The Midgame Mindset

Rich Bishop

Successful growth leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but their mindset is what separates them from everyone else. Join us as we dive into the pivotal moments that shape today’s top sales & marketing leaders, RevOps innovators, and entrepreneurs. From personal struggles to professional breakthroughs, each conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and bold moves that create success. This is where grit meets growth, and the game changes for good. Hosted by Rich Bishop

  1. 25. Mai

    Just Get Started: Quitting Corporate After an 18–20‑Month Side Hustle to Teach Founders to Sell

    In this episode of the Mid Game Mindset, Rich Bishop interviews sales coach and entrepreneur Brian Ondrako. They discuss the journey from side hustle to full-time business, the importance of authentic sales skills, and strategies for hiring and coaching sales teams. Key insights include the value of real call recordings over mock calls, the significance of owning your story, and how to build a sustainable business with calculated risks. #salescoaching #entrepreneurship #sidehustle Key Takeaways: - Journey from side hustle to full-time business - Importance of authentic sales skills and call recordings - Strategies for hiring and coaching sales reps - Building a business with calculated risks and mindset shifts Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Importance of Side Hustles 02:47 Transitioning from Corporate to Coaching 06:12 Building a Business Around Your Skills 08:56 Financial Considerations for Making the Jump 12:09 Understanding Your Why 14:49 The Value of Customer Experience in Startups 17:55 The Role of Coaching in Sales 20:46 From Golf to Sales: A Personal Journey 24:09 Understanding the Importance of Industry Knowledge 25:55 Transitioning to Full-Time Sales Roles 28:21 Lessons from Layoffs and Resilience 31:39 The Power of Authenticity in Sales 35:32 The Drive for Extra Effort and Competitiveness 40:08 Hiring the Right People for Sales Success 45:55 Conclusion and Resources for Further Learning More about Brian Ondrako: - Just Get Started Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@BrianOndrako - Founder Sales Coaching: https://brianondrako.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianondrako/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    48 Min.
  2. 11. Mai

    26: Micro-Doses, Macro Results: 30-Second Breaths That Protect Deals and Loyalty

    Explore the transformative power of breathwork and its role in overcoming addiction, emotional suppression, and enhancing mental clarity. Join Rich Bishop and Hans Weygoldt as they delve into how breathwork can unlock subconscious patterns and foster personal growth. #breathwork #transformation #personalgrowth Key Takeaways: - The role of breathwork in overcoming addiction and emotional suppression - Differences between meditation and breathwork in accessing subconscious states - Physiological effects of conscious breathing on the brain and body - Breathwork as a complement or substitute for plant medicine - Recognizing patterns of stress and tension in daily life and how to address them Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Destructive Cycle of Blame 03:11 The Journey to Transformation Coaching 06:00 The Power of Breathwork 09:09 Transformative Experiences Through Breathwork 11:53 Understanding Addictive Patterns 15:09 The Role of Breathwork in Emotional Release 18:04 Breathwork vs. Plant Medicine 20:59 Integrating Breathwork into Daily Life 23:49 Recognizing Patterns of Emotional Suppression 27:09 The Impact of Emotional Awareness 30:00 Breaking Free from Past Patterns 33:07 Reclaiming Power Through Breathwork 35:56 The Importance of Self-Awareness 39:14 Finding Authenticity and Connection More about Hans Weygoldt: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-andreas-weygoldt-151777356/ - https://www.mindbloom.com More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    43 Min.
  3. 27. Apr.

    25: The 60-Minute LinkedIn Rule: Wendy Shore on Why Most Posts Die Before They Ever Take Off

    Wendy Shore, a brand authority and business growth specialist, to explore how entrepreneurs and professionals can leverage LinkedIn for authentic networking, building authority, and AI citation. They discuss strategies for effective commenting, content creation, and relationship building to enhance visibility and trust in the digital age. #linkedin #networking #contentstrategy Key Takeaways: - LinkedIn as a networking platform, not just publishing - The importance of comments over posts for engagement - Building authentic relationships through comments - Using AI to enhance content creation and citation - Strategies for entrepreneurs and executives to leverage LinkedIn Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Power of LinkedIn in AI Citing 02:59 Wendy Shore: From CPA to Brand Authority 05:49 The Authenticity of Clubhouse Conversations 09:05 Transitioning from Clubhouse to LinkedIn 11:59 Building Relationships through Collaborative Articles 14:49 The Art of Commenting on LinkedIn 18:11 Networking vs. Pitch Slapping on LinkedIn 20:59 The Importance of Value in Networking 23:54 AI's Role in Content Creation and Engagement 26:52 Navigating LinkedIn's Networking Landscape 30:01 Getting Started on LinkedIn for Business Growth 32:58 The Future of LinkedIn and AI Citing 35:50 Final Thoughts and Resources for LinkedIn Success More About Wendy Shore: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyshore/ - "Comment Currency" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0bG3Y9Vj More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    44 Min.
  4. 30. März

