In Episode 150 of Noob School, I sit down with David Shaner of Greenville, SC—Principal of CONNECT Consulting LLC and longtime advisor to leaders who want to strengthen culture and performance.

Our conversation touches on a wide range of leadership lessons, from the small signals that can shape company culture, to how leaders build trust across an organization, to why transparency—financial and otherwise—can be a powerful motivator. David shares insights from his decades of experience helping organizations improve performance by getting employees to think and act like owners, while I offer stories from my own journey in business and sales.

This episode is packed with practical wisdom and thought-provoking takeaways for business owners, sales leaders, and anyone looking to grow both their people and their company.

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL #SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

Dive deep with us in Noob School Episode 149, featuring Diana Herrmann Davis, Assistant Director of Employer Recruitment and Center Operations at The Citadel. Diana walks us through her multifaceted career—from her polished beginnings at NASCAR, where she shaped media communications and archival storytelling, to dynamic roles in higher education career services at institutions like the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University. She then pivoted into sales as a Sales Associate at Hylo, before evolving into a leadership role at The Citadel—where she's now also spearheading recruitment operations, coordinating career services, and teaching as an adjunct professor. Along the way, her advanced degrees from East Carolina University and the University of Pittsburgh have given her a strong academic foundation. Whether you’re mapping a career change, thinking of merging sales skills with education, or aiming to lead in campus operations, Diana’s journey delivers rich, actionable insights for your professional evolution. Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL #SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

In Episode 148 of Noob School, I talk with Kevin Farrell — a retired U.S. Army Colonel and now the President and CEO of Battlefield Leadership. Kevin’s career has spanned the military, academia, consulting, and even Hollywood, where he served as the senior military advisor on the Brad Pitt film Fury. But through all of it, one theme has stayed constant: leadership matters, especially under pressure. We talk about how his experience leading troops in combat shaped his understanding of leadership — and why those lessons still apply to business leaders today. Kevin shares stories from his work helping companies grow stronger through historical case studies and dives into some of the most common leadership mistakes he sees in the corporate world. We also touch on the difference between managing and truly leading, and how teams can make that shift. Kevin brings a unique mix of hard-earned experience and academic depth, with advanced degrees from Columbia University and a long list of published work. Whether you're building a team, growing a business, or just trying to become a better leader — this conversation has something for you.

On this episode of Noob School, I sit down with Monica Seitz—a sharp young professional who’s already packing a lot of experience and perspective into the early stages of her sales career. Monica grew up on a farm in Kentucky, where she spent her early years showing horses and getting her first hands-on experience with sales at horse auctions.

That kind of upbringing tends to shape a person—teaching responsibility, communication, and the art of the deal long before any formal training. Monica took those early lessons with her to Furman University, where she studied Sales and got involved with the Hill Institute. Along the way, she also ran track, spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, and started carving out her path in the medical and health sales space.

We talk about how shadowing her uncle—a surgeon—opened her eyes to the world of medical device sales, and why she’s now setting her sights on Australia to launch the next chapter of her career. Monica also shares some of the small but meaningful moments that helped shape her direction—including a few pieces of advice I gave her early on.

She’s thoughtful, driven, and not afraid to take big swings. Whether you’re exploring a future in sales or just like hearing how real careers get built, Monica’s story is a great example of how early experiences, global exposure, and curiosity can combine into something exciting.

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL

Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

Marty Osborn is back on the show, and we’re digging into some serious business strategy in this episode. If you’ve ever thought about buying a business—or selling one—this conversation is packed with value. We talk through what makes a company an attractive acquisition, how to evaluate opportunities, and what the process really looks like when you’re trying to find the right fit. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, Marty brings tons of clarity and real-world perspective to the table. We also get into how to prepare your own business for a potential sale—what buyers are looking for, how to streamline your operations, and the importance of having clean, well-documented systems. There’s some great discussion on the tools out there (including some powerful AI options) that can help you make smarter, more strategic decisions—without needing a huge team behind you. Later in the episode, we shift the conversation toward hiring—specifically when it comes to building a top-tier sales team. Marty shares some of the key traits he looks for, the patterns he’s seen over the years, and why hiring right the first time is so crucial if you want to grow. We wrap it all up by talking about his new book, how the release has gone, what the response has been like, and what he’s learned through the process of writing and launching it. It’s a laid-back, insight-filled conversation that’s perfect for anyone looking to level up in business—whether you're buying, building, or just thinking ahead. Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL #SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

Jack Sterling is back, and this time, we’re getting straight into business—what works, what doesn’t, and what entrepreneurs need to know. We kick things off with an important discussion about the Rupert Huse Veterans Center and how they’re helping veterans successfully transition into new careers.

