Let’s Talk About It with Joyce Johnson with Guest Speaker Steve Benson #AuthorLife #SalesLife

Leading a team is no easy task, but it’s especially challenging when you’re in the midst of a crisis, whether on a macro- or company level. In times like these, it’s best to avoid rumors and speculations that can make your team anxious—which is why according to Steve Benson, good communication and transparency are absolutely critical.

In today’s insightful episode, Steve discusses how leaders can rise to the occasion and be a source of stability for their downlines and clients. He also gives us some cost-cutting strategies to avoid layoffs and retain talent, plus some tips on keeping stakeholders engaged.  

About the Guest

Steve Benson has an extensive sales background, from outside sales with IBM to HP’s District Sales Manager to Google’s Regional Sales Manager. Today, he is focused on running his software business, Badger Maps, Inc., which helps outside sales teams manage their territory and increase their sales. He is also the host of the Outside Sales Talk podcast, co-author of Color Outside the Lines – Stories of Extraordinary Leadership, and President of Sales Hall of Fame, a platform that recognizes innovators in the field.  

In This Episode

• Who is Steven Benson? [0:52] 
• What empowered Steven to write about leading sales teams during an economic downturn? [2:56]
• How do you prepare for conversations with your team regarding critical decisions? [7:00]
• …and many more

Quotes

“Leadership is always a challenge but especially in difficult times...the way you communicate, it needs to change, it’s so important during a crisis, and you know, I think in a crisis your team’s imagination can get the best of them, particularly within a large group [sic] and you are alone as a leader…and as a leader, you really need to communicate with your team in a transparent way, in a way that’s realistic, and in a way that’s optimistic.” [5:54]

“As a sales leader, you want to tell people what the immediate term plan is. What are we doing right now to get through this, to get over this, to beat this?  What’s the mid-term plan, and then what’s the long-term plan? And then, account for all different external factors that you might have had to control for so that they know there’s a plan.” [8:30]

“It’s important that they feel like there’s a steady hand on the wheel, so they know what to expect.” [9:03]

“One of the first things you should do when times are tough is figure out how to communicate to your customers what your true value is, how much value you are creating for their organization, and give them a way to count it. Help them understand, so they don’t stop using your service.” [21:46]

Resources Mentioned

Steven Benson's LinkedIn

Badger Maps’ Website

Sales Hall of Fame's Website

Outside Sales Talk Podcast

Color Outside the Lines, Stories of Extraordinary Leaders

Joyce Johnson's Website

Joyce Johnson's Facebook

Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn

Joyce Johnson's YouTube

 Key Words

Leadership, Personal Development, Sales, Growth, Leaders, Author, Economic Downturn, Recession

Let’s Talk About It with Joyce Johnson with Guest Speaker Bridgette Collins #AuthorLife 

People who are good at their jobs usually get promotions and suddenly find themselves leading a team—which is a whole new ball game. While there are companies that offer leadership training programs, most times it is up to them to prepare for the role on their own. Fortunately, Bridgette Collins is here to paint us a picture of what a great leader looks like.

Bridgette has a wealth of experience, both as a coach and a consultant. In today’s insightful podcast episode, she talks about how our biases can affect our decisions in the workplace and the quality of our leadership. She also delves into the importance of knowing your preferred leadership style and having a deep awareness of one’s self, so you can fully embrace the role.

About the Guest

Bridgette Collins is the owner of Next Level HR Solutions. She is the author of several books, such as Broken in Plain Sight: A Story of Truth, Healing, and Love, Imagine Living Healthier: Mind, Body and Soul, and Destined to Live Healthier: Mind, Body and Soul.

Her latest book is titled I am fed-up. Now what? and talks about how to move forward when you’re struggling with your job, finances, relationships, or illness.  

She also co-authored Color Outside the Lines – Stories of Extraordinary Leadership, a book on what it means to be a true leader.

