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Guest BioFelex Musinguzi is the Managing Director of Kazinga Tours, a leading travel company based in Uganda. With over two decades of experience in the tourism industry, Felex has dedicated his career to creating meaningful travel experiences while supporting sustainability and community empowerment. He grew up near Lake Bunyonyi and has channeled his deep connection to Uganda and commitment to local development into building one of East Africa's most trusted safari companies.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Felex Musinguzi about his journey from a challenging childhood in rural Uganda to founding Kazinga Tours. Felex shares how his early work experiences and unexpected support from international volunteers shaped his path into tourism and entrepreneurship. He discusses the importance of building partnerships with international operators and how Kazinga Tours offers authentic, community-focused travel experiences.The conversation also explores the complexities of tourism in Africa, addressing common misconceptions about the continent and emphasizing Uganda's unique wildlife and cultural diversity. Felex highlights the company's approach to responsible tourism, including immersive homestays and educational programs that connect visitors with local communities. He also talks about Kazinga Tours' strategic shift toward business-to-business partnerships following the COVID-19 pandemic and plans to expand across East Africa.Felex reflects on the personal values that have guided his success, including honesty, hard work, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He shares insights into family life, community projects focused on education and women's health, and his hopes for the future of tourism in Uganda and the region. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

Abhinav Jindal is a Director in his family's hospitality group in India, which owns the Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa, and the founder of Cydir, a coaching practice for second-generation entrepreneurs. He joined the family business in 2017 straight out of university, took over a 43-room resort with more than 70 staff, and went on to grow sales by around 30% and help bring a new flagship property online, now one of the highest-rated resorts in the group's Marriott portfolio. A certified NLP master practitioner, Abhinav works with next-generation leaders to resolve the emotional patterns, guilt, identity, and approval-seeking, that governance structures alone can't fix. He is known for arguing that most family business conflict is not about strategy or money, but about who people believe they are.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Abhinav Jindal, Director in his family's hospitality group in India and founder of the coaching practice Cydir, to explore why family business succession so often fails even when the governance is done right.Abhinav challenges the idea that org charts, buy-sell agreements, and succession structures are enough. He argues they collapse when the emotions underneath go unresolved, and traces his own path from a father's blunt challenge about whether he could land a job, to running a resort at 19, to realizing his hunger for achievement was really a hunger for fulfilment.The conversation dives into the two-way authority a founder must give up, why "he doesn't listen to me" is usually not about the parent, the guilt and identity crises that quietly trap next-generation leaders, and how emotional patterns formed in childhood run a business decades later.Whether you're a founder, successor, or next-generation leader, this episode offers a candid look at the inner work that structure alone can't replace.KEY TAKEAWAYSAbhinav argues that governance structures fail when emotions go unaddressed. Org charts and buy-sell agreements matter, but they won't hold if the family has never had the conversation underneath them.For founders, the business is not part of their identity, it is their identity. Handing over control is not a risk calculation but the loss of a sense of self, which is why the surface argument is never the real one.Succession stalls on emotion, not strategy. Two people can both know a decision is right and still refuse to agree, because the real conflict is about being heard, not about the business.QUOTES"When our emotions are not resolved, those governance structures won't hold in place.""For most people the business does not become a part of their identity, but their identity itself.""If not for this business, who will I be now?""The biggest one is guilt. Guilt of not doing enough."Connect and learn more about Abhinav Jindal.https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhinavjindal47/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Jim Effner is a master sales trainer, author, and founder of P2P Group, where he helps financial advisors and agency leaders achieve stronger results through mindset mastery, proven sales systems, and intentional communication.A former top producer at Northwestern Mutual, Jim now trains financial professionals across the country to develop greater consistency, confidence, and mastery in their sales careers. He is also the author of Bridge Your Gap: Sales Strategies and Systems for Becoming a Top Financial Advisor.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome Jim Effner to explore why sustainable sales success requires more than motivation, natural ability, or increased activity. It requires a proven system, disciplined habits, and a commitment to continually practice your craft.Jim explains how a reliable process helps salespeople stop operating according to their mood, energy, or confidence level. He also introduces the idea of becoming “professionally perturbed”—reaching the point where inconsistent performance is no longer acceptable and meaningful change becomes necessary.The conversation explores mastery, accountability, intentional questioning, and authentic relationship-building. Jim shares that prospects need to feel three things: that they can trust you, that you genuinely care, and that you have the knowledge to help them. When those qualities are combined with a proven system and consistent practice, sales professionals can close the gap between their current results and their true potential.KEY TAKEAWAYSStop winging it. Sales results become unpredictable when your actions depend on how you feel that day.Commit to a proven system that creates consistency, sustainability, and a clear path forward.Become “professionally perturbed” enough to stop accepting inconsistent performance.Remember that simple does not mean easy. Mastery still requires discipline, repetition, and effort.Schedule time to practice your sales skills instead of relying only on experience.Create accountability that measures your ability to apply what you have learned.Help prospects feel that they can trust you, that you care, and that you are knowledgeable.Avoid chasing every new sales trend. Choose a proven system, commit to it, and refine it over time.Bring intentionality to every conversation instead of relying on improvisation.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSystems allow a sales professional to get out of their own way.If you're going to be great in sales, you've got to spend some time working on your art.The moment you find yourself wanting something more for them than they want for themselves, you're dead.Intentionality means the opposite, or the antithesis, of winging it.There's a big difference between easy and simple.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioRolando Campos is the founder of Chayote Lodge, a boutique retreat nestled in the mountain village of Llano Bonito de Naranjo, Costa Rica. With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry and a career that took him to more than 60 countries, Rolando combines a global perspective with deep local roots. He believes Costa Rica's true strength lies in its people, which is reflected in the authentic experiences offered at Chayote Lodge. Since opening in 2015, the lodge has become known for its intimate setting, scenic views of four volcanoes, and a focus on genuine connection with both nature and community.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Rolando Campos about his journey from working in the global travel business to founding Chayote Lodge in a remote Costa Rican mountain village. Rolando shares insights into the lodge's unique location, far from the typical tourist routes but still close to major attractions like Arenal Volcano and San Jose airport.Rolando discusses the inspiration behind the lodge's coffee-themed design and how his childhood experiences shaped his vision. He explains how Chayote Lodge emphasizes a home-like atmosphere, treating guests as lifelong friends, and highlights the importance of connecting visitors with local culture through activities such as coffee tours, cooking experiences, and nature walks. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of building a tourism business in a rural area and the meaningful role travel plays in supporting local communities.Throughout the discussion, Rolando stresses the value of appreciating Costa Rica's beauty through fresh eyes, a perspective he gained after spending a year as an exchange student in Missouri. He encourages travelers to explore beyond popular destinations and embrace the pura vida lifestyle that defines Costa Rican culture. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

John Ray is a business consultant, executive coach, author, speaker, and podcast host who helps professional service providers grow through stronger client relationships, clear value positioning, and confident pricing.Working with attorneys, accountants, coaches, consultants, and other trusted advisors, John teaches professionals how to communicate their expertise more effectively, build lasting trust, and create businesses rooted in service rather than transactions. He is also the host of The Price and Value Journey podcast, where he shares practical insights on leadership, value creation, and sustainable business growth.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome John Ray to explore how a generosity mindset transforms relationships, pricing, and long-term business success. John explains that generosity isn't about giving everything away. It's about giving your attention, your expertise, your curiosity, and your willingness to truly understand the people you serve.The conversation explores why clients often recognize value in us before we recognize it in ourselves, how testimonials can become powerful confidence-builders, and why asking better questions leads to deeper relationships. John also challenges sales professionals to stop relying on assumptions and instead approach every client with fresh curiosity, reminding us that "people are deep mysteries."Whether you're navigating a difficult sales day or looking to create more meaningful customer relationships, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that generosity isn't a weakness—it's one of the strongest drivers of trust, referrals, and sustainable growth.KEY TAKEAWAYSGenerosity means creating more value than you take—not giving everything away.Clients often see strengths and value in you that you fail to recognize yourself.Testimonials and client feedback can become powerful reminders of your impact.The best professionals lead with attention, curiosity, and genuine service.Never assume every client values the same things—keep asking thoughtful questions.Relationships deepen when you treat every customer as a unique individual.Giving value consistently creates trust, referrals, and long-term business growth.A generosity mindset helps sales professionals move beyond comparison, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESClients see more value in you than you see in yourself.We've got to give more value first than we get back.It's not giving until you're dry. It's giving value knowing that value comes back over time.It's a generosity of spirit, attention, and giving a listening ear to those around us.The more you understand people, the more value you can create.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Show summaryIn this episode, OGPod host Liv James interviews from Groundswell Agricultural festival. Guests include Anne Rees, Head of Horticulture at the Soil Association, Michael Kennard, founder at Compost Club and Rebecca (Bee) Laughton, Horticulture Campaign Coordinator  at Landworkers' Alliance. The interviews cover the importance of organic farming, land access, and the role of horticulture in regenerative agriculture. They explore innovative land-sharing models, market gardens, and the significance of local produce. Bee Laughton gives an update on the current horticulture policy landscape and the hopes for the future within an ever evolving political world. Michael Kennard dives in to compost; why it is important, what makes good compost and the science behind it. GuestsAnne ReesAnne Rees | LinkedInInstagramMichael KennardInstagramRebecca LaughtonInstagramResourcesSoil Association - https://www.soilassociation.org/Groundswell Festival - https://groundswell.org.uk/Landmatch England - https://landmatchengland.org/Organic Growers Alliance - https://organicgrowersalliance.co.uk/Landworkers Alliance - Landworkers' AllianceThis podcast is brought to you by the Organic Growers Alliance, the UK's only grower-led organisation providing technical and practical advice and support on organic growing. For more information about the OGA head to www.organicgrowersalliance.co.uk and become a member.More about James Butterworth and Cotswold Market Garden: https://www.cotswoldmarketgarden.co.uk/

Guest BioBecki Rupp is a certified Personal Trainer and Adventure Travel Coach, and the founder of Trailblazer Wellness. Through her coaching, Becki helps travelers build the strength, stamina, and confidence they need to take on meaningful adventures without feeling overwhelmed by the physical or mental preparation. Her work is especially valuable for people preparing for big hikes, cycling trips, Camino-style journeys, Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu, and other active travel experiences that stretch the edge of their comfort zone.Becki brings together personal training, coaching, and her own extensive adventure travel background. She has summited Kilimanjaro, hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, completed the Portuguese Camino from Porto to Santiago, and taken on numerous multi-day hiking and cycling trips around the world. Over the past several years, she has supported more than 100 clients preparing for adventures in 27 countries, helping them move from uncertainty to readiness so they can enjoy the journey before the journey — and the trip itself.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Becki Rupp, founder of Trailblazer Wellness, about helping travelers prepare for the adventures they have dreamed about for years. Becki explains how adventure travel coaching goes beyond simply handing someone a workout plan. For many travelers, especially those joining group trips or taking on a physically demanding itinerary, the real work involves building confidence, managing fears, staying accountable, and learning how to enjoy the experience rather than worry about holding others back.Becki shares how her own path combined a lifelong curiosity about the world, a love of movement, and years of experience in fitness, coaching, and communications. From childhood memories of watching her grandparents' travel slideshows to eventually hiking iconic routes like Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail, and the Camino, Becki's story reveals how travel, preparation, and personal growth can become deeply connected.Jason and Becki also explore the emotional side of adventure travel: why people worry about being last in the group, how partners and friends may not always know how to support a big travel dream, and why having someone in your corner can make the difference between merely completing a trip and truly experiencing it. Becki's approach helps travelers prepare their bodies while also reconnecting with the deeper reason they said yes to the adventure in the first place. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Ian Selbie is a globally recognized sales expert, author, speaker, and podcast host with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations improve sales performance and sustainable growth.He has trained and coached more than 17,000 sales professionals worldwide and previously worked at Apple, where he was named the company's Top Salesperson in the World in 1990.Ian is the author of If You Were Arrested for Selling, Would There Be Enough Evidence to Convict You? and the host of Confessions of a Sales Pro.