How to Succeed Podcast

Hosted by Sandler

Business Management

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Jun 2026

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The How to Succeed Podcast teaches the success principles and interpersonal communication skills needed to get to the top and stay there. We are dedicated to empowering life-long learners and ambitious entrepreneurs with options for growth they didn't know they had. Through our reinforcement training, we provide advanced communication techniques needed to excel, provide accountability in implementing behavior, and help nurture the attitudes necessary to reach the highest levels of success. Visit www.sandler.com for more information.

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June 1, 202652 min

How To Succeed at Creating an Encore Experience with Your Team

Gregory Offner is an award-winning keynote speaker and author who focuses on helping organizations improve performance by redesigning the experience of work. Greg was a keynote speaker at the 2026 Sandler Summit, and he introduced the concept of the Encore Experience—a powerful shift in how we think about engagement, culture, and sustainable high performance. In this conversation, we break down: The real driver of most employee performance problems —even when numbers look strong How true ownership (versus compliance) impacts long-term performance. Why incentives and pressure stop working over time Who your internal, and external, audience is; and why it matters. When disengagement starts, and the two questions that can stop it in its tracks. What leaders can do, right now, to create an "Encore Experience" for their audience. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or sales leader looking to build a high-performing team that's energized, engaged, and sustainable, this episode will give you a new framework to lead by. To learn more about Greg's work, or to inquire about bringing him in to speak at one of your events: Website: https://www.gregoryoffner.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregoryoffnerjr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryoffnerjr Chapter 1: Opening and Theme: The "Encore Experience" 00:00:02 – 00:02:22 Dave Matson frames the podcast's focus on the Success Triangle—attitude, behavior, and technique—then Jim Marshall introduces guest Greg Offner and the premise: performance problems are often experience problems. Greg is positioned as a keynote expert on engagement, ownership, and results, and Jim asks him to define the "encore experience." Chapter 2: Defining the Encore Experience 00:02:22 – 00:03:42 Greg explains an encore experience as any interaction that leaves people eager to repeat it, like shouting "one more song" at a concert. He argues workplaces should intentionally create encore experiences daily for customers, colleagues, communities, and oneself. Chapter 3: Engagement Crisis and Opportunity 00:03:42 – 00:05:12 Greg cites long-standing data showing roughly 70% of workers are disengaged, with a subset actively disengaged. He positions encore experiences as both a remedy for struggling cultures and a multiplier for organizations already doing well. Chapter 4: Creation, Agency, and Meaning at Work 00:05:12 – 00:07:41 Using a story about his daughter and sidewalk chalk, Greg illustrates the innate human joy of being the cause. He argues work should be reframed from obligation to opportunity—especially in sales, where relationships and experiences can be intentionally designed for "encore" reactions. Chapter 5: Turning Events into Culture 00:07:41 – 00:10:56 Greg outlines a simple, repeatable playbook: meet the audience where they are, add something uniquely yours (or invite their unique contribution), then reflect and refine. He emphasizes consistent application over one-off events and highlights post-call reviews as a natural reflection mechanism. Chapter 6: Performance Is Interaction: Audience, Not Monologue 00:10:56 – 00:13:58 Greg reframes daily work as performance and every counterpart as an audience member, noting sales should be a dialogue. He introduces the three audience archetypes—keepers, leapers, and sleepers—explaining their motivations in both business and his dueling piano bar experience. Chapter 7: Sleepers as Trapped Value 00:13:58 – 00:15:14 Sleepers arrived with expectations but disengaged when they felt the experience wouldn't deliver. Greg argues they represent the greatest hidden opportunity and that organizations should provoke strong opinions—positive or negative—rather than indifference. Chapter 8: High Performers, Voice, and Retention Risk 00:15:14 – 00:19:31 Greg cautions that voicing improvement ideas is a sign of engagement, not insubordination. Ignoring such input drives talent away. He distinguishes leapers and keepers as likely high performers and warns that overreliance on money fails to address root motivations. Chapter 9: Rock Stars vs. Rock Solids 00:19:31 – 00:21:18 Within keepers, Greg differentiates recognition-seeking rock stars from steady, lifestyle-focused rock solids. Pushing rock solids into rock star trajectories can trigger disengagement; leaders must align motivators to individual preferences. Chapter 10: Recognition That's Relevant and Unique 00:21:18 – 00:26:58 Greg stresses making recognition meaningful and individualized rather than generic swag. He shares examples: lunches with the boss feeling special to staff, and a server's unique tactic to transform a family meal—illustrating how small, personal touches create loyalty. Chapter 11: Where Encore Breaks Down in Sales 00:26:58 – 00:29:18 Under pressure, teams default to transactions over experiences. Greg argues that the path to the second sale begins at the first signature, and short-term quota focus erodes value. Designing the sales journey as an enjoyable experience sustains renewals and referrals. Chapter 12: Small Acts, Big Impact 00:29:18 – 00:36:13 Greg urges leaders to spotlight everyday actions that become meaningful moments, sharing stories of a CEO personally covering an employee's life-saving prescription and a pet food company sending flowers and refunds when a customer's pet dies. Simple, empathetic policies create encore loyalty. Chapter 13: A Simple Framework to Start Tomorrow 00:36:13 – 00:43:38 Greg advises cataloging everyday interactions and prioritizing low-lift, high-ROI moments internally and externally. He introduces the "request slip" concept from piano bars—ideas need skin in the game—and describes an internal "Shark Tank" process that turns suggestions into actionable requests with executive sponsorship. Chapter 14: Stop Using Title as Trophy; Start Removing Obstacles 00:43:38 – 00:46:41 Leaders should stop treating titles as rewards and start using them to clear roadblocks. Greg shares his early missteps as a sales manager and emphasizes enabling employees, welcoming ideas from newcomers, and converting suggestions into co-owned requests. Chapter 15: Results Through Experience, Not Just Accountability 00:46:41 – 00:50:34 Jim summarizes the challenge to traditional performance thinking. Greg clarifies he values results but insists sustainable success depends on how and why results are achieved—shifting from transactions to transformational experiences that drive long-term loyalty. Chapter 16: Calibrating Ownership to Archetypes 00:50:34 – 00:51:54 Greg cautions against forcing ownership on rock solids who don't want it and reframes sleepers as undecided keepers or leapers. Leaders should help sleepers decide—either by enabling a leap or creating conditions to thrive in place. Chapter 17: Resources and Close 00:51:54 – end Greg offers an archetype "playlist" resource summarizing keepers, leapers, and sleepers with practical do's and don'ts, and invites contact via his website and social media. The episode closes with acknowledgments and copyright information.

