Episodes

  • Invitational Selling: Building Trust, Engagement, and Human Connection in a Digital World with Dr. Dennis Cummins

    Invitational Selling: Building Trust, Engagement, and Human Connection in a Digital World with Dr. Dennis Cummins
    Apr 21 2026
    Welcome to the SBR-Author’s Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Dr. Dennis Cummins to talk about his new book “Invitational Selling: The Human Connection Advantage.” Dr. Cummins to discuss his new book, which grew from his experience “selling from the stage” and from learning that pressing less and connecting more led to better results. Dr. Cummins argues that traditional high-pressure sales tactics are failing because buyers have more information, face constant messaging, and are increasingly skeptical, while AI-driven speed and automation can erode authenticity and trust. He defines invitational selling as a three-phase framework: connect, convey, and convert by inviting next steps. This is usable not only for products but for leaders seeking organizational buy-in, speak-up/listen-up cultures, and engagement that reduces resistance and turnover. He shares a story about his late daughter, Lauren, selling bracelets as a lesson in rapport, value, and meaning. The book launches April 28, with launch proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Key highlights: Why Write This Book Connect Convey Convert Beyond Sales Organizational – Buy In Speak Up Listen Up Culture Inviting Beats Telling Using AI Without Losing Trust Resources: Dr. Dennis Cummins on LinkedIn Dr. Dennis Cummins Website Invitational Selling click here Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    29 mins
  • Bribery Beyond Borders: The Hidden History and Future of the FCPA with Severin Wirz

    Bribery Beyond Borders: The Hidden History and Future of the FCPA with Severin Wirz
    Apr 14 2026
    Welcome to the SBR-Author’s Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Severin Wirz, Senior Director for Ethics and Compliance at Applied Materials and author of “Bribery Beyond Borders: The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.” The book is about the origins, narrative approach, and future of FCPA enforcement. Severin explains he used storytelling to challenge conventional views that the FCPA was merely post-Watergate morality or the product of Stanley Sporkin alone, tracing a longer lineage of U.S. anti-corruption laws (Federal Corrupt Practices Act, Travel Act, Hobbs Act, RICO, Bank Secrecy Act) instead. He recounts the United Brands/Eli Black scandal, Wall Street Journal reporting that broke key bribery revelations, Stanley Sporkin’s role at the SEC, and the legislative influence of Frank Church and William Proxmire amid debates over disclosure, criminalization, and books-and-records provisions. Severin discusses shifting geopolitical drivers of enforcement and recommends related reading and contact options. Key highlights: Severin’s Compliance Journey Writing FCPA as a Thriller Eli Black Scandal Breaks Sporkin and SEC Momentum Journalists Connect the Dots Frank Church and Cold War Stakes Proxmire Gets It Passed Three Visions of the FCPA Future Enforcement and Geopolitics Resources: Severin Wirz on LinkedIn Bribery Beyond Borders: The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act on CCI and Amazon. Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    31 mins
  • Risk is the Soundtrack of Life with Jim Massey

    Risk is the Soundtrack of Life with Jim Massey
    Nov 20 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes back Jim Massey to discuss Jim's latest book, 'Risk in Action: A Leader's Guide to Clarity'. They take a deep dive into how the book builds on the themes outlined in 'Trust in Action', focusing on the comprehensive approach to managing risk, trust, and fear. Jim shares insights on redefining risk not as a binary choice but as a polarity to be managed, offering actionable steps for business and compliance leaders. He also introduces his new AI-driven risk assessment tool, designed to provide real-time, actionable insights. Jim emphasizes the importance of embracing risk as an opportunity for innovation and shares his key leadership lessons for navigating the ever-changing business landscape. Key highlights: The Genesis of ‘Risk in Action’ Understanding Risk and Its Importance The Role of Fear in Risk Management Innovative Risk Management Strategies Leadership and Risk The Future of Risk Assessments Resources: Risk in Action on Amazon Jim Massey Website Jim Massey on LinkedIn Eastward.ai Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    31 mins
  • Finding True Happiness Through Acts of Kindness: A Conversation with Karen Olson

    Finding True Happiness Through Acts of Kindness: A Conversation with Karen Olson
    Jul 22 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Karen Olson, the founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise and the author of 'Meant for More.' Olson shares her journey from aspiring nurse to being an influential advocate for homeless families. She elaborates on the importance of acts of kindness in achieving genuine happiness. She describes how the Family Promise organization supports families experiencing homelessness through various programs, including prevention, sheltering, and volunteer services. Olson discusses changes in the homelessness landscape since the 1980s and shares personal stories of volunteers making a difference. She also talks about the inspiration behind her book and the critical role of community involvement in addressing homelessness. Key highlights: The Story Behind 'Meant for More' Karen's Journey The Birth of Family Promise The Current State of Homelessness Inspiring Volunteer Stories Family Promise Initiatives Acts of Kindness and Inspiration Resources: Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose on Amazon Visit Family Promise Website Karen Olson Website PR by the Book Website Follow Karen Olson at PR by the Book Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    21 mins
  • The Resilience of the Human Spirit: Ana Hebra Flaster’s Immigrant Story and the Essence of Liberty

