Selling Isn't Everything

About Selling Isn't Everything

The show where legendary minds reveal the human truths behind real influence, connection, and performance. Hosted by Brent Adamson, co-creator of both The Challenger Sale and the newly released The Framemaking Sale, and Shari Levitin, author of Heart and Sell, featured in Harvard’s sales curriculum. If you think sales is all about pressure, product, or polish… think again. Because the shortest path to better numbers? Is making a human connection.

Publisher

Brent Adamson & Shari Levitin

Category

business · business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Nov 2025

Latest episode

10 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Mar 2026

   The Secret to Consistency in Sales Success with Lisa Magnuson: EP 011

   Brent and Shari sit down with the remarkable Lisa Magnuson, a powerhouse in strategic, complex sales who has built her career—and her business—on helping organizations land the massive, game-changing deals. Lisa Magnuson brings a blend of warmth, wit, and serious strategy to everything she does, from her free-range childhood in Menlo Park to leading top-performing teams at Xerox and now, consulting for sales leaders looking to win their “5x deals.” The discussion is anything but a typical sales interview. Instead, it’s a heartfelt, candid exploration of what actually creates sales success: discipline, strategic thinking, genuine curiosity, and the magic that happens when we show up as our full human selves. Together, the trio unpacks why training efforts so often fall flat, how real change and growth depend on consistent leadership and culture, and the underestimated power of showing up authentically—whether in a win room, a training session, or just a simple conversation. Expect plenty of stories, practical wisdom, a few laughs (and even some banter about forts and laminating napkins), all rooted in a shared belief that selling may not be everything, but bringing your “something”—your own secret superpower—makes all the difference. 👤 Connect with Lisa Magnuson: ✅ Website: https://www.TopLineSales.com (https://www.toplinesales.com) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toplinesales (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toplinesales) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

2. 

   24 Feb 2026

   Garrett Blood on Building a Mission-Driven Culture That Puts People First: EP 010

   We welcome Garrett Blood—a three-time entrepreneur, CEO and founder of Kajae, and a leader whose mission-driven approach left our whole team feeling deeply moved. This conversation is anything but typical. Garrett’s origin story begins in Orange County, where he went from limos and luxury to losing everything and starting over as a 12-year-old entrepreneur. His journey moves through business triumphs and setbacks, a breakthrough ice cream venture, and finally to Kajae, a staffing company built on the belief that opportunity – not talent – is unequally distributed across the globe. What unfolds is much more than business talk – it’s an exploration of resilience, leadership, human connection, and the power of putting people first. Garrett reveals how Kajae lifts individuals from poverty to middle class and why he refuses to compromise his values, even turning away clients who don’t align with his mission. The stories shared go far beyond the numbers, touching on transformation, gratitude, and the kind of impact that resonates at a human, not just organizational, level. Get ready for vulnerable stories, laughs, and eye-opening moments as Shari Levitin, Brent Adamson, and Garrett Blood dive deep into what it really means to lead with purpose—showing us that better people make better salespeople, not the other way around. If you care about connection, culture, and authenticity, you won’t want to miss this conversation. 👤 Connect with Garrett Blood: ✅ Website: https://www.kajae.com (https://www.kajae.com) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettblood (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettblood) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

3. 

   10 Feb 2026

   Emotional Supply Chains and Real Impact: The Tim Hardin Leadership Approach: EP 009

   In this episode, hosts Brent and Shari sit down with Tim Hardin, a CEO whose journey takes us from social work in rural Arkansas to the heights of corporate leadership. Tim shares how his roots in social services taught him about empathy, authenticity, and the power of overlooked moments - lessons he’s carried through every phase of his career. You'll hear stories about strategic pivots, the humble art of “thinking smaller,” and why connecting with people - not just building business - matters most. The episode tackles what it means to operationalize mission-driven values within teams, why focusing on the “emotional supply chain” changes the way we lead, and how small, genuine moments build the kind of trust that enables both family bonds and business growth. Get ready for a heartfelt, counterintuitive conversation threaded with humor, vulnerability, and wisdom. Whether you’re a CEO, a sales leader, or just someone craving more meaning in your work or life, this interview with Tim Hardin will inspire you to rethink performance, priorities, and what it truly means to connect. 👤 Connect with Tim Hardin: ✅ Website: http://www.decisiv.com/ (http://www.decisiv.com/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtimhardin/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtimhardin/) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

4. 