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome Ian Selbie to discuss selling with curiosity, compassion, and strong fundamentals.Ian shares his framework: “Call high, find the pain, bring the gain, and do it again and again.” He explains why salespeople should begin with decision-makers, uncover real business challenges before presenting solutions, and avoid sending proposals to unqualified opportunities.The conversation also explores several of Ian's “Seven Deadly Sins in Selling,” including calling too low, proposing too early, and expecting CRM technology to fix a broken sales process.KEY TAKEAWAYSSelling from the heart begins with genuine curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to helping customers succeed.Start every opportunity at the highest level possible—decision-makers can say yes, while influencers often cannot."Call high, find the pain, bring the gain" provides a simple framework for creating meaningful customer conversations.Never present a proposal before you've fully qualified the opportunity and uncovered the customer's true business challenges.Technology doesn't fix poor sales fundamentals—a CRM only amplifies the quality of your existing sales process.The strongest path into executive leadership is through earned referrals built on trust and consistent value.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESCall high, find the pain, bring the gain, then do it again and again.Influencers can say no. Decision-makers can say yes.If your sales team were arrested for selling, would there be enough evidence to convict them?A CRM doesn't fix broken sales processes—it magnifies them.Value grows when you increase the benefit, not when you decrease the price.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioAiste Stanley is the founder of Trabeona Travels, an award-winning boutique travel agency specializing in meaningful, immersive, and highly personalized travel experiences. Born and raised in Lithuania, Aiste brings a global perspective to her work as a luxury travel advisor, helping clients move beyond surface-level vacations and into journeys shaped by culture, connection, learning, wellness, cuisine, history, and adventure. Through Trabeona Travels, she designs custom itineraries, small group experiences, luxury cruises, expedition travel, and corporate incentive trips that invite travelers to see the world with more curiosity, confidence, and intention.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Aiste Stanley, founder of Trabeona Travels, about what it means to create travel experiences that feel authentic, personal, and deeply connected to place.Aiste shares the story behind the name Trabeona Travels, inspired by Abeona, the Roman goddess who watches over people as they leave home. That sense of care and guidance runs through her entire approach to travel planning. Rather than simply booking trips, Aiste focuses on understanding each traveler's personality, comfort level, dreams, and reasons for exploring the world.The conversation also explores Aiste's journey from Lithuania to the United States, her perspective on culture and curiosity, and the realities of running a professional travel advisory business. She and Jason discuss the difference between transactional vacation booking and high-touch travel planning, the importance of trusted local partners, the value of small-group connection, and why meaningful travel has the power to change how people see both the world and themselves. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Karl Schmidt is the Co-Founder of A to B Insight, where he helps organizations transform their sales approach by aligning with how customers actually make decisions. Drawing on years of experience at leading firms including Boston Consulting Group and Gartner, Karl has conducted award-winning research into buyer behavior, commercial strategy, and complex B2B decision-making—including work that contributed to the groundbreaking insights behind The Challenger Sale.As the co-author of The Framemaking Sale, Karl equips sales leaders and organizations with practical frameworks for increasing buyer confidence, simplifying complex decisions, and creating customer experiences built on trust rather than pressure. His research and thought leadership have been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and other leading business publications, making him one of today's foremost voices on decision science in modern sales.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome Karl Schmidt, Co-Founder of A to B Insight and co-author of The Framemaking Sale, for a fascinating conversation about how customers truly make decisions—and why helping buyers gain confidence is more valuable than simply persuading them.Karl introduces the concept of "framemaking," explaining that exceptional sales professionals don't just provide information or recommend solutions—they help buyers navigate complexity, clarify priorities, and build confidence in their own decision-making process.The conversation explores groundbreaking research showing that buyer decision confidence is one of the strongest predictors of successful, high-quality purchases. Rather than focusing solely on convincing prospects that your solution is the best, Karl explains why helping buyers feel confident in themselves creates better outcomes, stronger trust, and longer-lasting customer relationships.Listeners will also discover why emotions play a critical role in decision-making, how trust is built through shared experiences, and practical ways to simplify buying decisions while preserving customer autonomy.If you want to become the trusted guide your customers need—not just another salesperson competing for attention—this episode offers a refreshing, research-backed perspective on modern selling.KEY TAKEAWAYSBuyer decision confidence is one of the strongest predictors of successful, low-regret purchasing decisions.Great sales professionals help buyers gain confidence in themselves—not just confidence in the product.The best sales conversations move customers through know → feel → do, not simply know → do.Framemaking helps customers organize complexity instead of overwhelming them with information.Customers value guidance that preserves their autonomy rather than pressure that limits it.Helping buyers make the best decision—even if it's not your solution—builds long-term trustHIGHLIGHT QUOTESOur goal isn't to make customers choose us. It's to help them make the best decision possible.Decision confidence isn't confidence in the seller—it's confidence in yourself.People don't just need to know what to do. They need to feel confident enough to do itThe best salespeople don't tell customers what to think. They help them think more clearly.Frame making creates clarity without taking away the customer's agency.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioWilliam “Will” Blair is the manager of Best of the Wild, a pioneering explorer, conservation-minded fly-fishing guide, and destination developer whose career has been shaped by remote rivers, wild fisheries, and a deep respect for places few travelers ever reach. Through his work with Best of the Wild and Best of Kamchatka, Will has spent decades helping anglers experience some of the world's most extraordinary wilderness destinations, from Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula to the southern Bahamas and the Amazon Basin.Will is best known for his long history in Kamchatka, a volcanic peninsula in Russia's Far East where unroaded wilderness, native rainbow trout, Pacific salmon, brown bears, and active volcanoes define the landscape. After first being drawn to Kamchatka through the fly-fishing world in the 1990s, he went on to help establish and manage programs on legendary waters such as the Ozernaya and Two Yurt rivers, as well as flyout programs based from Two Yurt Lake. His approach has always combined adventure with stewardship, including catch-and-release practices, careful access, and a long-term commitment to protecting fragile wild fisheries.Will's work eventually expanded beyond Russia to the Jumento Cays and Ragged Island chain in the southern Bahamas, where he helped create access to one of the Caribbean's most remote flats fisheries. In Brazil, his travels and guiding connections opened another chapter among Amazonian river systems known for species such as peacock bass, arowana, and pacu. Across every destination, Will's work is grounded in immersion, strong local partnerships, and the belief that the world's last wild places are worth experiencing with humility, patience, and care.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Will Blair about a life spent following fish into some of the most remote corners of the planet. Will shares how a childhood shaped by boats, rivers, lakes, and curiosity eventually led him from the Midwest to Alaska, and then to the far reaches of Kamchatka, where he found a wilderness fishery unlike anything he had experienced before.The conversation explores what makes Kamchatka so unique, from its active volcanoes and vast salmon runs to its native rainbow trout, brown bears, helicopters, hot springs, and deep sense of solitude. Will explains how travel to the region has changed over the years, why misconceptions about Russia have affected demand, and what it means to guide in a place where anglers may fish rivers that have seen little or no pressure for years.Jason and Will also talk about the realities of building adventure travel programs in wild places, including logistics, aviation, food, cultural relationships, and the importance of earning trust with local partners. Will's stories offer a rare look at what it takes to create meaningful wilderness experiences while honoring the people, landscapes, and fisheries that make those journeys possible. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Mary Jane Copps helps sales professionals win more business by rediscovering the power of real-time conversations. For more than 20 years, she has coached sales teams, entrepreneurs, startups and customer service professionals how to build trust, open doors and strengthen relationships through effective phone, video and in-person communication. Her practical approach helps people turn everyday conversations into meaningful connections, leading to stronger client relationships and more business. Mary Jane has worked with more than 800 organizations and trained over 30,000 professionals across North America and internationally in France, Britain and Australia. Her expertise has been featured by a wide range of media including Fox News, the BBC, CBC, and in The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.She publishes a blog each week that explores one valuable skill people can use immediately to strengthen their conversations with clients and prospects. This aligns with her mission to help companies increase their real-time conversations instead of losing opportunities by avoiding them.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome communication expert Mary Jane Copps—known as "The Phone Lady"—for a timely conversation about one of the most overlooked skills in modern sales: having meaningful real-time conversations.As automation, AI, email, and texting continue to dominate business communication, Mary Jane explains why authentic voice-to-voice conversations remain one of the greatest competitive advantages a sales professional can have. She shares how curiosity, empathy, preparation, and genuine interest in others transform ordinary sales calls into lasting business relationships.Together, they explore why conversational skills are declining, how sales professionals can intentionally rebuild them, and practical techniques for creating stronger customer connections—from asking better open-ended questions to leaving compelling voicemails and following up with empathy instead of pressure.If you've ever wondered whether phone calls still matter in today's digital world, this episode delivers a compelling reminder that trust is built one conversation at a time.KEY TAKEAWAYSGreat sales conversations begin by focusing on the customer, not yourself.Curiosity and empathy create stronger relationships than scripted pitches.Real-time conversations remain one of the most valuable—and underdeveloped—sales skills.Technology should support communication, not replace human connection.Open-ended questions encourage meaningful dialogue and uncover deeper customer needs.Your voice communicates conviction, authenticity, and enthusiasm in ways email never can.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSelling isn't about us. It's about the person sitting across from us.Technology can make communication easier—but it can never replace human connection.Your voice carries your conviction, your enthusiasm, and your authenticity.People don't remember perfect sales pitches. They remember how you made them feel.Persistence isn't pestering. Persistence is showing people they matter.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioNuno Santos Fernandes is a mentor and partner at Walking Mentorship, a Portugal-based personal and team development company that uses walking in nature as a powerful setting for reflection, clarity, and growth. A lifelong walker with a curiosity for paths less traveled, Nuno's professional journey has moved through marketing, entrepreneurship, animal care, environmental work, veterinary clinics, land management, agriculture, forestry, and development projects. His wide-ranging experience has given him a practical, grounded perspective on people, purpose, and the many ways life can unfold.After joining one of Walking Mentorship's early Camino de Santiago programs, Nuno experienced firsthand how walking, thoughtful prompts, and open conversation could help people make meaningful decisions and reconnect with what matters most. That experience changed the direction of his life, and he has continued walking, mentoring, and helping others slow down ever since.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Nuno Santos Fernandes, mentor and partner at Walking Mentorship, about the connection between walking, nature, reflection, and personal transformation.Nuno explains that Walking Mentorship is not a trekking company or a traditional adventure travel operator. Instead, the company creates personal and team development programs that are elevated by walking in nature. The physical journey is intentional, but the real focus is the inner journey: slowing down, reconnecting, gaining perspective, and taking action in everyday life.The conversation explores Nuno's path from an introspective child and wide-ranging entrepreneur to someone deeply committed to helping people live with more awareness and intention. He shares how a Camino de Santiago experience introduced him to Walking Mentorship, helped him make long-postponed decisions, and eventually led him to join the organization as a partner. Along the way, Jason and Nuno discuss emotional intelligence, the value of slowing down, why nature helps people think more clearly, and how walking side by side can create space for honest conversation. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Mark Hunter, CSP, known globally as “The Sales Hunter,” is a renowned sales expert, keynote speaker, consultant, and best-selling author who helps organizations transform how they approach sales. With more than 30 years of experience in sales leadership, he has worked with companies around the world to help sales teams identify better prospects, build stronger relationships, and close deals with confidence and integrity.Before launching his company, The Sales Hunter, Mark spent nearly two decades in the sales and marketing divisions of Fortune 200 companies, leading large sales teams and developing high-performing sales strategies. He is the author of several influential books, including High-Profit Prospecting, High-Profit Selling, and A Mind for Sales, and is widely recognized for his practical insights on prospecting, mindset, and building trust-based sales relationships that drive long-term business success.