Épisodes

  • Consistency Over Perfection: The Real Path to Writing Success (Part 2)
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode of "Pass the Mic" by Resilient Voice Media, Gabi interviews Jenny Quinlan, an experienced writer, editor, and book coach. Jenny shares her journey, discussing how she overcame procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt to help writers succeed. She emphasizes the importance of mindset, community, and consistent habits, highlighting her Winning Writers Club, which supports writers through accountability and encouragement. The conversation offers practical advice for overcoming creative blocks and stresses that progress comes from taking action, embracing imperfection, and connecting with supportive communities. Jenny’s story inspires writers to trust themselves and keep moving forward. Building Consistent Writing Habits (00:06:18) Jenny explains the importance of consistency, breaking writing into manageable steps, and developing a regular writing routine. Jenny’s Early Career & Natural Strengths (00:08:46) Jenny shares her journey from struggling writer to editor, and how her diverse experiences contributed to her current career. Proudest Career Wins (00:13:12) Jenny highlights key achievements: starting her business, public speaking at conferences, and leading a major industry event. Navigating Industry Changes & Business Pivots (00:21:39) Jenny describes reaching a business crossroads, diversifying her services, and adapting to changing industry and client needs. Burnout and Setting Boundaries (00:25:40) Jenny talks about experiencing burnout, phasing out book cover design, and learning to set boundaries for self-care. Overcoming Self-Sabotage (00:30:58) Jenny details her strategies for tackling procrastination and perfectionism, and the importance of accepting “done is better than perfect.” Building Self-Belief and Support Systems (00:33:05) Jenny explains her independent approach, the role of self-belief, and the value of supportive friends and clients. About the Winning Writers Club (00:39:13) Jenny describes her membership community’s focus on mindset, consistency, productivity, and accountability for writers. What Makes Jenny’s Community Unique (00:42:10) Jenny explains how her group differs by emphasizing mental support, creative well-being, and mindset over just craft or marketing. Mindset Work for Writers (00:45:28) Discussion on the necessity of mindset work for writers, and how underlying beliefs impact creative success. Advice for New Writers Facing Fear (00:45:56) Jenny offers practical steps for beginners: do some learning, avoid over-preparing, and start writing to build confidence. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Jenny, 00:15:56, 'That was another big win for me—having the courage to say yes, I’m going to try this, because that was a pretty big step outside my comfort zone.' Jenny, 00:30:02, 'For me, my two biggest sabotages were procrastination and perfectionism, both rooted in fear.' Jenny, 00:31:50, 'Having a real conversation with yourself about who you are and why you are that way can really help you find the confidence to overcome some of those sabotages and do what you really want to do.' Jenny, 00:36:06, 'Sometimes when you tell somebody what you’re doing and they’re not in the know, they can say things that discourage you, even if they don’t mean to.' Jenny, 00:45:56, 'The truth is that anyone can write a book. Maybe not a good book, but anyone can write a book. So what you have to do is start.' Jenny, 00:48:21, 'If you don’t start, you’ve got nothing. So get started. Make a consistent effort to write. Make a commitment to yourself to reach that goal.' Resources CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Historical Editorial | Historical Fiction Book Coach The Writer’s Little Book of Self-Confidence | The Winning Writers Club Facebook and Instagram Links Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great workHost: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice MediaAugust Hosts: Jenny Quinlan, an experienced writer, editor, and book coach.Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at www.resilientvoicemedia.comGabi Garland CEO of Resilient Voice MediaCONNECT WITH GABI: Instagram and FacebookFOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyPass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026.
