328: Building Real Relationships on LinkedIn

328: Building Real Relationships on LinkedIn

328: Building Real Relationships on LinkedIn

Curious how LinkedIn can actually help you build real business relationships—not just rack up connections? In this episode, LinkedIn expert Bill McCormick shares his journey from traditional sales to becoming a trusted advisor on the platform. Bill reveals why authenticity, curiosity, and genuine engagement are the keys to standing out and building trust, whether you’re networking, recruiting, or growing your business.

We dive into practical tips for optimizing your profile, engaging with others in a meaningful way, and using LinkedIn’s premium features (like Sales Navigator) to your advantage. Bill also shares his thoughts on AI and automation, and why the human touch still matters most. If you want to make LinkedIn work for you—without feeling salesy or inauthentic—this episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right away.

Bill is the Founder of Digi-Sales, a Digital Selling training company, and Digi-Sales Academy, an online video training platform where he shares his passion for helping professionals leverage the power of LinkedIn. Bill first started using digital sales techniques after he and his wife, Sue, started their own promotional product business.
By using social platforms, especially LinkedIn, they were able to build a very successful business. Bill then began to help other business owners, entrepreneurs and sales professionals learn how to use LinkedIn to increase sales.

Bill has conducted training for companies worldwide and specializes in helping to ‘make LinkedIn Human’ – explaining the platform in easy-to-understand ways, and recently launched the All Selling Is Social Podcast.

You’ll discover:

  • How to create a value-driven LinkedIn profile
  • The right way to connect and engage
  • Why curiosity builds trust on LinkedIn
  • Tips for using Sales Navigator effectively
  • The pitfalls of AI and automation on LinkedIn

Watch the episode:

Connect with Bill

  

Bill’s Resources

Website

Digi-Sales

Course

Social Selling Compass Course

Podcast

All Selling Is Social

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Dennis E. Coates, Ph.D.

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327: Unleashing Your Authentic Superpowers

327: Unleashing Your Authentic Superpowers

327: Unleashing Your Authentic Superpowers

When you hear the word authenticity, you might think of it as being your true self around other people. Actually, it’s much more than that. In our conversation, Erin Hatzikostas shares her bold and refreshing perspective on authenticity in leadership and life.

As a former corporate CEO turned authenticity advocate, Erin opens up about her journey from a rocky start as an actuary to leading a company with a culture rooted in trust and connection. She introduces her HUMANS framework for authenticity, emphasizing the importance of humility, unexpectedness, and storytelling in building relationships and inspiring others. Erin’s unforgettable stories offer practical ways to embrace imperfection and lead with heart.

Her insights on being unexpected in communication, taking risks, and cataloging imperfect moments will leave you feeling inspired to bring more of your true self into every interaction. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to lead authentically, connect deeply, and stand out by simply being real.

Erin is the CEO and founder of b Authentic Inc, a global keynote speaker, and the author of two books, You Do You(ish) and The 50% Rule, the co-host of the podcast, b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck, and coach-sultant. Her TEDx Talk was one of the Top 20 globally most viewed TEDx Talks released in 2021.

You’ll discover:

  • How authenticity can transform leadership and build trust
  • The HUMANS framework: key elements of authentic connection
  • Why embracing imperfection fosters deeper relationships
  • The “50% rule” for breaking free from conventional thinking
  • How storytelling can elevate communication and problem-solving

Watch the episode:

Connect with Erin

      

Erin’s Resources

Website

b Authentic

Podcast

b Cause Work Doesn’t Have to Suck

TEDx Talk

Why You Don’t Have to Compromise For Your Career

Books

You Do You(ish): Unleash Your Authentic Superpowers to Get the Career You Deserve

The 50% Rule

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325: Scaling Your Impact Without Burning Out

 

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324: Debunking Myths about Introversion

324: Debunking Myths about Introversion

324: Debunking Myths about Introversion

What if your introverted nature wasn’t a limitation but a powerful strength in leadership? Dr. Nicole Bryan shares her personal journey as an introverted leader, debunking common misunderstandings and myths about introversion and highlighting its unique strengths. She emphasizes that introversion is not about being shy but about deriving energy from internal sources, which can be a powerful asset in leadership roles. Nicole’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how introverts can thrive in professional settings.

She also provides practical advice on how introverts can effectively navigate networking and professional challenges without compromising their natural strengths. Whether you’re an introverted leader seeking growth or a manager looking to foster a more inclusive team culture, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to help you succeed.

Nicole is a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant, and psychotherapist. She’s spent over 25 years helping introverted women define their own success, lead with confidence, expertly navigate company politics, and secure their executive seat to maximize their income, influence, and impact. She founded TheChangeDoc, LLC, for ambitious women looking to leave a legacy through their leadership. Nicole’s programs integrate psychology, key business principles, organizational behavior, and decades of real-world experience as a corporate executive to empower introverted women to make a difference, lead bolder, and create positive change for themselves, their teams, and the world.

