Training That Works

Most leaders are quietly destroying their credibility every time they turn on a camera.In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Scott Skibell about how video, when done right, becomes the fastest way to build authority, influence, and trust at scale.Scott spent six years at LinkedIn doing something almost no one else was doing in corporate training. He brought in live streaming gear, built his own role from scratch, and turned subject matter experts, product managers, and sales reps into on-camera talent who could deliver global training in 30 minutes. While most companies were still herding 100 people onto Zoom calls with bad audio and worse PowerPoints, Scott was producing TV-quality training that made rising leaders look like rockstars before they ever walked into a room.What started as a smarter way to deliver training turned into something much bigger. Scott realized the real product was credibility itself. The same principles that make a good video, clean delivery, looking at the camera, an authentic on-screen presence, are the same six principles Robert Cialdini wrote about in Influence. Authority. Social proof. Liking. Reciprocity. Scarcity. Commitment and consistency. Stack them, and you stop being someone who shares information and start being someone people actually follow.Here is the part most professionals will not say out loud. They know their Zoom presence is hurting them. They know the senior VP who fumbles a screen share loses the room. They know the salesperson firing off AI-generated emails sounds like every other salesperson firing off AI-generated emails. And they know that in a world about to be flooded with AI avatars and synthetic voices, the people who show up authentically on camera, using a prospect's name, referencing their actual situation, recording it themselves, are going to win the trust everyone else is busy automating away. In this episode you will learn how to build that on-camera presence, how to apply the six principles of influence in everything you record, and why personalized video is the single highest-leverage tool a seller or leader has right now.If you want people to stop scrolling past you and start trusting you, this is the episode.Scott Skibell, founder of Skillcasting and former senior video producer for LinkedIn's global learning organization.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Dr. Peter A. James about what it really takes to build real executive power inside today’s organizations.After surviving three corporate layoffs during the 2008 recession, Peter faced a decision that most leaders avoid. Stay safe with a steady paycheck or step into uncertainty and design a career built on freedom, influence, and impact. What followed was a shift into executive coaching that transformed not only his own trajectory, but the leaders and organizations he now serves. From healthcare to pharma to technology, Peter helps executives strengthen morale, elevate culture, and drive measurable performance from the inside out.In this conversation, he breaks down why so many leaders get in their own way, how morale directly impacts customer experience and profitability, and why executive coaching is not a luxury but a competitive advantage. He shares the mindset required to make bold career moves, the discipline behind real leadership growth, and the uncomfortable questions that unlock clarity and authority at the top.If you are a business leader who wants more influence, stronger teams, and real organizational momentum, this episode will challenge you to think bigger and lead differently.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Lemar Ortiz about why most corporate training fails and what leaders must do differently if they actually want behavior change.Lemar pulls back the curtain on what he learned teaching middle school and why those same principles outperform most sales enablement programs today. He explains why information transfer is not training, why 10 percent of learning happens in the session itself, and why forcing participation is not optional if you want results. From calling on reps with cameras off to building sessions around behavioral outcomes instead of slide decks, he shares the exact mindset shift that separates effective trainers from time-wasters.They also dive into the 70-20-10 learning principle, how AI tools can accelerate enablement but not replace strong facilitation, and why trainers must stop treating adults like employees and start treating them like students. If you lead a sales team, run enablement, or want your training to actually change performance, this conversation will challenge the way you think about learning and development.This episode is a must-listen for sales leaders, enablement professionals, and business executives who are serious about building high-performing teams through effective training and measurable behavior change.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Kevin Salquist and Kurt Winter about what actually makes a business worth buying and why most sellers misunderstand it. While everyone else is chasing software, AI, and the next big tech wave, Kevin and Kurt explain why they focus on old-school industrial and manufacturing companies that have quietly survived every major economic shock of the last 25 years.They break down how they evaluate acquisition targets through real-world filters like long-term resilience, communication with owners, margin structure, and whether a company truly has a moat or just looks good on paper. You’ll hear why 10 to 20 years of financial history matters more than flashy growth, how founders make mistakes without realizing it, and the subtle red flags that cause them to walk away from deals others would chase.The conversation also dives deep into training and leadership after an acquisition. Kevin and Kurt explain why most corporate training fails, why mentorship beats modules, and how culture gets destroyed when leaders roll out programs they didn’t help build. From spotting the 5 percent of true creators inside a company to deciding when someone simply doesn’t belong, this episode gives business leaders a rare look at how serious operators think when real money and real people are on the line.If you’re a founder preparing to sell, an investor looking to acquire, or a leader trying to build teams that actually perform, this episode will change how you think about what’s really worth buying… and what isn’t.