loader from loading.io

Episode 89 – From Passion Projects to Powerhouse Sales With Becky Heidesch

Call The Damn Leads

Release Date: 08/12/2025

Episode 118 – Ivan Mana: Turning Marketing Mistakes into Sustainable Online Success show art Episode 118 – Ivan Mana: Turning Marketing Mistakes into Sustainable Online Success

Call The Damn Leads

What happens when one small automation error wipes out 20,000 leads overnight? Most people would quit. But this week’s guest, Ivan Mana, turned that nightmare scenario into fuel for building a smarter, more sustainable online marketing business. Ivan shares how he went from working at a bank to becoming a ClickBank Platinum Award-winning affiliate marketer, and how his journey taught him that the real key to success isn’t just running ads—it’s about building strong systems, leveraging free channels, and creating funnels that actually maximize every opportunity. If you’ve ever...

info_outline Episode 117 – Sales Lessons from Spies, Negotiators & Radical Empathy with Jeremy Hurewitz show art Episode 117 – Sales Lessons from Spies, Negotiators & Radical Empathy with Jeremy Hurewitz

Call The Damn Leads

Sales isn’t just about scripts and closing techniques—it’s about influence, trust, and understanding motivation on the deepest level. Who better to learn that from than spies and hostage negotiators? In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hurewitz, journalist-turned-corporate intelligence professional, speaker, and author of Sell Like a Spy. Jeremy has spent years learning from ex-CIA officers, FBI negotiators, and intelligence experts—then translating those lessons into the sales world. We dig into how spies use rapport, empathy, and vulnerability to turn the coldest conversations...

info_outline Episode 116 – Appreciated Branding & Earning Word-of-Mouth in Crowded Markets with Reid Holmes show art Episode 116 – Appreciated Branding & Earning Word-of-Mouth in Crowded Markets with Reid Holmes

Call The Damn Leads

Sales and marketing are changing fast, and if you’re still out there just shouting features and discounts, you’re getting drowned out in the noise. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Reid Holmes, veteran creative director, author of Appreciated Branding, and brand strategist who’s spent 30+ years helping companies earn loyalty by delivering real value and unexpected delight. We dig into why word-of-mouth still beats advertising, how to build brands people are proud to share, and why the best sales conversations are about helping people transform—not just closing...

info_outline Episode 115 – From Pedicures to Profits – Scaling Beyond One-to-One with Angela Thomas show art Episode 115 – From Pedicures to Profits – Scaling Beyond One-to-One with Angela Thomas

Call The Damn Leads

From selling cakes in her family bakery as a kid to building a multimillion-dollar beauty business and now running a family office that helps entrepreneurs across multiple industries, Angela Thomas knows what it takes to scale. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, Angela shares her wildest sales story ever (spoiler: it involves “French pedicures” and one very unusual request), the mindset shift that took her from one-to-one client work to one-to-many programs, and how she now helps entrepreneurs avoid the trap of scaling expenses instead of scaling profits. This conversation is...

info_outline Episode 114 – SEO, AI, and Building Trust in a Noisy World with Wes Towers show art Episode 114 – SEO, AI, and Building Trust in a Noisy World with Wes Towers

Call The Damn Leads

The way people search, shop, and buy online has changed forever. Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, and new platforms are taking center stage, and if you’re still relying on traditional SEO alone, you’re already falling behind. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about how business owners can adapt to the new digital landscape. Wes shares a client story where a $3K investment in SEO led to a $140K contract after ChatGPT named his client the best in Australia for their service. We dive into website mistakes that cost businesses...

info_outline Episode 113 – The Human Edge in an AI-Powered Sales World with Jonathan Kvarfordt show art Episode 113 – The Human Edge in an AI-Powered Sales World with Jonathan Kvarfordt

Call The Damn Leads

AI is here — but it’s not replacing salespeople anytime soon. In fact, if you’re smart about how you use it, AI can give you back the most valuable resource in sales: time. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan “Coach” Kvarfordt, a sales leader and AI strategist at Momentum, to dig into the hype versus the reality of AI in sales. From CRM automation that doubles your selling time to the legal landmines of AI cold-calling, Coach drops serious truth bombs about how to use AI responsibly — without sacrificing the customer experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is about...

info_outline Episode 112 – Marketing that Builds Trust with Sarah Stahl show art Episode 112 – Marketing that Builds Trust with Sarah Stahl

