Coffee and Questions: Movement before motivation

Michelle Berman - Mikel
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Sales professionals and entrepreneurs don't fail for lack of information. They stall in the middle — the stretch where the work is invisible, results haven't arrived, and waiting starts to feel reasonable. Michelle Mikel spent 22 years as a competitive swimmer following a black line on the bottom of a pool. It taught her that you don't need to see the whole race, only the next stroke. On this show she talks with producers, founders, and operators about the unglamorous middle of building something: prospecting that survives a busy week, personal brand for people who hate self-promotion, and how to course correct fast when you drift. Short episodes, real conversations, and something you can act on before the coffee gets cold.

  1. Sep 11

    Episode 95: Why Authenticity Is Your Competitive Edge w/ Chrissy Bernal

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions Podcast, I sit down with brand architect, PR strategist, author, speaker, and CEO of Be a Better Brand, Chrissy Bernal, for a conversation about what it really takes to build a brand people trust—and why genuine human connection matters more than ever. In a world filled with AI-generated content, automated outreach, and endless noise, Chrissy believes authenticity has become one of our greatest competitive advantages. We talk about why a book should be treated as a business asset rather than simply a product, how authors and entrepreneurs can build an entire ecosystem around their expertise, and why visibility means very little if it isn't backed by real authority and a solid brand foundation. Chrissy also breaks down what she calls the Authority Visibility Gap—the space between being genuinely great at what you do and actually being known for it. We explore how strategic PR, thoughtful positioning, and human-first marketing can help bridge that gap without relying on impersonal automation or pay-to-play exposure. And when it comes to prospecting, we both agree: people can feel the difference between someone who genuinely wants to connect and someone simply running them through a sales process. If you're an expert, entrepreneur, speaker, or author who knows you have something valuable to offer but feels like the right people still don't know you exist, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Why a book should be viewed as a business asset—not just a product How authors can leverage a book to create speaking, consulting, and business opportunities Why your brand needs a strong foundation before you focus on getting more visibility Building your messaging around the transformation your audience wants Why your marketing should focus less on your credentials and more on the person you serve The growing importance of authenticity in an AI-driven world How AI can support your ideas without replacing your unique voice Why impersonal, automated prospecting can actually damage your brand Creating a human-first approach to outreach and relationship building How a small, highly engaged “street team” can create powerful word-of-mouth momentum Why genuine engagement should come before the pitch Chrissy's Authority Visibility Gap and why incredible experts can still remain overlooked The difference between strategic media placement and simply paying for exposure Why visibility without authority isn't enough Preparing your back-end systems before a launch or viral moment takes off Building a brand ecosystem that can actually support your growth Why real relationships will continue to matter no matter how sophisticated technology becomes ➡️Connect with Chrissy Bernal Website: https://beabetterbrand.com Instagram: @chrissybernal LinkedIn: Chrissy Bernal 🎯Connect with Michelle: Website: https://michellemikel.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaSocial 🎙️Need a Dynamic Speaker for Your Next Event? Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  2. Sep 4

    Episode 94: The Courage to Reach Out w/ Dr. Wieme

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Wieme to talk about entrepreneurship, prospecting, overcoming fear, and why building a business still comes down to genuine human connection. Dr. Wieme shares her journey from a stable career as an anesthetist at the Mayo Clinic to stepping into entrepreneurship—a decision that forced her to confront fear of judgment, rejection, perfectionism, and the limiting beliefs that so often keep us from putting ourselves out there. Within just 10 months of starting her first online business, she became a top 2% earner. But the bigger transformation wasn't simply financial. It was learning how to consistently do the uncomfortable things required to grow. We dive into her powerful "fishing" metaphor for prospecting: social media content may cast the line, but if you're never willing to personally reach out and start conversations, you're not actually reeling anyone in. We also talk about navigating criticism, trusting the intuitive nudges that tell you to reach out to someone, niching down without limiting who you can serve, and why the most effective outreach happens when you stop obsessing over the sale and start focusing on the person. If fear of rejection, judgment, or "bothering people" has been keeping you from growing your business, this conversation is for you. In This Episode:Dr. Wieme's transition from Mayo Clinic anesthetist to entrepreneurHow entrepreneurship exposes—and helps you overcome—limiting beliefsWhy small, consistent acts of courage create meaningful growthOvercoming the fear of judgment and rejectionWhy criticism only matters when you value the critic's adviceDr. Wieme's "fishing" metaphor for prospectingWhy posting content is only the beginning of your sales processHow personal DMs and voice messages create genuine connectionAsking better questions instead of immediately trying to make a saleWhy your goal should be determining mutual fitNiching down to make your marketing and referrals clearerTrusting intuitive nudges to reach out to specific peopleWhy outreach can create opportunities even when it doesn't result in an immediate saleShowing up, serving with integrity, and releasing attachment to the outcomeFocusing on the person who needs your message instead of the people criticizing it Connect with Dr. WiemeInstagram: @lachellewieme Facebook: LaChelle Wieme YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thebetterclubwithlachellew354?si=wkceMSMtupAoBQm_ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaSocial Need a Dynamic Speaker for Your Next Event? Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  3. Aug 14

