EPISODE 732 - Rich Lyons - Life Is Sales, sales mastery includes self awareness and embracing the unknown

In this episode, Dave welcomes Rich Lyons, author of Life of Sales, entrepreneur, and former CEO of Lyons Consulting Group. From escaping the Chicago winter for the warmth of Zihuatanejo to reflecting on a career rich with lessons in integrity, leadership, and purpose, Rich shares an intimate look at his personal and professional evolution.

Now an author, speaker, and mentor, Rich discusses the twenty-year journey behind his book Life of Sales—a title that grew from a simple domain name idea into a full reflection on human connection, business growth, and the belief that everyone, in some way, is selling. Whether it’s convincing a client, inspiring a colleague, or encouraging a child, Lyons sees “sales” not as persuasion but as service. He emphasizes patience, persistence, and the willingness to ask good questions and truly listen.

Drawing on his background as an engineer turned entrepreneur, Rich recounts how he built a leading e-commerce consulting firm from the ground up. His leadership philosophy centered on culture—creating an environment where both employees and clients thrived. He tells a striking story about offering an unconditional money-back guarantee early in his company’s history, a bold decision that nearly cost him financially but ultimately defined the company’s reputation for trust and integrity.

Throughout the conversation, Rich touches on the changing world of sales in an AI-driven era, highlighting that while tools evolve, the fundamentals remain: authentic relationships, attentive communication, and ethical decision-making. He explores emotional intelligence in business, reminding listeners that awareness of fear, trust, and empathy transforms not only how we serve customers but how teams connect with one another.

Lyons also offers insight into leadership development and his focus on helping entrepreneurs grow as transformational leaders. His upcoming book, Business Is Culture, will expand on building purposeful organizations from the inside out—starting with personal awareness and alignment between values and actions.

Listeners will find wisdom in Rich’s calm, clear perspective on leadership, growth, and conscious success, as well as his ability to redefine what “sales” truly means in work and in life.

Key takeaway: True sales is service. When you lead with awareness, empathy, and integrity, you don’t just sell—you build trust, culture, and connection that endure.

https://www.lifeissales.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 494 - Donny Young - The 4MIDABLES, Inspector Gadget, The Cannonball Run Movie and Putting Yourself Out There

Author and screenwriter Donny Young shares an inspiring journey through a creative career built on persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace opportunity. From writing episodes of Inspector Gadget on a Smith Corona typewriter to developing his newest young adult adventure series, The 4MIDABLES, Donny reflects on the experiences that shaped both his storytelling and his outlook on success.

Listeners are taken behind the scenes of the entertainment industry as Donny recounts how one opportunity naturally led to another. He shares stories from writing for one of television's most beloved animated series, appearing alongside legendary Hollywood stars in The Cannonball Run, and learning valuable career lessons through unexpected encounters with industry icons. Throughout the conversation, a common theme emerges. Creative careers are rarely built through a single breakthrough, but through consistently showing up, saying yes to new experiences, and remaining open to where those experiences may lead.

Donny also introduces The 4MIDABLES, a project that has evolved over many years from an animated television concept into an ambitious young adult novel series. Designed around teamwork, empathy, problem solving, and family friendly storytelling, the series reflects his belief that exciting adventures can inspire young readers without relying on violence or sensationalism.

For aspiring writers, Donny offers thoughtful advice drawn from decades of experience. He discusses the value of studying acting to better understand character, reading widely within your chosen genre, embracing rejection as part of the creative process, and continually improving your craft. Above all, he encourages writers to remain patient with themselves and to remember that every experience adds depth to the stories they will eventually tell.

This conversation is both a celebration of storytelling and a reminder that success often comes from perseverance, preparation, and the courage to keep creating, even when the next opportunity is still out of sight.

Key Takeaway

Creative success is rarely the result of one defining moment. By continuing to learn, putting yourself in places where opportunity can find you, and refusing to let setbacks define your journey, you give your work the best chance to reach the audience it was meant for.

Writer for the iconic “INSPECTOR GADGET” cartoon series.
Inspector Gadget: Volcano Island (Gadget Goes Hawaiian)
Season 1, Episode 15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlb-BKVhS3g

Extra in Cannonball Run
The Cannonball Run Final Scene and End Credits
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUOaxwA5Wic

Excited to introduce 4 amazing Teens who solve major crimes anonymously!

https://www.instagram.com/the4midables/

Original Publish date: Friday, January 31, 2025

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca

EPISODE 731 - Lance Hillsinger - Child Welfare Social Worker to Author - Navigating Legal Documents to Authorship

In this thoughtful episode, author and retired social worker Lance Hilzinger joins us from San Luis Obispo, California, to reflect on a lifetime of service in the child welfare system and his journey into writing. With three decades of experience advocating for children and families in Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo Counties, Lance offers a candid look behind the courtroom doors of juvenile and foster care cases. He shares how both frustration and hope became the foundation for his writing, leading to several books that examine social policy, history, and faith.

Lance began his career with a master’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University before realizing that academia wasn’t his calling. A twist of fate led him to a social work position where he found his true purpose—helping families heal, understanding parents struggling with addiction, and advocating for vulnerable children. Over the years, he witnessed the evolution of the foster care system, including new programs supporting youth up to age twenty‑one, and the ongoing challenges of poverty, substance abuse, and a shortage of foster homes.

Discussing his writing, Lance explains how technical report writing in court shaped his clear, factual, and concise storytelling style. His first book captured the evolution—both progress and pitfalls—of child welfare practices, inspiring readers to consider becoming foster parents or court advocates. Later works broadened his focus: “Build a Better Bridge: Social Policy for the Twenty‑First Century” revisits America’s War on Poverty, calling for smarter, long‑lasting solutions to chronic social issues, while “Beyond Amelia: Lesser Known Women of Yesteryear” celebrates unsung female pioneers in science, leadership, and exploration. His newest book, “Matthew, Mark, Luke and John: A Court Investigator Examines the Gospels,” blends logical analysis and faith, exploring timeless biblical truths through a modern lens.

Lance also shares his experiences with publishing—its rewards, challenges, and lessons learned about contracts, editing, and choosing the right partner. Throughout the conversation, he returns to one unshakable theme: the importance of compassion, honesty, and consistency, whether in social work, writing, or personal faith. He reminds listeners that real change happens slowly but meaningfully, through persistence and integrity.

Key Takeaway:
Lance Hilzinger’s story is a testament to serving others with empathy and endurance. Whether guiding a family through hardship or crafting a book that bridges understanding, his work invites us to believe that steady, thoughtful effort can make systems—and lives—better.

https://www.lancehillsinger.net/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

___
https://livingthenextchapter.com/
podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/

Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!
https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca