Becoming Preferred

Michael Vickers
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In this informative and practical podcast, Michael and his guests share the latest strategies and tactics to help you become the preferred provider (the emotional favorite) in the markets you serve. The key insights and strategies discussed, come from Michael's experience working with many of the finest brands in business today and his guest interviews will inspire you, educate you, and give you the tools you need to be successful in today's turbulent and competitive marketplace.

  1. Bruce McLeod - Building a Healthy Company Framework

    1D AGO

    Bruce McLeod - Building a Healthy Company Framework

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 25 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you level up your business and become the best version of you. We talk a lot on this show about how individuals can become the preferred choice in their industry. But what about the ecosystems we build? What happens when a company grows so fast that it starts to consume the very people who made it successful? Our guest today has seen the 'dark side' of rapid growth from the front row of corporate America. Bruce McLeod is the founder of Company Connections and the author of The Healthy Company Framework. Bruce has developed a revolutionary approach to business that doesn't start with the balance sheet or the C-suite's wealth—it starts with the health of the employee. Today, we’re going to discuss how to heal your organization, why 'people-first' is actually the ultimate growth hack, and how to build a legacy that lasts far beyond the next quarterly report. Join me for my conversation with Bruce McLeod. Guest Bio: Bruce McLeod is the author of The Healthy Company Framework and founder of Company Connections, a professional services organization designed to help companies and individuals who want to change their business and their life for the better. Bruce has spent over a dozen years in corporate America. In those years, he had a front-row seat to the negative effects rapid growth has on companies. From increased customer drops, high turnover and burnout of top talent, and the inability to solve new problems with new solutions, he developed and implemented an infinitely scalable framework that addresses these problems. And, unlike most approaches that focus on shareholder value or C-suite wealth, his solution starts with taking care of the people responsible for getting the work done: the employee. By healing the individual, companies are able to increase customer satisfaction, retain superstar employees, and leave a lasting legacy. Bruce is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and is happily married to his wife Emily. Resource Links: Website: https://www.company-connections.com/Product Link: https://a.co/d/8iLAMEO Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:57 I eventually realized that I'm most successful when I put all this stuff together 06:46 You can't have a healthy company without healthy employees 10:22 I do talk about boundaries a good bit 12:31 If I have people that really want to work here and are really connected to where I want to take this business, you end up at with a whole lot of wins 16:59 You call it healing the individual to save the company 20:43 That's the first principle, is having a good foundation 22:47 So, I think you've got two kinds of superstars 24:37 You have to know who hands me work and am I communicating with them in a way that makes sure they're equipping me well 28:25 What are we doing? Who is it for? How does it provide value? 32:41 A lot of companies and a lot of people are really good at reacting 34:19 Let's get everybody to think problems are solved two ways: reactionary and proactive 36:55 Let's talk about identifying the neglect early 38:48 How is your job impacting your life? 40:05 We've got company-connections.com 40:17 Look for the Healthy Company Framework Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbmcleod Email: rbruce.mcleod@gmail.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    43 min
  2. Returning Guest, Roderick Jefferson - Stroke of Success: Why Being Irreplaceable at Work is a Myth

    APR 27

    Returning Guest, Roderick Jefferson - Stroke of Success: Why Being Irreplaceable at Work is a Myth