Call The Damn Leads

Sales pros love to hate on marketing… and marketers love to remind salespeople they don’t know everything either. But what happens when someone like Sarah Stahl bridges that gap? You get the kind of results that turn a zero-visibility treehouse resort into a seven-figure revenue machine with 93% occupancy in just one year. Sarah brings 15+ years of marketing experience and breaks down how sales professionals can harness influencer marketing, AI, and social platforms to stand out in crowded markets, build trust faster, and create a consistent pipeline of leads that are already warmed up...

info_outline Episode 111 – Finding Your Voice & Beating Imposter Syndrome with Marc Schmidt show art Episode 111 – Finding Your Voice & Beating Imposter Syndrome with Marc Schmidt

Call The Damn Leads

Most people would never guess that today’s guest, Marc Schmidt, grew up with a cleft lip and palate. That challenge could’ve held him back, but instead, he turned it into fuel—building a successful podcast, stepping into public speaking, and proving to himself and others that your story is your superpower. In this episode, Marc and I dig deep into the realities of imposter syndrome, what it really means when you feel like a “fraud,” and how to keep creating content even when the results are small at first. Marc’s journey is living proof that you don’t need millions of listeners...

info_outline Episode 110 – Building Trust, Authority & Authentic Sales Conversations with Bryan McDonald show art Episode 110 – Building Trust, Authority & Authentic Sales Conversations with Bryan McDonald

Call The Damn Leads

Sales doesn’t have to feel fake, forced, or manipulative. In fact, the most powerful sales strategy might just be showing up as yourself, being consistent, and having the courage to challenge prospects when it matters most. In this episode, I sit down with Bryan McDonald, sales coach and founder of On Purpose Growth, to dig into the psychology of selling, building authority, and why respect will take you further than being liked. From his early career “trial by fire” that help sales pros succeed without losing themselves, Bryan shares straight-talk strategies you can put into play...

info_outline Episode 109 – Shifting Subconscious Blocks with Dr. Joey Drolshagen show art Episode 109 – Shifting Subconscious Blocks with Dr. Joey Drolshagen

Call The Damn Leads

In this follow-up conversation, I sit down again with Dr. Joey Drolshagen to dive deeper into the power of the subconscious mind and how it impacts success in sales, business, and life. Joey doesn’t just “teach” this stuff—he’s lived it. From burning out on the road to now helping entrepreneurs and sales professionals reprogram their subconscious and unlock rapid results, Joey shares actionable tools and mindset shifts that anyone can use to break free from limitations. This episode isn’t about theory—it’s about results. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite reading the books,...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Becky Heidesch—a lifelong entrepreneur, executive recruiter, and published author—who shares how she carved out her own lane across multiple industries with one consistent skill: the ability to sell.

Becky’s career is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose. From launching a women’s sports magazine to building an executive search firm, she’s seen it all—and she drops absolute gold on how relationships, adaptability, and execution are the pillars of long-term sales success.

We also talk about the entrepreneurial itch that so many sales pros feel—and how to know when it’s the right time to take the leap.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay relevant, recession-proof your career, or transition out of corporate and into your own lane, Becky delivers some powerful insights that will hit home.

 

 

🎯 Episode Highlights:

  • Sales as Survival: Becky got into business out of necessity—not because she had a perfect plan.

  • Relationship-Driven Selling: The long game wins. Stay connected even when the product or offer changes.

  • Pivoting With Purpose: From print media to sports marketing to executive search, Becky evolved with market demand.

  • Under-Promise, Over-Deliver: Why integrity in delivery builds your brand for the long haul.

  • Entrepreneurial Real Talk: Not all businesses are built the same. A storage unit ain’t a restaurant.

  • Career Transition Advice: You’re most qualified for the job you’re in—use that as your launchpad.

  • The Value of Mentorship: Becky and I both had people guide us away from impulsive decisions—and into strategic growth.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • You're Always Selling: Whether it's a job interview, a new client, or your next big pivot—sales is the foundation.

  • Sales Translate Everywhere: It’s one of the only skillsets that lets you move across industries with minimal friction.

  • Execution Matters: Selling is step one. Delivering is where reputations are built (or destroyed).

  • Don’t Rush Entrepreneurship: If you’re not set up for success with a plan, resources, and timing, the jump could be a fall.

  • Write It Down: Becky’s advice for staying consistent—write down three tasks a day that move the needle.

  • Build Your Brand: No matter your industry, your personal brand will follow you—and can open doors for years to come.

 

👋 How To Connect With Becky Heidesch:

 

📣 Call to Action:

Call The Damn Leads

“By sales professionals, for sales professionals.” Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.

Expect a wild mix of:

  • Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire

  • Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game

  • Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life

  • Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields

Whether you’re in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don’t miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories.
Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast

📱 Follow Drewbie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drewbierides

📸 Follow Call The Damn Leads on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callthedamnleads