The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Ryan Page, founder of Backpocket CPA, about financial strategies that empower small businesses. Ryan shares his transition from working in large corporations to focusing on smaller enterprises and female-led creative agencies, providing invaluable insights on how to optimise business operations and maintain financial health. The discussion revolves around the importance of processes, the challenges of accounting for small businesses, and how these can be leveraged to make significant impacts. Throughout the episode, listeners are treated to an analysis of sales strategies, revenue management, and the critical distinction between profitability and cash flow. Ryan stresses the significance of knowing one’s ideal client and the necessity of targeting strategies to maximise business impact. He discusses the concept of financial intimidation where small business owners feel uneasy about their finances, explaining how Backpocket CPA helps bridge this gap. The conversation offers actionable takeaways for businesses looking to maintain healthy margins and make informed decisions, especially in dynamic and competitive environments. To connect with Ryan and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanapage/ Website – https://backpocketcpas.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, Tanny Diep shares her inspiring journey from a corporate sales background to becoming a leading figure in the beauty industry in Los Angeles. The episode explores her unconventional career path, including stints in fashion design and yoga, before discovering her passion for eyebrow microblading. Tanny candidly shares the challenges and rewards of reinvention and the pivotal moments that guided her toward building a successful beauty brand, Sway Brows. Her story is a testament to perseverance and resilience, shedding light on the power of creativity and service. Essential themes include navigating immigrant expectations, harnessing sales and marketing prowess, and the transformative impact of finding one’s purpose. The conversation highlights Tanny’s dedication to uplifting clients through beauty services, especially those dealing with low self-esteem due to hair loss or medical conditions. Her emphasis on gratitude, continuous self-improvement, and serving others solidify her business’s foundation and personal success. To connect with Tanny and to learn more about what she does, please go to: Website – https://swaybrows.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/swaybrows/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I explore the transformative role of AI in sales with Roi Talpaz, the Co-Founder and CEO of Backdrop. The conversation delves into the implications of artificial intelligence in modern sales processes, especially how technology can navigate the intricacies of customer relations and lead generation. Roi shares his journey from childhood tech-enthusiast to AI innovator, and explains how his experiences in the marketplace inspired the creation of Backdrop to streamline sales communication and efficiency. The conversation is rich in insights about the potential and pitfalls of AI in sales. Roi outlines how Backdrop is revolutionising mid-call assistance for sales reps by using AI to provide live feedback and question prompts, improving the quality of sales interactions. He ardently believes AI should complement, not replace, the human element in sales, drawing attention to the delicate balance between automation and human intuition. This episode is indispensable for sales leaders eager to leverage AI without compromising client relationships and staying competitive in an evolving marketplace. To connect with Roi and to learn more about what he does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/roi-talpaz/ Website – https://www.getbackdrop.ai/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I delve into the experience and strategies of Aly Samaha, a seasoned sales consultant known as the “Follow Up King.” Broadcasting directly from Cairo, Aly shares his journey from economics and rhetoric to founding a consultancy renowned for turning stone-cold sales opportunities into flourishing deals. This conversation offers the audience a crisp insight into the significance of strategic follow-ups in sales to boost conversion and retention and emphasises the nurturing of human connections over pure AI-driven techniques. Throughout the discussion, Aly unwraps the intricacies of closing high-ticket sales while maintaining genuine customer interactions amidst an ever-evolving AI landscape. He stresses that while technology such as AI can efficiently streamline research and manage leads, the ultimate differentiator lies in maintaining a personal touch that builds trust and authenticity between seller and buyer. The episode is rich with insights on leveraging operational experience in sales, optimising CRM systems, and marrying process excellence over outcome obsession. Aly inspires sales professionals to forge substantial relationships with prospects and clients, focusing on clarity and mutual growth. To connect with Aly and to learn more about what he does, including gaining free access to his ‘Follow-Up Vault’, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/samsonsamaha/ Website – https://alysamaha.com/ Follow-Up Vault – https://alysamaha.com/darren

