Unleashing Customer-Centric Growth: Wisdom Shared by Laura Patterson

Laura Patterson, the founder of Vision Edge Marketing, shared invaluable insights on achieving sustainable business growth through customer-centric strategies. Hosted by Evan Hackel, the podcast delved deep into how businesses can effectively navigate growth challenges by leveraging data-driven decision-making and fostering a customer-first approach.

Embracing a Customer-Centric Approach

In today’s dynamic business landscape, success hinges on understanding and prioritizing the needs of the customer. Laura Patterson emphasizes the critical importance of adopting a customer-centric approach to business growth. According to Laura, integrating the customer perspective into every decision-making process—from product development to marketing strategies—can significantly enhance business outcomes. By putting the customer at the center, organizations not only improve customer satisfaction but also drive sustainable growth over the long term.

The Power of Data-Driven Decision Making

Laura Patterson highlights the transformative impact of data-driven decision-making on organizational success. With businesses inundated with vast amounts of data, Laura advocates for leveraging analytics and insights to drive strategic initiatives effectively. By harnessing the power of data, organizations can gain actionable insights into customer behaviors, market trends, and operational efficiencies. This approach enables businesses to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and seize growth opportunities with confidence.

Building a Strategic Framework for Growth

Drawing from her extensive experience, Laura Patterson underscores the importance of building a strategic framework to navigate the complexities of growth. At Vision Edge Marketing, Laura and her team empower organizations to develop clear, measurable objectives aligned with overarching business goals. This strategic framework not only guides day-to-day operations but also ensures that every action contributes to tangible business outcomes. By establishing a roadmap for growth, businesses can optimize resources, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable success in competitive markets.

About the Guest

Laura Patterson is the visionary founder of Vision Edge Marketing, a renowned firm specializing in marketing performance measurement and management. With over 25 years of experience, Laura has earned a reputation as a pioneer in helping businesses across diverse sectors—from technology to healthcare—achieve measurable growth through strategic planning and analytics. Her expertise lies in bridging the gap between business strategy and execution, empowering organizations to align their goals with customer needs effectively.

Visit The Learning Network to explore more episodes and visit insights on leadership and organizational development. For updates and more valuable content, follow the Learning Network on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Training Unleashed Network on YouTube for video episodes and interviews with industry leaders.

2024-06-20T18:45:46-04:00July 3, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Leadership: Insights from Michelle Beauchamp

In a recent enlightening episode, host Evan Hackel sat down with Michelle Beauchamp, an expert in leadership and corporate training, to delve into the essence of effective leadership and organizational culture. The discussion revolved around several key principles that are crucial for fostering a thriving, inclusive, and productive workplace.

The Importance of Culture in Leadership

Michelle Beauchamp emphasized that leadership is not just about guiding others but about cultivating a culture that aligns with the core values of compassion, competence, and character. These elements are fundamental to building a team that not only follows a leader but works alongside them, creating a collaborative and trusting environment. Michelle pointed out that:

  • Compassion: Leaders must show genuine care for their team members. This involves understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations.
  • Competence: Continuous training and development are crucial. Leaders should invest in their team’s skills and provide opportunities for growth.
  • Character: Trust is built when leaders follow through on their promises and maintain integrity in their actions.

Generational Diversity and Unified Collaboration

One of the standout points in the conversation was the acknowledgment of generational differences in the workplace. Michelle highlighted the need for leaders to recognize and respect these differences, fostering a culture of collaboration that leverages the unique strengths and values of each generation. This approach not only unifies teams but also drives innovation and adaptability.

Assessment and Gap Analysis for Cultural Alignment

Evan Hackel and Michelle Beauchamp discussed the process of evaluating and realigning organizational culture. This involves:

  1. Assessing the current culture and values within the organization.
  2. Identifying the desired cultural values that will support the company’s goals.
  3. Conducting a gap analysis to find discrepancies between the current and desired states.
  4. Implementing training programs to bridge these gaps and, if necessary, rehiring to align with the new cultural direction.

