Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and Exceptional Experiences.

With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders, helping them elevate experiences, sharpen focus, and strengthen communication and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, Neen has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with prestigious brands including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. Originally from Australia, she now lives her best life in Tampa, Florida.

In this episode, Chris and Neen dive into what it truly means to design and deliver exceptional experiences, for your clients, your team, and yourself.

From productivity to attention, and now to luxury experiences, Neen’s work has evolved around one central theme: human connection. She reveals why luxury is a mindset, how leaders can think like concierges instead of bellhops, and why creating emotional connection in an AI-driven world is more important than ever.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why luxury is about experience, not expense
• How to think like a concierge, not a bellhop and why that mindset changes everything
• The Experience Elevation Model: a framework for enticing, exciting, and delighting your clients
• Why retention beats acquisition when it comes to sustainable growth
• How energy, not time, is your most valuable asset as a long-haul leader

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 02:27 - The Power of Thought Leadership and Connection
• 07:04 - The Evolution of Productivity to Exceptional Experiences
• 08:14 - Luxury as a Mindset: Human Connection in a Digital World
• 13:03 - AI vs. Human Connection: The Concierge Approach
• 15:14 - Experience Elevation Model: From Attention to Advocacy
• 17:04 - Enticing Clients with Compelling Stories
• 19:24 - Delighting Clients by Anticipating Needs
• 20:15 - Igniting Client Advocacy
• 22:28 - The Importance of Retaining Existing Clients
• 28:05 - The Role of Energy in Leadership

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Get Your Copy of Exceptional Experiences
• Connect with Neen on Instagram
• Neen's Website

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Phil M. Jones is a serial entrepreneur, founder of five multimillion-dollar companies, and a strategic advisor to leaders of some of the world’s biggest brands. He's the author of seven bestselling books, including the acclaimed Exactly series with over 3 million copies sold.

His expertise has impacted more than 800 industries across 59 countries, and he now serves in residence at High Point University’s Access to Innovators Program, joining the ranks of global leaders like Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, mentoring the next generation of innovators.

In this episode, Chris sits down with Phil to explore the art of communication and thriving in a high-achieving lifestyle.

Phil shares strategies for solving problems effectively, using precise language to drive business results, and balancing work-life demands without sacrificing health or performance. They also discuss the impact of AI on information sharing and how leaders can stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, lead, and perform for the long-haul!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• How the right words can transform your business outcomes
• Balancing high-achievement with personal well-being
• Leadership lessons for sustainable success in a fast-changing world
• Practical strategies for long-term thinking and personal growth

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 04:20 - The Impact of 'Exactly What to Say'
• 08:54 - Balancing Work and Personal Life
• 13:34 - The Importance of Momentum and Focus
• 18:05 - Building a Loyal and Effective Team
• 24:11 - The Future of Content Creation and AI
• 26:13 - The Decline of Online Courses
• 26:59 - AI's Personalized Insights
• 28:36 - The Future of Thought Leadership
• 32:06 - Health and Momentum
• 38:41 - Travel Hacks and Jet Lag Solutions
• 40:14 - Maximizing Productivity on the Road
• 45:24 - Exploring New Hobbies

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Exactly What to Say
• Phil's Website
• Connect with Phil on Instagram

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Brian Clark is a writer, traveler, and entrepreneur. He’s best known as the founder of the pioneering content marketing resource Copyblogger, along with its popular StudioPress and Rainmaker business lines.

Between 2007 and 2017, Brian’s companies generated over $70 million in sales, all without investment and advertising thanks to a unique content marketing approach.

Following the acquisition of the Copyblogger collection of assets and a brief pause to travel the world with his family, Brian now helps Generation X navigate the new realities of midlife, retirement, and longevity.

In this episode, Chris and Brian dive deep into building long-term, purpose-driven businesses without sacrificing your well-being. They explore how to lead with intention, master your mindset, and create a lasting legacy while navigating the challenges of midlife entrepreneurship.

Brian shares his journey, offering insights into the hurdles and opportunities that come with evolving your career and business at midlife. Together, they discuss burnout, mental health, and strategies for sustainable leadership that allow you to stay in your zone of genius.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• The hidden challenges of selling a successful business (and how to rediscover your identity afterward)
• Practical strategies for preventing burnout and protecting your mental health
• Why adaptability and staying in your zone of genius matter more than ever
• The role of AI and technology in amplifying creativity (without losing the human connection)
• Why legacy isn’t about credit, it’s about the people you help along the way

EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:

• 02:47 - From Copy Blogger to Longevity Economy
• 03:59 - The Shift to Purpose-Driven Work
• 06:18 - Overcoming Burnout and Finding Balance
• 13:12 - Navigating Identity After Business Acquisitions
• 15:50 - Mastering Every Moment as a Solopreneur
• 19:01 - The Role of AI in Modern Entrepreneurship
• 21:27 - The Importance of Human Connection in the Age of AI
• 22:11 - Using AI for Ideation and Validation
• 23:18 - Staying in Your Zone of Genius
• 24:02 - The Evolution of Further and Midlife Insights
• 27:15 - Economic Fears and Midlife Challenges
• 30:10 - Mentorship and Influences
• 34:14 - Legacy and Lasting Impact

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Get Your Copy of The Long-Haul Leader
• Connect with Chris on Instagram
• Check Out Brian’s Newsletter, Further
• Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or your favorite podcast player) — it helps more long-haul leaders like you discover the show and join the journey.

Thanks for listening to The Long-Haul Leader podcast. See you next week with more insights to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.