Then, we dig into the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship. Jack shares insights on the biggest differences between structured environments (like the military) and the unpredictable world of running a business—drawing from his own experience transitioning from a Navy SEAL to an entrepreneur. We cover smart ways to fund a business, breaking down how SBA loans work and how they can fit into a broader funding strategy with investors. And of course, we talk sales: what it takes to actually close deals, why so many people overcomplicate the process, and what Jack has learned from his work at Cloudhound.

Finally, we highlight another fantastic organization, Upstate Warrior Solution, and why supporting veterans is so important. If you want to get involved, check them out: Upstate Warrior Solution - Get Involved.

This one’s packed with real-world business advice and a few laughs along the way—tune in!

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL
Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

In this episode of the Noob School podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Marion Crawford, the dynamic founder and CEO of Crawford, a full-service marketing and brand strategy firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. Marion's journey from her early education to leading a successful agency is both inspiring and insightful.

Marion began her career in journalism, working on the Nightly News Desk at NBC in New York. She later served as a news writer and reporter for CBS and ABC affiliates in Spartanburg, SC, and Asheville, NC, respectively. This foundation in storytelling and communication paved the way for her transition into marketing and business development roles, including a notable tenure at ScanSource, Inc.

In 2010, Marion founded Crawford, driven by a vision to provide comprehensive marketing solutions with a personal touch. Under her leadership, the agency has grown from a small team to a robust firm with a diverse portfolio. Marion's commitment to crafting compelling brand messages has positioned Crawford as a trusted partner across various industries.

Beyond her professional achievements, Marion is deeply involved in her community. She has served on the boards of organizations such as Artisphere, the Peace Center, the Cancer Society of Greenville County, and the Urban League of the Upstate. Her dedication to both her craft and her community exemplifies the qualities of a true leader.

During our conversation, Marion shared valuable insights into her career trajectory, the challenges and triumphs of building her own agency, and practical sales tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and continuous learning.

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL

Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends

What does it take to go from an All-American athlete to a Navy SEAL, then transition into a successful sales career in the tech industry? In this episode of Noob School, I sit down with Troy Pusateri, whose journey is a masterclass in discipline, purpose, and perseverance.

Growing up around Baltimore, Troy excelled in swimming, becoming an All-American at Clemson University. But instead of taking the conventional route after graduation, he chose to serve his country, joining the Navy and eventually becoming a Navy SEAL. His time in the SEAL teams, including protection detail work in Afghanistan, shaped his mindset, resilience, and leadership skills—qualities that would later prove invaluable in his business career.

After leaving the military, Troy took an unconventional path into sales, starting as an Executive Assistant, then moving into business development at Pegasus before making the leap into the tech industry. Today, he’s a Regional Sales Manager at BLACKWOOD, having also worked with AWS as a Navy Account Manager.

In this conversation, we dive into:
✅ The power of discipline and how it translates to success in business
✅ Why having a clear purpose is key to staying motivated
✅ The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people
✅ Lessons from the SEALs that apply directly to sales and leadership
✅ The transition from military service to corporate success

Whether you're in sales, the military, or just looking for inspiration on building a successful career, Troy’s story is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Tune in now!

Get your sales in rhythm with The Sterling Method: https://SterlingSales.co

I'm going to be sharing my secrets on all my social channels, but if you want them all at your fingertips, start with my book, Sales for Noobs: https://amzn.to/3tiaxsL

Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://bit.ly/3Ned5kL

#SalesTraining #B2BSales #SalesExcellence #SalesStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesLeadership #SalesSuccess #SalesCoaching #SalesSkills #SalesInnovation #SalesTips #SalesPerformance #SalesTransformation #SalesTeamDevelopment #SalesMotivation #SalesEnablement #SalesGoals #SalesExpertise #SalesInsights #SalesTrends#salestrends