Ask For Change
Ask For Change: Turning Uncertainty into Competitive Advantage, is where you hear the inspiring stories of how everyday business professionals forged unconventional paths to success. Learn new insights from business thought leaders and visionaries who made dramatic gains in self-awareness, discovered breakthrough new strategies, or blazed whole new trails that shifted and transformed the ways to succeed in today’s economy. In the ever-changing, uncertain, crazy rollercoaster of the world of business, you can thrive in ways you may never have imagined before. Put this crisis behind you and emerge successful.
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Transform Your Culture
07/14/2026
Transform Your Culture
With Special Guest: Brian Biro, America's Breakthrough Coach and Bestselling Author of The ROI of Kindness Kindness has an image problem in business. Brian Biro has spent decades proving that image is wrong. In this episode, Meridith welcomes her longtime mentor Brian Biro, "America's Breakthrough Coach," to make the case that kindness is not a soft skill leaders can afford to skip. It is the foundation of trust, performance, and results. Brian traces his passion for kindness back to his own mentor, legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, and shows why the companies that top every industry, from Southwest Airlines to Starbucks to Kaiser Permanente, all share kindness as a core value. Brian introduces his ESPN framework for building people: deliver thanks with real Effort and energy, use the power of Surprise, be fully Present, and choose Now over "as soon as." He and Meridith also tackle the question every leader eventually faces: how do you stay kind while still holding people accountable? Through stories, including Coach Wooden confronting a star player over a broken team rule, and Meridith's own story of delivering hard feedback to a talented young executive, they show that real kindness means telling someone the truth because you believe in what they can become, not withholding it to protect their feelings, or yours. What you will take away from this conversation: Why the Pygmalion effect means what you focus on in your people is what you create in them The ESPN framework for building trust: Effort and energy, Surprise, Presence, and Now Why kindness and accountability are not opposites, and how to deliver a hard message with genuine care The difference between being liked and being respected, and why leaders who chase the first lose both Brian's closing truth: "The love we fail to share is the only pain we live with" If you lead people through uncertainty and want a culture that performs and holds together, this conversation gives you the blueprint. Connect with Brian Biro: brianbiro.com | Book: The ROI of Kindness
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Let's Dance in the Discomfort Zone
07/07/2026
Let's Dance in the Discomfort Zone
With Special Guest: Anne Bonney, Change Management Authority, International Keynote Speaker, and Author of Get Over It! and Get Them Over It! Most people spend their whole career running from discomfort. Anne Bonney built hers by running straight at it. In this episode, Meridith sits down with change management authority Anne Bonney, who traces her path from a childhood spent moving across four continents to training seals and sea lions at the Boston Aquarium to a corner office job in New York City that looked perfect on paper and left her unable to get out of bed. Anne shares the moment she realized having the title, the salary, and the city she loved was not the same as having a life she wanted, and the leap she took into her parents' basement in Michigan to rebuild from scratch as a change speaker and author. Anne and Meridith dig into what actually moves people through uncertainty: shifting from an external locus of control to an internal one, focusing energy only on what you can act on, and letting go of the anger you feel toward everyone else. They also unpack what leaders get wrong about difficult conversations, including the shift from calling people out to calling them in, and why teams trust a leader who is consistently direct far more than one who is inconsistently nice. What you will take away from this conversation: Why "what can I control right now" is the single most useful question in a season of change The difference between an internal and external locus of control, and why it determines your resilience How one manager's simple question, "what are you worried about, what are you mad about, what are you losing," turned a scary company-wide change into a team that trusted him Why being liked and being respected are not the same goal, and choosing wrong costs you both The teapot metaphor for feelings, and why bottling them up always ends the same way If you are navigating your own basement moment, or leading a team through one, Anne's closing advice says it best: don't do it alone. Connect with Anne Bonney: yourchangespeaker.com | Books: Get Over It! and Get Them Over It! LinkedIn: Facebook or Instagram: @SpeakerAnneBonney
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Using Humor to Find the Success in Uncertainty
06/23/2026
