Emotional intelligence shapes how top performers lead and sell. Chuck Karvelas , longtime L&D professional in the therapeutics industry, breaks down how neuroscience, empathy, and behavior change drive better outcomes in the life sciences space. With a background in theater and a passion for human connection, Chuck shares how slowing down and listening can shift entire sales conversations. Listeners will take away practical ways to build trust faster, lead with curiosity, and reframe resista...
Jun 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 115
Resilience sets the foundation for meaningful growth in modern sales. Brett Shively, CEO of Integrity Solutions, shares how a people-first mindset, repeatable systems, and core values drive long-term success. With decades of experience in the learning and development space, Brett reflects on what it really means to lead with character and purpose through shifting markets and business uncertainty. Listeners will hear how behavioral awareness, thoughtful process, and a focus on relationships trans...
May 29, 2025•25 min•Ep. 114
Performance starts with the foundations, and high performers never lose sight of what got them there. Derek Roberts, President of Roberts Business Group is back with Mental Selling host Hayley Parr to discuss what really drives sales teams to hit their potential. Derek shares stories from his decades in sales leadership, explains why selling is a noble profession, and uncovers the habits and disciplines that separate the best from the rest. Along the way, Derek discusses the qualities of success...
May 15, 2025•38 min•Ep. 113
Courage is key to shaping the future of sales and leadership. Duncan Taylor, COO and SVP of the Washington Bankers Association, reveals how attributes such as bravery, ethics, and understanding drive success in evolving industries. With a career that ranges from technology startups to nonprofit work, Duncan offers a refreshing take on developing talent and building effective leaders. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of hiring and retention, the balance between innovation and compl...
May 01, 2025•33 min•Ep. 112
Selling with integrity is how lasting relationships are truly built. Mike O’Brien, EVP of Sales at Integrity Solutions, shares how values like trust, honesty, and curiosity shape the way great sellers show up for their clients. With a background that spans marketing, product, and sales leadership, Mike brings a unique perspective on what it really means to be an advocate for the buyer. You’ll also hear Mike break down why coaching matters, how to lead under pressure, and what sales teams often o...
Apr 17, 2025•24 min•Ep. 111
It’s a new chapter for Mental Selling. Hayley Parr, Head of Marketing at Integrity Solutions, steps in as the new host, bringing a marketer’s perspective to sales. While she’s never carried a quota, she knows that great sales and marketing go hand in hand—and she’s here to listen, learn, and lead meaningful conversations. The essence of the show isn’t changing. This is still your go-to destination for sales insights and expertise, and Hayley is excited to learn from sales leaders and hear real s...
Apr 03, 2025•7 min•Ep. 110
In sales, there exists a set of special habits that can turn an ordinary seller into a sales unicorn, someone who stands out and excels beyond expectations. These habits aren't magic spells or superpowers; they're simple practices anyone can adopt and master with dedication and effort. In this conversation, William Vanderbloemen, author, CEO and Founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, discusses the importance of mastering these 12 unicorn habits for sales excellence. He shares personal anecdotes ...
Mar 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 109
Salespeople face a multitude of challenges including burnout or understanding their why, all of which can hinder personal growth. Because of this, it’s crucial to cultivate resilience, clarify roles, and foster open dialogue to combat these issues and enhance overall well-being. Jaclynn Robinson, Executive Coach and Senior Workplace Consultant, assists clients who seek to improve performance and business outcomes through sociocultural drivers. Her focal points at Gallup are in Strengths-Based de...
Mar 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 108
Scott Ingram is a sales expert and podcast host who has interviewed top performers in the industry to uncover the secrets to their success. He is passionate about helping salespeople understand the importance of mindset, belief, and productivity in achieving success. Better said, he helps salespeople unlock their superpower. In this episode, Scott reveals how top sales performers achieve high performance through self-belief, productivity, and customer knowledge. He challenges the lazy management...
Feb 20, 2025•50 min•Ep. 107
In sales, the right culture can make or break your results. Bob Kelly, Chairman of the Sales Management Association, discusses why a thriving sales culture is essential for success. He explains how ethical practices, transparency, and a commitment to continuous learning shape the foundation of high-performing teams. In this episode, Bob also highlights the critical role that sales managers play in nurturing a positive culture, attracting top talent, and ensuring that every team member feels valu...