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 24 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred. The podcast to help you level up your game and become the best version of you. Today, we are joined by a returning guest who has reached the literal summits of the corporate world. He’s been a senior leader at Salesforce, PayPal, and Oracle, and he literally wrote the book on Sales Enablement. But today, we’re talking about a different kind of mastery. Imagine reaching the peak of your career, only to wake up surviving a stroke with a 2% chance of survival. Roderick Jefferson is back with us to discuss his powerful new book and movement, Stroke of Success™. This isn't just a survival story; it’s a strategic roadmap for every entrepreneur and executive who has ever traded their health for a headline or their peace for a paycheck. We’re going to talk about how to redefine resilience, why 'wholeness' is the ultimate KPI, and how to build a life that is as successful on the inside as it looks on the outside. Join me for my conversation with Roderick Jefferson. Guest Bio: Roderick Jefferson is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in sales enablement leadership. He is also an acknowledged practitioner and a global keynote speaker. He understands how to create bridges between internal organizations to empower sales to exceed expectations. Recognized for his expertise, Roderick has earned numerous accolades, including being named among America’s Best Speakers by Selling Power Magazine, receiving the Sales Enablement Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as a Top Black Executive Leader. He is also a founding member of the Sales Enablement Society. He frequently presents at industry events and is the author of the Amazon #1 new release and bestselling books, Sales Enablement 3.0: The Blueprint to Sales Enablement Excellence™, The Sales Enablement 3.0 Companion Workbook™, and Stroke of Success™. Roderick has served on several Advisory Boards, including Autobound, Capella University, DemandFarm, Koridor, Leadoff.ai, National Speakers Association (NorCal), Sales for the Culture, Selleration Inc., and Walli Hr. Roderick has held roles in executive leadership, sales, sales enablement, operations, and customer service at 3PAR, AT&T, BusinessObjects, Magnit, Marketo, Oracle Marketing Cloud, NetApp, Netskope, PayPal, Roderick Jefferson & Associates, Salesforce, Siebel Systems, and Siteimprove. When he’s not working on consulting projects or onstage delivering a keynote, he can be found perfecting the art of barbecuing or playing bocce in his backyard with his family. Regarding my signature topic, keynote, and bestselling book, they have shifted from AI, sales, and the current state of selling to something I call “Stroke of Success™.” You can learn more here. Resource Links: Website: https://roderickjefferson.com/Stroke of Success Book: https://www.roderickjefferson.com/stroke-of-successSales 3.0 Book Link: https://roderickjefferson.com/bookSales 3.0 Companion Workbook: https://roderickjefferson.com/companion-workbookKeynote Speaker Highlight Reel: https://bit.ly/3zRVNJaSocial Media Channels: https://linktr.ee/roderickjefferson Insight Gold Timestamps: 06:52 I was at 22% heart function that gave me 2% chance to live 10:22 From the American Stroke Association, that one out of every four people, not just Americans, but people over the age of 25 in the world, will incur a stroke and you many not even know it 11:43 What was the first corporate habit you realized you had to permanently delete to protect your new life? 14:14 Literally I'm recharging my batteries every day rather than waiting until the weekend to recharge 17:30 Money just buys independence 18:25 Stop thinking that you're irreplaceable at work because you're not, and start acting like you're irreplaceable at home 20:17 I believe selfishness, if you do it right, it becomes self-care 22:35 If it's not something that you're putting out that's going to help others, then it's just marketing 26:35 I had to learn how to be present 29:48 Can you look in the mirror and say you like yourself, the person that's looking back at you? 34:19 Was I productive or was I just busy? 35:44 In your book you talk about relationships as being critical as achievement is 38:19 How well can you say you really knew the hopes, dreams, and experiences of your grandparents? 40:50 That's what I want my legacy to be, how I made people feel 41:27 Send folks to roderickjefferson.com because then you'll get a signed book and I can get that out to you Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderickjefferson/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Npxk-Ws48 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roderick_j_associates/ Roderick's Sales Enablement Spotify Podcast Playlist: https://tr.ee/tywJiGJxdg Sales Enablement Online Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/applying-the-art-and-science-of-sales-enablement/?referralCode=6CF22D97C842CCC0E07C Social Media Channels: https://linktr.ee/roderickjefferson Email: roderick@roderickjefferson.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    43 min
  3. Lisa Cole - The "Brand Gravity" Effect: How to Stop Chasing and Start Attracting

