Million Dollar Relationships

Kevin Thompson
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Have you ever been introduced to a person that completely changed the course of your business or your life… so much so, that much of what you have today wouldn't be possible, if not for this person? Each week on The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast, your host Kevin Thompson interviews successful entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs as they share their personal stories and experience around this very question. Your invitation is to have a seat at the head of the table as they honor and introduce you to the most valuable people in their lives and remind us that relationship capital is the most valuable asset we possess. Each week you'll be inspired and motivated to intentionally create more meaningful, rewarding and profitable relationships in your life so that together we can make a far bigger impact in this world.

  1. 1d ago

    The 30,000 Feet Conversation with Carrie Waible

    What if the most important business introduction of your life happened in a middle seat at 30,000 feet? In this episode, Carrie Waible, founder of CW and Co., shares a career that reads like a map of New York City's most iconic moments. Star-studded galas, Nobu's 20th anniversary, Donna Summer and John Legend at the Beacon Theater, Robert De Niro's charity events, and a 20-year client relationship that started with a phone call she almost said no to. None of it would have happened without a stranger on a plane named Stan Heath, a first boss named Tony who saw something in her before she did, and a client named Thomas who told a 26-year-old she should start her own company. She did. Twenty years later she is still at it and still evolving.   [00:04:00] What She Does and Who She Serves Runs CW and Co., a full service marketing and production company Started in 2004 producing nonprofit galas and celebrity events in New York Has worked with some clients for 10 to 20 years [00:05:00] From Events to Full Service Marketing Was churning out 12 major events a year with a team burning out A dear team member said she didn't want this to be her life Started shifting toward full service marketing and content production [00:07:30] The Client Who Gave Her the Best Advice An old client named Charlie took her to lunch when she first started out He told her: keep putting yourself in front of people and do a good job He also said at 26: lean into your PR talents; that's what will carry you She didn't fully hear it until years later when the pivot became necessary [00:10:30] What Inspires Her: People Gets her energy entirely from people; not one cup of coffee a day Feels most present when directing videos, producing events, or in the field If she is connecting with people and doing meaningful work, she feels amazing [00:11:30] Client Impact: Nobu and a Charter School Network Helped Nobu transition from a 190-seat Tribeca restaurant to a global brand without losing its heart Helped nonprofits raise what adds up to billions of dollars over the years Spoke at a charter school career day; a student asked what inspires her; she said: you do [00:19:00] The Relationship That Started Everything: Stan Heath Was flying to New York to visit friends after graduating college Got into conversation with a stranger named Stan Heath in the middle seat He said PR was her fit; his ex-business partner Tony was hiring Stan faxed her resume; she had a meeting that same weekend [00:21:30] Tony: The First Boss Who Changed Her Life Tony offered her the job after watching her work a fashion industry event He needed to see how she moved before making the offer New York clicked immediately; she has never left That first job eventually led her back to PR and to starting her own company [00:23:00] Thomas: The Client Who Told Her to Start Her Own Business A former client told her: anywhere you go, people will just ask for Carrie Waible anyway Within weeks he offered her a live event six weeks from his nonprofit's biggest fundraiser She started the company at 26 to take on that first event That night on the event floor confirmed she had found where she belonged [00:25:30] Cathy: The Referral That Led to Robert De Niro A past client named Cathy called to pass on a piece of business she couldn't take She was stern: my reputation is on the line too; I need to know you're ready The event was a star-studded benefit at the Beacon Theater with Donna Summer and John Legend The after party was at Nobu; that relationship kept growing for five to six years [00:28:30] Raven: The 20-Year Client Relationship Her first VP at her first New York job called when Carrie started her agency Asked her to do PR for the New York Boat Show; Carrie almost said no That one job opened the door to recreational boating, now one of her biggest business streams The National Marine Manufacturers Association has been a client for 20 years [00:31:30] Venice 2021: The Trip That Cracked Everything Open Was invited to manage VIPs and heads of state at a humanitarian event in Venice Went alone with only a local assistant; no team, no safety net Realized she didn't need a multimillion-dollar agency; she needed to love the work every day From that moment she began more fully embodying her gifts and what she really wanted [00:34:30] Final Word: Just Connect People find relationship building daunting; just extend a smile, a word, a handshake Trust your gut about who feels right; the spidey sense gets sharper over time Those small connections build into things you could never have imagined   KEY QUOTES "Keep putting yourself in front of people and do a good job, because no one ever wants to change who they're working with if they don't have to." - Charlie, as shared by Carrie Waible "I get my energy from people. Not one cup of coffee." - Carrie Waible "You have nothing to lose. Those things build and build into something that you just could never imagine." - Carrie Waible CONNECT WITH CARRIE WAIBLE Website: https://www.cwandco.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-waible-658b972   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    39 min