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    40 min
  • Consistency Over Perfection: The Real Path to Writing Success
    Aug 7 2025
    In this episode of "Pass the Mic" by Resilient Voice Media, Gabi interviews Jenny Quinlan, an experienced editor, book coach, and founder of Historical Editorial and The Winning Writers Club. With over 14 years of experience and 500+ manuscripts under her belt, Jenny shares her journey from self-doubt to self-confidence and how that evolution now helps others succeed. She discusses overcoming procrastination, perfectionism, and fear, and highlights how mindset, habits, and community support are essential for creative growth. Jenny talks about her work guiding writers—especially in historical fiction, fantasy, and romance—and how her newest venture, the Winning Writers Club, helps writers build accountability, confidence, and momentum. Jenny’s story is full of practical advice for beating creative blocks and serves as a reminder that every writer has the potential to move forward by simply starting. She also shares a sneak peek into her debut nonfiction book, The Writer’s Little Book of Self-Confidence, published in February 2025. Building Consistent Writing Habits (00:06:18) Jenny explains the importance of consistency, breaking writing into manageable steps, and developing a regular writing routine. Jenny’s Early Career & Natural Strengths (00:08:46) Jenny shares her journey from struggling writer to editor, and how her diverse experiences contributed to her current career. Proudest Career Wins (00:13:12) Jenny highlights key achievements: starting her business, public speaking at conferences, and leading a major industry event. Navigating Industry Changes & Business Pivots (00:21:39) Jenny describes reaching a business crossroads, diversifying her services, and adapting to changing industry and client needs. Burnout and Setting Boundaries (00:25:40) Jenny talks about experiencing burnout, phasing out book cover design, and learning to set boundaries for self-care. Overcoming Self-Sabotage (00:30:58) Jenny details her strategies for tackling procrastination and perfectionism, and the importance of accepting “done is better than perfect.” Building Self-Belief and Support Systems (00:33:05) Jenny explains her independent approach, the role of self-belief, and the value of supportive friends and clients. About the Winning Writers Club (00:39:13) Jenny describes her membership community’s focus on mindset, consistency, productivity, and accountability for writers. What Makes Jenny’s Community Unique (00:42:10) Jenny explains how her group differs by emphasizing mental support, creative well-being, and mindset over just craft or marketing. Mindset Work for Writers (00:45:28) Discussion on the necessity of mindset work for writers, and how underlying beliefs impact creative success. Advice for New Writers Facing Fear (00:45:56) Jenny offers practical steps for beginners: do some learning, avoid over-preparing, and start writing to build confidence. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Jenny, 00:15:56, 'That was another big win for me—having the courage to say yes, I’m going to try this, because that was a pretty big step outside my comfort zone.' Jenny, 00:30:02, 'For me, my two biggest sabotages were procrastination and perfectionism, both rooted in fear.' Jenny, 00:31:50, 'Having a real conversation with yourself about who you are and why you are that way can really help you find the confidence to overcome some of those sabotages and do what you really want to do.' Jenny, 00:36:06, 'Sometimes when you tell somebody what you’re doing and they’re not in the know, they can say things that discourage you, even if they don’t mean to.' Jenny, 00:45:56, 'The truth is that anyone can write a book. Maybe not a good book, but anyone can write a book. So what you have to do is start.' Jenny, 00:48:21, 'If you don’t start, you’ve got nothing. So get started. Make a consistent effort to write. Make a commitment to yourself to reach that goal.' Resources CONNECT WITH THE GUEST Historical Editorial | Historical Fiction Book Coach The Writer’s Little Book of Self-Confidence | The Winning Writers Club Facebook and Instagram Links Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great workHost: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice MediaAugust Hosts: Jenny Quinlan, an experienced writer, editor, and book coach.Mission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at www.resilientvoicemedia.comGabi Garland CEO of Resilient Voice MediaCONNECT WITH GABI: Instagram and FacebookFOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyPass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026.
