The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast

Darren Mitchell

You are a Sales Leader who wants to become an Exceptional Sales Leader. You are committed to developing a highly functioning & highly engaged team. You are committed to driving consistent, sustainable and replicable results. This podcast is designed to help you do just that, through 1) Attracting high quality sales professionals who will fit ‘hand in glove’ with a high performing sales culture, and develop a market leading level of influence. 2) Developing the team and sales professionals through laser focused coaching and mentoring, implementation of strategy and increased productivity., & 3) Delivering sustainable and replicable results through world class pitching and performance management strategies. The end result? An Exceptional Sales Leader who gets to enjoy more money, more meaning, and better sales results

  1. 21 hrs ago

    Unleashing Leadership Potential Through Storytelling with Julie Lancaster

    In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Julie Lancaster, a leadership specialist known for her innovative approach to storytelling and strategy within leadership. We delve into Julie’s fascinating journey from being the Dean of Education to becoming an influential coach and strategist. As Julie shares her insights on the importance of leadership agility and authenticity, the conversation touches upon critical elements like intrinsic motivation, effective communication, and the dynamic role of storytelling in leadership development. The discussion further emphasises the necessity of understanding individual learning styles and motivations to enhance team onboarding, retention, and succession planning. Julie’s model, REST, which stands for relate, engage, short, and theme, is highlighted as an effective framework for crafting stories that inspire and drive action. With references to her book “Beyond Words,” Julie underscores how stories can bridge gaps in communication and create deeper connections within teams. This episode is a treasure trove of leadership wisdom, offering practical tips for sales leaders aiming to elevate their team’s performance through the power of storytelling and strategic planning. To connect with Julie and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielancaster/ Website – https://www.lancasterleadership.com/

    53 min
  2. 2 days ago

    Designing Your Perfect Day with Claire Giovino

    In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I chat with Claire Giovino, co-founder and CEO of InboxDone.com, about maximising productivity by outsourcing email management and other administrative tasks. Calling in from her charming Victorian house in San Francisco, Claire reveals how she pivoted from academia to entrepreneurship after being inspired by the likes of Tim Ferriss and Yaro Starak. As a pioneer in inbox management services, Claire shares her journey of building InboxDone to help executives and entrepreneurs reclaim their time. Navigating the intricacies of delegation, Claire introduces listeners to the “Perfect Day” concept—an approach focused not just on time management, but energy management, to optimise daily productivity. Crafted for sales leaders eager to reduce burnout and decision fatigue, she delves into how outsourcing tasks can allow individuals to focus on core activities that generate the highest ROI. Additionally, Claire discusses the intersection of virtual assistance and AI, sharing insights on staying ahead of tech advancements while maintaining a personal touch. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance productivity and work-life balance through effective delegation. To connect with Claire and to learn more about what she does, please go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairegiovino/ Website – https://inboxdone.com/

    50 min
  3. 3 days ago

    Authentic Leadership in Times of Change with Todd Krause

    In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I am joined by Todd Krause about the nuances of leadership and the human element in business, especially amidst technological advancements and societal changes. Todd, who brings a wealth of experience from his venture Silver Sun Consulting, shares insights on creating exceptional work environments and fostering genuine connections. Set against the backdrop of his career journey, Todd’s conversation weaves through pivotal experiences, such as navigating economic downturns and technological shifts, to illuminate how his people-first culture has driven success in financial ventures. Throughout the discussion, Todd reveals key strategies used in his leadership roles—from dealing with economic uncertainties like the GFC to maintaining high-performing teams. His emphasis on authenticity, cultural competence, and human-centric workplace practices underscores his philosophy that businesses thrive when they prioritise their people. This episode unpacks Todd’s distinctive approach to leadership—one that defies the often bottom-line-driven focus of many corporate environments, illustrating how simplicity, authentic interactions, and a developed company culture can lead to sustainable growth and business success. To connect with Todd and to learn more about what he does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddakrause/ Website – https://silversunconsulting.com/

    51 min
  4. 7 June

    Cracking the Code of Influence with Dixie Carlton

    In this captivating episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I dive deep into a discussion with the distinguished Dixie Carlton. Coming to us from the serene atmosphere of Bali, Dixie shares her journey from operating a promotional products company to becoming a renowned publishing coach and international speaker. With a repertoire of 25 published books, Dixie offers insightful commentary on the significant interplay between authorship and professional speaking, providing a nuanced understanding of how books can serve as powerful credibility boosters in the corporate world. Over the course of the conversation, Dixie discusses the intricacies of publishing—addressing the importance of clarity, authority, and precision in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with the intended audience. She examines the role of AI in the publishing industry, advocating for its strategic use while cautioning against over-dependence. Dixie also emphasises the importance of maintaining authenticity and human connection in writing, stressing that books, like keynote speeches, should provide just a glimpse into the depth of knowledge an expert can offer. Tune in for an enlightening episode filled with practical tips drawn from Dixie’s extensive experience in the industry. To connect with Dixie and to learn more about what she does, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dixiecarlton/ Website – https://indieexpertspublishing.com/

    42 min
  5. 3 June

    Define Value, Drive Growth with John Ravaris

    In this engaging episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I delve into a fascinating conversation with John Ravaris, founder of UVP Solutions. John, an expert in harmonising sales and marketing to drive business growth, shares his professional journey, insights into effective selling strategies, and the profound impact of aligning organisational functions around the customer. The dialogue unveils the concepts surrounding John’s newly released book, “Define Value, Drive Growth,” and emphasises the critical importance of creating authentic value propositions. Throughout the discussion, John highlights the evolution from conventional sales techniques to a modern, client-centered approach. Emphasising the transition from inside-out to outside-in strategies, John explains how organisations, regardless of size, can thrive by focusing on customer needs and competition shifts. His “4D Roadmap” is a pivotal framework discussed, providing organisations with a structured path to integrate marketing and sales effectively. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspired lessons, making it a valuable listen for sales leaders aiming to fine-tune their strategies. To connect with John & to learn more about what he does, including grabbing a copy of his book “Define Value, Drive Growth”, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ravaris-128a46a/?skipRedirect=true Website – https://www.uvpsolutions.com/

    53 min
  6. 31 May

    Maintaining Your Authentic Voice in an AI Driven World with Arshavir Blackwell

    In this episode of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast, I welcome AI and machine learning specialist Arshavir Blackwell. The discussion delves into Arshavir’s extensive journey through the evolving landscape of AI technology, dating back to his fascination with computers in college. Throughout the episode, Arshavir reflects on his time learning from key figures in the AI domain and explores the philosophical and technical shifts within the field. As the conversation unfolds, the focus shifts to the implications of AI’s rapid development on business and sales strategies. Arshavir offers profound insights into the mechanics of AI, cautioning against relying entirely on AI for tasks without adequate understanding or human oversight. The episode further explores the transformative potential of localised small-large language models, which promise to preserve individual voices and brand integrity. Arshavir underscores the necessity of integrating AI responsibly into workflows and emphasises the need for structured user training to navigate the future AI landscape effectively. To connect with Arshavir and to learn more about what he does, including subscribing to his newsletter, go to: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshavirblackwell/ Website – https://arvoinen.ai/ Local AI Engine – https://yourvoicecraft.ai/ Newsletter “Inside the Black Box” – https://arshavirblackwell.substack.com/

    56 min
5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

You are a Sales Leader who wants to become an Exceptional Sales Leader. You are committed to developing a highly functioning & highly engaged team. You are committed to driving consistent, sustainable and replicable results. This podcast is designed to help you do just that, through 1) Attracting high quality sales professionals who will fit ‘hand in glove’ with a high performing sales culture, and develop a market leading level of influence. 2) Developing the team and sales professionals through laser focused coaching and mentoring, implementation of strategy and increased productivity., & 3) Delivering sustainable and replicable results through world class pitching and performance management strategies. The end result? An Exceptional Sales Leader who gets to enjoy more money, more meaning, and better sales results