Using Humor to Find the Success in Uncertainty
Using Humor to Find the Success in Uncertainty With Special Guest: Joel Zeff, Work Culture Expert, Keynote Speaker & Author Uncertainty is serious business. But the leaders who navigate it best may have one thing in common: they never stopped having fun. In this episode, Meridith sits down with Joel Zeff — work culture expert, improv performer, and author of Make the Right Choice — to make the case that laughter is not a soft skill. It is a competitive advantage hiding in plain sight. Joel has spent 25-plus years turning corporate audiences into improv performers and proving that the same instincts that make a great improv scene — listening, adapting, supporting your team, saying yes — are exactly the instincts that make a great leader. What you will take away from this conversation: Why improv is not just entertainment — it is one of the most powerful leadership development tools available How fun drives engagement, passion, and performance in ways that money simply cannot replicate The one question every leader should be asking their team — and almost never does Why the ability to embrace change is a choice, and how to start making that choice consistently How creating psychological safety for mistakes unlocks creativity, risk-taking, and results Whether your team is burned out, playing it safe, or just going through the motions, this episode is the permission slip to lead differently — and the roadmap to make it stick. Special offer from Joel: Mention Ask for Change when you connect with him and receive a free chapter from his new book on change. Connect with Joel Zeff: joelzeff.com | LinkedIn: Joel Zeff
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The Power of Abundance
06/16/2026
The Power of Abundance
The Power of Abundance With Special Guest: Dr. Mitchell Levy, Global Credibility Expert & Executive Coach When uncertainty hits, most leaders default to scarcity. They protect, they contract, they play defense. What if the leaders who win are the ones who choose something different? In this episode, Meridith sits down with Dr. Mitchell Levy — global credibility expert, executive coach, and member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches — to explore what executive abundance actually means, why it matters in a world of constant disruption, and how the right framework changes everything. Dr. Mitchell spent years researching credibility, clarity, and leadership before arriving at a concept that cuts to the root of why so many executives struggle to translate vision into results. His book, Executive Abundance, is the product of a PhD dissertation that proved academically what he had seen in practice for decades. What you will take away from this conversation: Why 98% of executives lack clarity — and why that single gap undermines everything else The Executive Abundance Engine: the four interdependent components every leader needs in order Why the quarterly-numbers-only framework is costing companies their people, their customers, and their future How abundance thinking reframes the five stakeholder groups every leader is responsible to Why frameworks are not just strategy tools — they are the bridge between vision and execution In times of uncertainty, the leaders who hold onto scarcity thinking fall behind. The ones who build a new framework move forward. This episode shows you how. Connect with Dr. Mitchell Levy: mitchelllevy.com
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Being Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With
06/12/2026
Being Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With
Being Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With With Special Guest: David Avrin, Customer Experience Expert & Bestselling Author Your product is good. Your team is good. Your pricing is competitive. So why are customers still leaving? In this episode, Meridith sits down with internationally in-demand keynote speaker and customer experience strategist David Avrin to tackle the question most businesses never think to ask: how hard is it to actually do business with you? David has spent decades helping organizations across the globe rethink how they serve customers, build loyalty, and grow in a marketplace where quality alone is no longer a differentiator. His latest book, Ridiculously Easy to Do Business With, is the manifesto every business owner and executive needs right now. What you will take away from this conversation: Why ease of doing business has overtaken price as the primary driver of customer decisions The difference between necessary friction and the unnecessary friction that is quietly costing you customers Why chatbots, contact forms, and rigid policies are driving your best clients straight to your competitors How uncertainty in the marketplace amplifies customer frustration — and what you can do about it The one question every leader should ask: what is it like to be your own customer? If you have worked hard to earn your customers' trust, do not lose them over something you can fix. This episode will show you exactly where to start. Connect with David Avrin: davidavrin.com | LinkedIn: David Avrin
