Loyalty only goes so far in corporate environments.
Winning is defined by seeing others succeed.
Control what you can control in your career.
The importance of transparency in leadership.
Building relationships is key to success.
Therapy can help in overcoming career challenges.
Corporate culture impacts employee loyalty.
The trust framework is essential for effective leadership.
Helping others is a rewarding aspect of coaching.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ken Sher and His Background
02:17 The Trust Model in Leadership
05:04 Building Relationships and Trust in Sales
07:50 Identifying Leadership Potential
10:37 Navigating Career Advancement and Loyalty
12:16 Overcoming Layoffs and Building Resilience
14:52 Reflections on Corporate Loyalty and Personal Growth
17:30 Finding Success After a Layoff
22:42 Navigating Loyalty in Leadership
28:02 The Journey of Writing a Book
30:54 Trust and Transparency in Business
33:45 The Impact of Loyalty on Employee Relations
35:56 Building Trust in the Workplace
Summary
In this episode, Reed Hansen shares his journey to becoming a Chief Growth Officer. Reed's humble journey to where he is now began with working in landscaping alongside his dad. Together, we discussed resilience, people skills, and the significance of authentic content marketing. All while reflecting on the legacy he wishes to leave for his family and the impact he hopes to have on them.
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Chapters
00:00 Who is Reid Hansen?
05:04 The Power of Resilience
10:00 Navigating Layoffs?
13:50 People Skills: Balancing Empathy and Assertiveness
18:02 Marketing Trends
20:00 Leveraging Automation
23:15 Key Insights on Content Marketing
25:39 Selling Systems with Content Marketing
29:03 A Practical Cadence for Content Marketing
32:01 The Final Question
Traditional behavioral assessments feel outdated. In this episode, Wei Houng, co-founder of HumanOp, shares a modern people analytics approach that enhances team fit, reduces workplace toxicity, and boosts performance by respecting individual differences and providing HR/People Ops with real compatibility data to reorganize teams effectively.
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Free Assessment | Website | LinkedIn
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Every human being needs access to this."
"We need representation of all three ores."
"We need to educate, not just sell."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Human Optimization
03:03 The Journey of Wei Houng
05:42 Challenges with Traditional Human Behavior Assessments
08:37 The Science Behind HumanOp Technology
10:28 Personal Experiences and Motivations
13:03 The Impact of Human Optimization on Sales Teams
21:45 Key Insights for New HR Representatives
25:36 Understanding Alchemic Boundaries in Relationships
28:19 The Complexity of Introversion and Extroversion
30:01 The Journey of Human Optimization Technology
35:33 Supplementing Education Beyond the App
Summary
Daren Fields discusses the transformative impact of AI on the sales process. Sharing insights from his book, The Apex 8 methodology. Daren addresses common hesitations sales managers have with AI. The significance of choosing secure AI tools and the concept of 'dark AI.' He also highlights the importance of prototyping and debriefing in sales processes. Advocating for a culture of continuous learning in the face of technological advancements.
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Takeaways
AI is revolutionizing sales strategies and processes.
Sales managers must embrace AI to stay competitive.
Choosing the right AI tools is crucial for security.
Prototyping fosters collaboration and trust with clients.
Debriefing after sales meetings is essential for learning.
Dark AI refers to unauthorized use of AI tools.
Conscious competence is necessary for effective prompting.
AI can significantly boost productivity in sales teams.
Simplification in communication can enhance sales effectiveness.
The Apex 8 methodology offers a structured approach to sales.
Sound Bites
"AI is a hot topic in sales."
"Simplification scales sales."
"Debriefing is crucial for learning."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Daren Fields and AI in Sales
02:37 The Impact of AI on Sales Strategies
05:02 Overcoming AI Fears in Sales Management
07:42 Choosing the Right AI Tools for Sales
10:28 Understanding Dark AI and Its Implications
13:27 The Role of Prompt Engineering in Sales
16:08 Personal Insights from Racing to Sales Success
23:50 The Mastery of Language in AI
27:01 Conscious Competence in AI Prompting
28:04 Effective Prompting Techniques
31:59 The Importance of Prototyping in Sales
37:43 Debriefing: Learning from Wins and Losses
Episode Summary
In this conversation with Albert Bramante, we explore the challenges of impostor syndrome. Exploring its prevalence across demographics, including high-functioning individuals, and the origins of the inner critic. Reframing limiting beliefs and overcoming self-doubt: We explore the impact of childhood experiences—the biological basis of fear—and the influence of AI on self-perception.