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome renowned sales expert, author, and keynote speaker Mark Hunter, known around the world as "The Sales Hunter," to discuss his latest book, Integrity First Selling: How to Create Better Sales with Better Customers.Mark challenges conventional sales thinking by reminding listeners that sales is not about moving products—it's about serving people. He explains why the most successful sales professionals focus on helping buyers achieve outcomes they never thought possible rather than simply chasing quotas, commissions, or quarter-end numbers.The conversation explores what it truly means to put integrity first in sales, including aligning with the buyer's journey, building trust through transparency, and playing the long game even when short-term pressure tempts salespeople to do otherwise. Mark also shares practical insights on prospecting, pipeline development, leadership, accountability, and why many organizations mistakenly create the very buying behaviors they complain about.In a marketplace increasingly crowded by AI-generated noise and transactional selling, Mark makes the case that trust, authenticity, and consistency remain the most valuable competitive advantages a salesperson can possess.This episode is a powerful reminder that sales done with integrity doesn't just create better customers—it creates better careers, stronger relationships, and lasting success.KEY TAKEAWAYSSales is fundamentally about serving people, not selling products.Integrity-first selling requires joining the buyer's journey rather than forcing your own agenda.Long-term trust always outperforms short-term sales tactics.End-of-quarter discounting often trains customers to delay purchasing decisions.Healthy pipelines eliminate desperation and create better customer experiences.Sales leaders should focus on creating opportunities, not simply closing deals.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSales is serving people. It's not selling stuff. The products we sell are simply the medium we use to help people.Closing without integrity creates revenue today and regret tomorrow.The easy sale isn't the one you get. It's the one you deserve.Desperation at the end of the quarter is usually the result of poor pipeline discipline at the beginning of the quarter.Being the same person at work and at home makes life simpler and sales more effective.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioDaan Oxener is the co-founder of Home of Friends Guesthouse & Community Experiences Uganda, a community-rooted guesthouse and adventure travel hub based in Kapchorwa on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Originally from the Netherlands, Daan's path to Uganda began with an early fascination for Africa, later deepened through travel, social entrepreneurship, youth development, and sport.Over the past seven years, Daan has worked alongside local guides, athletes, families, and community members to shape immersive travel experiences that reflect the strengths of the Mount Elgon highlands. Through Home of Friends, he helps visitors connect with the region through hiking, biking, trail running, cultural exchange, and locally led adventures that support long-term opportunities for guides, youth, women, and local families.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Daan Oxener, co-founder of Home of Friends Guesthouse & Community Experiences Uganda. Based in the highlands of eastern Uganda, Daan shares how Home of Friends has grown into more than a place to stay. It is a meeting point for travelers, runners, guides, families, and community members who want to experience the Mount Elgon region in a deeper and more personal way.Daan talks about the unique appeal of Kapchorwa, a mountain town known for its high-altitude running culture, welcoming communities, waterfalls, remote trails, and strong traditions. It is also the home to world champion runners such as Joshua Cheptegei and Jacob Kiplimo. He explains how travelers can experience the area through multi-day treks, cultural encounters, running experiences, biking, and visits with local families who share skills such as bamboo basket weaving, farming, and honey wine making.The conversation also follows Daan's personal journey from the Netherlands to Uganda, including his early interest in Africa, his background in business and human resources, and the decision to leave a corporate path in search of more meaningful work. Along the way, Jason and Daan explore what it takes to build a community-based tourism enterprise in a rural setting, the importance of slowing down, and why the future of adventure travel in eastern Uganda is rooted in relationships, patience, and local strengths. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioSally Guillaume is the founder of Undiscovered Mountains, a specialist adventure travel company based in the Southern French Alps. Originally from the UK, Sally's path has included work as a science teacher, outdoor pursuits instructor, and BBC journalist before her love of mountain life led her to France in 2005.Through Undiscovered Mountains, Sally helps travellers experience a quieter, more authentic side of the Alps through walking, cycling, climbing, canyoning, ski touring, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wildlife tracking, and tailor-made mountain adventures. Her work is rooted in responsible tourism, local partnerships, and a deep respect for the landscapes and communities of the Southern French Alps.Sally's commitment to sustainable travel began long before she founded the company, including undergraduate research into tourism's impact in Ladakh. Today, she continues that mission through Undiscovered Mountains France, which was among the first French travel companies to achieve Travelife certification.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Sally Guillaume, founder of Undiscovered Mountains, about building a life and business around the mountains of the Southern French Alps. Sally shares how her early love of snow, outdoor adventure, and wild landscapes eventually drew her away from city-based work in the UK and into a lesser-known region of France where she could raise her family close to nature.The conversation explores what makes the Southern French Alps different from the more famous Alpine destinations. Sally describes a place shaped by authentic villages, locally run guesthouses, strong French and Italian cultural influences, a stable mountain climate, and a slower style of tourism that extends far beyond the traditional ski season. From ski touring and cross-country skiing to via ferrata, canyoning, hiking, biking, wolf tracking, and local food experiences, Undiscovered Mountains introduces travellers to a more personal and less crowded side of Alpine adventure.Sally also reflects on the challenges of starting a tourism business in a new country without speaking the language, raising a young child while learning French, and slowly finding her way in the adventure travel industry. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep belief that travel can support both visitors and the communities they come to experience. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Gary Preisser is the Co-Founder of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors and the creator of the Cash Flow Clock framework, a financial planning approach that prioritizes purpose, timing, and liquidity over traditional asset allocation models. He works with family business owners and high-net-worth individuals to align investments with real-life cash flow needs, helping families navigate succession, taxes, and multi-generational wealth transfer more intentionally. Gary is known for challenging conventional wealth management by focusing on how and when money is used rather than just how it is invested.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Gary Preisser, Co-Founder of Stonebriar Wealth Advisors and creator of the Cash Flow Clock framework, to explore how liquidity, taxes, succession planning, and family expectations can impact long-term wealth far more than portfolio performance.Gary challenges traditional wealth management approaches that focus on risk tolerance and asset allocation while ignoring the timing of future cash needs. He explains why purpose should come before portfolio design, how families can avoid liquidity traps during business transitions, and why volatility is not the same as risk.The conversation also dives into family business succession, tax planning, multi-generational wealth transfer, and the critical mistakes business owners make before selling a company or transitioning leadership.Whether you're a founder, successor, family business owner, or wealth creator, this episode offers practical insights into protecting wealth across generations.KEY TAKEAWAYSGary argues that traditional wealth management often starts in the wrong place. Instead of focusing on investment products and risk questionnaires, families should first identify the purpose of their assets and when those assets will be needed.His Cash Flow Clock framework separates assets into different time horizons, helping families maintain liquidity, reduce forced selling during market downturns, and make more intentional tax decisions.For family businesses, successful succession planning requires more than leadership development. It requires aligning ownership, liquidity, taxes, income needs, and family expectations long before a transition occurs.QUOTES"Assets are not trophies. They're tools.""Volatility is not risk. Volatility becomes risk when a cash flow need collides with a market decline.""When we pay tax determines how much tax we pay.""The purpose of wealth is not to be admired. The purpose of wealth is to be utilized."Connect and learn more about Gary Preisser.https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypreisser/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Elyse Archer is a leadership consultant, keynote speaker, and executive coach who helps high-growth teams and leaders build stronger communication, sharper focus, and more resilient cultures. With deep expertise in psychology, performance strategy, and human behavior, Elyse equips organizations to improve collaboration, enhance accountability, and empower individuals to contribute their best work.She is the founder of Elyse Archer Coaching and creator of programs that help leaders communicate with clarity, manage change effectively, and lead with authenticity. Elyse's practical, research-informed approach blends mindset, skill-building, and heart-centered leadership, making her a trusted advisor to executives, founders, and teams looking to scale both results and culture.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy sit down with leadership consultant, executive coach, and keynote speaker Elyse Archer to explore the powerful connection between identity and sales success.Elyse shares her personal journey of breaking through an income ceiling that had persisted despite years of hard work, training, and achievement. Following a series of life-changing events, including the unexpected loss of her podcast co-host, becoming a new mother, and reflecting on the lessons from The Top Five Regrets of the Dying, she realized that lasting growth required more than new strategies. It required becoming a new version of herself.Together, they unpack the concept of identity-driven selling, why results rarely exceed self-concept, and how sales professionals can shift from operating out of fear, scarcity, and hustle to leading and selling with confidence, purpose, and an open heart.KEY TAKEAWAYSYour sales results will rarely exceed your self-concept and identity.Sustainable growth starts with becoming the person capable of achieving the result you desire.Selling from the heart means operating from wholeness, service, and authenticity rather than fear or scarcity.Mindset alone isn't enough; identity, beliefs, emotions, and actions work together to create outcomes.The "Old Personality vs. New Personality" framework provides a practical path for personal transformation.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESThe breakthrough doesn't happen when you learn something new. It happens when you become someone new.Your beliefs create your actions, your actions create your habits, and your habits create your results.The version of you that has already achieved the goal thinks differently, feels differently, and acts differently.Your desires aren't distractions. They're often clues pointing you toward your purpose.The greatest transformation isn't becoming someone else—it's remembering who you really are.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioJustin Wateridge is the Managing Director of Steppes Travel, a specialist tour operator known for designing immersive, tailor-made journeys around the world. With decades of experience in the travel industry, including previous leadership as Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent UK, Justin brings a deep understanding of both luxury travel and meaningful exploration.Raised in Zambia and educated at Oxford, Justin's passion for travel was shaped early through exposure to diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Over the course of his career, he has visited more than 150 countries, working as a tour leader, expedition guide, and pioneer of exploratory journeys. His experiences range from tracking wildlife in remote regions to leading ambitious overland expeditions, all of which continue to influence his perspective on travel today.Justin is a strong advocate for travel as a force for connection and understanding. He believes that meaningful travel experiences foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and create lasting personal impact. In addition to his work in the field, he has spoken at venues such as the Royal Geographical Society and contributed written insights on global travel. He lives in the Cotswolds with his family and continues to pursue adventurous challenges, often in support of charitable causes.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Justin about a life shaped by global exploration and a career dedicated to meaningful travel. From his early years growing up in Zambia to leading expeditions across Asia and Africa, Justin shares how his experiences in the field ultimately led him to a leadership role at Steppes Travel.The conversation explores how travel has evolved over the past few decades, from navigating the world without modern technology to today's increasingly connected experience. Justin reflects on the value of human connection in travel, emphasizing the importance of local guides, cultural understanding, and stepping beyond curated itineraries to truly experience a destination.Justin also offers insight into how Steppes Travel approaches trip design, focusing on personalization, deep expertise, and creating journeys that go beyond surface-level tourism. Throughout the episode, he reinforces a central belief: that travel has the power to break down barriers, broaden perspectives, and bring people closer together in meaningful ways. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioDimitry Elias Léger is an award-nominated novelist whose work blends global storytelling with deeply human themes of identity, resilience, and belonging. A finalist for the PEN Open Book Award, his writing has appeared in leading publications including The New York Times, Time, Fortune, Granta, The Miami Herald, Literary Hub, and The Millions.Before focusing on fiction, Léger built a career in international affairs, studying geopolitics at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and spending a decade advising the United Nations. His work took him across regions facing political instability, humanitarian crises, and cultural transformation—experiences that now inform the emotional depth and global perspective of his novels.Drawing inspiration from his Haitian roots and a life lived across continents, Léger splits his time between Brooklyn, Geneva, and Martinique. His books, including God Loves Haiti and Death of the Soccer God, explore the intersection of personal stories and historical forces, often set against vivid international backdrops.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Dimitry about his journey from global humanitarian work to becoming an internationally recognized novelist. Dimitry shares how his early experiences—growing up between cultures and later working with the United Nations—shaped his worldview and ultimately influenced the stories he felt compelled to tell.The conversation dives into the origins of his first novel, inspired by his time in Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake. Rather than focusing solely on tragedy, Dimitry chose to explore the unexpected presence of love, humor, and human connection in the aftermath of disaster. That same lens carries into his latest work, Death of the Soccer God, a story rooted in migration, identity, and the global journey of a Haitian athlete navigating life between countries and cultures.Along the way, Dimitry reflects on the creative process, the realities of life as a writer, and the personal sacrifices that often come with pursuing meaningful work. The episode also explores how travel, displacement, and distance from home can sharpen one's sense of identity—and why some of the most powerful stories emerge when we are far outside our comfort zones. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