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Resilience Is the Most Powerful Tool in Uncertainty
06/02/2026
Resilience Is the Most Powerful Tool in Uncertainty
With Special Guest: Brandon Hance, Serial Entrepreneur, Investor, and High-Performance Coach What separates leaders who perform at the highest level under pressure from those who crack when it counts? According to serial entrepreneur and high-performance coach Brandon Hance, it's not talent. It's not even strategy. It's identity - and most leaders have never taken the time to define theirs. In this intellectually rich and practically grounded episode of Ask for Change, Meridith sits down with Brandon to explore the inner work that high performers across sports, business, and entrepreneurship consistently credit for their competitive edge. Brandon draws on his experience playing under legendary USC coach Pete Carroll - and winning back-to-back national championships - to break down the four mindset shifts that separate performers who rise under pressure from those who collapse: moving from fear to love, from projection to presence, from self-centeredness to selflessness, and from drift to deliberate identity. He and Meridith connect these frameworks directly to the business challenges leaders are facing right now - how to build cultures of transparency and alignment, why speed and shared vision are inseparable, and why the next frontier of human performance will be unlocked through inner work, not harder work. Brandon reframes resilience in a way that will stay with you: it's not about how high you can go, it's about your rate of return to center. Raise the floor, not just the ceiling. If you lead a team, run a company, or are simply trying to perform at your best in one of the most uncertain markets in recent memory, this episode delivers the strategies and the mindset to do exactly that. LinkedIn: X: @brandonhance_
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Integrity First
05/26/2026
Integrity First
With Special Guest: Mark Hunter, "The Sales Hunter" and Author of Integrity Selling In a marketplace flooded with noise, shortcuts, and quarterly pressure, integrity has become one of the rarest competitive advantages in sales. And according to Mark Hunter, that's exactly why it's the most powerful one. In this candid and compelling episode of Ask for Change, Meridith sits down with her Sales Logic co-host and one of the most respected voices in professional selling, Mark Hunter, to talk about his newest book Integrity Selling and why he believes now is precisely the right moment to make integrity the foundation of every sales conversation. Mark and Meridith go deep on what integrity actually looks like in practice - from referring a customer to a competitor when you're not the right fit, to showing your homework in a complex sale, to calling out the quarter-end games that quietly destroy trust and long-term revenue. Mark shares a defining personal story about closing a deal he knew was wrong, and the painful consequences that followed years later, a reminder that in sales, you're not closing deals, you're opening relationships. They also tackle the harder question: what do you do when the pressure to hit a number comes from the top and your own integrity is at stake? Mark's answer is uncomfortable and honest. This episode is essential listening for sales leaders, business development professionals, and any executive who wants to build a culture where trust is the strategy, not an afterthought.
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Action Is How to Push Through Uncertainty
05/19/2026
Action Is How to Push Through Uncertainty
With Special Guest: Dr. Mary Kelly, Co-Author of Leadership is Tough (with Peter Stark) Leadership looks easy when the market is good. It's when conditions get hard that you find out who's actually running a great organization - and who's just been riding a favorable tide. In this high-energy episode of Ask for Change, Meridith welcomes back one of the show's most popular guests, Dr. Mary Kelly, to dig into her new book Leadership is Tough, co-authored with business strategist Peter Stark. Mary pulls no punches on what actually separates great leaders from average ones in a change-fatigued, uncertain world: the disciplines they practice daily, the decisions they make before the decision gets made for them, and the accountability they hold even when it's uncomfortable. She and Meridith unpack the real cost of letting uncertainty dictate business decisions, why the best people leave organizations where accountability is selectively enforced, and how leaders who fail to constantly reinforce vision watch their teams revert to old behaviors under pressure. Mary's chapter on holding the line without breaking trust is worth the price of admission alone - it maps out all four layers of accountability and the specific ways organizations erode from the inside out when leaders look the other way. Her closing advice is direct and actionable: action trumps uncertainty. You don't have to have all the answers. You just need to pick a direction and move. If you're a leader who's been waiting for conditions to stabilize before you make your next move, this episode is your wake-up call.
