• 054 - Understanding Your Team's Thinking Style with Michael McMahon
    Aug 7 2025
    What if the key to unlocking your team's full potential lies in understanding how they process ideas? This episode explores two dominant thinking styles—talking to think and thinking to talk—and how leaders can create space for every voice to be heard.Time Stamps01:05 - Episode Intro03:14 - Challenges of Leadership and Communication10:11 - Balancing Different Communication Styles14:08 - Creating a Space for All Voices16:42 - Encouraging Constructive Feedback19:19 - Blending Different Thinkers in Meetings22:55 - Talking to Think Style24:56 - Thinking to Talk Style26:41 - Balancing Different Thinking Styles32:42 - The Role of Structure in Business Success34:38 - Final Thoughts and ReflectionsSnippets from the Episode"Some of the most amazing things in my organization happened because I listened to people who communicate differently than I do." – Michael McMahon"If you don't create the space for differences to grow, you risk missing out on valuable perspectives." – Chris Griffin"Neither one of these styles is wrong. Both are valuable, and the best ideas come when every thinking style has room to breathe." – Chris Griffin"If you believe the human element is the differentiator, then the best way to connect is by finding a way for all kinds of people to achieve in your space." – Michael McMahonResourcesPepper Wilson on LinkedInExtra Shot of Leadership Podcast by Pepper WilsonDiSC® stylesMBTI® Personality TypeGood to Great by Jim CollinsNeed Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch On ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Michael McMahonMichael McMahon on LinkedInHill & Partners websiteMore from Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • 053 - Beyond the Pitch: Mastering the Customer Experience
    Jul 24 2025

    How can businesses transform ordinary transactions into memorable experiences? Chris dives into the psychology of buying, the power of authentic sales interactions, and how to deliver standout service that keeps customers coming back.


    Time Stamps

    • 00:52 - Episode Intro
    • 01:04 - The Giant Adirondack Chair Story
    • 03:51 - The Importance of a Good Salesperson
    • 19:33 - Customer Knowledge and Expectations
    • 20:00 - Building Trust and Credibility
    • 22:58 - Delivering a Five-Star Experience
    • 31:08 - Beyond Five Stars: Elevating Customer Service


    Snippets from the Episode

    • “It’s way more than just the thing I’m buying—it’s about how I feel during the process and the confidence the salesperson gives me.” -Chris
    • “The days of a simple commodity sale are over—it’s the white-glove, full-service approach that makes you stand out in a sea of sameness.” -Chris
    • “A great salesperson doesn’t just sell; they listen, anticipate, and make the buyer feel confident and understood.” -Chris


    Resources

    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠
    • Watch On ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠
    • Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠⁠

    More from Chris

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 052 - Your Career Legacy: What Will Your Professional Obituary Say About You?
    Jul 3 2025

    What do you want to be remembered for professionally? Chris reflects on legacy, leadership, and how to craft a career story that truly matters. Tune in!


    Time Stamps

    • 00:40 - Episode Intro
    • 01:00 - Reflecting on Leadership Roles
    • 01:52 - The Importance of Legacy
    • 03:36 - Main Characters and Their Flaws
    • 04:42 - Crafting Your Professional Story
    • 06:06 - Real-Life Examples of Legacy
    • 10:50 - The Impact of Personal Touches
    • 15:03 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways


    Snippets from the Episode

    • “If each one of us is the main character in our own movie… what scenes or episodes would you go back and put in to make sure people remember who you really are?” — Chris Griffin
    • “This is way more than just a job. The really interesting obituaries will be the ones where we get to see more of you than just your professional role.” — Chris Griffin


    Resources

    • StoryBrand by Donald Miller
    • EDPA (Experiential Designers & Producers Association)
    • Exhibit City News
    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠
    • Watch On ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠
    • Follow Us On Social: ⁠⁠LinkedIn,⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠⁠Email us⁠⁠

    More from Chris

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠



    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 051 - Managing Through (Predictable) Seasonal Slow Downs
    Jun 19 2025

    Feeling the pinch of a seasonal slowdown? Listen in as we discuss practical ways to handle predictable downtimes in the trade show industry.


