Amplify Speakers Podcast

Chris Sund
  • 4.7 (27)
  • Entrepreneurship

Amplify Speakers Podcast features conversations with elite speakers, leaders, athletes, authors, and change-makers who know what it takes to perform at a high level and create real impact. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore mindset, leadership, resilience, and the moments that shaped their journey. Hosted by Chris Sund of Amplify Speakers, this podcast spotlights voices that challenge thinking, inspire action, and help listeners elevate how they lead, communicate, and show up.

  1. 3d ago

    Leading Without the Mask: Vulnerability, Mental Health, and Moving One Step Forward – Will Craig

    Leading Without the Mask: Vulnerability, Mental Health, and Moving One Step Forward – Will Craig Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Will Craig. He shares his journey from childhood love of writing to authoring a book on mental health and vulnerability. He discusses overcoming personal challenges, the importance of authenticity, and how to navigate life's heavy burdens with resilience and purpose.   Takeaways ·       Will Craig's journey from childhood to author ·       The importance of storytelling in mental health ·       Overcoming depression and suicidal ideation ·       The impact of caring family and community ·       The significance of being authentic and true to oneself ·       Lessons learned from childhood medical challenges ·       The role of vulnerability in leadership and growth ·       The importance of living in the present moment ·       Authenticity and vulnerability are powerful tools for personal growth. ·       Sharing your story can help others feel less alone. ·       Focusing on being a good human being is more important than perfection. ·       Time is the most valuable resource we have, use it wisely. ·       Letting go of the past is essential for moving forward.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Will Craig and his work 00:59 Will's journey from childhood love of writing to authoring a book 05:05 Overcoming depression and sharing vulnerable stories 08:56 The importance of authenticity and not caring what others think 12:09 Will's medical challenges and their impact on his life 14:49 The power of living in the present and valuing time 19:02 Letting go of the past and focusing on the future 30:01 Advice for those carrying heavy burdens 31:56 How to connect with Will Craig and his work   Quotes "There is hope on the other side." "Be the good human being you always were." "Never be a prisoner of your past."   Links Will Craig’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/will-craig/   Will Craig’s Website: https://willcraigspeaks.com/   Will Craig’s Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/mental_health_with_will   Will Craig’s Podcast: https://willcraigspeaks.com/#podcast   Will Craig’s Book: https://a.co/d/0a9nEI7E

    Leading Without the Mask: Vulnerability, Mental Health, and Moving One Step Forward – Will Craig

  2. Aug 2

    Charge Into The Storm: Building A Mindset That Won't Break

    Charge Into the Storm: Building a Mindset That Won't Break Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Marcus Ogden. He shares his remarkable journey from NFL success to facing near bankruptcy, and his inspiring comeback story. Learn about resilience, discipline, and the strategies that helped him rebuild his life and business.   Takeaways ·       Marcus Ogden's NFL career and lessons learned ·       The importance of being your own CEO ·       Discipline and daily routines for success ·       Overcoming financial and personal setbacks ·       Building a personal brand and reputation ·       The role of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership ·       The mindset needed to push through adversity ·       Never tell your mind negative thoughts in a joking manner; words cast spells. ·       Your mindset can bend but not break; perseverance is key. ·       Authenticity and vulnerability build trust and relatability. ·       Speed and responsiveness impress clients and partners. ·       The importance of continuous improvement of assets and skills. ·       Internal attributes like grit and discipline determine success. ·       The 'charge into the storm' mentality helps overcome challenges.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Marcus Ogden's Remarkable Journey 01:25 NFL Career and Lessons in Leadership 02:21 The Importance of Being Your Own CEO 03:20 Discipline and Daily Routines for Success 04:42 Facing Financial Ruin and Personal Setbacks 06:56 Going Back to Rock Bottom and Reflection 08:48 The Power of Self-Accountability 09:48 Starting Over and Building a New Path 11:16 The Built for the Storm Framework 12:44 Growing a Personal Brand and Podcast 13:20 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Mindset Challenges 15:03 The Four V's of Life and Perseverance 17:21 The Grind of Building a Speaking Career 19:15 Creating Assets and Increasing Perceived Value 23:31 The Business of Speaking and Client Relationships 29:36 Learning from Feedback and Improving 32:01 Proud Moments and Achievements 34:22 The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability 36:00 Customizing Presentations for Impact 37:27 The Importance of Speed and Communication 39:14 Making the Event About the Audience 40:22 Final Words: Internal Attributes for Success   Quotes “Be your own CEO. Be your own chief executive officer.” “Never tell your mind negative thoughts in a joking manner. Your body cannot disseminate the difference. Words cast spells. That’s why it’s called spelling.” “Smooth seas never made skilled sailors.”   Links Marques Ogden’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/marques-ogden/   Marques Ogden’s Website: https://www.marquesogden.com/   Marques Ogden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquesogden/

