Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career

In this conversation, I sit down with Steve Kamb to explore what it really means to keep moving forward when things don't go according to plan. We talk about why success in business development, leadership, fitness, and creative work often has less to do with having the perfect strategy and more to do with developing the ability to adjust, learn, and make another attempt. Steve shares lessons from stand-up comedy, golf, entrepreneurship, and his own experiences building businesses and writing his latest book, How to Try Again, offering a practical framework for navigating setbacks without getting stuck in them. A major theme throughout our conversation is the tension between outcome-focused thinking and process-focused action. We discuss Steve's PACT framework, the role of self-compassion after disappointment, why experimentation lowers the stakes of trying something new, and how high performers recover from setbacks more quickly by learning rather than dwelling. Whether you're pursuing new clients, launching a project, building relationships, or simply trying to make progress in an uncertain situation, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, adaptation, and the long game of meaningful growth. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why comedians, entrepreneurs, and business developers all rely on repetition more than perfection How the concept of "pre-accepting any outcome" can reduce anxiety and improve performance The difference between persistence and continuing to push in the wrong direction What Steve's PACT framework teaches about responding to setbacks constructively Why treating challenges as experiments can make change feel more approachable How curiosity can be more useful than self-criticism when evaluating past failures What separates people who recover quickly from disappointment from those who stay stuck Why genuine generosity and relationship-building often outperform transactional networking approaches If you've ever found yourself wondering what to do after a missed opportunity, a failed initiative, or a result that didn't match your expectations, I think you'll find this conversation both practical and encouraging. Tune in, subscribe so you never miss an episode, and share it with someone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on learning, adapting, and trying again. Resources Mentioned: Steve's Website: stevekamb.com Order Steve's Book: https://stevekamb.com/howtotryagain/ https://www.nerdfitness.com/ Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the secret to building a high performing team has almost nothing to do with working harder? In this episode, I sit down with Ron Friedman to unpack the science behind what actually makes teams thrive, innovate, and outperform everyone else. We dive into the surprising myths most leaders still believe about teamwork, productivity, meetings, accountability, and motivation, and why the best teams often operate completely differently than conventional wisdom suggests. From shared goals and peer accountability to creating a culture where people genuinely want to do their best work, this conversation challenged the way I think about leadership at every level. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why some teams accidentally create burnout while others create momentum The overlooked difference between a "group" and a true team What elite teams do differently with meetings, focus time, and energy The hidden reason peer accountability works better than top down pressure How innovation often comes from mistakes, not perfection Why shared metrics can completely change team behavior The surprising connection between meaning, performance, and retention A simple leadership shift that helps teams improve without micromanagement If this episode sparked ideas for your own team, leadership style, or business development strategy, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who leads people. These conversations are designed to help you grow faster, think bigger, and create a career and team culture you're proud of building. Resources Mentioned: Ron's Bonus Material: superteamsinc.com/bonus Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai Sign up for Mo's weekly newsletter: GrowBigPlaybook.com Free Give to Grow Training and Downloadable Materials: Givetogrow.info Give to Grow Amazon Order Link: https://a.co/d/ec8DTzc Follow Mo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mobunnell/

What if the very doubts you're trying to silence are actually helping you become more confident? In this episode, I sit down with Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, to unpack the truth about confidence — why it's not about never feeling fear, and how curiosity and self-compassion are your biggest power moves. We explore the "But First" mindset that keeps you stuck, the cost of expensive thoughts, and the powerful shift that happens when you start listening to your body's wisdom, not just your head. Kelli and I dive into real, actionable frameworks for building confidence that sticks — whether you're preparing for a big promotion, leading a team, or simply trying to stop second-guessing yourself. Her tools are practical, evidence-based, and surprisingly heart-centered. If you've ever wondered how to feel confident before you've "earned" it, this conversation will change the way you see yourself and your leadership potential. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The surprising difference between confidence and cockiness — and how curiosity bridges the gap Why your "But Firsts" are secretly sabotaging your success How to turn expensive thoughts into valuable ones that propel your growth Why compassion (not criticism) is the key to lasting confidence The 4-part "LESS" model for doing less while achieving more How to make smarter decisions using your head, heart, and gut together Simple daily practices to build self-trust and resilience What your body is trying to tell you — and how to actually listen If you've ever doubted your readiness, your worth, or your next big move, this episode will remind you that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you create through action, awareness, and self-compassion. Listen in, take notes, and don't forget to check out Kelli's book Closing the Confidence Gap for even more powerful tools to boost your peace, potential, and paycheck. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Purchase Kelli's Book, Closing the Confidence Gap Visit Kelli's Website Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world's leading experts on the science of "mattering." We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they're seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings. We dig deep into the "why" behind mattering and move into the "how" with clear, repeatable steps you can use to create more meaningful connections in every interaction. From client relationships to internal teams, you'll walk away with concrete ways to build trust, loyalty, and genuine engagement that scales. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why being a "good person" isn't enough to make people feel cared for The three key practices of mattering — noticing, affirming, and needing How small interactions shape trust and loyalty more than big gestures Practical questions that make others feel seen and heard instantly Why documenting details can help you build stronger relationships at scale How to give feedback that inspires change instead of resistance The psychology behind making people feel indispensable How "co-creating" with clients or colleagues increases buy-in and results If you're ready to level up your relational skills and make every connection count, don't miss this one. Zach's frameworks are simple, science-backed, and deeply human — and they'll change the way you lead, sell, and communicate. Check out his book The Power of Mattering and visit thepowerofmattering.com for free self-assessments and templates. Then tune in and start practicing the small moments that make the biggest difference. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/ Visit Zach's Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/ Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it's quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn't just about gaining more customers. It's about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value. From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into the practical and sometimes surprising lessons leaders can apply across industries. We also discuss the four relationship types that exist within every client base and why recognizing them can make or break your growth strategy. If you've ever wondered why some communities thrive while others implode, this conversation will give you the insight (and the courage) to approach growth differently. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why traditional customer growth strategies leave hidden risks on the table How separate vs. connected communities can completely change your outcomes The one factor that turns leaders into magnets for followers (and what happens when you lose it) Why not every client mix is healthy and the danger of drifting into incompatibility A surprising "matrix" tool that helps you map out community dynamics How small, intentional moves can unlock exponential connections The unseen ways conflicts inside a community can erode your brand What brands like Nike, Carhartt, and Supreme teach us about scaling without losing credibility Ready to rethink growth? Tune in now and discover how to identify the communities you're really building and how to align them for long-term success. And if you found value in this conversation, don't forget to share the episode and leave a review so more people can discover the insights inside The Growth Dilemma. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Connect with Annie on LinkedIn

