High Impact: A Podcast for Leaders

Collaboration Over Transaction: Elevating Corporate Events with Corey Finney

In this insightful episode, host Josh Vanada, a seasoned leadership and business growth coach, sits down with Corey Finney, the Executive Sales Director at Supercharged Entertainment—the world’s largest indoor racetrack. Corey shares not only the unique offerings of Supercharged, from a massive racetrack to axe throwing and Ninja Warrior courses, but also his proven approach to corporate and high-profile events. Corey dives deep into his strategies for tailoring unforgettable experiences for clients, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building over transactional sales. He discusses how flexibility, customization, and especially attentive listening are key to understanding client needs and establishing lasting value. Corey also reveals the power of thoughtful, personal touches—like handwritten notes or direct follow-ups—to build long-term client relationships in a digital world. Listeners will hear inspiring anecdotes from Corey’s extensive career in event sales, including last-minute event miracles and the importance of under-promising and over-delivering. He also highlights his commitment to community engagement, charity work, and the human-centric approach that transforms clients into lifelong partners.

The Power of Simplicity in Branding: Lessons from Dave Englund

In this episode of the High Impact Leadership Podcast, host Josh Vanada sits down with award-winning graphic designer Dave Englund, co-owner of Englund Studio. Together, they dive deep into the world of branding—exploring what it really takes to bring a brand to life, the importance of simplicity in design, and the critical role of listening to the customer’s voice. Dave shares his journey building Englund Studio from the ground up, offers his expert perspective on current logo redesign debates (like Cracker Barrel), and explains how businesses can stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The conversation also covers practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, the value of video for messaging, and why understanding your audience is the foundation for any successful brand. Packed with actionable insights and plenty of relatable stories, this episode is a must-listen for business leaders, marketers, and anyone passionate about making their brand both memorable and meaningful.

Listening and Leadership: How Communication Fuels Organizational Success

In this episode of the High Impact Leadership Podcast, host Josh Vanada sits down with special guest Hardy Smith, a seasoned leader with an impressive background spanning the corporate, nonprofit, and local government sectors—not to mention a 30-year career in NASCAR racing! Hardy, who is also the author of the Amazon best-seller Stop the Nonprofit Board Blame Game, dives deep into the topic of effective communication for leaders. Listeners will hear practical strategies for improving organizational and personal communication, insights into understanding different communication styles, and engaging anecdotes—including a classic miscommunication story from the world of NASCAR. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a nonprofit board, or simply aiming to communicate better with those around you, this episode is filled with actionable tips and real-world stories to help you thrive.

Mastering Adaptability: Patrick Wylie’s Entrepreneurial Reflections on Crisis, Success, and Legacy

Host Josh Vanada sits down with entrepreneur Patrick Wylie, owner of Three2One Media, to dive into the real story behind entrepreneurial resilience, adaptability, and growth. Patrick shares his journey from launching a wedding DJ business with his last $2,000 to running a thriving trivia franchise and ultimately pivoting into digital media. Through setbacks—including the challenges of the pandemic that nearly brought his businesses to a halt—Patrick opens up about the power of perseverance, the importance of mental and physical health, and the difficult decisions that come with balancing family, personal boundaries, and business. This conversation offers a candid look at what it really takes to keep going through adversity, whether you’re making tough pivots, redefining work-life balance, or learning from each “non-business-ending” mistake. It’s an inspiring episode packed with wisdom for any leader seeking to build a sustainable business—and a meaningful life along the way.

From Scripts to Authenticity: Allan Langer’s High-Impact Sales Method

On this episode of High Impact, host Josh Vanada sits down with sales trainer and author Allan Langer for a deeply insightful conversation about transforming the sales industry. Drawing on his extensive experience working across a variety of industries—but with special expertise in the remodeling world—Allan breaks down why the traditional “salesy” approach just doesn’t work anymore. Allan shares the story behind his bestselling book, The Seven Secrets to Selling More by Selling Less, and explains how real sales success comes from listening, building trust, and truly helping customers solve their actual problems. Together, Josh and Allan unpack the science behind why high-pressure sales tactics turn people off, how the best salespeople act more like consultants or guides, and why asking genuine, open-ended questions can completely change the game. The episode also explores how technology like AI is reshaping the sales process—sometimes for the better, sometimes for worse—and why authentic, human-to-human connection still matters most. Allan reflects on the critical role of strong leadership in the sales field, the dangers of focusing only on metrics, and the importance of learning from every customer interaction. Whether you work in sales, lead a team, or ever found yourself wary of a “salesperson,” you’ll leave this episode with practical insights and a refreshed view on building trust, leading with integrity, and making your impact one person at a time.