Power to Sell

Hosted by Eric Gjerdevig

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Power to Sell is a student-led podcast focusing on mastering the underlying skills of persuasion, leadership, and sales. It's focused on how we transform these 'ordinary' human skills into the extraordinary and how we can differentiate ourselves based on how we sell versus the characteristics of what we sell.

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57 recent

November 10, 2026Episode 5736 min

Dzifa Amexo - Power of Adaptability

What happens when your career takes you in a direction you never expected? Sometimes, the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, recorded at Salesforce Tower in New York City, NDSU students sit down with Dzifa Amexo, social media and Content Specialist for Salesforce and Tableau, to explore career adaptability, the evolving role of AI, and the importance of human connection in a technology-driven world. Dzifa shares her unconventional career journey, from early aspirations in healthcare and finance to discovering a passion for data analytics and eventually transitioning into technology marketing and content creation. Her story highlights the power of curiosity, taking calculated risks, and saying "yes" to opportunities that might initially seem intimidating. The conversation also explores how Salesforce is leveraging AI to streamline workflows, create content, and improve productivity. Dzifa explains why critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication remain essential, even as AI tools become increasingly powerful. Technology can accelerate the work, but authentic storytelling still requires a human touch. Throughout the episode, Dzifa offers valuable advice for students and emerging professionals about building relationships, developing transferable skills, and embracing unexpected opportunities. The biggest takeaway? Your career doesn't have to follow a straight line. Stay curious, embrace change, and never underestimate the power of your network.

November 5, 2026Episode 5634 min

David Wodnicki - Power of Authenticity

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, North Dakota State University (NDSU) students travel to New York City to record from LinkedIn's offices inside the iconic Empire State Building. Their guest is David Wodnicki, Microsoft GTM Partnership & AI Sales Key Accounts Executive at LinkedIn, who shares insights on career adaptability, professional networking, and the importance of authenticity in sales. David reflects on his unconventional career journey, beginning with a one-way ticket to New York City after graduating from the University of Southern California, without a job or apartment lined up. From Enterprise Rent-A-Car's management training program to sales roles at DHL and LexisNexis, David built a foundation of business and relationship-building skills that eventually led him to LinkedIn. During his 11 years with the company, he even helped create his current strategic role connecting LinkedIn and Microsoft account teams. Throughout the conversation, David offers practical advice for students and emerging professionals on building meaningful professional networks. He explains why personalized outreach matters more than collecting connections and why authenticity should never be replaced by AI-generated messaging. While artificial intelligence provides unprecedented access to information and sales intelligence, David emphasizes that empathy, critical thinking, and genuine human relationships remain essential to sales success. This episode is packed with practical career advice and a powerful reminder that technology may change how we sell, but people remain at the heart of successful selling.

October 27, 2026Episode 5531 min

Jahmy Hindman - Power of Connection

In this special live recording of the Power to Sell podcast at North Dakota State University, student hosts sit down with Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer at John Deere, to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, leadership, sales, and human connection. With more than 30 years at John Deere, Jahmy has witnessed an incredible transformation in agriculture and construction technology. From autonomous tractors and computer vision to generative AI that helps farmers make better decisions, he shares how John Deere continues to innovate while staying focused on the people who use its products. But perhaps the biggest takeaway isn't about technology at all. It's about relationships. Jahmy explains why trust, communication, and authentic human connections become even more valuable as technology advances. He also shares career advice that shaped his leadership philosophy, the importance of simplifying complex ideas, and why investing in relationships is one of the smartest decisions young professionals can make. Plus, get a glimpse into the future of agriculture, including the possibility of humanoid robots working alongside farmers. Technology may change how we work, but human connection remains at the heart of how we succeed. This episode is sponsored by RDO Equipment.

October 7, 2026Episode 5432 min

Eric Newell - Power of Rapport

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, NDSU Students sit down with Eric Newell, founder and CEO of StoneRidge Software. Eric shares his entrepreneurial journey from Microsoft veteran to building StoneRidge Software from a three-person startup into a 200+ employee organization and a 10-time Inc. 5000 company. Central to the conversation is why building genuine human rapport—asking insightful questions, uncovering client fears, and understanding true business intentions—serves as the ultimate superpower in sales and leadership. Key Takeaways & Highlights: The Art of Rapport over Formula: Why top sales professionals stand out by connecting with people and uncovering their core business challenges, turning selling into collaborative problem-solving rather than pushy telemarketing. Overcoming "Do Nothing": How to guide non-technical buyers through complex, high-stakes software transformations ($100,000 to $5 million) and motivate organizations to overcome inertia. AI and the Human Touch: Practical guidelines for using AI as a starting partner for efficiency while preserving personal authenticity and human connection. Scaling Through Trust and Delegation: Eric's evolution from founder to CEO, learning to let go of hands-on control by implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and empowering trusted leaders. Confidence & Career Foundations: Why intentional public speaking practice transformed Eric's presentation ability, along with his advice for college graduates to build a lasting reputation by being a "sponge" for learning.

