What if your success didn’t just depend on what you do—but on how you work with people? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier, author of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to uncover how the quality of our working relationships is the true game-changer in business. Whether you’re trying to repair a tricky client dynamic or elevate a good one into something exceptional, this conversation is packed with mindset shifts, practical frameworks, and one incredibly simple but powerful tool: the Keystone Conversation.

We dive deep into how to create a Best Possible Relationship (BPR)—and why safe, vital, and repairable relationships are the secret sauce for long-term client retention, team morale, and professional fulfillment. Michael shares the five questions you can ask to build stronger foundations with clients (and colleagues), plus how to model bravery, curiosity, and generosity in ways that truly set you apart. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more intentionality and impact into the way you collaborate, this is the episode to hit play on.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• How one simple mindset shift can change the way you lead every client call

• Why safety is essential—but not enough—for meaningful collaboration

• The three hidden traits that define every Best Possible Relationship

• How to become “easy to work with” in a way that builds unshakable trust

• What a Keystone Conversation is—and why it’s your secret client-retention weapon

• Five powerful questions that unlock better communication and mutual respect

• What to do when a relationship goes sideways—and how to repair it with confidence

• Why modeling curiosity (instead of advice-giving) is a powerful differentiator

If this conversation sparked something in you, now’s the time to take action. Think of one relationship that could use a reset—or a boost—and try just one of the questions Michael shared today. You’ll be amazed at what opens up. And if you want the full roadmap, grab a copy of How to Work with (Almost) Anyone and visit bestpossiblerelationship.com for bonus resources, free downloads, and a video example of the Keystone Conversation in action. Let’s start working better—one conversation at a time.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

How to Work with Almost Anyone

Best Possible Relationship Toolkit

Have you ever wondered why asking for what you want can feel so awkward—and why people say yes more often than we think? In this episode, I dive deep with Dr. Vanessa Bohns, an organizational behavior expert from Cornell University and the author of You Have More Influence Than You Think. Together, we unpack why influence is so much more than persuasion—and why it’s less about manipulation and more about authentic, everyday impact.

We explore the psychological biases that make us underestimate our influence, the surprising power of simply asking face-to-face, and the crucial difference between perspective-taking and perspective-getting. Whether you’re a leader, a business developer, or simply looking to grow your positive influence, this conversation is packed with insights on building trust, making confident asks, and empowering others while avoiding the “ick” factor.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• 3:05 — Why putting “positive” in front of influence might matter more than you think

• 6:45 — The 100-year legacy of How to Win Friends and Influence People and why it’s still relevant today

• 10:15 — Why “just ask” works and how face-to-face requests get 34x more yeses than emails

• 19:00 — How small, spontaneous asks can build authentic connections and why overthinking can kill momentum

• 25:20 — The hidden power of stating what you want and why it’s essential in building relationships

• 29:00 — The difference between perspective-taking and perspective-getting

• 38:00 — Why direct asks often outperform polished presentations and how to practice this skill

• 44:00 — How seeing, feeling, and experiencing influence can make you a more confident and effective leader

If you loved this conversation with Vanessa Bohns, share the episode with a friend or colleague who could use a confidence boost—and don’t forget to subscribe for more actionable insights on mastering the art of positive influence!

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Connect with Vanessa

Get a copy of Vanessa’s book, You Have More Influence Than You Think

What happens when an elite financial advisory firm embraces a "give to grow" mindset instead of the traditional hard-sell approach? In this episode, I sit down with Cannon Carr, CEO of CornerCap, to explore exactly that. Cannon takes us behind the scenes of how his expert-led team has used authenticity, generosity, and tailored business development strategies to drive remarkable growth—without ever feeling like they're "selling."

We dig into how Cannon transformed his mindset, reshaped his firm's culture, and practically applied the GrowBIG and Give to Grow systems to reach entrepreneurs and small business owners on a meaningful level. From shifting away from “always be closing” to developing a truly integrated marketing strategy that leads with value, Cannon shares actionable insights you can apply today—whether you’re an advisor, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur. This conversation is loaded with real talk, tested tactics, and a refreshing take on sustainable business development.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The powerful mindset shift that helped Cannon grow without “selling”

• How giving more can lead to deeper relationships—and more revenue

• The biggest mistakes experts make when trying to grow their business

• How Cannon and his team created a seamless strategy from marketing to client conversations

• Ways to scale trust and credibility through content, without feeling salesy

• A sneak peek into the systems that helped transform an expert firm into a growth engine

• How to help others grow… and grow yourself in the process

• One simple tip Cannon says anyone can apply today to start seeing better results
  
  

Tune in now to learn how a values-first, give-to-grow approach can help you stand out in a crowded market—while building a business you’re proud of. This isn’t theory—it’s a tactical, inside look at what’s working right now from someone who’s lived it.