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Episode Summary Robin sits down with Maureen Dingus, Chief Operating Officer of the Virginia Society of CPAs, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, lifelong learning, and the future of the accounting profession. From a $5/hour internship that launched an entire career to navigating AI, digital wellness, and the talent pipeline — Maureen brings candor, humor, and real insight to every topic. What We Cover How It All Started Maureen never planned a career in associations. A paid internship at VSCPA during her VCU days — the only one that paid anything — turned into a calling she never saw coming. Future-Ready Learning for CPAs The profession is moving fast. Maureen shares how VSCPA is helping members keep up with shorter-format learning, virtual delivery, and the irreplaceable value of in-person connection. Digital Wellness in the Workplace Maureen breaks down what digital wellness actually looks like in practice — from movement snacks and eye exercises to Zoom fatigue, screen apnea, and why leaders need to walk the talk on healthy tech habits. AI: The Real Conversation CPAs are excited, confused, and sometimes blocked from using AI tools — often all at once. Maureen shares how the profession is rethinking what new accountants need to learn when AI is handling the grunt work, and how she personally uses ChatGPT (including to think through tough organizational decisions). Making the Case for Accounting Why should a smart 19-year-old choose accounting today? Maureen makes a compelling argument — and challenges the outdated image of what a CPA actually does. The Talent Pipeline Firms aren't waiting for senior year anymore. Maureen talks about CPAs in the classroom, high school and middle school outreach, externships, and why starting salaries had to change. Lightning Round Highlights 🏈 Tigers & Lions fan — and pumped about Justin Verlander's return 💪 Daily non-negotiable: running, yoga, and strength training 🎸 At 19, she wanted to work in the music industry — and still dreams of booking bands at a rock club (matinee hours only) Connect with Maureen 🌐 vscpa.com 💼 LinkedIn: Maureen Dingus 📧 [email protected] Connect with Robin at [email protected].

Episode Summary In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin Green talks with entrepreneur, investor, and podcast host Kevin Rice about the journey from starting a business in a garage to building a 250-person company and achieving a nine-figure exit. But this conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship. Kevin shares the hard lessons behind growth, including layoffs, reinvention, focus, and what it really takes to create meaningful differentiation in the marketplace. He also opens up about the personal cost of high performance, describing the "robot mode" many leaders fall into when work consumes everything. The conversation then turns to Kevin's current passion: helping executives lead effectively at work while still being present at home. Drawing from his own experience as a full-time single father, Kevin explains how he began applying business frameworks to family life, creating practical systems and rituals designed to foster deeper connection with his kids. They also explore the growing impact of AI on leadership, sales, and entrepreneurship, including why AI will likely reward adaptable, high-agency professionals rather than simply replace them. What You'll Hear in This Episode Kevin's founder story: from humble beginnings to a nine-figure exit The hardest phase of scaling a business and what most outsiders never see Why many founders struggle when hiring salespeople too early The difference between generic marketing claims and true differentiation How focus and industry specialization helped drive an 80% win rate What "robot mode" looks like for high-performing leaders Why success can still feel empty when you are emotionally disconnected The shift from living by default to living by design How Kevin uses business frameworks to create structure and connection at home Rituals, presence, and intentionality in parenting Kevin's thoughts on AI, work, sales, and the future of entrepreneurship About Kevin Rice Kevin Rice is an entrepreneur, advisor, investor, and host of the podcast CEOs and ABCs. After helping build and scale a company from a garage startup to a 250-employee business with a nine-figure exit, he has turned his attention to a new mission: helping leaders succeed at work without losing what matters most at home. He is also writing a book currently titled The Executive's Guide to Parenting. Connect with Kevin Rice Website: CEOs and ABCs Podcast: CEOs and ABCs LinkedIn: Kevin Rice You can reach Robin Green at [email protected].

In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Andy McGowan, Director of the VCU Center for Professional Selling, to unpack Andy's unconventional career path — from professional sports and corporate communications to building one of the nation's top collegiate sales programs. Andy shares how an early mentor recognized his natural ability to teach, how real-world selling shaped every chapter of his career, and why developing young sales talent has become his calling. He offers an inside look at VCU's nationally ranked sales team, the rapid growth of collegiate sales competitions, and why employers across industries are eager to recruit his students. Together, Robin and Andy explore: What truly defines professional selling today Why outdated sales stereotypes no longer apply What employers actually look for in early-career sales talent Why engineers and first-generation students often excel in sales roles How AI is already reshaping sales preparation, practice, and performance Andy also extends a direct invitation to Richmond-area business leaders who are looking for motivated, coachable sales talent — and explains why partnering with the VCU program creates value for both employers and students. A practical, energizing conversation for leaders, recruiters, and anyone responsible for hiring or developing salespeople. *** If you'd like to learn more about Sandler's Sales, Management, and Leadership Performance program, you can email him at [email protected] *** If you like the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast with Robin Green, please rate and review us in your podcast app.

What if the biggest limitation in your sales, career, and life isn't the market… it's the conversation in your own head?   In this episode of the Lead.Learn.Grow podcast, I sit down with sales leader and industry "Person of the Year" Hugh Hornsby to talk about belief, resilience, and what it really means to live – and sell – from the inside out. Hugh went from a ninth-grade kid headed for special needs classes… to top producer… to industry consultant… to navigating a misdiagnosed stage-four cancer diagnosis and coming out the other side cancer-free. Along the way, he discovered that the most important conversation you'll ever have is the one you have with yourself.   We cover a lot of ground, including: ➡️ How Hugh used gratitude journaling to stay sane and hopeful through cancer ➡️ Why most people fail because of the story they tell themselves – and how to change it The underdog path: fired, broke, couldn't afford pizza… to doubling and tripling company revenue ➡️ What he learned from Napoleon Hill, Bob Proctor, and classic sales training (including Sandler) ➡️ The power of forgiveness – of others and of yourself – in unlocking growth ➡️ Why the very best salespeople are advisor-type givers, not high-pressure closers ➡️ How he ended up doing stand-up comedy in New York City about cancer… and why it changed him    If you're a salesperson, leader, or young professional who feels a bit stuck, this is an episode to bookmark, re-listen to, and take notes on.   👂 Listen if you want to: -Build a healthier inner dialogue -Rekindle your desire and sense of mission -Sell in a way that's both high-performing and deeply human If you enjoy the conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that their story isn't over yet.   *** Connect with Hugh on LinkedIn.    Watch Hugh's stand-up appearance in New York here.    Visit the Napoleon Hill Foundation here.    *** If you'd like to talk to Robin about how you can grow your revenue through Ascend Performance, Inc., powered by Sandler, email him at [email protected].   Sign up for the weekly newsletter, The Huddle, for a weekly blend of sales wisdom, leadership insight, and real-life grit for leaders. Join here.

In this episode 62 of the Lead. Learn. Grow. Podcast, Robin Green sits down with Kit Moore—musician, theologian, and head of sales for Damage Prevention Solutions—for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, authenticity, and the art of sales.   Kit's career path is anything but linear. From earning a master's at Princeton Theological Seminary to pursuing a professional music career in Nashville, Kit made courageous decisions to stay true to his values—even when that meant walking away from prestigious or high-profile opportunities. Now leading an innovative manufacturing company in the damage prevention industry, he brings a deeply creative and thoughtful approach to business growth.   You'll hear Kit reflect on: ✅ How "becoming" shaped his early career decisions and leadership style ✅ The parallels between creative work, ministry, and leading a business ✅ Why sales is best understood as a cooperative trade, not a manipulative act ✅ How energy and presence shape the sales process ✅ The mindset shifts needed to scale a business while preserving culture   Packed with insights for leaders, sales professionals, and anyone navigating career pivots, this episode is an inspiring reminder that the best leaders are lifelong learners who dare to think differently.   Resources Mentioned: "The Sales Coach Playbook: by Bill Bartlett "Getting Things Done" by David Allen "Deep Work" by Cal Newport "10x Is Easier Than 2x" by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy   🎧 Listen, learn, and grow with us!   Contact Robin at [email protected].