May 4, 202633 min

How to Succeed at Mission-Driven Selling

This episode of the How to Succeed Podcast features long-time Sandler Trainer, Sean Coyle interviewing retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph "Doc" Morgan about aligning Sandler's attitudes, behaviors, and techniques with the military's ends, ways, and means. Morgan emphasizes prioritizing will over skill, arguing that attitude and disciplined behaviors enable techniques to be learned through deliberate practice, "reps and sets", and realistic simulations. Joe shares a recruiting command case where a clear, emotionally resonant mission and targeted "bird-dog" prospecting transformed his Air Force Recruiting Squadron from near-bottom to top-ranked nationally. The discussion stresses planning, readiness, and having resources prepped ("go bag" mindset), plus the importance of emotional commitment to goals, accountability partners, and consistent execution. Morgan closes with the "challenge coin" and a "wolf-pack" ethos to illustrate trust, shared standards, and long-term professional bonds that drive performance. Chapter 1: Framing Success: Sandler's Triangle and Military Parallels 00:00:02 – 00:04:20 Sandler's Executive Chairman, David Mattson sets the stage with Sandler's success triangle—attitudes, behaviors, and techniques—before host Sean introduces Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph "Doc" Morgan. They tee up a discussion connecting Sandler's framework with the military's ends, ways, and means, hinting at friendly debate and practical crossover. Chapter 2: Will vs. Skill: Hiring, Leading, and Learning 00:04:20 – 00:07:43 Joe equates attitudes/behaviors to will and techniques to skill, emphasizing that will is far harder to teach than skill. He shares leadership lessons from deployments and the private sector: consistent reps, realistic practice, and feedback-driven improvement are the true foundations of adaptability. Chapter 3: Ends, Ways, Means: A Strategic Lens 00:07:43 – 00:11:34 They map Sandler to strategy: ends as objectives, ways as methods, and means as resources—including people. Joe stresses feasibility and alignment, mentoring others to balance ambition with effort, and spotting risk when high goals aren't matched by planned behaviors and resources. Chapter 4: Mission Clarity Drives Performance 00:11:34 – 00:16:57 Joe recounts transforming a low-ranked Air Force recruiting squadron by setting a compelling end state: "be bird dogs," not farmers, and source the talent the nation needed. With a clear, higher-purpose mission and tailored incentives, the squadron rose to top rankings nationally. Chapter 5: Ideal Profiles and Emotional Buy-In 00:16:57 – 00:20:29 Sean links mission clarity to sales by defining ideal client profiles and focusing effort where success likelihood is higher. Joe explains adapting targets by territory demographics, aligning incentives, and reinforcing that emotional connection to purpose sustains consistent, high-value prospecting. Chapter 6: Reps and Sets: Practice Like It's Real 00:20:29 – 00:23:59 Drawing on weapons school and special operations, Joe explains that realism and repetition build reflexes and excellence. The same principle applies to sales and life: role-plays, simulations, and deliberate practice—done often and with rigor—raise performance under pressure. Chapter 7: Preparedness: Plan, Stage Resources, Execute 00:23:59 – 00:28:27 They distill readiness into practical habits: plan tomorrow today, stage a "go bag," and know top targets and call objectives. Joe reinforces that plans are thinking tools to prepare for deviations; commitment matters because meaningful objectives require sacrifice and risk. Chapter 8: Commitment, Accountability, and Consistency 00:28:27 – 00:30:33 The conversation turns to conviction versus aspiration, noting how quickly resolutions fail without behavior change. Joe recommends accountability partners or "wingmen" to bolster consistency, while reminding that the deepest commitment must ultimately be to oneself. Chapter 9: The Wolf Pack: Tradition, Trust, and Team 00:30:33 – 00:33:19 Sean triggers a challenge coin moment, and Joe explains the tradition as a symbol of mutual commitment and readiness. The squadron motto—strength of the pack and the wolf—underscores lasting professional bonds, instant trust, and collective performance. Chapter 10: Close and Credits 00:33:19 – end Sean thanks Joe and the audience, noting how the coin forged new connections. The episode closes with credits and a pointer to Sandler services and resources.