   27 Jan 2026

   Lessons from Elite Teams: Building Sustainable Success with Fergus Connolly: EP 008

   Brent and Shari sit down with the renowned performance coach Dr. Fergus Connolly. Together, they explore what it really means to achieve and sustain greatness - not just in sports, but in business and everyday life. Far from the typical “tips and tricks” podcast, this conversation goes deep into universal truths about success, human connection, and why copying superstar tactics isn’t the path to lasting results. Fergus draws on his unique experiences coaching elite athletes, special forces, and world-class executives, revealing how principles, not just processes or hustle, hold the keys to performance that doesn’t burn you out. Expect stories about building teams that thrive beyond individual brilliance, the risks of “heroic compensation,” and the surprising power of stepping away from the grind to unlock creativity. Whether you’re leading a sales team, managing a business, or just trying to show up better in your own life, you’ll walk away with inspiration - and maybe a laugh or two - about what really matters when it comes to peak performance and human connection. 👤 Connect with Fergus Connolly: ✅ “59 Lessons: Working with the World's Greatest Coaches, Athletes, & Special Forces” Book: https://geni.us/FergusConnolly (https://geni.us/FergusConnolly) ✅ Website: https://fergusconnolly.com (https://fergusconnolly.com) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergusconnolly/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/fergusconnolly/) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

5. 

   14 Jan 2026

   Beyond Selling: Dr Rod Berger On Stories We Tell Ourselves: EP 007

   Shari and Brent sit down with Dr. Rod Berger, an organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and master storyteller. But this isn’t your typical sales podcast - forget the tips and tricks. Instead, you'll hear deep reflections on the stories we tell ourselves, and how those narratives shape both our relationships and our own self-perception. From anecdotes about his childhood and the fuel behind his curiosity to pinch-me moments like interviewing everyone from Pope Francis to Magic Johnson, Rod shares how authentic storytelling can open doors and strengthen human connection. Brent and Shari challenge the notion that selling is only about hitting targets, reminding everyone that “better people make better salespeople.” If you’re ready for a heartfelt conversation that’ll make you both feel and think, this episode is for you. Grab your headphones, and let’s dive in. 👤 Connect with Dr. Rod Berger: ✅ “The Narrative Edge” Book:https://geni.us/DrRodBergerNarrative (https://geni.us/DrRodBergerNarrative) ✅ Website: https://www.drrodberger.com/ (https://www.drrodberger.com/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodbergerpsyd (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodbergerpsyd) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drrodberger/videos (https://www.youtube.com/@drrodberger/videos) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrodberger/ (https://www.instagram.com/drrodberger/) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

6. 

   30 Dec 2025

   Navigating Conflict and Conversation - J'Lein Liese’s Tools for Real Human Connection: EP 006

   We sit down with the remarkable J'Lein Liese, a PhD in psychology whose life journey bridges everything from training police in South Africa and advising on post-crisis conflict at Sandy Hook, to her early days as a 13-year-old horse trainer searching for belonging on the Mexican border. This conversation is a masterclass in the art of genuine human connection. J'Lein Liese shares deeply personal stories and lessons from her work in some of the world’s most intense conflict zones, revealing practical frameworks for dissolving division and leading with empathy - whether you’re in a boardroom, a crisis, or just trying to get through a tough family dinner. You’ll hear about her four-step “FEED” process for navigating difficult conversations, the neuroscience of why we disconnect, and real-life examples - from negotiating in the Middle East to addressing the polarization that’s gripping families and organizations today. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep a relationship intact when values collide, or why “tell me more” is the most powerful phrase you can use, this episode is for you. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe do a little soul-searching as we dig into what it means to play nicely in the sandbox - no matter how high the stakes. Enjoy the conversation. 👤 Connect with J’Lein Liese: ✅ “Lead With Conversations” Book: https://geni.us/LeadWithConversations (https://geni.us/LeadWithConversations) ✅ Website: http://leadwithconversations.com/ (http://leadwithconversations.com/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-lein-liese-ph-d-13308a4/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-lein-liese-ph-d-13308a4/) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadwithconversationsofficial/ (https://www.facebook.com/leadwithconversationsofficial/) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