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Denise Donoghue, famously known as “The Mortgage Nerd.” The conversation unravels Denise’s impressive journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a top 1% mortgage producer in the U.S. We dive deep into how her early experiences with financial instability shaped her career, inspiring her to approach mortgage advisory with a unique financial strategy perspective, aiming to alleviate financial stress for families. The episode is rich in discussion about sales strategies, leadership, and maintaining top performance, intertwined with personal development and growth techniques. Denise shares her daily habits and mindset that have helped her sustain her position in the competitive field of mortgage advising. Her philosophy, centered around providing genuine, personalised service, is designed to move beyond traditional sales approaches. By highlighting the importance of trust, vulnerability, and authenticity, she provides a blueprint not only to succeed in business but also to cultivate meaningful client relationships. Touching on themes of resilience, personal growth, and transparency, this conversation serves as a masterclass in leveraging personal history to fuel professional success. To connect with Denise and to learn more about what she does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-donoghue-mortgage-nerd-2a9b5a19/ Website – https://yourmortgagenerd.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/themortgagenerd/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Lisa Conway as she shares her transformative journey from a hairdresser to a globally recognised salon business coach. Lisa, now residing in Bali, reflects on her early beginnings in the small town of Gisborne and her experiences in Melbourne that paved the way for her flourishing career in the beauty industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a knack for making people feel valued, Lisa discusses the pivotal moments that defined her professional path. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the intricacies of the salon industry, discussing the often-overlooked importance of sales skills and client relationships in creating a successful business. Using relatable anecdotes and expert advice, Lisa articulates the need for soft skills alongside technical proficiency; a philosophy she impresses upon the salon owners she coaches globally. Whether it’s through her structured programs or her candid insights, Lisa emphasises the vitality of understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional value, proving that the power of connection and authenticity transcends all industries. To connect with Lisa and to learn more about what she does, please go to: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lisa.conway_/ Website – https://thezingproject.com.au/welcom-to-zing-2025

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Sean Phelps, the President of CollegeWorks Painting, to discuss the unique leadership approaches that have propelled the company to become a bastion of entrepreneurial success among college students in the U.S. Sean shares insights from his journey from an intern to the president, emphasising critical factors like accountability, servant leadership, and effective training strategies, particularly in nurturing inexperienced college students into successful salespeople. Sean delves deep into the intricacies of recruiting high-caliber college students based on characteristics like resilience and work history rather than just previous job roles. He outlines the importance of maintaining transparency with new recruits about the challenges and realities of sales roles, contributing to improved retention and performance. Throughout the conversation, the significance of building a strong culture of accountability and continuous mentorship emerges as a central theme, paralleling teachings from prominent figures like Ted Lasso on leadership and tenacity. To connect with Sean and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-phelps-2754782/ Website – https://collegeworks.com/ Website – https://www.seanpatrickphelps.com/

In this engaging episode of The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I enjoy a fascinating conversation with Kevin Davis, an accomplished author and the force behind Maxed Out Man. We delve into the complexities of balancing entrepreneurship and personal life, with Kevin sharing his personal journey of making marriage a priority amidst a demanding career. This conversation sheds light on the pressures of modern executive life and the importance of personal accountability. As the conversation progresses, Kevin discusses how a thriving personal life can significantly impact professional success and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs and leaders to optimise their personal relationships. With insightful anecdotes and applicable strategies, Kevin emphasises the importance of prioritising marriage above all, including children. His perspective that “ all the worst decisions I’ve made have been made under the influence of fear ,” encapsulates the importance of fear versus faith in decision-making. The episode is rich with advice on how to realign priorities and underscores the power of strong relationships in fueling career achievements. To connect with Kevin & to learn more about what he does, including downloading a Maxed Out Life Workbook, plugging into his podcast “Maxed Out Man Podcast” & grabbing a copy of his book “How I Lost My Left Nut & Other Life Lessons”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbryandavis/ Website – https://maxedoutman.com/ Book & Workbook – https://maxedoutlifebook.com/ Podcast – https://open.spotify.com/show/59iCnKaUTNScPyCrDnMIAu?si=a88bccecdbad4bcf

