Larry Levine is a passionate advocate for authenticity in sales. With more than 30 years in B2B tech sales, Larry shares how his early struggles selling copiers led to a revelation: authentic, client-centred relationships build lasting success.

Instead of mimicking others, he asked customers what they valued – and built his career by doing the opposite of typical sales reps. Larry says that real sales success happens after the deal, through meaningful value, trust, and consistent, caring follow-up.

He warns against transactional mindsets, encourages heart-centred leadership, and believes soft skills drive hard dollars. Larry’s message is clear: in a post-trust world, the most powerful sales tool isn’t AI or slick talk – it’s the genuine human heart.

Takeaways

• Building trust starts with putting the customer first, not the product.
• Long-term relationships grow from post-sale actions, not just closing deals.
• Empty suits focus on transactions; professionals focus on people.
• Soft skills are the real drivers of revenue and loyalty.
• Customers sense sincerity – make it about them, not you.
• Discipline in follow-up builds credibility and deepens trust.
• Sales success stems from curiosity, empathy, and consistency.
• Genuine relationships create repeat business and lasting impact.
• AI can assist, but it can’t replace the human heart.

Follow Larry Levine
https://sellingfromtheheart.net/
https://www.sellingfromtheheartpodcast.com/
https://culturefromtheheart.com/

Books on this episode
Selling from the Heart by Larry Levine https://amzn.to/41pgg3I
Selling in a Post Trust World by Larry Levine https://amzn.to/434p7c5
Business of Honor by Bob Hasson https://amzn.to/4c0wUKA

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/

Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO

Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.

Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

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Award-winning speaker and author Joey Coleman returns with his strategic roadmap to attract, retain, and inspire employees – from first impression to lifelong advocacy. His eight phases of employee experience map the full journey an employee takes with an organisation, from considering a role to becoming a loyal champion of the brand.

Each phase – beginning with the letter “A” to represent the gold standard in employee engagement – highlights a critical moment to engage, support, and build trust with employees, ensuring they feel valued and empowered every step of the way.

Takeaways

• Employee experience begins long before the first official day on the job.
• The job offer phase is a two-way commitment, not a transaction.
• New hire doubt is common – proactive communication helps ease their uncertainty fast.
• Design a first day that excites, reassures, and builds immediate connection.
• Acclimation requires time, clarity, and ongoing support to build real confidence.
• Loyal employees deserve attention and appreciation to remain fully engaged long-term.
• Advocacy only happens when employees feel valued, trusted, and deeply connected.
• Promotions are transitions – re-onboarding is essential to set them up for success.
• Small, thoughtful actions build loyalty more than grand gestures ever will.

Follow Joey Coleman
https://joeycoleman.com/

Joey Coleman's books
Never Lose a Customer Again https://amzn.to/4gMCktZ
Never Lose an Employee Again https://amzn.to/3VzFPeO

Books Joey recommends:
All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams By Mike Michalowicz https://amzn.to/42oQVG6
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins https://amzn.to/4lscbUo

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

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Bestselling author and renowned speaker Joey Coleman returns to The Evolution Podcast to shares his thoughts on how the first 100 days can make or break employee retention and engagement. Joey explores the critical connection between onboarding, employee engagement, and long-term retention.

Drawing on global research and real-world examples, Joey makes a compelling case for why businesses must rethink how they welcome and support new hires.

He also reflects on the impact of a recent three-month sabbatical and what it taught him about rest, leadership, and workplace culture.

Takeaways

• Great onboarding boosts retention, engagement, and long-term employee satisfaction.
• The first 100 days are critical for shaping employee experience and loyalty.
• Employees mirror leaders – if you never take time off, they won’t either.
• Strong workplace culture starts with showing genuine care beyond the 9-to-5.
• Even small, thoughtful gestures can create memorable employee experiences from day one.
• Unlimited vacation policies fail unless culturally supported and actively encouraged by leadership.
• Most companies underestimate the financial cost of losing and replacing employees.
• Treat employees like people, not just resources, and performance will follow.

Follow Joey Coleman
https://joeycoleman.com/

Joey Coleman's books
Never Lose a Customer Again https://amzn.to/4gMCktZ
Never Lose an Employee Again https://amzn.to/3VzFPeO

Listen to Joey on a previous episode of The Evolution Partners:
E33 | Never Lose A Customer Again with Joey Coleman
https://omny.fm/shows/the-evolution-partners/never-lose-a-customer-again-with-joey-coleman

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me:
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on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

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Ashley Ross, a veteran coach with 39 years of experience, has worked across multiple sports and countries, coaching at all levels, from grassroots to world championships. He insists that coaching is fundamentally about people, not just technical expertise.

