In this episode of The Midgame Mindset, host Rich Bishop delves into the emotional and transformative journeys of several entrepreneurs who have faced significant challenges and failures. He introduces four previous guests, each with unique stories of resilience and reinvention, highlighting how they navigated their entrepreneurial paths through adversity. From Courtney Turich's experience on Shark Tank to Krista Anderson's mission to provide healthy food options, the episode showcases the grit and determination required to succeed in the entrepreneurial landscape.

The conversation also touches on the importance of community, mentorship, and the lessons learned from failure. Rich emphasizes that successful entrepreneurs often redefine their understanding of success and prioritize personal well-being alongside business growth. The episode culminates in a discussion about the importance of letting go, finding balance, and leading with empathy in both personal and professional realms, ultimately illustrating that the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about personal development as it is about business success.

#entrepreneurship #failure #personalgrowth

Key Takeaways:

- "The journey of an entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart."

- "Successful entrepreneurs will take failure as a way to learn, as a way to grow."

- "Sometimes you have to step back to find yourself again."

- "It's not about money or fame; it's about making an impact."

- "You have to let go and allow life to guide you."

- "Culture springs from the collective people in that business or community, not from the top down."

- "You can’t build a business without a healthy culture."

- "The energy of letting go is powerful for growth."

- "You have to prioritize your well-being to succeed in business."

- "It's about making sure you're living and enjoying life."

Episode Chapters:

00:00 The Emotional Toll of Entrepreneurship

03:23 Introducing Our Entrepreneur Guests

05:10 Lessons from Courtney Turek's Journey

10:27 Krista Anderson's Mission for Healthy Food

15:48 Brian McNally's Accountability Journey

18:42 Morgan Gebhardt's Sabbatical and Self-Discovery

27:24 Discovering Strengths and Empowering Others

28:52 A Journey to France: Finding Perspective

30:43 The Importance of Letting Go

32:36 Reconnecting with Purpose and Passion

35:22 Balancing Life and Work as an Entrepreneur

39:14 Building a Culture of Empathy and Safety

41:39 Prioritizing Family and Health in Business

43:34 Creating a Legacy Through Leadership

44:49 Success Stories: Overcoming Challenges

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this conversation, Rich Bishop interviews Bruce Leffler, a seasoned sales executive and founder of Best Roofer Marketing. Bruce shares his journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the digital marketing space. He discusses pivotal moments in his career, the transition from local to enterprise sales, and the importance of leadership and mentorship. Bruce emphasizes the value of self-belief, resilience, and learning from every experience, ultimately inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

#betonyourself #entrepreneurship #personalgrowth

Key Takeaways:

- Bruce's journey highlights the importance of self-belief and resilience.

- Mid game moments are crucial for growth leaders to reflect on their decisions.

- Transitioning from local to enterprise sales requires understanding different expectations.

- Enterprise clients demand higher quality service and professionalism.

- Leadership requires a different skill set than individual sales success.

- Mentorship plays a vital role in developing effective leaders.

- Every opportunity, good or bad, is a learning experience.

- Building relationships with clients is key to long-term success.

- Starting a business requires careful planning and a willingness to take risks.

- Instilling life lessons in the next generation is essential for their growth.

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More from Bruce Leffler:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruceleffler/

- Best Roofer Marketing: https://www.bestroofermarketing.com/

- Best Hustler Academy: https://www.besthustleracademy.com/

- The Truth About Sales and Marketing for Roofers Exposed: https://a.co/d/0BootMM

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this episode of the Midgame Mindset, host Rich Bishop engages with Tanya and Tony Thorson, authors of 'Get Off Your Mass.' The Thorson's share insights on how to build meaningful connections with customers and the significance of curiosity in marketing efforts. They discuss the evolving landscape of marketing, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, personalization, and the shift from product-led to buyer-led strategies. The conversation explores the concept of B2A (Business to Anyone), the role of AI in marketing, and the necessity of breaking down silos within organizations to foster collaboration. #marketing #ai #growth Key Takeaways:- Stop mass marketing without being human.- The concept of B2A emphasizes connections with anyone.- Emotional intelligence is crucial in marketing today.- Automation should not replace human connection.- Personalization must be meaningful and genuine.- Breaking down silos leads to better collaboration.- The buyer's journey is non-linear and complex.- AI can help analyze data but should not replace human insight.- Mosaic marketing combines various strategies for success.- Curiosity and interest in customers drive better marketing.Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Midgame Mindset01:21 Meet Tanya and Tony Thorson05:00 The Concept of B2A: Business to Anyone09:45 The Shift from Product-Led to Buyer-Led14:46 Breaking Down Silos in Organizations20:53 The Importance of Customer Engagement26:03 The Role of AI in Marketing32:37 The Concept of Poise in Marketing39:14 Building a Go-to-Market StrategyAbout the Host: Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.More from Tanya Thorson & Tony Thorson:- Get Off Your Mass - https://a.co/d/edx4SDc- Tanya Thorson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyathorson/- Tony Thorson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-thorson-96878b10/- StrategiX Consulting: https://strategixconsulting.carrd.co/More from Rich Bishop:- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2 - Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this episode of The Midgame Mindset, Mario Krivokapic opens up about the career-defining lessons, massive failures, and leadership philosophies that shaped him into a world-class sales executive, coach, and now CIO of a boutique investment group.

Mario shares how early leadership mistakes nearly destroyed a 14-person sales team, and how that painful wake-up call led him into a lifelong obsession with coaching, personal growth, and servant leadership.

From burning CDs of sales audiobooks at 2 a.m. to taking over high-performing global teams, Mario explains why empathy, development, and hands-on coaching are the real accelerators of revenue.