In This Episode

• Who is Bridgette Collins? [0:50] 
• How can we prepare to become a leader? [4:46]
• How your viewpoints affect your leadership success [8:04]
• …and many more

Quotes

“To be a better and successful leader, it starts with you. And so, you first have to be a better leader of yourself before you can lead others.” [5:01]

“If we come from a foundation where we have different perspectives and viewpoints that [sic] have been ingrained in us, we’re gonna have a tough time in the workforce leading others…it’s not about us, it’s about the people that are going to be in front of us and that we have to have compassion and respect and operate with integrity with everyone. We’ve got to deal first with some internal stuff to make sure we don’t have something that’s going to prevent us from being all that we need to be.” [5:27]

 “Are you a visionary? You know, are you someone who’s gonna be compassionate? Are you somebody who’s going to be respectful even if somebody didn’t agree with you and you’re explaining about how something should happen? How are you gonna mentor? How are you gonna coach? Those are some of the things that you want to address and figure out prior to assuming a role.” [16:24]

 “Whether you are a leader in a restaurant, you’re a leader in a retail store, you’re a leader of a sales team, you’re a leader in a church, you know, whatever that is…we have to impress on, especially in this new generation, a commitment to a task.” [37:10]

Resources Mentioned

Bridgette Collins’ Website

Next Level HR Solutions’ Website

Color Outside the Lines, Stories of Extraordinary Leaders

Joyce Johnson's Website

Joyce Johnson's Facebook

Joyce Johnson's Instagram

Joyce Johnson's Twitter

Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn

Joyce Johnson's YouTube

Key Words

College is the time when people are getting ready to navigate adulthood and setting the foundations for the rest of their lives. But the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed this pivotal moment in many people’s lives and brought with it a lot of uncertainty about the future.

Zuri Godfrey went through his last year in college, and his internships, during the pandemic. After graduating, he landed a highly coveted internship at Google and even started his own business. In today’s exciting episode, he sits down with Joyce Johnson and Ananda Jamison to talk about adjusting to these challenging new circumstances, finding ways to thrive, and the power of intentionality.

About the Guest

Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Zuri Godfrey was a student-athlete and graduated from Business Management at Howard University.

Zuri is currently an Associate Product Marketing Manager at Google and is also the CEO and founder of Build & Brand You. He has a deep passion for helping others succeed holistically; that is why his company offers brand development, group mentoring, and career identification services. Today, Build & Brand You has over 30 employees and more than 99 clients on its roster.

In This Episode

• Who are Ananda Jamison and Zuri Godfrey? [1:06]
• What made Zuri start a business [10:31]
• Why did he decide on an LLC? [12:17]
• How did he land his internships? [27:48]
• Taking risks and moving past failures [43:53]
• …and many more

Quotes

“Most of my actual experiences, whether it was internships or externships, came during COVID and that was because I was behind the computer most of the time, so I had more time on my hands than having to go to football, go to class, and commute to a job. I was able to manage everything through this screen and these zoom boxes that we’re so accustomed to now.” [8:15]

“Sponsors talk about you. Mentors talk to you. Coaches talk with you. And so you should know the difference between those three.” [32:08]

“If you’re applying to something within a company, someone from that company should know that you’re applying, even if they didn’t refer you. They should know that you’re applying. They should know the role. And then, hopefully, they’d be in a similar role to where they can have some influence and have a voice to help you get through. So yeah [sic] it starts there.” [32:44]

“You can start building relationships. You should start now, but those relationships can be pay dividends in the short-term, in the long-term.” [35:23]

Resources Mentioned

Build and Brand You Website

Zuri Godfrey's LinkedIn

Zuri Godfrey's Facebook

Zuri Godfrey's Twitter

Zuri Godfrey's Instagram

Ananda Jamison's Instagram

Ananda Jamison's LinkedIn

Why Sales Network's Website

Joyce Johnson's Website

Joyce Johnson's Facebook

Joyce Johnson's Instagram

Joyce Johnson's Twitter

Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn

Joyce Johnson's YouTube

WSN TikTok&l

Let’s Talk About It with Dionne Murphy #AuthorLife

Life has many twists and turns, so it’s crucial to build resilience and trust in your ability to make it through any changes. Just ask Dionne Murphy, who turned her life around through her determination and willpower after losing her job. 

