Go for Gold Every Day, Ep #494
Sales Reinvented
Paralympic gold medalist and renowned keynote speaker Aaron Phipps, and his high-performance coach, Jon Cooper, pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build elite performance, whether in sport or in sales. From honest conversations during lockdown to transforming adversity into high-level achievement, Aaron and Jon share game-changing lessons on teamwork and breaking through mental barriers. They reveal how stepping out of the “expert” role, embracing vulnerability, and constantly pushing boundaries can impact anyone’s performance. Outline of This Episode 00:00 Power of...
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What Separates Elite Sellers from the Rest, Ep #493
Sales Reinvented
In this episode, I’m joined by renowned sales expert Simon Hazeldine to explore what truly sets elite sales performers apart from the crowd. With over 35 years of experience and a reputation for blending neuroscience, psychology, and practical sales execution, Simon shares research-backed insights on the core habits and mindsets that drive consistent, high-level sales success. We break down the key attributes of elite sellers, from the importance of business intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and what Simon calls execution intelligence (XQ). Simon also shares the pitfalls of...
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The Telephone Assassin’s Formula for Sales Success, Ep #492
Sales Reinvented
Anthony Stears, also known as the Telephone Assassin, is a professional speaker, trainer, and consultant who specializes in helping sales teams master the art of real-time conversations, particularly over the phone. We dig into the relevance of live calls in today’s digital-first world and explore how human-to-human interactions can break through “pipeline constipation” when automated tools and AI fall short. Anthony also shares practical techniques for building confidence in phone outreach, from shifting your mindset to using “permission to speak” as a powerful opener. Outline of...
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Using Human Judgment in AI-Driven Sales Processes, Ep #491
Sales Reinvented
In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Harding, Senior Vice President of Sales EMEA at SalesLoft and global sales leader, for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping the revenue workflow. We cut through the hype to uncover the real value AI brings to sales teams, from serving as the “air traffic control” for overwhelmed account executives to accelerating pipeline creation through smarter signal prioritization. Steve shares powerful examples from his own organization, unveils practical AI use cases for prospecting and deal progression, and emphasizes the importance of keeping the human touch...
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Common AI Pitfalls in Sales and How to Overcome Them, Ep #490
Sales Reinvented
Julie Holmes is a renowned AI expert, inventor, and tech entrepreneur who’s with me on the show to discuss how AI is reshaping the buyer-seller dynamic. She shares her expertise on how to manage when AI-empowered buyers are more informed (and sometimes misinformed), making the salesperson’s role as both educator and “un-educator” more vital than ever. Julie breaks down how sales pros can leverage AI to boost efficiency and personalize their approach while preserving the irreplaceable human skills of motivation, determination, and empathy. Julie reveals her “20-60-20” framework for...
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How Holistic Health Unlocks Energy and Focus, Ep #489
Sales Reinvented
There’s a proven link between physical fitness and sales performance. My guest this week, wellbeing and performance expert George Anderson, joins me to share his strategies for boosting energy, focus which I’m sure you’ll agree are key ingredients for thriving in the demanding world of sales. We discuss the impact of daily habits like morning routines, and mindful “powering down” at the end of the day. You’ll also be inspired by George’s personal ultramarathon journey and learn practical tips for overcoming common obstacles like lack of time and burnout. If you’re ready...
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Sales is a Marathon, Not a Sprint, Ep #488
Sales Reinvented
Sales professionals are renowned for their drive, energy, and resilience. Yet, behind every high-performing salesperson lies a critical, often-overlooked factor: physical fitness. In this episode, we welcome back Shane Gibson, a global sales performance expert, AI for sales strategist, and accomplished author. Shane shares his wealth of knowledge on the link between physical fitness and sales performance, revealing how health and mindful habits drive long-term results in the high-pressure world of sales. We discuss actionable fitness routines and strategies to manage stress, stay resilient,...
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Fitness Lessons from the Sales Front Lines, Ep #487
Sales Reinvented
At first glance, it may seem like the relentless pursuit of targets and numbers in sales has little in common with the discipline of physical fitness. But in this episode of the Sales Reinvented podcast, we peel back the layers to reveal just how intertwined the two really are. Drawing on years of experience in both revenue leadership and personal training, Charles Needham breaks down how simple wellness habits can "uncover alpha in overlooked data" and prepare sales professionals for the daily stresses of the job. Charles shares practical, science-backed advice on how simple habits, like...
