Being great at your job used to guarantee security and visibility. Now? It barely earns you a seat at the table.

In this episode of Strategic Thinkers, Sean Atkinson and Melody Ann break down how AI is rewriting the rules of work — and what that means for experienced professionals trying to stay visible, valuable, and relevant without losing who they are.

💡 Inside This Episode:

- Why traditional work habits are getting you ignored

- The real reason seasoned professionals are feeling invisible

- How to reclaim your edge (without hustling harder)

- The quiet ways AI is already transforming your industry

- How to evolve without selling out

🔥 Whether you're a strategist, entrepreneur, or team leader — this episode gives you the lens and the tools to reposition in an AI-powered economy.

Chapters

00:00 - Intro & Episode Promise

01:29 - The Rules of Work Have Changed

03:05 - Why Experienced Pros Feel Invisible

05:01 - Can AI Actually Help Work-Life Balance?

08:05 - Is This the Next Industrial Revolution?

10:52 - The Adaptation Economy is Here

11:46 - How AI Is Hiding in Plain Sight

15:15 - Deepfakes, Likeness, and Legal Gray Areas

17:47 - Why Strategy Beats Copying

20:27 - The Trap of One-Size-Fits-All Models

22:59 - The Power of Voice, Story, and Context

26:29 - Identity-Driven Messaging vs Generic Content

29:54 - Let Them Copy You (and Why It’s Okay)

32:57 - Redefining Value in the Age of AI

35:44 - Sponsored Ad: Unfair Advantage Quiz

36:45 - Using AI to Discover Strategic Gaps

38:44 - Emerging Roles in the Age of AI

42:06 - AI Is a Bright-Eyed Intern

46:18 - You Are Still Responsible

48:26 - How Non-Creatives Can Use AI Creatively

53:28 - Build Foundations, Not Just Trends

57:14 - Play the Long Game with Principles

59:40 - Sustainable Business vs Pyramid Schemes

1:01:42 - Workflow and Long-Term Security

1:03:22 - What You Can Do on a Bad Day

1:05:44 - Why Context Always Wins

1:07:32 - Inconveniently Valuable Work

1:10:07 - Power, Scarcity, and Strategy

1:13:18 - Final Takeaways & What's Next

🎯 Free Resource Mentioned in This Episode:

Discover what sets you apart before AI learns to imitate it.

Take the Unfair Business Advantage Quiz to uncover your natural strengths — the ones you’ve likely been overlooking — and get a strategy for turning them into your niche-defining edge. https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-g8zz3edl

It only takes 10 minutes, and the insights could change everything.

⏭️ Next Up:

Get ready for Part 3 of our AI Work Reimagined series:

Who Gets to Write the New Rules — And Why It Should Include You

🔗 Like, Share, and Subscribe if you’re ready to lead — not just adapt.

#StrategicThinking #FutureOfWork #AIandWork #PersonalBranding #ProfessionalGrowth #UnfairAdvantage

Most creatives are paralyzed by AI—convinced it will replace them. After years helping authors create compelling non-fiction content and witnessing the shift from encyclopedias to internet to AI, Melody Ann shares why the key isn't catching up to AI, but moving forward with it.

In this conversation, you'll discover how to protect your creative voice while leveraging AI as a strategic partner, not a threat. From permission-based prompting to real-world content strategies, this episode transforms anxiety into action.

⚡ KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Why "catching up" to AI is the wrong approach (move forward instead)

✅ The encyclopedia lesson that applies to AI adoption today

✅ How to protect your unique voice while using AI tools

✅ AI-generated vs. AI-assisted: the crucial difference

✅ Permission-based prompting strategies that work

✅ Real-world content creation with AI as your partner

✅ The "stupid questions" approach that accelerates learning

🎯 TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Introduction: AI as Partner, Not Threat