    APR 20

    Lisa Cole - The "Brand Gravity" Effect: How to Stop Chasing and Start Attracting

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 23 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we interview the brightest minds in business today to help you level up your game and become the best version of you. If you are an entrepreneur or a marketing leader, you’ve repeatedly heard the mantra 'do more with less'. But our guest today says that’s the wrong goal. She believes we shouldn't just be doing more; we should be redesigning the work itself. Lisa Cole is the Chief Product, Marketing, and AI Officer at 2X, where she heads their AI Center of Excellence. With over 20 years of experience and three major B2B transformations under her belt, Lisa has become the 'secret weapon' for CMOs looking to bridge the gap between human creativity and machine efficiency. She is the author of Brand Gravity, The Revenue RAMP, and her highly anticipated new book, The Limitless CMO. Today, we’re going to talk about how to move from being a 'cost center' to a 'revenue engine,' the reality of AI adoption , and how to build a brand that has enough 'gravity' to pull customers toward you without you having to chase them. Join me for my conversation with Lisa Cole. Guest Bio: Lisa Cole is Chief Product, Marketing & AI Officer and Head of the AI Center of Excellence at 2X. For more than 20 years, Lisa has helped B2B marketing leaders achieve more with less by redesigning how marketing work gets done through strategic outsourcing, AI adoption, and performance management. Lisa has led three major B2B marketing transformations, including award-recognized work, and she’s been a trusted advisor to CMOs for nearly 16 years. She’s also the author of Brand Gravity, The Revenue RAMP, and her newest book, The Limitless CMO. Resource Links: Website: www.lisacole.aiCompany Website: https://2x.marketing/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 03:31 I shifted and pivoted into marketing 06:13 I remember when I started the very first question a company would ask is, should I have a website? 08:36 The underlying principle there is still true, you actually have to ask them 11:07 By the time they've actually made that decision to engage with your brand directly... 12:43 Marketing is the one that makes sure that you are both findable, understood, and chosen 16:21 Could marketing do a better job of being proactive with that, with the sales department? 20:24 The premise behind brand gravity is... 23:33 No better time to be a founder or entrepreneur, if you're comfortable with just putting your point of views, and your secret sauce out in the world 25:52 Your superpower is going to be wherever is uniquely human 28:02 Are there some must haves that small businesses should have? 31:53 The most common piece of feedback I get is... 32:22 My measure of success here is engagement 34:27 You have to be okay with change 36:10 And you argue for redesigning how work gets done instead of just working harder 37:37 My favorite question to ask is, how long does it take for you to get a campaign from an idea into market? 40:02 You head the AI Center of Excellence at 2X 42:04 The new book's called The Limitless CMO Connect Socially: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisacole01 Twitter (X): https://x.com/CMOInnovator Company: https://www.youtube.com/@2xmarketing TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelimitlesscmo Email: lisa.cole@2X.marketing Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    44 min
  4. Thomas Passalacqua - Overcoming the "Silent Killers": Doubt, Fear, and the Imposter Trap

    APR 13

    Thomas Passalacqua - Overcoming the "Silent Killers": Doubt, Fear, and the Imposter Trap

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 22 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to the high-level strategies that transform professionals and level up performance. Today, we are exploring a truth that every professional eventually hits: Success isn't just about what you do; it’s about the clarity with which you lead. Many leaders reach a plateau not because they lack resources, but because they are navigating through the 'fog' of doubt, rapid growth, or shifting industries. Joining us is someone who has mastered the art of the pivot and the science of leadership. Thomas Passalacqua is a certified Executive Coach and the founder of Ascend Professional Pathways. From his early days as a founding teacher in New York City to driving high-stakes mergers and acquisitions and executive coaching, Thomas has seen firsthand how the right mindset can turn a 'good' professional into an 'elite' leader. In this episode, we’re going to help you identify your own blind spots, overcome the silent fears that stall growth, and learn how to align your daily decisions with your highest professional goals. Join me for my conversation with Thomas Passalacqua. Guest Bio: Thomas Passalacqua is a certified Executive Coach who specializes in customized professional & leadership development. With a master’s in education, Thomas started his career as a founding teacher in New York City. He then transitioned into dental manufacturing sales, where he was an award-winning consultant who trained and mentored other sales professionals. Transitioning again, Thomas was the director of business development for a growing dental group practice in the Northeast where he led sales and marketing for mergers & acquisitions. In his executive coaching and professional training platform, Ascend Professional Pathways LLC, he enables various industry leaders to gain clarity and improve their business leadership skills. Thomas' clients are empowered to reach the next level in their businesses and careers by overcoming doubts, fears, and uncertainty and making strategic decisions to better align with their goals. Resource Links: Website: https://ascendpropathways.com/Product Link: https://ascendpropathways.com/executive-coaching Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:44 I found myself being relevant to my fellow classmates and seeing them take my advice 06:41 The pathway reference really is a nod to the individual coach and because there are multiple directions 09:49 My main focus is, okay, what do we do moving forward? 12:01 What kinds of things do you see for obstacles that are common? 13:58 The 'why' behind it all is important 16:10 If you have a question, you can most likely find the answer to it in this day and age 18:31 I wanted to follow my own expectation and blaze my own path 22:35 If your default is an excuse, then that's a red flag to know that you're operating from a doubt or a state of fear 25:17 Vision work is huge 28:44 Let's talk about clarity and getting clarity, but also clarity as a competitive advantage 32:20 You've already proved to yourself that you can go from where you were to where you are... 38:36 In this day and age, there's more tools and resources and information 41:33 What's a good step that they can take? 42:18 You have resources, and you have the skills and capabilities already within you, you just have to uncover what's blocking you 42:38 My website ascendpropathways.com Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspassalacqua/ Email: thomas@ascendpropathways.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    45 min
  5. Lisa Woodruff - The Cost of Mental Clutter: Bridging Home Management and Professional Growth