Dionne worked tirelessly for 16 years helping others fulfill their dreams. In 2020, she got laid off--right after securing a two million dollar contract for her employer. Although she was filled with anger, confusion, and pain, she didn’t let it get the best of her. In fact, she now sees this as a blessing in disguise. She realized that, if she can seal the best deals for somebody else, she can, and should, do it for herself. In this episode, Dionne shares her inspiring journey to success.

About the Guest

For many years, Dionne Murphy worked in corporate. Through it all, one thing was clear: a day will come when she will have the power and freedom to choose what she wants to do. 

And in this episode, Dionne is her own boss. She currently works as a business coach for health and fitness enthusiasts, helping them grow their own businesses. She also co-authored Color Outside the Lines – Stories of Extraordinary Leadership, a book about what it takes to be a true leader that will be available this October 27th, 2021.

In This Episode

• Who is Dionne Murphy? [0:9] 
• How did she get to where she is today? [1:37]
• Learn about all about being your authentic self [11:53]
• …and many more

Quotes

“But let me tell you, it’s nothing, nothing like being able to wake up and own your own day, own your own time, and do it effectively.” [8:50]

“Don’t ever think a book is just a book… I know what a book can do—how it can set your future up, how it can set up your tomorrow.” [10:21]

“You do need your authentic self when you are in leadership roles.” [13:21]

“It is okay to have boundaries, okay, cause that protects your authenticity, alright? If you know something is going to just stress you out…it’s okay to say no, but there’s a way that you can say that.” [21:23]

Resources Mentioned
Dionne Murphy's Instagram
Color Outside the Lines, Stories of Extraordinary Leaders
Joyce Johnson's Website
Joyce Johnson's Facebook
Joyce Johnson's Instagram
Joyce Johnson's Twitter
Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn
Joyce Johnson's YouTube
Joyce Johnson's Amazon Page
Why Sales Network's Website

Key Words
Personal Development, Change, Growth, Self-Awareness, Doubt, Self-Confidence, Authenticity, Identity, Author 

A College Student’s Take On Being a Beauty Queen, Pageantry, and the Media’s Portrayal of the Police

College is all about time management, especially if a student is participating in extracurricular activities on the side. With the global pandemic still looming over us, students are having an even tougher time making each minute count. Ellie Breaux knows this all too well, and she is intent on helping her generation make the most of their time.

About the Guest

Ellie Breaux is an active college student, athlete, beauty queen, and activist. No stranger to the limelight, she was the 2nd runner-up in the 2021 Miss Texas pageant and was crowned Miss Keller in 2020. Currently studying at the University of North Texas, Ellie has a deep love for the art and sport of dance and hopes to teach her generation how to effectively juggle their studies and their passions.

Ellie is also an advocate for the equal treatment of law enforcement officers, and she believes that the mainstream media’s portrayal of the police is unfairly biased. This stems from her personal experience as the daughter of a law enforcement officer.

In This Episode

• Why time management is so important for a college student
• How to motivate yourself
• Why being in a beauty pageant is like being in a sisterhood
• Taking on tough causes to define your life’s journey

Quotes

“It’s nice to have people that are doing the same thing, and pushing you just as much as you’re pushing them. It is just a sisterhood that I have never been a part of.” [30:00]

“You’re here for school. But also, don’t let that take control of your body to where you don’t have fun as well.” [38:32]

Resources Mentioned

Ellie Breaux's Pageant Instagram

Ellie Breaux's Personal Instagram

Miss Keller Scholarship

Key Words

Miss Keller, Miss Texas, time management, pageant, student life, college life, beauty queen, student athlete, advocacy, law enforcement, righteousness, sisterhood

Let’s Talk About It with Joy Hewitt-Carvajal #SalesWhy

Sales is generally a male-dominated industry. However, many women are now thriving in the field while still being able to devote time to their families.

Joy believes that women can excel at sales because of their natural ability to make social connections. The desire to connect, combined with their innate empathy, allows women to understand people and their needs on a deeper level.