April 6, 202634 min

How To Succeed at Enhancing Sales Strategies with Advanced AI Tools

Podcast Summary Unlock the secrets of AI and redefine your business strategy with insights from Seth Marrs, Sandler's Chief Strategy Officer. We promise you'll gain a clear understanding of how to wield AI's transformative power effectively without succumbing to the hype. Together, we'll navigate the tumultuous terrain of AI adoption, cutting through vendor-driven noise to focus on enhancing business efficiency. Learn how precision-targeted AI processes and smart technology investments can elevate your sales strategies while safeguarding data accuracy. Step into the future of sales training as technology and data investment revolutionize traditional methods. We explore how companies that embrace advanced data structures and generative AI are setting a new standard in sales enablement and leadership. From boosting conversation intelligence to redefining KPIs, discover how these advancements allow sales leaders to coach with precision and free teams from the shackles of outdated forecasting. This episode promises a remarkable journey into the next era of sales excellence, where strategic foresight and data-driven decision-making take center stage. Chapter 1: Introduction and Guest Setup 00:00:02 – 00:01:16 Dave Mattson introduces the How to Succeed podcast and frames the focus on attitudes, behaviors, and techniques. He welcomes guest Seth Marrs, Sandler's Chief Strategy Officer, and teases a discussion on where "the puck is going" in tech and AI for sales and leadership. Chapter 2: The Innovative Revenue Leader Podcast Overview 00:01:16 – 00:02:11 Seth explains his podcast format: deep-dives on a single topic across multiple episodes, featuring varied expert perspectives and a research-driven synthesis. The goal is to provide practical tools and insights leaders can apply to grow revenue. Chapter 3: Actionable Depth vs. High-Level Concepts 00:02:11 – 00:02:59 Dave highlights the gap between conceptual podcasts and actionable takeaways. Seth confirms they publish companion reports, citing one on five AI-driven capacity levers to ensure listeners leave with concrete steps. Chapter 4: The AI Hype Cycle and Vendor-Driven Chaos 00:02:59 – 00:04:56 They discuss the rapid acceleration of technology and AI since 2020 and a vendor-fueled market pushing "AI" everywhere. Executive pressure to "do AI" leads to misaligned investments, often neglecting foundational needs like data hygiene. Chapter 5: Why AI Initiatives Fail and What Works 00:04:56 – 00:06:08 Referencing studies with high AI failure rates, Seth argues success comes from mapping and improving specific processes with AI, not buying tools to fix problems. Proven change still follows process-first, tool-second discipline. Chapter 6: Pressure, Waste, and Upcoming Market Correction 00:06:08 – 00:08:41 Dave notes external pressure to adopt AI creates fear of being left behind. Both anticipate a near-term shift toward smarter, ROI-focused adoption, driven by CFO scrutiny and repeatable success stories clarifying where AI truly adds value. Chapter 7: Overlapping Tools and the "Can It Do It vs. Is It Good?" Test 00:08:41 – 00:10:24 They unpack redundancy in tech stacks (e.g., multiple tools that "write emails"). The real question is output quality and contextual relevance, echoing prior dynamics like using LinkedIn for accuracy and ZoomInfo for phone numbers. Chapter 8: Education Gap and Overpromising Vendors 00:10:24 – 00:11:18 Most practitioners don't understand nuanced tool differences, exacerbated by vendors claiming universal AI capability. This fuels confusion and misaligned purchasing. Chapter 9: Where the Puck Is Going: Data, Infrastructure, and Enablement 00:11:18 – 00:12:49 AI performance will only improve; organizations investing in data and infrastructure will compound gains. Seth predicts a transformation in enablement and training through conversation intelligence and role-play powered by GenAI. Chapter 10: From Training Events to Continuous, Visible Reinforcement 00:12:49 – 00:14:24 Enablement evolves from one-off training to ongoing assessment across calls and emails, with clear visibility into who applies the methodology and the outcomes. Leaders gain unprecedented insight to reinforce and optimize. Chapter 11: Science Over Art in Sales Performance 00:14:24 – 00:16:28 Dave likens the shift to medicine and pro sports: from art to data-driven science with MRIs and video review. Sales can now diagnose reality over self-reported optimism, though increased transparency may feel threatening to some. Chapter 12: Tools Elevate but Don't Replace Excellence 00:16:28 – 00:19:30 Seth asserts technology equips practitioners but doesn't eliminate the performance spectrum. Blindly following AI produces average results; top performers synthesize AI with judgment, adapting to context shifts like those during COVID. Chapter 13: Empowering High Performers and Institutionalizing Wins 00:19:30 – 00:21:28 AI can surface winning patterns from "rogue" top sellers and scale them across teams. Digital playbooks can capture best moments across individuals, but most organizations still fail to build and maintain them. Chapter 14: Culture, Curiosity, and Leveling the Field 00:21:28 – 00:22:55 Resistance stems from human nature and legacy structures that reward tenure over curiosity. The new environment favors sellers committed to craft, learning, and experimentation, expanding their opportunities. Chapter 15: Manager Adoption and the Coaching Opportunity 00:22:55 – 00:24:36 Historically, reps learned from call libraries more than managers used them. Pressure is mounting on managers to leverage these tools, shifting from generic call quotas to event-driven, targeted coaching triggers. Chapter 16: Span of Control and Precision Coaching 00:24:36 – 00:25:59 AI-driven diagnostics will increase managers' span of control by automating detection of coachable moments. Time shifts from ride-alongs and full-call reviews to focused intervention on specific gaps tied to deal impact. Chapter 17: Practical Playbook for Sales Leaders 00:25:59 – 00:27:39 Leaders should adopt tech for pinpoint coaching, grounded in recorded calls and captured emails. This enables loss mitigation via timely intervention, delivering more performance with less wasted managerial time. Chapter 18: Rethinking CRO Metrics and Forecasting 00:27:39 – 00:29:47 For CROs and owners, the mandate is a new set of leading indicators sourced from conversation and engagement data. Forecasts should become byproducts of actual selling activity rather than self-reported, error-prone rollups. Chapter 19: From Guesswork to Evidence-Based Operations 00:29:47 – 00:32:20 Leaders gain the ability to make forward-looking decisions from real interactions, not hedged numbers. Reclaiming time spent on forecasting and discovering bespoke conversational indicators creates durable competitive advantages. Chapter 20: Closing Guidance: Start Small, Solve One Problem 00:32:20 – end Seth advises choosing a single, well-defined problem, mapping it to a solvable action with a tool, and executing. Mastery and confidence build through iterative wins, avoiding the trap of broad, unfocused AI implementations. Dave closes by recapping takeaways and promoting Seth's podcast.

March 2, 202640 min

How To Succeed On the Road to Entrepreneurship

Podcast Summary This episode of the How To Succeed Podcast features watch entrepreneur Alan Tsao of the Tsao Baltimore Watch Company, tracing his journey from childhood fascination to launching a successful watch brand. After an initial manufacturing failure and losing early partners, Alan persisted, refined designs, leveraged mentorship, and achieved a breakout 2017 Kickstarter that far surpassed its goal via low-cost, gamified marketing. Tsao built trust with global manufacturers through in-person visits, grew through proactive behaviors and strategic partnerships (National Bohemian, McCormick Old Bay Seasoning, the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Orioles, and the University of Maryland Athletic Dept.), and is developing notable projects like a Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge watch - using actual bridge steel - with profits donated to victims' families after the fatal bridge disaster in March, 2024. Join us, as Alan emphasizes attitude, learning from failure, community-building, and advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take action and, "Just Do It". Chapter 1: Introduction to the How to Succeed Podcast 00:00:02 – 00:00:40 Dave Mattson frames the show's focus on the "success triangle" of attitudes, behaviors, and techniques. He sets expectations for peeling back how top performers think and act. Chapter 2: Meet the Guest and Topic 00:00:40 – 00:01:15 Host Chris McDonell welcomes guest Alan Tsao of Tsao Baltimore Watch Company and outlines the plan to explore Alan's entrepreneurial journey. Alan acknowledges the journey's challenges and rewards. Chapter 3: From Childhood Fascination to Passion Project 00:01:15 – 00:03:35 Alan traces his love of watches to a gift at age ten and explains his obsession with mechanical movements. As his career advanced, he built a 35–40 watch collection before deciding, with a nudge from his wife, to start designing his own watches. Chapter 4: Early Missteps and Losing Initial Partners 00:03:35 – 00:07:03 While working in property management, Alan looped in executives as early partners and sourced a manufacturer via a quick Google search. The first prototypes were low quality, scaring off his partners; he refunded them and bootstrapped forward, seeking advice from other microbrands to refine designs and supply chain. Chapter 5: Attitude—Learning From Failure and Pushing Forward 00:07:03 – 00:11:23 Prompted by Sandler's "attitude" lens, Alan reframes failure as learning rather than stopping. He emphasizes determination, confidence, and never giving up, aligning with the concept of "failing forward" to refine processes. Chapter 6: Breakthrough Kickstarter and Lean Marketing 00:11:23 – 00:14:58 After vastly improved prototypes, Alan launched a 2017 Kickstarter with a $45,000 goal, surpassing it in three hours and finishing at ~$115,000. He attributes traction to a $500–$800 gamified referral campaign that generated ~2,000 emails and ~25% conversion. Chapter 7: Global Sourcing and Trust-Building 00:15:13 – 00:17:57 Between 2017 and 2022, Alan traveled to Hong Kong and Switzerland to meet manufacturers. In-person relationships built trust, improved terms, and elevated product quality, strengthening credibility and operational know-how. Chapter 8: Going Full-Time, Investor Catalyst, and Hypergrowth 00:18:38 – 00:23:03 Weighing life choices post-Covid, Alan met an investor through a retail event who first commissioned 250 custom watches, then offered capital. After due diligence and valuation work, Alan accepted the deal, resigned, and the company grew 150–200% the following year. Chapter 9: Behavior—Showing Up Leads to Opportunity 00:23:03 – 00:23:53 Chris highlights the behavioral discipline of attending events and hustling while employed. Proactive behaviors, not chance, drove encounter-based breakthroughs and subsequent growth. Chapter 10: Strategic Partnerships—Natty Boh, Old Bay, Orioles, Ravens 00:23:53 – 00:27:47 Alan details collaborations beginning with National Bohemian via Instagram outreach and a fortuitous family contact leading to McCormick/Old Bay. Successive momentum earned projects with the Ravens and an official licensing partnership with the Orioles to cement local brand identity. Chapter 11: The Key Bridge Watch—Local Manufacturing and Giving Back 00:27:47 – 00:30:33 Tsao Baltimore is producing a watch using actual steel from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge, with 85% of components made in Maryland. All profits support victims' families, while the project advances local manufacturing R&D. Chapter 12: Expanding into Education and Sports Memorabilia 00:30:21 – 00:34:27 As official timepiece of University of Maryland Athletics, Alan plans "class watch" programs for schools as an alternative to rings. He previews an Orioles initiative using player-worn jerseys as mystery watch dials with signed player cards, enabling community trading events. Chapter 13: Proudest Moments—First Sale and Family Validation 00:34:27 – 00:36:48 Alan recalls the emotional impact of the first full-price online sale. A second defining moment came when his young son said, "I'm proud of you, daddy," affirming the deeper family purpose behind the business. Chapter 14: Capabilities and Services at the New Workshop 00:36:48 – 00:37:24 The new facility houses certified watchmakers capable of servicing luxury brands, acting as a U.S. repair hub for jewelers and independent watch companies. Chapter 15: Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs 00:37:24 – end Drawing on his teaching at the University of Baltimore, Alan urges aspiring founders to start, learn by doing, and iterate through trial and error. He stresses overcoming comfort zones, accepting risk, and avoiding regret by taking the first step.