7. 

   16 Dec 2025

   Jaimie Buss on Fear, Grit & What Really Motivates People: EP 005

   If you're building a business or leading a team and still think vulnerability is a weakness, this conversation with Deputy CRO Jaimie Buss will change everything. Jaimie isn't your typical sales leader. Yes, she runs global teams and closes massive deals - but what makes her extraordinary is how she sees people. From a pivotal bathtub moment with her son to navigating partnership negotiations worth millions, Jamie reveals the why behind motivation, the power of controlling what you can, and how to distinguish fear from intuition (hint: you feel it in your body). This episode is for sales leaders, enablement pros, and growth-minded humans who want to lead with grit, presence, and emotional intelligence. Whether you're managing a team of 200 or raising kids who question your every move, Jaimie's frameworks for connection, intention, and showing up fully will hit home. Because the best leaders don't just drive revenue - they build trust, one honest conversation at a time. 👤 Connect with Jaimie Buss: ✅ Website: https://www.deputy.com/lpg/deputy-demo (https://www.deputy.com/lpg/deputy-demo) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimiebuss/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimiebuss/) ✅ Email: jbuss@deputy.com (mailto:jbuss@deputy.com) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

8. 

   2 Dec 2025

   From Toilets to Tech: April Dunford Stopped Marketing and Had Her Best Year Ever: EP 004

   If you're drowning in sameness - where every competitor sounds identical, every pitch blurs together, and you're not sure why customers actually pick you - this conversation will snap everything into focus. April Dunford is the world's leading positioning expert, and she's spent her career helping B2B companies figure out what makes them different when they swear nothing does. In this episode, she unpacks her famous toilet story (trust us, it's brilliant), reveals why most companies have no clue what their real competitive advantage is, and shares the startling truth about what happened when she stopped marketing her business entirely. But here's where it gets real: Shari and Brent push April beyond frameworks and into life. What does positioning teach us about dating? About knowing our own value as humans? About when to stop hustling and start living? April opens up about losing her sister at 59, questioning her own pace, and the experiment that changed everything. This isn't just about selling software. It's about clarity, empathy, and showing up as someone worth choosing—in business and in life. Perfect for sales leaders wrestling with differentiation, enablement pros tired of generic messaging, and anyone wondering if maybe, just maybe, they've been working too hard for too long. 👤 Connect with April Dunford: ✅ Website: https://www.aprildunford.com/ (https://www.aprildunford.com/) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/) ✅ YouTube/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@positioningshow (https://www.youtube.com/@positioningshow) ✅ Email: april@aprildunford.com (mailto:april@aprildunford.com) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

9. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Think in Spreadsheets, Lead with Humanity: Maria Boulden on 40 Years of Sales Leadership: EP 003

