The Road to Greatness Podcast (Karlyn Kieffer)

Welcome to the Road to Greatness! The new podcast focusing on how experts became great at what they do. Regardless of YOUR line of work, the practices, mantras, behaviors, and preparation techniques transcend into any environment. To get you ready for episode one, listen to the trailer for Season 1. 

Hear a sneak preview of Season One. From lessons learned and warnings to juicy gossip and fun facts. Tune in so you know what lies ahead! 

Have you ever watched an improv performance and wondered, how do they come up with things so quickly? Or, how do they all know what to do at the same time? The answer is letting go of control and increasing mind agility. In our inaugural episode, we'll speak with Keisha Zollar, an improv artist, actress, writer and producer who connects improv to business success! Oh, and as a heads up, she's NOT here to teach you how to be funny! Intrigued? Take a listen! 

Get ready for the latest episode of The Road to Greatness Podcast. This week features Nathan Hunter, the man I call the AI Jedi! We're talking about how he got his AI expertise, how he has CEOs asking him to show them how he makes THEIR products work better, and how you can get on the road to find your own super powers! Don't wait to listen to Messy Thinking for Success. We're getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Then remember to like and subscribe if you took something away that you can use for yourself.

Ready to unlock the secrets to greatness? Join us on the Road to Greatness Podcast as we sit down with the extraordinary Bennie Wiley, founder of The Partnership and CEO of the Wiley Group. She's a Harvard Business School Senior Fellow, and proud Howard University alumna! 🌟 From breaking barriers and making history to building powerful relationships, Bennie shares her unparalleled wisdom and actionable advice for rising professionals. Tune in to discover how you can establish yourself for greatness and make an unforgettable mark on your career. Don’t miss this inspiring episode – share with your friends and give your journey to success a boost, today! 

 Ready for a wild ride? Tune into Episode 4 of "The Road to Greatness," where we dive into the art of relationship building with Jeff Harrison, EVP of Revenue at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Jeff shares secrets to becoming a master business matchmaker and a jaw-dropping story involving Billie Jean King, Sir Elton John, and a rainstorm! Don't miss out on this sensational, must-see episode – it's all about being interesting and interested! Don't forget to like and share this episode with tennis fans and non-tennis fans alike. Anyone looking to do more and better and business should tune in for episode four, Relax, Relate, Release! 

In this electrifying episode of The Road to Greatness, we sit down with the legendary Jackie Kallen, a true trailblazer in the world of boxing. Known as the "First Lady of Boxing," Kallen has managed over 40 fighters, including world champions like James "Lights Out" Toney and Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. Her inspiring journey from a showbiz journalist to a Boxing Hall of Famer was immortalized in the film "Against the Ropes," starring Meg Ryan.

Jackie shares her wisdom on mastering your mood, conquering fear, and pursuing your dreams with intention and hard work. Plus, get ready for some jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes gossip about the making of "Against the Ropes" that will leave you speechless!

Don't miss this chance to hear from one of boxing's most influential figures and get inspired by her remarkable story and invaluable advice.

In this exciting episode of The Road to Greatness, we're joined by Sid Nazareth, Principal of Strategic Accounts at AWS and one of the top sales leaders in the technology space. Sid's impressive journey to the pinnacle of sales success is a masterclass in mindfulness, relationship building, and flexibility.

Tune in as Sid shares his secrets to greatness, including the importance of asking great questions, developing meaningful connections, and staying nimble in mindset. We'll dive into how tapping into your passion can fuel your success and why being adaptable is crucial in today's fast-paced business world. This episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to elevate your performance and embrace the unknown with confidence and enthusiasm. Don't miss it!

This week's episode is a must-listen for tennis enthusiasts and anyone aspiring to excel in their career! We’re thrilled to have Nicole Kankam, the Managing Director of Pro Tennis and Entertainment at the USTA, join us to delve into leadership, the importance of finding a mentor, and how mental agility can drive success. Nicole also shares some exclusive behind-the-scenes stories about the US Open and the celebrities it attracts, making it a spectacular blend of sports and entertainment. With Wimbledon just concluding, tennis fans might be feeling a bit of withdrawal. Tune in to this episode for your tennis fix and get inspired by Nicole’s journey from the music and entertainment industry to becoming one of the most influential women in sports. Whether you’re considering a career change, thinking about transitioning industries, or simply looking to make a significant impact in your current role, Nicole’s insights will resonate with you. 

Nicole’s leadership at the USTA has been pivotal in evolving the fan experience at the US Open, turning it into a grand festival that goes beyond just tennis​ (Situation)​​ (Muse by Clios)​. Her innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity and diversity have made the US Open a vibrant, culturally rich event that attracts fans from all walks of life​ (Asian Journal News)​. 