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Andrew Spennacchio about the discipline that actually drives long-term performance in sales and leadership. Andrew reflects on early career pressure, couch hopping, learning SPIN selling before landing a job, and how having his back against the wall forced real ownership. Together, they unpack why most training fails, why mindset matters more than content, and how treating yourself like a sales opportunity changes how you grow.The conversation goes deeper into the often ignored link between physical health, mental clarity, and professional output. Andrew explains why energy, focus, and daily habits directly impact confidence, credibility, and execution. He shares how discipline outside of work shows up in performance at work, why hyper-focus beats constant consumption, and how teaching what you learn is the fastest way to master it. This episode is for sales leaders and business professionals who want sustainable performance, sharper thinking, and training that actually sticks.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Kristine Maleri about what really happens when even top performers have a brutal sales year… and how elite sellers reset, refocus, and win again. Kristine opens up about experiencing one of the toughest years of her 30-plus-year sales career, why tough years hit harder for high achievers, and the dangerous identity trap sellers fall into when the scoreboard isn’t in their favor.Drawing from her background as a competitive tennis player and decades in enterprise SaaS, Kristine breaks down how slumps actually form… the sneaky execution drift most sellers miss… and why fundamentals matter more when conditions are hardest. She shares practical frameworks for separating performance from identity, rebuilding momentum, doubling down on strengths, and using “workshopping the win” to replicate success instead of just analyzing losses.This conversation goes deep into how elite sellers think during adversity… how to fail fast without burning energy… how to qualify opportunities more honestly… and how intentional habits, repeatable excellence, and disciplined focus create predictable success. If you’ve ever questioned yourself after a down year or wondered how top sellers truly bounce back, this episode delivers a real-world playbook for turning setbacks into your next breakthrough.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Stephanie Gilley about what it actually takes to build teams that care about their work, their customers, and each other. Stephanie shares her journey from the classroom to leading remote sales teams in the fast changing world of ed tech, and why her background as an educator reshaped how she thinks about leadership, training, and accountability. She explains why immersive, experiential training is the only kind that truly sticks, and why check the box learning fails both employees and organizations.Stephanie also dives into leading through major change, including navigating multiple company mergers without fear. She breaks down how leaders can motivate teams to deliver exceptional customer experiences, why modeling behavior matters more than mandates, and how honest feedback builds trust rather than resentment. From Radical Candor to growth mindset leadership, this conversation offers practical insight for business leaders who want training that works, teams that care, and cultures built to last.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Chris Keksz about what the future of BDR training really looks like. Chris pulls back the curtain on the realities of developing entry-level reps, why so many new hires fall apart after early success, and what leaders can do to prevent that slide. He shares how structure, consistency, and simple baseline fundamentals can completely change the trajectory of a rep… but only if leaders protect those fundamentals from erosion. Then he reveals the moment AI training bots entered his world and how everything about ramping, shadowing, and ongoing development shifted almost overnight.As the conversation unfolds, Chris opens a loop most leaders never consider. AI can now mimic live conversations, regenerate real objections from real calls, and give reps endless practice without burning out managers. But he explains why this new capability only works when it sits on top of a strong foundation of basics, shadowing, peer examples, and a healthy, fun culture. He paints a picture of a future where reps get promoted faster, teams stay aligned longer, and managers finally keep training fresh instead of watching it go stale. Business leaders will walk away with a clearer vision of how to combine human coaching with AI tools to build teams that grow fast, stay consistent, and love the work they’re doing.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Noah Wickham about the unconventional training system behind My Amazon Guy… a system that takes people with zero experience and turns them into fully capable e-commerce operators. Noah opens the door to how MAG built a true internal talent engine, why most agencies fail when they try to hire “experienced” people, and the surprising reason their competitors are filled with My Amazon Guy alumni. He also reveals the hidden advantage of pairing every new hire with a mentor and why direct, immediate feedback changes the speed of growth inside any team.As the conversation deepens, Noah shares how his company runs weekly all-department trainings, why they encourage radical candor, and how they use quarterly culture index assessments to keep people aligned, fulfilled, and in the right role. He tells the story of employees who started with nothing, grew into high-level contributors, and transformed their lives in the process. And he leaves an open loop most leaders don’t expect… what happens when someone isn’t trainable for the role you hired them for?This episode is packed with real, tactical insight for business leaders who want a training program that actually produces talent. If you want to build a system that grows people fast, creates loyalty through development, and becomes the backbone of your company’s scale… this conversation with Noah is a blueprint worth studying.