Real Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What actually happens when generosity, influence, and habits collide in your business development work? That’s the question I dive into in this second conversation with my friend Todd Sattersten, publisher of Bard Press and author of The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. We pick up exactly where Part One left off, right at the intersection of relationships, vulnerability, and connecting with others in a way that actually moves your work forward. From the surprising science behind why “givers” rise to the top (and sometimes sink to the bottom), to the behind-the-scenes mechanics of...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
In this episode, I sit down with my friend and publisher, Todd Sattersten to unpack his brand-new book The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. After spending thousands of hours studying the world’s top ideas, Todd distilled them into three massive themes: the core beliefs that shape how we grow, the foundational skills we all need, and the proven strategies for implementation. Together, we explore why purpose matters more than you think, why progress—not perfection—is what keeps us motivated, and how the strongest relationships (both personal and professional) can radically improve your...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What if the very doubts you’re trying to silence are actually helping you become more confident? In this episode, I sit down with Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, to unpack the truth about confidence — why it’s not about never feeling fear, and how curiosity and self-compassion are your biggest power moves. We explore the “But First” mindset that keeps you stuck, the cost of expensive thoughts, and the powerful shift that happens when you start listening to your body’s wisdom, not just your head. Kelli and I dive into real, actionable...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
Have you ever wondered how to intentionally shape your personal brand—without feeling fake or “salesy”? In this episode, I sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, to talk about what it really means to build a brand that reflects who you are, how you work, and what you stand for. We dig into why your brand is your reputation, how to stop leaving it up to chance, and the mindset shift that can help you move from being overlooked to being unforgettable. Lorraine breaks down her EPIC framework—Experiences, Personality, Identity, and...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world’s leading experts on the science of “mattering.” We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they’re seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings. We dig deep into the “why” behind mattering...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn’t), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution. I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair’s expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it’s quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn’t just about gaining more customers. It’s about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value. From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What does it really mean to lead with respect and how can it transform the way we work, connect, and grow? In this episode, I sit down with Marcy Syms, trailblazing business leader, author of Leading with Respect, and former president of the New York Stock Exchange. Marcy shares how respect goes far beyond a “soft skill” and becomes the foundation for trust, productivity, and lasting relationships. Together, we explore how empathy, compassion, and authenticity weave into leadership and why these qualities are essential to success in both business and life. We also dig into Marcy’s...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What makes work truly worth it? Is it the paycheck, the prestige, or the purpose behind what we do every day? In this episode, I sit down with authors Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jen Tosti-Kharas to dive into their book Is Your Work Worth It? We unpack the big questions around why we work, what keeps us going long after we “have to,” and how to think differently about love versus money in our careers. From rethinking autopilot routines to exploring how work shapes our legacy, this conversation will have you reflecting on your own motivations in a whole new way. Together, we also...
info_outlineReal Relationships Real Revenue - Video Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What if the real key to your business growth isn’t another marketing tactic—but building the right community around you? In this episode, I sit down with Gina Bianchini, CEO of Mighty Networks, to uncover the true difference between networking (which often feels transactional) and community (which sparks transformation). We explore why being the hub of a community can exponentially grow your influence, create opportunities, and bring lasting value to everyone involved. Gina walks us through the exact framework for building a community that’s vibrant, self-sustaining, and deeply...
info_outlineWhat if improvisation wasn’t just for comedy, but a game-changer for business, relationships, and even personal growth?
In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Leonard, the creative force behind Second City's groundbreaking use of improv training in the corporate world. From recruiting comedy legends like Tina Fey and Steve Carell to co-authoring the acclaimed book Yes, And, Kelly shares stories, insights, and research-backed techniques that redefine how we approach collaboration, listening, and adaptability. You'll learn how to build trust, navigate ambiguity, and create powerful ensembles in business and life.
Kelly also delves into the science behind improv. Whether you're prepping for a high-stakes pitch, navigating personal challenges, or just looking to sharpen your creative edge, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
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The “Yes, And” philosophy and how it fosters creativity and collaboration
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A surprising FBI training exercise to build agility under pressure
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How to turn disagreement into a productive conversation with one simple phrase
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Stories of famous improvisers and the magic of ensemble thinking
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Why listening deeply is the ultimate superpower in high-stakes situations
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How improv can help heal anxiety and build resilience
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The unexpected ways improv transforms both individuals and organizations
If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Leonard, dive deeper into his world! Check out my interview on Kelly’s podcast, Getting to Yes, And. Don’t miss his acclaimed book, Yes, And, a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their collaboration and creativity.
Learn more about The Second City here, and tune into Kelly’s podcast here. You can also connect with Kelly directly on LinkedIn or follow his updates on X.
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to the Give to Grow episode on Kelly’s Podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/mo-bunnell-give-to-grow
Check out Kelly’s book, Yes, And: https://a.co/d/6f6lDYT
The Seconde City: https://www.secondcity.com
Subscribe to Kelly’s podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/category/getting-to-yes,-and-podcast
Connect with Kelly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/
Connect with Kelly on X: https://www.twitter.com/KLsecondcity
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