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a glimpse into the world of professional tennis. It’s a perfect blend of fun and insightful content that will leave you motivated and ready to take on new challenges. 

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/aquYpw2iafQ?si=ZLM3v7srLtUobWjS
#ProTipPartners #professionaldevelopment #podcast #USOpen #USTA #tennis #improvforbusiness #mentor #KarlynKieffer #NicoleKankam #NicolePolley

Everyday is a winding road…so is the path to negotiation! Whether you’re in sales, a buyer, in a relationship, or raising kids, guess what…you’re negotiating every…single…day. 

Join me and globally recognized negotiator Josh Weiss as he gives substantive action steps on how to be a great negotiator. Dr. Joshua N. Weiss is a renowned negotiation and conflict resolution and leadership expert. As a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project and co-founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University, Dr. Weiss brings unparalleled expertise to his field. He also directs the MS in Leadership and Negotiation program at Bay Path University and runs a private consulting firm, offering tailored negotiation and conflict resolution, and leadership solutions for businesses, organizations, international entities, governments, and individuals.

If you’re a planner, he’ll have you rethinking your whole process! Mind agility, an ability to go with the flow, and being able to pivot without having a "freakout moment" are indicators that you are on the path to success. Listen to this week's episode to hear exactly how you can negotiate for what you need, want and still create a win-win situation! 

As the world turns its eyes to the Olympic Games, the power of sport to unite and inspire is on full display. This week, join us for an inspiring conversation with Ed Foster-Simeon, the dynamic CEO and President of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, who has dedicated his career to harnessing the unifying power of soccer to drive social change and youth development.

In this timely episode, we delve into the essence of leadership and the importance of preparation, while also exploring how to effectively manage fear and why behavior often outweighs titles in the realm of true leadership. Ed shares his insights on philanthropy, emphasizing the intersection where raising money meets the art of sales. His extensive experience, including his leadership in building innovative play spaces and engaging soccer programs for underserved communities, provides a unique perspective on driving positive social outcomes through sports.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, Ed's stories and strategies will inspire you to elevate your leadership game. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to learn from a visionary who seamlessly blends passion for sport with a commitment to social justice.

Tune in to discover how you can lead with purpose, inspire your team, and make a lasting impact.

Get ready for an exhilarating episode of The Road to Greatness! This week, we're thrilled to welcome Lee Child, the legendary author behind the bestselling Jack Reacher series. Lee shares exclusive insights about the highly anticipated third season of the Amazon Series, Reacher. He opens ups about his thoughts on Tom Cruise's portrayal of Reacher in the movies, along with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about his creative process that has produced countless action thriller novels.

What does mental agility and being able to go with the flow have to do with being a great storyteller? Lee shares how this skill is a key ingredient to his success.  Whether you're a salesperson looking to better position your offerings or a manager aiming to inspire and uplift your team, Lee’s storytelling mastery offers valuable lessons.

Don't miss this captivating conversation with one of the greatest storytellers of our time, packed with practical tips and intriguing anecdotes that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! Tune in and discover the art of storytelling from a true master.

As we close out the first season of The Road to Greatness, we’re bringing you the most powerful insights and memorable moments from our incredible lineup of guests. This episode isn’t just a recap—it’s a masterclass in mental agility, the secret ingredient that turns good into great in the fast-paced, ever-changing marketplace.

Join host Karlyn Kieffer as she revisits the personal pivots, surprising revelations, and actionable advice shared by leaders across industries. From learning to embrace the unknown with improv exercises to mastering the art of asking the right questions, this episode is packed with the wisdom you need to elevate your own journey to greatness.

But that’s not all—get an exclusive sneak peek into one of our favorite improvisation games, “One Word,” that’s been helping professionals sharpen their mental agility and navigate life’s unexpected turns. This is your chance to experience the magic of improvisation and see how it can transform your approach to business, leadership, and personal growth.

Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or you’re just tuning in, this finale will leave you inspired, motivated, and ready to take on the world. Plus, get the inside scoop on what’s coming in Season 2, launching this October!

Don’t miss out on this exciting conclusion to Season 1—hit play now, and let’s continue on the road to greatness together!

🔗 Listen Now | Subscribe for Season 2 | Visit ProTipPartners.com for more insights and resources.

There's so much to look forward to in this season. 

Listen for Pro Tips on:

• Sales
• Leadership
• Funding your startup
• Recruiting top talent
• Executive communication
• Breaking Barriers 
• Career pivots 

Hear from CEOs, coaches, television personalities, top salespeople and more! 

It's a great season to talk about, starting October 1st.