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Nic Padilla about why most companies train backwards and how the simple act of teaching the why can transform performance at scale. Nic pulls back the curtain on building teams across the United States, Australia and Europe, and explains how a small-town kid from Castle Rock learned to communicate so clearly that he became the go-to trainer for global partners. From his early days shadowing executives at Dish Network to running real world follow up sessions with thousands of agents, Nic reveals how great training is built on clarity, context and consistent reinforcement.As the conversation unfolds, Nic shares surprising moments from inside the industry, including the CEO who took the exact same training tests as the frontline reps and why that single decision changed the entire culture. He walks through the mistakes most trainers make, the overlooked danger of skipping the why, and how shadowing and real time feedback create a level of alignment that scripted modules never can. Business leaders will hear how to use simple nudges, better questions and human connection to improve customer experience, reduce confusion and speed up skill adoption inside any team.This episode gives leaders a powerful look at the future of training, from AI assisted coaching to relationship driven communication that keeps customers engaged. Nic’s story proves that when teams understand the why behind the work, everything else becomes easier to teach, easier to execute and far more effective.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Catherine Elliott about the shifting landscape of sales coaching and the surprising role AI is beginning to play. Catherine opens up about the evolution she has seen in more than a decade of leading teams across SMB, enterprise, and strategic segments. She shares the moment she realized that real learning rarely comes from glossy slides or perfectly polished training decks… and how the best coaching still happens in the messy, unfiltered moments right after a call. But then she reveals something unexpected: the rise of AI tools that can now surface engagement metrics, analyze patterns across thousands of conversations, and pressure-test reps through avatar-based simulations.As the conversation unfolds, Catherine exposes the tension every leader feels. AI can accelerate skill development faster than any manager ever could, but it still can’t replace the human elements that shape elite sellers: the discomfort of real role plays, the nuance of silence on a call, the value of hearing peers dissect the real story behind a win. She contrasts the promise of scalable, data-driven insights with the irreplaceable energy of getting people together in a room. For business leaders, this episode offers a clear look at what training will look like next… and what will never change. Catherine leaves listeners with a simple challenge: the future will reward those who combine new tools with timeless coaching truths.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Connor Gallo about the mindset, habits, and coaching systems that turn average sellers into consistent performers. Connor reveals why most reps fail under pressure, how leaders unintentionally set their teams up to lose, and the specific training shift that completely changed his results. He opens a loop most leaders never consider… what if the reason your team isn’t executing has nothing to do with talent and everything to do with what you’re not practicing?Connor pulls back the curtain on situational selling, scenario training, and the teach… observe… coach loop that sales teams rarely execute correctly. He explains why practice should feel harder than the live call, how great leaders show their reps what “good” actually sounds like, and why art and science must work together if you expect repeatable performance. You’ll hear how he builds teams that can respond instantly under pressure, why tiny daily improvements beat big “event-style” trainings every time, and how discipline from his college football career shaped the coach he is today.This conversation is packed with real, in-the-trenches insights for business leaders who want a team that is prepared, confident, and impossible to rattle. Connor shares how to create a culture where feedback is normal, vulnerability accelerates growth, and every rep knows exactly how to react the moment it matters most. If you want training that actually sticks, this episode will change how you lead.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Travis Uale about how a walk-on football player became a transformative sales leader inside one of the fastest growing software companies in the country. Travis opens up about the exact moments that shaped him, from being buried on the depth chart to learning hard lessons that would later define the way he builds high performance sales teams. He shares why most training fails before it ever begins, how real retention is built long before the instructor starts talking, and what happens when leaders stop talking at their reps and start preparing them like athletes preparing for game day.As the conversation unfolds, Travis reveals the simple structure he uses to turn average contributors into confident performers. He explains how Lucid runs drill sessions that focus on only one part of the call instead of the whole thing, why reps need ten or twelve repetitions instead of one, and how film review turns small daily actions into measurable wins. Business leaders will hear the exact system he would implement if he were running training across the entire organization, including the prep, the practice, the homework, and the accountability that makes skills stick long after the session ends.This episode gives leaders a clear look at how athletic discipline, real coaching, and structured repetition can turn potential into performance. It is a powerful reminder that the path from walk-on to leader is built one rep at a time.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Jeff Moss about turning ordinary training into an unforgettable experience that actually drives results.Jeff reveals how most companies waste time on content-heavy training that no one remembers, and what it takes to build sessions people talk about for months. He shares how shifting from “information delivery” to “experience design” changed everything from employee engagement to performance outcomes.You’ll hear the surprising role energy and emotion play in learning, the simple mindset that separates effective trainers from forgettable ones, and the strategy Jeff uses to make every participant feel like the training was built just for them. This episode will challenge how you think about development, leadership, and what it really means to create transformation inside your organization.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Razan Naqeeb about how listening is the ultimate advantage in sales, leadership, and training.Razan shares how her career transformed the moment she stopped trying to sell and started truly hearing her clients. She explains how active listening uncovers hidden needs, strengthens trust, and turns one-time buyers into long-term partners. Her approach flips the traditional sales playbook: less pitching, more presence.You’ll learn how she trains teams to listen between the lines, why silence is often more powerful than strategy, and how this skill fuels both customer success and leadership development. Razan reveals what most onboarding programs miss, how to fix communication breakdowns fast, and why listening is the single most profitable skill most professionals ignore.If you lead, sell, or train people, this episode will show you how mastering the art of listening can unlock performance you didn’t think was possible.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Casey Poston about why the best training programs don’t sound like training at all.Casey reveals how most leaders unknowingly kill engagement by forcing people into rigid scripts and checklists. He explains how to unlock authentic communication by getting reps to use their own words and why this simple shift drives confidence, connection, and real performance.They dive deep into the psychology behind motivation, showing how asking what demotivates people often uncovers more than traditional engagement surveys ever could. Casey shares practical examples of how to build psychological safety in a training culture, how technology can amplify, not replace, human connection, and why every training leader should measure outcomes in emotions, not just metrics.If you’re a business leader, trainer, or coach who’s tired of surface-level results and ready to create training that actually sticks, this episode will change the way you think about communication and culture.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Ashley AuBuchon-Arcand, a pivotal leader behind IBM’s global productivity transformation, an effort that unlocked $3.5 billion in measurable gains across the organization. She shares how IBM built a company-wide productivity program that aligned AI, culture, and human capability building to drive growth at scale.Ashley breaks down the real reasons productivity initiatives fail, how her team got executive buy-in for change, and the surprising truth about measuring value that actually drives results. What started as a bold strategic initiative became a movement that reshaped how thousands of IBMers work and think.By the end, you’ll know exactly how IBM connected technology to human performance, why “value creation” beats cost-cutting every time, and the mindset shift that made this transformation possible.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Adam Willson about how to build stronger sales teams by starting with mindset. Adam explains why most sales training fails because it focuses on fixing results before fixing behavior and behavior before fixing mindset. He shares proven strategies for creating a culture where salespeople coach each other, stay accountable, and drive real performance without top-down pressure.Listeners will learn how to make training stick by shifting from information to transformation. Adam reveals how he turns resistant reps into confident performers, why money-based incentives often miss the mark, and how leaders can use healthy peer pressure to create lasting growth. If you want better sales results, stronger team culture, and a repeatable system for development, this conversation gives you the roadmap.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Juliette Mao about the truth behind soft skills and why mastering emotional intelligence, leadership, and communication is the real key to business growth.Juliette reveals her journey from high-performing tech sales leader to founder of a training company that helps organizations build better managers and stronger teams. She exposes why most corporate training doesn’t work, how to design learning that actually sticks, and the science behind developing EQ, confidence, and influence at work.You’ll learn how top leaders build trust faster, handle conflict better, and create cultures where people want to perform. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn “soft skills” into measurable business results… this episode will change the way you think about leadership forever.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Aparna Muralidharan about the moment she realized her training programs were failing… not because the content was bad, but because it lived outside the work. One conversation, one failed rollout, and one surprising experiment flipped everything she believed about enablement.Aparna shares how she rebuilt her approach from the inside out, embedding learning into the daily rhythm of the team. No decks. No theory. Just real reps doing real work and learning as they go. The results? Faster adoption, stronger pitches, and a culture that trains itself. But it didn’t happen overnight… and what she discovered in the process might change how you design training forever.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Lisa Hammack about a moment that completely flipped how she thought about training. One workshop changed everything — teams stopped zoning out, started solving real business problems, and leadership actually used their ideas. It wasn’t luck. It was one simple shift: starting with goals instead of content.But that breakthrough didn’t come easy. Lisa had to fight through the usual noise — slide decks, scattered buy-in, and “training for training’s sake.” She reveals what finally made her programs stick… the tools she uses to bring learning inside the flow of work… and the exact question she asks before every session that guarantees ROI. By the end, you’ll see why most training fails — and how one change can make your team unstoppable.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with David Hays about what happens when you stop training people to know and start training them to perform. David shares the story of sitting through a 35-module online course that promised transformation but delivered nothing, followed by a single instructor-led session that completely changed how his team sold, communicated, and closed deals. The difference was not in the slides but in the mindset.That realization led him to the B4B model, Business for Business, where training moves from checking boxes to producing measurable outcomes. David explains how real training builds credibility, deepens customer connection, and turns intangible skills into results the business can see. Then he reveals an unexpected story about producing a 6,000-person community concert with 100 volunteers, and how that experience became the ultimate proof that his B4B approach delivers in the real world.By the end, you will see why most training never sticks and what to do differently to make your next program actually work.