The Sales Leadership Show Phil Gerbyshak (he/him)

Episode Overview:
In this insightful episode of the Happy AF Show, host Phil Gerbyshak welcomes Bernie Borges, the host of the Midlife Fulfilled podcast. Bernie shares his journey from a marketing entrepreneur to focusing on midlife fulfillment, highlighting the distinction between happiness and fulfillment. They delve into the five pillars of fulfillment and explore how midlife is a season of its own, filled with opportunities and challenges.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Introduction to Midlife Fulfilled Podcast:
- Bernie Borges discusses his motivation for creating the Midlife Fulfilled podcast, emphasizing the need for content that addresses midlife fulfillment, particularly for men.
2. Happiness vs. Fulfillment:
- Bernie explains the difference between happiness and fulfillment, noting that while happiness is fleeting, fulfillment is deep and enduring.
3. The Five Pillars of Fulfillment:
- Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy are identified as key areas to achieve fulfillment. Bernie shares insights from his interviews and personal experiences on navigating these pillars.
4. Challenges and Strategies:
- The conversation covers the difficulties of maintaining fulfillment in various aspects of life, particularly legacy, and offers strategies to overcome these challenges.
5. Redefining Midlife:
- Bernie redefines midlife beyond the traditional 40-60 age range, proposing that it starts in the 30s when adulting responsibilities begin and continues until the end of life.
Pull Quotes:
1. “Happiness is a fleeting moment... Fulfillment, Phil, is soul deep. It is immutable.”
2. “Legacy is the hardest one... because it is something we think about in midlife.”
3. “If you’re 80% fulfilled, you’re doing great.”
4. “Life is complex... put the pressure on yourself across the Five Pillars.”
Final Thoughts:
Bernie Borges leaves listeners with the advice to evaluate their lives across the five pillars, providing clarity and focus. His message encourages embracing the complexities of midlife with a balanced approach to fulfillment.
Resources:
- Visit Midlife Fulfilled for more insights and the midlife career checklist.
Tune in to this episode for an engaging discussion on finding deep and lasting fulfillment in midlife!


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In an enlightening conversation with speaker and author Justin Jones-Fosu, Phil Gerbyshak delved into the themes and insights from Justin’s latest book, I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World. The book serves as a timely manual for navigating the complexities of dialogue in our often polarized society. During the discussion, Justin shared several key points that underscore the importance of respectful disagreement and the pursuit of meaningfulness over mere happiness in our interactions.
Justin began by explaining his unique definition of happiness: "I define happiness as actually meaningfulness. There are certain things in our lives that may not bring a smile or a great sense of excitement but are worth it because we realize the power of what we're doing." This perspective sets the tone for his approach to engaging in difficult conversations, emphasizing that the value lies not in the immediate gratification but in the meaningful outcomes of our efforts.
When asked about the essence of respectful disagreement, Justin outlined the subtleties that distinguish it from disrespectful exchanges: "In our research, we initially set out to help people move from disrespectful disagreement — which often involves name-calling — to respectful disagreement, which values the humanity of people." He stressed the importance of still honoring humanity, even when ideologies clash, suggesting that "I can vitally disagree with your ideology and yet still passionately pursue your humanity."
One of the novel concepts Justin introduces in his book is the idea of "disrespectful agreement," which occurs when people superficially agree in the moment but privately dissent or fail to express their true feelings due to power differentials or societal expectations. This form of agreement can be just as damaging as disrespectful disagreement because it undermines genuine understanding and respect.
Justin also critiqued the notion of minimal respect, using a playful disagreement with Aretha Franklin's famous line from her song "Respect": "In our society, we don't need just a little bit of respect; we need a whole lot of it. It’s not about a little bit of respect right now; it’s about a whole lot of it."
Another poignant insight from Justin revolved around the concept that "How you see is what you get." He explained, "It’s not about what you see; it's how you see. How you engage with the person, how you think of the person, dramatically influences the interaction." He highlighted a 1968 study where teachers treated students they believed were more gifted differently, which significantly affected those students' performance, illustrating how perceptions can alter realities.
To cultivate the kind of self-awareness and perspective needed for respectful disagreement, Justin suggests challenging one's own views and continuously learning: "Put yourself in positions of learning constantly... Challenge your perspective as the first pillar of bridging divides."
Phil and Justin’s conversation not only highlighted the vital strategies for fostering respectful discourse but also showcased the deep need for a shift in how we approach disagreements in every sphere of our lives—from personal relationships to professional environments. As the book I Respectfully Disagree rolls out, it invites readers to embark on a journey of transformation, learning to engage in disagreements not just respectfully but meaningfully, ultimately cultivating a more understanding and cohesive society.