Would you like to go from $0 to nearly $1M in 10 months of starting a business...WITHOUT having to make a single cold call? 

Do you want to get better at generating inbound leads from your activities  on LinkedIn? 

If you answered yes, to either of the above it is imperative that you listen to the first episode of Season 2 of The Road to Greatness. 

Founder and CEO of Linked Revenue, Harris Fanaroff is beyond generous with the free tips he hands out regarding generating and accelerating sales through LinkedIn. I'm also proud to say, he's a former trainee of mine back in the early days of his career. 

The conversation is a must-listen for anyone in sales, sales leadership, or looking to help their sales team become more customer-focused, value driven, and hungry for more. 

Don't wait, click play!

She went from salesperson to CEO all before the age of 50. How'd she get there?

You'll have to my interview with Health Management Academy CEO Renee DeSilva.

We talk about:
 Leadership
 Recruiting and retaining top talent,
 Career pivots,
 Asking for what you want
and so much more.

If you have the ambition to get more out of your career, you do not want to miss the pearls of wisdom she's dropping.

#SalesProTips #Leadership #Healthcare #agility #Management #CEOSpeaks

This week, we sit down with the dynamic Shari Spencer, the First Lady of MMA, who has blazed a trail from international finance to managing MMA champions and now thriving as a CFO! 💼💥 Shari shares her fearless approach to life—taking risks, saying “yes” first, and figuring out the “how” later. 🛤️ She talks leadership, trust-building when the odds are stacked against you, and why the struggle is the gateway to growth. 🌱

If you're craving insights on embracing discomfort, continuous learning, and staying excited about your journey, this is the episode for you! 💡 Don't miss it!

I am 100% against scripting. 

Don't script your sales pitch, introductory presentations, conversations. Period. 

Why? Because if you think about it, how much of YOUR life is scripted? Yet so many teams feel the only way to teach a product, communicate with prospects, or develop a relationship is with a strictly adhered to script. 

We're making a big announcement about our own training team, in this week's episode and it has to do with tossing out your scripts, increasing your sales potential and forging your path to greatness. We welcome back writer, producer, and actress, Keisha Zollar for new insights and tips to unlock your full potential. 

🚀 **The Road to Greatness is bringing the heat this Q4!** 🚀 

In Season 2, Episode 5, I take a leap into the future by letting AI lead the interview! Imagine this: just two months to hit those year-end targets, and in reality, only five full selling weeks remain. I break down urgency into three unique types—natural, program, and contract urgency—arming sales leaders with tailored tools, tips, and formulae to guide their teams in *crushing quota* this quarter. 

This episode also marks the debut of the **Pro Tip Partners Customer Cue Card** and showcases the power of storytelling to fast-track the sales cycle. There’s something for everyone—whether you're a manager looking to coach reps to use urgency ethically and strategically, or a sales rep honing those mental agility muscles. 

🎙️ *Throwback Moment:* Remember Season 1, Episode 2? AI Jedi Nathan Hunter shared how embracing tech led to his business success. I’m doing the same here, stretching my creativity through AI and fulfilling my mission to deliver pro tips to you! 

Get ready for insights, storytelling, and a fresh way to think about urgency in sales. Tune in to see what happens when AI joins me on the mic and how you can apply these urgency-boosting techniques to hit those Q4 goals.

In this episode of The Road to Greatness, Karlyn Kieffer sits down with legendary NCAA head coach Rick Barnes, who delivers a true masterclass on leadership, resilience, and the art of building high-performing teams. With over three decades of coaching experience, Coach Barnes dives deep into the philosophies that have propelled him to the top of his field, sharing his wisdom on everything from the power of consistency to the importance of transparency with your team.

Throughout the conversation, Coach Barnes touches on key principles he believes are essential for any leader:

• Consistency: Why being the most dependable person in the room is essential to earning trust and inspiring excellence.
• Recruiting: How he evaluates players beyond talent alone, searching for character, work ethic, and a willingness to embrace their role.
• Resilience: The strategies he uses to help his players stay mentally agile, pushing through adversity and fatigue to bring their best—even when it's hard.

And in a surprising revelation, Coach Barnes shares the story of a player who taught him a powerful lesson about respect, leading him to clean up his language permanently. Find out which player made this lasting impact—and why.

Whether you're in sports, business, or simply aiming for personal growth, this episode offers rich insights for anyone looking to elevate their leadership game. Tune in for stories, laughs, and plenty of inspiration from one of college basketball’s finest!

#Leadership #MentalAgility #resilience #recruitingtoptalent #consistencybringstrust #salestips #TennesseeVols #basketball #collegehoops 

 Get ready for an electrifying episode of The Road to Greatness! This week, we dive into the mind of B.J. Wiley Williams, the visionary CEO of SoHookd, who’s shaking up the wellness industry for Fortune 100 clients.
 