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Chapters
0:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
02:33 The Inner Critic and Its Origins
05:01 Reframing Limiting Beliefs
07:12 The Role of Feedback in Growth
09:36 The Biological Basis of Fear
12:14 The Impact of Childhood on Self-Perception
13:59 Real-Life Applications and Solutions
18:55 Empowering Student Participation
24:06 Navigating Professional Identity and Imposter Syndrome
26:46 The Human Side of Leadership
28:13 Gender Dynamics in Leadership
Episode Summary
I sit down with Chip Higgins, founder of The Bizzics Way and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum, to explore the transformative power of momentum and leadership in the business world. Discover how Chip's insights will help you turn your side hustle into a thriving one. We delve into the principles of energy, intention, and the physics of business growth, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Whether you are just starting or looking to scale, this conversation provides valuable takeaways to fuel your journey. Tune in and unlock the potential of your side hustle today!
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Chapters
00:00 The Moment Most Founders Quit
00:15 Why Listen to Chip Higgins? (Bizzics)
00:59 The Leadership Lesson Chip Kept
02:10 What Nashville Taught Us About Talent
03:19 The “Massive” Small Business (Explained)
07:36 How Spanx and the iPod Prove the Point
10:58 Physics, Not Hype: The Growth Model
11:09 A Train You Can’t Stop (Momentum)
16:28 The Real Reason Your Business Stalls
20:49 Three Numbers to Track Every Week
26:56 Talk Better, Grow Faster (Culture)
31:40 AI Without the Hype: What to Use Today
36:22 A 24/7 Coach?
43:56 If You Remember One Thing, Make It This
Summary
In this episode, I have a conversation with Bernardo Mendez, a coach who, for fourteen years, has specialized in helping ambitious women find lasting love. Hundreds of women, from Fortune 100 executives, doctors, lawyers, and small business owners, have praised Bernardo’s process. Together, we discuss concepts such as finding devotional love, vulnerability in relationships, and the challenges women face when dating. Bernardo shares insights on navigating jealousy, raising standards, and the transformative power love provides. The success stories of women who found love after overcoming significant obstacles highlight the importance of self-worth, personal growth, and the fact that love is attainable regardless of where you are in your journey to find it.
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Chapters
00:00 Meeting Bernardo Mendez
02:02 Understanding Devotional Love
04:04 The Role of Spirituality in Relationships
08:24 Common Challenges for Ambitious Women
11:56 The Importance of Vulnerability in Dating
16:45 Navigating Jealousy in Relationships
24:07 Raising Standards in Relationships
28:48 Transformational Success Stories
33:14 The Journey to Find Love
41:04 What if it is too late?
Episode Summary
In this conversation, Rob Gallaher shares his journey from struggling entrepreneur to successful business owner, emphasizing the importance of self-education, reflection tactics, and the power of profit sharing. Rob shares the challenges he faced, defining moments, and key questions he asked himself to maintain focus, which led to a motivated workforce during the process of implementing and proving a profit-sharing model that works. Rob offers insights to business owners and their managers looking to implement effective profit-sharing programs. His story serves as an inspiration for those facing personal and professional struggles, encouraging them to take action and pursue their goals with determination.
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Free Tool: 10 Rules of Profit Sharing
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The 5 Habits of Highly Toxic Managers to Avoid
Chapters
00:00 Meet Rob Gallaher
02:29 Rob's Journey from Construction to Entrepreneurship
05:04 Overcoming Personal Struggles
07:44 Daily Self-Reflection and Leadership Questions
10:22 The Impact of Rock Bottom on Success
12:51 Building a Successful Business Empire
15:26 The Concept of Profit Sharing in Business
25:24 The Journey of Profit Sharing Implementation
28:57 Transforming Business Mindsets through Profit Sharing
32:23 The Impact of Profit Sharing on Team Dynamics
36:46 Overcoming Personal Challenges and Building Ambition
42:19 Creating a Roadmap for Success
Free Asset
5 Habits of Highly Toxic Managers to Avoid
Summary
In this conversation, Paul Leon and Oak McCulloch explore the nuances of leadership, hiring practices, and the importance of character and values in both military and civilian contexts. Oak shares his journey, recent speaking engagements, and insights on effective interviewing techniques. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to empower their teams, avoid micromanagement, and build trust through personal connections. Oak also highlights the significance of maintaining creativity in leadership roles and the impact of individual experiences on professional performance.
