038 - Say "Yes, And!" to Cheering On Others with Jan Spence

I had a blast talking with Jan Spence, a Certified Speaking Professional and TEDx speaker whose journey from professional women's full‑tackle football to international keynote speaker is unforgettable. Jan shares how turning a sea of competitors into teammates through simple encouragement sparked her "Cheer Leadership®" philosophy. We dive into actionable tools - from 'putting on that Teflon raincoat' to overcoming fear, to using 'A‑B‑or‑C' goals to build momentum. Plus, we explore how small gestures - handwritten notes, energy boosts, meaningful check‑ins, etc. - can transform leadership, sales, and team culture. Prepare to be encouraged, motivated, and ready to lead with more courage and connection." Key Takeaways Fear isn't permanent. Wear that 'Teflon raincoat' to slide off rejection or hesitation. Your mindset matters. Reframe risks and focus on simple actions rather than perfection. Cheer leadership works. Small acts of encouragement can unify teams and elevate performance. Use "or" in your goals. Make goal‑setting flexible to build momentum and avoid overwhelm. Intentional connection is powerful. From sticky notes to weekly one‑on‑one check‑ins, small acknowledgments go a long way. Lead with authenticity. Being relatable, present, and encouraging builds loyalty and morale. Relevant Links Jan Spence's website: https://www.janspence.com/ Jan's Book: Cheer on Your Team! 52 Tips to Increase Employee Retention, Engagement, and Loyalty Jan's TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/k41bimZXAeA?si=uBahC83hAmdJZKSi Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-spence/