Feb 06, 2025•44 min•Ep. 106
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth, but how do you create an environment where it becomes part of the culture? In this episode, Dan Greene, Chief Revenue Officer at Radical Candor, shares how feedback shaped his journey from flying planes in the Navy to leading high-performing sales teams at Google. He breaks down the strategies for making feedback more actionable, from real-time debriefs to fostering a collaborative approach where rank doesn’t overshadow learning. He also discusses how lead...
Jan 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 105
Success in sales isn’t just about hitting numbers. It’s about creating deeper connections, building trust, and fostering a culture that drives long-term success. In this episode, Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer at The Kevin Eikenberry Group and author of upcoming book Flexible Leadership: Navigating Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence, joins Mental Selling for a special 100th episode to share lessons from his 30 years of leadership expertise. Discover how to shape a sales culture that...
Jan 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 104
Sales is more than just closing deals. It’s about the journey, the connections made, and the lessons learned along the way. In this special year-end episode, host Will Milano looks back at the most impactful conversations of 2024 on Mental Selling, highlighting the episodes and ideas that shaped a year of growth and discovery. From uncovering the power of purpose-driven selling to navigating workplace conflict and fostering authentic relationships, this reflection brings together the strategies ...
Dec 26, 2024•17 min•Ep. 103
Sales is an unpredictable profession, but success comes from focusing on what you can control. In this episode, Elizabeth Lotardo, VP of Client Services at McLeod & More, Inc., shares insights from her latest book, Leading Yourself. She provides a guide for how sales professionals can navigate ambitious targets, manage challenging workplace dynamics, and handle imperfect bosses. Elizabeth also explains how sellers can take charge of their careers by demonstrating initiative and intentionalit...
Dec 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 102
People don’t buy from brands they don’t trust. So how can you build the trust that drives sales? David Horsager, CEO of the Trust Edge Leadership Institute, shares why trust is the ultimate driver of sales success. With insights from his book Trust Matters More Than Ever, David explains the eight pillars of trust and how to build it at every touchpoint. In this episode, you’ll hear how to avoid the common mistakes that break trust and practical tips about genuinely connecting with your team and ...
Nov 28, 2024•29 min•Ep. 101
LinkedIn has evolved beyond being just a digital resume for job hunting. It’s now a powerful tool for building your personal brand. Natasha Walstra, Founder and CEO of NearPoint Strategies, shares how sales professionals can leverage online platforms to build trust, connect with prospects, and increase sales. She shares her own journey, from struggling as an introverted salesperson to becoming a credible thought leader in her industry by building a strong online presence. In this episode, you’ll...
Nov 14, 2024•34 min•Ep. 100
How can sellers stay relevant in this digital age? Shama Hyder, Founder and CEO of Zen Media, shares the behaviors of modern buyers and how sellers can adapt. Since 95% of potential clients aren’t actively ready to buy, staying top-of-mind is more important than ever. Shama shares strategies for building a personal brand and fostering trust through consistent, value-driven engagement. Sellers might be tempted to use tactics that offer quick wins, but Shama believes every effort should focus on b...
Oct 31, 2024•31 min•Ep. 99
All high-performing sales teams have one thing in common—conflict. When handled thoughtfully, conflict can actually strengthen teams and drive success. Darcy Luoma, CEO of Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, discusses the key elements that set thriving sales teams apart. It’s important to clearly define roles and responsibilities, allowing team members to contribute meaningfully according to their unique expertise. Understanding team dynamics is crucial to achieving this, and that’s where coa...
Oct 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 98
Sales is rapidly changing as younger buyers and larger, more complex buying committees become the norm. In this episode, Matt Heinz, Founder and President of Heinz Marketing, explains how the growing influence of millennial and Gen Z decision-makers is driving sales teams to change their communication styles. Despite these shifts, foundational skills like proactive outreach and early engagement remain essential for sales success, regardless of the target audience. Matt also talks about how cruci...
Oct 03, 2024•36 min•Ep. 97
What’s the future of sales? Many say there’s never been a better time to be in Sales. But how is it evolving as a profession, and what will its future hold? Meet Alexine Mudawar, CEO of Women in Sales and a powerhouse in sales leadership and community support. In this episode, Alexine joins host Will Milano to discuss the challenges of enterprise sales and the importance of trust. They discuss the need for a more extensive, well-managed pipeline, critical sales metrics, and strategies for allevi...