BJ didn’t take the typical career path—and that’s exactly what fuels her groundbreaking approach. From leading with impact to winning the trust of investors, she reveals the behind-the-scenes secrets that every entrepreneur, sales leader, and innovator craves. 

Tune in to hear B.J.'s unique blueprint for building an unstoppable salesforce, securing funding, and positioning herself as a top-tier expert. If you’re looking to ignite your own path to success, don’t miss this episode! 

#HR #Benefits #SalesExpectations #BusinessAcumen #Sohookd #MentalAgility #careerpath #SalesTips 

In this episode of The Road to Greatness, we’re joined by Demetrice McClurkin, Vice President of Corporate Strategy and R&D at Procter & Gamble, who has spent his career building customer-focused solutions that drive results. Demetrice discusses his unique career pivots—from compliance to R&D finance—and the lessons he’s learned about mental agility, leadership, and the power of a strong team.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to build a culture of “promote from within” that keeps employees engaged and striving for growth.
• Why involving sales early in the product development process is a game-changer for go-to-market success.
• The role of actionable QBRs in empowering managers and teams to mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
• Demetrice’s approach to navigating challenges, staying innovative, and maintaining resilience.

Whether you’re a sales leader looking to inspire your team or a rep ready to elevate your approach, this episode is filled with practical advice and inspiring stories. Tune in now and let Demetrice guide you toward your own road to greatness!

 On this week's episode of The Road to Greatness, I chat with Wendy Petty, Chief Revenue Officer of WorkFusion, who’s revolutionizing how enterprises leverage AI to save time, streamline processes, and outsmart inefficiencies. Wendy shares her remarkable journey from hotel management graduate to tech trailblazer, revealing how relentless drive, adaptability, and customer-centric thinking fuel success in sales and leadership. Tune in for insights on empowering teams, navigating pivots, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving tech landscape. 

Have you ever seen or heard me present? I mean...more than here on the podcast? I've been in front of the camera, behind the camera, on stage and at the front of classrooms. None of that would have happened if not for this week's guest on The Road to Greatness!

Please join my crazy conversation with my very first career mentor, Ben Mankiewicz, Host of Turner Classic Movies. Our delivery styles are completely different, but he taught me how to make mine work for me. He may not be in the business of sales, but he's selling old films to entirely new and much younger audiences. Learn how he connects the two. 

Plus, we'll talk about his:

1. Brief encounter with improv
2. Secret to building relationships 
3. Method for getting people to "open up" and share more
4. Art of the pause
5. How fear drives his success

AND...we catch up on our old tv days, and two of the craziest stories you won't believe! It's a little bit gossip, a little tea, and a whole lot of WTH! 🤣 

#deliveryskills #relationshipbuilding #mentors #improv #motivation

In this episode of The Road to Greatness, host Karlyn Kieffer sits down with Tony Durso, SVP and Global Head of Solutions Consulting, to explore the art of blending technology expertise with business acumen. From dismantling the stereotype of "demo monkeys" in solutions consulting to uncovering the superpowers of individuals on his global teams, Tony shares insights on leadership that are refreshingly human and undeniably effective.

You'll hear about Tony’s "builder mentality"—how he turns fresh talent into star players, balances innovation with culture, and never stops learning. Whether it's strategizing, embracing generational learning, or drawing lessons from board games and Marvel superheroes, Tony inspires leaders to focus on people first and let results follow.

Tune in for:

• Why “conformity breeds mediocrity” and how to celebrate individuality on teams.
• Tips for building trust as a leader—without micromanaging.
• How continuous learning and creativity fuel Tony’s professional success.
• Career highlights, Marvel-worthy leadership advice, and moments that sparked pivotal lessons.

If you're looking to lead with intention and bring out the best in others, this episode will give you a roadmap to greatness.

#leadership #agility #discipline #sales #solutionsengineer #Marvel #empoweringgrowth #growthmindset 

 Wow, what a season it has been!

Welcome to the season two finale of The Road to Greatness! 

This season, I invited you, my amazing listeners, to take control and ask me anything—and you delivered! From career pivots and tackling AI in leadership to uncovering what fuels my energy (spoiler: it’s not coffee!), this episode is a heartfelt, hilarious, and raw dive into your burning questions. 

I share insights about my journey, my why behind Pro Tip Partners, and even a few lessons I’m still learning along the way. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one as we close the chapter on another incredible season and gear up for the next. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey—you’re the reason this podcast shines! 

Be sure to stick around for the end. I have a request of you, too! 

#salesenablement #leadership #AI #mentalagility #resilience #alwayslearning #fear