Have you ever wondered what really makes professional relationships thrive?

In this episode, we dive deep into the art and science of building meaningful connections with Jason Levin, author of Relationships to Infinity. Together, we unpack why so many people say “Let’s keep in touch” but rarely follow through—and explore actionable ways to break that cycle. Jason shares the secrets of leveraging dormant ties, cultivating authentic networks, and creating consistent habits that make relationships flourish.

Curious about how relationships can shape your ceiling of success? Tune in to discover the surprising, often overlooked truths behind nurturing your network and why it's never too late to start.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why “Let’s keep in touch” might be the most misleading phrase in networking—and how to fix it

• The science behind dormant ties and how they can open unexpected doors

• A simple, one-sentence strategy to instantly reignite old connections

• How guilt and discomfort hold you back—and the surprising ways to overcome them

• The underestimated value of sharing memories in strengthening relationships

• Why ambiverts might have the ultimate networking superpower

• The role of gratitude in building lasting connections—and how it benefits you, too

• A practical approach to networking events that eliminates the “icky” feeling

Ready to take your relationship-building skills to the next level? Connect with Jason Levin at ReadySetLaunch.net or reach out directly via email at Jason@ReadySetLaunch.net, and be sure to grab a copy of his book, Relationships to Infinity.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Jason

Grab Jason’s book Relationships to Infinity

My favorite version of the "The Waiting" by Tom Petty

Check out the surgeon general's white paper on loneliness

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What if improvisation wasn’t just for comedy, but a game-changer for business, relationships, and even personal growth?

In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Leonard, the creative force behind Second City's groundbreaking use of improv training in the corporate world. From recruiting comedy legends like Tina Fey and Steve Carell to co-authoring the acclaimed book Yes, And, Kelly shares stories, insights, and research-backed techniques that redefine how we approach collaboration, listening, and adaptability. You'll learn how to build trust, navigate ambiguity, and create powerful ensembles in business and life.

Kelly also delves into the science behind improv. Whether you're prepping for a high-stakes pitch, navigating personal challenges, or just looking to sharpen your creative edge, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The “Yes, And” philosophy and how it fosters creativity and collaboration

• A surprising FBI training exercise to build agility under pressure

• How to turn disagreement into a productive conversation with one simple phrase

• Stories of famous improvisers and the magic of ensemble thinking

• Why listening deeply is the ultimate superpower in high-stakes situations

• How improv can help heal anxiety and build resilience

• The unexpected ways improv transforms both individuals and organizations

If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly Leonard, dive deeper into his world! Check out my interview on Kelly’s podcast, Getting to Yes, And. Don’t miss his acclaimed book, Yes, And, a must-read for anyone looking to elevate their collaboration and creativity.

Learn more about The Second City here, and tune into Kelly’s podcast here. You can also connect with Kelly directly on LinkedIn or follow his updates on X.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to the Give to Grow episode on Kelly’s Podcast: ​​https://www.secondcity.com/network/mo-bunnell-give-to-grow

Check out Kelly’s book, Yes, And: https://a.co/d/6f6lDYT

The Seconde City: https://www.secondcity.com

Subscribe to Kelly’s podcast: https://www.secondcity.com/network/category/getting-to-yes,-and-podcast

Connect with Kelly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-leonard-b8495047/

Connect with Kelly on X: https://www.twitter.com/KLsecondcity

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What if trust, not time, is the true currency of relationships?

In this episode, I sit down with David Horsager, global trust expert and author of Trust Matters More Than Ever, to unpack the essential role of trust in business and life.

We dive into a high-level view of David’s research-backed eight pillars of trust. From the power of clarity and compassion to the underestimated influence of commitment and competency, you’re sure to walk away from this episode with a better understanding of how trust can transform client relationships, team dynamics, and leadership.

Tune in to learn how you can leverage trust to build stronger, more reliable connections in every area of your life.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why trust—not time—is the real currency of strong relationships

• How clarity can make or break trust in a crowded, distracted world

• Tools for rebuilding trust when it’s been broken

• Practical methods to show authentic appreciation that resonates

• How a simple engagement statement can boost connection and retention

Whether you’re aiming to improve client relationships, inspire your team, or enhance personal growth, David’s proven strategies will help you take your skills to the next level. Don’t forget to check out his book, Trust Matters More Than Ever, and review his latest research and tools at trustedge.com

Resources Mentioned:

Get the Trust Matters More Than Ever book

Check out the Trust Edge Website

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

What does it really take to lead yourself before you can effectively lead others?

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show and author of multiple books including "The Score That Matters." With over 600 episodes under his belt interviewing top performers, Ryan shares his thoughts around leadership, personal growth, and the mindset needed for sustained excellence. We dive deep into his personal purpose statement of inspiring others to value and pursue excellence, and how he lives this out through his four core values: being thoughtful, thankful, curious, and consistent.

We also discuss the importance of setting up systems and environments that make personal growth inevitable, including how to develop your own purpose statement and values that actually drive behavior change.

If you're ready to move beyond surface-level leadership advice and discover how to create lasting impact through purposeful living, this episode is your blueprint.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The critical first step most leaders skip when trying to lead others

• A framework for developing your own purpose statement that actually drives behavior

• How top performers are using daily questions to stay aligned with their values

• Why having too many values can be worse than having none at all

• The mindset shift that separates sustained excellence from temporary success

Follow Ryan on The Learning Leader Show and grab his latest book "The Score That Matters" to continue your growth journey. Don't forget to subscribe to Real Relationships Real Revenue for more conversations that help you lead with purpose and drive meaningful results.