    23: Empathy Is NOT Being Nice What Great Leaders Actually Do ft. Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller

    What most leaders call "empathy" is actually just being a doormat — and there's a big difference.Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller is a TEDx speaker, executive coach, author of The Empathic Leader, and has brought her frameworks to the stages of Oxford and Cambridge. With a TEDx talk approaching 150K views in just four months, she's at the forefront of one of the most urgent conversations in leadership today: what empathy actually is, why it's not what you think, and why it may be the most valuable business skill of the next 20 years. In this episode of The Midgame Mindset, Rich and Dr. Melissa go deep on why empathy is being both weaponized and misunderstood — from performative CEOs crying on LinkedIn to leaders using "too much empathy" as an excuse to avoid hard decisions. They also explore the fascinating intersection of AI, human connection, and what the supply-and-demand curve looks like for leaders who can truly connect. #leadership #ai #trust Key Takeaways: - The biological and developmental basis of empathy - Empathy in leadership and organizational culture - The impact of social media and AI on empathy and social skills - Distinguishing genuine empathy from performative acts - Strategies for developing empathy in leaders and teams - The role of empathy in trust-building and decision-making - Generational differences in empathy and technology use - The importance of boundaries and kindness in empathetic leadership - The challenges and opportunities of AI in sales and marketing - Future trends in empathy and leadership development Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Rise of AI and Empathy in Leadership 02:59 Dr. Melissa's Journey to Empathy 05:50 Understanding Empathy: Nature vs. Nurture 09:02 The Dual Faces of Empathy in Society 11:51 Empathy in Leadership: Balancing Kindness and Tough Decisions 15:09 Hiring with Empathy: Building a Strong Culture 18:02 Generational Perspectives on Empathy 20:50 Empathy in the Age of AI 24:10 Future Challenges in Leadership and Empathy More about Dr. Melissa Robinson-Winemiller - EQ via Empathy: https://www.eqviaempathy.com - The Empathic Leader: https://a.co/d/08jLDugw - TedX-5 steps to start being kinder to yourself : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaoXSEWeILo - Time2Change Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLign4alKxXOG31-FsQSS3MIJOB1IHq-6w More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    42 Min.
  5. 16. März

    22: AI Won't Take Your Job, But This Mindset Will

    In this episode, Rich Bishop interviews tech analyst Stephen Sopko to explore the future of AI, hardware innovations, space data centers, and the impact on productivity and society. They discuss emerging technologies, space race regulations, and how AI will transform work in the next 12 months. #productivity #innovation #ai Key Takeaways: - AI advancements and hardware innovations - Space data centers and space race regulations - Impact of AI on productivity and work - Emerging technologies in material science and chips - Edge computing and AI in autonomous devices Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Impact of AI on Business Mindsets 02:50 Understanding the Role of a Tech Analyst 06:03 Advancements in Computing Power and AI Integration 08:53 The Future of Data Centers: Space and Beyond 12:00 The Race for Space: Opportunities and Challenges 14:49 AI's Role in Business Transformation 17:57 Navigating the AI Bubble: Hype vs. Reality 20:47 The Future of Work: AI and Job Dynamics 24:12 Personal Productivity and AI Tools 27:05 The Next 12 Months: Expectations and Innovations More about Stephen Sopko - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensopko/ - https://www.mystage2.com - http://www.hyperframeresearch.com/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    45 Min.
  6. 2. März