  2. 5d ago

    Every Client Came Through a Relationship with Joel Strauss

    What if you never made a cold call, never sent a cold email, and still built a global agency with 140 clients across four continents? In this episode, Joel Strauss, founder of Strauss Communications, shares how being fired at the start of Covid with zero clients led to building a boutique PR agency that has now worked with over 140 companies across four continents. Almost every single one came through a relationship. Joel's story has three chapters: starting the business, scaling it, and saving it. Each one hinged on a personal relationship at exactly the right moment. Including the meeting in Madrid that pulled his agency back from the brink after October 7th changed everything overnight.   [00:03:30] What He Does and Who He Serves Runs Strauss Communications, a boutique PR agency for tech startups Services cover organic media coverage, content, and social media 95% of clients are tech companies; most are referred through relationships [00:04:30] How He Got Into PR Idealized politics; left after nearly two years deeply unhappy Quit, traveled South America, then went on a boys' trip to Montreal Met his brother's former roommate who connected him to a PR firm in Tel Aviv He packed up everything in New York and moved within two weeks [00:06:00] The Introduction That Started Everything His brother's former roommate saw a fit between his background and the agency The firm had political and tech clients; Joel had just enough experience to be relevant That one connection opened the door to a new industry and a new country Every step of his career since traces back to that trip to Montreal [00:07:00] What Inspires Him Gets a bird's eye view of tech across fintechs, AI, semiconductors, and more Works directly with founders, CMOs, and CEOs of innovative companies Has helped companies go from unknown to dominant positions in their markets [00:08:30] Client Impact A niche plywood replacement client started getting people knocking on their door from PR alone Several clients successfully raised investment rounds after investors cited media coverage All contracts are month to month; some clients have stayed for over three years Retaining clients through results rather than contracts is the proof of delivery [00:11:30] Starting the Business: The Boss Who Fired Him Was called into a hearing to be fired at the start of Covid Kept his cool and told his boss he understood and didn't take it personally That same boss became a mentor and referred several of his first clients Joel's wife co-founded the business with him; their relationship has been foundational [00:13:00] Scaling the Business: A Former Colleague A former colleague he stayed close with over the years eventually joined his team That person brought in key client relationships that led to major results The companies he helped raise in the US all came through this one relationship Maintaining cordial connections over time is what made it possible [00:13:30] Saving the Business: The Madrid Meeting After October 7th, Israeli tech clients sent staff into reserve duty overnight Lost half the client base almost overnight A founder from South America emailed out of nowhere; they met in Madrid by chance That relationship became a client and turned the company around [00:17:00] Vision Going Forward Wants to scale without sacrificing service quality Growing through relationships rather than cold outreach remains the core model Using AI to handle busy work so the team has more time with clients Boutique, high-quality, and relationship-driven is the identity they will not trade away [00:19:30] What Makes Them Different Most agencies charge $15,000 to $25,000 a month and put junior staff on accounts At Strauss Communications, senior people handle everything Contracts are month to month; they have to earn it every single time That pressure is what keeps the work sharp and the results consistent [00:20:00] Why He Started His Own Agency Was hired in-house at a tech company and told to bring in expensive PR firms It was him landing TechCrunch and Reuters; the firms were getting paid for his work Saw the gap and built an agency that actually delivered at the senior level [00:23:30] Thinking Broader Than Coverage Most agencies just pitch placements; Strauss Communications thinks strategically Also offers white papers and content with both PR and marketing value Measurable deliverables make it easier for marketing teams to justify the spend A webinar built from one piece of content recently generated 150 sign-ups [00:25:00] Final Word: Relationships Are a Cultural Advantage Noticed that relationship building is more open in Israel and Spain than in the US In the US, getting to the CEO requires going through several gatekeepers first Being of service and being known for it builds a reputation that compounds over time   KEY QUOTES "Every step of my story is intimately intertwined with personal relationships." - Joel Strauss "A lot of good and innovation can happen when people are more open to giving of themselves and giving their time." - Joel Strauss CONNECT WITH JOEL STRAUSS Website: https://www.strausscomms.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelstrauss1   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    28 min