February 2, 202640 min

How To Succeed at An Elite Level

Podcast Summary This episode of the How to Succeed Podcast features NFL Hall of Famer Rondé Barber discussing how preparation, consistency, adaptability, and humble leadership fueled his 16-year career, 215 consecutive starts, and post-football success in broadcasting and business. Rondé emphasizes daily incremental improvement, rigorous study translating to business "film prep," evolving the nickel corner role through responsibility and versatility, and the impact of mentors and coaches like Tony Dungy on building calm, steady, plan-driven teams. Join us as we learn key takeaways for sales and business leaders including, preparing deeply to create confidence, maintaining disciplined routines for consistency, and adapting to change to reinvent roles and achieve lasting results. Chapter 1: Opening and Guest Introduction 00:00:02 – 00:01:59 Dave Mattson, Executive Chairman of Sandler introduces the How to Succeed podcast's success triangle—Attitude, Behavior, and Technique—and frames the episode's theme: translating elite athletic performance to business. Jim Marshall presents guest Rondé Barber, highlighting his NFL legacy, leadership roles, and focus on preparation, consistency, adaptability, and professionalism. Chapter 2: Early Struggles and the Mindset Shift 00:01:59 – 00:05:41 Barber recounts a rocky NFL start, playing only one game his rookie season, and the doubt that fueled his drive. He connects lessons from redshirting in college and overcoming setbacks to a career-long mentality of outworking everyone and relentlessly improving. Chapter 3: Availability, Durability, and Discipline 00:05:41 – 00:08:38 Discussing his 215 consecutive starts, Barber cites "availability" as a critical ability, playing through pain, smart recovery modalities, and some luck in avoiding major injuries. He underscores the discipline to maintain routines and the motivation to never let someone else take his job. Chapter 4: Building Performance Routines and Incremental Gains 00:08:38 – 00:11:00 Barber outlines a philosophy that you are either getting better or worse each day. He describes daily incremental improvement—refining techniques, studying opponents, and analyzing himself—as a transferable approach for business professionals and even his daughters' pursuits. Chapter 5: Preparation = Opportunity 00:11:00 – 00:13:49 Barber explains how preparation creates the appearance of effortlessness, framing success as preparation married to opportunity. He applies this to broadcasting and event leadership: anticipate scenarios, study past outcomes, plan for contingencies, and be ready to execute. Chapter 6: Learning Broadcasting Through Reps and Mentorship 00:13:49 – 00:16:08 Transitioning to TV felt like being thrown into the deep end. Barber credits mentors like Dick Stockton, Chris Myers, and Kenny Albert for refining cadence and content. He emphasizes "time on task"—repetition, feedback, and reviewing successes and failures. Chapter 7: Opponent-Specific Prep and Strategic Familiarity 00:16:08 – 00:18:21 Using the Eagles as a case study, Barber shows how repeated matchups build a "dossier" for faster, deeper preparation. He leveraged familiarity to stay a step ahead, turning knowledge of how opponents targeted him into an advantage and producing standout performances. Chapter 8: Redefining the Nickel and Evolving the Tampa 2 Defense 00:18:21 – 00:22:19 Barber details how his agility and short-area quickness enabled expanding the nickel role from coverage to blitzing and run support, paralleling a linebacker at times. Collaborating with coaches, he helped evolve the Tampa 2 Defense into a widely emulated standard. Chapter 9: Culture of Earned Leadership 00:22:19 – 00:25:03 Reflecting on a roster of leaders, Barber highlights Hardy Nickerson's example and the team ethos: lead by example first, then grow vocally with experience. Leadership is earned through time, consistency, and relentless attention to detail. Chapter 10: Tony Dungy's Influence and Consistent Leadership 00:25:03 – 00:27:11 Barber praises Dungy's calm, consistent, and humane leadership, noting life lessons beyond football. Dungy's emphasis on community, family, and philanthropy shaped players' post-career success and instilled humble confidence. Chapter 11: The Role of Coaching and Unified Execution 00:27:11 – 00:28:48 Coaches provide the plan and alignment. Barber stresses the importance of everyone executing the same call—even if imperfect—because unity drives results. Coaching is the vessel that moves teams collectively toward goals. Chapter 12: Transitioning After Football 00:28:48 – 00:31:16 Barber credits his twin brother and peers like John Lynch for guiding his post-career path into broadcasting and business. He cautions that NFL careers are short, advocates planning for what's next, and notes his "Plan A or bust" focus until retirement opened new doors. Chapter 13: Values: Humility, Resilience, and No Excuses 00:31:16 – 00:33:52 Personal values—authenticity, humility, and resilience—anchor Barber's approach. He honors his mother's example in overcoming adversity and reiterates a locker-room mantra: no excuses, no explanations, maintaining competence through challenges. Chapter 14: Mentoring for Greatness 00:33:52 – 00:36:37 Barber illustrates the difference between good and great with a story about mentoring Aqib Talib. By pulling Talib into extra study and routines, he models the "extra mile" required for elite performance, just as veterans once did for him. Chapter 15: Valspar Championship and Community Impact 00:36:37 – 00:39:29 Barber promotes the Valspar Championship's community footprint, volunteer network, and charitable giving surpassing $53 million over 50 years. He highlights strong sponsorship, player affinity for the venue, and the sales efforts of "Copperheads" that power the event. Chapter 16: Key Takeaways and Closing 00:39:29 – 00:40:11 The episode closes with three actionable themes for business: preparation builds confidence, consistency separates performers, and adaptability enables reinvention. Barber adds that being uncommon—pursuing unique, sometimes unconventional paths—drives best-in-class results.

