Lead. Learn. Grow.

Robin Green

The Lead. Learn. Grow. podcast, hosted by Robin Green, interviews leaders from the fields of business, government, education, and the non-profit sector. We uncover the stories behind these leaders and learn more about their journey.

  1. Andy McGowan, VCU Center for Professional Selling - From Pro Sports to Teaching Future Sales Pros

    JAN 2

    Andy McGowan, VCU Center for Professional Selling - From Pro Sports to Teaching Future Sales Pros

    In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Andy McGowan, Director of the VCU Center for Professional Selling, to unpack Andy's unconventional career path — from professional sports and corporate communications to building one of the nation's top collegiate sales programs. Andy shares how an early mentor recognized his natural ability to teach, how real-world selling shaped every chapter of his career, and why developing young sales talent has become his calling. He offers an inside look at VCU's nationally ranked sales team, the rapid growth of collegiate sales competitions, and why employers across industries are eager to recruit his students. Together, Robin and Andy explore: What truly defines professional selling today Why outdated sales stereotypes no longer apply What employers actually look for in early-career sales talent Why engineers and first-generation students often excel in sales roles How AI is already reshaping sales preparation, practice, and performance Andy also extends a direct invitation to Richmond-area business leaders who are looking for motivated, coachable sales talent — and explains why partnering with the VCU program creates value for both employers and students. A practical, energizing conversation for leaders, recruiters, and anyone responsible for hiring or developing salespeople. *** If you'd like to learn more about Sandler's Sales, Management, and Leadership Performance program, you can email him at robin.green@sandler.com *** If you like the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast with Robin Green, please rate and review us in your podcast app.

    55 min
  2. Hugh Hornsby, VP of Sales at Everflow: The Most Important Conversation You'll Ever Have

    12/05/2025

    Hugh Hornsby, VP of Sales at Everflow: The Most Important Conversation You'll Ever Have

    What if the biggest limitation in your sales, career, and life isn't the market… it's the conversation in your own head?   In this episode of the Lead.Learn.Grow podcast, I sit down with sales leader and industry "Person of the Year" Hugh Hornsby to talk about belief, resilience, and what it really means to live – and sell – from the inside out. Hugh went from a ninth-grade kid headed for special needs classes… to top producer… to industry consultant… to navigating a misdiagnosed stage-four cancer diagnosis and coming out the other side cancer-free. Along the way, he discovered that the most important conversation you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself.   We cover a lot of ground, including: ➡️ How Hugh used gratitude journaling to stay sane and hopeful through cancer ➡️ Why most people fail because of the story they tell themselves – and how to change it The underdog path: fired, broke, couldn't afford pizza… to doubling and tripling company revenue ➡️ What he learned from Napoleon Hill, Bob Proctor, and classic sales training (including Sandler) ➡️ The power of forgiveness – of others and of yourself – in unlocking growth ➡️ Why the very best salespeople are advisor-type givers, not high-pressure closers ➡️ How he ended up doing stand-up comedy in New York City about cancer… and why it changed him    If you're a salesperson, leader, or young professional who feels a bit stuck, this is an episode to bookmark, re-listen to, and take notes on.   👂 Listen if you want to: -Build a healthier inner dialogue -Rekindle your desire and sense of mission -Sell in a way that's both high-performing and deeply human If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their story isn't over yet.   *** Connect with Hugh on LinkedIn.    Watch Hugh's stand-up appearance in New York here.    Visit the Napoleon Hill Foundation here.    *** If you'd like to talk to Robin about how you can grow your revenue through Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler, email him at robin.green@sandler.com.   Sign up for the weekly newsletter, The Huddle, for a weekly blend of sales wisdom, leadership insight, and real-life grit for leaders. Join here.