Training as a Profit Center

A significant insight shared by Michelle was the concept of viewing training as a profit center rather than just an investment. Effective training programs can improve performance metrics, such as close rates in sales or error rates in manufacturing, leading directly to increased profitability. This perspective shifts the narrative from training being a cost to being a revenue-generating activity.

One-on-One Coaching vs. Mastermind Groups

Michelle differentiated between the benefits of one-on-one coaching and mastermind groups:

  • One-on-One Coaching: Provides personalized attention, allowing individuals to address their specific challenges confidentially and in detail.
  • Mastermind Groups: Offer a collaborative environment where like-minded individuals can share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and gain a sense of community and support.

The Champ Group’s Approach

Michelle Beauchamp’s company, The Champ Group, specializes in leadership training, diversity, equity, inclusion, and communication. They focus on ongoing training rather than one-time workshops, ensuring that the principles taught are integrated into everyday practices. The Champ Group provides various services, including workshops, corporate training, mastermind groups, and one-on-one coaching.

For those interested in assessing their leadership style, Michelle offers a free leadership quiz available on The Champ Group’s website. This tool provides valuable insights into personal leadership strengths and areas for growth, fostering self-awareness and continuous improvement.

Stretching Out of the Comfort Zone

Michelle concluded with a powerful tip: stretch out of your comfort zone. Growth and relearning require stepping beyond familiar boundaries. By embracing discomfort and continuously striving for improvement, leaders can significantly impact their organizations and drive meaningful change.

About Our Guest

Michelle’s passion is, quite simply, helping people grow. Her motto, “Unleash Your Inner Champ,” is evident in her client relationship rapport, vast course curriculum, design structure, and delivery method.

Michelle is a certified coach, speaker, and trainer on the John Maxwell team. Michelle’s 25 years in Corporate America as a Sales Leader in Telecommunications, combined with her 12 + years as an entrepreneur, has equipped her to help others explore their strengths, improve areas of weakness and through a journey of inner discovery, create and lead inclusive cultures that enrich relationships and increase productivity.

2024-05-31T00:49:24-04:00June 5, 2024|

Unleashing Potential: A Journey from Business Growth to Personal Fulfillment with Herb Cogliano

In the fast-paced world of business, success often hinges on strategy, innovation, and perseverance. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Herb Cogliano, founder of Aspire Growth Advisors, as he navigates the realms of physical challenge and business growth with equal vigor.

Applying Principles to Business:

Despite not being the youngest competitor, Herb embarked on the grueling Iron Man challenge with one goal in mind: to share the experience with his son. It’s a testament to the power of family bonds and shared goals in driving personal achievement. Herb’s approach to the Iron Man mirrors his philosophy in business—discipline, focus, and determination. As a seasoned consultant, he helps businesses articulate their vision, align their teams, and execute their goals with precision.

The Importance of Clarity:

Central to Herb’s methodology is the concept of clarity—a shared understanding of purpose, values, and objectives. In a world of distractions, clarity becomes the guiding force that steers organizations toward success. For Herb, success isn’t just about hitting targets—it’s about unleashing potential. Through Aspire Growth Advisors, he partners with mid-market companies to accelerate their growth and cultivate exceptional leadership.

Embracing the Journey

Herb’s journey serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and discovering our limitless potential.

About Our Guest

Herb Cogliano is the founder of Aspire Growth Advisors, a seasoned consultant, and a passionate advocate for personal and professional growth. With a diverse background in business consulting and endurance sports, Herb brings a unique perspective to driving business growth. Through Aspire Growth Advisors, he offers practical strategies and resources to help mid-market companies accelerate their growth and achieve lasting transformation. Herb’s mission is to inspire individuals to embrace growth, overcome challenges, and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Visit Aspire Growth Advisors to learn more about Herb’s work and explore resources for business growth and to access their Complimentary Growth Kit!

2024-04-10T12:59:58-04:00April 10, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Training in Marketing: Navigating the Future with AI with Ford Saeks

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where staying ahead of the curve is essential for personal and professional growth, we find ourselves at the intersection of marketing, training, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). In this captivating conversation between seasoned experts Ford Saeks and Evan Hackel, we explore how effective training can elevate marketing efforts, drive organizational success, and navigate the transformative landscape shaped by AI.