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What Top Performers Do Differently
05/12/2026
What Top Performers Do Differently
With Special Guest: Steve Bonar, EVP, Conklin Company Most leaders coast once they earn the title. The ones who build lasting teams — and lasting results — never do. In this episode, Meridith sits down with Steve Bonar, Executive Vice President of the Conklin Company, to talk about what it actually takes to lead, sell, and grow when the pace of change is relentless and uncertainty is the only constant. Steve has spent 25 years developing entrepreneurs and leading large sales organizations inside one of the most relationship-driven industries in business. His perspective is practical, proven, and direct. What you will take away from this conversation: Why "systems permit ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results" — and what that means for how you build your team The mindset shift that separates leaders who fold under pressure from those who drive performance through it Why obstacles are not blocking your road to success. They are the road. How to keep your people motivated and focused when uncertainty keeps escalating The rearview mirror principle — and why most leaders are looking in the wrong direction If you are leading a team, building a business, or trying to find your footing in a marketplace that will not hold still, this episode delivers the strategies you need to stop managing uncertainty and start leveraging it. Connect with Steve Bonar: conklin.com
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Shift How You Think, Feel, and React to Uncertainty
05/05/2026
Shift How You Think, Feel, and React to Uncertainty
With Special Guest: Jeannie Walters, Founder of Experience Investigators Your competitors are not just disrupting your market. They are stealing your customers, one bad experience at a time. In this episode, Meridith sits down with customer experience pioneer Jeannie Walters to break down why most organizations treat CX like fairy dust — and why that is costing them revenue they cannot see leaving. Jeannie is the founder of Experience Investigators, creator of the Customer Experience Investigation Framework, and author of the new book Experience Is Everything. She has spent two decades helping organizations turn good intentions into measurable business results. What you will take away from this conversation: Why customer experience is not a department — it is a discipline that lives across every function of your organization The three-part framework (mindset, strategy, discipline) that separates companies who talk about CX from the ones who profit from it Why your C-suite dashboards are hiding the real cost of poor customer experience How uncertainty in the marketplace is actually your window to build deeper customer loyalty — if you move first If you lead a team, own a business, or sit in the C-suite, this episode will change how you see every customer interaction — and what it is actually worth. Connect with Jeannie Walters: experienceinvestigators.com | LinkedIn: Jeannie Walters Experience Is Everything — available now at experienceiseverythingbook.com
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Lessons Learned From CEO Jim Alling
04/28/2026
Lessons Learned From CEO Jim Alling
With Special Guest: Jim Alling, Former President of Starbucks U.S. and COO of T-Mobile What does it actually look like to lead through uncertainty at the highest levels of corporate America - and never lose yourself in the process? In this rare and candid episode of Ask for Change, Meridith sits down with Jim Alling, a C-suite veteran whose career spans Nestle, Starbucks, T-Mobile, and Tom's Shoes, for a masterclass in values-driven leadership. Jim shares the defining decisions that shaped his career - including walking away from a senior role at Starbucks because his son's health came first, and later leaving the coveted international president role because he was gone 35 weeks a year and losing his joy in the process. But this episode isn't just personal - it's a playbook. Jim breaks down the servant leadership philosophy he learned from legendary Starbucks executive Howard Behar, including why the org chart should be flipped upside down, why your front-line employees are your most valuable intelligence source, and why trust always grows a business faster than protection. His advice for facing uncertainty is disarmingly direct: your attitude is the most determinant factor in your outcome. Leaders who are navigating pressure from shareholders, managing rapid change, and trying to hold onto their best people will find this conversation both grounding and actionable.
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Can Kindness Be Your Competitive Advantage?
04/21/2026
Can Kindness Be Your Competitive Advantage?