    Time Stamps

    • 00:32 - Episode Intro
    • 02:27 - Understanding the Trade Show Industry's Seasonal Patterns
    • 04:49 - Strategies for Managing Financial Pressures
    • 10:58 - Optimizing Operations During Slow Periods
    • 21:53 - Maximizing Efficiency During Slow Periods
    • 22:40 - Targeting Busy Industries During Slow Months
    • 24:21 - Strategic Financial Management
    • 27:27 - Reemerging from Slow Periods


    Snippets from the Episode

    •  ”A mentor of mine decades ago said, in the trade show and event space, you're guaranteed to make money six months a year if you show up. You're guaranteed to lose money two months a year. It's usually the summer and it's the other four months that determine whether your business has a good year or a bad year. So what are you doing with those four months?” -Chris


    Resources

    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with ⁠CrewXP ⁠
    • Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠
    • Follow Us On Social: ⁠LinkedIn,⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠

    More from Chris

    • ⁠⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠⁠Instagram


    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • 050 - From Passport to Show Floor: Entering the US for Trade Shows and Conferences with Ease
    Jun 5 2025

    Heading to an international trade show? Listen to this episode and learn how to simplify your travel prep! Learn about visas, entry protocols, and practical tips for a seamless journey.


    Time Stamps

    • 00:42 - Episode Intro
    • 01:02 - Legislative Action Day Preview
    • 01:38 - The Four Ts: Tariffs, Taxes, Talent, and Travel
    • 02:27 - Importance of International Travel for Trade Shows
    • 03:39 - US Entry Requirements and Documentation
    • 08:43 - Navigating US Customs and Border Patrol
    • 12:54 - Travel Tips and Best Practices
    • 28:06 - Final Thoughts and Resources


    Snippets from the Episode

    • "Just because you're granted a visa, it's not a guarantee that you can come into the country. It still comes down to the Customs and Border Patrol checkpoint. When you come in, they can still decline you.” -Chris
    • “  I've seen people get uncomfortable and don't tell the truth. You can get yourself pretty quickly into a jam there if you fail to declare any unrestricted good.” -Chris
    •  ”One in three are now brand new to this industry since the pandemic recovery. So it’s not unheard of to think that we're gonna have some first-time travelers to the U.S.” -Chris


    Resources

    • CBP Travel Information
    • Find a U.S. Embassy
    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
    • Watch On YouTube
    • Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
    • Have Questions? Email us

    More from Chris

    • ⁠⁠CrewXP ⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Email Chris⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠
    • ⁠⁠Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • 049 - Don’t Just Show Up: Design a Booth That Works
    May 15 2025

    Join us as we dive into the essentials of designing an effective trade show booth. Learn how giving your booth a clear purpose can make all the difference in attracting and engaging visitors. Don't just show up—stand out!


    Time Stamps

    • 00:41 - Episode Intro
    • 01:05 - Understanding the Trade Show Industry Post-Pandemic
    • 02:44 - The Concept of Jobs to Be Done
    • 04:55 - Defining Your Trade Show Booth's Job
    • 06:44 - Strategies for Effective Booth Design
    • 10:35 - Preparing and Managing Booth Staff
    • 20:18 - Real-Life Examples of Successful Booths
    • 30:26 - Final Tips and Resources for Exhibitors


    Snippets from the Episode

    • " 85% of us, the reason we participate as exhibitors at shows is to generate qualified leads. That's the mission. - Chris Griffin
    •   "What's the experience I'm driving people to? What's gonna get 'em in and interacting with me a little bit? What are the six or eight pieces of information I've predetermined that I need, that I can work into the conversation so I can capture that information?" - Chris Griffin
    •   "It is critical that your booth has a clear job, and it's part of the strategy that you guys have to put together for your company.” -Chris Griffin