    21: Jump Before You're Ready A Terrifying Career Pivot

    In this episode of the Midgame Mindset, host Rich Bishop welcomes Stephen Sopko, a seasoned tech industry analyst and mentor at the University of Central Florida's Business Incubator Program. Steven shares his unique career journey, which began on the procurement side of the business before transitioning into sales and entrepreneurship. He discusses his experiences at major companies like Dell and Oracle, where he learned the importance of empowering teams and fostering a culture of trust. Steven emphasizes the value of having a meandering career path, where diverse experiences can lead to greater insights and success in business. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating corporate cultures, particularly the differences between large organizations and startups. Steven highlights the significance of understanding where real value is created within a company and encourages listeners to align themselves with those areas. He also shares his current focus on AI and aerospace, advising startups on how to effectively communicate their value propositions and scale their businesses. The episode concludes with Steven imparting wisdom to his children about creating value in their careers, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the parts of a company that drive revenue. #entrepreneurship #careerdevelopment #salesstrategy Key Takeaways: - "You are here to create something of value." - "Trust is such an important part of that." - "You earn trust in sips, you lose it in buckets." - "The person standing there at the point of value often isn't the highest compensated." - "If you can convince a colonel that it was their idea, you will get anything you want in the military." Episode Chapters: 00:00 The Journey of Transformation 03:11 Navigating Career Transitions 06:03 The Power of Diverse Experiences 08:55 Empowerment in Leadership 12:03 Sales and Negotiation Dynamics 14:52 Cultural Challenges in Business 18:02 Creative Thinking in Corporate Structures 23:30 Navigating Leadership: Balancing Detail and Strategy 27:47 The Transition to Advisory Roles: Lessons Learned 30:37 Understanding Coaching, Mentoring, and Consulting 32:32 Building Trust and Internal Buy-In 36:20 Innovative Approaches in AI and Space Industries 39:07 Finding Value in Boring Ideas 43:17 Creating Value: Lessons for the Next Generation About the Host: Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars. Mentioned in the episode: - Episode 11 "Discover the Heartbeat of Sales" with Lyndsay Dowd: https://youtu.be/a7AdAyCP_yQ?si=5Tsyz3T9K67t8tll - "Range" by David Epstein (Rich called it "Breadth"): https://a.co/d/2bxo215 - "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin: https://a.co/d/eFihnjh More about Stephen Sopko - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensopko/ - https://www.mystage2.com - http://www.hyperframeresearch.com/ More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    47 Min.
  7. 16. Feb.

    20: Why Soft Skills Are the New Killer App in Sales

    In this engaging conversation, Rich Bishop and Wes Schaeffer explore the importance of humanity in sales, the transition from military to civilian life, and the universal nature of sales skills. They discuss the impact of technology on sales practices, the need for authentic human connections, and the lessons learned from jiu-jitsu that apply to business and life. Wes emphasizes the importance of treating others with respect and instilling values in the next generation, highlighting the significance of community and connection in today's world. #sales #marketing #technology Key Takeaways: - Humanity is essential in sales and marketing. - Sales is a universal skill that everyone uses. - Discipline from military training aids in sales success. - Building relationships is key to effective selling. - Technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction. - Authenticity in communication leads to better connections. - Lessons from jiu-jitsu can be applied to business. - Community and connection are vital in a digital age. - Instilling values in children is crucial for their success. - Feeling worthy of success is important for personal growth. Episode Chapters: 00:00 Bringing Humanity Back to Sales 02:22 The Mid Game Moment: Personal Growth and Challenges 06:48 Transitioning from Military to Sales 12:06 Understanding Sales as a Fundamental Skill 18:24 Rethinking Sales Methodologies 20:20 The Role of Technology in Modern Sales 24:35 The Rise of AI and Prompt Engineering 29:37 The Need for Authentic Human Connection 31:34 The Importance of Interpersonal Skills 35:54 Lessons from Jiu-Jitsu Applied to Life and Business 41:36 The Balance Between Work and Life 47:52 Instilling Values in the Next Generation About the Host: Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars. More about Wes Schaeffer: - BJJ and Biz Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bjjandbiz - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesaleswhisperer/ - The Sales Whisperer: https://thesaleswhisperer.com/ - "The Sales Whisperer Way": https://a.co/d/03QYE2xk More from Rich Bishop: - Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o - Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

    50 Min.

Info

Successful growth leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but their mindset is what separates them from everyone else. Join us as we dive into the pivotal moments that shape today’s top sales & marketing leaders, RevOps innovators, and entrepreneurs. From personal struggles to professional breakthroughs, each conversation uncovers the mindset shifts and bold moves that create success. This is where grit meets growth, and the game changes for good. Hosted by Rich Bishop