What actually happens when generosity, influence, and habits collide in your business development work? That's the question I dive into in this second conversation with my friend Todd Sattersten, publisher of Bard Press and author of The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. We pick up exactly where Part One left off, right at the intersection of relationships, vulnerability, and connecting with others in a way that actually moves your work forward. From the surprising science behind why "givers" rise to the top (and sometimes sink to the bottom), to the behind-the-scenes mechanics of hospitality and how we make people feel in every interaction, this episode pushes far past surface-level tactics.

In this conversation, I explore the nuance in generosity, the structures behind positive influence, and six books that can fundamentally reshape how you implement, focus, and stay consistent. We dig into the practical edges of reciprocity, the real reason some professionals burn out while others thrive, and why habits ultimately drive identity and long-term success. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to glide forward with clarity while others stall out, this episode reveals the less obvious patterns hiding underneath.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The subtle mistake that drains value from your "help" without you realizing it

• How hospitality reshapes the way clients experience your work

• The six psychological levers that quietly shape every business interaction

• A habit-building framework that works even when motivation doesn't

• How to create focus in a world that constantly tries to distract you

• The identity-level shift that fuels long-term growth

• The surprising reason goals alone can actually limit your success

If you want to deepen your relationships, sharpen your focus, and build the habits that fuel long-term success, this is an episode you'll want to sit with, not just listen to once.

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!

Bard Press

100 Best Books for Work and Life

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and publisher, Todd Sattersten to unpack his brand-new book The 100 Best Books for Work & Life. After spending thousands of hours studying the world's top ideas, Todd distilled them into three massive themes: the core beliefs that shape how we grow, the foundational skills we all need, and the proven strategies for implementation. Together, we explore why purpose matters more than you think, why progress—not perfection—is what keeps us motivated, and how the strongest relationships (both personal and professional) can radically improve your success. We also break down lessons from books on goals, growth, habits, vulnerability, and the surprising science behind becoming your best self.

This conversation skims across decades of research, the best thinkers in the world, and hundreds of lessons that can transform your trajectory. If you've ever wondered what to prioritize, where to focus, or how to build a career and life you actually love, you'll hear ideas you can implement today—along with the stories, examples, and science that make them stick.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising way Todd chose the "100 best" books—and why categories came after the insights

• The core belief every high performer needs before any real growth can happen

• A mindset shift from one of the world's most famous researchers that proves anyone can improve

• The daily and weekly habits scientifically shown to increase happiness, productivity, and clarity

• Why three layers of your social network influence you far more than you realize

• The uncomfortable—but essential—truth Brene Brown uncovered about connection and professional success

• A story of how following intuitive energy (instead of logic) can redirect an entire career

• The one type of progress that dramatically increases motivation—and how to track it in under 15 minutes

If this episode sparks something in you—an idea, a curiosity, or even the sense that it's time for a shift—I'd love for you to dive into Part 2 where we continue the conversation with generosity, influence, habits, and implementation. And if Todd's insights resonated, check out The 100 Best Books for Work & Life and start building your own roadmap for growth. Your next breakthrough might be waiting in the pages of a single book—or a single idea you hear today.

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!

Bard Press

100 Best Books for Work and Life: What They Say, Why They Matter, and How They Can Help You

What if the very doubts you're trying to silence are actually helping you become more confident? In this episode, I sit down with Kelli Thompson, leadership coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, to unpack the truth about confidence — why it's not about never feeling fear, and how curiosity and self-compassion are your biggest power moves. We explore the "But First" mindset that keeps you stuck, the cost of expensive thoughts, and the powerful shift that happens when you start listening to your body's wisdom, not just your head.