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    49 min
  • The Woman Behind the Business and the Heart of Davis Electric
    Jul 17 2025
    In this episode of "Pass the Mic," host Gabi interviews Jessica Davis, the wife of Chris Davis from Davis Electric and Home Automations. She shares her journey from social work to homeschooling and supporting the family business, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, teamwork, and community involvement. The episode highlights the company’s authentic, client-focused approach and the balance between work, family, and friendship. Gabi, the podcast founder, closes by inviting listeners to connect and share their own stories, reinforcing the podcast’s mission of amplifying resilient voices. Guest Introduction & Personal Backstory (00:02:13) Jessica shares her background in social work, homeschooling, and how she met her husband, Chris. Career Transition & Family Decisions (00:02:53) Describing the move from Newport News, career changes, and the decision to homeschool after Chris’s job change. Transition from Career to Homeschooling (00:03:24) Jessica discusses the challenges and support system in transitioning from a career to homeschooling. Balancing Family and Business Roles (00:05:42) Jessica reflects on shifting from admin to supportive wife, maintaining family peace, and open communication. Business Growth & Community Impact (00:08:27) Highlights of the past eight months, community service, and the positive response from customers. Building a Community-Focused Company Culture (00:12:03) How Davis Electric integrates community service and kindness into their company culture and team onboarding. Looking Forward: Hopes for the Future (00:14:34) Jessica shares excitement for the company’s growth, community impact, and children’s future involvement. Self-Care & Decompression (00:15:37) Ways Jessica decompresses and maintains friendships while supporting the business and family. Working with Friends & Team Dynamics (00:16:21) Insights into working with her best friend, team roles, and maintaining healthy boundaries. What Davis Electric Stands For (00:18:28) Jessica emphasizes the company’s honesty, care for clients, and commitment to quality work. Powerful Quotes from the Episode "Seeing how people have responded to Chris in the community is wonderful." "We do a whole onboarding with each person, and the pillars stress the importance of community and kindness." "What you see is real; it's not just being nice to get work. We truly care about our clients and making sure we do very good work." Resources CONNECT WITH THE GUEST https://www.daviselectricandhomeautomation.com Facebook and Instagram Links Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great workHost: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice MediaJuly Hosts: Chris and Jessica Davis, co-founders of Davis Electric and Home AutomationsMission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at www.resilientvoicemedia.comGabi Garland CEO of Resilient Voice MediaCONNECT WITH GABI: Instagram and FacebookFOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyPass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026.
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    20 min
  • Building Davis Electric: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Community Impact
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode of "Pass the Mic," host Gabi interviews Chris Davis, founder of Davis Electric and Home Automations. Chris shares his journey from starting his business during the pandemic to building a values-driven company focused on honesty, communication, and community impact. He discusses overcoming challenges, balancing work and family, and the importance of faith and perseverance in entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights Chris’s dedication to fostering a positive team culture, giving back to the community, and involving his family in his work, offering listeners inspiration and practical insights into small business ownership. Introducing Chris Davis & Davis Electric (00:01:01)Gabi introduces Chris Davis and previews the themes of the episode and the company’s community impact. Chris’s Background and Starting the Business (00:02:10)Chris shares his career journey, transition from restaurant management to electrician, and the founding of Davis Electric. Building Company Culture and Values (00:06:23)Gabi and Chris talk about the heart behind Davis Electric and the importance of company culture. Being the Face of the Company (00:07:08)Chris reflects on the pressures and personal growth involved in representing the company publicly. The Four Pillars of Davis Electric (00:10:33)Chris outlines the company’s foundational values: honesty, communication, quality, and people-focused culture. Community Involvement and Giving Back (00:12:56)Chris explains the motivation behind community engagement and the importance of authentic giving. Building a Positive Team Environment (00:15:28)Chris shares strategies for team building, including public praise, private criticism, and personal connection. Lessons from Business Applied to Parenting (00:19:02)Chris talks about patience, understanding, and love as lessons from business that translate to fatherhood. Personal Growth Over Five Years (00:26:03)Chris reflects on his evolution as a business owner, learning from mistakes, and implementing systems. Balancing Business and Family Priorities (00:27:12)Chris and Gabi discuss the ongoing challenge of balancing business growth with family needs. Vision for the Next Five Years (00:28:05)Chris shares his aspirations for company growth, providing stable jobs, and community leadership. What Sets Davis Electric Apart (00:29:51)Chris describes the company’s commitment to honesty, customer service, and technical expertise. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Chris Davis, 00:05:36, "Jess and I had some long conversations. We spoke to family and friends, we prayed about it really hard, and we made the decision we were going to just give it a try and see what happens. At the end of the day, I can always go back to being an engineer if I want to, but we didn't want to get into our 60s and look back and have regrets about what we could have done. What would life have been like if we had chased that dream? We sat down and figured out what sacrifices we needed to make, and we made them. Here we are today." Chris Davis, 00:09:07, "When it's late nights, when it feels like everything is caving in around you, it's about digging down deep, coming up with the energy, and trying to find the wisdom to get through it." Chris Davis, 00:16:12, "Getting to know the guys and girls that work with us personally—asking them how their kids are doing, how their weekend was, and just showing them that they have value at Davis Electric." Chris Davis, 00:21:24, "The biggest thing is being able to take the kids to work with me some days. That really means a lot to me, and I enjoy being able to bring them with me, show them what we do, show them what I do. They find a lot of enjoyment out of it, and they love helping and working. They really have a lot of fun when we do that. Plus, they make a little bit of money, so they're happy about it." Chris Davis, 00:24:58, "I'm going to walk out and keep going. That has been a huge lesson to learn. Running a business, you can scare yourself out of success. That pressure and stress can get to you, and you can just say, 'Nope, I don't want to do it,' and you quit too early. For Jess and me, learning to keep stepping forward in faith that our sidewalk or whatever is still there—that's been huge." Resources CONNECT WITH THE GUEST https://www.daviselectricandhomeautomation.com Facebook and Instagram Links Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great workHost: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice MediaJuly Host: Chris and Jessica Davis, co-founders of Davis Electric and Home AutomationsMission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at www.resilientvoicemedia.comGabi Garland CEO of ...