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Daniel Metcalf about how one failed training changed everything. Daniel shares the story of standing in front of a team that didn’t learn, didn’t engage, and didn’t change and how that moment forced him to rebuild his entire approach. What he discovered about data, behavior, and follow-through turned his next rollout into a company-wide success.He explains the simple rhythm that keeps teams performing long after the training ends and why most leaders miss the signals that show whether their programs are actually working. There’s a turning point where Daniel connects one overlooked metric to breakthrough results, and it’s the kind of insight that changes how you design every session that follows. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn training into proof of performance, you’ll want to hear what happened next.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Logan Hawley about what it really takes to drive behavior change inside a sales team. Not theory. Not another workshop deck. Real-world transformation that sticks.Logan shares the truth most training programs miss, why so many fail to create lasting results, and how to build ones that actually change how people act, think, and sell. He explains the difference between knowledge and execution, why curiosity beats compliance, and how leaders can tier training by skill level to unlock real growth.They dig into how AI can amplify or completely derail enablement, the psychology behind behavior change, and the simple frameworks Logan uses to move reps from knowing… to doing. If you lead training, sales, or enablement, this episode shows you how to stop teaching for understanding and start building for impact.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Brandon Gort about the hidden ingredient behind every high-performing training program… accountability. Before he ever built courses or sold software, Brandon was thrown into a sales floor with zero experience. No scripts, no handholding… just a manager who demanded daily proof of progress. What he learned there shaped everything he believes about training today.Brandon shares how that same mindset drives the learning culture at Articulate—where 100% of the Fortune 100 build their e-learning. He tells the story of how one company turned a failing onboarding program into a profit engine just by tracking what reps actually did after training. Then he unpacks the three accountability levers every leader can pull to make learning stick: real feedback, public transparency, and follow-up that matters.By the end, you’ll see why accountability isn’t punishment… it’s the fastest path to growth. And once you hear Brandon’s story, you’ll never design training the same way again.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Hina Mada about how emotional intelligence, not policy or process, became the anchor when her company grew from 40 people to over 2,000. She shares the moment she realized things were breaking… new hires flooding in, leaders stretched thin, and teams losing connection. That’s when she found a different kind of training. One that started with emotion before execution.Hina takes you inside that shift. She tells the story of one live session that changed everything. No slides. No theory. Just real conversations that made her rethink how she coached, handled conflict, and helped people perform under pressure. It became the model for how she trains her teams today… grounded in human connection, not checklists.By the end, she opens up about the small daily moves that keep her people patient and passionate, the lesson that almost broke her confidence, and the mindset that turned it all around. The real takeaway isn’t about knowing more. It’s about learning to feel smarter.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Achal Channarasappa, Head of Solutions Engineering at Superblocks, about what happens when training moves from theory to touching the real thing.Achal shares how his team discovered a faster, smarter way to onboard by throwing out the endless video libraries and replacing them with live, 90-minute hackathons. The result? Reps and customers reach their “light-bulb moment” in hours instead of weeks. But getting there took some bold moves… including turning failed LMS training into a hands-on system that scaled across technical and customer teams.He also reveals why empathy, not technology, drives the best training results and how a single mindset shift turned frustrated users into raving fans. If you’ve ever wondered how to make people actually care about the training you build… this conversation shows you exactly how he did it.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Brian Maiers about the two trainings that completely changed how he sells. The first gave him a simple framework he could use anywhere, even in an airport if he ran into a dream client. The second made him look inward, uncovering his natural strengths and the one thing most salespeople ignore while trying to “fix” themselves.Then Brian shares the worst training he ever sat through... one that actually taught reps to force three objections out of every prospect before ending a call. That experience pushed him to rethink everything about how learning should work. From that moment on, he built a personal system rooted in connection, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve ever wondered what separates training that fades from training that sticks, this conversation tells you exactly how to find out.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Lauren Klaus about how to fix onboarding so it actually works. Lauren shares why the old sink-or-swim approach fails and what companies should do instead. Drawing from her background in speech science, the service industry, and eight years at TTSG, she breaks down the system that builds reps who last.You’ll hear how to blend live demos with multi-modal learning, why post-session debriefs matter more than you think, and how to use AI without losing the human side of coaching. Lauren also explains why one year isn’t enough time to ramp a rep… and what leaders must change if they want onboarding that creates confident sellers, not quick quits.