    APR 6

    Lisa Woodruff - The Cost of Mental Clutter: Bridging Home Management and Professional Growth

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 21 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for the professional who wants to level up their skillset and focus on continuous improvement. Today, we’re tackling the silent killer of professional peak performance: The Invisible Quicksand. We spend our lives optimizing our businesses, our processes, and our leadership teams. But what happens when you are being held back by a disorganized home? What is the cost of the 'mental clutter' that follows you from the kitchen table to the office? Our guest today is a powerhouse who transformed from a stay-at-home mom at forty to the CEO of a million dollar empire. Lisa Woodruff, the founder of Organize 365 and host of a podcast with over 24 million downloads, believes that organization isn't a personality trait—it’s a learnable, high-level business skill. She’s here to show us how to bridge the gap between household management and professional scaling, and to give us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Escaping Quicksand. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winning at work but sinking at home, this conversation is your lifeline. Join me for my conversation with Lisa Woodruff. Guest Bio: Lisa Woodruff is the founder & CEO of Organize 365. Lisa and 87% of Americans believe organization is a learnable skill. Yet less than 18% of those same Americans feel they are organized. As the host of the top-rated Organize 365 Podcast, with 24 million downloads & counting, Lisa shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life. Resource Links: Website: http://organize365.com/Product Link: https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 04:34 I started to really think back on, what was my story going to be 06:22 I realized I was a professional organizer 08:28 My PhD is on the invisible load and the cognitive load of organizing 10:11 I'm an educator and so I'm going to give you a lot of options 14:39 Organization is a learnable skill 16:31 In my opinion, your child's bedroom is their mini apartment 19:55 I had to grow those muscles of being a business owner and doing the work of the business 20:30 Let's talk about your upcoming book, Escaping Quicksand 26:54 It's not a department, it's a whole separate business, the household is the economic entity 28:12 My higher and best use is being strategic 30:34 I took all of my bank statements from Wells Fargo, dumped them into an AI tool (Claude) 31:55 Organization happens in analog, productivity happens in digital 34:58 What's the number one organizational lie that keeps people and entrepreneurs stuck in that gap? 39:48 I realized in hindsight, once I firmly went into excellence versus perfectionism, is not accepting others' judgment of myself 44:55 You have so much more control than you think you do...at home 46:10 Just really think through, is the improvement really the improvement you want? 48:11 Website is organize365.com 48:38 Get organized and you get your time back Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2w8BMBq25cswE7mVRX1bDA Instagram: http://instagram.com/organize365 Lisa's Podcast: https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/ Email: Lisa@organize365.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    50 min
  6. Jeffrey Panik - Escaping the Financial Fog: How to Take Inventory and Reclaim Your Future

    MAR 30

    Jeffrey Panik - Escaping the Financial Fog: How to Take Inventory and Reclaim Your Future