In 2004, Mario founded BGS Capital Management LLC, where he serves as Managing Partner. He has been instrumental in building a highly successful wealth management practice that is nationally recognized by its broker-dealer, Cetera Financial Specialists. The firm oversees more than $400 million in assets under management and serves over 2,000 clients.Authored "The Art of Creating Wealth", which has sold over 1100 copies on Amazon and is now available at Barnes & Noble.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Mario Sicari, founder of BGS Capital Management LLC. and author of The Art of Creating Wealth, about why family businesses struggle during generational transitions when leadership, family dynamics, and execution misalign. Mario shares his experience in his immigrant father's bakery, emphasizing how lack of trust and decreasing risk tolerance can stall growth. He argues Gen Z and millennials lack inspiration, critical thinking, and financial literacy due to technology distraction, schooling, and over-coddling, fueling victimhood narratives about the American dream. He advocates early money education, disciplined saving (e.g., investing 10% regularly), and earning responsibility by starting at the bottom and working outside the family firm. Mario offers practical debt advice, including negotiating employer student-loan repayment, and maintains the American dream remains attainable through hard work and execution.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrust is the foundation of succession. Many family businesses struggle because the founding generation wants the next generation involved but does not fully trust them with control, decisions, or risk.Risk tolerance changes with age. As founders grow older, they often become more protective and less willing to take the risks required to keep growing the business.The next generation must earn credibility. Successors should not walk into the business expecting authority simply because they are family. They need to listen, learn, and start at the bottom.Working outside the family business builds maturity. Outside experience can teach discipline, responsibility, structure, and humility before a successor returns to the family company.Victimhood blocks opportunity. Mario challenges younger generations to stop believing success is impossible and start looking for the opportunities already available to them.Financial literacy must start earlier. Budgeting, debt, needs versus wants, credit, investing, and basic money management should be taught before young people take on major financial obligations.Student debt requires strategy, not panic. Mario shares how one young doctor negotiated her student loan repayment into her employment offer, turning a major burden into part of her compensation package.Wealth is built through time and repetition. Consistent investing matters because young people are not just buying an investment; they are buying the value of time.Opportunity is not the same as execution. Family businesses often hand the next generation opportunity, but results only come through discipline, accountability, and hard work.The American dream is not dead. Mario's message is direct: this country still offers opportunity, but nobody is going to hand it to you.QUOTES"It's not the investment you're buying, it's the time value that you're buying." — Mario Sicari"They claim they didn't take risks, but they were risk-takers in their own right." — Mario Sicari"When you're inspired by an individual, you become empowered." — Mario Sicari"The right approach is to distinguish the fact that change needs to be made, and you're the only one that can make that change." — Mario Sicari"Smart family people, you know what they'll tell their kids before they bring them into the family business? Go out and earn your keep." — Mario Sicari"Sometimes going out and working for somebody else plants the necessary seeds that you need to figure out what discipline is, what responsibilities are." — Mario Sicari"The first thing they need to do, and it's very hard for them, is to listen." — Mario Sicari"You have to assume the role of beginning at the bottom and accepting it as a learning experience." — Mario Sicari"This is the greatest country in the world. It offers the best opportunity, and you have to go out and get it. Nobody's gonna hand it to you." — Mario Sicari"The future of your business and your legacy depends on your ability to turn opportunity into results." — Jonathan GoldhillConnect and learn more about Mario Sicari.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariosicari/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Jeff Bajorek is a sales strategist, keynote speaker, author, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations improve clarity, messaging, and performance. A former C-level sales executive and multi-time President's Club performer, Jeff specializes in helping teams define “what good looks like” so success becomes repeatable and scalable.Through speaking, training, and advisory work, he helps leaders systematize the instincts of top performers, strengthen customer relationships, and build sustainable growth strategies. Jeff is also the author of multiple sales books, including Rethink the Way You Sell and Fundamentals of Prospecting, and is known for blending practical insight, humor, and real-world experience to elevate modern sales teams.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome sales strategist, author, and consultant Jeff Bajorek for a candid conversation about integrity, leadership, resilience, and defining what success truly looks like.Jeff shares a deeply personal reflection on a recent leadership role that ended after just six months. Looking back, he realized that while he was focused on driving change and having difficult conversations, he failed to first earn the trust of the people around him by listening, connecting, and understanding what success already looked like within the organization.The discussion explores the relationship between identity and performance, the importance of maintaining belief in yourself, and how professional setbacks often become the greatest catalysts for growth. Jeff explains why integrity is much more than keeping your word—it's the alignment between what you sell, who you sell it to, how you sell, and why you sell it.Listeners will also hear powerful insights on culture, self-awareness, defining "enough," and why true success starts with getting the right priorities right both professionally and personally.This is an honest and thought-provoking conversation about growth, humility, leadership, and the ongoing journey of becoming the person capable of achieving the results you desire.KEY TAKEAWAYSSelling from the heart begins with integrity—alignment between what you sell, who you sell to, how you sell, and why.Belief and confidence are not permanent; they require daily attention and reinforcement.Lasting results require personal transformation, not just better goals or systems.Leadership starts with trust. Before driving change, leaders must understand and earn the hearts of their people.Professional setbacks often provide the greatest opportunities for growth and self-discovery.More than one truth can exist at the same time—you can experience failure and still be proud of your effort.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESIntegrity is alignment between what you sell, who you sell it to, how you sell it, and why.Belief is a daily practice. The moment you assume it'll always be there, it starts to disappear.In order to achieve different results, you must become the kind of person capable of producing those results.I knew what good looked like, but I never stopped long enough to understand what good already looked like to the people around me.You can't lead people effectively until you've earned the right to influence them.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioSamrawit Moges is the Founder and CEO of Travel Ethiopia, a private, eco-conscious tour and safari company established in 1994. With a career in Ethiopian tourism that stretches back to 1981, she has spent decades helping travelers discover the many dimensions of Ethiopia, from its historic landmarks and cultural traditions to its wildlife, landscapes, and living heritage.She built Travel Ethiopia from a small operation with just a few employees and vehicles into a respected tourism company with a team of more than 40 trained professionals. Samrawit is especially known for her leadership in creating meaningful travel experiences and for her commitment to tourism that reflects both the richness of Ethiopia's past and the realities of its present.She is also a passionate advocate for women in tourism. Under her leadership, Travel Ethiopia became known for empowering women in the industry, including hiring female guides and tour consultants. Deeply committed to Ethiopia's environment, wildlife, and community development, Samrawit brings both vision and long-standing expertise to every journey her company creates.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Samrawit about her remarkable path into tourism and her mission to help more travelers see Ethiopia in a fuller, more informed way. Their conversation explores how outdated global perceptions have shaped the way many people think about the country, and why Samrawit believes Ethiopia deserves far more attention as a destination for history, culture, wildlife, food, and deeply human travel experiences.Samrawit shares how she founded Travel Ethiopia during a period of major change in the country and how her own story was shaped by family, education, and resilience. She reflects on growing up in a large family, moving often as a child, studying journalism, entering tourism through government service, and eventually building her own company. Along the way, she discusses her commitment to women's empowerment in the travel industry and the importance of building trust with international partners and travelers.The episode also becomes an invitation to experience Ethiopia beyond the headlines. Samrawit highlights the country's UNESCO sites, endemic wildlife, distinctive calendar, coffee heritage, cuisine, and culture of hospitality. From shared meals and injera to Addis Ababa's role as an air hub and conference destination, she paints a vivid picture of a country that offers far more depth and variety than many outsiders realize. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Todd Caponi is a sales strategist, keynote speaker, author, and advisor passionate about elevating the sales profession through behavioral science and transparency. A three-time author—including The Transparency Sale and The Transparent Sales Leader—Todd helps organizations rethink how they sell, negotiate, and lead by building trust through honesty rather than perfection.Blending his fascination with decision science, sales methodology, and learning theory, Todd works with customer-facing teams to create more confident, frictionless B2B buying experiences. Through speaking, teaching, and advising, he equips leaders and sales professionals with simple, practical frameworks that drive stronger relationships, better outcomes, and long-term growth.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome sales strategist, author, and transparency advocate Todd Caponi to explore why trust should never disappear when negotiations begin.Drawing from his latest book, The Four Levers of Negotiation, Todd challenges traditional negotiation tactics that often turn collaborative sales conversations into adversarial battles. He explains that while sales professionals spend months building credibility and trust, many unknowingly undermine those relationships the moment pricing discussions begin.Todd introduces a practical framework built around four universal business drivers—volume, timing of cash, length of commitment, and timing or predictability of the deal. By helping buyers understand the true factors that influence pricing, sales professionals can negotiate transparently, trade value instead of giving away discounts, and create outcomes that benefit both parties.The conversation dives into behavioral science, decision-making, confidence in pricing, and why transparency consistently outperforms manipulation. Whether you're negotiating enterprise contracts or everyday business agreements, this episode provides a modern, trust-centered approach to creating win-win outcomes while strengthening long-term customer relationships.KEY TAKEAWAYSTransparency creates stronger outcomes in sales, leadership, negotiations, and customer relationships.Many salespeople build trust throughout the sales cycle only to abandon it during negotiation.Every B2B pricing discussion is influenced by four key factors: volume, payment timing, contract length, and deal predictability.Buyers are less likely to push aggressively for discounts when they understand the rationale behind pricing.Negotiation works best when both sides openly collaborate rather than hide information and play games.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESTransparency sells better, leads better, negotiates better, and creates stronger customer advocates than pretending to be perfect.We spend months building trust with our buyers. Why would we risk losing it the moment the negotiation begins?The best negotiations don't feel like battles. They feel like two sides working together to create value.Every pricing conversation is driven by four simple levers: volume, timing of cash, length of commitment, and deal predictability.The minute you give away a concession for free, you diminish its value—and your own.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioJulie Fishman is the Partner and General Manager for the U.S. at Adventures Overland, where she is leading the expansion of guided driving expeditions for American travelers. With more than 25 years of experience in corporate leadership, Julie built her career around delivering exceptional customer experiences—an approach she now brings to the world of adventure travel.Her passion for exploration began early, shaped by immersive international travel and a lifelong curiosity about the world. Today, she combines that global perspective with hands-on experience as an off-road enthusiast and active member of a 4×4 community. Through her work, she helps travelers experience remote destinations in a unique way—behind the wheel, in small groups, and fully supported by expert logistics.Julie is driven by the moments that surprise and delight her guests, constantly striving to exceed expectations and create meaningful, shared experiences. By introducing Adventures Overland to the U.S. market, she is opening the door for more travelers to discover the joy of the journey—not just the destination.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Julie about her journey from corporate executive to adventure travel leader—and how she's helping bring a completely new style of travel to the U.S. market.Julie shares how Adventures Overland creates fully supported, small-group driving expeditions across some of the most remote and culturally rich regions in the world. From navigating the deserts of Morocco to crossing the Mongolian steppe, these trips allow travelers to take the wheel while leaving the logistics to a highly experienced team. The result is a stress-free road trip that blends adventure, culture, and connection.The conversation also dives into Julie's personal story—from early life-changing travel experiences to building a career in tech and marketing, and ultimately finding her way back to travel in a meaningful way. Along the way, she reflects on leadership, mindset, and the power of choosing a path that aligns with both passion and purpose. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioAndrew Lamb is the founder of Wales Outdoors, a premier guided hiking and touring company showcasing the landscapes, history, and hidden gems of Wales. With more than 30 years of experience as an outdoor professional, Andrew began his journey pioneering mountain bike guiding in the Brecon Beacons before evolving his business into a full-service adventure travel operation focused on immersive walking tours.A certified Mountain Leader and Green Badge Tourist Guide, Andrew combines deep local knowledge with formal training to deliver meaningful, responsible travel experiences. His work is rooted in sustainability and a passion for connecting visitors to Wales in an authentic way. Beyond guiding, Andrew has played an active role in shaping regional tourism, contributing to environmental initiatives, leading community programs, and supporting collaboration across the outdoor industry.His career reflects a lifelong commitment to the outdoors, education, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impression on travelers while protecting the landscapes they explore.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Andrew Lamb, founder of Wales Outdoors, about building a decades-long career in adventure tourism and the evolution of travel in Wales.Andrew shares how his early experiences in outdoor education shaped his path into guiding, eventually leading him to launch one of Wales' most established hiking and touring companies. He reflects on the shift from multi-activity adventure offerings to a more focused, sustainable model centered on guided hikes and cultural tours, as well as the impact of technology in making independent travel and small-group experiences more accessible.The conversation also explores changing traveler behavior, from the rise of international visitors and content creators to the challenges of overcrowding at popular destinations. Andrew offers a thoughtful perspective on sustainable tourism, guiding philosophy, and how operators can balance business success with environmental responsibility and meaningful guest experiences. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Kristopher "Kris" Grey is the founder of Creatapult and a seasoned project management consultant with over two decades of experience helping contractors and growing businesses scale without operational chaos. A self-described "construction brat" who grew up inside his family's contracting company, Kris launched his entrepreneurial journey under pressure — just days after the birth of his first child — and turned that crisis into a mission to help business owners build the systems, dashboards, and accountability frameworks they need to protect margins, reduce risk, and lead with clarity through fractional project management leadership.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Jonathan Goldhill is joined by Kristopher Grey of Creatapult about how contractors and other organizations can scale without operational chaos. Kristopher shares his origin story of losing all family income three days after his first child was born, which shifted his view that entrepreneurship and having a “side” income can be less risky than relying on one W2 job. Drawing on his upbringing in a family construction business, he describes common contractor failures such as bad bookkeeping, overreliance on tribal knowledge and heroics, understaffing project management, and the “death spiral” where winning more work leads to schedule slips, quality decline, change-order losses, and margin erosion. They discuss the “Who does what by when” accountability tool, dashboards, backup PMs, and the rise of fractional project management leadership. Kristopher outlines a 90-day execution engine focused on project intake, portfolio stabilization with RAG reporting, and risk tracking, and shares a transit-operator turnaround that enabled growth and COVID resilience.KEY TAKEAWAYSWinning more work can kill a company. Growth without systems creates a "death spiral" — slipping schedules, declining quality, and cash flow collapse, even when revenue is rising.Bad bookkeeping is the #1 contractor mistake. If you don't know your margins, you can't manage your business — you're running a personal ATM, not a company.Project managers lose effectiveness past 2 projects. Overloading PMs is a silent killer of profitability and client relationships."Who Does What By When" is the foundation of execution. Without a clear owner, a clear task, and a hard deadline, everything drifts.Systems are the antidote to turnover. With employees switching jobs every ~4 years, institutional knowledge must be documented — not held in someone's head.Fractional project management lowers the barrier to scaling. Companies don't need a full-time executive to get enterprise-level PM leadership — they just need the right fractional fit.Don't be afraid to ask for help. Pride is the number one source of doom for family construction businesses.Risk tracking is almost always missing. Most contractors react to problems instead of forecasting and mitigating them early.A RAG dashboard (Red/Amber/Green) gives leadership real-time project visibility and frees CEOs from daily firefighting to focus on strategy.QUOTES"It's kind of like a fish drowning in water. You'd think that winning more work would be a good thing… but if they've not been managing those projects well, they're bleeding out." — Chris Grey"If you don't put a deadline on something, your project is always at risk of falling behind by the longest single scheduling item you have.""Pride is probably the number one source of doom for a lot of these companies — the name is often on the building.""Most employees are essentially a statistic or a number for a company — they can be let go at any time.""Always have something on the side. If the thing takes off, run with it.""Growth alone doesn't create successful companies — but execution does." — Jonathan Goldhill (closing)"We were doing more with less — but less stress overall — because the PMs had the tools they needed to be successful."Connect and learn more about Kristopher Grey.https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristophergrey/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Craig Klein is the Founder and CEO of SalesNexus, a CRM and sales automation platform built to help small and mid‑sized businesses grow more revenue through better follow‑up, stronger relationships, and smarter sales processes. With deep experience in sales, marketing, and technology, Craig has spent his career helping organizations streamline their sales functions while keeping the human connection at the core of every customer interaction.He is known for his practical approach to relationship‑based selling and his ability to translate complex systems into tools that empower teams to close more deals, nurture customers long‑term, and scale with intention. Craig regularly shares insights on sales strategy, CRM best practices, and creating cultures that support consistent performance and meaningful client engagement.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy sit down with Craig Klein to explore how AI and sales technology can strengthen authentic, relationship-driven selling rather than replace it.Craig shares how his perspective on sales evolved from chasing transactions to focusing on service, trust, and long-term relationships. Together, they unpack the rapid evolution of CRM and AI tools, discussing why human connection still matters most—especially in high-value, complex sales environments where trust and credibility drive decisions.The conversation dives into practical ways AI can support sales teams through smarter follow-up, onboarding, coaching, meeting preparation, and workflow automation. Craig also explains how organizations can use AI to eliminate “forgotten deals,” improve consistency, and free sales professionals from administrative tasks so they can spend more time building meaningful customer relationships.If you've wondered how to embrace AI without losing the heart of selling, this episode offers a grounded and practical roadmap for using technology to become more human—not less.KEY TAKEAWAYSAI and CRM tools should support authentic relationship-building, not replace human connectionHigh-trust, high-value sales still depend on real conversations and credibilityOne of AI's biggest opportunities is recovering missed follow-ups and forgotten dealsThe best sales technology removes busywork so salespeople can spend more time with customersIncremental daily improvements create stronger long-term sales performance than occasional major overhaulsAI-powered systems can streamline proposals, scheduling, onboarding, and customer communicationThe future of sales technology is “agentic AI,” where systems proactively assist salespeople behind the scenesContext-driven AI becomes significantly more powerful when connected to CRMs, contracts, proposals, and operational systemsHIGHLIGHT QUOTESTechnology should help you connect and have better conversations—not get in the way of them.The best salespeople understand that relationships still win. Great technology simply helps you focus more on people.Give before you ask. That mindset opens doors that go far beyond money.Nobody spends half a million dollars on a major purchase without building trust with someone first.AI should enhance the relational strength we already have with our customers—not replace authenticity.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioMatt Hoffman-Beals is the founder of Breaking Away Adventures, an experience-driven motorcycle touring company focused on community, exploration, and personal growth. An adventure-driven entrepreneur and lifelong traveler, his journey has taken him from a career in hospitality and event management to the open road on two wheels. After more than 20 years creating memorable experiences in fast-paced environments, Matt shifted his focus toward a life centered on exploration, connection, and freedom. Drawing from a nomadic upbringing and a deep love for motorcycles, he built Breaking Away Adventures to bring riders together through off-road journeys designed to challenge, inspire, and connect. His approach blends adventure with inclusivity, encouraging riders of all backgrounds to discover confidence, connection, and joy on the road less traveled.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Matt about the path that led him from a life in hospitality to building a purpose-driven motorcycle adventure company. Matt shares how his early experiences with travel and discovery shaped his worldview and ultimately pushed him to pursue a more adventurous, community-focused lifestyle.The conversation explores how Breaking Away Adventures goes beyond traditional motorcycle touring by emphasizing inclusivity, shared experience, and personal growth. Matt discusses the power of bringing people together in challenging outdoor environments, where riders not only explore rugged terrain but also form meaningful connections and build confidence. He also opens up about the mental health benefits of adventure travel and the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcomed and supported.Listeners will also gain insight into what it takes to start and grow an adventure-based business, as Matt reflects on the importance of authenticity, passion, and starting small. His story offers both inspiration and practical perspective for anyone looking to turn their love of adventure into something bigger. Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Some guests support the show through paid production features, cross-promotion, referrals, or other partnerships. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioYvonne Halling is a hospitality business coach, consultant, and founder of Bed and Breakfast Coach, where she helps independent accommodation owners transform the way they run and grow their businesses. After spending 17 years operating her own bed and breakfast in France's Champagne region, Yvonne evolved what began as a modest side venture into a highly profitable operation generating over €100,000 annually from just four rooms—without relying on online travel agencies.Today, she works with hospitality entrepreneurs around the world through her B&B Money Maker Business Transformation Program, guiding them to increase revenue, reduce dependency on third-party platforms, and create more freedom in their day-to-day operations. Her clients regularly see significant growth while simplifying their workload and strengthening direct relationships with their guests.Yvonne is a multi-award-winning hospitality professional known for her practical, results-driven approach. She is passionate about restoring independence to small business owners, helping them reclaim control of their bookings, and positioning their properties as vital hubs within their local communities. Through her work, she empowers hosts to embrace modern tools while staying rooted in authentic, human-centered hospitality.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Yvonne about her evolution from running a small bed and breakfast in France to becoming a global coach for independent hospitality entrepreneurs. She shares how she transformed her own property into a high-performing business without relying on online travel agencies, proving that small operations can thrive with the right strategy.The conversation dives into the growing reliance on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, and how that dependence can erode both profit margins and brand identity. Yvonne explains why direct bookings are essential for long-term sustainability and how business owners can regain control of their customer relationships.She also emphasizes the importance of authentic connection in hospitality, showing how personalized guest experiences and strong ties to the local community can set independent businesses apart. This episode offers practical insights for hosts who want to build a more profitable, meaningful, and self-directed business. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Jennifer Langton is an expert in transformational leadership who bridges bold innovation with human impact. As the former Senior Vice President of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, Jennifer pioneered the league's first injury reduction strategy, achieving a groundbreaking 25% concussion reduction through initiatives like the Digital Athlete, developed in partnership with AWS.Her business acumen is just as impressive: she restored profitability as North America CFO for Atari, and led a revenue-boosting RFP at the NFL that delivered a 220% increase in the league's apparel portfolio.Jennifer's leadership is defined by her CTG Methodology, Connect, Trust, Grow, a framework for navigating high-stakes environments with clarity and heart. An NYU Stern MBA and AWS Women of the Cloud honoree, Jennifer embodies results-driven leadership powered by purpose, people, and progress.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of Selling from the Heart Podcast. Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Jennifer Langton, former SVP of Player Health and Innovation at the NFL, who led the league's first injury-reduction strategy and helped drive a 25% reduction in concussions, including work on the AWS-partnered Digital Athlete. Langton explains her CTG methodology, connect, trust, grow, emphasizing authentic connection to overcome resistance to change, trust built through leadership and data to scale beyond pilots, and growth through iterative wins. She shares how purpose rooted in personal adversity fueled her leadership, how aligning personal mission with organizational priorities creates transformation, and why technology and AI require a “human path” for adoption by building with, not for, stakeholders.KEY TAKEAWAYSAuthentic connection must come before trust , and trust must come before growth. Skip one, and the whole framework breaks.Your personal "why" is your most powerful sales asset. Aligning your purpose to your client's or organization's greatest need creates unstoppable momentum.You don't need to be the expert , you need to connect the experts. Leadership and sales are about asking the right questions and keeping everyone aligned to one mission.Build with people, not for them. Co-creation drives adoption; top-down mandates don't.Data empowers people, it doesn't replace them. The human path to adoption is just as critical as the technical solution.Adversity can become your superpower. Lived experience creates authentic credibility that no credential can replicate.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESIf you don't connect, your stakeholders will resist. If you skip trust, what you're building will never scale beyond a pilot.Technical playbooks don't create change, people do.People follow the version of you that's true.We built with, and not for, them. That's how we empowered them.Every time an injury was predicted or prevented, it was me winning back a piece of myself.