    Charge Into The Storm: Building A Mindset That Won't Break

  3. Jul 27

    Evolved Leadership: Where Love and High Standards Build Elite Teams

    Evolved Leadership: Where Love and High Standards Build Elite Teams Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Mike Sarraille. He shares insights from his military career and how it translates into leadership and culture in the business world. Discover practical strategies for building high-performing teams, fostering a strong culture, and leading with purpose.   Takeaways ·       Transition from military to business leadership ·       Building and maintaining organizational culture ·       The importance of accountability and learning from failure ·       Micro events and team cohesion ·       Attracting and retaining top talent ·       Leadership behavior and culture reproduction ·       Resilience and adaptability in organizations ·       Leadership is about behavior, not just words. ·       Culture is what you do when no one is watching. ·       Fail fast, learn faster: success is a lifelong pursuit of excellence. ·       Build a culture of trust, accountability, and love. ·       Micro events and shared hardship forge unbreakable bonds.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 02:38 Transferring military leadership to business 04:04 Reframing accountability and culture 07:23 The importance of culture in high performance 08:34 Family vs. team: building conditional performance 13:45 The brotherhood and bonds forged in adversity 17:03 Learning from failure and resilience 20:40 Attracting top talent and building a magnetic culture 24:52 Leadership as behavior and culture as reproduction 30:12 Handling accountability with grace and empathy 36:56 Creating a passionate, purpose-driven culture 37:38 Proud moments: honoring fallen heroes   Quotes "Leadership is about behavior, not words." "Culture is what you do when no one is watching." "Love and high standards go hand in hand."   Links Mike Sarraille’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/mike-sarraille/   Mike Sarraille’s Website: https://mikesarraille.com/   Mike Sarraille’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsarraille/   Mike Sarraille’s Books: https://mikesarraille.com/body-of-work/   The Unsung of Arlington, A FOX Nation Original Series https://www.fox.com/detail/series/SER276252DZAK/the-unsung-of-arlington

    Evolved Leadership: Where Love and High Standards Build Elite Teams

  4. Jul 19

    Shiftward: How Small Shifts Create Sustainable Change

    Shiftward: How Small Shifts Create Sustainable Change Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Rich Bracken. He shares his journey from being a DJ to a keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership and organizational culture. Discover practical insights on change management, performance, and how investing in emotional skills can lead to a 22x ROI.   Takeaways ·       Rich Bracken's transition from DJ to speaker ·       The role of emotional intelligence in leadership ·       Change management and making change stick ·       The impact of organizational culture on performance ·       Practical tips for improving emotional skills ·       The significance of psychological safety in teams ·       Rich's book 'Shift Word' on adaptability and change ·       The power of engaging and moving audiences   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rich Bracken 01:12 From DJ to Keynote Speaker 04:03 Creating Memorable Experiences 07:36 Understanding Emotional Intelligence 10:38 The Launch of 'Shift Word' 14:50 Focus on the Feeling 18:38 The Importance of Emotional Metrics 21:37 Valuing Employees and Building Culture 24:14 Investing in Emotional Intelligence for Success   Quotes "Up to 58% of your performance is dictated by emotional intelligence." "Focus on the feeling, not just the numbers." "Invest in emotional intelligence for a 22x ROI."   Links Rich Bracken’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/rich-bracken/   Rich Bracken’s Website: https://www.richbracken.com/   Rich Bracken’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bracken   Rich Bracken’s Book: https://www.richbracken.com/book

    Shiftward: How Small Shifts Create Sustainable Change

  5. Jul 13

    The Compassion Advantage: Transforming Leadership with Heart

    The Compassion Advantage: Transforming Leadership with Heart Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth. She explores the transformative power of compassion in leadership, sharing personal stories, practical strategies, and insights on how genuine human connection can improve organizational culture and individual well-being.   Takeaways ·       The role of compassion in leadership and organizational success ·       Personal stories illustrating the impact of compassionate leadership ·       Strategies for having tough but caring conversations ·       The importance of self-compassion for leaders ·       Balancing empathy and efficiency in HR and management ·       The ripple effect of compassionate leadership on families and communities ·       Research insights on positive-to-negative interaction ratios ·       Practical tips for supporting teams during change and burnout   Chapters 00:00 The Power of Compassion in Leadership 02:30 Personal Stories Shaping Compassionate Leadership 06:10 Formative Moments and Their Impact 09:30 Balancing Tough Love and Compassion 10:00 The Role of HR in Compassionate Leadership 12:44 Strategies for Difficult Conversations 19:16 Compassionate Leadership in Action 22:50 Navigating Transitions with Compassion 29:00 The Power of Positive Interactions 35:09 Self-Compassion in Leadership 38:51 Supporting Teams Through Change   Quotes "Compassion has been valued for millennia." "Balance empathy with efficiency for true leadership." "Wounded people wound, transformed people transform."   Links Andrea Hollingsworth’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/andrea-hollingsworth/   Andrea Hollingsworth’s Website: https://hollingsworthconsulting.com/   Andrea Hollingsworth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-hollingsworth-ph-d-0644058b/   Andrea Hollingsworth’s Book: https://hollingsworthconsulting.com/book/