Kelli and I dive into real, actionable frameworks for building confidence that sticks — whether you're preparing for a big promotion, leading a team, or simply trying to stop second-guessing yourself. Her tools are practical, evidence-based, and surprisingly heart-centered. If you've ever wondered how to feel confident before you've "earned" it, this conversation will change the way you see yourself and your leadership potential.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising difference between confidence and cockiness — and how curiosity bridges the gap

• Why your "But Firsts" are secretly sabotaging your success

• How to turn expensive thoughts into valuable ones that propel your growth

• Why compassion (not criticism) is the key to lasting confidence

• The 4-part "LESS" model for doing less while achieving more

• How to make smarter decisions using your head, heart, and gut together

• Simple daily practices to build self-trust and resilience

• What your body is trying to tell you — and how to actually listen

If you've ever doubted your readiness, your worth, or your next big move, this episode will remind you that confidence isn't something you wait for — it's something you create through action, awareness, and self-compassion. Listen in, take notes, and don't forget to check out Kelli's book Closing the Confidence Gap for even more powerful tools to boost your peace, potential, and paycheck.

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!

Purchase Kelli's Book, Closing the Confidence Gap

Visit Kelli's Website

Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how to intentionally shape your personal brand—without feeling fake or "salesy"? In this episode, I sit down with Lorraine K. Lee, LinkedIn Top Voice and author of Unforgettable Presence, to talk about what it really means to build a brand that reflects who you are, how you work, and what you stand for. We dig into why your brand is your reputation, how to stop leaving it up to chance, and the mindset shift that can help you move from being overlooked to being unforgettable.

Lorraine breaks down her EPIC framework—Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community—and shares practical steps to put it into action. From learning to talk about your accomplishments without bragging to crafting a unique and powerful introduction that actually makes people remember you, this conversation is full of tangible takeaways you can use right away. Whether you're looking to stand out inside your organization or build your thought leadership online, you'll walk away with tools to show up more confidently and intentionally everywhere you go.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The mindset shift that transforms "personal branding" from cringe to confidence

• Why your reputation is your real brand—and how to take control of it

• How to use the EPIC framework to define what makes you stand out

• Simple language swaps to sound more confident in any conversation

• How to talk about your wins without feeling like you're bragging

• The secret to a "Unique and Powerful Introduction" that people remember

• How to make your online and offline presence consistent and intentional

• Why your community is your biggest amplifier (and how to nurture it)

Tune in to learn how to shape your personal brand with authenticity, clarity, and confidence. And don't forget to connect with Lorraine on LinkedIn and grab her book Unforgettable Presence for even more practical tips to help you stand out in the best way possible.

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!

Follow Lorraine on LinkedIn

Visit Lorraine's Website

Purchase Lorraine's Book

What makes someone truly care about their work, their team, or even you? In this episode, I sit down with Zach Mercurio, one of the world's leading experts on the science of "mattering." We unpack why nothing can truly matter to someone unless they first feel that they matter to you — and how that insight can transform relationships, leadership, and client trust. Zach shares fascinating research, relatable stories, and practical scripts for showing others that they're seen, heard, and valued in both professional and personal settings.

We dig deep into the "why" behind mattering and move into the "how" with clear, repeatable steps you can use to create more meaningful connections in every interaction. From client relationships to internal teams, you'll walk away with concrete ways to build trust, loyalty, and genuine engagement that scales.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why being a "good person" isn't enough to make people feel cared for

• The three key practices of mattering — noticing, affirming, and needing

• How small interactions shape trust and loyalty more than big gestures

• Practical questions that make others feel seen and heard instantly

• Why documenting details can help you build stronger relationships at scale

• How to give feedback that inspires change instead of resistance

• The psychology behind making people feel indispensable

• How "co-creating" with clients or colleagues increases buy-in and results

If you're ready to level up your relational skills and make every connection count, don't miss this one. Zach's frameworks are simple, science-backed, and deeply human — and they'll change the way you lead, sell, and communicate. Check out his book The Power of Mattering and visit thepowerofmattering.com for free self-assessments and templates. Then tune in and start practicing the small moments that make the biggest difference.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Zach on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachmercurio/

Visit Zach's Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/the-power-of-mattering/

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What really makes a strategy work—and why do so many professional services firms get it wrong? In this conversation with Alastair Beddow of Meridian West, we dig deep into how service-based companies can craft and implement strategies that actually stick. We explore what strategy is (and isn't), the role of evidence and data in decision-making, and why buy-in across the firm is non-negotiable if you want to move from vision to execution.

