In this deeply moving and high-impact episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, Bo and Luke are joined by Maureen O’Brien, CEO of the Global Wisdom and Leadership Forum, keynote speaker, cancer survivor, and self-proclaimed “Sales Sage.” Together, they explore the powerful intersection of leadership, sales, mindset, and purpose in healthcare HR and beyond.

This is not your typical sales conversation.

Maureen shares transformative insights on how HR professionals can build internal sales acumen to effectively pitch strategic initiatives to executives like CEOs, CFOs, and Boards. She introduces the concept of the “18-inch vertical drop”… connecting head and heart, and how tapping into authentic communication is key to winning support for HR-led projects in today’s complex healthcare environment.

💥 What You’ll Learn:

• Why every HR leader is in sales (even if you don’t call it that)
• How to use empathy and active listening to influence key stakeholders
• Tactical advice for presenting ideas that stick, without 900-word slides
• The critical role of discovery before design or delivery
• The risk of relying too heavily on relationships in vendor partnerships

Maureen’s powerful perspective as a stage-four Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor brings unmatched depth to her philosophy of living and leading with intention. She shares her commitment to honoring “one more day,” offering a blueprint for resilience, gratitude, and making every conversation count.

Whether you’re a CHRO presenting a benefits overhaul or a talent acquisition pro trying to align leadership on a tech investment, this episode will elevate your approach. You'll walk away with actionable tools to lead with heart, speak with clarity, and drive real outcomes—no matter your job title.

🔑 Key Quotes:

• “Sales is just a swear word for service.”
• “Mindset is your superpower—use it with intention.”
• “Discovery is the most important part of the process. Design and delivery should never come first.”

🎯 Perfect For:

• Healthcare HR professionals
• Organizational leaders managing change
• Sales professionals in complex B2B environments
• Anyone seeking purpose-driven leadership development

🎧 Tune in and learn how to shift your seat to the other side of the table, speak the language your stakeholders understand, and ultimately become the kind of leader (and human) who gets the right things done for the right reasons.

📖 Bonus: Maureen’s book, 26 Points of Light, shares her journey through cancer, featuring contributions from her caregivers and family. All proceeds support cancer research and patient care.

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