💡 About This Episode Dr. Sherri Mylott has spent more than three decades leading advancement and fundraising at universities across the country — from small liberal arts colleges to large public research institutions.   Today, as Vice President for University Advancement at the University of La Verne, she oversees the vital work of connecting donors' passions with a purpose that transforms students' lives. In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow.,   Sherri joins host Robin Green to share timeless lessons that apply far beyond higher education.   We talk about:  🎓 Why a liberal arts education is more relevant than ever in today's fast-changing economy 🤝 How fundraising parallels sales — and why both depend on relationships 📖 The power of storytelling in inspiring long-term donor support 🕰️ Why patience might be the #1 skill for advancement professionals 💻 How to think about innovation & technology without losing the human touch 🌍 The University of La Verne's mission to create transformational opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students.   Whether you lead a nonprofit, work in higher education, or simply want to build deep, lasting relationships, you'll find valuable insights and practical takeaways in this conversation. 🔗   LinkedIn 💬 Connect with Sherri Mylott:   / sherrimylott   📲 Connect with Robin Green 🔗 LinkedIn:   / robingreen2   🌐 Website: https://www.go.sandler.com/green

🔹 Episode Overview: In this powerful episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Nhat Pham, entrepreneur, executive coach, and author of Elevate X. Nhat shares his incredible journey from fleeing Vietnam as a child to building a life of success in America. He discusses the mindset shifts, daily habits, and strategic frameworks that help leaders break through plateaus and achieve exponential growth. We dive into his P.A.C. Model (Perspective, Accelerators, and Compound Action), the importance of resilience, and why mindset—not just tactics—determines success. Nhat also shares practical ways to overcome adversity, execute on big goals, and build daily habits that compound over time. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or professional looking to elevate your game, this episode is for you. 🔹 Resources & Links: 📘 Get Nhat's Book – Elevate X: https://getelevatex.com 🌐 Learn More About Nhat Pham & SuccessWerk Coaching: https://www.successwerk.com 📘 Book Recommendations: The Winner Within, Think & Grow Rich, The Alchemist, Never Split the Difference, Atomic Habits Contact Robin Green at [email protected].

🚀 How a Growth Mindset Transformed Business & Sales Success 🔹 Episode Overview: In this episode of Lead Learn Grow, Robin sits down with Bill Lopez, a seasoned entrepreneur and sales leader, to explore his journey from IT engineer to successful business owner. Bill shares his gritty early days, including failures, lessons in resilience, and the sacrifices it took to build a thriving IT business. Bill's story highlights the relentless hustle required to succeed in business, from working out of his garage to making a Thanksgiving Day cannonball run to Tampa for a client. The conversation shifts into sales and leadership, where Bill discusses the mindset shift that took him from selling on passion alone to mastering a structured, repeatable sales process. He reflects on the challenges of growth, the importance of self-awareness in leadership, and how his background in martial arts shaped his competitive mindset and ability to handle failure. If you're a business owner, sales professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on perseverance, strategy, and sales excellence. 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Bill's Entrepreneurial Beginnings & Family Influence 08:30 – The Grit It Takes to Start & Scale a Business 16:45 – The Thanksgiving Road Trip Story: Doing Whatever It Takes for Clients 25:20 – How IT Services Evolved from Fixing Problems to Strategic Partnerships 35:10 – The Mindset Shift: From 'Muscle & Feel' to a Proven Sales Methodology 45:00 – Lessons from Martial Arts: Handling Failure & Continuous Improvement 55:30 – Why Sales Is About Finding the Truth, Not Pushing a Product 1:05:00 – Advice for Young Sales Professionals & Developing a Winning Mindset 🔹 Resources & Links: 🌐 Bill's Company, Strategic Solutions: https://strategicsolutions.com  📘 Recommended Book – Inter Excellence: https://amzn.to/xyz123 🎯 Learn More About Sales Training: https://go.sandler.com/green/