You’ll discover:

  • Common myths about introversion
  • Strategies for introverts to excel in networking
  • The importance of valuing diverse communication styles
  • How to create inclusive environments for introverts
  • Practical tools for understanding team dynamics

Watch the episode:

Connect with Dr. Nicole Bryan

Dr. Nicole Bryan’s Resources

Websites

The Change Doc

Leading Her Way Podcast

 

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322: Being Your Own Authority

322: Being Your Own Authority

322: Being Your Own Authority

Have you ever felt like certain patterns in your life keep repeating, no matter how much you try to change? Rich Habets shares the concept of “scripts”—deeply ingrained, unconscious behaviors shaped by past experiences that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. By recognizing and rewriting these scripts, we can break free from limiting beliefs and create more empowering, fulfilling experiences in both our personal and professional lives.

We also explore the power of conscious choice—how shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” transforms the way we approach relationships, work, and everyday moments. Rich’s stories from his new book, Being Your Own Authority, illustrate how mindfulness and self-awareness allow us to step into our own authority. If you’re ready to embrace self-discovery, cultivate trust, and align your actions with your values, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step on your journey.

Rich is a former executive turned coach and strategist who has spent over 25 years working with leaders, founders, and organizations worldwide. Rich has helped thousands of individuals and businesses break free from limiting patterns and create powerful transformations. He specializes in leadership, mindset shifts, and game-changing strategies that help individuals and organizations solve intractable problems by being fully themselves and dismantling the stories that have held them back.

You’ll discover:

  • How unconscious “scripts” shape your decisions and how to identify them
  • The transformative power of shifting from “getting from” to “bringing to” in everything you do
  • Why self-awareness and mindfulness are essential for personal growth
  • Why taking a stand for your values builds trust and authenticity
  • Practical ways to step into your personal power and create new possibilities

Watch the episode:

Connect with Rich

    

Rich’s Resources

Website

Richard Habets

Book

Being Your Own Authority

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321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

321: Braving the Workplace and the Role of Belonging

In this powerful episode, Dr. Beth Kaplan returns to discuss her groundbreaking book, Braving the Workplace: Belonging at the Breaking Point. She opens with her personal journey through workplace trauma. Beth reveals the critical distinction between inclusion and belonging—explaining that while others determine inclusion, belonging is an internal decision that requires staying true to yourself without compromising your values.

You’ll be moved by Beth’s compelling message about the dangers of self-sacrifice in toxic work environments and the crucial role managers play in fostering genuine belonging. She offers practical strategies for recognizing workplace trauma, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing self-care before company loyalty. Whether you’re struggling in a challenging workplace or leading a team and want to create a culture of authentic belonging, this episode offers specific strategies you can start using today.

Beth is a visionary thought leader, researcher, and keynote speaker who has redefined how we look at belonging and how to be our best selves. She works with companies to enhance employee engagement and retention while significantly lowering turnover costs. Beth is currently pioneering a groundbreaking belonging tool with the University of Pennsylvania, designed to measure belonging and predict the propensity to thrive.

You’ll discover:

  • Why belonging is an internal decision rather than something granted by others
  • The warning signs of workplace trauma
  • How managers can become the number one factor in creating environments where people truly belong through empathy and “stay interviews”
  • Practical strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing your wellbeing without sacrificing your authentic self for a job
  • The dangerous impact of using “family” language in workplace settings

Watch the episode:

 

Connect with Dr. Beth Kaplan

    

Dr. Beth Kaplan’s Resources

Website

Dr. Beth Kaplan

Book page

Book

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320: How Unresolved Wounds Affect the Way You Lead

320: How Unresolved Wounds Affect the Way You Lead

320: How Unresolved Wounds Affect the Way You Lead

 

Conflict is inevitable, but how leaders handle it makes all the difference. In this episode, vicki abadesco! shares a real-world example of a well-known organization struggling with team conflict and how small miscommunications can escalate when left unresolved. She explains how our upbringing shapes our approach to conflict and why developing emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership. Through her work with both executives and young children, vicki highlights the importance of clear communication, emotional awareness, and accountability in building strong teams and relationships.

vicki also introduces practical tools like the “emotional balloon” and the “cleanup process” to help individuals recognize their emotions, take responsibility for their actions, and repair relationships when mistakes happen. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply striving to communicate better, this episode will provide insights and strategies to help you lead with empathy, transparency, and authenticity.

vicki is a nonprofit leader and mentor renowned for her unwavering commitment to growth and lifelong learning. Through her organization, Soul Shoppe, she and her team have touched the hearts and minds of over one million elementary school students with their conflict resolution and peacemaking curriculum. vicki has created a lasting impact, nurturing a generation of emotionally intelligent individuals who can build strong relationships and foster inclusive communities.

You’ll discover:

  • Why conflict resolution is a critical leadership skill
  • How early life experiences shape communication habits
  • The “emotional balloon” metaphor for managing emotions
  • A 5-step process for acknowledging mistakes and making amends
  • How teaching emotional intelligence to kids can inspire better leadership in adults

Watch the episode:

Connect with vicki

      

vicki’s Website

Soul Shoppe

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