I share stories and insights from my own experience alongside Alastair's expertise, and together we unpack the pitfalls of treating strategy as a static PowerPoint document rather than a living, breathing process. If you've ever wondered how to align your people, your clients, and your resources in a way that fuels sustainable growth, this episode is for you.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why most strategies fail before they even begin

• The surprising role of "saying no" in fueling growth

• How the "triangle" of firm, clients, and people drives every strategic choice

• What professional services can learn from private equity's approach to growth

• How to navigate the emotional challenge of pulling back from long-time clients

• Why short-term wins matter for long-term strategy execution

• A framework to ensure your strategy doesn't just sit in a drawer

If you're ready to think differently about how strategy is created, communicated, and lived out inside your firm, this episode will give you practical tools and a fresh perspective. Tune in, take notes, and start putting these ideas into practice today—because the best strategy isn't just written, it's implemented.

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for Bunnell Idea Group's free AI Business Development tool, GrowBIG AI: growbig.ai

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 Alastair's: abeddow@meridianwest.co.uk

Alastair's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-beddow-43a20724/

Meridian West's website: https://meridianwest.co.uk/

How do you know when your community is fueling your growth or when it's quietly working against you? In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hamilton, author of The Growth Dilemma, to unpack the hidden dynamics of communities and client segments. Ryan shares fascinating research and real-world stories that reveal why growth isn't just about gaining more customers. It's about managing the relationships between them. We explore how brands can scale in a way that sparks connection, avoids conflict, and builds exponential value.

From Nike to Carhartt to professional services firms, we dig into the practical and sometimes surprising lessons leaders can apply across industries. We also discuss the four relationship types that exist within every client base and why recognizing them can make or break your growth strategy. If you've ever wondered why some communities thrive while others implode, this conversation will give you the insight (and the courage) to approach growth differently.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why traditional customer growth strategies leave hidden risks on the table

• How separate vs. connected communities can completely change your outcomes

• The one factor that turns leaders into magnets for followers (and what happens when you lose it)

• Why not every client mix is healthy and the danger of drifting into incompatibility

• A surprising "matrix" tool that helps you map out community dynamics

• How small, intentional moves can unlock exponential connections

• The unseen ways conflicts inside a community can erode your brand

• What brands like Nike, Carhartt, and Supreme teach us about scaling without losing credibility

Ready to rethink growth? Tune in now and discover how to identify the communities you're really building and how to align them for long-term success. And if you found value in this conversation, don't forget to share the episode and leave a review so more people can discover the insights inside The Growth Dilemma.

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 Ryan on LinkedIn

Connect with Annie on LinkedIn

What does it really mean to lead with respect and how can it transform the way we work, connect, and grow? In this episode, I sit down with Marcy Syms, trailblazing business leader, author of Leading with Respect, and former president of the New York Stock Exchange. Marcy shares how respect goes far beyond a "soft skill" and becomes the foundation for trust, productivity, and lasting relationships. Together, we explore how empathy, compassion, and authenticity weave into leadership and why these qualities are essential to success in both business and life.

We also dig into Marcy's experience building Syms into a nationally recognized retailer, her innovative approach to hiring and training, and the intentional choices she made to buck industry trends by putting people and values first. Her stories and insights reveal how respect shows up in the smallest details, like eye contact, listening, follow-through, and in the biggest decisions that define culture and legacy.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why respect is the ultimate driver of productivity

• The role of empathy vs. compassion in authentic leadership

• How rethinking "salespeople" as "educators" transformed a retail giant

• The surprising power of going against industry norms

• A hiring test that reveals if someone is "selfish or other-ish"

• The leadership principle Marcy never compromises on

• How reading the room can shape influence and connection

• What Marcy looks for when choosing who to work with

If today's conversation with Marcy inspired you, don't stop here. Grab a copy of her book Leading with Respect and explore how these timeless lessons can reshape your approach to leadership, relationships, and results. You can also connect with Marcy directly at marcysyms.com or on LinkedIn. And if you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support the show is to leave a short and thoughtful review. It only takes a moment, but it helps more people discover these conversations.

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!