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Shara Simms about how to design enablement that doesn’t just get completed… it proves impact. Shara takes us inside a three-day immersive manager workshop where 75 percent of the time was spent practicing real scenarios, not listening to slides. Every participant walked away with a customized blueprint they could use on the job the very next day.She also breaks down why most training fails… no single call to action, no connection to the learner’s role, and no lasting reinforcement. Instead, Shara explains how she builds ultra bite-sized content people can apply in the moment while still tying everything to a complete A to Z curriculum. Then she reveals the one investment she’d make with unlimited budget: clean data and integrated systems so enablement can finally show impact beyond adoption—straight through to conversion. Her final challenge is simple but hard… create true cross-functional alignment so enablement priorities are driven with the business, not at it.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Robin Hoffpauir about building training people actually remember… and use. He opens with a story from his restaurant days… a pre-test to gauge knowledge, a focused five-day sequence with a dedicated trainer, hands-on product practice, and clear docs everyone could always find. Then comes the unlock… consistent review tied to the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve so the knowledge sticks. Robin then calls out the villain… the link-dump “training” that hands people 10–15 random videos and hopes for the best. Attention drifts. Nothing transfers. Teams don’t retain or apply. He explains why this fails and what to do instead… get people together off-site, remove distractions, make sessions interactive, and kill the passive playlist so wisdom actually transfers. You’ll also hear his go-to playbook for leveling up sales and service… Challenger Sale, SPIN Selling, Never Split the Difference, plus a sleeper that reframes everything around the customer’s buying process. He closes with a leadership reminder that training shapes culture… and that honoring different learning styles keeps more people engaged, confident, and ready to serve. Listen to map his simple moves to your next rollout… and stop forgetting what matters a week later.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Nitish Kulkarni about how Sweetwater builds elite sales talent at scale… and why storytelling beats slide decks when the clock is ticking. Nitish opens the curtain on Sweetwater University… a 13-week onboarding that runs ~350 classes with ~130 rotating instructors for every new sales engineer. Then he shares the simple phrase that powers their best trainings… “what’s the win condition”… and how that clarity turns learners into confident closers.From there, they dig into what actually moves numbers: shifting from just-in-case to just-in-time training… using targeted cohorts instead of blasting 600 reps… and measuring success with real feedback loops, not pretty slide decks. Nitish explains why confidence spikes drive sales more than raw product trivia… how to cut “training scrap”… and the one mindset shift leaders need if they want training that inspires action today. If you’ve wondered how a world-class retailer turns new hires into trusted advisors fast, this conversation gives you the blueprint… and a few surprises.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Bri Brodeur and Samer Jabr about turning training from a one-off event into outcomes people can feel at work… today. They unpack the design thinking workshop that changed how their teams solve real problems, the five-minute microlearning rule that keeps employees moving, and the brutal mistakes that make people hate training… like reading slides for eight hours straight and shipping outdated materials no one can use. You’ll hear how they measure what matters, translate technical content for non-technical learners, and keep iterating until the solution is the right solution… not just any solution. Stick around for the big swing: embedding training into the workflow with AI coaching and simulation so people get feedback in the moment… and can safely practice high-stakes conversations before they ever happen. If you lead learning, run operations, or sell change inside government, this conversation gives you a concrete playbook to cut noise, speed adoption, and make every minute count.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Eric Wiegand about how to solve the top-of-funnel problem without chaos. Eric breaks down why “try-this” pivots kill momentum, why the worst training is no training, and how to make learning stick with AI-powered roleplays, repeatable systems, and spiffs that actually drive results.He shares the mindset shift behind today’s best sellers... buyers aren’t afraid of missing out, they’re afraid of messing up. Eric explains how to remove that fear, what he’d implement on day one, and the single playbook he runs to get fast, consistent pipeline growth. If you want training that scales across your whole team and fixes top funnel fast, this episode is it.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Julie Thomas about why most training misses the mark… and how to fix it fast. Julie shares how she went from sales leader to “accidental entrepreneur,” then lays out the two levers that actually move behavior: treat training as change management and tailor everything so reps can see themselves doing it. Expect memorable lines like “learning is not passive” and “training is the easy part”… followed by exactly what to do before and after workshops so the skills stick. You’ll hear her worst-ever class… an unprepared trainer who didn’t know the audience… and how that moment shaped her insistence on relevance, role modeling, and measurement. She explains when to use virtual vs in-room experiences, why leaders must show up if they expect change, and how sellers win by turning clients into friends… not the other way around. If you want training that drives revenue, not eye rolls, this conversation gives you the checklist leaders actually need.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Andrea Wilczynski-Urbaniak about what actually moves the needle inside sales organizations… and why most trainings miss. Andrea explains why mentors beat one-off workshops, how industry context changes everything, and why leaders must commit to consistency all year… not just in January. She even opens her playbook on using a family vision board to stay aligned and energized at work and at home.You’ll hear the worst kind of training she’s ever sat through… trainers who’ve never lived the job… and the simple fix leaders can deploy today. Andrea shares practical ways to find and approach mentors, including when to pay and when the best guidance happens for free. By the end, you’ll know how to personalize training by vertical, keep teams accountable in a remote world, and build daily habits that create real work-life harmony… plus the one question to ask before you buy another training so it actually sticks.