From 2019 to 2022 I built and led a transformative sales and mindset program for select employees within a 42 store sub-market of the largest Verizon retailer in the United States. Using an intensive 2 day training with weekly followup for the quarter, we watched it not only double their performance during the quarter they were in the program, but long term as well. A side-effect that surprised me was that the retention after one year for program graduates was better than the company average. It also created some top tier leaders and sales performers who connected with their role in the company and went on to experience continued success. ​ Here’s the fascinating thing though - the people in my program weren’t the top 10%. They weren’t even the top 50%. I asked to be allowed to exclusively coach the bottom 1 - 5% of sales performers across the market. Their teams had almost all written them off, and the majority were already looking for new jobs on indeed when they got to our program. I had a theory that these “low performers” were under-supported and struggling with serious cognitive dissonance about the professional situation they now found themselves in. Over those two days, we provided a space to realign their relationship with the company, the customer, and most importantly, themselves. ​ Seeing the impact that this training had on the careers, financial health, stress, relationships, and self-confidence of the participants is the most significant factor in deciding to help leaders to develop programs that allow them to connect in deeper and more productive ways with their teams. Without the vision and creativity of the leadership within this company, my idea for this sales coaching program would never have been realized and neither would any of its benefits. I am so grateful to have been given the resources and opportunity to show what these incredibly talented people were really capable of when given the tools and support to thrive! ​ Presenting and hosting workshops has consistently been one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. Whether in Toastmasters competitions in South Korea, hosting webinars, being a guest on podcasts, and speaking to an entire auditorium of High School students about their dreams, a museum’s entire staff about safety, or a room of other sales leaders and coaches - being invited to communicate with a group of people about something that might help them on their journey is humbling and fulfilling.