Aug 2025 - Special Guest - Stevie Ray on Improv that Works
Release Date: 08/13/2025
Winning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
We all carry voices from our past into our present—from our parents, the pastor from Sunday, the last prospect who brushed us off, the customer who complained about delivery, even our boss reminding us about our quota. They echo in the back of our minds and distract us from the person sitting right in front of us, now. The problem is, those voices always seem to show up when we’re trying to prospect, sell, lead, or negotiate. With so many invisible passengers riding along, it feels like we need a bus just to carry them all. The real question is this: Are you going to let these pesky...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
In our last episode we closed with a quote from Bob Nardelli, the former CEO of Home Depot: “I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum capabilities.” If true, we should be looking for coaching opportunities every day with the hope of finding someone who will work with on a long-term basis. But, if we don’t listen and change we might find our coach has better things to do. So, take a lap as Scott and I turn our attention to Are You Coachable? and other phlegmatic philosophies on Episode 685 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Current book – The Power of...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
Sales isn’t just about numbers—it’s about sparking curiosity, creating connections, and leaving people amazed. Now, imagine a speaker who blends the precision of a teacher, the creativity of a magician, and the insight of a strategist. This isn’t “just talk”—it’s an experience that makes your sales message unforgettable, turning ideas into impact and audiences into believers. Let’s see if we can pull a rabbit out of the hat - as Bill and I interview magician and keynote speaker, The Amazing Hondo to discuss Magic with a Message on Episode 684 of the Winning at Selling...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
Sales isn’t about tricks or scripts—it’s about understanding people. When you sell with empathy, clarity, and respect, you don’t just win deals—you build trust, loyalty, and long-term relationships. The question is, “How do you accomplish that?” Put on your EMPATHY hat as Scott and I discover What Buyers Really Want and other ridiculous ramblings on Episode 683 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larson Next Book - Aligning Strategy and Sales by Frank Cespedes Bill Hellkamp – Visit my website: Scott...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
Many salespeople think they’re in a test every time they meet a prospect—measured on how much they know and how perfectly they can present. But selling isn’t about passing a test. It’s about uncovering what matters most to the prospect. In this episode, we’ll look at how shifting from “proving yourself” to “understanding them” can change the conversation—and your results. So, listen up and keep your eyes on the road as Bill and I cram for You Are Not Being Tested and other intriguing ideas on Episode 682 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Current book – The Power of...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
How can a centuries-old art form help your organization engage employees, build teamwork, and create a culture of innovation? For decades, the techniques of improvisation, or “improv,” have helped organizations do just that. Improv is more than just funny; it is fun and valuable training. If you lead teams, interact with clients or customers, or face challenges that need innovative solutions, improv skills can take you to the next level. So, let’s throw away the script as Scott and I meet with comedian and entrepreneur Stevie Ray to discuss Improv that Works: Engage *Build * Innovate on...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
We don’t execute on what we don’t believe. Whether it’s a sales process, a life change, or a new habit, our actions—or lack of them—are rooted in what we truly believe about ourselves and what’s possible. In this episode, we’ll explore how belief shapes behavior and how shifting what you believe - can unlock the consistent execution you need for real transformation. Renew your membership in optimism and resilience as Bill and I discuss Belief and Execution and other noteworthy nuggets on Episode 680 of the Winning at Selling Podcast. Current book – The Power of Purpose by...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
In sales, there’s a common pattern that many professionals follow with the best intentions. They ask questions. They probe. They dig into the mechanics of a prospect’s situation—what systems are they using? How much are they spending? What’s not working? Next they tie the pertinent features into benefits for the prospect. But seldom do they get into the crucial questions of motivation – the WHY. You must be motivated to tune in, so listen up as Scott and I probe, Features, Benefits and Motivation and other appealing appetizers on Episode 679 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Current...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
Are you living with purpose—or just going through the motions? In today’s episode, we explore how purpose shapes your work, relationships, and identity. Discover how alignment brings clarity and fulfillment, and learn practical steps to overcome fear, find direction, and start living the life you’re meant to lead. If you are open to new ideas and define yourself as “coachable” listen up as Bill, and I welcome author, speaker, and lifelong salesperson, Mitch Larson to discuss his new book, The Power of Purpose, a Guide to Discover Yours on Episode 678 of the Winning at Selling...
info_outlineWinning at Selling | Sales Leadership, Training and Development by Scott "The Professor"- Plum and Bill Hellkamp
Responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) can be a powerful way to win new business—but only if it’s the right opportunity. RFPs often demand considerable time, resources, and cross-functional coordination, so blindly responding to every one can lead to wasted effort, low win rates, and team burnout. Look up your RFP win rates as Scott and I question, Should You Respond to an RFP? and other magnificent musings on Episode 677 of the Winning at Selling podcast. Our next book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larson Bill Hellkamp – Visit my website: Scott...
info_outlineHow can a centuries-old art form help your organization engage employees, build teamwork, and create a culture of innovation? For decades, the techniques of improvisation, or “improv,” have helped organizations do just that. Improv is more than just funny; it is fun and valuable training. If you lead teams, interact with clients or customers, or face challenges that need innovative solutions, improv skills can take you to the next level.
So, let’s throw away the script as Scott and I meet with comedian and entrepreneur Stevie Ray to discuss Improv that Works: Engage *Build * Innovate on Episode 681 of the Winning at Selling podcast.
Stevie Ray Improv - https://stevierays.org/
Current book – The Power of Purpose by Mitch Larson
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Purpose-guide-discover-yours/dp/1960111280/ref=sr_1_1
Bill Hellkamp – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: http://www.reachdev.com/
Scott “Professor Plum” Plum – See my LinkedIn profile and send me an invite
Visit my website: https://www.mnsales.com