Amplify Speakers Podcast

Chris Sund

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.

Episodes

  1. Understanding Relatability in Leadership

    1D AGO

    Understanding Relatability in Leadership

    Understanding Relatability in Leadership   Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Rachel DiAlto, a bestselling author and expert on connection, leadership, and influence. Rachel shares her unique journey from being a lawyer to a startup CEO, and eventually transitioning into television and public speaking. The conversation delves into the importance of relatability in leadership, the impact of social media on human connection, and the necessity of intentional respect in workplace relationships. Rachel emphasizes the need for leaders to foster genuine connections with their teams and offers practical advice for building relationships in a disconnected world.   Takeaways Rachel's journey includes being a lawyer, CEO, and speaker.Startup failure can lead to unexpected opportunities.Relatability is crucial in leadership and human connection.Social media provides a performative connection, not a real one.Intentional actions are necessary for building respect.Survivor's guilt can affect one's career trajectory.Casual relationships can significantly impact loneliness.Leaders must create space for honest conversations.Respect is the top trait people seek in leaders.Understanding bias can improve workplace relationships.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rachel DiAlto 01:00 Rachel's Journey: From Lawyer to CEO to Speaker 03:01 The Heartbreak of Startup Failure 06:08 The Role of Media and TV in Rachel's Career 09:03 Understanding Relatability: The Inspiration Behind Rachel's Books 12:09 The Impact of Social Media on Connection 14:57 Building Connections: Advice for the Lonely 18:00 Leadership and Relationship Building 20:53 Creating a Culture of Respect in Leadership 23:57 The Importance of Intentional Respect 26:47 Overcoming Bias in Relationships 30:02 The Power of Human Connection 32:47 Final Thoughts and Advice for the Future   Links Rachel DeAlto’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/rachel-dealto/   Rachel DeAlto’s Website: http://www.racheldealto.com/   Rachel DeAlto’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheldealto   Rachel DeAlto’s Books: https://www.racheldealto.com/book

    39 min
  2. Transforming Organizations Through Culture

    4D AGO

    Transforming Organizations Through Culture

    Transforming Organizations Through Culture   Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund engages in a deep conversation with Jamie Tate, founder and CEO of Keystone Group International. They explore the critical role of leadership in driving organizational change, the importance of conscious leadership, and the transformative experiences that shape personal growth. Jamie shares her journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the lessons learned from her leadership books, and the significance of hiring for culture and growth mindset. The discussion also touches on navigating tough economic times and the legacy leaders leave behind through their impact on others.   Takeaways Leadership challenges often stem from a lack of investment in leaders.Conscious leadership focuses on love, care, and respect for people.Transformative experiences can reveal personal strengths and resilience.Hiring for culture fit is crucial for long-term success.Creating a culture by design helps in strategic growth.Leaders must be dealers of hope in challenging times.Personal growth often comes from stepping outside comfort zones.Investing in people leads to better organizational performance.The mindset of growth is more important than past experience.Legacy leadership impacts others in profound ways.  Chapters 00:00Introduction to Jamie Tate and Keystone Group International 03:00The Importance of Leadership in Organizational Success 06:01Conscious Leadership: A New Approach 09:12Real-Life Examples of Conscious Leadership 11:53The Journey of Writing Books and Sharing Insights 15:07Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: A Personal Transformation 18:04The Impact of Leadership on Team Dynamics 21:05Hiring for Culture and Growth Mindset 23:59Navigating Difficult Hiring Decisions 26:54Being a Dealer of Hope in Challenging Times   Links Jaime Taet’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/jaime-taets-2/   Jaime Taet’s Website: https://jaimetaets.com/   Jaime Taet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimetaets/   Jaime Taet’s Books: https://jaimetaets.com/my-books/