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 20 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs who want to level up their game and become the best versions of themselves. Today, we are exploring a topic that is fundamental to our success, yet one that many of us often fail to properly plan: our financial foundation. Joining us is someone who brings a rare level of discipline to the table. Jeffrey Panik is a Master of Science in Financial Services and a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience. But Jeffrey’s perspective wasn't formed in a boardroom alone. As a first-generation college student who served in the U.S. Army to pay off his student loans, Jeff carries a 'military-grade' perseverance into his work today. He is the founder of Balance Wealth Partners and the author of The Future is Now, a guide designed to demystify the 'financial fog' that many business professionals face. In a world of volatile markets and AI-driven advice, Jeff is here to show us why human relationships and operational discipline are your greatest investment assets. Join me for my conversation with Jeffrey Panik. Guest Bio: Jeffrey Panik, MSFS, CFP®, is a financial advisor with over twenty-five years of experience helping hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses strategically manage their assets and plan for long-term success. The first in his family to attend college, Jeff also served in the U.S. Army, which paid off his student loans and instilled the discipline and perseverance he carries into his work today. He began his career as a financial advisor trainee at a large brokerage firm and has since built a thriving practice dedicated to empowering clients with financial literacy and confidence. Though he grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Jeff has lived in Atlanta, GA, for more than two decades with his wife Rebecca. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, traveling, reading, and all types of sports. Resource Links: Website: https://www.balancewealthpartners.com/Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS8GNF1H?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&skipTwisterOG=2 Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:36 I still wasn't really sure what I wanted to do and I made the decision to go in the Army 06:54 When you're dealing with money, it's an extremely emotional topic 09:31 It's important to distinguish yourself from everyone else 12:51 The value now is automation 16:30 I think it's a matter of balance, whether it's in your work life, in your family, or in retirement 20:56 As entrepreneurs, as young investors, maybe people just listening where should we be focused? 24:16 Let's talk about legacy and family wealth 24:50 I think the essential piece of finance really is communication 27:37 Things are going to become what I would say more commoditized 30:11 It's a good idea if you interview three or four different advisors 30:33 Your book, Your Future is Now: An Introductory Guide to Managing your Finances 33:38 You plan for the worst and if you do that, everything ends up usually working out pretty well 35:16 It's small steps, but you have to take the first step Connect Socially: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpanik YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancewealthpartners Email: jeff@balancewealthpartners.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    38 min
  7. Sarah Jenneault - The Sourdough Method: A Recipe for Scalable Business Growth

    MAR 23

    Sarah Jenneault - The Sourdough Method: A Recipe for Scalable Business Growth

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 19 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the business professionals who are preferred in the markets they serve. Today, we are diving into the intersection of high-stakes strategy and operational discipline. Our guest today is a literal 'Top 10' leader. Sarah Jeanneault is the VP of Marketing at ProcedureFlow and a veteran of the fintech and technology worlds. With over 20 years of experience—including leading multi-billion dollar asset growth and successfully exiting two fintech ventures—Sarah knows exactly what it takes to scale a business without losing the customer experience. But here is why you need to listen closely today: Sarah is an expert at solving the 'knowledge gap.' In an era where everyone is chasing AI, Sarah advocates for a 'knowledge-first' strategy. She helps organizations in the most complex, regulated industries—like finance and healthcare—turn messy, unstructured data into visual, repeatable success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to build an exit-ready engine or a professional aiming to stay relevant in the age of AI, this episode is your blueprint. Join me for my conversation with Sarah Jenneault. Guest Bio: Sarah Jenneault is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience driving scalable growth platforms and operating models within highly regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare. She has partnered closely with leadership to align go-to-market strategies, technology, and customer operations, directly supporting multi-billion-dollar AUM growth. A former educator with a Master’s in Education, Sarah uniquely applies teaching skills to change management, helping organizations navigate the "creative constraints" of regulation to move from being a commodity to a preferred brand. Throughout her career, Sarah has overseen end-to-end commercial operations, building cross-functional teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets to scale efficiently without sacrificing customer experience. Her approach centers on building "durable operating systems" and integrated growth engines that connect data, digital modernization, and customer insights. Having successfully exited two fintech ventures, she emphasizes that structured knowledge is an essential "operational layer" that significantly increases enterprise value during an acquisition. Currently, Sarah focuses on helping organizations move toward a "knowledge-first" AI strategy to overcome the hurdles of unstructured data. At ProcedureFlow, she advocates for converting complex, text-heavy processes into easy-to-follow visual guides, which allows companies to onboard new hires in days rather than months. By treating internal knowledge management like the essential "backbone" of a company, Sarah helps businesses achieve optimal, repeatable outcomes and sustained revenue growth. Resource Links: Website: https://procedureflow.com/Product Link: https://procedureflow.com/industries/contact-center Insight Gold Timestamps: 04:08 It's our job as leaders to facilitate that conversation in a room 07:26 We want our B2B customers to be set up for success 08:25 Everybody thinks right now that AI is going to solve everything 10:23 I'm very pro AI, there's a lot of really great success stories out there 13:10 Think about, what do you really want AI to do for you 15:04 We naturally read in an F pattern 18:25 You have multiple generations of people working in organizations who all have organized their information in very different ways 22:43 Every entrepreneur should be working with the idea that you want to exit 25:39 I do love sourdough and also, I am a little obsessed with just making it better and better 31:00 Wherever you are in your journey, it's okay 33:54 It's not something I ever realized I really needed, but it is making such a critical difference 34:52 If we move too fast, too hard, AI starts hallucinating, it starts making things up Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/?originalSubdomain=ca LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procedureflow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/procedureflow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXqqLeUImuk3jJ9tKc3nzw Email: sarah.jeanneault@procedureflow.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    38 min
  8. Returning Guest, Coach Jim Johnson - Level Up Your Game with the 8 Cs of Leadership