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    33 min
  • Flipping the Switch on Business as Usual: Davis Electric’s Local Impact
    Jul 4 2025
    In this episode of "Pass the Mic," host Gabi introduces Chris and Jessica Davis, co-founders of Davis Electric and Home Automations, kicking off July’s series. Chris shares the company’s core values—honesty, communication, quality, and a people-focused culture—while highlighting their strong commitment to community involvement. Jessica discusses her supportive role in balancing family and business, and their shared dedication to giving back. The episode emphasizes how prioritizing values and community can drive business success and create lasting positive impact. Timestamps Podcast Introduction & July Series Preview (00:00:06) Gabi introduces the podcast, its mission, and previews the July series featuring the Chris Davis team. Company Pillars & Culture (00:02:01) Chris discusses Davis Electric’s foundational pillars: honesty, communication, quality, and being people-focused. Community Involvement & Giving Back (00:04:10) Chris explains the importance of community involvement and the motivation behind the company’s commitment to giving back. Building a Strong Team Culture (00:06:42) Chris shares strategies for building a cohesive, supportive, and happy team at Davis Electric. Business Challenges & Rewards (00:07:44) Jessica and Chris reflect on the challenges and rewarding moments of running their business over the past eight months. Pass the Mic Mission & Call to Action (00:09:20) Gabi explains the mission behind Pass the Mic and invites listeners to participate or start their own podcast. Supporting the Entrepreneur at Home (00:10:26) Jessica describes her role in supporting Chris and maintaining balance at home. Embedding Community in Company Culture (00:11:21) Jessica discusses how community involvement is woven into the company’s culture and onboarding process. Acts of Kindness & Team Bonding (00:13:10) Jessica shares stories of kindness within the team and the importance of treating employees like family. Looking Forward: Hopes for the Future (00:14:09) Jessica talks about her excitement for the company’s growth, community impact, and potential family involvement. Episode Wrap-Up & Listener Engagement (00:15:00) Gabi closes the episode, encouraging listeners to subscribe, review, and stay connected. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Chris Davis, 00:04:54, "Jess and I started this business because we wanted to be a company that was about the community and for the community. We just wanted to weave ourselves into the community fabric and be a part of what it is." Chris Davis, 00:06:54, "We make a lot of mistakes as a company, but we stand behind what we do. We make it a priority to correct those mistakes as fast as we possibly can." Jessica Davis, 00:08:03, "The reason we started this business in the first place was to help the community. That was honestly one of the reasons why we got the business started." Jessica Davis, 00:10:45, "I definitely try to make sure that the home is taken care of so he doesn't have any stresses when he gets home. I make his lunch every morning and make sure his clothes are folded and ready for him, just so he doesn't have to stress out about that kind of stuff. He can focus on the business and not come home to a stressed out wife and screaming kids." Jessica Davis, 00:12:04, "I think just making sure that the whole team is aware—like, Davis Electric, we do community stuff. This is important to us. This is kind of what we're made for." Jessica Davis, 00:13:39, "We think of them as family, and we hope that they kind of feel that way too." Jessica Davis, 00:14:31, "I am just excited to see where the company goes. Chris has so many ideas, and I’m excited to see the impact in the community and hopefully just continue to grow and make everything better." Resources CONNECT WITH THE GUEST https://www.daviselectricandhomeautomation.com Facebook and Instagram Links Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great workHost: Gabi Garland, founder of Resilient Voice MediaJuly Host: Chris and Jessica Davis, co-founders of Davis Electric and Home AutomationsMission: To amplify beautiful humans who deserve bigger platforms to share their work, heart, and expertise A Resilient Voice Media Production To work with us submit inquiry at www.resilientvoicemedia.comGabi Garland CEO of Resilient Voice MediaCONNECT WITH GABI: Instagram and FacebookFOLLOW THE PODCAST: Pass the Mic podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyPass the Mic Opportunities: Contact Resilient Voice Media for information about hosting your own month in 2026.