    39 min
  3. Finding Your Summit: A Journey of Resilience

    FEB 21

    Finding Your Summit: A Journey of Resilience

    Finding Your Summit: A Journey of Resilience   Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Mark Pattison, a former NFL player turned author and speaker. Mark shares his journey of climbing the Seven Summits and how it parallels the challenges of life. He discusses the importance of resilience, setting goals, and focusing on the process rather than just the results. Mark also introduces his upcoming event, the Seven Summits Summit, which aims to inspire and motivate participants through a blend of physical challenges and personal growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the significance of discipline, continuous learning, and the power of community in achieving one's dreams.   Takeaways Mark Pattison's journey from NFL player to author and speaker. The concept of 'Finding Your Summit' as a metaphor for personal goals. The importance of resilience and faith in overcoming life's challenges. How the process of setting goals can help navigate tough times. The significance of focusing on the present and future rather than the past. Creating events that blend inspiration with physical challenges. The role of discipline and consistency in achieving success. The value of reading and learning from others' experiences. The impact of effort and relentless drive on personal growth. The importance of community and giving back in personal endeavors.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Pattison 01:43 Finding Your Summit: The Journey Begins 06:28 The Peaks and Valleys of Life 11:56 The Importance of Process Over Results 15:55 Looking Forward: The Windshield Perspective 18:28 Creating the Seven Summits Summit Event 24:10 Inspiration Meets Aspiration 27:18 The Power of Process in Overcoming Challenges 35:14 Effort and Relentless Drive: Keys to Success 40:46 The Journey of Continuous Growth 44:08 The Importance of Discipline and Consistency 48:35 The Impact of Reading and Learning 52:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Links Mark Pattison’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/mark-pattison/   Mark Pattison’s Website: https://markpattisonnfl.com/   Mark Pattison’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marklpattison/   Mark Pattison’s Book: https://markpattisonnfl.com/author/

    49 min
  4. What Winners Do Differently

    FEB 18

    What Winners Do Differently

    What Winners Do Differently: Leadership, Integrity, and the Power of Story   Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers Podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Ross Bernstein, a best-selling author and keynote speaker known for his insights on leadership, accountability, and championship culture. Ross shares his journey from a small-town kid with dreams of playing hockey to becoming a prominent voice in sports and business. He discusses the importance of integrity in sports, the unwritten rules that govern athletes, and how these principles can be applied to business. Ross also emphasizes the power of storytelling, the significance of social media in building relationships, and offers valuable advice for aspiring speakers. Throughout the conversation, he highlights the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and the human connection in both sports and business.   Takeaways Ross Bernstein's journey began with a passion for sports and leadership. He has written about 50 sports books, exploring what makes great teams successful. The concept of 'The Code' highlights the unwritten rules in sports and business. Ross emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in achieving success. He customizes his talks to connect with diverse audiences, including non-sports groups. Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging audiences and conveying messages. Ross uses social media to honor and acknowledge others rather than promote himself. Building a positive culture in organizations is crucial for long-term success. Aspiring speakers should study the business and network with others in the field. Every speaking engagement is an opportunity to connect and make a difference.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ross Bernstein 01:02 The Journey of a Sports Author 03:10 Insights from Championship Culture 10:20 Connecting Sports to Business 14:37 The Power of Storytelling 17:02 Social Media Strategy for Speakers 20:22 Building a Positive Culture 24:47 Advice for Aspiring Speakers 32:29 Memorable Moments in Speaking   Links Ross Bernstein’s Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/ross-bernstein/   Ross Bernstein’s Website: https://www.rossbernsteinspeaking.com/   Ross Bernstein’s LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/ross-bernstein-csp-75ab9a

    38 min
  5. The Hidden Power of Employee Contributions

    FEB 13

    The Hidden Power of Employee Contributions

    In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews workplace development expert LaPora Lindsay. They discuss her journey from early career challenges to becoming a thought leader in employee engagement and leadership. LaPora emphasizes the importance of recognizing contributions at all levels within organizations and addresses the systemic issues that lead to workplace disengagement. She shares insights from her book, 'Bottom of the Food Chain,' and offers practical advice for both employees and organizations to foster a more inclusive and engaged workplace culture.   Takeaways LaPora’s early job experiences shaped her understanding of workplace value.Military life provided LaPora with diverse career opportunities.Disengagement is often a systems problem rather than an individual issue.Recognition should be tailored to individual preferences.Contributions from all levels are vital to organizational success.Clear expectations are essential for employee performance.Communication is key to understanding workplace dynamics.Engaged employees lead to increased productivity and morale.Organizations must address the unwritten rules that affect culture.LaPora’s approach focuses on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LaPora Lindsay 01:41 Lepora's Journey and Early Experiences 05:07 The Impact of Military Life on Career 06:54 Writing 'Bottom of the Food Chain' 10:00 Understanding Workplace Disengagement 13:39 Addressing Disengagement in Organizations 18:40 Advice for Overlooked Employees 21:38 Making Contributions Visible 25:30 Recognizing Unsung Heroes 28:14 The ROI of Employee Engagement 33:13 Why Choose Lepora Lindsay? 35:59 The Secret Sauce of Keynotes 37:50 Personal Impact and Growth   Links Amplify Speakers’ Profile: https://amplifyspeakers.com/lapora-lindsey/ LaPora Lindsey’s Website: https://laporalindsey.com/ LaPora Lindsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lapora-lindsey/