  3. Jun 9

    Built on 1,500 Acres and 83 Years of Faith with Robbie Shoults

    What if the most valuable business lessons you ever learned came not from a classroom, but from a farm? In this episode, Robbie Shoults, third-generation owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse, shares the story of an 83-year family legacy built on smoked meats, hard work, and two simple rules passed down from his grandfather and father: show people how to do it, don't just tell them, and it doesn't cost any more to make it taste good. What started in 1943 with 600 day-old turkey poults and a little smokehouse in East Texas is now a nationally recognized brand sold at Walmart, Publix, and Kroger, with over 50 premium products shipping across the country. And the fourth generation is already on the floor.   [00:04:00] How It All Started Grew up on the farm; farming and ranching have been in the family for generations His great-grandfather told his grandfather: I'll give you that land if you'll go work it His grandfather rode a horse 15 miles every day to work the land [00:05:30] The Family History His grandfather cleared timber with crosscut saws and mules Started planting cotton and corn, raised hogs and cattle, and sold vegetables to grocery stores Coming out of the Depression and World War II, things were hard; feeding the family was a daily struggle [00:07:00] The Turkey Decision That Changed Everything A great uncle told his grandfather: you can put more pounds of gain on a turkey per pound of feed In 1943 they brought in 600 day-old turkey poults with no prior experience Ladies from town would come out with roasting pans and pick the bird that would fit [00:09:00] From Turkeys to a National Brand Worked with Texas A&M to develop curing and smoking recipes; the business took off Expanded from turkeys into hogs, sausage, bacon, and a full product line Now supplies salt pork to over 2,000 Walmarts and Publix stores on the East Coast [00:10:00] The Bear Creek General Store Built a 17,000 square foot general store in 2018; calls it the finest tourist trap in Texas Offers hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, a pit room, and Texas Longhorns out front Visitors come from across the globe to experience a true slice of East Texas life [00:13:00] What Inspires Him: Keeping the Legacy Alive His job is to keep building on what granddad and dad started His son Hunter is the fourth generation running daily operations at the plant His role is telling the story; Hunter's role is running production [00:16:00] The Relationships That Changed Everything: Dad and Granddad Neither had a college education; what they taught on the farm can't be taught in a classroom Passion, endurance, and perseverance are what make a business thrive year after year He would not be where he is without the foundation they laid [00:18:00] What His Grandfather Taught Him About Leadership His grandfather worked alongside his team in the field every single day He was never a supervisor; he was a leader who showed people how to do it Robbie has done every single job on the property; that shapes how he leads today [00:19:30] What His Father Taught Him About Quality His dad said: it doesn't cost any more to make it taste good His dad said: everything you produce comes down to one single bite Those two rules apply to product quality, customer service, and how you treat people [00:21:00] Final Word: Treat People Right Treat people the way you want to be treated; that principle runs through everything Products are available online at bearcreeksmokehouse.com and ship directly to your door The Bear Creek Bottom Bliss cookbook includes five generations of family recipes, Bible verses, and Texas tall tales   KEY QUOTES "It doesn't cost more to make it taste good." - Robbie Shoults, quoting his father "Everything that you produce out of this processing plant is gonna be reduced down to one single bite." - Robbie Shoults, quoting his father "The things that they taught us out here on the farm can't be taught in a university, in a classroom." - Robbie Shoults CONNECT WITH ROBBIE SHOULTS Website: https://www.bearcreeksmokehouse.com Facebook: @BearCreekSmokehouse Instagram: @bearcreeksmokehouse YouTube: @BearCreekSmokehouse TikTok: @bearcreeksmokehouse   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    26 min

