The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Claire Chandler, President and Founder of Talent Boost on Executive Leadership

The Sexual Evolution: How 500 Million Years of Sex, Gender, and Mating Shape Modern Relationships by Nathan H. Lents Amazon.com Evolutionary biologist Nathan H. Lents knows what makes humans unique—and it’s most definitely not our sexual diversity. A professor at John Jay College, Lents has spent his career studying what makes us, well, us, and contrary to what the culture warriors want people to believe—diverse sexual behavior is not a new development, or even a human one. It didn’t just emerge from a progressive culture; it’s the product of billions of years of evolutionary experimentation throughout the animal kingdom. It’s not a modern story, a Florida story, or even a human story. It’s a biological story. In The Sexual Evolution, Lents takes readers on a journey through the animal world, from insects to apes, revealing what the incredible array of sexual diversity can teach us about our own diverse beauty. Nature, it turns out, has made a lot of space for diverse genders and sexual behaviors. And why? Because when it comes to evolution—diversity wins. This is not just a political or social message, instead it’s rooted in science and cultivated from understanding the full breadth of sexuality that exists throughout the world. With shades of both Frans de Waal and Esther Perel, Lents’s storytelling is as fascinating as it is topical, offering eye-opening stories about the diversity of animal life, while relating it to our own sexual journey as a species. At once a forceful rebuttal to bigotry and a captivating dive into the secret sex lives of animals, The Sexual Evolution is the rare book of pop science that leans into the controversy. Sex, the reactionaries say, should only be for procreation between a man and a woman, anything else goes against nature. Well, nature would like a word with them.About the author Nathan H. Lents is Professor of Biology at John Jay College and author of two recent books: Not So Different and Human Errors. With degrees in molecular biology and human physiology, and a postdoctoral fellowship in computational genomics, Lents tackles the evolution of human biology from a broad interdisciplinary perspective. In addition to his research and teaching, he can be found defending sound evolutionary science in the pages of Science, Skeptic Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and others.

26 Tammi 35min

Unlock Your Guitar Potential with Limitless Learning from Charlotte Adams Limitless-Guitar.com About the Guest(s): Charlotte Adams is an accomplished guitarist, guitar instructor, and music educator with over 50 years of experience. She has taught thousands of students through private lessons, classes, and workshops. Charlotte is the founder of Limitless Guitar, where she provides instruction designed to help guitarists surpass their perceived limits in learning and performance. She offers a variety of educational materials, including books and virtual courses, which emphasize effective learning techniques and self-teaching methods. Her unique approach integrates both the technical skills of guitar playing and the mental aspects of mastering the instrument. Episode Summary: Join host Chris Voss as he dives into an enlightening conversation with Charlotte Adams, an expert guitarist and educator from Limitless Guitar. This episode unveils the intricacies of mastering guitar, where Charlotte shares her journey from a self-taught musician to a renowned instructor with a focus on empowering students to become their own best teachers. Throughout the discussion, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of overcoming mental barriers and adopting a limitless mindset in guitar learning. She introduces her innovative approach, featuring her two-book set, "You and Your Guitar," which is designed to guide players in self-teaching and improving their musical skills beyond traditional lessons. Charlotte addresses common challenges faced by guitarists, suggesting that a mix of optimal practice habits, cognitive strategies, and belief in one's potential are crucial for breaking through plateaus and achieving musical growth. Key Takeaways: Understanding the 'Limitless' Concept: Charlotte’s teaching strategy emphasizes breaking mental barriers and continuous improvement, guiding students to realize their full potential in guitar playing. Self-Teaching through Structured Guidance: Her book, "You and Your Guitar," offers insights into effective self-teaching methods, incorporating both technical skills and mental approaches essential for musical advancement. Emotional and Mental Engagement: She underscores the importance of maintaining focus, managing energy, and fostering a positive mindset to maximize the benefits of guitar practice. Accessible Learning: Charlotte provides resources like virtual lessons and courses that cater to various skill levels, allowing flexibility and personalized growth for each student. Overcoming Challenges: By addressing common misconceptions like tone deafness or rhythm issues, Charlotte helps students redefine their musical capabilities and aspire towards greater goals. Notable Quotes: "You can teach yourself. If you do work with me, then I will also teach you how to teach yourself." "It's really about how to learn… the understanding of the instrument is the same regardless of style." "You are in charge. What you do during that time is really critical and it’s very uncommon for people to know how to do things in a way that will give them optimal results." "Playing guitar is or playing any musical instrument is a way to elevate your life experience in a great way." "We all have an affinity for certain things. If you feel a calling to play guitar, don't let anybody stop you."

26 Tammi 33min

Empowerment and Transformation for LGBTQ+ with Marcus Van Driel Markusvandriel.com About the Guest(s): Markus Van Driel is an intuitive coach with over 15 years of experience specializing in empowering the LGBTQ+ community to master their inner voice and express themselves authentically. As a pioneer in blending neuroscience with spiritual practices, Markus is the creator of Neural Pathway Mapping, which facilitates profound and lasting transformation. He focuses on enabling individuals to build meaningful relationships, navigate breakups, and tackle life transitions with confidence, ensuring they remain true to their authentic selves. Marcus's approach combines intuitiveness, innovation, and established methodologies to help clients change thought patterns and lead lives filled with purpose, connection, and success. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss engages with intuitive coach and thought leader Markus Van Driel to explore his groundbreaking work in empowering the LGBTQ+ community. Markus shares his expertise in coaching individuals to develop a strong inner voice and express themselves authentically, highlighting the significance of changing belief systems to achieve success and live a life filled with purpose and abundance. Markus delves into the concepts of Neural Pathway Mapping and the intersection of science and spirituality, discussing how altering thought patterns can redirect life trajectories. He emphasizes the importance of identifying one's values and purpose before setting goals, thus ensuring a harmonious journey toward achieving them. Throughout the conversation, Markus underscores the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and how allyship and self-discovery can play pivotal roles in overcoming these obstacles. Key Takeaways: Align Goals with Values: Before setting goals, understanding one’s values and purpose is crucial to avoid inner conflict and ensure a fulfilling journey. Change Thought Patterns: Using Neural Pathway Mapping, Marcus coaches clients to reshape their thought patterns, blending neuroscience and spirituality for lasting transformation. Empowerment through Voice: Helping the LGBTQ+ community find and amplify their voices in a world that often suppresses them is a core focus of Marcus's work. Integrating Science and Spirituality: Techniques like meditation and breath control support mind training, allowing for control and transformation of one's thoughts and life. Allyship and Support: Being an ally involves accepting differences and offering support, which is essential in creating a world where everyone can feel worthy and authentic. Notable Quotes: "Changing your thought patterns is the first step toward creating a life filled with purpose, connection, and success." "The longer you have a belief system, the deeper ingrained it is, and the harder it is to change, but it is possible." "Being an ally is just letting people know that you are supportive and that you’re there for them." "Every disease or discomfort experienced has a psychological background, influencing our body's health." "Empowerment is about supporting people so I am gaining things by allowing others to gain things."

