In this powerful and refreshingly honest conversation, Bart sits down with Brittany Shoul, SVP of Revenue Strategy & Ops at MCI USA. Brittany shares her journey from being the first in her family to attend college, to discovering her leadership voice, to becoming a respected leader who champions authenticity, empathy, and integration over “balance.” She reveals how her upbringing, her grandmother’s influence, her early leadership experiences, and her work in sales shaped the leader she is today. Brittany opens up about drive, fulfillment, emotional intelligence, and why showing up like you belong—exactly as you are—is one of the most underrated skills in life and business.

💡 Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s a strategy. Brittany insists that showing up as your true self is not only allowed, but powerful.

• “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” A core message she teaches her daughters, colleagues, and herself.

• Balance is a myth; integration is real. Your life will never be perfectly even — but you can blend what matters in healthier ways.

• Fulfillment fuels drive. Brittany isn’t trying to “prove” anything; she’s driven by the impact she can make on her team, her family, and her industry.

• Leadership means giving people permission. Sometimes people just need to hear “It’s okay” — to leave early, to rest, to take space.

• Show up like you belong. Even if you’re young, new, nervous, or different — the room is for you, too.

• Find mentors everywhere. If your company doesn’t offer strong leadership, seek it through networking, LinkedIn, peers, or past relationships.

• Kindness and connection matter. Whether talking to a housekeeper or meeting someone at an event, presence and authenticity build trust.

  
  

  💬 Memorable Quotes

• • “You can do anything — you just can’t do everything.”

  • “Show up like you belong.”

  • “Fulfillment comes from the impact you make — at home, and at work.”

  • “Balance implies everything is equal. That’s not real. Integration is.”

  • “Be yourself. No one needs a business-professional robot.”

  • “It’s okay to be excited. It’s okay to be nervous. Just show up.”

  ✨ Why It Matters / How to Use It

  This episode is a guide for anyone trying to grow in their career while staying true to themselves. Brittany’s journey shows listeners that success doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from authenticity, connection, and courage. Her practical insights help young professionals, leaders, and parents understand how to integrate ambition with life, how to care for themselves and their teams, and how to build confidence even when the room feels intimidating. Anyone struggling with imposter syndrome, burnout, or self-doubt will find grounding, encouragement, and permission to be human — while still striving for more.

In this heartfelt and candid episode, Bart sits down with Zane Kerby, President & CEO of ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors). They explore the soul of travel, the evolution from “travel agents” to “travel advisors,” the emotional impact of seeing the world, and how empathy, kindness, slowing down, and meaningful connection shape a life well lived. Zane shares stories from his 30-year anniversary trip to Colombia, childhood influences, leadership philosophies, and why travel advisors are more vital now than ever. This conversation is human, emotional, and a reminder that travel doesn’t just show us the world—it shows us ourselves.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

1. Travel Advisors Matter More Than Ever

1. • “Travel agent” felt transactional; “travel advisor” reflects guidance, advocacy, and expertise.
   • Travelers want transformation, not transactions.
   • Advisors are the trusted partners who know what most travelers don’t.

1. Travel Makes Us More Human
2. • Travel builds empathy and reduces ego.
   • Seeing how others live widens perspective and deepens understanding.
   • Shared vulnerability while traveling brings people together.
3. The Best Memories Are on the Road
4. • Zane’s most meaningful family moments happened during travel.
   • Being away from routine creates space for deeper conversations and connection.
   • Small moments become lifelong memories.
5. Slowing Down Creates Kindness
6. • Zane’s advice: slow down, listen, and be available to be interrupted.
   • Pausing helps us notice others and step in to help more often.
7. Leadership Rooted in Humility
8. • Zane’s parents modeled respect, humility, and kindness.
   • Great leadership is about presence, consistency, and treating people well.
   • Hire smart people, pay them fairly, and share the credit.
9. Stick With What Matters

1. • Zane believes in endurance and commitment.
   • “Most people don’t stick with it…but you do.”

Memorable Quotes

• “Most of the important memories I have with my wife and family are from travel.”
• “Travel makes you less ego-centric and more human.”
• “The more planes of people we send around the world, the fewer bombs we have to send.”
• “An advisor works for you. Not for a supplier—for you.”
• “Slow the heck down.”
• “Some opportunities to help make you feel human.”
• “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.”
• “Most people don’t stick with it…but you do.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

For Travel Advisors
Your work matters more than ever. You’re not booking trips—you’re shaping how people see the world and each other. You help create life-changing experiences.

For Leaders

Slow down. Listen deeply. Treat people well. Presence is powerful. Hire smart, kind people and give credit freely.

For Everyone

Travel as much as you can. Say yes more often. Go and see the world—it expands your understanding, deepens your empathy, and enriches your life. And when you’re not traveling, practice the same principles: pause, notice, listen, help.

Travel is an empathy engine. It makes us better humans. And as Zane reminds us, the world becomes a better place when we choose to go, see, and connect.

More about Zane Kerby here: Zane Kerby | LinkedIn

More about ASTA here: Home

In this episode, Bart sits down with Sara Murray, founder & CEO of Murmaid International, sales trainer, keynote speaker, and host of Prospecting on Purpose. This conversation explores Sara’s journey from corporate to entrepreneur, her “ABAV” philosophy (Always Be Adding Value), the mindset behind confidence, abundance, and authentic connection, and the simple human behaviors that create massive business impact.

Sara shares candid stories about positivity, self-belief, gratitude, and what happens when you consistently show up as someone who notices, connects, and overdelivers.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• “Always Be Adding Value” (ABAV) is the game-changer

Sara’s foundational philosophy: every interaction is a chance to make an emotional deposit. Add value before you ask. Add value even when you don’t need anything. Add value when it costs nothing. This is what builds reputation, trust, and opportunity.

• Confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s earned through action

Sara teaches how to “jump up on the pedestal” instead of shrinking in front of high-value clients. Confidence is built by collecting experiences, learning from people, and trusting your strengths.

• Abundance > Scarcity

Even in competitive industries, there’s more than enough success to go around. Sara and Bart connect over the idea that generosity creates momentum. When you give without expectations, the world opens up.

• Sales isn’t pushing, it’s helping

If your product or service genuinely improves someone’s business or life, then outreach isn’t “bothering” people. It’s informing them of value they deserve to know about.

• Listening is the new superpower

People miss opportunities because they’re too busy “performing.” Listening deeply to needs, hints, frustrations, vacations, or tiny details, creates connection. It’s rare. And therefore powerful.

• Personal touchpoints matter more than automation

Automation is fine. Humanity wins. A review. A thoughtful suggestion. A follow-up based on something they said. Most people don’t do these small acts, which is why they stand out.

• Entrepreneurship requires patience and faith

Sara emphasizes that the first few years are harder, longer, and more demanding than expected. But with patience, belief, and staying aligned with your “why,” the payoff is life-changing.

• Your childhood shapes your strengths

Sara’s ability to talk to anyone came from sitting next to strangers on flights as a Delta employee’s kid. Every interaction became a data point that built confidence, empathy, and curiosity.

• Value before ask, every time

One of Sara’s favorite examples: she once recommended two novels to someone going on vacation. It got her booked a full year earlier than expected.

• Human > transactional.

Helping people first is the business model

When you focus on helping, not hustling, you attract the right clients, create impact, and build a career you’re proud of.

Memorable Quotes

• “We’re at your service, we’re not your servants.”

• “Everyone’s trying to jump on the pedestal. You don’t have to take anyone off… just put yourself up there too.”

• “Abundance starts when you stop asking and start adding.”

• “If your service genuinely helps people, they need to know about it. That’s not bothering them, that’s doing your job.”

• “Patience and trust, that’s the hardest part of entrepreneurship.”

• “Changing someone’s life wasn’t my why at first… but it became my why.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

• Model Sara’s A-BAV approach: Look daily for no-cost, meaningful ways to surpass what “most people don’t” do.

• Shift from scarcity to service: Helping without keeping score amplifies everything, your brand, referrals, confidence, and results.

• Lead with humanity: Automation can draft. You deliver the emotion.

• Be confident by being curious: Ask more. Listen more. Notice more.

• Build emotional bank accounts before withdrawals: Look for tiny deposits that compound into trust.

Resources:

LinkedIn: Sara Murray | LinkedInWebsite: Sara Murray