  4. Jun 5

    From Spreadsheets to Storytelling with Jamie Dykstra

    What if the person who saw your gift before you did was the same one who dared you to use it? In this episode, Jamie Dykstra, nonfiction book ghostwriter and former corporate finance professional, shares how a career 180 brought her from spreadsheets to storytelling. She didn't plan to become a ghostwriter. She planned to take a few months off after leaving corporate and go back. She never went back. What changed everything was a mentor who saw a writer in a finance executive, refused to accept her excuses, and told her to just start a blog. That blog became a copywriting business, and that copywriting business became the ghostwriting practice she runs today, helping purpose-driven leaders scale their impact through books.   [00:04:20] What She Does and Who She Serves Nonfiction book ghostwriter focused on business and leadership Serves executives, entrepreneurs, and purpose-driven leaders Helps clients tell their story in their voice without writing a word themselves [00:05:20] How Ghostwriting Actually Works Process starts with outlining, goal setting, and deep-dive interviews Interviews become the raw material for the manuscript Client reviews, gives feedback, and ends up with a publishable book [00:07:00] Why Leaders Need a Ghostwriter A book is not a small thing; most leaders don't have the time or bandwidth Leaders often share their message informally but never capture it in a lasting format Many resist writing a book because they don't want it to feel like an ego move A book isn't about building you up; it's a channel to serve a mission bigger than yourself [00:08:20] What Inspires Her Loves the scalability of books; one reader can change another person's life Doesn't need recognition; she knows what she signed up for If one person's life changes because of a book she worked on, that is enough [00:11:00] Client Impact: Bob Whalen and Employee Ownership Ghostwrote Beyond Your Ownership for Bob Whalen, an advocate for employee ownership The book became a tool people use to introduce the concept to clients and teams Books create awareness for things people don't know exist that create good in the world [00:15:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything Degrees in accounting and finance; started as a model developer in corporate finance A senior VP noticed she was in the wrong role and offered her a new one That leader became a mentor who helped her stand confidently in her own abilities When Jamie left corporate and felt lost, the same person told her she was really good at writing [00:17:20] From Blog to Business The mentor refused her excuses and listed every reason she was good enough Told her to just start a blog and see what happens That blog became a copywriting business, which became her ghostwriting practice She could have gone back to corporate; she chose to build something of her own [00:19:40] Your God-Given Ability Is Not Difficult for You Most people dismiss their natural gifts because they feel too easy The thing that jazzes you most is usually the thing you are best at Others can see our gifts before we can; a trusted voice can unlock everything Don't assume something isn't worthwhile just because it comes naturally to you [00:21:20] Paying It Forward Through Leadership While still in corporate, managed a team using everything her mentor had taught her Most proud of the impact she had on people through leadership during that season Because of what she received, she was able to give it forward to others on their journeys [00:23:20] Final Word: Don't Put Yourself in a Box Went from accounting and finance to ghostwriting; most people take their gifts for granted It is never too late to follow your God-given talents Her whole business started with one small blog; it always starts with one step   KEY QUOTES "A book is a way that purpose-driven leaders are able to scale their impact. That's what fires me up. The ripple effects." - Jamie Dykstra "Don't put yourself in a box. Don't ever assume it's too late to follow your God-given talents and make the impact you want to make." - Jamie Dykstra CONNECT WITH JAMIE DYKSTRA 🌐 Website: https://www.jamiedykstra.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-dykstra   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    25 min