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Declan Edwards to explore the critical yet often overlooked topic of happiness within the professional sphere. Declan delves into his intriguing journey of becoming a happiness researcher, despite the field not being a listed career path during his school days. From addressing misconceptions around happiness being a mere choice to discussing the pivotal role emotional intelligence plays in achieving a fulfilling life, this episode offers a thoughtful discourse on what it means to cultivate happiness as a skill. A significant theme in this conversation is the intersection of happiness and business performance. Declan shares compelling research and insights into how emphasising happiness can translate into tangible business outcomes such as improved sales and productivity. He highlights the need for organisations to integrate happiness skills into their leadership development and workplace culture, arguing that neglecting this aspect can undermine long-term success. With practical advice for leaders to start implementing these strategies, Declan reinforces the business case for focusing on happiness as a key driver of sustainable workforce engagement and organisational resilience. To connect with Declan and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “How To Be Happy”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/declan-edwards-bu-happiness-college/ How to Be Happy Book – https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Be-Happy-Chasing-Happiness/dp/1394421117 To enrol in the Executive Diploma of Happiness in Leadership, go to the link and mention the podcast for a reduced fee: https://www.buhappinesscollege.com/excecutive-diploma To plug into the ‘How To Be Happy Podcast’, go to – https://open.spotify.com/show/0zriwga04Rl0pbjFuDF6Hl?si=be13bcca7c244612

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Mark Mills OBE, a distinguished entrepreneur from the UK, who has founded and sold five successful businesses. Mark shares his path from a young entrepreneur selling broken biscuits to a business mogul owning Cardpoint, a prominent independent cash machine company. Both lighthearted and informative, the episode dives into the challenges and triumphs Mark faced, offering an abundance of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. He provides an enriching perspective on the importance of perseverance and refining business models, emphasising, “Failure cannot live with persistence.” He discusses various business ventures, including how an ordinary petrol stop and a US trip led to groundbreaking ideas. For Mark, entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit but adaptability and integrity. His insights offer a blueprint for identifying not only profitable ventures but also a deep sense of purpose beyond just financial success. To connect with Mark, to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Making Your Mark”, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/markrichardmills/ Website – https://mark.co.uk/

In this thought-provoking episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I engage in a brilliant conversation with Sally Anderson, a Strategic Council and change management expert. The episode explores Sally’s unique journey from grassroots involvement in education to becoming a global influencer in leadership transformation. With her deep understanding of change dynamics, she discusses how significant life events, such as being in New York during 9/11, have shaped her career path and philosophical outlook on leadership and transformation. Sally shares her expertise on the complexities of leadership evolution, focusing on overcoming adversity and the importance of tackling the entrenched issues of mental health and cancel culture in corporate environments. Her narrative touches on systemic flaws in leadership, the urge for genuine transformation fueled by adversity, and the need for leaders to embrace uncertainty to drive meaningful change. Sally’s insights are instrumental in understanding the modern leadership landscape, emphasising the need for a shift towards co-creative and equanimous leadership paradigms. To connect with Sally and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sallyanderson-exclusive-strategic-counsel/ Website – https://www.sallyandersoninternational.com/ Scandal Coach Website – https://scandalcoach.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Ella Wood, co-founder of New World Sales. Ella shares her inspiring journey from being a shy, socially awkward teenager to a thriving entrepreneur in the sales industry. Despite early setbacks in her career, including a brief stint in law, Ella’s determination to prove herself led her to embrace sales as a career. Through New World Sales, she is passionate about bridging the gaps she has experienced in traditional and self-education systems. Ella discusses the founding of New World Sales, a company that offers practical and in-depth sales training. They address core themes such as the importance of mindset, coaching, and understanding industry gaps. With insights on the effects of effective sales and personal development, Ella emphasises the significance of learning from failure and rejection. Offering personalised feedback, her organisation ensures a tailored learning experience for over 600 students, aiming to change industry standards and bring about a positive transformation in her students’ careers. To connect with Ella and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-wood-85b0101b2/ Website – https://nwsales.org/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ellajade_wood/