He highlights the power of asking the right questions, building trust, and fostering reflection for continuous improvement. Ross also discusses coaching elite athletes, the importance of coachability, and the parallels between sports coaching and business leadership.

He underscores the value of personalised coaching, vulnerability, and maintaining a balance between confidence and humility.

Ross remains committed to lifelong learning, ensuring his coaching philosophy evolves to empower both athletes and fellow coaches.

Takeaways

• Coaching is about people, not just technical knowledge or tactical expertise.
• Asking the right questions empowers athletes to find their own solutions.
• Building trust and relationships is fundamental to effective coaching.
• Reflection turns experience into learning and drives continuous improvement.
• Confidence and humility must coexist for sustained high performance.
• Great coaching focuses on transformation, not just transactional results.
• Personalised coaching approaches yield better results than one-size-fits-all methods.
• Vulnerability in coaching fosters trust and deeper connections.
• Successful coaches prioritise learning over simply giving instructions.
• Better coaching creates environments where athletes feel safe, seen, and supported.

Follow Ashley Ross
https://www.coachlearningsolutions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-ross-b38a6a32/
https://x.com/CoachLearningS1
https://x.com/High_per

Books on this episode
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara https://amzn.to/4124RVW

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me:
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on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

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Fleur Hazelwood is a leadership expert, author, and founder of the Blueberry Institute, specialising in building high-performance workplace cultures that prioritise wellbeing. With more than 20 years of corporate leadership experience, she has trained thousands in positive leadership, resilience, and mental health mastery.

She discusses the importance of integrating wellbeing into workplace culture to drive both employee performance and business success. When businesses invest in wellbeing, they see increased productivity, engagement, and innovation, alongside measurable financial returns.

Resilience, Fleur insists, is not an inherent trait but a learned skill, developed through daily habits and intentional strategies. Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace wellbeing. Embedding wellbeing into business strategy ensures long-term success, benefiting both individuals and organisations.

Takeaways

• People who are well perform better, making wellbeing essential for success.
• High performance is unsustainable without prioritising physical and mental health.
• Healthy workplace cultures drive productivity, innovation, and long-term business growth.
• Leadership should focus on people management, not just task execution.
• Resilience is a learned skill, built through daily habits and self-awareness.
• Preventing burnout requires balancing energy investment with regular recovery practices.
• Effective workplace wellbeing strategies deliver measurable returns on investment.
• Clear communication and role clarity improve engagement, efficiency, and retention.
• Strong leaders foster trust, transparency, and a psychologically safe environment.
• Embedding wellbeing into business strategy strengthens both employees and the bottom line.

Follow Fleur Heazlewood
https://blueberryinstitute.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-heazlewood/
https://www.instagram.com/fleur_heazlewood/

Books on this episode
Resilience Recipes: Making space for wellbeing that works by Fleur Heazlewood https://amzn.to/4axgXe1
Leading Wellbeing: A Leader's Guide to Mental Health Conversations at Work by Fleur Heazlewood https://amzn.to/42smAIl

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me:
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on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

Enjoying the show? Leave a review

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Martin Bean CBE is a globally recognised education futurist, workplace strategist, and former leader of The Open University, RMIT, and FutureLearn. As CEO of The Bean Centre and a professor at UNSW, he helps leaders and organisations adapt to rapid change with clarity and confidence.

Prof Bean explores the shifting landscape of education and work, the impact of AI and automation, and the essential skills needed to thrive in the future. As technology reshapes industries, he outlines the biggest mistakes leaders make under pressure and why adaptability is now the most valuable trait in business. He discusses how to navigate uncertainty, make bold decisions, and build resilience in times of rapid change.

Takeaways

• The future of work demands adaptability, not just technical skills.
• AI and automation are reshaping industries faster than most leaders expect.
• Successful leaders embrace curiosity and adaptability over rigid control.
• Workplace culture thrives on purpose, not perks or surveillance.
• Future-proof careers prioritise lifelong learning and critical thinking.
• Hybrid work requires rethinking collaboration, not just office attendance policies.
• Emotional intelligence is becoming as valuable as technical expertise.
• Disruption is inevitable – the key is learning how to navigate it.