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In the latest captivating episode of "The Happiness Practices" podcast, host Phil Gerbyshak engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Ryan Hopkins, author of the influential book, "52 Weeks of Well-Being." This episode, dedicated to exploring practical ways to enhance personal happiness, offers listeners a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable advice.
Core Themes Discussed:
* Understanding Happiness: Ryan Hopkins kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the holistic nature of happiness. He explains that true contentment isn't just about fleeting moments of joy but about cultivating a sustainable environment where happiness can thrive through mindful practices.
* Weekly Well-Being Insights: Delving into the core concept of his book, Ryan shares how breaking down well-being practices into weekly activities can help individuals build resilience and maintain a positive outlook on life. Each week focuses on a different aspect of well-being, encouraging gradual and sustained personal growth.
* Practical Happiness Tools: Throughout the episode, both Ryan and Phil discuss various tools and techniques that listeners can adopt. For example, they explore mindfulness practices, the importance of gratitude, and the role of physical activity in boosting mental health.
* The Role of Community in Personal Happiness: An interesting part of the conversation revolves around the influence of community and relationships on one's well-being. Ryan stresses that connections with others play a crucial role in our happiness and how nurturing these connections can lead to profound joy and fulfillment.
* Personal Stories of Transformation: Adding a personal touch to the episode, Ryan shares stories from individuals who have successfully integrated his 52-week plan into their lives, illustrating the profound impact that deliberate practice can have on one's overall happiness.
Key Takeaways:
* Happiness is a multifaceted experience that demands proactive engagement in practices that nurture emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
* Simple, consistent actions, when performed over time, can lead to significant improvements in overall happiness.
* Community and social connections are foundational to building and sustaining joy.
Quotes from Ryan:
* "Happiness isn’t just a feeling; it’s a skill that you build day by day through intentional actions." - Ryan Hopkins
* "Each week of your life can be a step towards a greater, more vibrant version of you." - Ryan Hopkins
* "True joy comes not just from what we do for ourselves, but how we connect with others." - Ryan Hopkins
Listen above or enjoy the YouTube video below.


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In the latest episode of the Sales Leadership Show, titled "Built to Beat Chaos," host Phil Gerbyshak explores the profound insights of Gary Harpst on harnessing chaos as a catalyst for personal and organizational growth. Harpst, a seasoned CEO with five decades of leadership experience and an author inspired by biblical wisdom, shares invaluable perspectives on leading oneself and others through the tumult of life and business.
"Recognize that you are built to beat chaos."At the onset, Harpst shares the transformative advice that shaped his career and led to his latest book. He explains, "The best advice I ever got was to recognize that I am built to beat chaos. So many times, I've felt like a victim of chaos, and it turns out we're not intended to be victims, but victors." This mindset shift from victimhood to victory is central to his philosophy and serves as a cornerstone for his teachings on leadership.
"Chaos is not an enemy, it's just a set of circumstances which you need to figure out what your purpose is."During the conversation, Harpst challenges the conventional perception of chaos as inherently negative. "Chaos, if you really go back to the first time it's discussed in scripture, is just raw material from which we can build things," he states. This redefinition encourages leaders to view chaotic situations as opportunities filled with potential, waiting to be shaped by a clear and purpose-driven approach.
"The symptom of this sense of being closed in by chaos is a sign to think a little more about your purpose."Harpst emphasizes the critical relationship between chaos and purpose. He advises that feeling overwhelmed by chaos should act as a cue to refocus and clarify one’s purpose. This clarity allows individuals to prioritize actions and manage chaos effectively, turning overwhelming situations into structured, actionable plans.
Throughout the episode, Harpst provides practical advice for leaders facing chaotic environments. He illustrates this with a real-world example from a healthcare provider on the south side of Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overwhelmed by an influx of service requests, the organization needed to prioritize effectively. Harpst advised them to focus singularly on improving their response rate to incoming calls, which helped reduce the chaos and clarified the demand.
Leadership, according to Harpst, starts from within. It involves aligning one's desires, reason, and actions to navigate and order one’s internal chaos before effectively leading others. He elaborates on the biblical perspective of being designed to overcome chaos, likening leadership to cooking a meal or building a house—both processes that transform a set of diverse components into a coherent and purposeful whole.
In Conclusion: Gary Harpst’s insights on "Built to Beat Chaos" reveal a profound understanding of leadership as a dynamic interplay between internal clarity and external challenges. By reframing chaos as an opportunity and emphasizing the importance of purpose, Harpst not only provides a blueprint for personal growth but also enhances organizational resilience and effectiveness. His biblical inspirations serve as a foundation for a leadership style that is both transformative and deeply human-centric, advocating for a leadership that nurtures both individual and collective growth in facing the inevitable chaos of life.