January 5, 202624 min

How To Succeed at Relational Authority and the Power to Influence Internally

Podcast Summary Join us for an insightful exploration of the art of influencing people internally within organizations. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Sabine Gedeon, an esteemed executive advisor and speaker, as we dissect the concept of relational authority and its crucial role in building internal influence. Sabine emphasizes that mindset is 80% of success and highlights the significance of understanding your audience by stepping into their shoes. We uncover the challenges faced in internal negotiations, particularly in sales and HR, and the importance of aligning internal support to meet client needs. Discover how behaviors, attitudes, and techniques, encapsulated in the acronym BAT, are essential to enhancing influence and achieving success within an organization. Listen in as we emphasize the importance of preparation and strategic relationship-building to effectively influence stakeholders. By identifying key individuals who may challenge or support a proposed change, you can tailor your approach to align with their priorities. We discuss the use of tools like DISC to understand team members' perspectives and the impact of consistent behavior in building credibility and trust over time. Learn how nurturing internal networks and maintaining a reputation for thoroughness can significantly enhance your ability to gain support for initiatives. This episode provides actionable insights for overcoming resistance and achieving success by mastering the art of internal influence. (00:02) Influencing People Internally (10:22) Preparing to Influence Internally (00:02) Influencing People Internally This chapter explores the essential components of relational authority and the power to influence people internally within organizations. Joined by Sabine Gedeon, an executive advisor and speaker, we examine the critical role of mindset in successful influence. We discuss how understanding your audience and preparing for conversations by stepping into their shoes is vital for building influence. Sabine emphasizes that mindset constitutes 80% of success, and having the right attitude is crucial before any strategic execution. The conversation highlights the challenges people face in internal negotiations, especially in sales and HR, and the importance of aligning internal support to meet client needs. The focus is on behaviors, attitudes, and techniques, as embodied in the acronym BAT, and how these elements contribute to improving one's influence and success within an organization. (10:22) Preparing to Influence Internally This chapter explores the importance of preparation and strategic relationship-building in influencing stakeholders within an organization. I discuss the necessity of identifying key individuals who might challenge or support a proposed change, and how to align them with your goals. By understanding the perspectives of different team members, especially through tools like DISC, you can tailor your approach to address their priorities effectively. I also emphasize the significance of consistent behavior in building credibility and trust over time. By nurturing internal networks and maintaining a reputation for thoroughness, you can significantly enhance your ability to gain support for initiatives, making it clear that preparation is key to overcoming resistance and achieving success.

December 1, 202540 min

How To Succeed at Being Authentic

Podcast Summary Anthony Vincent Bova, the brilliant mind behind the Edgework Method, joins us to unearth the true meaning of authenticity in sales. With his vast experience as a communications coach, Anthony shares his insights on how being genuinely present with customers can transform skeptical buyers into trusting clients. Throughout our conversation, we emphasize how authenticity isn't just a buzzword but a fundamental shift in how salespeople can build enduring relationships with their clients by being comfortable in their own skin. The episode also addresses the delicate balance between maintaining authenticity and meeting sales targets. Drawing intriguing parallels between acting and sales, we discuss how the pressure to perform often detracts from authentic client interactions. Anthony and I explore how self-imposed pressures and company expectations can lead to inauthentic behaviors, akin to an actor losing their emotional truth. The episode challenges salespeople to differentiate between "acting natural" and "being natural," proposing a focus on genuine relationship-building over performance metrics. Managers and leaders play a pivotal role in nurturing authenticity within sales teams, and this episode highlights the importance of creating safe, supportive environments. By encouraging conversations about emotions and focusing on understanding client needs, leaders can guide their teams toward more genuine connections with clients. In a heartfelt discussion between Anthony and his friend, Jim, we reflect on the power of gratitude and learning as twin pillars of personal and professional growth. This episode captures the spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement, inviting listeners to further explore authenticity in sales on the Sandler How to Succeed podcast. (00:02) Authenticity in Sales (13:35) Balancing Authenticity in Sales (25:41) Cultivating Authenticity in Sales Culture (39:43) Gratitude and Learning in Sales (00:02) Authenticity in Sales This chapter focuses on the concept of authenticity in sales, especially in a marketplace where buyers are increasingly skeptical. We explore how being genuine can foster trust and connect with customers on a human level while still achieving sales targets. I talk with Anthony Vincent Bova, founder of the Edgework Method, who shares insights from his experience as a communications coach. We discuss what it truly means to be authentic in sales beyond the buzzwords, emphasizing the importance of being present and connecting with customers. Anthony explains that authenticity is about being comfortable in one's own presence and that salespeople often struggle with it because they doubt that being themselves is enough. We also address how redirectional behaviors can mask insecurities, and we provide practical steps to maintain integrity in customer interactions. (13:35) Balancing Authenticity in Sales This chapter explores the challenge of maintaining authenticity in sales while under pressure to meet targets. By drawing a parallel between acting and sales, we highlight how the pressure to perform can shift focus away from genuine interactions with clients to simply meeting quotas. The discussion examines how self-imposed pressures and company expectations can lead to inauthentic behavior, similar to an actor losing their emotional truth under the demands of a film set. We also differentiate between "acting natural" and "being natural," illustrating how this distinction applies to both actors and salespeople. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on authentic relationship-building rather than solely on performance metrics, using insights from acting to offer a fresh perspective on the sales process. (25:41) Cultivating Authenticity in Sales Culture This chapter focuses on the importance of authenticity in sales and the distinction between being self-conscious and selfless. We explore how selflessness—centered on understanding and addressing the client's needs—creates a genuine connection, allowing clients to feel heard. Authenticity, while potentially inherent, can also be cultivated through upbringing and intentional coaching. Managers and leaders play a crucial role in fostering authenticity by creating safe environments where team members can express themselves freely without fear of judgment. We emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence and the role of feelings in sales, encouraging managers to engage their teams in conversations about their emotions. By shifting focus from performance metrics to feelings, managers can help their teams grow into more authentic and effective salespeople. (39:43) Gratitude and Learning in Sales This chapter highlights a meaningful exchange between friends, Anthony and Jim, where gratitude and appreciation are at the forefront. We explore the importance of learning and personal growth through conversations, as Anthony expresses how each interaction with Jim offers new insights. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our listeners for their attention and participation, emphasizing the value of community and shared learning. This episode captures the spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement, and we look forward to future discussions that inspire and educate. Join us again for more insights on the Sandler How to Succeed podcast.

