The Influence Gap with Bernadette McClelland

Bernadette McClelland

Sales and leadership coach and speaker Bernadette McClelland connects with leaders and top performers who are helping to close the gap between message and impact.

  1. 06: Valorie Kondos Field: People Over Performance

    1d ago

    06: Valorie Kondos Field: People Over Performance

    What if one of the greatest NCAA gymnastics coaches of all time never actually did a cartwheel? In this compelling episode, Bernadette McClelland sits down with Valorie Kondos Field, legendary UCLA gymnastics coach, to explore how she achieved extraordinary success—without ever being a gymnast herself. You’ll discover how Valorie Kondos Field built a championship program on relationships, vulnerability, and the simple power of asking. She unpacks what it means to lead people (not just performances), why imposter syndrome can be a secret weapon, and how moments of failure can actually unlock lasting influence. With powerful stories about the "art of the ask," learning from Coach Wooden, and coaching the human being—not just the KPI—this episode will change the way you think about leadership and what’s truly possible when you dare to step out of your comfort zone. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Welcome and Valorie Kondos Field’s accolades 04:45 How she became head UCLA coach without gymnastics experience 07:58 Lessons in saying yes without all the answers 11:44 Discovering her authentic leadership style 15:06 Coaching the human, not just the performance 20:30 The power of vulnerability and the need to "be enough" 22:38 The art of the ask: Dinners, mentors, and advocacy 28:01 Why you shouldn't "wait to dance" 29:34 Kids Alive International and championing healing through validation 30:00 Rapid fire leadership reflections 31:12 Closing remarks and takeaways

    32 min
  2. 05: Joel Block: Advantage Player Mindset

    Jun 3

    05: Joel Block: Advantage Player Mindset

    What if the way you think about winning in business—and even about money itself—is completely backwards? In this electrifying episode, Joel Block blows the lid off conventional business wisdom, revealing how most organizations are programmed to "play not to lose"—and why that’s a surefire formula for mediocrity. From his early days as a professional blackjack player beating the house, to making billion-dollar deals on Wall Street, Joel Block shares the real secrets of the "advantage player mindset" and how you can apply them to achieve winning results and outsmart the game—whether you’re running a startup, leading a team, or vying for a seat at the table. Key highlights include: Why most leaders and companies play defense instead of offense—and how it kills growthWhat it really takes to become an elite performer (the answer will surprise you)The mathematics of risk, timing, and how wealthy people leverage the system differentlyThe surprising advantage women have in business settings—and how to use itRapid-fire truths on courage, leadership, and what separates winners from everyone else Tune in to close the gap between intention and impact, and get ready to flip your thinking about business, risk, and winning. Episode Overview: 00:00 What "beating the house" really means and intro to the advantage player mindset 05:20 How business is often stacked against you—and why most companies play not to lose 09:40 Money myths, courage, and why wealthy people see the system differently 13:32 Timing, risk, and making bold decisions as a leader 17:14 Why leaders fear risking their reputation more than capital 21:28 Speaking truth to power and the hidden cost of protecting your seat at the table 26:20 High performers vs. elite performers; actionable steps to go from good to world-class 30:22 Creating momentum and the power of a "killer strategy" 33:41 Concrete outcomes: what happens when high performers become elite 36:13 Rapid-fire: the market rewards the courageous, and parting advice

    40 min
  3. 04: Park Howell: Story-Driven Influence

    May 27

    04: Park Howell: Story-Driven Influence

    What if you discovered that the real reason your sales team is missing targets isn't lack of effort or weak tactics—but your stories are sabotaging your results? In this episode, Bernadette McClelland welcomes the Emmy Award-winning branding expert and storytelling authority, Park Howell, to blow the lid off how most leaders unintentionally widen their "influence gap" by relying on logic and features instead of emotion and narrative. Park Howell unpacks his core story framework—the ABT (And, But, Therefore)—and shows how it can transform sales conversations, emails, pitches, and brand strategy into powerful emotional connections that move audiences to action. Hear how a simple rewrite triggered a 400% increase in campaign engagement, why technical people can be the best storytellers, and how to stop "anding" your audience to death. Whether you're a CEO, sales leader, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical tips for intentional storytelling, the neuroscience behind what truly influences, and a new way to approach AI as "artful intelligence." Plus, you'll learn what really differentiates branding powerhouses and how to tell memorable, business-changing stories—in 90 seconds or less. Episode Overview 00:00 - Welcome, introductions, and why story is central to influence 02:22 - Park Howell's advertising background & personal story “aha” moments 05:14 - From intuitive to intentional storytelling (and why structure matters) 07:07 - The ABT framework explained and how it speaks to the buying brain 09:55 - What businesses lose by neglecting strategic storytelling 11:56 - Why people default to logic (and why it fails to create influence) 13:27 - The Amsterdam analogy: Where logic fits in your brand story 14:28 - Brand as the story people tell about you—and how to shape it 16:26 - From “winging it” to intentional narrative 18:09 - The digital marketing shift, AI, and “artful intelligence” 22:00 - Why most leaders stay stuck at “good” and not “great” 23:31 - Moments vs. epic stories—the small stories that move business 25:10 - Bernadette McClelland shares the moment behind launching The Influence Gap 27:24 - Closing the branding gap for smaller companies 30:20 - How to connect with Park Howell and access his tools 33:36 - Rapid fire questions and closing remarks