    1h 6m
  3. Kit Moore, Damage Prevention Solutions, From Seminary to Sales Leadership

    09/05/2025

    Kit Moore, Damage Prevention Solutions, From Seminary to Sales Leadership

    In this episode 62 of the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast, Robin Green sits down with Kit Moore—musician, theologian, and head of sales for Damage Prevention Solutions—for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the art of sales.   Kit's career path is anything but linear. From earning a master's at Princeton Theological Seminary to pursuing a professional music career in Nashville, Kit made courageous decisions to stay true to his values—even when that meant walking away from prestigious or high-profile opportunities. Now leading an innovative manufacturing company in the damage prevention industry, he brings a deeply creative and thoughtful approach to business growth.   You'll hear Kit reflect on: ✅ How "becoming" shaped his early career decisions and leadership style ✅ The parallels between creative work, ministry, and leading a business ✅ Why sales is best understood as a cooperative trade, not a manipulative act ✅ How energy and presence shape the sales process ✅ The mindset shifts needed to scale a business while preserving culture   Packed with insights for leaders, sales professionals, and anyone navigating career pivots, this episode is an inspiring reminder that the best leaders are lifelong learners who dare to think differently.   Resources Mentioned: "The Sales Coach Playbook: by Bill Bartlett "Getting Things Done" by David Allen "Deep Work" by Cal Newport "10x Is Easier Than 2x" by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy   🎧 Listen, learn, and grow with us!   Contact Robin at robin.green@sandler.com.

    1h 16m
  4. Dr. Sherri Mylott, Univ of La Verne: Fundraising Lessons for Any Leader: Patience, Storytelling & Building Relationships

    08/20/2025

    Dr. Sherri Mylott, Univ of La Verne: Fundraising Lessons for Any Leader: Patience, Storytelling & Building Relationships

    💡 About This Episode Dr. Sherri Mylott has spent more than three decades leading advancement and fundraising at universities across the country — from small liberal arts colleges to large public research institutions.   Today, as Vice President for University Advancement at the University of La Verne, she oversees the vital work of connecting donors' passions with a purpose that transforms students' lives. In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow.,   Sherri joins host Robin Green to share timeless lessons that apply far beyond higher education.   We talk about:  🎓 Why a liberal arts education is more relevant than ever in today's fast-changing economy 🤝 How fundraising parallels sales — and why both depend on relationships 📖 The power of storytelling in inspiring long-term donor support 🕰️ Why patience might be the #1 skill for advancement professionals 💻 How to think about innovation & technology without losing the human touch 🌍 The University of La Verne's mission to create transformational opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students.   Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in higher education, or simply want to build deep, lasting relationships, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways in this conversation. 🔗   LinkedIn 💬 Connect with Sherri Mylott:   / sherrimylott   📲 Connect with Robin Green 🔗 LinkedIn:   / robingreen2   🌐 Website: https://www.go.sandler.com/green

    45 min
  5. Bill Lopez, Co-Founder of Strategic Solutions -- How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success

    05/21/2025

    Bill Lopez, Co-Founder of Strategic Solutions -- How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success

    🚀 How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success 🔹 Episode Overview: In this episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Bill Lopez, a seasoned entrepreneur and sales leader, to explore his journey from IT engineer to successful business owner. Bill shares his gritty early days, including failures, lessons in resilience, and the sacrifices it took to build a thriving IT business. Bill's story highlights the relentless hustle required to succeed in business, from working out of his garage to making a Thanksgiving Day cannonball run to Tampa for a client. The conversation shifts into sales and leadership, where Bill discusses the mindset shift that took him from selling on passion alone to mastering a structured, repeatable sales process. He reflects on the challenges of growth, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and how his background in martial arts shaped his competitive mindset and ability to handle failure. If you're a business owner, sales professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on perseverance, strategy, and sales excellence. 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Bill's Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Family Influence 08:30 – The Grit It Takes to Start & Scale a Business 16:45 – The Thanksgiving Road Trip Story: Doing Whatever It Takes for Clients 25:20 – How IT Services Evolved from Fixing Problems to Strategic Partnerships 35:10 – The Mindset Shift: From 'Muscle & Feel' to a Proven Sales Methodology 45:00 – Lessons from Martial Arts: Handling Failure & Continuous Improvement 55:30 – Why Sales Is About Finding the Truth, Not Pushing a Product 1:05:00 – Advice for Young Sales Professionals & Developing a Winning Mindset 🔹 Resources & Links: 🌐 Bill's Company, Strategic Solutions: https://strategicsolutions.com  📘 Recommended Book – Inter Excellence: https://amzn.to/xyz123 🎯 Learn More About Sales Training: https://go.sandler.com/green/