Sep 19, 2024•38 min•Ep. 96
A thriving workplace culture is the secret behind every successful sales organization. And that starts with connection. It's not just about achieving task excellence but also building relationships within your team. Yet, many sales leaders overlook this, leading to a disconnected workforce. Michael Stallard is here to guide us through this topic. As a keynote speaker, executive coach, and author, Michael has dedicated his career to understanding the impact of connection on workplace performance....
Sep 05, 2024•33 min•Ep. 95
Navigating conflict with clients or colleagues can feel like a relentless challenge. In the high-stakes world of sales and leadership, mastering conflict management isn't just a skill—it's the game-changer that can elevate your success and deepen your relationships. In this episode, Liane Davey, an organizational psychologist and acclaimed author, joins us to reveal strategies to turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation. She shares how understanding the roles and prioritie...
Aug 22, 2024•40 min•Ep. 94
Stress isn't just a career hazard for salespeople—it's a silent performance killer. According to research, over 70% of sellers struggle with their mental health. Jeff Riseley, the founder of Sales Health Alliance, talks in-depth about the data and what professionals and managers can do to address this mental health crisis in sales. As a coach, Jeff has mentored thousands of sellers and leaders on how to succeed in sales without sacrificing their well-being. In this episode, Jeff shares actionabl...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min•Ep. 93
Understanding the broader customer journey and the impact of customer feedback can make all the difference in sales. Annette Franz, founder and CEO of CX Journey Inc., is a thought leader in customer experience, empowering organizations to embrace a customer-centric approach. In this episode, Annette shares the transformational power of customer feedback, the significance of value alignment, and the pivotal role sales teams play in delivering exceptional customer experiences. Annette and host Wi...
Jul 25, 2024•33 min•Ep. 92
What separates high performers from average salespeople? The answer is preparation. Paul M. Caffrey, co-author of The Work Before the Work, discusses how deliberate preparation can elevate sales performance. Elite sales professionals always put their clients first, providing them with value every step of the way. Paul encourages salespeople to be intentional not just with outreach but in building their sales pipeline. Being deliberate about who you approach and how you talk to prospects will mak...
Jul 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 91
Sales continues to evolve rapidly, but the one constant is that meaningful customer relationships lead to long-term success. To build genuine connections, sales professionals must establish trust, rapport and credibility—and Doug Dvorak is here to show us how to do just that. Doug Dvorak is not your average sales expert – he's the founder of the Sales Coaching Institute, a seasoned professional in sales, digital marketing, and motivation, and a master at solving big business problems. His insigh...
Jun 27, 2024•38 min•Ep. 90
Sales is a fascinating blend of art and science, combining human relationships with the right technology to foster and develop connections. It requires discipline, process, motivation, and resilience. In today's dynamic sales landscape, succeeding authentically demands a delicate balance between these elements. In this conversation Paul Fuller, Chief Revenue Officer with Membrain, talks about the importance of sales being a blend of art and science and emphasizes that successful salespeople prio...
Jun 13, 2024•34 min•Ep. 89
Technology often takes center stage in today’s world, and it's important to remember the human connection in sales. We need to find a balance between providing information and understanding our customers' needs because knowing is better than telling. By listening to our customers and truly understanding their needs, we can provide better solutions and build stronger relationships. In this episode, John Crowder emphasizes the concept of listening to understand in sales, building trust with custom...
May 30, 2024•34 min•Ep. 88
Confidence is the fuel that drives success in sales. It's the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary interactions into extraordinary opportunities, helping sales professionals steadily progress in the face of challenges and setbacks. In this conversation, Meshell Baker discusses the fundamental principles of successful selling, including clarity in purpose, overcoming challenges, and connecting with customers. She elaborates on the concept of authentic selling, highlighting the significance ...
May 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 87
Referrals are like golden tickets in the world of sales. They open doors to opportunities, build bridges of trust, and pave the way for lasting connections. However, many sales professionals fail to realize the full potential of referrals due to various misconceptions and challenges. Joanne Black, founder of No More Cold Calling, joins this episode to discuss the critical importance and value of referral selling in sales prospecting. She talks about how many salespeople struggle with asking for ...
May 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 86