1:02 - Welcome and the Value of Long-Term Networking

2:18 - The Encyclopedia Story: Pre-Internet Learning

5:19 - Computer Science vs. Typing: The Move Forward Lesson

8:00 - Don't Catch Up, Move Forward Philosophy

12:00 - From Dial-Up to 24/7 AI: The Evolution

18:00 - AI's Impact on Creative Industries

24:00 - Protecting Your Voice in the Age of AI

30:00 - AI-Generated vs. AI-Assisted Content

36:00 - Practical AI Tools for Creators

42:00 - Permission-Based Prompting Strategies

48:00 - Ask AI Your "Stupid Questions" Without Fear

52:15 - Real Content Creation Strategies

54:18 - About Melody Ann and Author Nation

55:29 - Best Ways to Connect (LinkedIn Priority)

57:31 - Series Preview and What's Next

💡 EPISODE PROMISE:

By the end of this episode, you'll stop feeling paralyzed by AI and start seeing how to use it as a creative partner, not a creative threat. Walk away with real-world ways to protect your voice, preserve your value, and move forward with confidence.

🔗 CONNECT WITH MELODY ANN:

Website: https://authornationtube.com

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AuthorNation

Services: Non-fiction book writing and content creation coaching

🔗 CONNECT WITH SEAN:

Website: https://thestrategicthinkers.com

Social: @TheCoachesCorner-SBA

Free Unfair Business Advantage Assessment: https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-g8zz3edl

📺 WHAT'S NEXT:

This is part of an ongoing series on AI for creatives. Subscribe and hit the bell to catch:

• AI content strategy deep-dives

• Voice protection techniques

• Practical tool tutorials

• Mini-episodes on specific topics

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💬 What's your biggest fear about AI in your creative work? Drop it in the comments—we'll address it in upcoming episodes!

👍 Like this episode? Share it with a creative who's struggling with AI anxiety.

#AI #ContentCreation #CreativeStrategy #AITools #ContentStrategy #NonFictionWriting #DigitalTransformation #CreativeConfidence #AIForCreatives #ContentCreator #AuthorTips #WritingCommunity #BusinessPodcast #StrategicThinkers

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*Mini-episodes breaking down individual topics from this conversation will be released separately for easy reference and sharing.*

Most salespeople are stuck using 1980s scripts that make prospects hang up. After a decade in real estate and sales coaching, Travis Goodwin reveals why feature-heavy presentations now repel buyers and how permission-based selling turns awkward pitches into conversations that close—while making prospects actually thank you for the call.

YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- The 3-minute urgency test that qualifies prospects fast

- Why "I've heard that before" kills your close (and what to do instead)

- Permission-based opening that lowers their guard immediately

- When to close on call one vs. scheduling follow-ups

- The complete closing sequence that prevents buyer's remorse

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Modern Sales Techniques

02:41 Building Trust in Sales Conversations

05:28 The Importance of Genuine Conversations

08:15 Understanding Urgency and Follow-Up

11:10 Navigating Phone Etiquette in Sales

13:59 The Role of Tone and Approach in Sales Calls

23:13 Establishing Permission in Sales Conversations

26:19 The Shift in Consumer Awareness

28:59 The Importance of Genuine Conversations

34:52 Structuring Follow-Up Calls

40:21 The Role of Coaching in Sales

44:24 Recognizing the Right Moment to Close

46:10 Real-Time Coaching vs. Traditional Methods

47:07 The Art of Closing: Building Connection

48:05 Qualifying Questions: Understanding Needs and Urgency

49:26 Asking for Permission: The Path to the Offer

51:46 Addressing Buyer’s Remorse: Ensuring Comfort in Decisions

54:23 Aligning Solutions with Client Needs

56:27 Establishing Authority in Sales Conversations

58:34 The Importance of Practice: Getting Comfortable with Conversations

59:49 Initiating Conversations: Building Rapport in Everyday Life

01:04:04 Transforming Sales Pitches into Genuine Conversations

01:08:55 Travis Goodwin Episode Outro.mp4

CONNECT:

Travis: 304-444-6744 | https://linktr.ee/tgoodwinwv

Sean: thestrategicthinkers.com | @TheCoachesCorner-SBA

Take the free Unfair Business Advantage Assessment: https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-g8zz3edl

Most entrepreneurs are stuck chasing clients instead of attracting them. After 15+ years on LinkedIn and 533+ recommendations, Scott Aaron reveals why desperate sales tactics now drive prospects away and how the farmer vs. hunter mentality stops client chasing forever.