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Marsha Acker, the CEO of Team Catapult and the author of "Builder Model for Leading Change," shares her insights on the essential elements of leadership and personal growth in a recent podcast episode. With an engaging and thoughtful dialogue, Aker discusses the significance of empathy, self-awareness, and structured self-reflection in fostering positive changes both in personal life and within organizations.
Understanding Happiness and Leadership
For Acker, happiness comprises simple yet profound elements: a warm cup of coffee, a beautiful sunrise, and a serene blue waterscape. Her definition extends into her professional philosophy, where happiness influences leadership styles and organizational change. Acker emphasizes the importance of understanding personal and behavioral models as foundational aspects of effective leadership. She advocates for leaders to develop a consistent self-awareness that informs their interactions and decision-making processes.
Empathy in Leadership
The role of empathy stands out prominently in Acker's discussion. She highlights how the current lack of empathy in many professional and social interactions can hinder meaningful communication and progress. Acker's approach involves recognizing differences and finding ways to empathically engage with others, especially in challenging workplace dynamics.
Dealing with Change and Setting Boundaries
Navigating change is a central theme of Acker's book and her professional coaching practices. She introduces concepts from David Kerr's structural dynamics theory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "center of gravity" through one's leadership model, behavior, and life philosophy. Acker encourages leaders to establish clear personal boundaries to prevent work from overwhelming other aspects of life. She stresses the significance of starting each day with intention and space, allowing for a more controlled and positive impact on daily activities.
Tactics for New and Established Leaders
Acker provides practical advice for both new and established leaders. She suggests the use of journaling to reflect on interactions and experiences to better understand personal reactions and the dynamics of high-stakes situations. By recognizing when stakes are rising, leaders can more effectively manage their responses and engage in more constructive dialogues.
Acker also touched upon the importance of navigating high-stakes situations without escalating tensions. She advises leaders to ask reflective questions and encourage open dialogue to better understand and address underlying issues in high-pressure scenarios.
Final Thoughts and Resources
Marsha Acker's insights offer a roadmap for leaders aiming to enhance their efficacy through self-awareness, empathy, and proactive change management. Her strategies are designed to help leaders foster environments where creativity, productivity, and positivity are at the forefront. For those interested in deeper exploration, Acker's book and the additional resources at Team Catapult provide valuable guidance for personal and professional growth.
Through her work, Acker demonstrates a profound understanding of the complexities of leadership and the transformative power of adopting a model that values empathy, clarity, and personal integrity.
Enjoy the episode above or watch the video below.


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In this insightful episode of the Sales Leadership Show, Phil Gerbyshak sits down with David Krieger, the Founder and CEO of Sales Roads, to unravel the complexities and advantages of outsourcing sales teams. With over 17 years of experience under his belt, Krieger brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for sales leaders pondering whether outsourcing is the right move for their business.
Key Takeaways:
* Entrepreneurship and Risk-Taking: Krieger shares his journey from business school to founding Sales Roads, emphasizing the value of taking risks early in one's career. Entrepreneurship is dubbed a "young person's game," but the lessons it teaches are timeless and invaluable for anyone in the sales domain.
* The Rise of Remote Sales Teams: Long before the pandemic made remote work commonplace, Sales Roads embraced a distributed model. Krieger discusses the importance of creating replicable processes, rigorous training, and a metrics-based management system to harness top sales talent across the nation.
* Hiring Practices for SDRs: Sales Roads focuses on hiring sales development representatives (SDRs) later in their careers who view sales as a professional discipline rather than a stepping stone. Krieger highlights the significance of experience, track record, and a passion for sales in building a successful SDR team.
* Training and Mindset: A comprehensive training program that goes beyond just skills and processes, focusing on mindset, motivation, and resilience, is crucial for the success of SDRs, especially in the context of remote work.
* Outsourcing Considerations: Businesses looking to outsource their sales team need to have a clear understanding of their goals, ideal customer profile, and the metrics that will define success. Outsourcing can provide a structured and scalable way to achieve sales objectives, especially for companies at different stages of growth.
Featured Pull Quotes:
* "Entrepreneurship is a young person's game, but the rewards are ageless." - David Krieger
* "In sales, your mindset and how you engage with prospects can make or break your success." - David Krieger
* "Outsourcing isn't just about saving costs; it's about investing in a structured process and expertise to scale your sales efforts effectively." - David Krieger
Episode Summary:
This episode delves into the nuanced decision-making process behind outsourcing sales teams. David Krieger, leveraging his extensive experience in sales and remote team management, discusses the foundational aspects of building a robust sales team, from hiring and training to mindset and resilience. The conversation explores how Sales Roads has pioneered remote sales team management and how other companies can adopt similar strategies to optimize their sales operations. Whether you're a startup contemplating your first sales hire or a seasoned enterprise looking to scale, this episode offers actionable insights and practical advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities of outsourcing your sales team.
Resources and Links:
* Visit Sales Roads: Website
* Connect with David Krieger on LinkedIn
* Explore further reading: "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan Holiday
About the Guest:
David Krieger is the Founder and CEO of Sales Roads, a leading B2B appointment setting and sales outsourcing company. With over 17 years of experience in sales and leadership, David has built Sales Roads into a powerhouse of sales talent and innovation, focusing on creating value for clients through outsourced sales solutions.
Tune into the Sales Leadership Show for more episodes on transforming sales strategies, leadership insights, and actionable tips from industry experts.


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