In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by celebrated radio personality, Christian O’Connell. Known for his successful radio shows in both the UK and Australia, Christian brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. The episode delves into his midlife “correction,” a bold career move Down Under, and how this personal journey led him to find his authentic voice. Christian’s story is a testament to the power of embracing vulnerability and true self-expression in both personal and professional realms. Throughout the episode, we chat about the importance of authentic communication, effective leadership, the power of storytelling as well as team culture, and Christian opens up on his early struggles in Australia and his approach to building a successful radio show in a highly competitive market. This illuminating conversation explores the correlation between authenticity and leadership, with Christian sharing valuable lessons on pivoting one’s career and how vulnerability in storytelling can create lasting connections. To connect with Christian and to follow his work, including grabbing a copy of his latest book “Unscript – The Radical Act of Being Yourself”, please go to: Website – https://christianoconnell.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mrchristianoconnell/ Instagram (Radio Show) – https://www.instagram.com/thechristianoconnellshow/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, I enjoy a fascinating conversation with Paul Kesig as he delves into the nuances of transforming sales from a dreaded occupation into a passion-filled career. Paul, an accomplished sales performance coach and author, underscores the importance of emotional connections, curiosity, and value creation in successful sales practices. He shares his journey from a paper route entrepreneur to leading medical sales professional and an advocate for loving what you sell. We engage in a compelling dialogue peppered with insights about breaking stigmas surrounding salespeople. We explore the sales landscape, discussing the importance of little wins and daily goals, endorsed by Paul’s LOVE framework, which integrates Little wins, Open-ended questions, Value, and Emotional connection to foster impactful sales leadership and practice. To connect with Paul and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “How to Love Sales”, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkesig/ Website – https://www.paulkesig.com/ Book – https://www.paulkesig.com/how-to-love-sales

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by logistics expert Daman Grewal, coming in from British Columbia, Canada. Daman shares his journey from an unexpected entry into the logistics industry to becoming a significant player in sales education through logisticssales.com. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities within the logistics sector and the creation of free access to sales training for aspiring salespeople around the globe. Daman’s insights shed light on the importance of ethical sales practices and the role of authentic communication in building lasting customer relationships. The discussion flows into the intricacies of transitioning from a traditional employee role in logistics to entrepreneurship, highlighting the impact of leadership and employee treatment in driving business success. The episode wraps up with a look at the misconceptions about sales and how to overcome sales blocks to unlock potential, along with the influence of AI in transforming sales procedures without replacing the human touch. To connect with Daman and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/daman-grewal-12424a16/ Website – https://www.logisticssales.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Amanda Van Der Heiden to delve into the intricacies of learning and development within organisations. Amanda shares her transition from an initial teaching trajectory to becoming a distinguished learning solutions consultant. She highlights her profound passion for enriching organisational performance through dedicated L&D strategies that transcend conventional training. While recounting her early milestones at Morgan Stanley, Amanda emphasises the profound impact of strategic learning initiatives in fostering innovative organisational cultures. Throughout the discussion, Amanda underscores the key role that learning and development plays in driving organisational success, highlighting frequent misalignments where L&D is seen merely as an order-taking department rather than a strategic enabler. She stresses the importance of integrating L&D initiatives as core components of the broader organisational vision, tailoring strategies that align with cultural transformations and technological advancements, like AI. Amanda passionately advocates for the inclusion of L&D leaders at strategic decision-making tables to maximise the potential for impactful change and sustainable growth. To connect with Amanda and to learn more about what she does, as well as downloading a free workbook to get clear on your goal/vision, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandavanderheiden/ Website – https://gtdscorp.com/ Free Workbook – https://gtdscorp.com/go/

