Show Notes:

In our 50th episode Heidi sits down with Yotis Tonellier, managing partner of Yobe Ventures, shares insights on what investors look for in startups, common mistakes founders make when pitching, and the transformative impact of AI on business strategy. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism in pitch decks and the need for founders to focus on solving problems rather than selling their companies outright. Yotis also discusses the evolving landscape of venture capital and the significance of adapting strategies based on the stage of the business.

In this conversation, Yotis discusses the transformative impact of AI on efficiency and productivity, emphasizing its role as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. He explores promising industries for investment, particularly in AI and blockchain, and shares insights on navigating new markets. Yotis reflects on the challenges faced in business growth, particularly in establishing a strong value proposition for advising services. He highlights the importance of communication and relationships in overcoming obstacles and outlines his vision for future success with Yobe Ventures, including plans for a new fund and larger investment rounds.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS!

Yotis has generously offered 1 Month of FREE advising with Yobe Ventures! To enter:

1. Listen to the episode

2. Leave a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify!

Winners will be announced on May 30th!

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yotistonnelier/

Website: https://yobeventures.com/

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

In this episode, Heidi and Richard Harris dive into the shifting world of sales and what it takes to succeed today. He breaks down some of the most common mistakes sales teams make and explores how AI is changing the sales process. Richard emphasizes the critical role of communication skills, especially for younger professionals who may find face-to-face interactions more challenging.

The conversation also explores how AI can boost efficiency without losing the human connection that’s essential for building strong client relationships. Richard shares his thoughts on how buyer expectations have evolved and why trust and overall experience now matter more than the traditional buyer’s journey.

Beyond tactics, Richard opens up about the mental health challenges many sales professionals face and why creating a supportive, understanding environment is more important than ever. He also reflects on his own business journey, the ups and downs of growth, and what works when it comes to building visibility through smart marketing.

The message to listeners is clear: embrace your unique voice, share your knowledge, and don't wait to put yourself out there.

BIO

Richard Harris is a multi-award-winning sales leadership expert and trainer who has fundamentally reshaped how modern companies approach sales conversations and customer engagement. As the founder of The Harris Consulting Group, he has earned recognition as a 4-time Salesforce Sales Leader and 5-time AAiSP Top Sales Leader for his innovative "Earn The Right" methodology, which transforms how sales teams navigate customer relationships and drive revenue.

His client portfolio spans Fortune 500 enterprises like General Electric, Visa, and Salesforce to high-growth startups such as Dusty Robotics and Lattice, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of his approach across different business scales. His training programs, focused on strategic questioning techniques and authentic customer journey development, have become particularly vital for organizations looking to strengthen their SDR, BDR, Account Executive, and Customer Success teams.

Beyond his consulting work, Harris is the co-founder of Surf and Sales and has established himself as a prominent voice in the sales community through his widely-followed podcast of the same name, which has aired over 400 episodes. His thought leadership and expertise have made him a sought-after guest speaker on numerous business and sales podcasts.

A passionate advocate for mental health awareness in sales, Harris balances his professional achievements with his role as a husband and father of two sons. His approach to sales leadership emphasizes both high performance and human-centric values, making him one of the most respected voices in modern sales transformation.

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rharris415/

Website: www.theharrisconsultinggroup.com

Call/Text: (415) 596-9149

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

In the latest episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi sits down with Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, shares her trailblazing journey in elevating the role of administrative professionals. Since launching her company in 1990, Joan has been on a mission to transform how assistants are trained, viewed, and valued in the business world.

Joan talks about the mindset shifts that are essential for administrative professionals to step into their roles as strategic business partners. She emphasizes how professional appearance, communication, and leadership skills can directly influence perception and career opportunities.

She also reflects on standout moments in her career — including the honor of training Disney’s top assistants, a milestone that reinforced the impact of her work. Joan opens up about the challenges she’s faced, including navigating a personal health crisis that reshaped her perspective on resilience, leadership, and the power of a strong support system.

The conversation highlights the evolving demands of today’s workforce, from the difficulty of hiring quality talent to the need for marketing strategies that speak to both administrative staff and corporate decision-makers. Joan also shares the vision behind her Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence — a high-touch, deeply personalized experience designed to meet professionals right where they are.

Joan’s passion for empowering others shines through, as she continues to expand her reach and help administrative professionals thrive with the tools, training, and confidence they need to lead.

BIO

Joan Burge is known as the red-lipstick-wearing “Rock Star” of administrative and executive assistant training.

Joan is an accomplished author (8 books), professional speaker, consultant and corporate trainer. She is the creator of The Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence™; World Class Assistant™ Certification course; Star Achievement Series® Certification and Designation course; 30+ customized workshops, 200+ educational videos, 150+ articles and nearly 1,000 blog posts for executive and administrative assistants.

Her company, Office Dynamics International, is a global industry leader which offers a broad range of solutions and provides high-performance, sophisticated executive and administrative assistant training and coaching. One thing is clear: Executive assistants, their executives, HR business partners, administrators, and managers have come to rely on Office Dynamics International, because “only Joan is Joan.”

To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

Office Dynamics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-dynamics-international/

Joan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanburge

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officedynamics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficeDynamics/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@OfficeDynamicsIntl

TikTok: tiktok.com/@officedynamics

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@officedynamics

Connect with me:

Spotlight to Scale: Spotlight to Scale Blueprint

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/