The Foundation of Effective Training

As our discussion unfolds, Ford Saeks, a Hall of Fame speaker and serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience spanning various industries, emphasizes the foundational importance of training. Drawing from personal experience, he underscores that training is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process. “Training isn’t something you did. It’s something you do,” he asserts, emphasizing the continuous nature of learning and development.

Aligning Communication for Optimal Results

In the fast-paced world of marketing, effective communication is key. Our guest emphasizes the significance of aligning messaging with market needs and preferences. Whether it’s internal communication with staff or external communication with customers, the message must resonate to elicit the desired response.

The Customer-Centric Approach

Reflecting on a memorable marketing mishap, our guest underscores the importance of viewing business through the lens of the customer. Sharing an anecdote from a presentation to community bankers, he emphasizes the need to deliver on the promised value proposition. “You really need to look at your business model and your communications through the eyes of the customer,” he advises, stressing the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations.

Embracing the Future with AI

Building upon the foundation laid by effective training, Evan Hackel, in his conversation with Ford Saeks, delves into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of society. Both speakers emphasize the importance of continuous learning in navigating the complexities of today’s world, urging individuals and organizations to embrace AI and understand its potential.

Practical Training for Tangible Results

The discussion further explores the value of practical, actionable insights in training sessions. From keynotes to webinars, the goal is to deliver content that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impact. Both speakers stress the significance of effective training delivery, tailored to the needs of the audience. Keeping participants engaged is key to maximizing the impact of training sessions.

Marketing Benefits vs. Features

Finally, the conversation touches upon the importance of marketing benefits over features. This results-driven approach ensures that clients understand the value proposition and are more likely to invest in growth opportunities.

In conclusion, our exploration of training and marketing reveals a symbiotic relationship that fuels business growth, fosters customer engagement, and embraces the transformative potential of AI. By unlocking the power of effective training and embracing emerging technologies, individuals and organizations can navigate the future with confidence, innovation, and growth.

About Our Guest

Ford Saeks is more than a hall of fame keynote speaker, he’s a research-based thought leader. An engine. An expert. An idea man and marketing machine. He helps businesses not by talking at them about success, but by talking them through the steps to get there.

He invites all listeners to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, with a special mention of Ford’s AI training webinar: https://profitrichresults.com/ai-training a must for anyone looking to harness the power of AI.

2024-04-03T10:26:25-04:00April 3, 2024|

Navigating Diversity and Equity Across Borders: Insights from Toby Mildon

Toby Mildon is on a mission to help put the right strategies in place to improve retention, innovation, productivity, profitability and so much more. In this episode of Training Unleashed, Evan Hackle and Toby have an enlightening discussion on diversity and inclusion.

Comparing Diversity Discussions: UK vs. US

The definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion are remarkably similar in the UK and the US. Toby emphasizes the importance of all three elements for creating a fair society. Diversity includes everyone, inclusion enables full contributions, and equity emphasizes personalized approaches. Toby introduces the iceberg analogy, stating that visible characteristics represent only 10% of our diversity, while the remaining 80% consists of invisible attributes. Understanding this diversity is crucial for creating an inclusive and respectful work environment.

Impact of Bias on Decision-Making

Bias, often automatic and unintentional, significantly influences decision-making, especially in critical situations like hiring or promotions. Toby highlights the importance of being mindful, curious, and challenging assumptions to understand individuals and their strengths.

Six Signature Traits of Inclusive Leadership

Toby shares the six traits identified by Deloitte for inclusive leadership:

  1. Curiosity: A trait essential for inclusive leaders.
  2. Cognizance: Being aware of biases and blind spots.
  3. Courage: Fostering honest, frank, and brave discussions.
  4. Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and navigating different cultures.
  5. Collaboration: Encouraging effective collaboration across teams.
  6. Commitment: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, challenging the status quo.
Inclusive Growth: Good for Business

Toby emphasizes that diverse teams make better decisions, and McKinsey’s reports support the idea that diverse leadership teams lead to more profitable businesses. Inclusive cultures improve creativity, innovation, customer experiences, and employee retention, leading to positive business outcomes.