    Episode 93: The Audacity to Thrive Through Adversity w/ Erika Rothenberger

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions Podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker, leadership expert, author, and founder of the Audacious Woman Summit, Erika Rothenberger, for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show. What begins as a discussion about leadership, entrepreneurship, and raising confident children quickly evolves into a deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose, and choosing to thrive after unimaginable trauma. Erika shares the life-changing story of surviving a brutal assault that became the catalyst for discovering her true calling. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her, she transformed her pain into purpose—launching a movement centered around courage, meaningful connection, and helping others live boldly. We also dive into the importance of authentic human connection in an AI-driven world, why relationships will always outperform transactions, how simple conversations create extraordinary opportunities, and the leadership principles that have shaped both of our businesses. If you've ever wondered how to turn your hardest moments into your greatest mission, this episode is for you. In This Episode: Why authentic human connection matters more than ever in the age of AIHow to create deeper relationships through simple conversationsErika's incredible story of surviving a violent attack—and how it changed her lifeTurning trauma into purpose instead of remaining stuck in victimhoodThe BOLD Method: Believe, Ongoing Process, Lean on Others, Develop OthersWhy serving others is the fastest path to personal and professional growthRaising entrepreneurial children through exampleBuilding resilience through adversityWhy meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success Connect with Erika Rothenberger Website: https://www.erikarothenberger.com Instagram: @erikarothenberger LinkedIn: Erika Rothenberger Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaSocial Need a Dynamic Speaker for Your Next Event? Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  4. Jul 24

    Episode 92: Faith, Service & the Future of Prospecting w/ Michelle Schaffer

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Founder of Kingdom Alliance, Michelle Schaffer, for one of the most heartfelt conversations we've had on the show. Michelle's entrepreneurial journey spans more than 25 years—from building a thriving career in the beauty industry and earning millions in network marketing to creating a faith-based leadership company centered around purpose, identity, and serving others. One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Michelle's perspective on prospecting. Rather than viewing it as selling or convincing people, she challenges us to see prospecting as an opportunity to connect, serve, and build genuine relationships. It's a simple shift in mindset that has the power to completely transform how we approach business. We also dive into the role faith plays in entrepreneurship, why authentic human connection will always outperform automation, and how AI should enhance relationships—not replace them. Michelle shares why becoming a better communicator starts with understanding the person you're speaking to, and how serving first creates stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a greater impact. This episode is a powerful reminder that the best businesses aren't built on transactions—they're built on trust, service, and a genuine desire to help people. Connect with Michelle Schaffer Website: https://kingdomalliance.com/ Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me! Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  5. Jul 17

    Episode 91: The Power of Human Connection w/ TJ Sweet

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker, author, and podcast host TJ Sweet for a conversation that reminds us why authentic human connection will always matter—especially in a world increasingly driven by technology. TJ shares his incredible journey from spending more than two decades leading teams in healthcare to making the courageous decision to leave corporate leadership and pursue his calling as a full-time speaker. Along the way, we unpack the role faith, gratitude, and purpose have played in shaping both of our careers and why some of the greatest opportunities in life begin with one intentional conversation. One of my favorite moments in this episode is TJ's "Parking Lot Penny" story—a simple but powerful reminder that what we choose to focus on changes what we're able to see. We also discuss why people aren't scrolling social media looking to be sold to—they're looking for someone they can relate to. We dive into the difference between building relationships versus chasing transactions, how authentic prospecting creates lasting opportunities, and why leading with curiosity instead of an agenda is the key to meaningful connection. If you're an entrepreneur, sales professional, leader, or simply someone looking to create deeper relationships both personally and professionally, this episode will challenge the way you think about connection, purpose, and the impact you have on the people around you. Connect with TJ Website: https://tjsweet.com/ Instagram: @thetjsweet Podcast: The Sweet Truth Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaPD

  6. Jul 3

    Mortgage Marketing Radio Takeover: Turning Social Media Into Real Business w/ Jennifer Butcher

    In this special takeover episode of Mortgage Marketing Radio, I sit down with my good friend Jennifer Butcher, a 25+ year mortgage industry veteran and host of the She Talks Money podcast, to discuss one of my favorite topics: outbound prospecting through social media. Jennifer shares how she went from consistently creating content without seeing a measurable return on investment to building a prospecting system that filled her calendar with meaningful meetings, podcast opportunities, strategic partnerships, and referral relationships—all by making one intentional connection each day. One of my favorite parts of our conversation is hearing Jennifer break down the results from completing the Drivers & Levers 30-Day Challenge. We discuss why most professionals are focused on generating leads instead of creating opportunities, how personalized messaging dramatically increases conversion rates, and why relationships—not viral content—are still the greatest driver of business growth. We also dive into the importance of identifying your ideal audience, creating content that builds trust instead of chasing views, and how AI can help support your content strategy without replacing authentic human connection. If you're a loan officer, real estate professional, entrepreneur, or salesperson looking for a more intentional and sustainable approach to prospecting, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. Connect with Jennifer Instagram: @jenniferbutcherofficial Podcast: She Talks Money Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaPD Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me! Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  7. Jun 26

    Episode 89: Mortgage Prospecting, AI & Human Connection w/ Abdel Khawatmi

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Abdel Khawatmi, Founder of Got Mortgages, for an energizing conversation about what modern prospecting really looks like in today's AI-driven world. Abdel shares the systems, strategies, and mindset that have helped him build one of the most recognizable personal brands in the mortgage industry—all while proving that technology should enhance relationships, not replace them. One of my favorite parts of our conversation is how Abdel and his team combine AI with authentic human connection. From using AI to research prospects and personalize outreach to leveraging social media as a relationship-building tool, Abdel explains why the future belongs to professionals who know how to blend innovation with genuine connection. We also discuss why consistency will always outperform hype, how to identify your ideal client avatar, the importance of tracking prospecting metrics, and why picking up the phone is still one of the most valuable skills you can develop. If you're a loan officer, entrepreneur, salesperson, or business owner looking to improve your prospecting while staying authentic, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Connect with Abdel Website: https://gotmortgages.com/ Instagram: @gotmortgages LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdelKhawatmi/ Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me! Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

  8. Jun 12

    Episode 88: AI, Authenticity, and Building a Brand That Sounds Like You w/ Katie Shive

    In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite people in the industry, Katie Shive—Founder of KS Marketing, brand strategist, AI expert, and someone who has become a trusted friend over the years. With AI becoming more prevalent in business, marketing, and content creation, Katie and I tackle an important question: How do we leverage AI without losing the very thing that makes us unique? One of the most powerful moments in our conversation centers around the idea that information is no longer a competitive advantage—human connection is. Katie shares why so many professionals are struggling to stand out online and how the answer isn't creating more content, but creating content that actually sounds, feels, and connects like YOU. We also dive into the dangers of outsourcing your voice, the importance of understanding your personal brand before implementing AI tools, and why relationships remain the foundation of successful prospecting regardless of how technology evolves. This episode is a reminder that AI should be a tool that amplifies who you are—not a replacement for the person behind the business. Connect with Katie Website: https://katieshive.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieshive/ Instagram: @katieshive Connect with Michelle: Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me! Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Sales professionals and entrepreneurs don't fail for lack of information. They stall in the middle — the stretch where the work is invisible, results haven't arrived, and waiting starts to feel reasonable. Michelle Mikel spent 22 years as a competitive swimmer following a black line on the bottom of a pool. It taught her that you don't need to see the whole race, only the next stroke. On this show she talks with producers, founders, and operators about the unglamorous middle of building something: prospecting that survives a busy week, personal brand for people who hate self-promotion, and how to course correct fast when you drift. Short episodes, real conversations, and something you can act on before the coffee gets cold.

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