24 Tammi 27min

California's Insurance Crisis: Fires, Losses, and Recovery Steps with WOWS Fire Insurance Services Wowsinsurance.com About the Guest(s): Robert Feldman is the CEO and co-founder of Wows Insurance Services, a leading wholesaler in the insurance industry with over 25 years of experience. Specializing in fire insurance, especially in high-risk zones like California, Robert actively educates realtors about securing insurance for homes deemed uninsurable. A seasoned speaker, he has contributed significantly to discussions at the California Association of Realtors and works on task forces and insurance panels to find solutions to California's housing insurance crisis. Episode Summary: In this gripping episode of The Chris Voss Show, returning guest Robert Feldman, CEO of Wows Insurance Services, delves into the escalating housing insurance crisis in California, particularly in the wake of devastating wildfires. Feldman, with his 25 years of experience, provides invaluable insights into the catastrophe, sharing his direct experiences from his own community, which faced the brunt of these fires. Listeners will gain a unique understanding of the complexities intertwined with insurance challenges, climate change, and community resilience in these unprecedented times. The discussion further elaborates on the immense scale and impact of the California wildfires, examining how communities, especially those in known fire zones, are struggling with losses both physical and financial. Feldman addresses not only the insurance industry's response to these crises, such as policy cancellations and rising premiums but also broadens the conversation to include future preparedness and mitigation strategies. Through his extensive engagement with realtors and homeowners, Feldman offers a roadmap to recovery even amidst the devastation, highlighting the importance of long-term planning and immediate action in the face of climatic challenges. Key Takeaways: Catastrophic Impact: The recent California wildfires have been exponentially more devastating than past fires, with entire communities incinerated. Insurance Challenges: Major insurance companies have been withdrawing from California, leading to coverage issues for homeowners in risk-prone areas. Five Steps to Recovery: Feldman outlines a systematic five-step process to aid victims in recovering from property loss, emphasizing the importance of filing a claim and planning reconstruction. Future Preparedness: There's a critical need for better land management and sustainable planning to mitigate future climate-related disasters. Community Support: The conversation highlights the incredible human spirit and community support in times of crisis, stressing the importance of unity. Notable Quotes: "This fire was a 10x fire… Woolsey was supposed to be one of the worst fires in California, and this one will be at least 10 times worse." "Insurance carriers were in California prior to this event, and over the last couple years really pulling back in essence canceling policies." "This event was more damaging to the environment than the last 30 years of not doing the preparation." "Five steps are really so very important… this is not gonna be done in six months. This is gonna be years." "When things are terrible, the good of humanity steps in and we rally. That's what you're seeing right now."

23 Tammi 30min

Navigating Introversion in Business: Strategies for Success and Growth with Lindsey Evans-Mayhew Evansmayhew.com About the Guest(s): Lindsey Evans-Mayhew is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in marketing, psychology, and biology. Leveraging a rich background in sciences and innovative thinking, she assists introverted business owners in harnessing their unique strengths to cultivate customer bases. Lindsay has published six Amazon bestselling new releases, genetically engineered at jellyfish, and served on the board of an international healthcare charity. Currently, she offers coaching and insights through her platform, helping clients maximize their potential in business branding and strategy. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss interviews Lindsey Evans-Mayhew, a dynamic entrepreneur specializing in maximizing the hidden strengths of introverts in business settings. Lindsay shares her journey from a stage manager in high school to becoming a proficient public speaker and successful coach, emphasizing the adaptable nature of social skills and confidence. This podcast episode, packed with insightful strategies, is a must-listen for introverted entrepreneurs aiming to bolster their brands and customer engagement. A key focus in this episode is the exploration of what it means to be an introvert and how introverted entrepreneurs can successfully navigate the business world. Using her expertise in marketing coupled with understanding of psychological dynamics, Lindsay offers practical advice on managing social energy, leveraging introverts' strengths, and building effective business strategies. The conversation highlights methods including strategic planning for events, effective social media engagement, and how to avoid common pitfalls like burnout. Additionally, Lindsay discusses the importance of branding, pricing strategies, and aligning one's business narrative to attract the perfect clientele. Key Takeaways: Introverts can leverage their introspective nature to excel in business through thoughtful strategy and planning. Effective branding and marketing for introverts involves aligning with personal values and carefully managing energy expenditure. Implementing time management techniques can significantly reduce burnout and maximize productivity. Pricing strategies, even as simple as minor fees, can greatly influence customer commitment and perceived value. Embracing one's journey, including experiencing imposter syndrome, is a crucial component of personal and professional growth. Notable Quotes: "All of those skills that you associate with being a great public speaker and networking are things that you can build." "Your brain uses 10 times as much energy as any other part of your body." "You can make it [social interactions] more valuable just by charging more money." "Imposter syndrome is actually a sign of growth." "Everyone who is looking at buying a service or a product is trying to fulfill a need."