#salesleadership #revenuegeneration #salesteam

Takeaways:

- How to lead with empathy and still enforce high performance — Mario’s transition from destructive young VP to respected servant leader.

- The real mechanics behind scaling to $100M ARR, including product-market fit, team structure, and execution discipline.

- Why coaching—not dashboards—is the #1 skill missing in sales leadership today.

- How team-based accountability transforms culture and protects teams from toxic high performers.

- Why “boring businesses” are the new frontier and how Mario evaluates companies for acquisition using EBITDA, succession risk, and long-term cash flow.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 | Introduction: The Painful Lesson of Destroying a Company

01:18 | Guest Introduction: Mario Krivokapic, CEO, Coach, and Revenue Architect

01:51 | Mario's Story: From Yugoslavia to the US and Scaling Companies

04:08 | The $100 Million ARR Company: Selling High-End Titanium Cookware

07:59 | Learning to Lead: Burning the Midnight Oil with Audiobooks on CDs

10:04 | The Modern Sales Challenge: Lack of Incentive to Learn in the Age of AI

14:11 | From Individual Contributor to Coach: An Intentional Transition

22:50 | The "Instant Noodles Economy": Why Bad Managers and Top-Performing Assholes Destroy Teams

32:04 | Advice for Young Sales Reps: Focus on Skill Set and the Intangibles

37:37 | Madaka Investments' Strategy: Buying "Boring" Businesses and Avoiding Excitement

44:31 | Conclusion and How to Connect with Mario

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More from Mario Krivokapic:

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-krivokapic/

- 2 And A Half Salesmen Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@2halfsalesman

- "Still Underrated! A Complete Guide To The Discovery Call" Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1BZyYzO

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this powerful episode of The Midgame Mindset, performance coach and author Elle Ingalls shares the origin story behind her “Pressure-Free Method”—a science-backed framework that helps high achievers eliminate stress responses before they start.

From surviving a panic attack on stage to coaching CEOs, elite athletes, and financial advisors, Elle unpacks the physiological truth about stress and why traditional advice like “slow down” or “just breathe” often falls short.

For Entrepreneurs and Sales Leaders:

You’ll learn how unmanaged pressure affects decision-making, sales performance, and leadership presence—and how to reset in real time.

Key Takeaways:

- How to prevent stress before it hijacks your focus

- The 9-hour and 24-hour stress hormone cycle (and how to break it)

- What “pressure makes diamonds” gets wrong about human performance

- Tactical tools to stay present in high-stakes moments

Whether you're scaling a startup, leading a sales team, or just trying to stay calm in the chaos, this conversation offers real strategies to perform at your best—without burning out.

#StressManagement #EntrepreneurMindset #SalesLeadership #MentalFitness #HighPerformance #MidgameMindset

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More From Elle Ingalls:

- https://pressure-free.com/

- Pressure-Free Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Free-Parenting-Ten-Second-Solution-High-Achieving/dp/B08KQBYRMK

- The Pressure-Free CEO: https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Free-CEO-contributes-productive-physically-ebook/dp/B0FDZ2GG35?ref_=ast_author_dp

- Elle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pressurefreeliving/

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Lavarnway shares his journey from the minor leagues to major league success, emphasizing the importance of resilience, mindset shifts, and the power of laughter. He discusses his Olympic experience, the significance of self-reflection, and how to challenge limiting beliefs. Ryan also highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and the impact of teaching resilience to the next generation.

#resilience #mindset #growth

Takeaways:

- Resilience is a superpower that helps overcome challenges.

- Enjoying the moment can lead to unexpected success.

- Mindset shifts are crucial during setbacks.

- Laughter can unlock creativity and performance.

- Defining success is personal and can vary for everyone.

- Self-reflection is key to personal growth.

- Challenging limiting beliefs opens new possibilities.

- Surrounding yourself with supportive people is essential.

- Teaching resilience to children is important for their development.

- Setting big goals gives permission to strive for greatness.

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More From Ryan:

- https://www.ryanlavarnway.com

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lavarnway/

- Why Not Journal: https://a.co/d/9XdzSTC

- The ABCs of Resilience (Coloring book): https://a.co/d/cBXwuQE

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com

In this conversation, Rich Bishop and Stephen Steers explore the transformative power of storytelling in sales, the importance of mentorship, and the journey from a security guard to a successful sales trainer and consultant. They discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of personal growth, and the role of nature in resetting one's mindset. Steven shares insights on crafting compelling stories, writing a book, and building trust with audiences, emphasizing that effective sales are rooted in understanding the emotional drivers behind decision-making.

#storytelling #mentorship #consulting

Key Takeaways:

- Stories are remembered 22 times more than facts alone.

- Sales training should be tailored to specific business needs.

- Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth.

- Crafting compelling stories can significantly enhance sales effectiveness.

- Writing a book can serve as a powerful business card.

- Building trust through storytelling is essential in sales.

- Understanding your audience's motivations is key to successful selling.

- Nature can help reset your mindset and provide clarity.

- Knowing when to let go of something is crucial for growth.

- Activity does not always equate to productivity.

About the Host:

Rich Bishop, founder and CEO of Midgame Consulting, is a dynamic speaker and thought leader in the realms of sales strategy & execution. His engaging presentations and workshops equip high-level executives with actionable insights and strategies to transform their business operations. Known for his hands-on problem-solving approach and proactive leadership, Rich’s sessions are packed with practical advice and real-world examples that inspire and empower. With a focus on measurable outcomes and client success, Rich is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, webinars, and seminars.

More from Stephen:

- Superpower Storytelling: https://a.co/d/faCh7pl

- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-steers/

More from Rich Bishop:

- Sign Up for Midgame Consulting’s Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/i2340o

- Connect with Rich Bishop on LinkedIn - / richbishop2

- Midgame Consulting – https://www.midgameconsulting.com