    MAR 16

    Returning Guest, Coach Jim Johnson - Level Up Your Game with the 8 Cs of Leadership

    SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 18 Episode Overview: Welcome back to another episode of Becoming Preferred, the show dedicated to helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace by becoming the provider—and the leader—of choice. Today we are joined by Coach Jim Johnson, a returning favorite who truly understands what it means to lead under pressure. He’s a hall-of-fame basketball coach, and a world-class speaker, but whether he’s in a locker room or a boardroom, Coach Jim Johnson knows that winning isn't just about the score—it’s about the soul of the team. Today, we’re breaking down his powerful framework, The 8 Cs of Leadership, to find out how you can earn the right to be followed and how to stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape. Join me for my conversation with Coach Jim Johnson. Guest Bio: A Legacy of Championship Leadership Coach Johnson is a legendary figure in New York high school basketball, boasting an incredible career record of 428-221. Over two decades, he led the Greece Athena Trojans to 11 divisional titles and a staggering 66-5 record in his final three seasons alone. A multi-time Coach of the Year and recipient of the National Sportsmanship Award, his tenure was defined by consistent excellence, including 22 winning seasons out of 23 and leading his team to the #1 ranking in New York State. The "Magic" of Teamwork and J-Mac Beyond the win-loss column, Coach Johnson is widely recognized for his unique partnership with Jason "J-Mac" McElwain. From the viral "magic" of J-Mac’s legendary shooting performance to their collaborative coaching years that followed, their story has been featured nationally on CBS Sports. Johnson’s program was built on a foundation of unselfishness, where players celebrated each other's successes as much as their own—a culture that propelled the Trojans to three consecutive Section V Championships. Inspiring the Next Generation After 33 years as an educator and 20 seasons on the court, Coach Johnson has transitioned his expertise into professional speaking. Through his presentations, “Dreams Really Do Come True” and “Leadership Lessons from Half-Court,” he now travels the country sharing insights on goal setting, teamwork, and leading by example. He brings a lifetime of experience in human potential to businesses and educational organizations, proving that the lessons learned on the hardwood are the keys to success in life. Resource Links: Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com/Product Link: https://coachjimjohnson.com/inspirational-motivational-book-products/ Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:15 We want to unite people, not divide them 04:57 The other thing I think is really important with character is being willing to admit when you make a mistake 07:34 Are you a person worth following? 10:52 Do your people know that you care about them? 14:51 Stephen Covey said, seek first to understand before being understood 18:05 Why I say clarity is kindness... 19:12 Confidence versus arrogance 20:48 People want to feel like they're being heard 22:25 As a leader, you have to admit when you're wrong, and that that's a very hard thing to do 25:59 If we don't get better, people are going to pass this right by 28:36 Really sharing that curiosity every day 29:07 You make the distinction between listening to understand versus listening to respond 34:46 My big thing with challenge is that it starts with setting some really high standards that as a leader you've got to be living and sharing 38:20 I do think you have to have some boundaries and some non-negotiables 40:00 Are you the same person of a high level of integrity at home as you are in the marketplace? 42:19 The website is coachjimjohnson.com 42:35 I've actually connected with a few people that are on a kindness movement Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJimJohnson/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachjimjohnson Blog: https://coachjimjohnson.com/blog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachJimJohnson1 Email: jjhoops@rochester.rr.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

    44 min
See All (200)

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

In this informative and practical podcast, Michael and his guests share the latest strategies and tactics to help you become the preferred provider (the emotional favorite) in the markets you serve. The key insights and strategies discussed, come from Michael's experience working with many of the finest brands in business today and his guest interviews will inspire you, educate you, and give you the tools you need to be successful in today's turbulent and competitive marketplace.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Vickers
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michael Vickers
  • Show Website
    Becoming Preferred

You Might Also Like