  5. Jun 2

    Forever Etched in Hip Hop History with Dr. Catrise Austin

    What if one celebrity client could permanently change the trajectory of your entire career? In this episode, Dr. Catrise Austin, celebrity dentist turned brand authority strategist, shares how a bold move at a New York restaurant in the 1990s launched a career that would land her in hip hop history. She introduced herself to Isaac Hayes over dinner, became his dentist, went to the Oscars and Grammys, got a publicist through a barter deal, and eventually transformed Cardi B's smile on national television. The Cardi B episode aired as a season premiere on Love and Hip Hop, the song Bodak Yellow went number one, and TMZ ran the story. Her business tripled overnight. What she built over 30 years wasn't just a celebrity dental practice. It was a masterclass in how relationships compound when you protect them the way most people protect money.   [00:04:20] What She Does and Who She Serves Brand authority strategist helping entrepreneurs become the go-to in their industries Uses the FAME Formula to help clients climb the authority ladder Works across dental, medical, corporate, and entrepreneurial spaces [00:05:20] How She Got Here Two years after dental school, moved to New York and started networking Hit comedy clubs in the 90s and befriended a young Kevin Hart and Tracy Morgan Comedians opened for music acts; she started meeting people in the music industry Realized she could be the dentist to the stars and started passing out flyers at celebrity hotspots [00:07:40] The Night That Started Everything: Isaac Hayes Walked up to Isaac Hayes at P. Diddy's restaurant and gave him her elevator pitch He had never seen a dentist like her; he invited her to sit down for dinner She left with his phone number and his promise to become her first celebrity client That one bold move launched her career as a celebrity dentist [00:11:00] What Isaac Did Next Sent his assistant to vet her office before committing Once convinced, put her in his entourage and took her to the Oscars and Grammys Introduced her to Denzel Washington's wife, who gave her a home phone number she was too scared to call Encouraged her to get a publicist; her mom had a card for Eddie Murphy's publicist Terri Williams [00:13:00] The Publicist Who Changed the Game: Renee Foster Terri Williams loved the story but charged $50,000 a month; she referred her to Renee Foster Renee didn't have a dentist; they bartered services In exchange for cleanings, Renee got her on the Today Show and Good Morning America That third-party visibility put her on the map in a way self-promotion never could [00:15:40] What Inspires Her: The Power of a Smile Had terrible teeth growing up; her mom sacrificed as a single parent to get her braces Wearing braces for a year changed her confidence completely and made her want to become a dentist Seeing a smile transformation and knowing firsthand how it feels is the greatest feeling in dentistry The smile is your business card, your mood ring, and the first thing people notice about you [00:19:20] The Relationship That Etched Her in History: Mona Scott-Young Music executive Mona Scott-Young managed P. Diddy, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and 50 Cent They bonded after receiving an award together; Mona sent her the biggest music acts of the era Each high-profile referral added credibility and trust with the general public Fast forward to 2016: Mona was producing Love and Hip Hop on VH1 [00:21:40] Cardi B and the Billboard Number One Cardi B joined Love and Hip Hop with a big personality but teeth she was constantly mocked for Because of her relationship with Mona, Dr. Austin got the call to do the smile makeover The transformation aired as the season premiere and Cardi later referenced it in Bodak Yellow The song hit number one on Billboard; TMZ ran the story and her business tripled overnight [00:25:40] How She Protects Relationship Capital People constantly ask her to introduce them to Cardi B; she never asks Cardi for anything Her rule: only make introductions that further the relationship with both parties She lost friends over refusing to make introductions; she has no regrets Treat clients like family; that is the foundation of everything she has built [00:31:20] Client Impact: Omarosa's Mother Omarosa insisted her New York dentist fly to California to do her mother's smile makeover for a Discovery Channel show Her mother's teeth needed significant work; Dr. Austin coordinated four additional dentists Any Beverly Hills dentist could have done it; Omarosa's loyalty to their relationship made it happen Giving someone's mother a confident smile was one of the greatest honors of her career [00:35:00] Final Word: Bring Back the Personal Touch Learned from Terri Williams's book The Personal Touch to go beyond digital communication Pick up the phone, write a personal note, send a postcard when traveling The small things nobody else is doing anymore are what make you stand out Honor your clients; treat them like family and they will never leave   KEY QUOTES "You don't have to be the best at what you do to get the opportunities. Sometimes it's the best known that gets all the opportunities." - Dr. Catrise Austin "I am so protective of the relationship I don't ask for anything. If I asked her for something, she would know this is a big deal, because I don't ask." - Dr. Catrise Austin CONNECT WITH DR. CATRISE AUSTIN Website: https://www.celebritybrandingusa.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-catrise-austin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celebritybrandingusa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCatriseAustin   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    39 min