22 Tammi 45min

Battery-Free Tech Revolution: WePower Technologies Magnet-Powered Innovations at CES Show 2025 Gemns.com About the Guest(s): Larry Richenstein is the founder and CEO of WePower Technologies. With a career spanning decades in wireless consumer technologies, Larry has demonstrated a penchant for innovation, notably founding or co-founding four tech companies, including Lone Star Technologies, Long Haul Technologies, and Unwired Technology. His expertise is further solidified by his extensive involvement with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) over 30 years, where he served in various leadership roles, including Chairman of the Automotive Electronics Division and a member of the CTA Board of Industry. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss engages with Larry Richenstein, CEO of WePower Technologies, discussing the groundbreaking work being done in the field of energy harvesting technology, highlighted during the CES 2025 event. Larry dives into how his company aims to revolutionize consumer electronics by eliminating batteries, thereby reducing environmental impact and enhancing product longevity. The episode provides an intriguing glimpse into the ingenuity behind WePower Technologies' developments, underpinned by Larry's extensive experience in the wireless tech industry. Throughout the episode, several themes emerge, including sustainability, innovation in energy harvesting, and the potential applications of battery-free technology. Larry Richenstein details the company's flagship technology, G-E-M-N-S, and its application in creating products like the innovative water sensor and wireless light controllers. Furthermore, Larry highlights the significant interest generated at CES 2025, emphasizing his commitment to introducing eco-friendly solutions in the consumer tech space. Engaging discussions around the challenges and opportunities that come with replacing traditional battery systems capture the listener's imagination, making this episode an insightful journey into the future of technology. Key Takeaways: WePower Technologies is pioneering battery-free technology, focusing on environmental sustainability and product durability. Their innovative water sensor can operate for decades without a battery, signaling a significant advancement in consumer electronics. The company focuses on licensing its technology to other manufacturers, offering an inviting proposition for those looking to innovate in IoT. Innovations in energy harvesting by utilizing magnets can substantially enhance performance and signal transmission in various devices. The episode highlights an increased interest from major companies in adopting eco-friendly technology showcased at CES 2025. Notable Quotes: "Our idea is how do we get rid of batteries? 'Cause batteries are not a good thing. They're a bad thing." "The magnets just sit there on the ground and it's as powerful 30 years from now as it is right this second." "We're just looking for good opportunities to eliminate batteries as much as possible and as many products as possible." "I feel now we're getting to the point where people understand it." "When you talk to people today, I mean, yes, it's old technology, but it's also so new and different with the way we're approaching it."

21 Tammi 24min

Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others by Adam Galinsky Amazon.com Two kinds of leaders populate the world: those who inspire and those who infuriate. Which will you be? Whether you’re a leader, a member of a team, a spouse, or a parent, this engaging and rigorous exploration unpacks the science of inspiration. Through compelling stories, fascinating research, and practical tips for addressing the common dilemmas we face daily, Inspire reveals how all of us, regardless of status or circumstance, can be more inspiring more often. Social psychologist and leadership expert Adam Galinsky has spent three decades building a method for determining when we are inspiring versus infuriating, and where various leaders—presidents, CEOs, coaches, teachers, parents, and a wealth of others—currently land on that spectrum. Galinsky shows how inspiring leaders can fill us with a wellspring of hope and possibility as they guide us to become better versions of ourselves. In contrast, infuriating leaders disappoint and annoy, fueling seething cauldrons of rage. But both types of leaders are deeply connected—together, they represent a universal continuum that is rooted in the very architecture of the human brain. This means that inspiring leaders aren’t born—instead, we can inspire or infuriate in any given moment through our behavior, words, or presence. In this captivating book, Galinsky identifies the three universal archetypes of truly great leaders and explains how each of us can develop these characteristics within ourselves to become more inspiring: Visionaries offer a big-picture, optimistic, and engaging vision of the future; Exemplars are courageous and calm protectors who authentically express their passion while remaining consistent in word and deed; Mentors encourage, empower, and elevate others while challenging them to reach their potential. Inspire is an essential guide to becoming not only a better leader but also an effective decision-maker, a dynamic problem-solver, a value-creating negotiator, and an inclusive innovator. About the author Adam Galinsky is one of the world’s foremost scholars in the fields of management and social psychology. He was recently selected as one of the World’s 50 Best B-School Professors. He is currently the Vikram S. Pandit Professor of Business and Chair of the Management Division at the Columbia Business School at Columbia University. He has published more than 190 scientific papers about a diverse range of topics: leadership, power, negotiations, decision-making, diversity, and ethics. Frequently cited in the media, his research and insights have appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The New Yorker, National Public Radio, and Wall Street Journal, among others. In 2006 he was the sole expert witness in a defamation trial, in which the plaintiff that he represented was awarded $37 million in damages. He is the Associate Producer on two award-winning documentaries, Horns and Halos (2003) and Battle for Brooklyn (2011), both of which were short-listed (final 15) for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards.

