The Influence Gap with Bernadette McClelland

09: Dr. Margie Warrell: The Courage Gap

What if the single biggest barrier to courageous leadership isn’t fear—but the stories we tell ourselves about it? In this powerful episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with bestselling author and behavioral science expert Dr. Margie Warrell to unpack why courage—not strategy or smarts—is the key to breakthrough results in business, sales leadership, and life. Tune in for eye-opening insights into the real cost of avoiding tough conversations, how to transform fear into fuel for action, and why vulnerability in leadership is actually a sign of strength—not weakness. Dr. Margie Warrell also shares practical steps from her book "The Courage Gap," explores why embracing discomfort accelerates growth, and reveals how shifting your internal story is essential for true impact. This episode is packed with actionable wisdom for anyone ready to lead with more authenticity, bravery, and influence. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Introduction and guest welcome[02:23] The Courage Gap: Why courage matters[03:36] The gap between knowing and doing[04:16] Identity, uncertainty, and leadership behaviors[07:36] Sales leadership pitfalls and team trust[10:56] Inner mastery and family business challenges[13:50] Speaking truth to power and managing risk[16:43] The value and timing of difficult conversations[19:42] Respect, vulnerability, and honesty[22:46] Handling challenging personalities[25:34] Five steps to braver action[26:22] Challenging your limiting stories[28:12] Identity protection and growth[29:54] Choosing vulnerability as a leader[32:05] Humanity, humility, and connection[34:28] Leading through uncertainty and values[35:07] Collaboration in uncertain times[36:54] Book details and rapid fire wrap-up[37:48] Final thoughts on influence and leadership

08: Bob Burg: Go-Giver Mastery

In this energizing episode of The Influence Gap, Bernadette McClelland sits down with bestselling author Bob Burg, co-author of "The Go-Giver," to shatter common misconceptions around leadership, sales, and the real definition of value. Discover why leaders often struggle the most with receptivity, and how mastering the delicate dance between giving and receiving can completely transform your influence, compensation, and authentic impact. Key insights include the difference between price and value, why discovery is the most critical phase of the sales process, and how to never sacrifice your authenticity under pressure. Tune in for rapid-fire wisdom, stories that stick, and practical steps to close your own influence gap. Timestamped Overview [00:00] Welcome and Introductions [01:32] The Go-Giver's Origin Story [04:54] The Five Laws: Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, Receptivity [06:14] Why Leaders Struggle with Receiving [09:18] Value vs. Price: Real-World Examples [14:30] Uncovering What Buyers Truly Value [16:53] Linking Value and Compensation [19:37] Authenticity vs. Congruence in Leadership [23:17] Overserving vs. Inappropriate Giving [26:32] Self-Value and Avoiding the Doormat Trap [27:04] The Power of Value in Sales [28:18] What Moves Good to Great in the Go-Giver Movement [30:08] Rapid-Fire Leadership Questions [32:33] Closing and Takeaways

07: Outshining AI: The Human Edge in Wisdom, Influence and Leadership

What if everything you know—and have never said out loud—is actually your most valuable asset in the age of AI? In this powerful solo episode of The Influence Gap, discover why differentiating your value has never been more critical, even as technology automates and commoditizes expertise. The discussion explores how your lived experiences, earned wisdom, and unique observations create a form of influence that AI can never replicate. Key themes include three actionable strategies to make your wisdom visible: building structured frameworks, harnessing the power of storytelling, and leveraging your voice through speaking. Tune in for an uplifting perspective on how to stand out and lead in a world of disruption. Timestamped Overview [00:00:00] Welcome and episode introduction [00:01:38] What influence is—and what it is not [00:03:36] The disruption of AI and its impact on leaders [00:05:39] The irreplaceable human element: earned wisdom [00:08:19] Why your value must be made visible [00:10:54] The big question: what do you know that you haven't voiced? [00:13:22] Three ways to make your influence visible [00:17:33] Turning wisdom from valuable to visible [00:18:58] Closing thoughts and call to action

06: Valorie Kondos Field: People Over Performance

What if one of the greatest NCAA gymnastics coaches of all time never actually did a cartwheel? In this compelling episode, Bernadette McClelland sits down with Valorie Kondos Field, legendary UCLA gymnastics coach, to explore how she achieved extraordinary success—without ever being a gymnast herself. You’ll discover how Valorie Kondos Field built a championship program on relationships, vulnerability, and the simple power of asking. She unpacks what it means to lead people (not just performances), why imposter syndrome can be a secret weapon, and how moments of failure can actually unlock lasting influence. With powerful stories about the "art of the ask," learning from Coach Wooden, and coaching the human being—not just the KPI—this episode will change the way you think about leadership and what’s truly possible when you dare to step out of your comfort zone. Timestamped Overview: 00:00 Welcome and Valorie Kondos Field’s accolades 04:45 How she became head UCLA coach without gymnastics experience 07:58 Lessons in saying yes without all the answers 11:44 Discovering her authentic leadership style 15:06 Coaching the human, not just the performance 20:30 The power of vulnerability and the need to "be enough" 22:38 The art of the ask: Dinners, mentors, and advocacy 28:01 Why you shouldn't "wait to dance" 29:34 Kids Alive International and championing healing through validation 30:00 Rapid fire leadership reflections 31:12 Closing remarks and takeaways

05: Joel Block: Advantage Player Mindset

What if the way you think about winning in business—and even about money itself—is completely backwards? In this electrifying episode, Joel Block blows the lid off conventional business wisdom, revealing how most organizations are programmed to "play not to lose"—and why that’s a surefire formula for mediocrity. From his early days as a professional blackjack player beating the house, to making billion-dollar deals on Wall Street, Joel Block shares the real secrets of the "advantage player mindset" and how you can apply them to achieve winning results and outsmart the game—whether you’re running a startup, leading a team, or vying for a seat at the table. Key highlights include: * Why most leaders and companies play defense instead of offense—and how it kills growth * What it really takes to become an elite performer (the answer will surprise you) * The mathematics of risk, timing, and how wealthy people leverage the system differently * The surprising advantage women have in business settings—and how to use it * Rapid-fire truths on courage, leadership, and what separates winners from everyone else Tune in to close the gap between intention and impact, and get ready to flip your thinking about business, risk, and winning. Episode Overview: 00:00 What "beating the house" really means and intro to the advantage player mindset 05:20 How business is often stacked against you—and why most companies play not to lose 09:40 Money myths, courage, and why wealthy people see the system differently 13:32 Timing, risk, and making bold decisions as a leader 17:14 Why leaders fear risking their reputation more than capital 21:28 Speaking truth to power and the hidden cost of protecting your seat at the table 26:20 High performers vs. elite performers; actionable steps to go from good to world-class 30:22 Creating momentum and the power of a "killer strategy" 33:41 Concrete outcomes: what happens when high performers become elite 36:13 Rapid-fire: the market rewards the courageous, and parting advice