May 8, 2026Episode 5340 min

Don Masters - Power of Time

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, students sat down with Don Masters, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Border States, to discuss why time is one of the most valuable assets in professional sales. Masters shares the best advice he ever received: treat time like money by breaking annual quotas into daily goals to maximize productivity and consistency. One area of focus was the idea that trust is built by consistently honoring small commitments, whether that’s showing up early, following through on promises, or meeting deadlines. Over time, those moments compound, helping sales professionals evolve from vendors into trusted partners. The episode also explores how Border States is leveraging AI to accelerate “time to solution” by automating manual tasks and creating more time for meaningful customer interactions. Masters also cautions students against impatience, emphasizing that strong B2B relationships are built incrementally over time. Finally, he discusses the transition from working “in” the business to working “on” the business, highlighting the importance of disciplined decision-making, data, and long-term thinking.

April 1, 2026Episode 5244 min

CeCe Morken - Power of Empathy

This episode of the Power to Sell podcast features an interview with Cece Morken, a successful North Dakota State University alumni and former CEO of Headspace. Throughout the conversation, Morken discusses her transition from sales and marketing into high-level executive leadership and corporate board roles. She emphasizes that effective selling and leading both require deep empathy and a focus on co-developing solutions with others. Morken also shares personal insights on maintaining a growth mindset, the benefits of meditation in the workplace, and the importance of being a "learn-it-all" rather than a "know-it-all." The discussion serves as a guide for students entering the workforce, highlighting trust, transparency, and humility as the foundations of a meaningful career.

March 26, 2026Episode 5141 min

Ann Melancon - Power of Relationships

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, training manager Ann Melancon joins student hosts to discuss her career path and the relationship-driven culture at CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors). After a 15-year career gap as a stay-at-home mother, Ann returned to the workforce at CED, a company she praises for its integrity and family-oriented environment. Ann describes CED as a decentralized wholesale electrical supplier where nearly 800 locations operate as independent "profit centers" run like small businesses. She emphasizes that the company’s success relies on authentic relationship building rather than traditional marketing, as sales professionals must understand a customer’s goals to provide superior service. Ann asserts that "everything is sales" and highlights essential skills such as active listening, the empathy of a "human touch," and the tenacity to ask for the sale. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on CED’s Management Training Program, which fosters leadership by seeking "hungry, humble, and smart" candidates who possess a growth mindset. Regarding modern technology, Ann explains that while the industry is often a "late adopter," CED is foundational in powering AI by supplying materials for massive data centers. Ultimately, Ann advises graduating seniors to avoid the "thief of joy" that is comparison, encouraging them to find mentors and remain curious as they navigate their unique professional timelines

March 3, 2026Episode 5036 min

Joe Sandin - Power of Reps

In this episode of the Power to Sell podcast, NDSU students sit down with Joe Sandin, founder and CEO of Onsharp, to explore lessons from his 26-year journey as a technology entrepreneur and business leader. A central theme throughout the conversation is the importance of putting in the reps, the belief that mastery in sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship comes from consistent, disciplined effort over time. Sandin reflects on the risks he took starting a technology company while still in college and explains why gaining real-world selling experience early in a career creates long-term competitive advantage. The discussion also examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development by automating repetitive work and enabling engineers to focus on higher-value problem solving. Beyond technology, Sandin shares practical leadership insights, encouraging young professionals to focus on outcomes rather than micromanagement, build trust through authentic relationships, and remain willing to take on difficult challenges. Throughout the episode, Sandin reinforces the mindset of lifelong learning, reminding students that success in both sales and technology belongs to those who continually adapt, grow, and keep putting in the reps.

February 18, 2026Episode 4953 min

Ryan Watkins - Power of Reliability

In this episode of Power to Sell , NDSU students interview Ryan Watkins, the CEO of the upper Midwest region for Marsh McLennan Agency. Watkins shares his professional journey, which began with high-volume cold calling and transitioned into a successful career in the insurance industry. He reflects on his rise through various leadership roles, eventually overseeing a half-billion-dollar business with 1,600 colleagues. The conversation delves into Watkins' core philosophies, highlighting the importance of intellectual curiosity, reliability, and a servant leadership mindset, where he views his primary role as serving his team rather than being served by them. Watkins emphasizes that work ethic and grit are the primary differentiators of top-performing advisors, famously citing his father’s advice that "indecisive squirrels get smooshed" to encourage decisive action. Beyond leadership, Watkins addresses modern industry shifts, including the growing role of AI in automating data-heavy tasks like contract review. He also offers practical sales advice, focusing on maintaining a "high say-to-do ratio" to establish trust and moving from a vendor status to a true business partner. Finally, Watkins provides a personal glimpse into his life as an avid bow hunter and offers final encouragement to college seniors to "go all in" as they enter the workforce.

February 11, 2026Episode 4832 min

KJ Blattenbauer - Power of Brevity

In this episode of Power to Sell , NDSU students sit down with publicist and author KJ Blattenbauer. KJ discusses her career journey and the core principles of her new book, Pitchworthy . She shares practical advice for small business owners and students on how to persuade audiences and build credibility without a large budget. Blattenbauer emphasizes that successful pitching requires brevity, clarity, and a focus on the recipient’s needs rather than the sender’s accolades. She also cautions against the “beige” quality of AI-generated messaging, advocating instead for human elements like context, storytelling, and active listening. The conversation highlights the importance of professionalism and follow-through, illustrating how simple acts of gratitude can help launch a successful career. Throughout the interview, Blattenbauer encourages listeners to proactively network and maintain a consistent personal brand in order to stand out in a competitive market.