20 Tammi 40min

Exploring SaaS Success, AI Trends, and Business Challenges in 2025 with River Consultancy Group Riverconsultancygroup.co.uk About the Guest(s): James Lawson is the founder and Chief Executive of River Consulting Group, a leader in the domain of customer success. With over 25 years of experience in the SaaS industry, he has built his expertise through roles at companies like Oracle. James is known for his strategic problem-solving skills and has been an advocate for a customer-centric approach in technology consultancy. Denny Burda is the Chief Commercial Officer at River Consulting Group, where he plays a pivotal role in transforming client relationships and business operations. His career began in the nonprofit sector, working in social work, which has given him a unique perspective on customer interactions in the tech world. Denny's approach combines customer success strategies with commercial insight to drive business growth. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, hosts Chris Voss, James Lawson, and Denny Burda dive into the world of SaaS and explore the future trajectory of this dynamic industry. With a combined expertise in customer success and commercial strategy, James and Denny share their insights into combating SaaS challenges and fostering sustainable growth. Listeners will learn about innovative solutions for addressing poor employee engagement, misaligned business transformations, and the evolving roles within SaaS organizations. James Lawson and Denny Burda discuss the potential impact of AI on the SaaS landscape by 2025, arguing for a balanced approach to technological adoption. They emphasize the importance of not over-investing without strategic purpose, comparing AI to the advent of the word processor and the personal computer. Their prediction centers around creating a lean and customer-centric business model that thrives on simplicity and eliminates the traditional reliance on a sales force. Hear firsthand their revolutionary "Build the CAT" program and how it aims to align business processes with customer success, ensuring tangible and repeatable growth metrics. Key Takeaways: The evolution of AI is changing SaaS; successful companies must adopt AI strategically rather than jumping on the bandwagon blindly. There's a growing shift towards relying less on traditional sales forces and more on customer success methodologies to drive predictable growth. The “Build the CAT” approach emphasizes leveraging existing customer bases to scale SaaS offerings without extensive sales efforts. By 2025, the industry will likely pivot towards simpler, more effective solutions rather than over-engineered innovations. Human connection and interaction remain critical, even as AI evolves; businesses must balance tech tools with genuine customer engagements. Notable Quotes: "A business is perfectly built to get the output that it gets." – James Lawson "Technology's always gonna be coming; you've always gotta adapt and evolve to it." – Denny Burda "We are trying to kill sales culture because sales culture at its core says, I'm gonna go out and get what I can for me." – Denny Burda "There's layering to it that is often not spoken about because these are all subjects that require research around." – James Lawson "AI is really just a new iteration of that complex of art imitating life." – Denny Burda BIOs James Lawson Founder, Chief Executive Officer James started life as a DBA back in the late 1990’s and despite the recurring cron job nightmares made the decision to move into customer success at the beginning of its inception. Both luck and persistence never left his soul as he found himself working for some of the biggest and fastest growing tech firms in the world, including a little place called Oracle. This is where his life ultimately changed and he stepped onto the fast track of learning the world of M&A, Sales and Customer Success (all the hard way)....

20 Tammi 53min