  6. May 29

    The Value of One Right Relationship with Samyr Laine

    What if one person noticing something in you changed the entire trajectory of your life? In this episode, Samyr Laine, Haitian-American Olympian, attorney, and managing partner of Freedom Trail Capital, shares how a high school track coach who noticed a kid with leaping ability in gym class set off a chain of events that led to the Olympic Games, a call from the president of Haiti, boardrooms with Jay-Z and the NFL, and a venture fund investing at the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and influence. Samyr was user number 14 on Facebook, roommates with Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard, and has built one of the most unusual and compelling careers in venture capital. But none of it traces back to a famous name or a prestigious institution. It traces back to Coach Burks, who saw something and said something.   [00:06:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Managing partner of Freedom Trail Capital, a consumer-focused venture fund Invests at the intersection of culture, lifestyle, and influence Raising a $50 million first fund with investments across baby care, hair care, pet care, and beverages [00:07:40] What Inspires Him Driven by the pursuit of excellence in whatever role he is in Meets with founders even when he can't invest; every conversation teaches him something Reads nonfiction constantly to learn how others persevere Measures progress in bite-sized steps just like he did as an Olympic athlete [00:13:00] How He Got Here After Harvard, got a master's at UT Austin then attended Georgetown Law Competed professionally in track and field for 10 years including the 2012 London Olympics Represented Haiti at seven world championships and three Pan American Games Started his real career as legal counsel in DC before moving into sports business [00:14:00] From Sports Law to Roc Nation Started his real career as legal counsel for the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics Was happy in sports law when a recruiter called with an offer he couldn't refuse Jay-Z was looking for someone to handle operations at Roc Nation Left the sports world for a completely new chapter as an operator [00:15:40] From Roc Nation to Westbrook Left Roc Nation after a couple of years and joined Westbrook Inc as SVP of Operations Helped oversee Will and Jada Pinkett Smith's entire media and production enterprise Moved to lead their consumer product division covering brands, licensing, and IP monetization Worked with talent ranging from Pelé and Patrick Mahomes to DJ Jazzy Jeff [00:19:40] The Vision for Freedom Trail Capital Goal is to move from fund one to fund two to fund three Wants to be the tip of the spear for culturally relevant consumer brands Mission is to prove talent-backed businesses work when paired with discipline and rigor Model: find scalable, defensible businesses then add the right person of influence [00:23:40] The First Relationship That Changed Everything: Coach Burks Got cut from his track team in eighth grade; came back junior year to find a new coach Coach Burks noticed his leaping ability in gym class and introduced him to the triple jump Had no idea what the triple jump was; just wanted to be a sprinter That one introduction led him to the 2012 London Olympics and seven world championships [00:25:40] The Second Relationship: Desiree Perez of Roc Nation Working under Desiree shaped the pace, discipline, and operating style he carries today She put him in boardrooms with Facundo Bacardi and Roger Goodell of the NFL Was in the early rooms when Roc Nation partnered with the NFL on Super Bowl halftime entertainment The people he met in her orbit opened doors he could never have reached on his own [00:27:40] What Coach Burks's Introduction Made Possible Chose to represent Haiti at the Olympics; the Haitian team had six athletes, the US had nearly 600 After qualifying for the finals, received a personal call from the president of Haiti Town squares across Haiti filled with thousands watching the Olympic triple jump final He now sits on the board of a school and orphanage in Haiti; it all started with one introduction [00:33:00] The Value of One Right Relationship One right relationship can pay dividends for decades in ways you never expected His introduction to the triple jump led to the Olympics, which still opens doors today Every stop was about gaining skills and being more useful at the next one One introduction can be worth as much as a check   KEY QUOTES "Your network and your relationships, man, it cannot be overstated how valuable it is." - Samyr Laine "The value of one right relationship. Sometimes it's gotta be at the right time. But the value of one right relationship is tremendous." - Samyr Laine CONNECT WITH SAMYR LAINE Website: https://www.freedomtrail.capital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samyrlaine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samyrlaine   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    35 min