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    16 min
  • Navigating Rejection in Business: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Our Professional Fear
    Jun 26 2025
    In this deeply vulnerable June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball gets raw about the psychology of rejection in business and networking. Drawing from her painful childhood as the middle of five children in an impoverished, unstable household with a teenage mother, Tiffany reveals how early experiences of feeling "not worthy of love" created lasting trauma around rejection that still affects her business decisions today. Now 10 years sober, she shares how her recovery journey taught her to recognize these patterns while acknowledging she still struggles with asking for help, making sales calls, and putting herself out there professionally. Through honest storytelling about ghosting, avoidance, and the fear of hearing "no," Tiffany explores why rejection feels so personal in business and offers insights on reframing rejection as part of the human experience rather than a personal attack on our worth. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking and a 10-year recovering alcoholic who has transformed childhood trauma into business wisdom. Growing up as the middle child of five in extreme poverty with a teenage mother who was estranged from her family, Tiffany experienced early rejection and abandonment that led to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. She got sober on April 6, 2015, at age 33, and spent the next decade healing and learning to recognize how her core beliefs of being "not enough" affected every area of her life. Through her recovery work, she developed insights into human behavior, communication, and the psychological barriers that prevent people from taking risks in business. Her approach to networking and business relationships is deeply informed by her understanding of trauma, rejection, and the universal human need to feel worthy and accepted. Key Topics Discussed: Childhood Trauma and Business Impact: How growing up feeling "not worthy of love" affects professional risk-taking and relationship buildingThe Middle Child Experience: Feeling overlooked and rejected in a chaotic household with an overwhelmed teenage motherAddiction as Coping Mechanism: Using marijuana and alcohol to numb feelings of inadequacy and rejectionRecovery and Self-Awareness: 10 years of sobriety work revealing core beliefs and behavioral patternsFear of Rejection in Sales: How childhood wounds prevent asking for business, help, or supportThe Psychology of Ghosting: Why people avoid saying "no" directly and how it affects business relationshipsReframing Business Rejection: Understanding that "no" is usually about money, value, or timing—not personal worthThe 51st Yes Concept: If you knew success came after 50 rejections, how quickly would you get through them?Growth Through Discomfort: Why facing rejection and discomfort is essential for business and personal developmentCommunication and Boundaries: Learning to have difficult conversations with kindness while protecting your emotional well-being Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I grew up with that. And it manifested in my teenage years in alcoholism... I used to tell people I went to I didn't go to high school. I went to school high." "I realized how absolutely fucked up I was mentally, emotionally, I was like emotionally the age of a 12 year old, maybe six." "I had to look at who I was... and I found out a lot of it came from just my underlining core belief that I was not enough. And that myself worth was dirt." "That fear of the feeling of rejection stops me from doing things like reaching out to people and asking them if they want parts of my program because I got to make money." "If there is a hesitation in their response, then I feel uncomfortable and I've never mind, never mind, I didn't need you because I don't want to put anybody out." "If you knew after 50 no's on your 51st, your 51st ask, you would get a yes and make a million dollars. How quickly would you get through those no's?" "We think that they're rejecting us as people... And you saying no means that you don't believe in me... And in actuality, all that's bullshit. That's not real." "Most of the time people say no because they ain't got the money. Or people say no because they don't feel the value in it... And that can be fixed." "It's part of being a human being guys... And if we can't get used to it and understand that there's something on the other side of it... Then we're going to stay stuck." Loved this episode? Tiffany's courage in sharing her story reminds us that our deepest wounds can become our greatest sources of wisdom and connection with others. If you struggle with rejection in business, know that you're not alone—and that healing is possible. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball Facebook and Instagram Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic business connectionsRecovery Support: Alcoholics Anonymous and other addiction recovery resourcesChildhood Trauma Therapy: Resources for understanding how early experiences affect adult behaviorSales Training: ...