    Resources

    • ⁠Jobs to be Done by Clayton Christensen
    • Trade Show Displays⁠
    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with⁠ CrewXP ⁠
    • Watch On ⁠YouTube⁠
    • Follow Us On Social:⁠ LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠
    • Have Questions? ⁠Email us⁠


    More from Chris

    • ⁠CrewXP ⁠
    • ⁠Email Chris⁠
    • ⁠Chris on LinkedIn⁠


    More from Khalil

    • ⁠benali.com ⁠
    • ⁠Email Khalil⁠
    • ⁠Meet With Khalil⁠
    • ⁠LinkedIn⁠
    • ⁠Facebook⁠
    • ⁠Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • 048 - Exhibit Spend: Do I Rent or Purchase?
    May 1 2025

    Dive into the key considerations when choosing to rent or purchase exhibit displays for trade shows. Find out which option could save you time and money while enhancing your trade show presence.


    Time Stamps

    • 00:38 - Should You Buy or Rent?
    • 01:18 - Factors to Consider When Deciding
    • 02:17 - Cost of Owning an Exhibit
    • 05:16 - Maintenance & Repairs
    • 12:43 - Advantages of Renting
    • 14:25 - Cost Comparison: Renting vs. Buying
    • 16:54 - Customization and Mixed Models
    • 21:36 - Disadvantages of Renting
    • 30:27 - Choosing the Right Exhibit House
    • 32:44 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Snippets from the Episode

    • "The first thing you have to consider when deciding to purchase or rent is how many times you gonna be participating in an event where you're gonna use this in trade shows? For me, the magic number's always been three." -Chris Griffin
    • I really like renting as an option. You're still gonna invest in your own graphic messaging, but when you're paying to rent that structure, it's somebody else's problem to make sure that you don't have to pay a storage fee. There's no upcharge or upkeep for repairing cracks and chips, and scratches. If you're dealing with a professional exhibit house, you just show up and you're booth's ready." -Chris Griffin
    • "Most people think about the cost of designing and building an exhibit. They don't necessarily think about the cost of owning it and using it." -Chris Griffin


    Resources

    • Trade Show Displays
    • Need Help With An Event? Get in touch with CrewXP
    • Watch On YouTube
    • Follow Us On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook
    • Have Questions? Email us


    More from Chris

    • CrewXP
    • Email Chris
    • Chris on LinkedIn


    More from Khalil

    • benali.com
    • Email Khalil
    • Meet With Khalil
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • 047 - More Than a Booth: It's a "Branch Office"
    Apr 17 2025

    Ever thought of your trade show booth as more than just a booth? Dive into the idea of treating it as a branch office for strategic success. Discover actionable insights on planning, staff training, and creating engaging experiences to maximize your ROI. Listen now!


    Time Stamps

    • 00:48 - Episode Intro
    • 02:38 - Opening a Branch Office at Trade Shows
    • 06:10 - Strategic Planning for Trade Show Success
    • 10:11 - Engaging and Training Your Staff
    • 22:48 - Engaging Trade Show Visitors
    • 22:58 - Choosing the Right Staff for Your Booth
    • 24:37 - Creating a Compelling Booth Experience
    • 26:40 - Maximizing Client and Prospect Interactions
    • 29:01 - Budgeting and Planning for Success


    Snippets from the Episode

    • "It's not enough to buy a pretty booth or rent something. There's gotta be a strategy and then a tactical plan to drive that traffic there.” -Chris Griffin
    • “You've gotta be able to engage, qualify, present, and close.  And close doesn't mean get a deal. Close means close on a commitment. ” -Chris Griffin
    • “It gets harder and harder to get in front of our clients and prospects now. But shows are a great place to do that.” -Chris Griffin


    Resources

    • Experience Builders on LinkedIn
    • Experience Builders on Facebook


    More from Chris

    • CrewXP
    • Email Chris
    • Chris on LinkedIn


    More from Khalil

    • Email Khalil
    • Meet With Khalil
    • Khalil on LinkedIn
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins