Studies have found that 95% of people in influential positions think they are more influential than they really are. No matter what level of leadership you're at or how many followers you have, your true influence lies in your ability to move people to action. Stacey Hanke is on the show today to discuss her new book Influence Redefined: Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday and share how true influencers gain trust and communicate to draw people in.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2vgvrNt

When it comes to writing a book that sells year after year, Ryan Holiday definitely knows the formula. His books have all been best-sellers, and more importantly, they have continued to sell well long after their issue dates. In this episode, he discusses the principles for crafting a longstanding work, whether it's a book, a product, or even a restaurant,  from his newest book, Perennial Seller: The Art of Marketing Work that Lasts.

Ryan shares what differentiates a book that keeps selling over the years from a book that sells well initially but gradually disappears from view. He emphasizes that from the outset of creating a book, you need to be thinking ahead about what content and marketing efforts will truly make the book last. Finding the perfect balance between content that adds value and strategic marketing is crucial.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2uQftcD

Amazon is the company that every other company wants to be. They dominate ecommerce and are a serious player in every market they enter. And, their customers love them.

In this episode, best-selling authors Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg share lessons from their new book, written with co-author Roy Williams, Be Like Amazon: Even Lemonade Stands Can Do It. They have a passion for learning from Amazon and applying their strategies to businesses big and small.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2vYUylo

Former Navy SEAL Chris Fussell knows what it takes to work as part of a high-functioning team. In this episode, he shares some of his expertise on team-building while discussing his new book, One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams, and how businesses and civilian teams can benefit from using some military-style strategies.

Chris dispels many stereotypes about military leadership methods in this episode. He shares examples of how to get an edge on opponents using a more trusting and less hierarchal decision-making process. He emphasizes the need for leadership to create an atmosphere for successful collaboration by creating a unifying message that gets the group focused on a goal bigger than themselves. And finally, we discuss how recognizing the advantage of different viewpoints and conflicting ideas is a key to success.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2u9MYF1 

Get ready to get psyched up and motivated with today’s guest, Daniel McGinn. Dan is senior editor at the Harvard Business Review and the author of the new book Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed. In it, he explores how the right mental preparation can dramatically change the way you perform in all areas, from sports competitions to business meetings alike.

Dan starts by shedding light on why your mind reacts the way it does under stress and how you can use that reaction to channel excitement rather than fear. We also discuss studies from Dan's book, including how mind-altering thoughts and rituals can have a positive effect on our performance. Dan then shares specific ways to weave proven psychological techniques into the way you work, from musical or meditative style centering to pep talks and rituals.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here:http://bit.ly/2uEGmhs

Is it actually OK to discuss gender differences in the workplace? For years, the mere suggestion that men and women might think differently would have meant a mandatory sensitivity training session. Things are changing, though. Gender expert Barbara Annis provides breakthrough, science-based ideas and solutions that will improve results and maximize team performance.

Using scientific studies and data from clients, Barbara shows that it’s far better to understand gender differences rather than hide or ignore them. She encourages companies to do their research and check their assumptions. They should steer away from basing assessments and work expectations on “sameness.”

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2tPVFXs

As our guest Art Markman can attest, the intersection between business and human irrationality is becoming increasingly fascinating to academics and CEOs alike. 

Art returns to the podcast in this episode to talk about how businesses are beginning to realize how essential it is to understand the less rational actions of customers. He also shares some of the insights from his new book about how to lead a happy life, whether or not "brain games" really work, and why time seems to fly as we get older.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rRiowS 

Video consumption is exploding, and is rapidly overtaking written content as the top medium for communication and content marketing. Veteran filmmaker Vern Oakley's new book, Leadership in Focus: Bringing Out Your Best on Camera, teaches leaders in particular how they can create authentic, pitch-perfect video content to connect with their audiences - be they employees, consumers, or constituents.

Vern and I talk about how and why video consumption is growing so quickly and its advantages over written content. Vern tells us why so many people freeze up on camera, and what you can do to come across as the most authentic version of yourself. He explains how you can be more credible, friendly, and trustworthy. We also discuss how to gauge your audience and hit the right note with your communication and editing style. 

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rN6b1j 

Ken Blanchard, author of the massive best seller One Minute Manager, is the most prolific author we've had on the show, and he's showing no signs of stopping. His new book, co-authored with Claire Diaz-Ortiz, is One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work with a Mentor — And Why You’ll Benefit from Being One.

In this interview, Ken and I talk about his longtime writing career and how he writes books that stand the test of time. We discuss the typical business-book format and voice, and why he and co-authors have decided to buck that trend. Ken also shares his tips for finding a mentor and why he's a big fan of cross-generational mentorship.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rba6Rf 

My guest today may be one of the few to say that we ask our advertisements to do too much. But in an age that sees us constantly bombarded by marketing, he has a point - it may be unrealistic to expect a simple banner ad to drive traffic.

Jeff and I talk about advertising friction and how it keeps both people and brands from realizing their goals. Jeff talks about how customers today don't want to be interrupted and how our brains have learned to block out advertising. We highlight some of the biggest and best brands in the advertising game, and how they use inspiring content to keep customers engaged.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: http://bit.ly/2rzo7ut