YOU'LL DISCOVER:

Why LinkedIn changed more in 18 months than 13 years

The mentality shift that stops client chasing

How to spot failing strategies vs. rough patches

The 12-month commitment that separates success from failure

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: From Chasing to Attracting Clients

01:40 The LinkedIn Evolution: Why Old Tactics Stopped Working

04:56 Hunter vs. Farmer: The Mentality Shift That Changes Everything

08:13 Breaking the Desperate Sales Cycle

13:26 Early Warning Signs Your Strategy Is Failing

17:58 The Real Cost of Winging Your Business Strategy

21:58 Stop Chasing: How to Make Clients Come to You

30:52 Expert Content Society: Systems That Attract Without Desperation

36:49 The One Strategic Move That Changes Everything

CONNECT:

Scott: https://thetimetogrow.com

Sean: thestrategicthinkers.com | @TheCoachesCorner-SBA

Business Growth Readiness Assessment: https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-zxdyjxox

Most entrepreneurs think hustle equals success—but after coaching 400+ sales professionals and building a million-dollar agency from nothing, Arias WebsterBerry reveals why credibility beats hustle every time.

From homeless to serving international hotel chains, Arias shares the brutal truths about entrepreneurship that nobody talks about: why you need 100 pitches before expecting results, how ego destroys sales success, and the three-phase system that creates sustainable growth.

YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- The 100-pitch rule that separates successful entrepreneurs from quitters

- Why "you can feed your ego or feed your family, but usually not both"

- How to build systems that outlast stress and work without you

- The lead source strategy that turns struggling businesses into profit machines

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Strategic Thinking

01:24 The Journey of Hip Hop 101

04:21 Timeless Challenges in Entrepreneurship

09:20 The Importance of Credibility

12:22 Ego and Success in Sales

18:19 The Role of Mentorship and Accountability

20:29 Launch Ignition: An Accelerator for Entrepreneurs

27:30 The Importance of a Cohesive Strategy

33:43 Building Quality Lead Sources

44:50 From Struggle to Success: The Entrepreneurial Journey

51:26 Navigating the Right Environments for Success

CONNECT WITH ARIAS:

WebsterBerry Marketing: websterberrymarketing.com

Launch Ignition Accelerator: launchignition.ai

Social: @ariasweb

CONNECT WITH SEAN:

Website: thestrategicthinkers.com

LinkedIn: Sean Atkinson

Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Take the Business Growth Readiness Assessment: assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-zxdyjxox

Most entrepreneurs think survival mode means doing whatever it takes to stay afloat — but risk assessment expert Marianne Guinea reveals the shocking truth: even the smartest business owners are making million-dollar mistakes because they react to crises instead of responding strategically.

In this game-changing episode, the seasoned incident commander exposes why "panic planning" is costing you opportunities and shares the three-pillar framework that transforms any crisis into strategic advantage.

From the hurricane lesson that shaped her prevention mindset to the engagement scoring system that identifies who's worth your energy, Marianne demonstrates why systematic risk assessment beats desperate reactions every time — and how to build that resilience starting today.

⏩ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

0:00 Introduction to Strategic Thinking and Risk Assessment

2:33 Understanding Risk and Its Management

5:25 Navigating Survival Mode and Job Security

8:20 The Importance of Preparation and Skill Development

11:14 Defining Success and Long-Term Goals

14:07 The Role of Questions in Decision Making

17:07 Value Creation and Personal Accountability

25:28 Preparing for Retirement Risks

28:18 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions

32:34 Understanding Financial Impact and Decision Making

35:42 Jobs to Be Done Framework

38:49 Identifying Problems to Solve in Business

43:30 Evaluating Side Hustles and Financial Stability

46:54 Creating Habits for Success

49:57 Risk Management and Calculated Risks

50:23 Embracing Calculated Risks

51:47 Overcoming Stress and Anxiety

53:12 The Importance of Integrity in Relationships

54:04 Taking Responsibility for Your Growth

57:03 Controlling Your Mindset

59:20 Identifying Stories vs. Facts

01:01:06 Offering Support and Resources

01:05:25 Building Trust in Relationships

01:11:13 The Power of Helping Others

🎯 YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- The three-pillar risk framework that prevents, mitigates, and prepares for any challenge

