In this episode, R. Kenner French sits down with Brad Englert, author of Spheres of Influence, to talk about the one thing that never goes out of style in business — authentic relationships. Brad shares wisdom from his 22 years at Accenture, where he learned that success isn’t just about strategy or systems — it’s about people. His simple yet powerful advice? “Get out of your office and tell people you give a damn.” 💬

Brad explains how genuine connection — not quick transactions — builds trust and long-term growth. He reveals that many leaders spend too much time behind their desks trying to guess what customers want, instead of simply asking them. By getting out there, listening, and showing care, business owners can transform relationships into partnerships and clients into advocates. 🤝

Drawing from his experience as Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas, Brad shares how he turned a reactive “firefighting” culture into one of transparency, consistency, and proactive service. He tells the story of sending a team member to apologize to a frustrated client — a move that later turned that same critic into one of their biggest supporters. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, but about empathy and accountability. 💡

Brad also unpacks the core idea of his book, Spheres of Influence, which explores the networks that shape success — from colleagues and clients to vendors and partners. He illustrates how treating vendors as strategic allies can unlock opportunities, innovation, and mutual success. In business, as in life, influence isn’t about power — it’s about connection. 🌐

Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or leader, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the greatest advantage you can build isn’t found in marketing budgets or complex systems — it’s found in trust, consistency, and genuine human connection.

Takeaways

• Get out and connect. Success happens when you leave your office and build genuine relationships.

• Client retention is gold. It’s cheaper — and smarter — to nurture existing clients than chase new ones.

• Lead with empathy. Transparency and trust turn critics into advocates.

• Partnerships create influence. Treat vendors and customers as strategic collaborators.

• Blueprint before execution. Plan your vision clearly before building or marketing anything.

Soundbites

• You can’t build influence from behind a desk — get out and tell people you care.

• Eighty to ninety percent of Accenture’s clients are repeat customers. That’s not luck, it’s trust.

• Leadership isn’t about heroics — it’s about consistency and care.

• Influence grows when everyone wins — clients, teams, and partners.

• Before you build the house, draw the blueprint. Before you lead, understand people.

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