    36 min
  4. 03: Colleen Stanley: Be The Mentor Who Mattered

    May 20

    03: Colleen Stanley: Be The Mentor Who Mattered

    What if the true secret to success in sales and leadership isn’t about being the best—it's about being there for someone else? In this episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with the #1 global sales guru of 2024, Colleen Stanley, to uncover the real power behind mentorship. Drawing from her farm-town roots and her groundbreaking book Be the Mentor Who Mattered, Colleen Stanley shares how small acts of guidance, risk-taking, and paying attention can turn ordinary leaders and professionals into transformational figures. Key highlights include: A raw exploration of how personal tragedy shaped Colleen Stanley's mentorship mindsetWhy informal, "in-the-moment" mentor moments are more powerful than formal programsHow technology and self-absorption threaten human connection and what to do about itPractical advice for leaders and aspiring mentors to foster genuine trust, resilience, and cultureWhy everyone—regardless of titles or fame—has the ability to create lasting influence If you’re ready to learn how ordinary actions can have extraordinary impact, this is the influence conversation you can’t afford to miss. Connect with Colleen StanleyWebsite LinkedInColleen’s latest book: Be the Mentor Who Mattered: Make a Difference. Be the Difference Timestamped Overview: 00:01 – Welcome & Setting the Stage 01:23 – Colleen Stanley's Global Recognition 02:46 – Small-Town Upbringing & Early Mentor Moments 05:51 – The Farming Metaphor & Mentorship 06:30 – The Origin Story of “Be the Mentor Who Mattered” 09:11 – Personal Loss and Community Support 12:04 – Flipping the Script: Finding a Mentee 13:34 – Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness for Leaders 15:26 – Everyone Has Value: Everyday Mentor Moments 17:48 – The Power of Asking Good Questions 21:17 – Real-world Mentor Moments Changing Lives 23:19 – Community Loss in Remote Work Era 25:01 – The Invisible Cost of Lack of Mentorship 27:17 – Trust, Stress, and the Human Side of Leadership 29:06 – Technology as the Elephant in the Room 31:26 – Presence, Multitasking, and True Teamwork 33:28 – What the Best Mentor-Leaders Do Differently 35:55 – Tough Love, Standards, and Multiplying Leadership 37:18 – Creating Cultures of Mentorship & Influence 39:55 – Rapid Fire: Mentorship, Connection, and Trust 40:08 – Where to Find Colleen Stanley & Her Work

    42 min
  5. 02: Carol Cooke: Bouncing Back, Reinventing and Winning Gold

    May 13

    02: Carol Cooke: Bouncing Back, Reinventing and Winning Gold

    What if your doctor told you, “Your life as you know it is over”? Would you give up—or fight back? In this episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with three-time Paralympic gold medalist Carol Cooke, whose journey from devastating MS diagnosis to the top of the Paralympic podium is nothing short of incredible. Carol Cooke reveals the mindset shifts, resilience lessons, and “pivot points” that shaped her path from law enforcement in Canada to becoming one of Australia’s most decorated athletes—at an age where most would have given up. Packed with practical wisdom for business leaders and high-performers, this episode highlights the power of communication, contribution, and embracing the unknown. Whether you're an elite competitor, a sales leader, or simply facing your own crossroads, Carol Cooke will inspire you to rethink what’s possible and see the “gap” not as a setback, but as a gift. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Welcome and introduction 01:18 Carol Cooke’s sporting achievements 02:19 The Tokyo silver medal—perspective at age 60 03:25 Carol Cooke’s background and law enforcement career 04:48 MS diagnosis and the life-changing doctor’s visit 09:09 Processing the diagnosis: support and survival mode 11:09 On identity shifts, resilience, and reinvention 13:52 Transitioning from swimming to rowing to cycling 17:29 How leaders miss out on opportunities 18:50 The power (and failure) of communication in leadership 19:17 What separates elite performers from elite influencers 21:48 Contribution and generosity in high performance 24:14 Living organizational values 26:21 The “influence gap” and living through change 28:32 Choosing between “need” and “want” 32:46 Rapid fire—commitment, gratitude, and leadership 34:44 Carol Cooke’s books and how to connect 36:15 Reflections and wrap-up