    The Resilience of the Human Spirit: Ana Hebra Flaster’s Immigrant Story and the Essence of Liberty
    Jul 15 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews author Ana Hebra Flaster about her book ‘Property of the Revolution’ and her journey as an immigrant from Cuba to the United States Flaster shares her experiences from childhood, the impact of her sudden move from Cuba, and how it shaped her perspective on liberty and resilience. She details her family’s struggles and triumphs, providing a personal window into the broader Cuban exodus. The conversation also touches on her writing process, the role of storytelling in preserving her family’s legacy, and the importance of immigrants to American culture and innovation. Flaster emphasizes the value of freedom, the trauma of displacement, and the enduring strength of the immigrant spirit. Ultimately, she discusses her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about Cuban history and current events through her writing. Key highlights: Ana Hebra Flaster ‘s Childhood and Immigration Story The Concept of Liberty Storytelling and Family Resilience Writing Process and Challenges Role of PR and Final Thoughts Resources: Ana Hebra Flaster at PR by the Book Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town—A Memoir on Amazon & Bookshop.org Ana Hebra Flaster Website PR by the Book Website Follow Ana Hebra Flaster on: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram X/Twitter Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    33 mins
  • A Journey Through Memoir, Technology, and Grief with Tony Stewart

    A Journey Through Memoir, Technology, and Grief with Tony Stewart
    Jul 8 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Tony Stewart, an author, filmmaker, technologist, and memoirist, about his book 'Carrying the Tiger.' Stewart shares his extensive professional background, which began as a filmmaker and transitioned into software development and business consulting, culminating in his retirement. He delves deep into the personal inspiration for his memoir, driven by his wife Lynn's battle with stage four non-smoking lung cancer and the emotional and organic evolution of their journey. Stewart also discusses the process of writing and editing his story, the concept of emotional resiliency, and the profound lessons of acceptance, grief, and grace he learned. The episode also explores Stewart's perspective on storytelling across different media, his collaboration with PR by the Book, and his efforts to share his story to help others. Key highlights: · Tony Stewart's Professional Journey · The Inspiration Behind 'Carrying the Tiger' · Writing and Editing the Memoir · Lessons in Emotional Resiliency · Experiencing and Understanding Grief · Dying with Grace · The Art of Storytelling · Publishing and Promotion Journey Resources: Tony Stewart at PR by the Book Carrying the Tiger on Amazon Tony Stewart Website PR by the Book Website Follow Tony Stewart on:Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Substack Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    31 mins
  • Unconditional Values in Leadership and Compliance with Andy Crocker

    Unconditional Values in Leadership and Compliance with Andy Crocker
    Jun 24 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, host Tom Fox is joined by aerospace engineer Andy Crocker to discuss his extensive career in aerospace, which encompasses projects ranging from designing launch vehicles to missions focused on sending humans back to the moon. Crocker examines the impact of these values on teamwork, the limitations of conditional leadership, and the importance of compliance as a natural outcome of a value-driven organization. The discussion also touches on Crocker’s transition phase, his thoughts on instilling these values in broader industry contexts beyond aerospace, and how they can be particularly pivotal for young professionals. Key highlights: Andy Crocker’s Professional Background The Magic of Rocket Science Transitioning from Tactical to Strategic Values and Leadership in Aerospace The Lunar Landing Competition The Trap of Conditional Leadership Character vs. Compliance Compliance as a Superpower Andy Crocker’s Writing Process Resources: Andy Crocker at PR by the Book Andy Crocker Books on Facebook Andy Crocker on LinkedIn Andy Crocker Books Website PR by the Book Website Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    31 mins
  • Upping Your (Compliance) Game

    Upping Your (Compliance) Game
    Jun 17 2025
    Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. Today, the tables are turned as Caitlyn Tobey and Ellen Hunt from The Seven Elements Compliance Book Club host Tom to talk about his most recent book, Upping Your Game. They explore how AI and machine learning can transform compliance operations, turning them into strategic business functions. He discusses the operationalization of compliance, the importance of integrating ethics into business practices, and the role of AI in enhancing the effectiveness of compliance. Notable examples, such as Wells Fargo’s use of AI in compliance and the concept of compliance by design, demonstrate how technology can facilitate more efficient business processes and foster a proactive compliance culture. Key highlights: Reframing Compliance in the Trump Era The Role of AI in Compliance Ethics and Compliance: A Strategic Partnership Challenges and Risks of AI in Compliance AI Chatbots in Compliance Resources: Upping Your Game on Amazon.com Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn
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    29 mins