Resources Mentioned:

Ryan’s Episode #476 with Kat Cole

Ryan’s Episode #361 with Admiral William McRaven

Ryan’s Episode #439 with General Stanley McChrystal

Ryan’s Episode #568 with Tony Robbins

Books:

The Score That Matters

Welcome to Management

The Pursuit of Excellence

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Have you ever wished you could control your energy levels as easily as adjusting the temperature on your thermostat?

In this episode, I dive into the fascinating world of nervous system mastery with Jonny Miller, who's revolutionizing how we approach energy management and self-regulation.

Jonny shares incredibly practical techniques that can help you shift your energy state in as little as 30-60 seconds, whether you need to calm down after a stressful meeting or amp up before an important presentation. We explore the science behind these techniques, including the groundbreaking finding that there are four times as many neural pathways going from body to brain than brain to body – which explains why bottom-up regulation practices can be so powerful.

What really excites me about this conversation is how immediately applicable these tools are for business leaders and entrepreneurs. I can't wait for you to discover how these simple yet powerful techniques could revolutionize your daily energy management!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The surprising reason why trying to "think yourself calm" is far less effective than bottom-up regulation

• A simple humming technique that can take you to instant calm

• The breathing pattern that can replace your morning coffee

• How to achieve the equivalent of 4 hours of sleep in just 15 minutes

• Why certain environmental tweaks can permanently upgrade your nervous system

• A powerful technique that can shift your state in under 60 seconds

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Apply to work directly with Jonny and join the upcoming cohort of Nervous System Mastery

Take the Zero-cost Nervous System Quotient (NSQ) Self-Assessment

Free Non-Sleep-Deep-Rest (NSDR) Recording

Listen to Jonny's Curious Humans Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Khe Hy, a legendary figure in the world of blogging, email newsletters, and coaching.

Khe's unique background as a former high-flying investment banker gives him a perspective that sets him apart in the world of personal development. We dive deep into the art of building authentic relationships and how to scale your network without losing that personal touch.

Khe shares his mindset around relationships, his innovative system for managing connections, and his philosophy on staying top-of-mind with the people who matter most.

He also shares his concept of "authentic relationship building" and how it differs from traditional networking. We discuss the power of listening at a soul level, the art of making mutually beneficial introductions, and how to use technology to nurture relationships at scale. Khe also opens up about his journey from a timid child of Cambodian immigrants to a master connector, and shares insights on finding aliveness in your daily life and career.

Whether you're looking to enhance your professional network or seeking more meaningful connections in your personal life, this episode is for you.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The secret ingredient that turns networking into authentic relationship building

• How to scale your relationships without losing the personal touch

• The surprising link between your hobbies and your most valuable connections

• A powerful daily habit that could transform your network over time

• An unexpected test to gauge if you're living the life you truly want

Resources Mentioned:

Subscribe to Khe’s newsletter (highly recommend!)

Mo’s interview with Jay Papasan, author of The ONE Thing

Mo’s interview with Risk Expert Dennis Baltz

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I'm joined by Gina Rubel, a seasoned expert in global expansion for firms and organizations. Together, we’re diving deep into the strategies for winning the high-value work that propels your business forward. Global growth is about high value and targeting the right opportunities, and Gina is here to share her insights on how you can start winning the big projects that truly matter. Join us as we explore how to move beyond the easy wins and start securing the most impactful work.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• The most significant leverage point in the global workspace today

• A client approach that accelerates global expansion

• Common pitfalls that professionals and service providers face

• The three key components of high-performing client teams

• The one thing you should never let drive your decision-making

• How to shift from doing the work to winning the work

• Leveraging technology to attract high-value opportunities

• Practical tips for expanding your reach globally

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Gina! If you want to learn more from her, make sure to visit their website https://www.furiarubel.com/ and follow her on LinkedIn.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Order Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Check out Give to Grow Live!

Listen to my interview on their podcast On Record

Visit their website

Follow Gina on LinkedIn

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

In this episode of Real Relationships Real Revenue, I'm excited to be joined by David Perell, who’s here to share his expertise on how to write really well. David is a master in the art of writing, and together we’ll dive into his top tips on the essential components of good writing, how to overcome writer's block, and practical activities you can do to become a stronger writer. After all, better writing leads to bigger wins!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• What it truly takes to improve your writing

• The many benefits of becoming a better writer

• The two phases of writing and how they can enhance your work

• The one key principle to keep in mind if you want to achieve your goals

• Books and exercises that will help sharpen your writing skills

• The step-by-step process for creating great content

• The core element every writer needs to craft compelling pieces

• The secret to producing well-rounded, impactful writing

I hope you enjoyed this episode with David! He has so many valuable tips for becoming a better writer and I hope this conversation helps you get started improving your writing today.

If you want to get in touch with David, make sure to follow him on LinkedIn and X. You can also check out the podcast episode he did on storytelling and the episode he did on copy editing.

Resources Mentioned:

Order your copy of Give to Grow

Get the Supplemental materials for Give to Grow

Get a copy of your GrowBIG Playbook today!

Check out David’s podcast episode with Shaan Puri on storytelling

Listen to David’s podcast episode with Harry Dry on copy editing

Follow David on LinkedIn

Follow David on X

Listen to Mark Forsyth (author of Elements of Eloquence) Interview