With Special Guest: Michael Neece, President of Our Future Is Kind and Co-Founder of the Human Summit In a marketplace driven by quarterly results, relentless urgency, and constant disruption, kindness rarely makes the shortlist of competitive strategies. But what if it should? In this episode of Ask for Change, Meridith sits down with international bestselling author and kindness researcher Michael Neece to challenge the assumption that soft skills are secondary skills. Michael makes a compelling, data-backed case that kindness is not niceness - it's the foundation of psychological safety, the driver of team performance, and a measurable bottom-line differentiator. They unpack Google's Project Aristotle research on high-performing teams, dig into the real cost of unkind workplace cultures (hint: your best people leave first), and discuss why ego management and focus management are essential components of genuine kindness. Meridith and Michael also address one of the hardest questions leaders face right now: how do you stay kind when uncertainty is fueling fear, anger, and unkindness all around you? The answer will challenge how you think about your daily choices as a leader. If you've been looking for a competitive edge you haven't tried yet, this episode will make you rethink everything. Connect with Michael Neese: Linkedin Primary Linkedin Our Future is Kind FB IG Youtube
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The Secrets to Leading in Uncertainty
04/14/2026
The Secrets to Leading in Uncertainty
With Special Guest: Ken Hartley, Certified Speaking Professional and Author of Calling the Presidents History doesn't repeat itself - but it does offer a playbook. In this episode of Ask for Change, Meridith welcomes speaker and author Ken Hartley, whose new book goes where most business books don't: straight into the leadership crucibles of every U.S. president to extract timeless lessons on navigating uncertainty, change, and crisis. What made Washington lay down power when no one in history had done it before? What can Harry Truman's first days in office - inheriting a world war he knew nothing about - teach today's executives about leading blind? And what separated the presidents history remembers from the ones who became trivia questions? Ken's answer is both simple and unsparing: the leaders who endure are the ones who serve the needs of their people at the moment that matters most, own their mistakes without flinching, and embrace change instead of retreating from it. This episode is a compelling reminder that uncertainty is not a new problem - and that the strategies to turn it into advantage are already written. Meridith and Ken close with a challenge every leader needs to hear: everything you've ever wanted as a leader is waiting on the other side of the fear and uncertainty you've been avoiding. Ken Hartley:
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Doing Meaningful Work
04/07/2026
Doing Meaningful Work
With Special Guest: Justin Jones-Fosu, Speaker, Author, and Founder of the Work Meaningful Foundation Most leaders are chasing meaningful work. Justin Jones-Fosu argues they've got it backwards - meaningful work isn't something you find, it's something you create. In this deeply personal and strategically powerful episode of Ask for Change, Meridith sits down with speaker, author, and accidental foundation-starter Justin Jones-Fosu to explore what it actually takes to thrive - not just survive - in a world of relentless uncertainty and change. Justin's journey is anything but linear: from nearly getting fired while working in HR, to forgiving an absent father, to building schools in Ghana, he's a living case study in the power of choice, ownership, and intentional meaning-making. He introduces listeners to the research-backed framework of Job Crafting and his own "Choose, Commit, Cultivate" model - practical tools senior leaders can use to stop letting uncertainty happen to them and start creating outcomes with intention. This episode hits differently for leaders who feel the weight of what's happening in the world right now and are searching for a way to move forward with clarity and purpose. If you're tired of chasing and ready to start creating, this conversation is your next step. LinkedIn: (Justin Jones-Fosu)
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Strategizing for Wealth in the Age of Uncertainty
03/31/2026
Strategizing for Wealth in the Age of Uncertainty
With Special Guest: Elke Rubach Episode Description Uncertainty has a way of paralyzing financial decisions, and doing nothing is often the most expensive choice. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell is joined by wealth strategist Elke Rubach to discuss how individuals and families can regain control of their financial future, even in volatile times. Elke shares why clarity, ownership, and planning matter more than ever, and why wealth management is about far more than investments. From cash flow and risk protection to legacy planning and financial literacy, this conversation breaks down how to move from fear to confidence. If uncertainty around money is keeping you awake at night, this episode delivers a grounded and empowering roadmap forward.