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Integrating Physical and Mental Wellness for Peak Performance in Sales, Ep #486
Sales Reinvented
In the world of sales, the relentless pressure to perform can take a toll on physical and mental health. But what if the secret to sustained sales success wasn’t just about hitting targets, but also about how you care for your body and mind? On this episode of the Sales Reinvented podcast, I sat down with Jamie Crosbie, TEDx speaker, sales leader, and founder of Proactivate, to explore the powerful link between fitness and professional sales performance. Here’s how building habits around health can elevate not just your mood, but your sales results. Outline of This Episode [01:20]...
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3 Daily Habits That Guarantee Focus and Energy, Ep #485
Sales Reinvented
B2B sales leader Kent Kononoff is back with us on the show to share his expertise on the crucial, and often overlooked, connection between physical fitness and sales performance. Drawing from over 25 years of experience, Kent shares how discipline, consistency, and resilience developed through fitness routines can directly improve outcomes in the sales world. The conversation uncovers Kent’s favorite daily habits for staying energized, the role of nutrition and sleep, and practical strategies for overcoming the lifestyle challenges sales professionals often face. Whether it’s hiking...
info_outlineParalympic gold medalist and renowned keynote speaker Aaron Phipps, and his high-performance coach, Jon Cooper, pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build elite performance, whether in sport or in sales.
From honest conversations during lockdown to transforming adversity into high-level achievement, Aaron and Jon share game-changing lessons on teamwork and breaking through mental barriers. They reveal how stepping out of the “expert” role, embracing vulnerability, and constantly pushing boundaries can impact anyone’s performance.
Outline of This Episode
- 00:00 Power of vulnerability in performance.
- 03:44 Going further beyond your limits.
- 07:40 Preparing for pressure proactively.
- 09:50 Avoiding mental traps in thinking.
- 14:58 Embracing growth as a coach.
- 16:25 Push for your best every day.
- 19:27 The path to gold is rarely straightforward.
Vulnerability as the Key to Peak Performance
Aaron reflects on the importance of vulnerability, both as an athlete and as a leader. Aaron and John each initially leaned on their expertise, Aaron as a high-level competitor, John as a high-level coach. It was during the unpredictable disruption of COVID that both realized real growth required honest conversations and a willingness to admit when they didn’t have all the answers.
Elite performance flourishes when people move beyond trying to be the constant expert and instead focus on authentic, open dialogue. This lesson is important for sales leaders too; when teams shed the need to always have the answer, they create environments where vulnerability drives innovation and growth.
Unshakable Belief and Defying Expectations
Preparing for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, Aaron and John faced a culture of skepticism, but they maintained an unshakable belief in their mission to be the best in the world, keeping their eye on their ambitious goals and not listening to the doubters. This mindset is also critical in sales: keep pushing for greatness, even when the outcome seems distant.
Habits for Sustained Success
When it comes to discipline and consistency, you have to master the basics:
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Optimize Nutrition and Hydration
Just as athletes fuel their bodies carefully, sales professionals must prioritize self-care. Preparing meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding the “grab and go” mentality directly impacts day-to-day performance.
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Establish a Pre-Performance Process
Whether it’s a routine before a game or a key sales pitch, having a repeatable process can yield a significant boost in execution.
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Rehearse Relentlessly
Practice isn’t just for sports. If you don’t simulate and rehearse critical moments, you won’t deliver your best when it matters.
From Imposter Syndrome to Pattern Thinking
Mental traps common to both athletes and salespeople include imposter syndrome, catastrophizing, and falling into predictable patterns of thought. Aaron shares his personal battles with self-doubt and the power of expert coaching. John cautions against assuming outcomes based on past experiences and challenges leaders to stay genuinely open to each new situation. Expertise is as much about being confidently reactive as it is about knowing the playbook.
Creating High-Performance Cultures
At the cutting edge, progress comes from stepping beyond the comfort zone and communicating with your team. Sales leaders have to create cultures that celebrate discomfort and risk-taking, pushing boundaries instead of strictly adhering to what’s always worked before.
This played out in Aaron’s path to gold, deprived of world-class facilities by the pandemic, he and Jon improvised training amidst real-world distractions, such as non-wheelchair-friendly facilities shared with dog walkers. These constraints led to unprecedented performance gains and, ultimately, gold. Sometimes, losing comfort is what ignites greatness. The path to elite performance is rarely linear, and often strewn with unexpected challenges. With the right mindset, those obstacles can become the catalysts for extraordinary success.
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