🔹 Episode Overview In this episode of Lead. Learn. Grow., Robin sits down with Ed Johnson, an executive coach specializing in Positive Intelligence (PQ), to explore how mental fitness shapes success in business, leadership, and personal growth. Ed shares how self-sabotaging behaviors (saboteurs) hold us back and how shifting to a sage mindset can improve decision-making, relationships, and resilience. We dive into how negative emotions hijack our thoughts, how to recognize and shift out of them, and how simple exercises (PQ reps) can rewire your brain for better focus, confidence, and emotional intelligence. This conversation is packed with insights for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want to build mental strength, reduce stress, and enhance performance. 🎧 Timestamps & Key Takeaways 00:00 – Ed's Background: From Pastor to Executive Coach 07:15 – What Is Positive Intelligence? 15:30 – The Power of Mental Fitness & How It's Different from Traditional Self-Improvement 22:45 – Negative Emotions: The "Hand on the Hot Stove" Analogy 30:10 – Understanding Your Saboteurs & Self-Sabotage Patterns 40:20 – Live PQ Exercise: How to Shift Out of a Negative Mindset 50:00 – The Science of Mental Rewiring & Building Emotional Resilience 1:00:00 – How This Applies to Sales, Leadership, and Performance 1:10:30 – Ed Coaches Robin on His Own Saboteurs (Hyper-Achiever & Hyper-Rational) 1:20:00 – How to Improve Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence 1:30:00 – Free Saboteur Assessment & Next Steps for Listeners 🔹 Resources & Links 🌐 Learn More About Ed Johnson & His Coaching: https://craftedcoach.com 📘 Take the Free Saboteur Assessment: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab... 🎯 Recommended Book – Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine 📅 Schedule a Free Saboteur Coaching Session with Ed: https://calendly.com/craftedcoach/sab...

In this insightful episode of Lead. Learn. Grow, Robin welcomes Kim Lebowitz, a passionate expert in emotional intelligence (EQ). Kim shares her unconventional journey into the world of EQ, from her corporate and entrepreneurial experiences to an unexpected opportunity that led her to immerse herself in the science of emotional intelligence. She explains how EQ is not just about emotions but about understanding and retraining the brain to manage stress, improve decision-making, and foster stronger relationships in business and life. Kim breaks down the five dimensions of EQ—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, social awareness, and social regulation—offering practical strategies for leaders and professionals to enhance their emotional intelligence. She discusses how being "hijacked" by emotions impacts performance and well-being and provides actionable techniques for shifting back to a calm, clear mindset. With real-world examples, she demonstrates how EQ skills can transform leadership, team dynamics, and personal resilience. Robin and Kim explore how EQ directly impacts leadership effectiveness, citing research that shows EQ is a stronger predictor of success than IQ. They also delve into the challenges many high-performing professionals face when transitioning into leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and coaching in helping leaders develop the emotional intelligence necessary to inspire and engage their teams. Whether you're an executive, a business owner, or simply someone looking to navigate life with more clarity and composure, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how EQ can be the key to unlocking your full potential. Don't miss Kim's expert advice on simple yet powerful techniques to improve your emotional intelligence and lead with confidence.   🔹 Resources & Links 🌐 Kim Lebowitz's Website: https://the-restored.com 📘 EQ Assessments: https://www.theovalgroup.com 📖 Recommended Book – Emotional Intelligence 2.0: https://amzn.to/xyz123 *** Contact Robin Green at [email protected].

Robin interviews Kirk Roberts from CJGeo, a family-owned business specializing in unique infrastructure solutions. Kirk shares the fascinating origin story of CJGeo, from his father Preston's entrepreneurial journey in 2002 to how the company evolved from small residential jobs to tackling large-scale industrial projects across the Eastern U.S. Kirk describes the pivotal moments that shaped their growth, including lessons from the 2008 recession that forced the company to diversify and adapt, and how Sandler training helped them transition to higher-value projects. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of running a family business, as Kirk works alongside his two brothers, each bringing complementary skills to the table. He reflects on navigating generational perspectives, balancing legacy with innovation, and the importance of shared values and culture in the company's hiring process. Kirk also opens up about the pressures of entrepreneurship, the importance of strategic discipline, and the impact of values-based leadership on building strong client relationships. Robin and Kirk wrap up with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose. Kirk's story is a testament to how family businesses can thrive by embracing change while staying grounded in core values. Listen in for practical takeaways on managing business growth, fostering a collaborative culture, and finding work-life balance in a demanding field. *** Contact Robin Green at [email protected].

