Build Relationships That Matter: Strategic Networking for a Competitive Edge
Release Date: 06/16/2025
Thrive: Raving Referrals
THRIVE
Welcome to another episode of Thrive, the show that helps you turn today’s uncertainty into your greatest competitive advantage. This week, host Meredith Elliott Powell sits down with Verl Workman, a serial entrepreneur, renowned real estate coach, and the author of Raving Referrals. Verl brings his incredible personal story of rising from poverty to industry leadership, sharing how resilience, relationships, and a “STUPID goals” mentality transformed his trajectory. Together, they dive deep into the power of building authentic connections, why referrals are the lifeblood of any...
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Thrive Building Flexibility by Anticipating the Future
THRIVE
Welcome to another episode of Thrive, the podcast that helps you turn uncertainty into your greatest competitive advantage. I’m your host, Meredith Elliott Powell, and today we’re diving into the rewarding and sometimes misunderstood world of franchising. Whether you’re exploring business ownership, looking to scale your operations, or just curious about what it takes to make it in the franchise world, you’re in the right place. Joining me is Mark Siebert, founder of the iFranchise Group and a leading expert in franchising. Mark shares insider insights on why franchising can be a...
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Thrive Setting the Stage for Success
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Welcome to Thrive, the podcast where we turn uncertainty into your greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, host Meridith Elliott Powell sits down with Scott Leese, founder of Leese Consulting, whose incredible story of overcoming severe illness and launching a successful sales career is both inspiring and full of actionable lessons. Scott opens up about facing life-threatening health challenges in his 20s and how that experience shaped his relentless drive and perspective on life and business. Meriedith and Scott explore how adversity can fuel success, the importance of urgency, and...
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Thrive Strategies Phrases and Tools to Handle Conflict Successfully
THRIVE
Welcome to Thrive! I’m your host, Meredith Elliott Powell, and today we’re taking on a topic that every leader faces but most want to avoid: workplace conflict. I’m thrilled to welcome my guests, Karin Hurt and David Dye, the dynamic duo behind Let’s Grow Leaders and the authors of "Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict." Karin and David are here to share research-backed insights on why workplace conflict is on the rise, what’s really driving it, and—most importantly—how to handle it with confidence. We’ll talk about their four dimensions for productive...
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Build Relationships That Matter: Strategic Networking for a Competitive Edge
THRIVE
Welcome to this episode of Thrive, the podcast where we dive into proven strategies to help you turn uncertainty into your biggest competitive advantage. I’m your host, Meredith Elliott Powell, and today we’re exploring one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—aspects of professional success: networking. But not just any networking. Our guest, Michael Forman, a true expert in building connections, introduces us to the concept of strategic networking. Together, we’ll unpack why cultivating relationships matters now more than ever, how true connection is much more than just...
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Thrive Stories and Strategies From a Salesman on Fire with Carson Heady
THRIVE
Hey there, and welcome to another episode of Thrive! Today, we're chatting with Carson Heady, the ultimate Salesman on Fire, who's been shaking things up at big names like Microsoft, AT&T, and Verizon. Join host Meredith Elliott Powell as she dives into Carson's unique strategies that help you turn all this market craziness into a winning play. You'll get the scoop on how personal branding can really set you apart and hear some down-to-earth advice straight from Carson's books, "A Salesman on Fire" and "The Show Must Go On." Whether you're looking to step up your sales game or need a...
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Thrive How to StayFocused When Everything is Uncertain with Mike Robbins
THRIVE
Hey there, welcome to another episode of Thrive! Today, Meredith Elliott Powell chats with the amazing Mike Robbins about keeping your head in the game when everything around you feels like a rollercoaster. Mike's got a cool story—from almost making it big in baseball, an injury changed his path, leading him to become a top speaker and coach in leadership. They dig into why connecting with people on a real level and having the right mindset is a game-changer for team success. Plus, they share how to turn all this uncertainty into your secret weapon. If you’re looking to make sense of the...
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Thrive Gaining the Power to Read People and Get What You Want with Angel Tucker
THRIVE
Welcome to Thrive, where we turn uncertainty into your competitive edge. I'm your host, Meredith Elliott Powell, and today we're uncovering the essence of human connection with personality strategist Angel Tucker. In an AI-dominated world, Angel emphasizes the importance of understanding and communicating effectively with others. From her start with motivational tapes at Amway to becoming an expert with the DISC model, Angel’s insights highlight how genuine communication can transform relationships and organizational success. Join us as we explore building trust, improving negotiation...
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Thrive The Power of Conscious Leadership with Alex Raymond
THRIVE
In this episode of Thrive, host Meredith Elliott Powell engages with visionary entrepreneur Alex Raymond to explore the transformative world of conscious leadership. Alex shares his journey from a traditional corporate career to becoming an entrepreneur, revealing strategies to tackle the internal challenges of running a business. He emphasizes the importance of self-commitment, intentionality, and the shift from external validation to inner growth. Discover how these elements can turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage. Plus, get a sneak peek into the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit...
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Thrive Secrets to Creating Innovation in Your Teams with Amy Climer
THRIVE
In this episode of Thrive, Meredith Elliott Powell chats with Dr. Amy Climer, a creativity and innovation whiz, about how to get your teams buzzing with fresh ideas. Amy's not just talking the talk; she's got a PhD in the art of being creative and her new book, "Deliberate Creative: How to Lead for Innovative Results," is packed with tips and tricks. They dive into why being deliberate about creativity is key, how to shake off those misconceptions about innovation, and how you can build a team that's ready to tackle whatever changes come their way. Whether you're a team leader or just...
info_outlineWelcome to this episode of Thrive, the podcast where we dive into proven strategies to help you turn uncertainty into your biggest competitive advantage. I’m your host, Meredith Elliott Powell, and today we’re exploring one of the most essential—and often misunderstood—aspects of professional success: networking. But not just any networking. Our guest, Michael Forman, a true expert in building connections, introduces us to the concept of strategic networking.
Together, we’ll unpack why cultivating relationships matters now more than ever, how true connection is much more than just trading business cards or attending Zoom calls, and why even the most introverted among us can master the art of networking with just a little practice—and the right mindset. You’ll hear real-world advice on where to start, how to overcome the fear of rejection, and why Michael believes following up is just as important as making the initial connection.
Whether you’re new to networking, looking to sharpen your skills, or hoping to help your team unlock the power of relationships, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration to help you grow, succeed, and profit. So, get ready to take notes—your next big opportunity may be just one strategic conversation away!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelforman/
https://www.michaelaforman.com/