  7. May 26

    The Day I Realized I Was My Client's Biggest Problem with Guy Legare

    What if the most important shift you could make as a leader isn't learning more, but learning to hear what's already being said? In this episode, Guy Legare, clinical psychologist, executive leadership coach at Inperium, and lifelong student of listening, shares one of the most quietly powerful stories you will ever hear on this podcast. It begins in 1990 in New Brunswick, Canada, with a man named James who had been admitted to a psychiatric facility 43 times in 25 years, and ends with a breakfast conversation about Kentucky Fried Chicken that changed the entire direction of Guy's career. Guy has spent 45 years obsessed with one question: how do I recognize the impact I am having on people so I can change it as quickly as possible? From a chance encounter with psychologist Herb Lovett, to a four-day conversation with a woman named Beth who became his soul sister, to 22 years of partnership with Ryan Dewey Smith at Inperium, every pivotal moment in Guy's life has come through a relationship he couldn't have planned.   [00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Executive Director of Person Driven Clinical Solutions, retiring at the end of June 2026 Executive Leadership Coach at Inperium for 22 years Dedicated 45 years to helping organizations build cultures of feedback and listening [00:06:00] How He Got Here Dreamed of becoming a chemist; dropped out when it turned out to be boring Found a job supporting people with physical disabilities in Quebec City Watched a psychologist reframe situations in a way that stopped everyone cold Went back to school, became a psychologist, and never looked back [00:10:40] James and the 3AM Epiphany In 1990 was working with James, a man with 43 psychiatric admissions in 25 years After six months, James was getting more frustrated; the team assumed he was getting sick again Woke up at 3AM and realized the team might be the problem, not James Showed up unannounced at 8AM and asked James if their efforts had been frustrating him [00:15:40] "That Took You Long Enough to Figure It Out" James leaned back, smiled, and said exactly that after six months of 70 to 90 hour weeks His requests were simple, human, and completely outside the clinical framework The frustration disappeared the moment they followed what James was actually asking for [00:16:00] What Six Months of 90-Hour Weeks Actually Taught Him Was working 70 to 90 hours a week; none of it was landing the way he thought His belief that he was helping made it impossible to see that he wasn't The same pattern repeated with 10 or 11 other people; the lesson became undeniable [00:20:20] James's Two Requests He didn't want the crisis line; calling it meant police, the ER, and months in a facility He wanted Bob, a familiar face who could remind him they had been through it before The psychiatric facility was closing; Bob could move into the community and keep doing the work he loved [00:25:00] What Changed When They Finally Listened The minute the team followed what James was asking for, the frustration stopped He was still struggling with voices; what disappeared was his frustration with the helpers Admissions got shorter and further apart; he stopped losing his apartment every time [00:27:00] The Lesson That Never Left No matter how certain you feel, check with the person you are trying to help Helpers must systematically verify their impact; it is now an evidence-based practice If someone tells you that you missed something, that feedback is a gift [00:28:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Herb Lovett Met Herb at a two-day training in New Brunswick in the early 1990s Herb said: "The day I realized I was my client's biggest problem, they all started to do better" That sentence has guided Guy's work for 45 years Herb introduced him to Dr. Beth Bero in Pennsylvania, which changed everything again [00:29:00] The Soul Sister: Dr. Beth Bero Met Beth through Herb; described it as meeting a long-lost soul sister They talked nonstop for four days about the work they were both passionate about Everything Guy knows about conflict, group work, and team dynamics came from her A one-year contract became two, then three; he met his wife and never left Pennsylvania [00:33:20] The Thunderbird Framework at Inperium Uses a leadership framework inspired by the USAF Thunderbirds The Thunderbirds fly within one inch of each other and debrief after every show without rank Applying the same principle at Inperium: honest, rank-free debriefing to identify and correct drift The goal is not blame; it is to keep inching closer to where the team needs to be [00:35:40] Inperium's Vision and Guy's Role Going Forward Inperium has grown from 8 organizations in one state to nearly 30 across 21 states Guy articulates and practices the leadership framework across the full network Runs the Inperium Leadership Series to build trust and alignment across affiliates Everything the executive team learns is designed to be adapted by affiliate CEOs too   KEY QUOTES "The day I realized as a psychologist I was my client's biggest problem, they all started to do a whole lot better." - Herb Lovett, as shared by Guy Legare "If someone tells you that you missed something, the feedback they're giving me is a gift." - Guy Legare CONNECT WITH GUY LEGARE Website: https://www.inperium.org Leadership Profile: https://www.inperium.org/leadership/guy-legare LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guy-legare-3aa1b437   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    46 min

