Steve Van Diest joins Walter Crosby to talk about cigars, community, executive coaching, authentic leadership, and why business owners need people who are willing to challenge them. Episode Overview What makes a cigar such a powerful catalyst for conversation? Walter sits down with Steve Van Diest, entrepreneur, executive coach, and Growth Catalyst with Acumen, inside Steve's home cigar lounge—a space intentionally designed for community, connection, and honest conversations. Steve shares how cigars became part of his life during some of his most difficult seasons and eventually became a way to bring people together. His "Shalom Lounge" now serves as a gathering place for clients, business owners, friends, and family. The conversation moves from cigars into the realities of entrepreneurship and leadership. Steve explains why business owners need more than systems and strategies—they need trusted people willing to challenge them, ask difficult questions, and help uncover what's really happening beneath the surface. Walter and Steve also dig into sales, authenticity, mentorship, and why the best salespeople approach their work with a desire to help people rather than simply close transactions. Episode Highlights Why cigars create space for deeper conversations The story behind Steve's home cigar lounge How Steve went from ministry to entrepreneurship and executive coaching Why business owners need a trusted peer group The difference between advice and experience-based coaching Why company values need to influence actual decisions The importance of vulnerability and accountability in leadership Why entrepreneurs can't hide behind bravado How authenticity changed Steve's approach to prospecting Why great salespeople need skillful hands, a tender heart, and thick skin Walter's philosophy that sales is ultimately about helping people Why the next generation needs experienced mentors willing to share their mistakes Key Takeaways Cigars create commitment to conversation. When two people light a cigar, they're committing time to each other. That creates room for conversations that often don't happen over a quick coffee or drink. Business owners need people who will challenge them. A trusted peer group can expose blind spots, challenge assumptions, and provide perspectives that even a great one-on-one advisor may not see. Values have to be lived. Core values shouldn't simply appear on a wall or website. They should serve as a filter for hiring, leadership, and business decisions. Authenticity matters in sales. Prospects can recognize when someone is performing. Steve learned that becoming more comfortable with who he was made him more effective at building relationships. Sales is about helping people. Walter argues that the foundation of great selling isn't manipulation or transactions—it's genuinely wanting to help someone solve a problem. Who Should Listen This episode is for business owners, CEOs, sales leaders, entrepreneurs, executive coaches, and anyone interested in building stronger relationships while becoming a more authentic leader. Links & Resources Acumen — Peer advisory communities for business owners and leaders Holy Smokes — Community connecting faith and cigars How to Build a Non-Anxious Life — John Delony The Shack — William P. Young EOS / Entrepreneurial Operating System Camino de Santiago Continue the Conversation Want to continue talking about sales, leadership, and building stronger sales organizations? Join the Sales Integrator Community, a free community for salespeople and sales managers featuring coaching insights, practical sales tools, resources, and conversations with Walter. Join the Sales Integrator Community Subscribe to Sales & Cigars Sales & Cigars is hosted by Walter Crosby, the Sales Integrator with Helix Sales Development. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Listen to the full episode and more Sales & Cigars conversations The only smoke we blow is from cigars.