In this episode, Mandi Ellefson sits down with Amanda Freick, founder of Creative Intelligence Group, to unpack what it really takes to sell into complex, high-stakes industries and why mindset, confidence, and execution matter just as much as strategy.

Amanda shares how her firm helps companies selling into electric utilities and other complex organizations navigate 18–24+ month sales cycles, build scalable commercial infrastructure, and shorten time to revenue without cutting corners. With deep expertise in the energy sector, she explains why utilities are intentionally hard to sell to, how road signs like MSAs and pilots signal real progress, and why chasing “silver bullets” can destroy long-term growth.

But this conversation goes far beyond sales mechanics. Amanda opens up about imposter syndrome, burnout, pricing fear, and the internal work required to step into leadership at a higher level. She shares how shifting from hourly work to value-based retainers, narrowing her offer, and fully owning the impact of her work transformed not just her business, but her confidence, team, and energy.

🔍 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ Why selling into utilities and complex organizations requires patience, capital, and deep industry fluency

✅ How to shorten long enterprise sales cycles without compromising trust or compliance

✅ Why MSAs, pilots, and internal “road signs” matter more than early revenue

✅ The dangers of hourly consulting and why delivering outcomes changes everything

✅ How narrowing your offer increases confidence, pricing power, and scalability

✅ Why founders often block their own growth through fear, control, and over-optimization

✅ The connection between burnout, cortisol, and leadership decision-making

✅ How mindset shifts translate directly into stronger teams, better clients, and faster growth

✅ Why building the vision first prevents you from building a business that becomes a prison

The most successful founders don’t just refine their strategy. They redefine how they see themselves, their value, and their role in their clients’ businesses. This episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable growth comes from clarity, courage, and the willingness to step fully into your expertise.

🔗 Connect with Amanda Freick:

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

Website: https://www.creativeintelligencegroup.net

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