- Why "reacting is not responding" and how to shift from panic to strategic thinking

- The survival mode spectrum and which category determines your real options

- How to define success beyond money to avoid the 18-hour workday trap

- The "story vs. fact" test that prevents costly emotional decision-making

- Why asking "What do you know that I don't know?" changes everything

- How to build calculated risk assessment skills that compound over time

💡 WHO NEEDS TO LISTEN:

- Entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by economic uncertainty and industry changes

- Business owners stuck in reactive patterns who want to think strategically

- Anyone facing potential job loss or revenue disruption

- Leaders who want systematic approaches to crisis management and opportunity creation

- People in "survival mode" who need frameworks for sustainable decision-making

- Anyone building side hustles or multiple revenue streams strategically

🎯 CONNECT WITH MARIANNE GUINEA:

LinkedIn: Marianne Guinea

Website: https://knowyoursidehustle.com

Free Resource: Five Critical Questions for Side Hustle Evaluation

Upcoming: Featured in "Unstoppable Women in Business" anthology (September release)

📱 CONNECT WITH SEAN:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-atkinson-b854152/

Website: https://thestrategicthinkers.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://majority.media/newsletter/

ENTREPRENEURIAL STARTING POINT ASSESSMENT:

What's Your Entrepreneurial Starting Point? Discover whether you're approaching your next move strategically or reactively. Get clarity on your readiness level and decision-making patterns in just 7 minutes.

https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-lipzdv6c

#RiskAssessment #StrategicThinking #SurvivalMode #EntrepreneurMindset #CrisisManagement #BusinessResilience #StrategicThinkersPodcast

© 2025 Strategic Thinkers Podcast. All rights reserved.

Why Your Network Isn't Your Net Worth (Yet)

Most entrepreneurs think networking means collecting business cards and hoping something sticks — but CRM expert Brandon Drake reveals the shocking truth: even the most well-connected business owners are leaving millions on the table because they treat relationships like a social activity instead of a systematic business function.

In this game-changing episode, the "Healthy Data Guy" exposes why "random networking" is costing you referrals and shares the four-question framework that transforms casual contacts into a predictable referral engine.

From the airport arrivals lesson that changed his perspective to the engagement scoring system that identifies your golden connections, Brandon demonstrates why systematic relationship management beats expensive marketing every time — and how to build that system starting today.

⏩ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

0:00 Introduction: The Importance of Networking

2:15 Systematizing Networking for Success

7:23 Building Meaningful Relationships

10:35 The Role of CRM in Networking

16:03 Identifying Red Flags in Relationships

21:15 Onboarding and Training for Success

29:10 Evaluating Team Performance

34:02 The Power of First-Party Data

42:53 Crafting Effective Introductions

50:56 Workshops and Collaborative Learning

🎯 YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- Why most networking efforts fail and the systematic approach that builds referral engines

- The four critical questions that transform random contacts into strategic partnerships

- How to identify CRM systems that grow with your business (and avoid costly pricing traps)

- The difference between first-party and third-party data — and why it matters for your revenue

- How to score engagement levels so you focus energy on relationships that actually convert

- Why documentation and training videos prevent CRM implementation failures

- Strategic approaches to relationship management that create predictable business growth

💡 WHO NEEDS TO LISTEN:

- Entrepreneurs struggling with inconsistent referrals and client retention

- Business owners tired of networking events that lead nowhere

- Anyone choosing CRM systems based on price instead of long-term value

- Leaders who want to systematize relationship building like other business functions

- Service-based businesses seeking predictable revenue through strategic partnerships

- Consultants and coaches who rely on referrals but lack a systematic approach

🎯 CONNECT WITH BRANDON DRAKE:

