The Chris Voss Show Podcast – Night of the Phantom: Episode I by Carlos Manuel Reynosa

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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 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 Jan 53min

No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life by Lakeysha Hallmon Amazon.com Ourvillageunited.org Thevillagemarket.com Drkeyhallmon.com This book isn’t just for one kind of entrepreneur—it’s for every kind. Whether you're thriving with purpose or struggling to grow your business and battle self-doubt, No One is Self-Made offers solutions and encouragement you need to push forward with the right community. From the visionary behind the groundbreaking Village Market, a direct pipeline connecting Black businesses to engaged consumers, this inspirational guide dares to dismantle the myth of individualism and reveals how collective support can shatter systemic barriers to success. It’s a bold roadmap for entrepreneurs and leaders determined to rewrite the rules of business. Support is a verb. Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon keeps this mantra pinned to her wall as a reminder of the undeniable impact of community. When she was pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams, she quickly saw the racial disparities and systemic issues affecting Black small businesses. She began meeting many brilliant entrepreneurs and small business owners, recognizing their potential to soar if backed by invested supporters. In response, Dr. Hallmon founded the Village Market and challenged people to put the “Support is a Verb” mantra to action by rallying around businesses within their own communities. As a result, The Village Market funneled millions of dollars into local businesses, attacking the wealth gap and spiriting economic prosperity. This replicable model has inspired others nationwide to adopt a similar approach and economic strategy. She found that her beliefs were true: that by rooting our lives, businesses, and work in community–we find resources to create and support economic mobility from within. No One Is Self-Made is an inspirational narrative weaving together themes of community, purposeful businesses, and collective economics. This book debunks the myth of being self-made and empowers readers to abandon the notion and lean into community on their pathway to success. Entrepreneurs at any stage of growth will appreciate Dr. Hallmon’s story—with all the ups and downs of founding the Village Market—and the road-tested advice she dispenses for those trying to find success in business, career, and life. She explains economic and social factors, missteps that can derail goals, and the tools necessary to create their own thriving village. Along the way, it becomes clear why working within a collective is a more effective path to success than going it alone.About the author Dr. Lakeysha "Key" Hallmon is a mission-forward visionary celebrated for developing an economic vehicle that empowers the Black community through collective wealth. Since founding the Village Market in 2016, Dr. Key has served over 1,440 businesses and facilitated millions in direct sales to Black-owned enterprises. She set a new standard for success among Black-owned businesses by integrating programs offering grants, mentorship, and technical assistance through her nonprofit, Our Village United. She has awarded hundreds of thousands in grants. Dr. Hallmon continues to expand her mission, creating a retail storefront — The Village Retail at Ponce City Market — a curated retail collection of premier Black businesses. Dr. Key's mantra, “Support is A Verb,” propels businesses from Atlanta to nationwide, turning big ideas into big profits. Esteemed publications such as The Today Show, Forbes, Essence, and Black Enterprise have recognized her and have partnerships with notable institutions and corporations, continuing to advocate for equitable opportunities and community-centric wealth-building. Dr. Hallmon is from Batesville, MS, and a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she serves on the Board of Trustees. She resides in Atlanta, GA, and enjoys spending time with her nephews.

19 Jan 25min

Unleashing Franchise Success: Overcoming Fear and Finding the Right Fit with Cliff Nonnenmacher Franocity.com About the Guest(s): Cliff Nonnenmacher is a seasoned entrepreneur and franchise expert with over 20 years of experience in the franchising industry. He began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley before transitioning into owning and operating various franchise businesses, including Cartridge World and Personal Training Institute. Cliff is the founder of Franocity, a company that offers free franchise consulting services, helping investors find the best franchise opportunities tailored to their objectives. He is also the author of the upcoming book, "Beyond the Brand," and co-host of the podcast "Pursuit of Profit," where he focuses on interviewing founders of successful franchise brands. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss engages with Cliff Nonnenmacher to explore the intricate world of franchising. Known for his expertise in this domain, Cliff discusses the benefits of choosing franchising over starting an independent business, highlighting the reduced risk and higher success rates of franchise ventures. He shares his journey from Wall Street to becoming a successful franchise owner and consultant, emphasizing the importance of following a proven business model. The conversation delves deep into the mechanics of franchising, touching on essential topics like the importance of conducting thorough due diligence, overcoming fear in the investment process, and the art of finding the right franchise fit for individual investors. Cliff emphasizes the significance of understanding one's own skill set and aligning it with the right business opportunity to achieve long-term success. His upcoming book, "Beyond the Brand," aims to guide readers through these processes, showcasing franchising as a viable and profitable investment vehicle. The episode wraps up with discussions on how current trends like AI are affecting the job market and creating new opportunities within franchising. Key Takeaways: Franchising offers a structured business model with proven success rates, significantly reducing the risk compared to starting a new business from scratch. A successful franchise investment requires thorough due diligence and understanding of one's strengths and business goals. Cliff Nonnenmacher's consulting firm, Franocity, provides free franchise consulting services, helping clients assess and find suitable franchise opportunities. The upcoming book "Beyond the Brand" by Cliff Nonnenmacher serves as a guide to navigating the world of franchising fearlessly. The rapidly changing job market, influenced by factors like AI, is leading many to consider franchising as an alternative to traditional employment. Notable Quotes: "Fear is paralyzing and fear has killed way more dreams than failure ever will." "Franchising is the fastest way to create wealth without inventing anything." "Execution is everything, regardless of franchising." "It's time to execute. Take what they've, it's a roadmap. They give you a blueprint on how to be successful." "Most brands are not worth buying. They have razor or thin margins." Resources: Franocity Website: franocity.com Pursuit of Profit Podcast: Available on all streaming services, co-hosted by Cliff Mucker. Beyond the Brand: Upcoming book by Cliff Nonnenmacher.

17 Jan 45min