Welcome to the Lead. Learn. Grow. podcast, where we explore the intersections of busieness, education, technology, and personal growth. I caught up with my friend Paul Mylott, a veteran in higher education and the co-founder behind the innovative AI-driven startup Oblio.  Our conversation dives deep into Paul's journey, the birth of Oblio, and the profound impacts of personalization in education and beyond. Paul Mylott brings over three decades of experience in higher education, having served as a vice president in several institutions. His work primarily focused on the advancement side, but his roles have also covered admissions, giving him a holistic view of the student journey. Paul's latest venture, Oblio, is an AI inbox tool designed to enhance engagement and communication within higher education. Oblio emerged from Paul's realization of the fragmented nature of the student experience in higher education. By combining his insights into behavioral chain philanthropy and the potential of AI, Paul aimed to create a solution that ensures a seamless journey for students from admission through to alumni engagement. Oblio's mission is to increase enrollment and foster a more personalized connection between institutions and their students, ultimately leading to a higher yield of engaged alumni and donors. Leadership Lessons Reflecting on his career and life experiences, Paul emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals, the value of mentorship, and the transformative power of personal challenges. His story is a testament to the impact of innovative leadership and the potential of technology to transform traditional industries. Listeners interested in learning more about Oblio or exploring potential collaborations can reach Paul via LinkedIn or directly through his email at [email protected]. *** You can connect with Robin Green by emailing him at [email protected] or connect with him on LinkedIn.  *** You can subscribe to The Huddle, a weekly leadership newsletter, by visiting here.

Carla Fowler founded THAXA out of a passion for performance science, where the fields of strategy, productivity, and psychology intersect. Since its inception in 2013, THAXA's scientific approach to individualized coaching has attracted a devoted client base of dozens of executives at firms ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies to venture-backed startups to innovative non-profits.  Carla's coaching methods draw upon the multidisciplinary field of performance science to generate the best ideas surrounding strategy, execution, and mindset to assist leaders in their endeavors. Over the past 10 years, she has distilled the key principles of performance into understandable concepts and a method that helps leaders incorporate these ideas into their day-to-day performance, helping them go faster and improve their results.  Carla graduated from Brown University, then earned her MD and PhD at the University of Washington, and completed her internship in general surgery at Stanford University.  We touch on a variety of performance-related topics in our conversation, including: -why Carla left medicine to pursue developing a coaching practice. -how Ultimate Frisbee taught Carla to focus on the essential few. -how she thinks about performance in a multi-disciplinary way. -why self-improvement often doesn't work. ...and much more. A couple of books that Carla frequently recommends are Essentialism and Effortless, both by author Greg McKeown. You can find out more about Greg and learn more about both books here.  You can visit Carla's website here and get a free download, just for Lead. Learn. Grow. listeners.  You can connect with Carla on LinkedIn.  *** You can contact host Robin Green by emailing him at [email protected]. You can subscribe to The Huddle, a weekly leadership email, by clicking here.

Matt Dira is the Founder of the Dira Group. He coaches and advises high-performers to better manage all aspects of their life, including money.  Our conversation touches on self-limiting beliefs, goals, and what it means to "have it all." Matt shares thoughts on why and how having a coach can be a life-changing investment. I particularly enjoyed his take on kids and money. If you have youngsters, you'll want to hear some tips and ideas he has. He mentions an app called  GravyStack and shares how he uses it in his home. The Green children should be happy that this app wasn't in existence as they were coming along. 😁 Matt also talks about the power of compounding and why seemingly insignificant actions have a profound effect over time.  *** You can learn more about Matt and his coaching practice here. You can find Matt on Instagram @themattdira. Also, text MAP to 804 920 2436 for a free "Wealth Map."  *** Connect with Robin Green at [email protected] or you can subscribe to his weekly leadership newsletter called The Huddle by clicking here.  *** If you like the Lead. Learn. Grow. podcast, please rate and review and share with others.

Episode 52 of the podcast features Chesdin Harrington, a product manager at Capitol One, and a graduate of the University of Virginia. Chesdin was an accomplished baseball player and was a member of the nationally-ranked Cavalier baseball program during his time in Charlottesville.  Chesdin talks about his college journey, lessons learned from playing sports, and how he has been intentional about building his career. He shares a couple of experiences that he sought out that were really good examples for other young professionals to follow.  If you'd like to connect with Chesdin, you can find him on LinkedIn here.  Here's a great article that Chesdin wrote that was first published in d1baseball.com about his thoughts and feelings when his career was cut short by COVID.  *** If you'd like to connect with Robin Green, you can find him here, or contact him at [email protected].  *** To sign up for The Huddle, a weekly leadership newsletter, click here.