We created the Selling Well podcast to help growth-oriented professional salespeople dramatically improve performance. We interview some of the top thought leaders in professional sales today to gather their best insights and teachings and we add them all to the Selling Well. Join us for this fun journey of lifelong learning in professional sales.
Are you a leader struggling with isolation and burnout? Discover actionable CEO leadership strategies that help you inspire yourself and your team while driving long-term success. In this episode, host Mark Cox welcomes Nancy MacKay , the founder and CEO of MacKay CEO Forums . Nancy discusses her acclaimed book, It's Lonely at the Top: CEO Strategies for Inspiring Yourself and Your Team , and reveals how to master the "House of Ego" versus the "House of Leadership." Whether you are a CEO or a sales professional, this conversation offers a powerful roadmap for taking ownership of your time, health, and emotional well-being to lead more effectively. Ready to transform your sales strategy? Head over to thesellingwell.com and check out their sales starter series—it's completely free and designed to help you drive real, double-digit revenue growth.
Are your sales demos causing more confusion than conversion? In this episode of ITF Office Hours, Mark Cox and Dave Hanley dive into the trenches of B2B sales to help you stop wasting time and start closing the right deals. We're breaking down actionable strategies to turn your product demos into high-impact conversations, how to coach your SDRs to identify your ideal customer profile, and the art of asking for referrals without the awkwardness. If you're ready to stop the "glaze-over" effect and build a more profitable sales pipeline, tune in for practical, no-nonsense coaching on mastering your sales process.
In the age of AI, how do you future-proof your sales career? In this episode, Mark Cox and The Delusional Founder author Dave Hanley tackle the pressing questions currently hitting our digital mailbag. We break down how to stop viewing AI as a replacement and start using it as your ultimate sales assistant. We also dive into actionable strategies for two of the toughest hurdles in sales: Ending the Discounting Habit: Why your team reaches for price cuts—and how to build true negotiation leverage through better discovery. Hiring World-Class Talent: Why attributes like humility and drive often outperform experience, and how to conduct reference checks that actually reveal the truth. Whether you're a leader looking to coach your team or an individual contributor wanting to elevate your game, these insights will help you focus on the human connection that AI can't replace.
When a company is not growing, it is not only because of the shortcomings of its sales team. Sometimes, your entire sales management is unaligned with the strategies your salespeople are executing. Mark Cox, together with guest co-host Mike Sparling , sits down with Frank Cespedes , a senior lecturer at Harvard University and the author of six fantastic books, who explains how to realign your sales goals with your team goals. He also explores how self-directed omnichannel buying impacts B2B sales today, as well as how AI can be used to increase sales performance and productivity in today's fast-paced world.
Are your sales reps stuck chasing "pipe dreams" while the real deals slip through the cracks? In our latest episode of In The Funnel, we are launching a brand-new format: ITF Office Hours. Joining me is special guest Dave Hanley —author of The Delusional Founder and a veteran who has exited three technology companies at eight-figure valuations. In this session, we tackle the toughest questions from our listeners, moving beyond generic advice to provide real-world, tactical solutions. Whether you're a sales manager struggling to identify which deals are actually real, a rep trying to sell up the ladder at a major account, or a leader dealing with a disruptive "star" performer who undermines your culture, this episode is packed with actionable insights. We're pulling back the curtain on how to build trust, collaborate effectively, and stop forcing square pegs into round holes. Dive in to hear how you can elevate your sales process and start closing with confidence.
The real problem in sales is not in the buyer's trust in a supplier, but their confidence in themselves to make a sound purchasing decision. With the usual buying journey extremely messy and complicated, world-renowned B2B sales researcher Brent Adamson offers a solution: the Framemaking Sale. He joins Mark Cox and guest co-host Mike Sparling to discuss how to make a drastic shift in sales focus, moving beyond the traditional sensemaking practices and into the framemaking one with a human-centric approach. Brent highlights the major problems of the conventional B2B model, breaking down what it takes to address decision complexity, information overload, objective misalignment, and outcome uncertainty. He also talks about the evolving role of AI, making the buying journey more convenient by providing assistance in decision-making while maintaining authentic human connections.
Stuck on the sales treadmill using outdated tactics while buyers cut through the noise? The rules are changing fast—AI is raising the bar on what "good" looks like. In this episode, Dr. Philip Squire and Mike Sparling break down new research on how buyers want to be sold in 2026. You'll learn why sales success is now a values problem—not a technique problem—and how to master authenticity, client-centricity, proactive creativity, and tactful audacity. Discover the rise of "intellectual authenticity" and how to combine human insight with AI to avoid "AI slop" and elevate your sales game.
Is artificial intelligence a threat to the personal touch of professional sales, or the ultimate tool for execution? In this episode, Mike Sparling joins the conversation to dive deep into the intersection of AI and modern sales strategy. Discover why simply having a strategy isn't enough—you need the resources and mechanisms to drive real success at every individual sales touchpoint. Learn how growth leaders are leveraging technology to bridge the gap between high-level execution and meaningful market impact.
Sales training is often ineffective without strategic leadership and broader organizational support. Mark Cox sits down with Scott Edinger , CEO of Edinger Consulting, who shares how he successfully drives sales by becoming a strategic growth leader. He presents his Five Flags Start framework to elevate your sales approaches, create value that goes beyond tangible products, and achieve your very own idea of success. Scott also discusses how to harness the power of AI and technology in shaping the current world of sales, all while keeping the human sales experience alive and intact.