    The Compassion Advantage: Transforming Leadership with Heart

  6. Jul 6

    Become Unbreakable: How to Lead, Perform, and Last

    Become Unbreakable: How to Lead, Perform, and Last Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Erin Stafford. She shares her incredible journey from leading hyper-growth in healthcare staffing to becoming a successful speaker. She discusses strategies for avoiding burnout, the importance of small daily shifts, and how to turn corporate experience into a thriving speaking career.   Takeaways ·       Growth strategies in healthcare staffing ·       Burnout prevention and resilience ·       Career transition from corporate to speaking ·       Mindset shifts for high achievers ·       Calendar management and prioritization techniques ·       Building a speaking business from scratch ·       The importance of small daily changes ·       Recognizing and addressing burnout signs   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Erin Stafford 01:23 Journey of Hyper-Growth in Healthcare Staffing 03:14 Challenges of Team Growth and Leadership 06:19 Transitioning to Speaking and Writing 08:40 The Type A Trap: Insights from the Book 11:15 Key Strategies for Managing Burnout 17:03 Pride in Achievements and Future Aspirations 20:42 Developing New Digital Products 23:54 Understanding Burnout and Personal Growth   Quotes "Before you leave the house, take one thing off" "What are the socks of your calendar?" "Is your routine building your past or your future?"   Links Erin Stafford’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/erin-stafford/   Erin Stafford’s Website: http://www.erinstafford.com/   Erin Stafford’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinstafford/   Erin Stafford’s Book: https://www.erinstafford.com/book

    Become Unbreakable: How to Lead, Perform, and Last

  7. Jun 29

    Why Not? - The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

    Why Not? - The Key to Unlocking Your Potential Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews  Ryan Lavarnway. He shares his journey from a Major League Baseball player to a leadership speaker, emphasizing resilience, embracing failure, and the power of asking 'Why not?' to unlock potential.   Takeaways ·       Resilience in sports and life ·       The importance of failure as a learning tool ·       The 'Why not?' mindset for overcoming self-doubt ·       Leadership lessons from baseball and business ·       The role of confidence and action in success ·       Failure is a necessary step on the journey to success. ·       The 'Why not?' question opens doors to new possibilities. ·       Action creates evidence and confidence. ·       Focus on your strengths and build them strong. ·       Embrace the hard moments and learn from them.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan Lavarnway's Journey 02:16 Transitioning from Player to Coach 05:04 Lessons Learned from Adversity 08:28 Navigating Change and Setbacks 12:50 Embracing Failure as a Stepping Stone 15:10 The Power of Action and Mindset 19:55 Discovering a New Path in Speaking 22:01 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear 24:17 The Importance of Small Wins 29:30 The 'Why Not' Mindset 32:35 Conclusion and Call to Action   Quotes "Action is what creates evidence to give you confidence." "Never let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game." "Why not gives you permission to explore possibility."   Links Ryan Lavarnway’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/ryan-lavarnway/   Ryan Lavarnway’s Website: https://ryanlavarnway.com/   Ryan Lavarnway’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lavarnway/

    Why Not? - The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

  8. Jun 22

    The Spirit of TA DA: When Work Becomes Play

    The Spirit of TA DA: When Work Becomes Play Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Joel Zeff. He shares his journey from improv comedy to becoming a renowned keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of celebration, ownership, and positive support in leadership and teamwork. Discover practical strategies to foster engagement and create a thriving workplace culture. Takeaways Joel Zeff's journey from improv to keynote speakerThe importance of celebration and positive support in teamsHow ownership drives engagement and successThe role of fun and joy in workplace culturePractical strategies for leaders to motivate teamsCelebrating small wins daily fuels passion and engagement.Ownership and positive support are essential for team success.Fun and joy are vital components of a thriving workplace.Improv teaches valuable lessons about teamwork and adaptability.Leaders should ask, 'How do I help my team succeed?' Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Joel Zeff and His Journey 03:11 The Evolution of Improv and Speaking Career 05:56 The Power of Improv in Business 08:54 Celebrating Success: The Ta-Da Philosophy 11:52 Finding Joy and Fun in Work 20:49 Creating Ownership and Passion in Teams 25:30 The Power of Ownership in Team Success 27:57 The Importance of Positive Support 30:00 Helping Others Find Success 30:59 Insights from a Diverse Career 35:01 Stories from the Stage 42:57 Wrapping Up with Key Takeaways Quotes  "Celebrate the small ta-dub moments every day" "Opportunity creates joy and fun in work" "Ask, how do I help my team find success?" Links Joel Zeff’s Profile:  https://amplifyspeakers.com/joel-zeff/ Joel Zeff’s Website:  https://www.joelzeff.com/ Joel Zeff’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/ Joel Zeff’s Book:  https://www.joelzeff.com/book

    The Spirit of TA DA: When Work Becomes Play
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Amplify Speakers Podcast features conversations with elite speakers, leaders, athletes, authors, and change-makers who know what it takes to perform at a high level and create real impact. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore mindset, leadership, resilience, and the moments that shaped their journey. Hosted by Chris Sund of Amplify Speakers, this podcast spotlights voices that challenge thinking, inspire action, and help listeners elevate how they lead, communicate, and show up.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Sund
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Sund
  • Show Website
    Amplify Speakers Podcast

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