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Matt Cohen about the kind of enablement that actually changes behavior and revenue… not just slides. Matt explains why every training must start with clear learning objectives tied to leading KPIs, and how anchoring content to the sales process keeps it real for the field. He breaks down the biggest mistakes teams make… one-off events, theory without application, and no follow-up… and shows how to replace them with programmatic, thematic learning that sticks.Then it gets tactical. Matt walks through installing sales plays by stage and role, winning executive sponsorship, and focusing the whole org around enterprise AI readiness so reps execute instead of react. He closes with the soft-skill edge… put relationships before tasks, crawl-walk-run, and master the internal sale so stakeholders make your priorities theirs. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn training into measurable performance… this conversation shows you exactly where to start.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Louis Vasquez about why most training fails… and what actually gets sellers to execute under pressure. Louis shares his unique improv-style sales tournaments where reps battle head-to-head selling outrageous products. The result? Sharper discovery, faster thinking, and reps who can win in the real world.Louis also unpacks the mindset that took him from grueling 100-mile runs to leading elite teams… execution above everything. He explains his “time bucket” system, how small consistent hours compound into big outcomes, and why competition and role play beat static playbooks every time. If you lead training, manage sellers, or just want to build mental toughness, this conversation gives you a blueprint you can apply today… and the push to stop planning and start doing.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Carolyn Manuel about what separates forgettable training from the kind that actually changes seller behavior… fast. She reveals why her best learning moments were peer led, how role play and scenario work cement skills, and why micro, searchable video libraries beat three-day marathons every time. Then she tells the story every seller has lived… the door shuts, a heavy binder lands, and productivity dies. What she does next will change how you design your next session.Carolyn also opens her playbook from AlphaSense’s world-class enablement… multiple modalities, high engagement, and relentless practice so reps can handle real objections with confidence. You’ll hear her favorite foundation for new sellers… why starting from zero each January fuels her… and the exact coaching lens she uses to turn around struggling reps. If you lead training or manage a team, this conversation gives you a clear model to copy today… and permission to rip up what isn’t working.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Chris Roszak about what actually moves the needle in sales and cybersecurity training. From the first minute, Chris breaks down why peer-led, frontline lessons beat theory every time… and how forcing reps to regurgitate slides or record awkward camera quizzes backfires when there’s no real feedback. He shares the sessions that truly changed his game, the ones that wasted hours, and a simple filter to decide what to keep or kill.You’ll hear how to design training that sticks, model top-rep behaviors, and even treat customers like learners so they adopt faster and stay longer. Chris also opens up about building a career without a college degree, learning to get back up after losses, and using confidence… not arrogance, to win executive rooms. If you lead teams or sell for a living, this conversation gives you a clear playbook you can apply today.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Kelsie Neibel about ditching rigid sales scripts, building a repeatable framework that actually fits your style, and turning mindset from a liability into an edge. Kelsie breaks down her S.E.L.L. method... start with mindset, energize your process, learn to flow with money, learn from proven technologies. She used it to 5x her income in five months, cut anxiety to a low hum, and win #1 AE of the year.You’ll hear the exact shift from grind to clarity, how bi-weekly coaching and community unlock faster results, and why empathetic selling wins in complex enterprise deals. If you lead a team, you’ll get a playbook for training that lands... frameworks over one-size-fits-all, feedback before rollouts, and space for individual strengths. If you sell, you’ll leave with concrete steps you can run today to close more with less stress... and a cliffhanger you’ll want to hear: the moment Kelsie realized coaching was the missing piece and the cadence that changed her pipeline forever.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Denton Myers-Pollock about what makes training actually work inside an organization. Denton shares the best training experiences of his career… including a month-long onboarding program where new sales hires had to earn their spot on the floor by closing real deals, and a leadership coaching framework that stuck because it was reinforced week after week. He explains why training without follow up is wasted effort and how culture shifts when leaders themselves commit to learning.They also dive into the flip side… when training fails. Denton recalls long automotive industry workshops where leadership dismissed everything as useless. He contrasts that with the startup world where reps crave coaching and growth. Along the way, Denton opens up about his personal journey, how discipline matters more than motivation, why co-authoring training plans with employees creates accountability, and how he built his career without a college degree.If you want to know how to design training that people actually buy into, scale it with technology, and build a culture of continuous improvement, this conversation delivers the blueprint.