In this episode, Joy talks about why women are so needed in the sales industry, and the importance of going against the status quo.

About the Guest

Originally from New Zealand, Joy Hewitt-Carvajal is a Florida-based sales coach and trainer at Sales Rebellion. She is also the business development director for DFI Construction Inc.

Joy believes in a customer-centric way of doing sales, where the focus is on understanding the needs and feelings of her customers and establishing meaningful connections with each one.

In This Episode

• Who is Joy Hewitt-Carvajal? [0:53]
• What does Joy think about women in sales? [2:40]
• Find out the statistics on women in multilevel marketing companies [9:09]
• Learn about Sales Rebellion [18:07]
• …and many more

Quotes

“I get paid to learn what others pay to learn. That’s what sales have done for me.” [17:57]

“Community is one of the biggest needs that we have as humans and sales literally gives you a community of people. You become a part of the right group and you work your way through, you find companies that you align with your values and your belief system so your reputation is maintained, you will make some of the best friends that--you will make lifetime connections that will take places you never believed possible.” [25:16]

“No matter where my path in life took me, no matter where I moved to, no matter what location I was in, I knew that I could always go and get myself a sales job. It gave me a steady income and it gave me something that I could count with and something I enjoyed doing” [29:26]

“It’s not about us, it’s about the person we’re serving, right? And when we don’t make it about us, we get elevated.” [39:39]

Resources Mentioned

Joy Hewitt-Carvajal's Facebook                                                                       
Joy Hewitt-Carvajal's LinkedIn                                                                                                     
Joy Hewitt-Carvajal's Instagram
Joyce Johnson's Website
Joyce Johnson's Instagram
Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn
Joyce Johnson's YouTube
No Back Doors for Me
Why Sales Network's Website

Key Words

Sales, Sales Women, Sales Woman, Sales Woman Life, Women Empowerment, Women Empowering Women

Tune in to hear from Mariel Calara a University of Texas Student who enjoys watching Netflix, drinking boba, cooking Filipino food, learning the Italian language and culture, and making playlists on Spotify. 

I’m a Filipino-American born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. I’m graduating from UT Austin with a major in Communication and Leadership and a minor in Italian Studies, and I started undeclared. I’ve been a part of wonderful programs like the UTNY internship program and the Second Day Fellowship, have done six internships, and a research project on the waste crisis in Rome. I’m pursuing a career in advertising and will be a remote Brand Strategy Intern with Droga5, an advertising agency in New York. I hope to move to NYC in the fall. 

Tune in to hear from Nathan Williams, he is passionate about storytelling.

Nathan looks for inspiration everywhere he goes. He continued to strive through college and found success through hardship by deciding to start with community college even though he had different plans. He graduated from Sam Houston State with a B.A. in Mass Communications and with hopes to be a journalist, a storyteller rather. His degree allows him to work in television, radio, print, digital, in-front, and behind the camera. He hopes to make a change In the world of media. There are stories out there that need to be told and Nathan wants to make sure they are told properly. It matters not what media that he works with, as long as that story is out there.

Let’s Talk About It with Sheena Yap Chan #AuthorLife

While hate-fueled attacks on Asians have been rising amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian bigotry is nothing new. Sheena Yap Chan knows this all too well and has dedicated her life to helping fellow Asian women build a more positive image of themselves and their community.

In this episode, Sheena shares how she suffered from low self-esteem and talks about the importance of overcoming self-limiting beliefs and taking your power back.

About the Guest

Sheena Yap Chan is an established keynote speaker and coach who helps people build self-confidence. She is the founder and host of an award-winning podcast called The Tao of Self Confidence and is the co-author of the international bestselling book Asian Women Who Boss Up. She is on a mission to help Asian women thrive and live their authentic selves.

Sheena has been featured on MindValley, slice.ca, Marketing in Asia, The Manila Times, and many other publications. She was on Marketing In Asia’s list of top 100 Filipinos to follow on LinkedIn for inspiration and learning in 2020.  