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Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back, Oakland McCulloch
02:10 Recent Accomplishments and Speaking Engagements
04:05 Key Traits in Candidates
08:30 Interview Techniques and Open-Ended Questions
11:43 Impressive Candidate Responses
14:46 Creating Ideal Team Members
14:55 Micromanagement vs Empowerment
17:31 The Impact of Technology on Creativity
18:07 The Impact of Micromanagement
19:23 Empowerment in Leadership
24:29 Building Trust Through Familiarity
29:58 Fostering Creativity in Leadership
In this episode, I interview Steven Puri, a senior executive with extensive experience in the film industry and technology. We discuss the evolution of remote work, particularly in the film industry, and how it has become a viable option for productivity. Steven emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear vision and culture within remote teams, as well as the significance of creating conditions that allow for deep work. The conversation also touches on the challenges and fears associated with remote work, the role of environment in achieving flow, and the importance of hiring for culture fit. Steven shares insights on mindfulness and intentionality in leadership, concluding with key takeaways for leaders and individual contributors to enhance productivity and engagement in their teams.
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Download a FREE Management Tool
The Five Habits Of Highly Toxic Managers
Chapters
00:00 Meet Steven Puri
04:08 Advantages and Challenges of Remote Work
12:10 Addressing Fears and Responsibilities in Remote Work
21:27 Creating Conditions for Deep Work
26:12 The Importance of Flow State
32:58 Advice for Leaders and Individual Contributors
Unlock proven sales strategies from 40-year sales veteran Glenn Poulos, author of Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors. In this episode of The Manager’s Mic – Power Up People Management, Glenn shares hard-earned lessons from building and selling multiple 8-figure businesses, mastering face-to-face selling, and creating the concept of “greed-based learning” to accelerate product knowledge and close more deals.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction – Glenn Poulos Built Multiple 8-Figure Sales Businesses
02:28 Core Beliefs Every Successful Salesperson Lives By
04:23 Greed-Based Learning: The Fastest Way to Master Any Product
06:53 Face-to-Face Selling Secrets That Close High-Value Deals
09:40 Winning Sales Presence: How to Command Any Room
12:11 Real Success Stories & Lessons from 40 Years in Sales
24:53 Post-COVID Sales Strategies That Still Work in 2025
25:59 Persistence in Sales: Following Up Without Annoying Clients
27:59 How to Create Scarcity & Urgency That Makes Customers Act
29:28 Customer Persona Secrets: Sell the Way They Want to Buy
31:38 Why Empathy Is Your Greatest Sales Closing Tool
33:03 Identifying Customer Needs Like a Top 1% Sales Rep
35:03 The Art of Losing Fast to Win Bigger Deals
36:28 Lessons Learned from the Biggest Sales Mistakes
40:00 Taking Bold Sales Steps Without Burning Bridges
40:31 Making Impressions That Lead to Repeat Business
Episode Summary
In this conversation, I interview Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, M.S., LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in Imago Therapy. They discuss the importance of understanding relationship dynamics, the role of commitment, and effective communication skills in maintaining healthy relationships. Shlomo shares insights from his personal journey and professional experience, emphasizing the need for emotional safety and caring behaviors in both individual and workplace relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating different backgrounds and belief systems in relationships, as well as the significance of sensitivity and self-awareness in personal growth.
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Website | Books | LinkedIn
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin
03:46 Recognizing the Need for Help
07:46 Communication and Reactivity in Relationships
12:03 Caring Behaviors and Love Languages
15:47 Practical Steps for Couples
20:42 Navigating Relationships Across Belief Systems
23:59 Guardedness in Couples Therapy
30:30 Managing Sensitivity in Relationships
33:59 Training for Relationship Professionals
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