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Closing the Information Gap
03/24/2026
Closing the Information Gap
With Special Guest: Dr. Mary Kelly Technology is advancing faster than most organizations are prepared for, and it is creating a dangerous and often invisible risk. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell sits down with economist and leadership expert Dr. Mary Kelly to uncover the growing information and knowledge gap inside today’s workforce. As companies rush to cut costs and adopt AI, they are unintentionally losing critical experience, institutional knowledge, and leadership continuity. Dr. Kelly explains why this is not a recession problem but a succession problem, and why short-term thinking is putting long-term sustainability at risk. This conversation delivers practical insight on how leaders can protect their organizations, retain top talent, and intentionally close the knowledge gap before it becomes a competitive liability. https://productiveleaders.com/
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Decoding What's Making You Tired, Wired, & Burned Out
03/17/2026
Decoding What's Making You Tired, Wired, & Burned Out
Special Guest: Anna Liotta Episode Description Stress is no longer occasional. It is constant. And if leaders are honest, many are running on empty while trying to inspire confidence in everyone else. In this powerful episode, Meridith Elliott Powell sits down with Hall of Fame speaker and generational expert Anna Liotta to unpack what is really happening inside our bodies when uncertainty accelerates. Anna introduces the concept of the vagus nerve and explains why nervous system regulation may be the most overlooked leadership skill in today’s marketplace. When change is moving at record speed, when expectations are rising across generations, and when leaders feel pressure from every direction, the ability to calm your internal response becomes a strategic advantage. This conversation is practical and eye-opening. From micro resets you can use in the middle of a meeting to understanding the difference between being triggered and living in a triggered state, Anna provides tools that immediately reduce reactivity and increase clarity. If you are feeling tired, wired, burned out, or simply stretched too thin, this episode will remind you that leadership begins with regulating yourself. When you create calm, you create capacity. And when you build capacity, you build competitive advantage.
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Mentorship as a Competitive Advantage
03/10/2026
Mentorship as a Competitive Advantage
With Special Guest: Colleen Stanley Episode Description In a marketplace defined by disruption and disengagement, mentorship is no longer optional. It is a strategic advantage. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell welcomes emotional intelligence expert and bestselling author Colleen Stanley to explore why mentorship is one of the most underutilized leadership tools today. Together, they challenge the outdated belief that mentorship must be formal, time-consuming, or hierarchical. Instead, Colleen reframes mentorship as something that can happen in moments, conversations, and daily interactions. This episode shows leaders how emotionally intelligent mentorship builds trust, closes skill gaps, strengthens culture, and drives performance, even in the middle of uncertainty.
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The Psychology of Influence
03/03/2026
The Psychology of Influence
With Special Guest: Jake Stahl Episode Description Influence is not about persuasion tactics. It is about understanding how people actually make decisions. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell is joined by sales neurostrategist Jake Stahl to unpack the psychology behind influence, communication, and behavior change. Jake explains why most people speak to the wrong version of their audience and how leaders and sales professionals can learn to communicate at the brain level. From nonverbal signals to reframing conversations, this episode offers a deeper look at what it really means to own the room. If you want to be heard, trusted, and remembered in today’s crowded marketplace, this conversation delivers the tools to do exactly that.
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The Bold Move You Need To Own Your Life
02/24/2026
The Bold Move You Need To Own Your Life
With Special Guest: Amy Lessinger Staying stuck is a decision, even when it does not feel like one. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell sits down with former RE/MAX President Amy Lessinger to discuss what it truly takes to create transformation in your career, leadership, and life. Amy introduces the concept of the irreversible step, the moment where you stop hedging, stop waiting for certainty, and fully commit to what comes next. Through powerful stories and practical insight, she explains why ownership, truth, and decisive action are the foundation of meaningful change. This episode is a must-listen for leaders who know something needs to change and are ready to stop circling the decision.