What makes work truly worth it? Is it the paycheck, the prestige, or the purpose behind what we do every day? In this episode, I sit down with authors Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jen Tosti-Kharas to dive into their book Is Your Work Worth It? We unpack the big questions around why we work, what keeps us going long after we "have to," and how to think differently about love versus money in our careers. From rethinking autopilot routines to exploring how work shapes our legacy, this conversation will have you reflecting on your own motivations in a whole new way. Together, we also explore the tension between career demands and personal life, the myths about turning passions into professions, and how leaders can shape meaningful work for others. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply wondering what your next career move should look like, this episode offers fresh perspective on finding fulfillment and redefining success. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The surprising truth about why most people really keep working Why "autopilot" is the hidden enemy of career satisfaction A simple way to test if your work passes the "seven-year-old" explanation test The overlooked connection between love, money, and fairness at work What entrepreneurs often love most about their work (and it's not what you think) How to use "seasons of life" to plan your career with more intention Why the most worthy work is often undervalued—and what to do about it A framework to uncover your deeper purpose that goes beyond surface-level goals Ready to rethink your relationship with work? Tune in now and walk away with new questions to ask yourself, your team, and your organization. And if this episode sparks something for you, share it with a colleague or friend because these are conversations worth having. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Connect with Christoper Connect with Jen

What if the key to your biggest breakthroughs isn't some giant leap—but a series of small, curious steps? In this episode, I sit down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff—neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and author of Tiny Experiments to explore how we can apply an experimental mindset to business development, relationship building, and even leadership. We dive into how tiny, purposeful actions can produce big, surprising results, and why perfectionism is often what keeps high-achievers stuck. Whether you're in sales, consulting, or leading a team, this conversation will help you shift your approach to growth—and make it infinitely more adaptable, creative, and human. We unpack Anne-Laure's PACT framework (Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, Trackable), talk about linear vs. looped thinking, and explore how high performers can actually start smaller to move further, faster. If you're ready to test, tweak, and grow smarter—not harder—this one's for you. Topics We Cover in This Episode: Why tiny experiments beat big, rigid plans (and how to run them) How to turn ambiguity and uncertainty into an advantage The PACT framework that makes "starting small" ridiculously actionable What metacognition is—and why elite performers swear by it How "working in public" accelerates learning and client trust The surprising link between psychological safety and team creativity Why outcome goals can trap you—and what to do instead The difference between chasing legacy and practicing generativity If this episode inspired you, grab a copy of Tiny Experiments and consider running your own experiment: what's one tiny, meaningful action you can try this week? Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Grab a Copy of the Tiny Experiments Book Subscribe to Anne-Laure's newsletter

Are you letting fear or friction hold you back from the conversations that matter most? In this episode, I sit down with Kwame Christian— host of the #1 negotiation podcast Negotiate Anything and creator of LinkedIn's only official negotiation certificate—to explore how we can all get better at negotiation by doing it with more heart. Kwame breaks down his signature "Compassionate Curiosity" framework, a three-step method that helps you navigate any conversation—whether in business or life—with empathy, emotional intelligence, and strategic clarity. If you've ever struggled with "what to say when it's hard to say it," this episode is a must-listen. Topics We Cover in This Episode: The unexpected reason most negotiation training fails (and how to fix it) The one mental model that works for almost every tough conversation How to uncover someone's real priorities—before offering solutions Why your tone matters more than your tactics A simple way to defuse tension in seconds How to know when it's time to walk away (without burning a bridge) Be sure to follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn and check out his podcast Negotiate Anything for even more real-world tools. And if you want to start showing up differently in high-stakes conversations, start with compassion, curiosity, and this episode as your guide. Resources Mentioned: Order your copy of Give to Grow Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today! Listen to the Negotiate Anything Podcast Connect with Kwame