Website: https://go.healthydataguy.com/brandondrake

Free CRM Selection Guide: https://go.healthydataguy.com/choosing-the-right-crm

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

Blog: https://healthydataguy.com/tech-and-health-blog

Upcoming Workshop:

"Building a Resilient Business: Practical Strategies for Thriving in Any Economy"

Date: August 1st at 9am PDT

Register: https://go.healthydataguy.com/building-a-resilient-business

(Can't attend live? Register anyway to get the recording)

📱 CONNECT WITH SEAN:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-atkinson-b854152/

Website: https://thestrategicthinkers.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://majority.media/newsletter/

BLIND SPOT CALCULATOR ASSESSMENT:

https://www.assess.seanmatkinson.com/sean-55knku6g

❓ QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Think about your last networking event or client interaction. What information did you assume you knew about that person that you never actually confirmed? What four questions could you ask in your next conversation to build a more systematic understanding of how you might help each other?

#SystematicNetworking #CRMStrategy #RelationshipManagement #BusinessGrowth #ReferralSystems #StrategicThinkersPodcast

© 2025 Strategic Thinkers Podcast. All rights reserved.

Most smart entrepreneurs think negotiation starts when you sit down at the table — but world-renowned negotiator Derrick Chevalier reveals the shocking truth: even the most strategic minds miss the most important negotiation of all. In this game-changing episode, the creator of the CNSUF Framework™ exposes why "you don't know what you don't know" is costing you millions and shares the real-time clarity system that transforms assumptions into informed decisions.

From a life-saving lesson in a Vietnam rice paddy to the $100,000 partnership trap that looks perfect on paper, Derrick demonstrates why skill beats power every time — and how to develop that skill starting today.

⏩ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

0:00 Introduction & Promise: The Hidden Negotiations Inside Your Head

1:55 Internal vs. External Negotiations: Where Success Really Begins

6:46 Beliefs vs. Presumptions vs. Consequences: The Decision-Making Chain

16:33 All-Win vs. Win-Win: Why Most "Fair" Deals Aren't Actually Fair

19:23 The $100,000 Partnership Trap: When Equal Investment Isn't Equal Risk

29:23 Skill vs. Power: Why Preparation Beats Position Every Time

40:01 The Rice Paddy Lesson: Life-or-Death Decision Making in Vietnam

44:43 Influence vs. Persuasion: The Distinction That Changes Everything

49:21 The Jerry Maguire Technique: Getting Information Without Asking For It

56:00 The CNSUF Framework: Comprehensive Negotiating Strategies Universal Framework

🎯 YOU'LL DISCOVER:

- Why the negotiation that matters most happens inside your head first

- The three-part chain (belief-presumption-consequence) that controls every decision

- The difference between influence and persuasion — and why one is invisible

- Why "equal" partnerships are never actually equal (and how to protect yourself)

- The Jerry Maguire technique and its variations for getting information willingly

- How to gain real-time clarity about what you're actually facing

💡 WHO NEEDS TO LISTEN:

- Entrepreneurs who've lost deals because they didn't understand what they were really facing

- Business owners tired of making expensive guesses disguised as strategic decisions

- Anyone entering partnerships or major business relationships

- Leaders who want to move from reactive to strategic decision-making

🎯 CONNECT WITH DERRICK CHEVALIER:

Free 30-Minute Consultation: https://h-c.com/contact-us-free-consult/

Book: Evolve or Be Slaughtered: Negotiation for the 21st Century

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272/

Training & Certification: https://h-c.com/

📱 CONNECT WITH SEAN:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-atkinson-b854152/

Website: https://thestrategicthinkers.com/podcast

Newsletter: https://majority.media/newsletter/

❓ QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

Think about your last major business decision. What assumptions did you make that you never tested? What questions could you have asked to gain clarity about what you were actually facing?

#BusinessStrategy #Negotiation #CNSUF #EntrepreneurMindset #StrategicThinkersPodcast

© 2025 Strategic Thinkers Podcast. All rights reserved.