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioMark Phillips is the Founder of Nomad Stays, a platform created to help digital nomads find comfortable, reliable accommodations built for long-term remote work and travel. A tech-driven entrepreneur and global business leader, Mark has spent years building ventures and relationships at the intersection of technology, hospitality, and international travel.Across an entrepreneurial career spanning tech and travel, Mark has explored more than 100 countries and developed an unusually broad global network—connecting with everyone from local traders in remote regions to senior business and government leaders. That experience has shaped his understanding of what modern travelers need when they're living and working on the road.Since 2015, Mark has lived as a full-time digital nomad, running businesses while traveling continuously and relying on remote collaboration as the norm. Through Nomad Stays, he's focused on making long-term travel feel more stable and livable by helping nomads find spaces that support productivity, comfort, and a genuine sense of home.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Mark Phillips about the fast-growing digital nomad lifestyle and the hospitality gaps that many remote workers encounter when they travel long-term.Mark shares what inspired him to create Nomad Stays and why traditional short-stay accommodations often miss the mark for nomads who need reliable Wi-Fi, functional workspaces, and the comforts that make a place feel livable for weeks or months at a time. He also explains how longer stays change pricing, expectations, and the kinds of services that hosts should consider offering.The conversation goes beyond logistics into the lifestyle itself—how technology enables full-time travel, why community matters when you're constantly on the move, and what it takes to stay adaptable and healthy while building a location-independent life around the world. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioLindsay Nieminen is the co-founder and owner of Amman Food Tours, a culinary experience company based in Jordan's capital, and the travel writer behind the blog Carpe Diem OUR Way. She has been exploring and documenting Jordan since 2016. After repeatedly returning to the same local cafés, bakeries, and family-run restaurants in Amman, she began envisioning a way for visitors to experience the city through its food and the people who make it. That vision became reality in 2022 when she and her Jordanian partner launched Amman Food Tours, creating immersive culinary experiences that introduce travelers to the stories and traditions behind Jordanian cuisine.Through her work, Lindsay focuses on fostering meaningful cultural exchange while supporting greater opportunities for women within Jordan's tourism industry. Her partnership with local guide Jumana helps bring this mission to life, giving guests an authentic look at Amman's vibrant food culture while amplifying voices that are often underrepresented in the sector.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lindsay about her journey from a traditional corporate career into the world of travel writing and tourism entrepreneurship in Jordan. What began as a passion for exploring local restaurants and sharing stories online eventually evolved into building a food tour company dedicated to connecting travelers with the culture and communities of Amman.Lindsay reflects on how travel reshaped her personal and professional life, opening the door to new opportunities and relationships while inspiring her to create experiences that go beyond typical sightseeing. She also shares the personal stories behind launching Amman Food Tours and the lessons she learned while building a business in a foreign country.The conversation also explores the broader cultural context of travel in Jordan, including gender dynamics within the tourism industry, how local communities navigate global and regional challenges, and what travelers should know about visiting the Middle East today. Through food, storytelling, and community partnerships, Lindsay's work highlights the powerful role travel can play in fostering connection and understanding. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Joel Zeff is a dynamic keynote speaker, work culture expert, improvisational humorist, and author who brings energy, humor, and practical insight to every stage. For more than 25 years, Joel has delivered over 2,500 presentations that blend improvisation with actionable business lessons around teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and change.Known for his highly interactive keynotes, Joel engages audiences through playful improv exercises that reinforce a powerful message: organizations thrive when people feel supported, appreciated, and connected. From Wells Fargo and Samsung to KPMG and even the IRS, Joel has helped companies across industries build more joyful, resilient, and high-performing cultures.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by keynote speaker and work culture expert Joel Zeff to discuss how joy, presence, and positive support create stronger sales cultures and better performance.Joel explains that “selling from the heart” means genuinely helping others succeed and bringing passion into every interaction. Drawing from his background in improvisation, he shares why embracing change, staying flexible, and choosing how we respond to challenges are essential skills for sales professionals and leaders alike.The conversation highlights how leaders cultivate passion—not by demanding it, but by creating environments built on ownership, appreciation, celebration, and support. Joel also emphasizes the importance of being fully present in conversations, especially in a distracted world where attention is rare and deeply valuable. Packed with practical wisdom and humor, this episode is a powerful reminder that positivity, persistence, and connection fuel lasting success.KEY TAKEAWAYSSelling from the heart means helping others succeed, not simply closing deals.Passion grows in environments built on ownership, appreciation, and positive support.Change is constant—success depends on how you choose to respond to it.Improv teaches two powerful sales lessons: stay present and never quit.Positive support and recognition directly improve culture and performance.Presence and listening strengthen trust and connection in every interaction.Persistence and adaptability are critical to long-term sales success.Joyful cultures create more engaged, committed, and resilient teams.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSelling from the heart is answering the question: How do I help the people around me be successful?I only control how I react to what happens.You can make mistakes. You just can't give up.It's my job as a sales leader to create the foundation for passion.The best present you can give somebody is your presence.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioAlexander Souri is the founder and executive director of Relief Riders International, an organization he launched in 2004 to combine adventure travel with meaningful humanitarian work. Through Relief Riders, Alexander designs and leads horseback-based missions that deliver medical care, educational programs, and community support to remote villages where access to services is limited. The organization brings together travelers, volunteers, and local partners to create journeys that provide both cultural immersion and tangible aid to underserved communities.Before founding Relief Riders International, Alexander worked as a producer in theater, film, and large-scale special events. His career included involvement in major productions such as The Matrix, X-Men, End of Days, and Back to the Future: The Ride, along with directing commercial and industrial film projects internationally, including work in Beijing. His background in storytelling, logistics, and production now informs the way he organizes complex humanitarian expeditions in remote environments.Born in New York City to a French mother and an Indian father, Alexander grew up with a deeply international perspective. He attended boarding school in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and later studied at an international high school in Sophia Antipolis in southern France before graduating from Simon's Rock of Bard College in Massachusetts. These cross-cultural experiences helped shape his worldview and inspired the mission behind Relief Riders International—creating opportunities for travelers to experience adventure while contributing to positive change in communities around the world.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Alexander Souri, the founder of Relief Riders International. Alexander shares the story of how his career shifted from film and theater production into humanitarian work after a personal turning point led him to seek a more meaningful path. What began as a search for purpose eventually grew into an organization that delivers aid to remote communities through horseback-based relief missions.Alexander reflects on his internationally shaped upbringing, including formative years spent in Afghanistan, India, and France. These experiences helped shape his cultural identity and gave him a broader understanding of the world at an early age. The conversation explores how these influences, along with the challenges of navigating family expectations and career transitions, ultimately guided him toward creating a mission-driven organization.Jason and Alexander also discuss the unique model behind Relief Riders International, where adventure travel meets humanitarian service. By traveling on horseback into isolated areas of India, Turkey & Ecuador, teams are able to bring medical camps, educational support, and other critical programs to villages that often lack access to basic services. Along the way, Alexander reflects on lessons about burnout, resilience, family relationships, and how travel and exploration often become powerful catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioLucinda Rome is the Founder and Managing Director of Ganders Travel, a bespoke travel company specializing in journeys throughout East and Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Her deep connection to Africa began nearly twenty years ago when she climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity and followed it with a safari in Kenya's Masai Mara. What started as a single adventure quickly became a defining turning point in her life and career.Soon after that first trip, Lucinda moved to Zambia to work in remote bush camps. What was meant to be a five-month experience turned into four formative years working with two of the country's leading safari operators. After an unexpected injury brought her back home, she redirected her expertise into designing tailor-made African journeys. Drawing on extensive firsthand knowledge and continued travel throughout the continent, she now creates highly personalized itineraries that reflect both the diversity of Africa and the individual goals of each traveler.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lucinda about her journey from early guiding roles to becoming a specialist in African travel and the founder of Ganders Travel. She shares how climbing Kilimanjaro and experiencing safari life firsthand shaped her understanding of what makes travel transformative rather than transactional.Lucinda offers an honest look at the realities of climbing Kilimanjaro, explaining why success on the mountain depends as much on mindset as it does on fitness. She discusses the critical role of acclimatization, the importance of experienced guides, and the team dynamic that develops during high-altitude treks. Drawing from her years managing safari camps in Zambia, she also reflects on the immersive sensory elements of African travel—from the sounds of wildlife after dark to the distinctive scents of the bush.The conversation also explores the art of bespoke itinerary design. Lucinda explains why understanding a client's motivations, expectations, and travel style is essential to creating meaningful experiences. Whether focused on wildlife photography, culinary discovery, or cultural connection, she emphasizes that thoughtful planning is what turns a trip into a lasting memory. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Joe Roberts, known as the “Skid Row CEO”, transformed his life from homelessness and addiction on the streets of Vancouver into becoming a successful business executive, author, and internationally recognized speaker.His journey has been featured in Forbes, CBC, and numerous global platforms. Joe is the author of four books and the founder of The Push for Change, a 17-month walk across North America (averaging 35,000 steps per day) to raise awareness and funds for youth homelessness—helping drive meaningful change in federal support programs.Through powerful storytelling and lived experience, Joe inspires individuals and organizations to reframe adversity, unlock potential, and lead with empathy. His keynotes are consistently described as life-changing, leaving audiences with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Joe Roberts to explore the transformative power of empathy, resilience, and human connection. Joe shares how a simple conversation on a park bench changed the trajectory of his life, sparking a journey from addiction and homelessness to leadership and impact.He defines selling from the heart as seeing potential in others before they can see it in themselves. Joe introduces his AIR model (Action, Inspiration, Roadblocks), explaining that resilience is not about feeling strong, but about taking action despite negative emotions.The conversation highlights how internal barriers like self-doubt and perfectionism often limit growth, while consistent action and belief unlock potential. This episode is a powerful reminder that sales and leadership are ultimately about helping others and that even small moments of connection can change lives.KEY TAKEAWAYSPurpose makes authentic selling natural, when your work aligns with meaning, trust follows.Qualification is a time management strategy, not just a sales process.Sales optimism can become a liability when it blinds you to disqualifying signals.The Three Whys—Why buy? Why now? Why us?—help determine if a deal is real.Your champion must be able to sell internally on your behalf.No decision is often your biggest competitor.Great salespeople qualify early to avoid wasting time on false opportunities.HIGHLIGHT QUOTES“Find your purpose, match it with your job, and then you'll be selling from the heart.”  “Our time is limited and is the most precious asset we have as salespeople.”  “We can deceive ourselves by not responding truthfully—the best way is to ask the customer.”  “If the economic buyer asks why they should buy from you—how solid is your answer?”  “What is the cost of doing nothing? If the answer is nothing, then the deal is not qualified.” ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioLinda McCall is the co-founder of Nomad Stays, a global accommodation platform designed specifically for digital nomads seeking community-driven, longer-stay experiences. Raised in the remote outback of Australia's Northern Territory, Linda grew up dreaming of faraway places—though she never imagined her journey would include serving as an international first-class flight attendant, working with the Saudi Royal Family, or building a global travel brand. With a professional background that includes Qantas and the Australian Air Force, Linda brings discipline, adaptability, and a deep understanding of global travel to her entrepreneurial work. A lifelong adventurer at heart, she has solo motorcycled across the United States and even taken to the skies in hot air balloons—always saying yes to the next bold experience.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Linda McCall, co-founder of Nomad Stays, about building a hospitality platform designed to serve the rapidly growing digital nomad community.Linda shares how her global travel career and military background shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, ultimately leading her to co-create a booking platform that solves real-world challenges remote workers face. From inconsistent accommodations to a lack of community connection, Nomad Stays was built to bridge the gap between traditional travel booking sites and the unique needs of location-independent professionals.The conversation also explores how the company adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of networking and relationship-building in business, and why embracing change is essential for long-term success. Linda's story is one of resilience, bold decision-making, and the power of saying “yes” to new opportunities. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Guest BioKeren Mikva is the Director of Alpengirl, an outdoor adventure program dedicated to empowering young women through immersive experiences in nature. Originally from Chicago, Keren discovered her love for the outdoors during summers spent at sleepaway camp in the Berkshires of Massachusetts. After earning a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford University, she realized her path lay far beyond the world of politics. She booked a one-way ticket to New Zealand, setting off on a journey that ultimately led her into a career in outdoor guiding.Over the past decade, Keren has built a diverse resume leading whitewater rafting expeditions, hiking and biking tours, and multi-adventure trips around the globe. She has guided on the Snake River in Wyoming and the Rio Grande in New Mexico, led cycling adventures through Croatia and New Zealand, and coordinated trips across Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Now based in Bozeman, Montana, she continues to explore the Mountain West while shaping meaningful outdoor experiences for the next generation.With a Master's Degree in Sustainability in the Outdoor Industry from the University of Colorado Boulder, Keren brings both passion and purpose to her leadership at Alpengirl. She is deeply committed to mentorship, environmental stewardship, and creating supportive spaces where girls can build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the outdoors.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Keren about her journey from suburban Chicago to directing one of the country's most inspiring outdoor programs for girls. She shares how early camp experiences shaped her love of adventure and how years of guiding around the world prepared her to lead and mentor young women in the outdoors.The conversation dives into what makes Alpengirl unique — from skill-building backcountry trips to thoughtfully designed mother-daughter adventures that strengthen family bonds. Keren explains how the program focuses on empowerment rather than competition, creating a supportive environment where girls can challenge themselves, learn practical outdoor skills, and discover their own strength.Jason and Keren also discuss the realities of guiding, the importance of communication with families, and why outdoor education plays such a critical role in personal growth. At its core, Alpengirl is about building confidence, community, and connection — all through the transformative power of adventure.Key Takeaways✓ Alpengirl creates outdoor experiences designed specifically to build confidence in young women.✓ Early exposure to adventure can shape lifelong passions and career paths.✓ Mother-daughter trips provide meaningful opportunities for connection outside everyday routines.✓ Skilled, compassionate guides are essential to fostering a positive camp culture.✓ Learning practical outdoor skills helps girls develop independence and resilience.✓ Group adventure travel comes with challenges that ultimately strengthen teamwork and leadership.✓ Clear communication with parents supports camper success and trust.✓ Outdoor programs can be empowering without being wilderness therapy.✓ A supportive, fun environment makes the outdoors more accessible to all experience levels.✓ Adventure travel can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth at any age. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Maryann Bell is the leader of the advisory practice at Wingspan Legacy Partners, where she works with multi-generational families to design governance structures, ownership frameworks, and policies that preserve both enterprise value and family relationships over time. With a unique ability to navigate the intersection of ownership, leadership, and legacy, she has previously joined the Disruptive Successor Show to discuss the importance of prenuptial agreements as governance tools and how families can tackle difficult conversations around money, succession, and ownership without damaging relationships. Known for her global perspective — working with families across Latin America, India, Asia, and beyond — Maryann brings clarity to some of the most emotionally charged issues in family business, helping families shift from default patterns of equal treatment to structures that are truly fair, merit-based, and built to endure across generations.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode, Jonathan Goldhill is joined by a family business advisor Maryann Bell of Wingspan Legacy Partners to discuss why “fair” should not automatically mean “equal” in family business ownership, especially when contributions differ. They explain how equal ownership can breed resentment, disengagement, and distort incentives, undermining a meritocratic culture, and argue for aligning ownership, compensation, and decision-making with contribution, responsibility, and stewardship while keeping family love separate from business rules. Bell describes tools such as sweat equity pools, distribution policies for minority non-operators, codes of conduct, employment policies, compensation committees, advisory boards, and separating family meetings from business governance. She shares a $2B family case where misaligned ownership created next-generation tension and highlights cultural differences, the role of trusted external advisors, “principles before lawyers,” and engaging the “rising gen” through values, literacy, and entrepreneurial pathways.KEY TAKEAWAYSFair ≠ Equal: Equal ownership feels safe but often creates resentment, misaligned incentives, and long-term conflict — especially when contributions differ.Love can be equal; ownership should reflect contribution, responsibility, and stewardship.Sweat equity programs are a powerful tool to reward owner-operators and increase their ownership percentage over time.Non-operating family members can hold minority ownership, but should be informed owners — not controlling ones.Governance must evolve as the business and family grow; a kitchen-table discussion is not a board meeting.Start with principles, not lawyers — align on ownership goals before drafting legal documents.External advisors help depersonalize difficult conversations and create space for honest, structured dialogue.The rising generation needs a clear pathway — career policies, merit-based advancement, and ownership incentives act as a magnet for talent within the family.QUOTES"The love can be equal — and it can be channeled in equalized ways. In no way is this a disruption of how you feel about the family member." — Maryann Bell"Authority, decision making, and value creation — the merit that the entire family benefits from — is often driven by one individual." — Maryann Bell"Equal is easy. Fair requires leadership." — Jonathan Goldhill"Families grow faster than businesses, and therefore you need to have an evolution of your governance." — Maryann Bell"You gotta take off that family hat and put on the business stewardship hat." — Maryann Bell"An external advisor frames it in a way that depersonalizes it and structures it to create that culture of meritocracy." — Maryann BellConnect and learn more about Maryann Bell.https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryann-bell-1212074/If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, review, and share with a friend who would benefit from the message. If you're interested in picking up a copy of Jonathan Goldhill's book, Disruptive Successor, go to the website at www.DisruptiveSuccessor.com

Darius Lahoutifard is a visionary sales leader, serial entrepreneur, and founder of MEDDIC Academy, the premier global MEDDPICC® certification platform. A former executive at PTC and Oracle, Darius is best known for scaling PTC France's revenue from $4M to $27M in just three years—outperforming major industry competitors.Originally trained as a robotics engineer, Darius combined technical expertise with sales excellence, becoming CEO of a Schlumberger subsidiary at just 28 years old. He has since launched four successful tech startups, raised over $20 million in funding, and authored Always Be Qualifying. Today, through MEDDIC Academy, he equips sales professionals worldwide with the discipline, clarity, and strategy needed to improve qualification, forecasting, and win rates.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Darius Lahoutifard to discuss how authentic selling starts with purpose—and how strong qualification creates better sales outcomes. Darius shares that when purpose aligns with your work, selling from the heart becomes natural rather than forced.The conversation focuses on one of the biggest weaknesses in sales: poor qualification. Darius explains how optimism, urgency to close, and self-deception often cause sales professionals to hold onto deals that were never real. He introduces the Three Whys—Why buy anything? Why buy now? Why buy from us?—as a simple but powerful filter for qualification.He also breaks down the MEDDIC/MEDDPICC framework—Metrics, Economic Buyer, Decision Process, Decision Criteria, Paper Process, Pain, Champion, and Competition—showing how disciplined qualification protects time, improves forecasting, and increases trust. This episode is a masterclass in selling smarter, not just harder.KEY TAKEAWAYSPurpose makes authentic selling natural—when your work aligns with meaning, trust follows.Qualification is a time management strategy, not just a sales process.Sales optimism can become a liability when it blinds you to disqualifying signals.The Three Whys—Why buy? Why now? Why us?—help determine if a deal is real.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESFind your purpose, match it with your job, and then you'll be selling from the heart.Our time is limited and is the most precious asset we have as salespeople.We can deceive ourselves by not responding truthfully—the best way is to ask the customer.If the economic buyer asks why they should buy from you—how solid is your answer?ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioDana Skogstad is the Sales Director, Canada at Travelzoo, a global members club for travel enthusiasts. With extensive experience leading sales teams in the travel industry, Dana specializes in strategic growth, partnership development, and helping travel brands connect with highly engaged audiences.Raised in Southeast British Columbia and now based in Vancouver, Dana developed an early appreciation for the outdoors that continues to shape both his personal and professional life. From camping and hiking to road trips and sightseeing, he believes adventure is accessible to everyone—and he's driven to help others turn their travel dreams into meaningful, real-world experiences.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Dana about his journey through the travel industry—from early days in guiding to his current leadership role with Travelzoo. Dana reflects on how growing up surrounded by natural beauty in British Columbia influenced his love of exploration and ultimately steered him toward a career built around travel and adventure.They explore what sets Travelzoo apart as a global travel club with millions of members seeking high-quality, curated experiences. Dana shares insights into the evolving definition of adventure travel, emphasizing that adventure looks different for every traveler. He also discusses the responsibility that comes with guiding and travel planning, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in creating unforgettable journeys.The conversation highlights the importance of trust, community, and vetted travel offers in a crowded marketplace—helping travelers book with confidence while staying inspired to explore more of the world.Key Takeaways✓ Dana views his work in travel as both exciting and deeply rewarding.✓ Travelzoo connects millions of global members with curated travel opportunities.✓ Quality control and vetting are essential in building traveler trust.✓ Growing up in Southeast British Columbia fostered Dana's lifelong love of the outdoors.✓ Adventure travel is defined by personal perspective, not just extreme activities.✓ Strong storytelling enhances the emotional impact of travel experiences.✓ Transitioning from guiding to a corporate leadership role offers new ways to shape the travel industry.✓ Passion and professionalism must go hand-in-hand in tourism.✓ Building community is central to creating meaningful travel experiences.✓ Curated travel platforms help turn inspiration into real-world bookings. Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Dan Dominguez is the Founder and CEO of WHY NOT Leadership, a coaching and consulting firm grounded in the belief that leadership is about impact, not titles. As a sought-after coach, speaker, and podcast host, Dan helps leaders and teams unlock their full potential through self-awareness, authentic connection, and bold, values-driven action.Driven by his core motivators, Contribute, Challenge, and Make Sense, Dan equips organizations to build trust-centered cultures and develop people-first leadership at every level. His work focuses on helping individuals understand what drives them and how to use that insight to lead, communicate, and perform more effectively.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy welcome back Dan Dominguez to explore how congruency, self-awareness, and understanding your “Why” transform leadership and sales. Dan defines selling from the heart as showing up authentically with the intention of making a meaningful difference for others.The conversation dives into the Why Operating System (YOS)—a framework that helps individuals understand why they act, how they bring it to life, and what they deliver. By recognizing these internal “filters,” sales professionals and leaders can better communicate in the language of their clients and teams, applying the Platinum Rule to build trust and eliminate friction.Dan shares practical examples of how YOS improves communication, strengthens relationships, and enhances performance across teams and even personal relationships. This episode reinforces that authentic connection, adaptability, and self-awareness are the true drivers of trust and long-term success.KEY TAKEAWAYSUnderstanding your Why, How, and What is foundational to authentic leadership and selling.Congruency—being the same person everywhere—is essential for building trust.Adapting to how others think and communicate strengthens relationships and results.Trust is the most important long-term metric in sales success.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESLeadership isn't about titles, it's about the difference you make.When you're congruent, you don't have to worry about work-life balance.When you tell people what you believe, you attract people who believe what you believe.Understanding the internal wiring of your clients is critical.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioGenevieve White is a travel and tourism copywriter and coach, and the founder of Campion Copy, based in the Shetland Islands, where dramatic landscapes and close-knit community life shape both her work and worldview. With a background in education and writing — and a lifelong fascination with travel — Genevieve helps travel businesses express the true value of the experiences they create through thoughtful, story-led copy.Working with boutique tour operators, destination management companies, short-term rental hosts, and destination-focused travel brands around the world, Genevieve supports business owners in moving beyond generic sales language and into meaningful storytelling. Her approach centres on clarity, connection, and confidence — ensuring each brand's voice reflects the care and intention behind the experiences they offer.A teacher at heart, Genevieve is just as passionate about coaching as she is about writing. Alongside done-for-you copywriting, she offers copy coaching, brand voice development, and workshops that empower clients to communicate more effectively long after the project ends. Her work has supported travel businesses across Europe and beyond, helping them build trust, connect with the right guests, and ultimately increase bookings.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Genevieve about her journey from teaching into travel and tourism copywriting, and how storytelling became the foundation of her business. Genevieve shares how her background in education shapes her coaching style and why helping clients gain clarity in their messaging is just as important as writing polished marketing copy.The conversation explores the role of personal stories in travel marketing, particularly in email communication, where authenticity and connection can make the difference between being overlooked and genuinely engaging potential guests. Genevieve explains why effective copy isn't about pushing for bookings, but about building trust and inviting the right travellers in.Jason and Genevieve also discuss life in the Shetland Islands, how the pandemic reshaped perspectives on work and lifestyle, and why creativity often comes from paying attention to everyday experiences. Throughout the episode, Genevieve offers thoughtful insight into writing with intention, staying human in a digital world, and building travel businesses rooted in meaningful connection. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