In this captivating episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Hamid Ghanadan, a seasoned expert in commercial strategy for the life sciences sector. With over 30 years of experience, Hamid shares his journey from a biochemist to the founder and CEO of the Linus Group. We explore the nuanced world of selling to skeptical audiences like scientists and doctors, highlighting the unique challenges and innovative methods necessary for success. Hamid presents intriguing insights into the convergence of emotion and logic in decision-making, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in technical sales environments. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding data-driven decisions in technical sales, countering the notion that only logic and pristine data drive decisions. Hamid underscores the vital role of engaging emotionally and orientating the customer before presenting data. We discuss the dynamic between being a trusted partner versus a traditional salesperson and identify how powerful questioning can create trust and credibility in sales strategies. This episode is packed with actionable insights, encouraging sales professionals to rethink conventional approaches and embrace empathy, questions, and storytelling as tools for building meaningful customer relationships. To connect with Hamid, and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his new book “Not Buying It – The Art of Selling to Scientists, Doctors & Other Professional Skeptics”, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hghanadan/ Website – https://thelinusgroup.com/ Book – https://thelinusgroup.com/book/not-buying-it-by-hamid-ghanadan/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Suresh Babu, a distinguished sales expert and author, tuning in from Frankfurt, Germany. In an insightful conversation, Suresh shares his unorthodox journey from a DJ in Chennai to an established sales leader in Europe, illuminating the intersections between his musical roots and his sales acumen. Suresh’s unique perspective on the sales process underscores the necessity of human connection and adaptability in sales strategy, emphasising the importance of H2H (Human to Human) interactions. As the discussion unfolds, the conversation shifts towards examining the systemic challenges sales teams face and the common pitfalls in traditional sales forecasting. Suresh debunks myths around sales being a people problem, advocating instead for a strategic overhaul of the sales system to curb revenue leakage. By sharing compelling insights from his book, “Revenue Reality,” Suresh provides a roadmap to enhance forecasting accuracy through evidence-based assessments rather than relying on mere confidence levels. Delve into this episode to discover how a strategic focus on process and empathy can redefine sales success. To connect with Suresh and to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Revenue Reality”, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sureshbabu-de/ Website – https://smartsalespartners.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader podcast, it is great to reconnect with Rene Zamora, a seasoned expert in fractional sales management. It’s been nearly four years since our last conversation, and much has changed. Throughout the episode, we dive deep into the intricacies of leading sales teams in a fractional capacity, offering valuable insights into how small businesses can leverage fractional sales leadership for long-term success. Reflecting on his 20 years in the industry, Rene discusses his journey, the evolution of his roles, and significant changes in sales management practices over the years. The conversation also explores the definition and scope of fractional sales management, especially for small businesses seeking effective yet economical sales leadership solutions. We discuss the traits required for founders and executives to adopt fractional sales management successfully, highlighting the balance between part-time work and full-time commitment that this role demands. As AI continues to influence business operations, Rene shares his perspective on integrating AI with sales management to enhance productivity and decision-making processes. This episode is rich with advice and experience, making it essential listening for sales leaders and small business owners alike. To connect with Rene & to learn more about what he does, please click the links below. Also, for a copy of his free Sales Management Readiness Guide, please send Rene a DM on LinkedIn and mention the podcast. LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/renez/ Website – https://salesmanagernow.com/

In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome Nicole Attias, founder of Prospect2Win, to discuss the dynamic world of outbound sales prospecting. We explore Nicole’s journey into the world of sales, revealing her deep-seated entrepreneurial spirit and natural affinity for business development. The discussion highlights the importance of mindset in sales, detailing how persistence and the ability to handle rejection can set the foundation for success. With anecdotes from her career, Nicole offers an engaging narrative, demonstrating how curiosity and learning drive effective sales strategies. The conversation takes a closer look at core sales techniques, focusing on cold calling as a powerful method of lead generation. Nichole dispels the myth of cold calling being obsolete, citing its continued relevance in B2B sales. She emphasises the value of human interaction in sales and explains the role of AI in enhancing this process. The episode delves into strategic insights on maintaining motivation within competitive environments and refining sales techniques through continuous learning and adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or new to the field, Nicole’s insights offer valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of modern sales landscapes. To connect with Nicole and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-attias/ Website – https://www.prospect2win.com/