    41 min
  6. Decisive Leadership: Lessons from the Court

    FEB 11

    Decisive Leadership: Lessons from the Court

    Decisive Leadership: Lessons from the Court   Summary In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews David Posner, a leadership consultant and former professional basketball referee. David shares his unique journey from officiating high-stakes basketball games to helping leaders make decisive calls in their organizations. He emphasizes the importance of communication, setting expectations, and building trust within teams. Drawing parallels between sports and business, David discusses how the pressures faced by referees mirror those experienced by executives, highlighting the need for quick decision-making and accountability. Throughout the conversation, he provides valuable insights on leadership, decision-making, and the significance of practice in honing these skills.   Takeaways David Posner transitioned from a basketball referee to a leadership consultant. High-stakes decision-making in sports parallels business leadership. Indecision is still a decision; leaders must act decisively. Setting clear expectations is crucial for employee engagement. Communication is key to effective leadership and decision-making. Trusting your team enhances decision-making processes. Referees face similar pressures to executives in their roles. Practicing decision-making can improve leadership skills. The first few minutes of any situation set the tone for what follows. Sports analogies can effectively convey leadership lessons.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Lessons from Sports 01:17 David Posner's Journey: From Referee to Consultant 04:11 High-Stakes Decision Making in Sports and Business 10:15 Setting Expectations and Communication in Leadership 16:33 The Importance of Trust and Team Dynamics 20:48 Relatable Leadership Lessons Beyond Sports 28:41 Practicing Decision-Making in Real Life 30:24 Unique Perspectives on Leadership and Engagement

    35 min
  7. Unlocking Workplace Culture

    FEB 7

    Unlocking Workplace Culture

    In this episode of the Amplify Speakers Podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Sherry Collins, an award-winning leadership expert and business owner. Sherry shares her journey from being a teacher to becoming a business owner focused on workplace culture and positive psychology. The conversation delves into the importance of culture in organizations, the impact of ageism, and strategies to foster psychological safety and creativity in the workplace. Sherry emphasizes the need for mentoring and the value of diverse perspectives in leadership, while also discussing the ROI of investing in culture. The episode concludes with insights on the core human needs in the workplace and the significance of being valued and respected. Shari Collin's Amplify Speakers Profile https://amplifyspeakers.com/shari-collins/ Shari Collin's Website https://www.sharicollinsconsulting.com/   Shari Collin's LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharimcollins/ Takeaways Sherry transitioned from teaching to business ownership to focus on workplace culture. Mentorship is crucial for developing effective leaders. Culture is defined by psychological safety and inclusivity. Ageism affects both younger and older employees in the workplace. Implementing multi-generational teams enhances collaboration and innovation. Creativity thrives in environments where psychological safety is prioritized. Investing in culture can lead to significant ROI for businesses. Sherry's coaching approach is rooted in education and engagement. Global perspectives enrich understanding of workplace dynamics. Basic human needs in the workplace include being valued and respected.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sherry Collins 01:16 Sherry's Career Journey 04:46 The Importance of Workplace Culture 06:43 Defining Workplace Culture 08:14 Addressing Ageism in the Workplace 12:31 Strategies to Combat Ageism 18:25 Creativity and Psychological Safety 20:06 The ROI of Investing in Culture 22:37 Sherry's Unique Approach to Coaching 30:42 Global Perspectives on Leadership 33:16 The Core Human Needs in the Workplace

    37 min

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.