Mitch Matthews is a success coach, keynote speaker, and creator of the top 1% podcast DREAM THINK DO. Through his coaching and content, Mitch helps high-achieving leaders and entrepreneurs dream bigger, think better, and pursue meaningful work aligned with their purpose.Over the past two decades, Mitch has worked with organizations like NIKE, NASA, Disney, and United Airlines, helping leaders clarify direction and lead with impact. He has interviewed world-class performers—including Brendon Burchard, Michael Hyatt, Jamie Kern Lima, elite athletes, and Oscar winners—bringing powerful insights to his global audience. Mitch is also the creator of The Authority Bridge™, a coaching experience designed to help seasoned professionals build purpose-driven, legacy-worthy businesses.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Mitch Matthews to explore a refreshing approach to modern selling: Filter, Coach, Commit. Mitch explains that selling from the heart is about connecting the right people with the right solutions at the right time—even if that solution isn't yours.The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional branding to attract ideal clients and repel poor-fit opportunities, as well as the power of saying “no” to build trust and long-term credibility. Mitch reframes sales conversations as coaching conversations—focused on listening deeply, clarifying needs, and guiding people toward meaningful action.This episode highlights the shift from transactional selling to relationship-driven coaching, where authenticity, alignment, and long-term thinking create lasting success.KEY TAKEAWAYSFocus on connecting the right people with the right solutions at the right time.The Filter, Coach, Commit framework helps attract, guide, and serve ideal clients.Saying “no” creates clarity, builds trust, and strengthens your brand.Approach sales conversations as coaching conversations—not pitches.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESWhen you can describe someone's problem better than they can, they assume you have the solution.A good brand attracts the right people and repels the wrong people.Coaching starts with listening and meeting people where they are.If you're ever in danger of being considered a commodity, relationships set you apart.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESMitch is offering Selling from the Heart listeners free access to the Next Chapter workshop! Use codes HEART or LOVE  at checkout: https://members.matthewstraininginternational.com/next-chapterExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Guest BioLisa Pagotto is the founder and CEO of Crooked Compass, a pioneering adventure travel company redefining how people engage with the world. With a deep commitment to cultural integrity and immersive experiences, Lisa has carved out a space for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path journeys that challenge traditional tourism models. Her leadership empowers travelers to connect authentically with remote and emerging destinations — far beyond the ordinary itinerary.Lisa is also a captivating speaker known for her raw honesty and practical wisdom. Drawing from her entrepreneurial path, she encourages audiences to embrace uncertainty, trust their instincts, and lead with resilience rather than perfection. Her storytelling inspires people to transform setbacks into opportunities and to rethink what success truly looks like. Whether on stage or in the field, Lisa champions bold thinking and values-driven exploration as tools for personal and collective growth.Show SummaryIn this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Lisa about her journey building Crooked Compass into a leader in experiential travel. They dive into how the company curates unconventional itineraries, often in lesser-known or emerging regions, offering travelers both challenge and connection in equal measure.Lisa shares how safety remains a top priority in these remote adventures, and how traveler psychology — especially around risk and group dynamics — plays a crucial role in the experience. She also reflects on how her early travel memories shaped her vision for Crooked Compass, and what she's learned along the way as a founder navigating the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the power of trusting yourself, staying flexible, and pushing past the expected to create something truly original. Learn more about Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Marketing and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers on our website.

James Laughlin is a globally recognized high-performance leadership strategist, #1 bestselling author of Habits of High Performers, and a 7-time world champion musician. He has coached everyone from PGA Tour professionals and elite athletes to Fortune 500 CEOs, helping leaders and teams achieve extraordinary results through intentional habits and mindset mastery.As an international keynote speaker and host of the top-ranked Lead on Purpose podcast, James blends elite performance principles with practical leadership frameworks that drive personal growth, resilience, and sustainable success. Whether working with world-class rugby teams or senior executives, James helps people win in both life and business by building habits rooted in trust, wellbeing, and high performance.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by James Laughlin to explore what truly drives high performance. James shares that selling from the heart begins with trusting who you are, and explains why vulnerability is not weakness but one of the most powerful ways leaders and sales professionals build trust and connection.The conversation introduces James's powerful skillset, mindset, and heart set framework, reframing mindset as “mind flex”—the belief that our minds are not fixed, but adaptable through intentional habits. He defines high performance as consistently exceeding norms while maintaining healthy relationships and wellbeing, challenging the traditional “win at all costs” mentality.James also dives into belief systems, daily reflection habits, storytelling as a trust-building tool, and the importance of radical clarity around what success actually looks like. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for anyone looking to perform at a higher level without sacrificing authenticity or wellbeing.KEY TAKEAWAYSHigh performance requires three pillars: skillset, mind flex, and heart set.Vulnerability is a leadership strength that builds trust and connection.True high performance includes wellbeing and healthy relationships.Beliefs drive attitudes, which shape behaviors and results.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESPeople don't struggle because they don't know what to say. They generally struggle because they don't fully trust who they are.The soft thing is the hard thing. It's very difficult to do, but it's crucial to success.Be curious about the situation rather than furious about the situation.High performance is not a birthright. It's not hustle, it's not luck. High performance is simply a byproduct of great habits.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Ben Ortlip is a culture architect, strategist, and bestselling author who helps organizations turn workplace culture into measurable business success. As the founder of The Culture MRI®, Ben created a data-driven system that assesses and improves employee engagement and organizational performance—transforming culture from a “soft” concept into a strategic advantage.Ben has worked with leading brands such as UPS, Delta, Salesforce, and Chick-fil-A, bringing decades of research and real-world insight into what truly motivates people at work. He is the author of Culture Is the New Leadership and Be the Sale, and a sought-after speaker on how human-centered culture drives performance, retention, and long-term profitability.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Ben Ortlip to explore what it truly means to “be the sale.” Ben explains that authentic selling is rooted in alignment, where both buyer and seller objectives are served through trust, not pressure.Drawing from workplace psychology and culture research, Ben shares how today's buyers are driven by autonomy, purpose, and connection. He introduces three core human needs, craft, cause, and community, and explains how sales professionals can become “magnetic” by mastering their expertise, championing their client's mission, and building meaningful relationships.This conversation challenges transactional selling and replaces it with a values-driven approach that fosters long-term trust, loyalty, and business success.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrust significantly increases the likelihood of successful sales outcomes.  Mastering your craft builds credibility and positions you as a true expert.  Align with your prospect's cause—focus on their mission, not your quota.  Building community strengthens relationships and deepens trust.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESWhere else would you sell from and expect to have any success?People don't buy the best products—they buy based on the level of trust they have.The reason people aren't buying from you is because of you, how you show upYour value to the prospect is directly proportional to your mastery of the topic.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book: Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  Subscribe to The Selling from the Heart Podcast Youtube Channel! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Sheri Jacobs is an innovation keynote speaker, researcher, and CEO who helps organizations embrace change, spark innovation, and build smart risk-taking cultures. As founder of Avenue M Group, she has led research across more than a million data points, guiding leaders across industries, from healthcare to technology, on how to empower teams and drive sustainable growth.A three-time bestselling author, including The Unexpected Power of Boundaries, Sheri blends data, strategy, and real-world insight to help leaders turn bold ideas into action. With over 300 keynotes and workshops delivered worldwide, she is known for making complex challenges practical, actionable, and inspiring. Outside of her professional work, Sheri is a marathoner, board leader, and wildlife photographer, bringing curiosity and clarity into everything she does.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Sheri Jacobs to explore why boundaries are not limiting—they are liberating in sales and leadership. Sheri shares how clearly defined boundaries create trust, safety, and focus while enabling creativity and smarter risk-taking.Using powerful analogies, from fenced playgrounds to global marketing campaigns, Sheri explains the importance of defining the “what” (outcomes and constraints) before the “how” (execution). She also connects lessons from wildlife photography to sales, emphasizing patience, preparation, and adapting to changing conditions rather than trying to control outcomes.The conversation highlights how boundaries improve deal quality, strengthen relationships, and create clarity for both sales professionals and clients. This episode offers practical guidance for setting guardrails that drive better performance, deeper trust, and more meaningful results.KEY TAKEAWAYSClear boundaries create trust, safety, and stronger performance.Boundaries enable creativity and innovation, they don't restrict it.Define the “what” (outcomes) before the “how” (execution).Patience and observation build more trust than rushing the sales process.Preparation makes success look effortless.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESThe fastest way to build trust and performance isn't more freedom—it's clear boundaries.It isn't about controlling the conversation, it's about respecting the buyer's reality.Without boundaries comes chaos, sales chaos, deal chaos.Preparation makes luck look easy.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book — Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeGet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose

Owen Burns is a trusted advisor to CEOs and executive teams, with decades of leadership experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, Series A startups, and leading management consulting firms. Throughout his career, Owen has guided transformative cultural initiatives, supported IPOs, and delivered strategic impact across some of the world's most respected organizations.His work has been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur Magazine, and he is widely recognized for helping leaders build high-trust relationships that drive meaningful results. Owen is the author of The Power of Love and The Love Switch, where he explores how courage, care, and authentic connection transform leadership and business outcomes.SHOW SUMMARYIn this episode of the Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Owen Burns to explore the powerful role that love, defined as courage, care, and authenticity, plays in sales and leadership. Owen explains that “selling from the heart” means having the courage to genuinely care for others, even when outcomes are uncertain.He challenges the common belief that the opposite of love is hate, arguing instead that fear is the real barrier preventing people from building meaningful relationships and taking action. Owen introduces his relationship frameworks, Seven to Heaven and Five to Thrive, which help leaders and sales professionals build, strengthen, and sustain trust-based relationships.The conversation also highlights the Love Switch, a practical technique for responding with intention rather than reacting from fear. By recognizing fear and reframing interactions with empathy and clarity, sales professionals can foster deeper engagement, healthier conversations, and stronger long-term business relationships.KEY TAKEAWAYSCourage to care is the foundation of authentic selling and leadership.Fear, not hate, is the primary barrier that prevents meaningful conversations and relationships.The Seven to Heaven framework builds trust through truth, desire, courageous communication, humility, equality, commitment, and intimacy.The Five to Thrive principles sustain relationships through inspiration, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and celebration.The Love Switch process helps professionals respond intentionally rather than reacting from fear.Accountability grounded in care creates growth and stronger relationships.Loneliness and disconnection impact workplace performance and employee well-being.Trust-centered leadership unlocks deeper engagement and stronger results.HIGHLIGHT QUOTESSelling from the heart comes down to one simple thing: showing up with the courage to care.”“The opposite of love isn't hate—it's fear.”“Love is not the absence of leadership—love is the essence of leadership.”“When leaders show up with love—courage, care, and clarity—they unlock deeper engagement and stronger business results.”“Being nice and showing up with love are different things.”“We need to flip the switch—react out of love rather than respond out of fear.”“Sometimes we think the work ends when the relationship begins—but that's when the real work starts.”ADDITIONAL RESOURCESExplore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast! Nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!Listen to Larry Levine's Bestselling Book — Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Stay updated with the latest episodes and leadership tips: Selling from the Heart YouTubeet Your Daily Dose of Inspiration:Click Here for Your Daily Dose