Building genuine connections is the key to "selling from the heart," a strategy that transcends mere transactions and fosters lasting relationships in today's challenging trust landscape. In this episode, Larry Levine , author of "Selling from the Heart" and "Selling in a Post-Trust World," joins us to explore how authenticity fuels successful sales. Larry, with his extensive experience in the office technology channel, discusses shifting from product-focused approaches to relationship-centered interactions, emphasizing that everyone, especially in competitive markets, is essentially in the people business. We delve into actionable methods for establishing trust rapidly, connecting genuinely with clients at all levels, and transforming existing relationships into powerful growth drivers. Whether you're a seasoned sales professional or just beginning, Larry's insights will guide you in enhancing your people skills and achieving sustained success through heart-centered selling.
Building B2B relationships is one of the most important lifelines of any business. If you do not connect with the right businesses and maintain long-lasting partnerships, your very own venture is doomed to fail. Dr. Ryan O'Sullivan , Global Account Manager at Introhive , is here to discuss how to create B2B relationships that lead to growth and success. Joining Mark Cox, he discusses his seven-year study on the importance of creating a network relationship map, doing in-depth intelligence gathering, and taking advantage of trigger events in sales. Dr. Ryan also explains why internal relationships are as essential as external ones, as well as the proper way to create a good first impression without actually selling.
Sometimes, the loudest messages are conveyed without using any words at all. Mark Cox chats with communication expert Dr. Nick Morgan about the subtle science of power cues and how they play out in the world of sales. In this episode, he explains how facial gestures, body language, and vocal cords override even conscious communication. He breaks down several tips for self-awareness and mastering non-verbal communication, making sales pitches more relatable and authentic. Dr. Nick also shares about three pivotal moments in his life: being inspired by the teachings of Dalai Lama, learning his father was gay, and having a near-death experience.
Even though sales are mainly about driving revenue and putting up the right numbers, one element must not be forgotten: the needs and interests of the customers themselves. Executive coach Lisa McLeod is here to discuss why businesses should embrace the noble purpose of providing a positive impact to everyone. Sitting down with Mark Cox, she explains why they should never see their target market as mere statistics but aim to make a real difference in their lives. Lisa also explains how a client-first mindset requires taking intentional action and showcasing your authentic self.
Ready to master sales training and elevate client conversations? In this episode, we explore how preparation, planning, and confidence drive successful sales with sales relationship coach Jason Cooper . Learn to step outside your comfort zone, build instant rapport, and tap into the unconscious triggers shaping buyer perceptions. Discover how top sales leaders blend authenticity with strategy, using AI for quick client insights and deep selling tactics. We dive into mental rehearsal, body language, and thoughtful questions that move conversations — and prospects — forward. Join us to uncover strategies that turn first meetings into lasting relationships, helping you confidently guide clients through your sales funnel. Don't miss this must-listen episode!
If you're looking for a book that will truly transform your approach to success, then join Mark Cox as he sits down with Bob Burg , co-author of the transformative bestseller, The Go-Giver . They explore how shifting your focus from "receiving" to "giving" can revolutionize your life and career. Bob shares his journey from sports broadcasting to sales, revealing the pivotal moment he discovered the power of value and focusing on others' needs. Drawing on insights from The Go-Giver, co-authored with John David Mann, Bob illuminates the five laws of stratospheric success. Break free from the unconscious barriers holding you back and embrace a mindset where putting others first leads to genuine abundance.
Building trust, navigating cultural nuances, and mastering European sales requires more than just traditional strategies. Mark Cox is joined by Domenico Le Pera, a sales leader with years of experience across European markets, to discuss what it takes to master the unique dynamics of selling in Europe. Together, they dive into the differences between North American and European approaches, the importance of utilizing different communication styles, and how to create a collaborative and motivated team. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or a newbie to the global markets, this conversation offers practical tips and actionable insights to help you find success in European sales.
Comedy writing can be a secret weapon for revenue teams who want to be more engaging. In this episode, Mark Cox welcomes stand-up comedian Jon Selig , who created Comedy Writing for Revenue Teams, to share his secrets to using humor effectively. Jon, a former enterprise tech salesperson turned comedian, reveals the surprising parallels between stand-up and sales and how laughter builds trust and drives revenue. Learn how comedy writing helps craft relevant messages that resonate with your audience, focusing on preparation, timing, and punchy delivery. Tune in and transform your sales and marketing with the power of laughter.
Social selling isn't just a buzzword—it's a game-changing approach to building trust, standing out, and creating meaningful relationships in today's digital world. In this thought-provoking conversation, Mark Cox welcomes Adam Gray, a leading expert in social selling and co-author of two groundbreaking books on the topic. Together, they dive into what makes social media a powerful tool for connection, how authenticity sets you apart, and why gratitude is essential for personal and professional growth. Whether you're new to LinkedIn or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers actionable insights to help you network smarter and sell better.
Unleash your inner confidence with Mark Cox and Margo McClimans , founder of Coaching Without Borders and author of The Four Channels of Confidence , as Margo shares powerful ways to help us overcome self-doubt and embrace our true potential. Margo breaks down the four channels and offers practical tips and insights on mastering each. Don't let self-doubt hold you back any longer! Start living your most empowered life today.
Skillful asking is more than just posing questions; it's a powerful approach to unlock deeper insights and foster genuine connections. Jeff Wetzler , author of Ask: Tap Into the Hidden Wisdom of the People Around You , joins Mark Cox to explore the art and science of asking the right questions. Jeff shares his five-step "Ask" framework, drawing on his extensive experience in management consulting and education reform. He reveals why people often hold back valuable information and provides practical strategies to create psychological safety and cultivate authentic curiosity. Tune in to discover how skillful asking can transform your leadership, improve communication, and drive breakthrough results.