November 3, 202532 min

How to Succeed at 10xing Your Sales Force and 20xing Your Sales

Podcast Summary Join us for an insightful conversation with Daniel Rosen from Renovo Financial as we explore the concept of the success triangle—attitudes, behaviors, and techniques—in scaling businesses. Daniel shares his remarkable journey, highlighting Renovo's impressive 10x expansion of its sales team and 40x business growth over the past six years. Discover the pivotal role of mindset and the "adult-adult" approach in building enduring relationships within the commoditized lending industry. Daniel emphasizes the significance of "slowing down to speed up," a principle that has shaped Renovo's success in cultivating genuine business partnerships and mutual growth. We also discuss the importance of building long-term client relationships by prioritizing a local, client-centric approach in the real estate lending business. Learn how understanding clients' business journeys and challenges leads to stronger partnerships and a referral-based business model. Additionally, we explore effective hiring and onboarding strategies that have distinguished Renovo, especially during the challenges of COVID-19. By setting clear expectations and rigorous training, Renovo has cultivated a team of top producers who thrive in a supportive environment. Daniel's experiences and insights provide a comprehensive look at fostering genuine connections and a structured approach to success. (00:02) Success Triangle (10:32) Building Long-Term Client Relationships (18:18) Effective Hiring and Onboarding Processes (00:02) Success Triangle This chapter features a conversation with Daniel Rosen from Renovo Financial, highlighting his journey and the impressive growth of his company. We explore the significance of the success triangle—attitudes, behaviors, and techniques—in scaling businesses, as evidenced by Renovo's remarkable 10x sales team expansion and 40x business growth over six years. Daniel emphasizes the importance of mindset, particularly the "adult-adult" approach in building lasting relationships in a commoditized lending industry. We reflect on a pivotal moment when Daniel first reached out for sales training, underscoring the value of slowing down to speed up, and how this principle has shaped Renovo's relationship-driven success. Through this lens, Daniel's insights reveal how fostering genuine business partnerships contributes to mutual growth and success. (10:32) Building Long-Term Client Relationships This chapter focuses on the importance of building genuine relationships in the real estate lending business by prioritizing a local, client-centric approach. We explore how understanding a client's overall business journey and challenges leads to stronger, long-term partnerships rather than just focusing on individual deals. Emphasizing the mantra "slow down to speed up," we highlight the benefits of investing time to understand clients' needs and making informed decisions on fit and alignment. By prioritizing relationship-building, we aim to transform sales strategies into a referral-based business model that drives sustained growth. Through personal experiences and insights, we underscore how this approach has led to significant increases in loan processing volumes, illustrating the power of a well-cultivated, client-focused sales process. (18:18) Effective Hiring and Onboarding Processes This chapter explores the innovative hiring and onboarding strategies that have set a company apart, particularly during the challenges of COVID-19 when operations expanded nationwide. By emphasizing the importance of having a clear process and identifying the right candidate profile, I highlight how this approach mirrors effective prospecting techniques. The conversation underscores the necessity of transparency in setting expectations, where the upfront communication of challenges and rigorous training requirements becomes crucial. This method not only avoids overselling the job but also prepares candidates for the demanding nature of the role. We also discuss the implementation of techniques like upfront contracts and role-playing, alongside regular accountability meetings, which ensure new hires are equipped and ready to succeed. The outcome of this meticulous process is a team of top producers who thrive under the company's supportive and structured environment.

October 6, 202523 min

How To Succeed On and Off the Field

Podcast Summary Former NFL wide receiver Bernard Berrien joins us for an enlightening conversation on cultivating a success mindset that transcends the boundaries of sports and business. Bernard shares his inspiring journey from playing college football at Fresno State to making it to the NFL, underscoring the power of confidence and resilience in overcoming challenges. Listeners will gain an understanding of how a positive attitude not only prepares individuals to excel but also elevates those around them. Bernard also opens up about his pre-game routine, highlighting the role of music and consistent habits in achieving a winning mindset. We unpack the traits that athletes bring to the corporate world, discussing the parallels between sports and business. Discover how discipline, commitment, and competitiveness form a solid foundation for success in sales and leadership roles. Bernard emphasizes that behind-the-scenes effort and preparation are key, offering advice to young athletes on the importance of hard work and physical health. The conversation reveals how dedication in sports seamlessly translates to business success, proving that consistent effort and self-care outweigh raw talent. Our exploration doesn't stop at the professional realm. Bernard shares his admiration for Michael Jordan, highlighting the basketball legend's impactful transition from sports to business. We also delve into Bernard's personal interests, such as drumming, dancing, and gardening, which offer him stress relief and personal growth. This episode captures the essence of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals and valuing time, providing entrepreneurs with insights to balance success and personal life. Tune in for Bernard's invaluable perspectives on achieving your goals, and connect with him on Instagram for ongoing inspiration. (00:02) Success Mindset for Athletes and Entrepreneurs (10:09) Athlete Traits for Corporate Success (17:49) Personal and Professional Growth Strategies (22:35) Winning Mindset With Bernard Barian (00:02) Success Mindset for Athletes and Entrepreneurs This chapter features an engaging conversation with Bernard Berrien, a former NFL wide receiver and entrepreneur, as we explore the attitudes, behaviors, and techniques necessary to succeed both on and off the field. Bernard shares his journey from college football at Fresno State to playing in the NFL, emphasizing the critical role of mindset and attitude in achieving and maintaining success. With only a small percentage of college athletes making it to the professional level, Bernard highlights the importance of confidence and resilience in overcoming challenges. He describes how a positive attitude not only prepares individuals to win but also inspires those around them to perform at their best. Bernard also reveals his pre-game routine, including the significance of music and maintaining consistent habits to get into the right mindset. This conversation offers valuable insights into the parallels between athletic and business success, focusing on how the right mental approach can drive achievement. (10:09) Athlete Traits for Corporate Success This chapter explores the parallels between the corporate world and team sports, emphasizing the transferable traits of discipline, commitment, and competitiveness that make athletes successful in business. I highlight how the dedication and work ethic required in sports translate into a strong foundation for sales and leadership roles. We discuss the importance of what you do behind the scenes, such as practicing and preparing when no one is watching, to achieve success on game day, which in business translates to consistently following up with clients and sticking to a strategy. I underscore the importance of habits, discipline, and preparation over raw talent, suggesting that success is built on consistent effort and self-care. Additionally, advice is offered to young athletes aspiring to elevate their careers, emphasizing the significance of hard work and maintaining physical health as integral components of achieving one's goals. (17:49) Personal and Professional Growth Strategies This chapter explores the admiration for Michael Jordan, both as an athlete and a business figure, emphasizing his ability to say no and make smart decisions. I reflect on personal growth and resilience, drawing inspiration from Jordan's successful transition from sports to business. We uncover lesser-known facts about Bernard Barron, including his past as a drummer and drum major, and his love for dancing and gardening as stress relief. We discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with smarter individuals for personal and professional development, along with the value of reading and watching documentaries. Finally, we touch on the significance of time, sharing the perspective that while money can always be earned, time once lost is irreplaceable, a sentiment that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs striving for a balance between success and personal life. (22:35) Winning Mindset With Bernard Barian This chapter features an engaging conversation with Bernard Barian, who shares his insights on cultivating a winner's mindset. We explore Bernard's strategies for success and how his mental approach can inspire others to achieve their goals. The episode provides listeners with valuable perspectives on personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and determined outlook. I express my gratitude to Bernard for his contributions and encourage listeners to connect with him on Instagram for further inspiration. Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to bringing more insightful discussions on the How to Succeed podcast.

