What if the secret to career satisfaction isn't changing what you do, but rediscovering who you are?

In this episode, Natalie welcomes back career coach and author Kene Iloenyosi for a conversation about purpose, identity, and how understanding your natural abilities can unlock clarity in both life and work. Kene shares insights from his workshops and books, including “Finding Your Sweet Spot” and “DNA of Talent,” emphasizing the importance of aligning career paths with intrinsic wiring. They also explore the generational impact of AI, the evolution of workplace structures, and how companies can prepare for an increasingly unstructured, remote-first future.

[00:01 - 06:27] You Are How You Are

• The significance of knowing your learning and communication style

• Why self-awareness can reframe frustration and unlock growth

• The importance of embracing your wiring, not correcting it

[06:28 - 12:43] Purpose Is Wired In

• Why the need to “get over” introversion misses the point

• The importance of aligning purpose with natural strengths

• How to avoid living someone else’s life by knowing your design

[12:44 - 18:09] | AI & Career Security

• What AI can and cannot replace in the workplace

• The importance of identifying irreplaceable human value

• Why leading the AI conversation within your company matters

[18:10 - 23:52] Generational Shifts & Workplace Culture

• The need for new leadership models that embrace flexibility

• Why Gen Alpha will be AI natives, not just digital natives

• The significance of creativity and play in future career models

[23:53 - 27:11] Redefining Structure and Leadership

• The need to rethink rigid return-to-office mandates

• Why perks no longer drive engagement—freedom does

• The importance of embracing change rather than resisting it

Quotes:

"You are how you are for why you are." - Kene Iloenyosi

"God doesn’t make multiples. You are one in one." - Kene Iloenyosi

Connect with Kene:

Website: https://www.talentrevolution.me/

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

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Why do so many entrepreneurs fail to close deals, not because they lack a great product, but because they misunderstand the real nature of sales?

In this episode, Natalie welcomes Jeb Blount Jr., division leader at Sales Gravy and host of the Sales Gravy podcast. They dive into the crucial but often misunderstood role of sales in entrepreneurship. Jeb breaks down the emotional intelligence behind effective selling, why listening trumps pitching, and how entrepreneurs can turn sales conversations into meaningful business relationships. Whether you’re just starting or scaling, this conversation offers a practical lens into qualifying leads, slowing the sales process, and collaborating with clients to build long-term trust.

[00:01 - 06:30] Rethinking Sales: Everyone Is in Sales

• The significance of redefining sales as relationship-building, not manipulation

• Why viewing yourself as “not a salesperson” weakens your entrepreneurial impact

• The importance of accepting that revenue drives sustainability

[06:31 - 12:53] The Core of EQ in Sales

• What emotional intelligence looks like in high-stakes selling

• Why listening more than talking creates deeper trust

• The significance of making people feel heard and important

[12:54 - 18:30] Qualifying vs. Pitching: Always Be Qualifying

• The need to vet clients for fit—not just push a pitch

• Why it’s smart to walk away from unqualified leads

• How saying “no” can build more trust than saying “yes”

[18:31 - 24:00] The Power of Slowing Down

• What it means to own the sales process

• Why rushing to proposals leads to rejection

• The value of co-creating solutions with prospects

[24:01 - 30:43] Long-Term Wins: Creating Buy-In & the IKEA Effect

• Why co-creation increases ownership and satisfaction

• How to handle rejection as an opportunity to learn

• The parallel between product development and good sales

Quotes:

“If you brand yourself as 'not a salesperson,' you’re being disingenuous—especially if you’re an entrepreneur.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

“The greatest gift you can give someone in sales is the gift of importance.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

“You don’t need to always be selling—you need to always be qualifying.” - Jeb Blount Jr.

Connect with Jeb:

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

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone empower their businesses through collaboration, innovation, and transformation by sharing this episode or clicking here to listen to our previous episodes.

Check Natalie's new book, SET IT ON FIRE: The Art of Innovation, available now at setitonfire.co

These are proven solutions to advance your leadership and innovation process. Check out our website innovationmeetsleadership.com, or connect with me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

Don't forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review. Let's go transform something!