In This Episode

• Who is Sheena Yap Chan [0:25]
• Learn about Sheena’s struggles [0:55]
• What would Sheena say to her 12-year-old self? [3:38]
• Why it’s so important to learn from history [11:34]
• …and many more

Quotes

“The more we can show up authentically the more we can attract the right things into our life.” [4:04]

“We need to learn that different is good, different is beautiful. And that, you know, being your authentic self is the most beautiful thing you can be.” [5:04]

“Back then, they never taught Asian-American history, right? So, nobody knows how much racism we’ve been going through for so long.” [11:33]

“It’s okay to be yourself and being yourself doesn’t have to mean that there’s a certain standard.” [24:16]

“It’s so important as women, we need to empower each other and realize sky’s the limit. Keep going after the things that you want because for me, when one woman wins, all women win.” [31:29]

Resources Mentioned

Sheena Yap Chan's Website

Sheena Yap Chan's Books

Free Report: 8 Ways To Boss Up Your Confidence In Life And Business

The Tao of Self Confidence

Joyce Johnson's Website

Joyce Johnson's Facebook

Joyce Johnson's Instagram

Joyce Johnson's Twitter

Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn

Joyce Johnson's YouTube

No Back Doors for Me

Why Sales Network's Website

Key Words

Racism, Bigotry, Asian Women, Stop Asian Hate, Stop Asian Racism, Self Confidence, Authenticity, Women Empowerment, Women Empowering Women 

Let’s Talk About It with Rocky Garza #WhySales

We can’t fully realize our true potential if we don’t know who we are and don’t open ourselves to change. New opportunities present themselves all the time, so it’s up to us to choose which direction to take in order to bring us closer to our authentic selves. This is the cornerstone of Rocky Garza’s practice as an identity coach.

In this episode, Rocky recounts his own life’s journey and talks about the power of being aligned with your genuine self while embracing the uncertainty of life. 

About the Guest

Rocky Garza is a certified identity coach and keynote speaker. His goal is to guide people along their journey of self-actualization, helping them find their true calling and tap into their genuine selves. He recently wrote a book called Kill Doubt Build Conviction. He is also the founder of Wiser Sons, a support community for men looking to become their best selves.

Outside of his professional duties, Rocky is a proud family man who has been happily married for almost 12 years and is blessed with two beautiful children.

In This Episode

• Who is Rocky Garza? [1:18]
• Change as an integral part of growth [5:07]
• Learn about identity mapping [9:03]
• …and many more

Quotes

“Most human beings on the frontside say, ‘I don’t like change. I just want to be consistent, I want to know what to expect, I want it to be steady.’ And then if we ask the same thing, but in a different way––if we say, ‘do you hope you are in the same place in 5 years you are today?’ Every single one of us would say, ‘No way. I hope to grow.’ Okay, well you can’t simultaneously say, ‘I hate change and I hope to grow,’ because the only way things grow is if things change.” [5:11]

 “What is keeping you from the ‘what I do’ part––what is keeping you from doing what you want––is that you don’t know what you want. What is keeping you from doing what you want is that you may know what you want, but you don’t believe that you can.” [10:52]

“What we want and what we believe should be a representation of who we are.” [11:34]

“Most of us can learn how to give grace externally. It’s a much different task to give grace internally. Because grace to yourself is the ability to see yourself in yourself. But most of us spend the majority of our lives looking out the window, wishing we could have what the neighbor has, and not enough time in the mirror, reflecting back on who we are.” [12:48]

“The difference between people that do it and people that don’t are the people that do it.” [29:16]

Resources Mentioned

Rocky Garza's Website
Rocky Garza's Facebook Page
Rocky Garza's LinkedIn Page
Rocky Garza's Instagram
Rocky Garza's Clubhouse Account
Joyce Johnson's Website
Joyce Johnson's Facebook
Joyce Johnson's Instagram
Joyce Johnson's LinkedIn
Joyce Johnson's YouTube
Joyce Johnson's Amazon Page
Why Sales Network's Website

Key Words

Personal Development, Change, Growth, Self-Awareness, Doubt, Self-Confidence, Authenticity, Identity, Grace