Catherine Bishop, a three-time Olympian, shares her insights on performance and leadership, focusing on the need to define what success truly means. She encourages people to think beyond traditional goals like winning medals or meeting targets and to explore the deeper personal and social value of these achievements. Success, she suggests, is a long-term journey that requires clarity about both short-term actions and long-term vision, helping individuals stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Bishop highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation—such as purpose, mastery, belonging, and autonomy—in sustaining commitment and resilience, especially during challenging times. She explains that performance is about more than just big moments; it involves continuous preparation, learning, and growth. This mindset helps individuals see every step as an opportunity to improve, regardless of immediate outcomes.

In discussing leadership, Bishop emphasises the importance of creating a positive organisational culture. She argues that leaders should foster an environment that values learning, collaboration, and ethical behaviour to prevent toxic cultures. Drawing from her experiences, she contrasts the high-pressure environment of her first Olympics with the supportive culture of her later experiences, demonstrating that high performance thrives best when ambition is balanced with a supportive, ethical approach.

Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025:

https://thebizx.co.uk/

Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business:

https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Would you rather your spouse be satisfied or loyal?”

In this conversation, Jeffrey Gitomer, a leading authority on sales, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, and renowned best-selling author, highlights the need to rethink traditional sales methods. Gitomer, whose work has had a major impact on the sales industry, believes that customers prefer to make their own buying decisions rather than being pressured into a purchase. He argues that high-pressure tactics often lead to regret and don’t build lasting relationships. Instead, he promotes a customer-focused approach where genuine conversations and understanding the customer's needs naturally lead to a sale. By asking thoughtful questions and truly engaging with customers, salespeople can create a comfortable environment that encourages buying.

Gitomer also talks about the power of capturing moments of customer satisfaction and using them as authentic testimonials. He explains that real success in sales goes beyond just closing deals; it’s about creating memorable experiences that build customer loyalty. This loyalty, which Gitomer views as more important than just satisfaction, leads to repeat business and referrals, which are key to long-term success. Gitomer, who has influenced many sales leaders, also points out that managers should focus on inspiring their teams, as true inspiration, centred on the customer's experience, has a lasting impact.

Additionally, Gitomer discusses the importance of effective sales training and the role of AI in personalising customer interactions. He emphasises that good training should not only teach sales techniques but also help salespeople understand the reasons behind customer decisions. Gitomer, known for shaping modern sales training, also highlights the value of continuous learning and self-improvement, drawing lessons from classic business books. He encourages listeners to take action, learn from successful people, and apply those lessons to their own paths while staying true to their strengths and values.

Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/

Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Business Excellence Podcast, esteemed author and HR professional Debra Corey discusses the profound impact that bad bosses can have on both work and personal life. Drawing from her own experiences, she shares how a bad boss deeply affected her, a situation that resonates with many. Corey explains that while bad bosses often don't intend to cause harm, the emotional damage they cause is real. She identifies different types of bad bosses, such as those who misuse power or fail to show appreciation, and emphasizes the importance of bosses choosing to enrich lives rather than ruin them.

Corey highlights the crucial role of self-awareness and listening to employees in becoming a better boss. She recounts a moment in her career when she realized her management style was negatively impacting her team, prompting her to make necessary changes. Corey introduces the Great Boss Building Block model, which includes key behaviours like empathy and trust, essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. She believes that understanding and addressing these elements is vital for effective leadership.

The episode also explores employee engagement, with Corey stressing the need to address basic elements like pay, benefits, and workspace before focusing on other areas like communication. She explains that these foundational aspects are critical for building a strong, engaged workforce. Corey also discusses the importance of recognizing and appreciating employees in ways that are meaningful to them, and how transparency and continuous communication can further enhance employee motivation and satisfaction.

Take Your Business to New Heights: Book Your Spot at the UK’s Biggest Business Event to hear from Global Thought Leaders and Industry Pioneers in 2025: https://thebizx.co.uk/

Powered By ActionCOACH Business Coaching: The Help You Need to Grow Your Business: https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.