Follow Prof Martin Bean
https://www.thebeancentre.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/professor-martin-bean-cbe-84655b1a2/

Books on this episode
Toolkit for Turbulence: The Mindset and Methods That Leaders Need to Turn Adversity to Advantage https://amzn.to/4kBRa90
Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us about the Business of Life by James Kerr https://amzn.to/3Fqm8ko

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster

Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

Enjoying the show? Leave a review

Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Adam Fraser is a peak performance researcher, author, and keynote speaker who helps individuals and organisations push beyond their potential without the usual burnout. He has worked with elite athletes, special forces, and business leaders to study sustainable high performance.

Adam highlights the importance of transitions – how we shift from work to home or between tasks – to improve performance and well-being. His Third Space concept emphasises reflection, rest, and reset to show up better in different aspects of life.

Adam also discusses the critical role of challenge in personal growth, how struggle builds pride, and the dangers of avoiding discomfort. His research shows the best leaders balance care with challenge, and employees crave constructive feedback.

Ultimately, he advocates for workplaces that encourage meaningful striving, personal evolution, and a healthy relationship with discomfort – crucial for success in both business and life.

Takeaways

• Work-life balance is about how you show up, not just time spent.
• Effective transitions improve performance, relationships, and overall well-being in life.
• Struggle and challenge build pride, resilience, and long-term personal growth.
• The best leaders balance care, challenge, and investment in their teams.
• Employees crave feedback, including constructive criticism, to improve and feel valued.
• Tracking small progress during striving makes the journey more fulfilling.
• Avoiding discomfort hinders personal growth and weakens problem-solving abilities.
• Great leaders challenge employees while providing strong support and encouragement.
• Happiness from goal achievement fades quickly, but fulfilment comes from the process.
• A meaningful career requires embracing struggle, not just chasing easy success.

Follow Dr Adam Fraser
https://dradamfraser.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradamfraser/
https://www.facebook.com/DrAdamFraser
https://www.instagram.com/dradamfraser/
https://www.youtube.com/dradamfraser

Books on this episode
The Third Space: Using Life's Little Transitions to find Balance and Happiness by Dr Adam Fraser https://amzn.to/414IqiQ
Strive: Embracing the gift of struggle by Dr Adam Fraser https://amzn.to/3X7kIl4
Switch by Chip Heath and Dan Heath https://amzn.to/41bCg0
Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Stanley McChrystal https://amzn.to/4hOX5WP

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

Enjoying the show? Leave a review

Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth

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Rich Armstrong is a leading expert in open-book management and employee ownership. With more than 34 years of experience at SRC Holdings Corporation, a 100% employee-owned company, Rich has played a key role in refining and implementing the Great Game of Business – a proven system that aligns employees with company goals through financial literacy, accountability, and shared rewards.

Rich shares his insights on how transparency, financial literacy, and shared incentives transform workplace culture and business performance. He discusses how companies can empower employees by teaching them how business works, aligning their daily actions with financial success, and rewarding them for results.

Rich explains key concepts like the critical number, mini-games, and high-involvement planning, providing real-world examples of businesses that have thrived using these strategies.

Takeaways

• Open-book management empowers employees by providing financial transparency and accountability.
• Employee ownership fosters long-term commitment, engagement, and shared responsibility for success.
• Teaching financial literacy helps employees make better decisions that impact profitability.
• A clear critical number aligns teams toward a common business goal.
• Mini-games drive continuous improvement by turning challenges into focused, team-driven solutions.
• Profit-sharing rewards employees for their contributions to business growth and efficiency.
• High-involvement planning increases buy-in, leading to stronger execution and strategic alignment.
• Retention rates improve when employees feel valued, informed, and part of the mission.
• Sustainable success comes from better decision-making, not just revenue growth.
• Trust and transparency create a culture where employees think and act like owners.

Follow Rich Armstrong
https://www.greatgame.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-great-game-of-business/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-armstrong-5b18a85/

Books on this episode
Get in the Game by Rich Armstrong https://amzn.to/3WyLXob
The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack https://amzn.to/40vriCR
A Stake in the Outcome by Jack Stack & Steve Baker https://amzn.to/40M1jbF

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster

Follow me:
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

Enjoying the show? Leave a review

Support the show: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionpartnersperth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.