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    16 min
  • Networking Mistakes That Kill Connections: Tiffany Ball's Guide to Authentic Relationship Building
    Jun 19 2025
    In this insightful June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking, takes over to share hard-earned wisdom about the networking mistakes that sabotage professional relationships before they even begin. Through personal stories and practical advice, Tiffany reveals the three critical errors most people make: judging others too quickly, forming exclusive cliques, and disrespecting others' time through poor scheduling habits. She introduces the powerful "croissant vs. donut" concept for inclusive networking and shares how a person she initially dismissed became one of her favorite clients and biggest supporters. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for creating meaningful connections, managing your schedule intentionally, and making every person you meet feel valued and included. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking, a community focused on creating intentional connections where opportunities are meaningful and every person's presence matters. A self-described recovering people pleaser and empath, Tiffany discovered her natural ability to read people and make them feel comfortable, skills she now channels into building authentic professional relationships. Through Grow Networking, she creates spaces where connections happen organically and purposefully, moving beyond surface-level interactions to build lasting business relationships. Tiffany's approach to networking emphasizes the human element of business, believing that when people feel accepted, valued, and comfortable, true opportunities for collaboration and growth emerge. Key Topics Discussed: Never Judge a Book by Its Cover: The danger of writing off potential connections based on first impressions or communication stylesThe Clique Problem: How exclusive groups form at networking events and make newcomers feel unwelcomeCroissant vs. Donut Theory: Creating open circles (croissants) instead of closed groups (donuts) to welcome new peopleScheduling Respect: The importance of honoring commitments and not repeatedly rescheduling meetingsHostage Taker Syndrome: Recognizing when someone monopolizes conversations and how to gracefully exitIntrovert vs. Extrovert Dynamics: Understanding different networking styles and helping introverts feel includedThe Power of Discomfort: Why stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the best networking opportunitiesIntentional Connection Building: Making every interaction count and treating people's time as valuableBridge Building vs. Bridge Burning: How small actions can make or break professional relationshipsCreating Inclusive Spaces: The responsibility of experienced networkers to welcome newcomers Powerful Quotes from the Episode "You never know where your clients are going to come from... you just never know, he's one of my favorite people now... I had to give him an opportunity." "We are so complex, and we are so intricate, a lot of us are. And if we don't give each other the opportunity to show and showcase who we are as people, then how else are we ever going to know how those people can show up for us in our lives?" "Don't judge a book by its cover, because you never know what that person is going to be able to do for you in your career, or what connections that they can give you and bring to the table." "Croissants always have an opening, right? So if you're talking in a group of people, always move to the side to allow for more people to come in." "There is power in the discomfort guys. And until you get in that discomfort and get comfortable with that, do you move through it and find the power and the magic... on the other side of that." "When we end up rescheduling and rescheduling people multiple times... what we do is we say to them that they are not a priority in our schedule and in our lives and that we don't really need to talk to them." "People remember how you make them feel. And these are ways that you can make people feel separate, make them feel isolated, make them feel not good enough." "If you go through life and you try to cause the least amount of harm to others, I just believe that that's how your life is going to end up." Loved this episode? Tiffany's practical advice about authentic networking could transform how you approach professional relationships. Remember: every person you meet has potential value - the key is being open enough to discover it and respectful enough to nurture it. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball Facebook and Instagram Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for intentional business connectionsNetworking Events: Look for local networking opportunities in your areaOne-on-One Meetings: Schedule intentional follow-up conversations after networking events Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different experts in their zones of geniusResilient Voice Media: A global podcast network and production company amplifying great people who do great work Host: Gabi Garland, founder of...
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    17 min
  • The Mindset of Networking: Overcoming Discomfort to Build Authentic Connections
    Jun 12 2025
    In this deeply personal June episode of "Pass the Mic," Tiffany Ball, founder of Grow Networking, opens up about the mindset shifts that transformed her approach to networking. As a recovering alcoholic with 10 years of sobriety, Tiffany shares how the self-awareness gained through recovery helped her understand the psychological barriers that keep people from networking effectively. Through the story of her first terrifying networking experience at a country club—complete with an overly enthusiastic handshaker and an inappropriate booth visitor—she illustrates how our internal narratives of "not being enough" sabotage our success. Tiffany introduces her memorable (and admittedly inappropriate) "donut analogy" to explain why networking fails when we approach it with the wrong mindset, and shares how showing up authentically, rather than trying to be who we think others want us to be, is the key to building meaningful business relationships. Tiffany Ball is the founder of Grow Networking and a recovering alcoholic with 10 years of sobriety. Coming from a military family with a financially challenging background, Tiffany has spent much of her adult life learning to navigate spaces where she initially felt she didn't belong. Her journey through Alcoholics Anonymous taught her valuable lessons about self-awareness, authenticity, and changing automatic thought patterns—skills she now applies to helping others overcome networking anxiety and build genuine business connections. Tiffany describes herself as someone who "knows how to people" but had to learn how to be "more human and less chaotic." Her approach to networking emphasizes authenticity over performance, relationship-building over immediate sales, and the power of showing up as yourself in professional spaces. Key Topics Discussed: Recovery and Self-Awareness: How 10 years of sobriety and AA taught valuable lessons about mindset and authentic relationshipsImposter Syndrome in Professional Settings: Feeling like you don't belong in upscale or professional environmentsNeural Pathways and Automatic Thinking: How our brains create automatic responses and why mindset work is necessary to change themThe First Networking Experience: A detailed account of overcoming anxiety at a country club networking eventSetting Manageable Goals: The power of committing to meet just three people to make networking less overwhelmingDealing with Uncomfortable Situations: Handling inappropriate behavior and awkward interactions while networkingThe "Donut Analogy": Why approaching networking with the wrong mindset leads to failure and discomfortAuthenticity vs. Performance: The importance of being yourself rather than who you think others want you to beNetworking as Seed Planting: Understanding that networking is about long-term relationship building, not immediate salesBuilding Your Advocate Network: Creating a tribe of people who will promote your business in spaces where you're not present Powerful Quotes from the Episode "I had to learn how to be more human and less chaotic." "Our brain wants to turn everything into automatic. So it doesn't have to think a lot about it... that's how habits are formed, even traumas and things like that." "My insides was like, you don't belong here. This is not a place that you belong in." "I am a superhero when it comes to moving through discomfort. And because the discomfort is always there for me, like it doesn't go away." "I'm that person that's in my head who has been there for 42 years saying, hey, you're probably not good enough... that bitch is still there. She's always there. But I know how to talk to her now." "I said, I hate people who wipe their ass with donuts... if you don't do it the right way... you are going to feel like you have glazed donut in your butt." "You don't have to be somebody else... You can be who you are and you're going to find your tribe and you're going to find the people who are passionate and believe in what it is that you're doing." "You're planting a seed when you're networking... The reason that you should show up to those events is to be yourself. And to enjoy it and make connections because in those connections your business will grow." Loved this episode? Tiffany's raw honesty about overcoming personal barriers to build authentic business relationships offers hope for anyone who has ever felt like they don't belong in professional networking spaces. Remember: the discomfort is where the magic happens. Resources CONNECT WITH Tiffany Ball Facebook and Instagram Links Grow Networking: Tiffany's community for authentic business connectionsAlcoholics Anonymous: Recovery support mentioned as foundational to Tiffany's personal growthNetworking Events: Local chamber of commerce and professional networking opportunitiesMindset Work: Resources for changing automatic thought patterns and building confidence Connect with the Show Pass the Mic Podcast: A unique monthly format featuring different ...
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    16 min