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The Power of Trusting Your Own Voice
02/17/2026
The Power of Trusting Your Own Voice
With Special Guest: Dr. Cindy McGovern Too many leaders know what they want to say but never give themselves permission to say it. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell is joined by Dr. Cindy McGovern, known as the First Lady of Sales, to explore why so many capable, accomplished professionals struggle to trust their own voice. Dr. McGovern introduces the idea of internal permission and explains how unseen influences, past conditioning, and internal narratives quietly hold people back. From boardrooms to everyday conversations, this lack of permission creates hesitation, regret, and stalled progress. This conversation is both practical and deeply human. It offers a clear path for quieting the noise, reclaiming intuition, and taking confident steps forward, even when certainty is nowhere to be found. If you are ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start leading, selling, and living with clarity, this episode will challenge you to trust what you already know. https://drcindy.com/
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Your LinkedIn Edge
02/13/2026
Your LinkedIn Edge
With Special Guest: Brynne Tillman LinkedIn is no longer optional, but most professionals are still using it the wrong way. In this episode, Meridith Elliott Powell welcomes LinkedIn strategist Brynne Tillman to break down how to build real relationships, credibility, and opportunity on the platform without gimmicks or automation. Brynne explains why connect and pitch is killing trust, how to leverage your existing network more effectively, and how to turn LinkedIn into a daily business development tool rather than a distraction. This episode gives leaders and sales professionals a clear, practical approach to standing out and creating value in a crowded digital marketplace. https://brynnetillman.com/
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Thrive: Raving Referrals
08/11/2025
Thrive: Raving Referrals
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 thriving business, and actionable steps you can take—no matter your industry—to unlock the doors to growth when times feel most uncertain. Get ready to discover why relationships are your greatest currency, how to set game-changing goals, and the one habit you need to build right now to propel yourself through ambiguity and into success.
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Thrive Building Flexibility by Anticipating the Future
07/28/2025
Thrive Building Flexibility by Anticipating the Future
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 powerful growth strategy, what makes a business ready to franchise, and the key differences between successful franchisors and franchisees. He covers everything from planning for uncertainty to averting common pitfalls, so you can move forward with confidence in any business landscape. And there’s a special bonus for Thrive listeners: Mark is offering a FREE chapter from his book, “How to Franchise Your Business.” Even better, if you mention this podcast on his website, you could receive a complimentary copy of the entire book to help you on your franchise journey. Just head over to ifranchisegroup.com and drop in the name “Powell” to unlock these resources. This episode is packed with practical advice, fresh perspectives, and valuable tools for anyone ready to level up in business—so plug in and get ready to thrive!
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Thrive Setting the Stage for Success
07/21/2025
Thrive Setting the Stage for Success
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 practical strategies for building resilience, especially in today’s unpredictable world. From surviving “the hardest thing” to becoming a top sales leader and entrepreneur, Scott shares his journey and provides invaluable advice on adapting to change, building a personal brand, and why entrepreneurial thinking matters more than ever. Tune in for wise, motivating insights to help you set the stage for your own success—no matter what life throws your way.
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Thrive Strategies Phrases and Tools to Handle Conflict Successfully
06/23/2025
Thrive Strategies Phrases and Tools to Handle Conflict Successfully
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 collaboration, practical habits for teams, and some of the best phrases you can use to turn conflict into a true advantage. If you’re looking for real-world solutions to take the stress out of difficult conversations and build a stronger, more innovative team, this episode is for you. Let’s get started!
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Thrive Stories and Strategies From a Salesman on Fire with Carson Heady
03/17/2025
Thrive Stories and Strategies From a Salesman on Fire with Carson Heady
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 fresh perspective, this episode's packed with everything you need to get inspired and ready to take action. Tune in and let’s get thriving!
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Thrive How to StayFocused When Everything is Uncertain with Mike Robbins
03/10/2025
Thrive How to StayFocused When Everything is Uncertain with Mike Robbins
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 chaos and find your groove in today’s crazy world, you won’t want to miss this episode!
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Thrive Gaining the Power to Read People and Get What You Want with Angel Tucker
03/03/2025
Thrive Gaining the Power to Read People and Get What You Want with Angel Tucker
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 skills, and fostering a culture of effective dialogue. Get ready to thrive by mastering the art of human connection.
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Thrive The Power of Conscious Leadership with Alex Raymond
02/17/2025
Thrive The Power of Conscious Leadership with Alex Raymond
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 happening this May in Boulder, Colorado. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned leader, this episode offers a wealth of insights to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and thrive from within.
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