   If you're leading a team, closing deals, or just trying to connect in a world that feels more transactional every day - this one's for you. Maria Boulden spent 40+ years building world-class sales organizations at DuPont and Gartner. But her real superpower? Leading with ruthless clarity *and* deep humanity - at the same time. She's the sales leader who thinks in spreadsheets but leads with her heart. The engineer who became a storyteller. The woman who walked away from a C-suite track to care for her premature son - only to come back stronger, sharper, and more human than ever. In this conversation, Maria unpacks: Why the number is your biggest distraction How to build trust without faking empathy What it really takes to motivate people to achieve more than they thought possible The pivotal moment that shifted her from corporate climber to human-first leader And yes - what selling jam taught her about B2C vs. B2B (spoiler: it's all still about people) This isn't a masterclass in tactics. It's a story about choosing joy, leading with consistency, and making people feel seen - whether you're coaching a CRO or partnering with a pepper farmer. Because behind every sales story is a human story. 👤 Connect with Maria Boulden: ✅ Website:https://www.jsjrehoboth.com (https://www.jsjrehoboth.com) ✅ Phone: 484-614-5354 ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-boulden-8a778b11 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-boulden-8a778b11) ✅ Email: jammin@jsjrehoboth.com (mailto:jammin@jsjrehoboth.com) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

10. 

    13 Nov 2025

    Better Humans Make Better Salespeople - Here's How: EP 002

    If you're tired of chasing tactics and wondering why your deals still fall apart - this conversation will stop you in your tracks. Shari Levitin and Brent Adamson don't do surface-level sales talk. In this raw, unfiltered debut episode, they dig into the life lessons that actually move the needle - both in the boardroom and at home. You'll hear why a decorated soldier found sales rejection *harder than combat*, how changing a single pronoun can shift your entire mindset, and why the best way to close more deals is to stop trying to impress people and start making them believe in *themselves*. This isn't about frameworks or funnels. It's about becoming the kind of person people *want* to buy from - and the kind of leader people actually follow. Whether you're leading a sales org, building a pipeline, or just trying to connect better with humans, Shari and Brent bring decades of hard-won wisdom, zero BS, and plenty of laughs. Expect stories from the frontlines (literally), insights from working with Microsoft and Gartner, and a few uncomfortable truths about what happens when you blame everyone but yourself. Plus: why perfection might be your biggest enemy, what Radiohead can teach you about trust, and how to stop losing lessons when you lose deals. This is Selling Isn't Everything - where sales gets human, and humans get better at sales. 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

11. 

    13 Nov 2025

    The Art of the Ask - Don Yaeger on Why Curiosity Beats Tactics: EP 001

    If you're tired of surface-level connections that lead nowhere - with clients, with leaders, with the people who actually matter - this conversation will change how you show up. Don Yaeger has spent decades extracting stories from icons like Michael Jordan, Condoleezza Rice, and Deion Sanders. But here's what makes him different: he doesn't just tell great stories - he earns the right to hear them. In 30 minutes with Michael Jordan, he asked a question no reporter had ever asked. The answer? A 40-year-old scar that still stung. In this episode, Don walks us through his "concentric circles" framework for building real connection - not through manipulation, but through intentional curiosity. He shares what it took to become John Wooden's mentee (hint: he asked), why vulnerability is a strategic move, and how leveling the playing field with a VP is easier than you think. This isn't about becoming a better "networker." It's about becoming someone worth knowing. Lessons for sales leaders, enablement pros, and anyone who wants to influence without feeling gross doing it. 👤 Connect with Don Yaeger: ✅ Website: https://donyaeger.com/ (https://donyaeger.com/) ✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donyaeger (https://www.instagram.com/donyaeger) ✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donyaeger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/donyaeger) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@corporatecompetitorpodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@corporatecompetitorpodcast) ✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donyaeger (https://www.facebook.com/donyaeger) 👤 Connect with Selling Isn’t Everything: ✅ Official: https://SellingIsntEverything.com (https://sellingisnteverything.com) ✅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything (https://www.youtube.com/@SellingIsntEverything) ✅ LinkedIn (Shari): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharilevitin/) ✅ LinkedIn (Brent): https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentadamson) ✅ Brent’s Latest Book, The Framemaking Sale: https://www.theframemakingsale.com/ (https://www.theframemakingsale.com/) Selling Isn’t Everything is produced by Chris Stone at Cast Ahead: https://CastAhead.net (https://castahead.net)

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