September 8, 202552 min

How To Succeed at Transforming Your Life

Podcast Summary Carlos Garrido took a leap of faith in 2009, leaving behind the bustling world of finance in England to embrace the vibrant opportunities of Miami, Florida. His journey wasn't just about navigating new landscapes but also about mastering a language and culture that were foreign at first. Encouraged by his brother, Carlos transitioned into entrepreneurship, carrying with him the Sandler principles that had already begun to shape his perspective on personal and professional success. His story illuminates the profound impact of perseverance and connection, emphasizing how these tools helped him overcome the daunting challenges of starting anew. The definition of success is ever-evolving, and today more than ever, it transcends mere financial gain. We explore how iconic figures like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg reflect a modern ethos that prioritizes health and time freedom over ostentatious wealth. Carlos shares his enlightening experience with the 75 Hard program, a grueling yet transformative regimen that reshaped his approach to mental toughness and personal growth. This personal narrative highlights the shift from external validation to intrinsic self-worth, encouraging listeners to question deeply ingrained beliefs about success and identity. The episode rounds out with a discussion on achieving a balanced life, where both health and business aspirations find harmony. Through holistic practices such as Stoicism, journaling, and meditation, Carlos has redefined his views on masculinity and success. The integration of new fitness techniques and dietary changes, shared with family members, serves as a testament to the power of personal transformation. Amidst life's inevitable setbacks, the commitment to ongoing development remains unwavering, painting a picture of a life where professional achievements and personal well-being coexist, driving toward a future of holistic success and fulfillment. (00:02) Journey to Success Through Sandler Principles (16:43) The Mental Toughness of Success (21:06) Transformation Through Fitness and Business (37:08) Balancing Health and Business Success (00:02) Journey to Success Through Sandler Principles This chapter features a conversation with Carlos Garrido, a Sandler trainer from Miami, Florida, who shares his personal and professional journey. Originally from Manchester, England, Carlos discusses his multicultural background with a Greek mother and a Spanish father, and his initial career in finance and investment banking. He explains how he relocated to Miami in 2009 to lead business development and M&A activities in Latin America, a move that was prompted by the global emphasis on BRICS strategies. Despite not speaking Spanish initially, Carlos embraced the challenge and fell in love with Miami and the United States, eventually becoming an American citizen. He recounts how he transitioned from finance to starting his own business in Miami, with encouragement from his brother who was a Sandler client. The chapter highlights the importance of perseverance and connection in overcoming the initial challenges of entrepreneurship. (16:43) The Mental Toughness of Success This chapter explores the evolving notion of what signifies success and wealth, contrasting the 1980s' flashy displays with today's emphasis on physical health and time freedom. We examine how modern entrepreneurs prioritize fitness, highlighting billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg as examples of this shift. The conversation then transitions into a personal narrative about discovering and undertaking the 75 Hard program, a regimen aimed at mental toughness that also results in improved health. Initially resistant, I recount how repeated encounters with the program's concept, through friends and YouTube videos featuring its creator Andy Frazella, led to a transformative mindset shift. This experience underscores the importance of discipline, time management, and mental resilience in achieving personal growth. (21:06) Transformation Through Fitness and Business This chapter examines the journey of committing to a demanding 75-day program that requires daily dedication and challenges one's personal beliefs and identity. We explore how embarking on this journey required reevaluating what success means, questioning ingrained beliefs about roles as a man, father, and husband, and prioritizing personal health over economic achievements. Through self-reflection, the importance of self-concept in achieving success, especially in business and sales, is highlighted, emphasizing that one's self-worth is not solely tied to financial accomplishments. The transformative process includes overcoming cynicism and shifting the focus from external validation to an intrinsic sense of self-worth and personal value. This narrative illustrates the profound impact of challenging and reshaping one's identity and beliefs on personal growth and fulfillment. (37:08) Balancing Health and Business Success This chapter explores the journey of personal and professional growth, focusing on the transformation in mindset and lifestyle. We discuss the importance of integrating holistic practices like journaling, meditation, and philosophical exploration, particularly with Stoicism, to reshape perspectives on success and masculinity. Emphasizing the value of physical health, the narrative highlights adopting new fitness techniques and dietary habits, supported by resources like Men's Health and YouTube tutorials. We reflect on the continuous ambition for business growth, noting the significant progress made and future aspirations. The journey is one of balancing professional achievements with personal health and family life, sharing the challenges and rewards of weight loss and strength training, particularly in partnership with family members. Despite setbacks, the commitment to ongoing development remains steadfast, aiming for holistic success and well-being.