120: The Truth About Building Real Confidence with Leadership Expert Kelli Thompson
Release Date: 12/02/2025
How to Unlock Creative Genius Inside Any Organization with Author Andrew Robertson
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Robertson, former CEO and current Chairman of BBDO and author of The Creative Shift, to unpack why creativity gets squeezed out of adults, teams, and organizations and what it actually takes to bring it back. We talk about the difference between innovation and true creation, why most brainstorming fails, and how businesses unintentionally shut down their people’s most powerful ideas. Andrew shares the research, stories, and real-world lessons behind some of the most iconic campaigns of our time and why creativity is not reserved for “creative...
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Why You’re Not Sleeping as Well as You Think (and How to Fix It) with Sleep Scientist Dr. Wendy Troxel
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio Edition | Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career
What if the one skill you think you’re doing “well enough”… is actually the thing silently sabotaging your performance, your relationships, and your wellbeing? In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned sleep scientist Dr. Wendy Troxel to uncover the truth about the one behavior most of us think we’ve mastered — but absolutely haven’t. We dive into why sleep is far more than a nightly routine, why high-performers struggle with it most, and how the noise of social media “sleep hacks” is leading so many people astray. I ask Wendy the questions we’re all too embarrassed...
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122: The 100 Best Books for Work and Life with Publisher Todd Sattersten - Part 2
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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...
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121: The 100 Best Books for Work and Life with Publisher Todd Sattersten - Part 1
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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...
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120: The Truth About Building Real Confidence with Leadership Expert Kelli Thompson
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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...
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How to Build a Personal Brand That Feels Authentic with Author Lorraine K. Lee
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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...
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How to Make People Feel Seen, Heard, and Needed with Author Zach Mercurio
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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...
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How to Align Your Team, Clients, and Resources to Fuel Sustainable Growth with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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...
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Why Communities Make or Break Your Growth with Author Ryan Hamilton
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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...
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How to Lead with Respect and Build Unshakable Trust with Author Marcy Syms
Real Relationships Real Revenue - Audio 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_outlineWhat 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 frameworks for building confidence that sticks — whether you’re preparing for a big promotion, leading a team, or simply trying to stop second-guessing yourself. Her tools are practical, evidence-based, and surprisingly heart-centered. If you’ve ever wondered how to feel confident before you’ve “earned” it, this conversation will change the way you see yourself and your leadership potential.
Topics We Cover in This Episode:
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The surprising difference between confidence and cockiness — and how curiosity bridges the gap
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Why your “But Firsts” are secretly sabotaging your success
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How to turn expensive thoughts into valuable ones that propel your growth
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Why compassion (not criticism) is the key to lasting confidence
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The 4-part “LESS” model for doing less while achieving more
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How to make smarter decisions using your head, heart, and gut together
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Simple daily practices to build self-trust and resilience
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What your body is trying to tell you — and how to actually listen
If you’ve ever doubted your readiness, your worth, or your next big move, this episode will remind you that confidence isn’t something you wait for — it’s something you create through action, awareness, and self-compassion. Listen in, take notes, and don’t forget to check out Kelli’s book Closing the Confidence Gap for even more powerful tools to boost your peace, potential, and paycheck.
Resources Mentioned:
Order your copy of Give to Grow
Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow
Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!
Purchase Kelli’s Book, Closing the Confidence Gap
Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn