Purpose Under Pressure

Bryan Lefelhoc

Purpose Under Pressure is a podcast about developing Sales and Leadership Success…on Purpose and under Pressure. Each week we'll air short monologue's with strategies, analogies and stories meant to inspire sales, marketing and business professionals. We'll also feature weekly high-impact interviews with Sandler sales trainers, and long form interviews with business leaders who have been there and done that, under pressure. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you by The Ruby Group/Sandler Training in Akron and in Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida and Capital Region, NY. Visit https://www.therubygroup.sandler.com/ for more information.

  1. When They Don’t Understand…Under Pressure with Robert Perry

    2 DAYS AGO

    When They Don’t Understand…Under Pressure with Robert Perry

    You know the feeling. The need is real. The solution fits. On paper, this should be an easy “yes.” And yet something feels off. The conversation isn’t clicking. The energy is misaligned. You can sense it in your gut before you can explain it with words. That tension? That’s pressure — and how you respond to it determines whether the opportunity dies or deepens. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, chats with Robert Perry, partner and trainer at Sandler by the Ruby Group, to discuss buyer communication styles and what happens when seller and buyer aren’t in sync. Robert explains how the DISC framework, often misunderstood as a personality test, should instead be used as a communication tool. When a seller presents through their own natural style without adjusting to the buyer’s preferences, confusion creeps in. The responsibility to adjust? It’s on the seller. That’s good news! Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: – Most sales breakdowns happen because of communication misalignment – Buyer communication style is often revealed in the first 90–120 seconds – DISC should be used as a communication framework, instead of simply a personality label – The responsibility to adapt always falls on the salesperson – Body language, tone, and repeated questions can be early warning signs – When something feels off, trust your gut – Resetting the conversation can increase trust and credibility – Owning the miscommunication positions you as a consultative professional rather than a pushy salesperson – Slowing down often moves the sale forward faster – Pressure decreases when alignment increases ——————- Helpful Links: Robert Perry, Partner and Trainer, Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    11 min
  2. Putting Employees and Culture First…On Purpose, with Joe Giovanini

    4 DAYS AGO

    Putting Employees and Culture First…On Purpose, with Joe Giovanini

    Growing a business is about people. That gets lost in the hustle to hit numbers and scale faster. It’s about the decisions you make when growth exposes cracks. And it’s about choosing, again and again, to build something that lasts . In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, sits down with Joe Giovanini, President of MAG Resources, to talk about what it really takes to scale a business, the right way, for the right reasons. They talk about the importance of systems, structure, and repeatable processes, while being honest about the mistakes that come with hiring, growth, and leadership under pressure. And why most business problems aren’t about products at all. Business, and all that comes with it, is about people. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida. Key Takeaways: —Scaling a business changes everything and you learn that what works at $1M won’t work at $5M —Processes protect culture as organizations grow —The wrong hire is one of the most expensive mistakes a leader can make —Strong businesses are built bottom-up. —Fulfilled people perform better, lead better, and stay longer —Ownership mindset beats micromanagement every time ——————- Helpful Links: Joe Giovanini, President, MAG Resources: MAGResources.net Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    33 min
  3. What to Do When Something Is Keeping Us Apart

    5 DAYS AGO

    What to Do When Something Is Keeping Us Apart

    If we’re all trying to help people, why does it feel so hard to actually get along? It’s hard to realize, but beneath the frustration, the politics, the personalities, and the sharp edges, people are trying to do good, even when it doesn’t look like it. Pressure has a way of blurring that reality. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, shares three ways we as leaders or sellers can find common ground with our prospects, customers and team. Even if we might get along. You don’t have to be best friends to work together. You don’t have to see eye-to-eye to do something meaningful. But you do have to decide whether your ego or your purpose is going to lead the way Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: – Most people want to help, even when their behavior says otherwise – Difficulty doesn’t mean someone is broken or bad – Perspective is shaped by experiences you’ll never fully see – Communication is the seller’s responsibility, not the buyer’s – Not everyone needs you right now, and that’s okay – Letting go can be an act of purpose. It doesn’t mean failure, and it doesn’t mean forever ——————- Helpful Links: Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    9 min
  4. Let the Adults Talk:  Changing the “Me Me Me” Vibe…on Purpose

    5 FEB

    Let the Adults Talk: Changing the “Me Me Me” Vibe…on Purpose

    Pressure rises fastest when everyone wants it their way. In sales, leadership, and life, tension shows up the moment conversations stop being adult-to-adult and start turning into power plays. When one side needs to win, dominate, or control, progress stalls and pressure takes over. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, talks with Sandler trainer and Ruby Group partner Tom Thon about what “adult conversations” really look like in sales. They talk about emotional attachment, equal business stature, and how tools like upfront contracts can reveal whether real partnership is possible. If the goal is to create clarity, respect, and momentum under pressure, then this episode is for you. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: -Pressure increases when conversations become “me vs. you” -Buyers and sellers both contribute to immature dynamics -Emotional attachment changes how sellers communicate -Respect creates equal business stature -Upfront contracts set clarity, not control -It’s okay—and healthy—to hear “no” -Strong pipelines reduce desperate behavior ——————- Helpful Links: Tom Thon, Partner, Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    16 min
  5. Lauren Valentine: Overcoming the Pressures on a Female Seller…On Purpose

    27 JAN

    Lauren Valentine: Overcoming the Pressures on a Female Seller…On Purpose

    Sales is hard enough. It shouldn’t matter whether the seller is male or female. Sadly, it often does. Credibility is questioned. Assumptions are made. Meetings slip into after-hours settings, boundaries blur, and professionalism becomes something to manage instead of something to rely on. It shapes how women sell and what they’re up against every day, and that’s not right. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, talks with Lauren Valentine, Partner at Sandler by the Ruby Group, who is leading the organization’s expansion into New York’s Capital Region. The conversation ranges from equal stature in sales to ageism and the unique pressures women face in revenue-generating roles. Lauren explains how preparation, upfront contracts, and disarmingly honest conversations allow sellers of both sexes to earn respect rather than demand it. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: -Equal stature is earned through preparation and can be attained by any seller in any situation. -Trust is earned. Respect should be expected from both the seller and the buyer from the very beginning. -If a prospect won’t meet during business hours, that’s a qualification signal that shows the buyer may not be interested in the same things that you are. -Walking away can strengthen credibility. -Likability is not a substitute for structure and process -Clear boundaries protect both professionalism and purpose -Confidence grows when sellers stop trying to be “chosen.” -Ethical selling requires courage under pressure that demands results at all costs. ——————- Helpful Links: Lauren Valentine, Partner, Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    40 min
  6. Brenda Lee Cutlip:  Success Against All Odds…Under Pressure

    20 JAN

    Brenda Lee Cutlip: Success Against All Odds…Under Pressure

    There are moments in life when quitting would make complete sense. When the pressure is just too much, and the purpose can’t seem to stay afloat. When the dream you were building suddenly feels impossible to carry alone. And yet, some people keep going anyway. They are called to finish what was started, no matter what it takes. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, talks with Brenda Lee Cutlip, president of Shelby Joes. Brenda’s husband and business partner “Shelby Joe” passed away as they were building the family business. She talks about faith, perseverance, and what it looks like to keep building, even when that means going it alone. How did she do it? From early local partnerships to growing regional distribution and future opportunities with larger chains, she explains how trust, relationships, and patience have helped to keep their dreams alive. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: -Pressure intensifies when the circumstances become almost unbearable -Faith can be a stabilizing force when plans fall apart -Community support often shows up when you least expect it -Growth doesn’t require certainty, just willingness -Loss can reshape a dream without ending it -Listening for peace can matter more than listening to opinions -Small confirmations can carry you through big uncertainty -You don’t need a safety net to take a meaningful step forward ——————- Helpful Links: Brenda Lee Cutlip, President, Shelby Joes: https://shelbyjoes.com/ Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    33 min
  7. Kim Pool: Creating a Career Path…On Purpose

    13 JAN

    Kim Pool: Creating a Career Path…On Purpose

    Losing a job can unravel more than a paycheck. It can quietly shake confidence, identity, and direction all at once. When work disappears, pressure fills the space it leaves behind. Certainly for the person who lost the position, but in many ways, also for the person who lost the employee. In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, is joined by Kim Pool, a career coach with IntoUSA. With more than 20 years of experience in career development and outplacement, Kim works with individuals navigating layoffs and career transitions while also helping employers support people well during difficult exits. We talk about what people actually experience after a job ends, like shock, doubt, anger, and fear, and why rushing into applications often backfires. We also discuss how thoughtful employers protect trust and culture by offering career support. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in Capital Region, New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida Key Takeaways: -Job loss often disrupts identity before it disrupts finances -Panic-driven job searches usually delay progress -Clarity about values leads to better career decisions -Confidence grows when people understand what they bring to the table -Employers influence culture by how they handle transitions -Career coaching helps people regain direction in addition to finding openings -Pressure can become a reset point instead of a stopping point ——————- Helpful Links: Kim Pool, Intoo USA: https://www.intoo.com/us/ Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/ Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/

    24 min

About

Purpose Under Pressure is a podcast about developing Sales and Leadership Success…on Purpose and under Pressure. Each week we'll air short monologue's with strategies, analogies and stories meant to inspire sales, marketing and business professionals. We'll also feature weekly high-impact interviews with Sandler sales trainers, and long form interviews with business leaders who have been there and done that, under pressure. Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you by The Ruby Group/Sandler Training in Akron and in Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida and Capital Region, NY. Visit https://www.therubygroup.sandler.com/ for more information.