    1h 3m
  6. Ed Johnson, Executive Coach, talks about Positive Intelligence

    04/14/2025

    Ed Johnson, Executive Coach, talks about Positive Intelligence

    🔹 Episode Overview In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Ed Johnson, an executive coach specializing in Positive Intelligence (PQ), to explore how mental fitness shapes success in business, leadership, and personal growth. Ed shares how self-sabotaging behaviors (saboteurs) hold us back and how shifting to a sage mindset can improve decision-making, relationships, and resilience. We dive into how negative emotions hijack our thoughts, how to recognize and shift out of them, and how simple exercises (PQ reps) can rewire your brain for better focus, confidence, and emotional intelligence. This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to build mental strength, reduce stress, and enhance performance. 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Ed's Background: From Pastor to Executive Coach 07:15 – What Is Positive Intelligence? 15:30 – The Power of Mental Fitness & How It's Different from Traditional Self-Improvement 22:45 – Negative Emotions: The "Hand on the Hot Stove" Analogy 30:10 – Understanding Your Saboteurs & Self-Sabotage Patterns 40:20 – Live PQ Exercise: How to Shift Out of a Negative Mindset 50:00 – The Science of Mental Rewiring & Building Emotional Resilience 1:00:00 – How This Applies to Sales, Leadership, and Performance 1:10:30 – Ed Coaches Robin on His Own Saboteurs (Hyper-Achiever & Hyper-Rational) 1:20:00 – How to Improve Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence 1:30:00 – Free Saboteur Assessment & Next Steps for Listeners 🔹 Resources & Links 🌐 Learn More About Ed Johnson & His Coaching: https://craftedcoach.com 📘 Take the Free Saboteur Assessment: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab... 🎯 Recommended Book – Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine 📅 Schedule a Free Saboteur Coaching Session with Ed: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab...

    54 min
  7. Kim Leibowitz talks about Emotional Intelligence

    03/11/2025

    Kim Leibowitz talks about Emotional Intelligence

    In this insightful episode of Lead. Learn. Grow, Robin welcomes Kim Lebowitz, a passionate expert in emotional intelligence (EQ). Kim shares her unconventional journey into the world of EQ, from her corporate and entrepreneurial experiences to an unexpected opportunity that led her to immerse herself in the science of emotional intelligence. She explains how EQ is not just about emotions but about understanding and retraining the brain to manage stress, improve decision-making, and foster stronger relationships in business and life. Kim breaks down the five dimensions of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, social awareness, and social regulation—offering practical strategies for leaders and professionals to enhance their emotional intelligence. She discusses how being "hijacked" by emotions impacts performance and well-being and provides actionable techniques for shifting back to a calm, clear mindset. With real-world examples, she demonstrates how EQ skills can transform leadership, team dynamics, and personal resilience. Robin and Kim explore how EQ directly impacts leadership effectiveness, citing research that shows EQ is a stronger predictor of success than IQ. They also delve into the challenges many high-performing professionals face when transitioning into leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and coaching in helping leaders develop the emotional intelligence necessary to inspire and engage their teams. Whether you're an executive, a business owner, or simply someone looking to navigate life with more clarity and composure, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how EQ can be the key to unlocking your full potential. Don't miss Kim's expert advice on simple yet powerful techniques to improve your emotional intelligence and lead with confidence.   🔹 Resources & Links 🌐 Kim Lebowitz's Website: https://the-restored.com 📘 EQ Assessments: https://www.theovalgroup.com 📖 Recommended Book – Emotional Intelligence 2.0: https://amzn.to/xyz123 *** Contact Robin Green at robin.green@sandler.com.

    51 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The Lead. Learn. Grow. podcast, hosted by Robin Green, interviews leaders from the fields of business, government, education, and the non-profit sector. We uncover the stories behind these leaders and learn more about their journey.