  8. May 22

    The Referral That Opened Every Door with Nas Vou

    What if one person putting their neck out for you was all it took to change the entire trajectory of your life? In this episode, Nas Vou, founder of Do It Digital and host of CEO Insights, shares how a journey that started at McDonald's at age 14 led him from chronic illness and corporate sales in Australia to running a growth-focused digital agency from the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Along the way, one man at Coca-Cola put his reputation on the line for a young, ambitious kid without a degree, and nothing was ever the same after that. Nas didn't get the role he applied for at first. He got the one below it. Then he got the one he originally wanted. Then he built a career on the back of what that one referral made possible. Today he helps B2B companies sign clients using high-converting funnels and outbound strategies, and he still sends thank-you messages to the man who made it all possible.   [00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Founder of Do It Digital, helping B2B companies sign clients Specializes in outbound strategies, sales funnels, and lead generation Hosts CEO Insights podcast on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple [00:05:00] From McDonald's to the Mediterranean Started working at 14; wanted his own money and his own destiny Got sick with glandular fever and chronic fatigue early in his career Cut his teeth in sales; discovered he was naturally wired for people Spent the last eight years transitioning from coaching into agency work [00:07:00] Client Impact: From Website to Strategic Partner Started with a single website project for a consultant Client kept giving more projects as trust grew They became full strategic partners, serving the client's own clients A transactional project turned into a friendship, a partnership, and a network [00:10:20] Why Referrals Should Never Lead with Commission Leading with "send me referrals and I'll pay you" is the wrong message Referrals work because you want to deepen the relationship, not make money Your reputation travels with every person you refer Only refer people whose character and competence you can stand behind [00:13:40] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Ashon Cohen Was 19 with no degree when he asked Ashon, a Coca-Cola rep, to help him get an interview Ashon put his name and reputation on the line to get Nas in the door Nas got the role and bought a house at 22 He credits that one referral for the entire trajectory that followed [00:17:00] What That Referral Made Possible Coca-Cola gave him world-class sales training and professional development That career momentum opened doors that would have taken years otherwise He still messages Ashon on LinkedIn to say thank you His belief: sometimes all you need is one person to give you a chance [00:21:40] When the Student Is Ready Serendipity in relationships happens when you are ready to receive it Trust of character plus trust of competence equals zero friction People who have been in the right rooms think about relationships differently Values alignment is what makes connections last across distance and time [00:26:00] One 26-Minute Conversation, Four Incredible People Had Craig Ballantyne on his podcast; one conversation led to four connections Kevin was the fourth or fifth person to come from that single introduction Geography stopped mattering once shared values were in place Podcasts and communities are how you scale one-to-one relationship building [00:29:00] Closing Thought: Deepen What You Already Have Ask yourself: how can you deepen the relationships you already have? Moving countries showed him how quickly you can lose the networks you relied on Consistent conversations keep connections alive across distance and time   KEY QUOTES "Trust of character and trust of competence. When those two trusts are there, there's zero friction and things can just flow." - Nas Vou "Without people, nothing really matters. As long as humans are around, people will always need people." - Nas Vou CONNECT WITH NAS VOU Website: https://www.doitdigital.agency LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasvou Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nas.vou   Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

    31 min
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About

Have you ever been introduced to a person that completely changed the course of your business or your life… so much so, that much of what you have today wouldn't be possible, if not for this person? Each week on The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast, your host Kevin Thompson interviews successful entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs as they share their personal stories and experience around this very question. Your invitation is to have a seat at the head of the table as they honor and introduce you to the most valuable people in their lives and remind us that relationship capital is the most valuable asset we possess. Each week you'll be inspired and motivated to intentionally create more meaningful, rewarding and profitable relationships in your life so that together we can make a far bigger impact in this world.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Thompson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    395
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Million Dollar Relationships