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Kevin Quirk about what makes training stick, why most programs fail, and how leaders can create learning environments that truly change behavior. Kevin shares his best and worst training experiences—from executive coaching that built accountability across teams to sales programs that focused on psychology over rigid frameworks. He also explains why most day-long lectures waste time and how bite-sized, practice-driven training creates lasting results.The conversation doesn’t stop at theory. Kevin reveals how AI is reshaping training with dynamic roleplays that adapt to real scenarios, why accountability buddies keep skills alive, and what he would do if he ran training at Sword Health. He opens up about his personal drive as a coach, the books that shaped his leadership style, and how leaders can leverage their networks to solve hard problems in smarter ways.If you’ve ever wondered how to move past boring lectures and create training that people actually use, this episode delivers the blueprint. And by the end, you’ll see why Kevin believes combining AI, practice, and coaching is the future of workplace learning.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Constantine Johns about identity-first training, human-to-human selling, and why real transformation starts inside before it shows up in the numbers. He shares the mindset shift that took him from checking boxes to changing behavior… and the simple question he asks customers that stops the room cold and opens real conversations.You’ll hear how growth and comfort can’t coexist, why co-creation beats slide decks, and how authenticity builds trust you can’t fake. Constantine breaks down practical ways to lead with service, use silence to your advantage, and turn personal “mess” into a message your team can rally around. If you want training that actually changes people… not just their certificates… this one delivers.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Allie Cope about what actually makes adults learn... and what quietly kills impact. She unpacks her most memorable team training from her Blue Bottle Coffee days, where teach backs, creativity and real psychological safety shaped her personal facilitation style. Then she gets spicy on what fails… micro training for real skills, uncanny AI avatars, and the cost of a weak facilitator.Allie shows how to listen beyond surveys to design training people will use. She digs into manager enablement, performance reviews, and why “ask one layer deeper” changes the whole solution. You’ll hear why Turn the Ship Aroundmatters for building owners, the Leadership Architect Guide she keeps within reach, and how years in customer service forged her empathy, communication and patience. If you want training that earns attention, shifts behavior and sticks… this one pays off.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Kellan Andrew about the training that actually changed how she leads... and the “worst ever” program that left people shaking. From Toast’s nomination-only Rise management cohort to three-day gauntlets with timers, scorecards, and peers trying to trip you up, Kellan breaks down what builds confidence versus what creates PTSD. She shares why embarrassment kills learning, how breakout rooms and real coaching unlocked her style, and the moment she realized, that’s why I do that.Then Kellan maps the blueprint she’d run at Expressable: align leadership goals with rep realities, learn what truly motivates each person, and turn targets into personal math that funds houses, cars, and baby plans. You’ll hear how a little cheesy fun gets teams loose, why reps must lead prospects instead of playing the “donut” pal, and how the Challenger approach keeps you educating, not entertaining. Managers and sellers walk away with concrete moves to raise performance, protect trust, and stack real wins... starting on your next one-on-one.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Neil Flanagan about training that builds trust and wins deals. Neil explains why Command of the Message helps in complex sales and how to link your product to business value. He contrasts it with a program that told reps to “find the pain and twist the knife,” which led to angry calls and broken relationships. Neil shares a simple playbook you can use now. Do real research and use AI to speed it up. A/B test every change. Measure results after three months and again at six months. Give SDRs early exposure to AE skills. At Datadog, this helped internal promotions beat external hires in the first six months.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Catie Ivey about why sellers are too often “failed” by leadership… and how to fix it fast. She breaks down what great training actually feels like in the room, from immersive Sandler bootcamps with Salesforce’s legendary trainers to the quiet power of a frontline manager who coaches instead of micromanages. You’ll hear why most of us play way too small… and how to flip that script so people lean into their superpowers. Then she gets blunt about bad training… the checkbox programs that rip reps out of the field, waste time, and deliver zero lift. Her fix is simple and hard… anchor everything to WIIFM, show real customer outcomes, and connect pre‑ and post‑sales through enablement so the whole GTM engine learns together and wins together. If you lead revenue, manage reps, or run enablement, this conversation will change how you design your next session… and how your team shows up on the next call.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

Most sales training is broken. Companies spend six figures on workshops that never stick because reps never get to apply what they learned. In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder sits down with Kasey DuPre of Lucid to break down a better way. “Don't train them not to fail.”Kasey explains Lucid’s approach: tools ready in 2–3 days, live calls by week two, and chunked principles applied immediately. He shares why application matters more than theory, how to turn even trade show sticker leads into gold, and the secret to scaling confidence across teams.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com

In this episode of Training That Works, Rustin Schroeder talks with Trevor Jett, Chief Revenue Officer at Vivint, about the evolution of sales training, the integration of AI in sales operations, and what truly makes training impactful. Trevor shares lessons from his extensive experience in tech sales, including his formative Disney training, his views on forgettable "checkbox" trainings, and how AI agents like "Ava" are reshaping enablement. Whether you're a sales leader or a learning designer, Trevor delivers insights on how to make training stick by weaving it into company rhythm and aligning it with real business impact.🎙️ Training That Works — where top performers share what actually works.🔥 Email Magic™ turns average communicators into credible, respected voices.  👉 email-magic.com