    38 min
  6. 01: Darren Mitchell: Rethinking Sales Success

    May 6

    01: Darren Mitchell: Rethinking Sales Success

    What if the biggest mistake sales leaders make is focusing on all the wrong problems—and it's costing you results, energy, and team engagement? This episode of The Influence Gap with Bernadette McClelland features a no-nonsense, insight-rich conversation with Darren Mitchell, one of Australia’s top 20 sales influencers and host of the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast. Discover how “blind blaming,” chasing outcomes, and product-centric mindsets are limiting your sales results—and how asking deeper questions, shifting your coaching from deals to people, and leaning into empathy can transform leadership impact. You’ll hear why the best leaders step out of the spotlight to lift others, why sales coaching is the first thing to be dropped (but is actually the number one driver of high performance), and how to make the leap from competent to exceptional sales leadership—even if you don’t fit the typical “sales profile.” Tune in for candid revelations, actionable ideas, and a rapid-fire round that’ll keep you thinking well after the episode ends. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 01:15 Darren Mitchell joins and reflects on starting his podcast in Covid 02:07 Launching the Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast03:16 Over 900 episodes and counting04:05 The myth of solving the wrong sales problem: "blind blaming"05:29 The origins of "blind blaming" and what leaders miss07:18 The real issues upstream of pipeline & the biggest blind spots08:01 Sales leaders and the manic focus on results11:22 Is your market really finite, or is your thinking?12:57 How to ask questions that set you apart14:33 Context vs. content and the art of great questions15:19 Coaching styles and avoiding surface-level sales questions17:20 AI in sales coaching—what it can and can’t replace19:33 Are you coaching people, or just the deal?21:30 A Telstra story: year of the coach & what real coaching looks like24:29 Telling vs. asking—teaching your team how to think25:51 Mindset vs. skill set: what’s really holding leaders back?27:02 The power of empathy & coaching the whole person28:21 Leadership is not what you do, it’s who you are29:00 From competent to exceptional: what prevents the leap32:05 Engineering mindsets in sales leadership34:15 Rapid fire questions and wrap-up36:29 How to connect with Darren Mitchell and closing remarks

    37 min
  7. 00: Welcome to The Influence Gap

    May 5

    00: Welcome to The Influence Gap

    What if the biggest obstacle to your success isn’t the competition—but the gap between what you intend and the impact you actually make? On this transformational debut episode, Bernadette McClelland unveils "The Influence Gap"—the critical space where leaders must bridge their intentions, their messages, and their business results. Discover why savvy leaders, sales professionals, and high-performing teams are doubling down on influence during uncertain times. Bernadette McClelland shares how evolving as a leader isn’t just necessary—it’s vital for growth. You’ll hear about the diverse guests and powerful lessons this series will bring—from business and sports to the military and sales—and how these takeaways can help you connect, communicate, and truly inspire change for yourself and your organization. Episode Overview: 00:00 Welcome and show intro from Intro Announcer 00:24 Bernadette McClelland introduces the evolution into The Influence Gap 01:06 Defining the "gap" between intention and impact 01:18 Exciting preview of upcoming guests and field diversity 01:45 Key lessons and takeaways for greater influence and connection 02:05 The importance of inspiring growth and change in yourself and others 02:29 Weekly show commitment and closing message 02:37 Intro Announcer wraps up and shares how listeners can subscribe and connect

    3 min
  8. Episode 18 - THE 5 LESSONS 2025 TAUGHT ME (That Shifted My Identity & My Leadership)

    12/14/2025

    Episode 18 - THE 5 LESSONS 2025 TAUGHT ME (That Shifted My Identity & My Leadership)

    2025 wasn’t a pivot year for me — it was an iteration and identity year (and for others). A year of stepping back, listening deeper, and upgrading the version of me that leads my business and my work with CEOs and Sales Leaders. In this last episode of The Sales Leader of Influence SHOW for 2025, I’m sharing the 5 lessons that began to change everything for me — personally, commercially, and creatively. Real lessons. Human lessons. Leadership lessons we don’t always say out loud. Here’s what I’m diving into: 🔥 Step Back to Level Up Why space — not strategy — gave me the clarity I’d been missing. 🔥 Metrics and Money Doesn't Fix Conditioning The shift from numbers and targets to identity, congruence, and alignment. 🔥 Listen To Your “Yeah — Nah.” What happened when I ignored my gut… and what happened when I finally honoured it. 🔥 New Identity, New Market How my internal shift led me into CEO and VP-level rooms (and validated my own IP, Frameworks, and Thought Leadership). 🔥 Upgrade You → Upgrade Everything The OS-level identity work that is changing the entire trajectory of my business and outcomes. If you’re a CEO, VP, or Sales Leader navigating your own next level, this conversation will hit home and is a baseline for growth. Join me live — and bring the version of you who’s ready for 2026. WHEN: 5PM ET WHERE: LinkedIn, YouTube, Podcast Platforms

    26 min
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Sales and leadership coach and speaker Bernadette McClelland connects with leaders and top performers who are helping to close the gap between message and impact.

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