About Our Guest

Toby Mildon, the founder of Milton Echo Ltd., is a dedicated advocate for fostering inclusive cultures within organizations. With a wealth of experience, Toby collaborates with clients to drive positive change, improve productivity, and create environments where everyone feels valued. For more information about Toby Mildon and his work, visit Milton Echo Ltd.. Connect with Toby on LinkedIn, where he shares valuable content regularly.

2024-01-29T17:36:23-05:00February 21, 2024|

Mastering the Art of Leadership: A Conversation with Chad Brown

Chad is an Associate Partner at Take New Ground and the host of The Naked Leadership Podcast with the founding partners of TNG (Take New Ground). In this episode, Evan takes a deep dive into the world of leadership with our special guest, Chad Brown. With a wealth of experience and insights, Chad is here to share his perspectives on what it takes to be an exceptional leader.

Defining Leadership

At the heart of this episode is Chad’s definition of leadership – an art form that involves inspiring and empowering others. Drawing from his diverse background and extensive leadership roles, Chad sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond conventional leadership norms. Evan delves into the qualities that make a great leader, exploring authenticity, empathy, and adaptability with Chad. According to Chad, titles and authority don’t define leadership; instead, it’s about influence, service, and creating a culture of collaboration. The discussion serves as a guide for both emerging and experienced leaders, offering insights into what truly matters in leadership.

Navigating Challenges: Lessons from Chad’s Journey:

One of the most engaging parts of the episode is when Chad shares a significant leadership challenge he faced – leading a team through a major organizational change. The transparency, resilience, and adaptability required during this period provided invaluable lessons that every leader can learn from.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders:

For our aspiring leaders, Chad offers practical advice based on his journey. Continuous learning, embracing challenges, and being open to feedback are key components that Chad believes can contribute to a fulfilling and successful leadership journey.

About Our Guest

Chad Brown is a leadership engagement expert. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. He thrives in extreme environments and finds comfort in difficult conversations. Over the last 5 years, Chad has trained and developed leaders at globally recognized brands like Lulu Lemon, and Ironclad Document Services along with many burgeoning start-ups.

2024-03-21T13:53:32-04:00January 24, 2024|

Breaking Through Business Plateaus with Sean M Doyle

Sean M. Doyle, Principal at FitzMartin Inc, stands as a beacon of innovation. With over 25 years of experience and 5,000+ client engagements, Sean has honed a sales-first, scientific approach to drive revenue and create lasting value for B2B companies. As an author, speaker, and advisor, he’s on a mission to redefine how small-business executives perceive marketing, aiming to empower them to sell more effectively to their most profitable customers.

Why Businesses Plateau

Sean breaks down the marketing challenges businesses face as they grow. In the early stages, businesses may rely on basic marketing approaches, but as they surpass 25 FTEs, complexities arise. Communication barriers become prominent, and by the time a business exceeds 50 FTEs, the focus shifts to growth strategies and shaping marketing to inform overall strategy.

Communication and Collaboration

A crucial aspect discussed is the need for effective communication and collaboration between sales, marketing, and executive teams. Sean highlights the importance of the training function as the glue that holds these departments together. Identifying barriers and making concise adjustments in sales and marketing can lead to significant growth.

Overcoming Marketing Fears

The conversation shifts to Evan’s book and the fears executives often have about marketing. Sean provides valuable insights into hiring for marketing roles and suggests that fear often stems from a lack of comfort and expertise. He introduces a framework and a set of questions that executives can use to navigate the hiring process.

About Our Guest

Sean M. Doyle is a leading consultancy focused on sales marketing and management, sales and marketing technology services, and revenue operations for B2B companies. Sean and his team at FitzMartin are focused on long term value creation through a sales-first, scientific approach to driving revenue.

Explore a world of inspiration and expertise at Sean Doyle’s online hubs. Visit Sean for insightful musings on marketing  and beyond and dive into the realm of  the science and art of growing revenue. 

2023-11-22T11:00:33-05:00November 22, 2023|
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