Denise Griffitts - Your Partner In Success!

Shen Yun Conductor Ying Chen on 18 Years of Reviving China’s 5,000-Year Culture Through Music, Dance, and ResilienceMy guest today on Your Partner In Success Radio is Ying Chen, and her story reads like a symphony of courage, resilience, and unshakable faith.In 2006, she stood at the conductor’s podium as Shen Yun Performing Arts was born—not in the glitter of Broadway or the security of an established institution—but as an all-volunteer effort by first-generation immigrants determined to bring back 5,000 years of Chinese civilization nearly erased by communist rule. Against impossible odds, they transformed that vision into what is now the fastest-growing performing arts company in American history.But Ying’s journey goes far beyond the music. Her family in China endured detention and torture for holding to their beliefs. Instead of silencing her, those experiences gave her voice even more power. Today, through Shen Yun’s orchestra, she leads a sound that does more than entertain—it awakens memory, revives c

Good morning and welcome. I am your host Denise Griffitts and in this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, my cohost, legendary sales trainer Ben Gay III reflects on the timeless lessons he learned from his greatest mentors—wisdom that continues to guide his work and life to this day.  We are picking up from where we left off last week. There was just too much to talk about!From mastering the art of influence to understanding the psychology of human connection, Ben shares the strategies, stories, and turning points that shaped him into one of the most respected voices in sales. In my LinkedIn newsletter today, I hadn’t planned to write about Dr. Napoleon Hill and Chapter 6 — I actually had a completely different article queued up and ready to go. But after our conversation last week, it seemed only right to slightly shift gears.Ben mentioned that he feels the “tide is turning back” in America, pointing to ads and corporate behavior. He compared it to the backlash against New Coke, calling it a “Cracke

Mastering Entrepreneurship and Client Success in NYC with Steve GriggsSteve Griggs is the founder of Steve Griggs Design, a leading New York landscape design firm known for transforming city spaces into luxurious, functional retreats. With over 40 years in business, Steve blends creativity, grit, and a hands-on approach—mastering the challenges of NYC’s “concrete jungle” and serving clients ranging from everyday families to celebrities and high net worth individuals. His customer-centric philosophy, reputation for clear communication, and dedication to exceptional results have earned him recognition as one of the industry's top designers and entrepreneurs.Steve Griggs built his reputation navigating the unique challenges of New York’s urban landscape—balancing creativity with the practical realities of space, regulations, and demanding clients. He often describes working in NYC as a test of resourcefulness: “You need grit, honesty, and a hands-on mindset to cut through the red tape and make visions come to li

In this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, legendary sales trainer Ben Gay III reflects on the timeless lessons he learned from his greatest mentors—wisdom that continues to guide his work and life to this day. From mastering the art of influence to understanding the psychology of human connection, Ben shares the strategies, stories, and turning points that shaped him into one of the most respected voices in sales. And don’t be surprised if one of the lessons is the opposite of what most salespeople are taught—insights that can change the way you sell, lead, and succeed.Last week we covered Boring wins! The most successful people rely on simple routines that look ordinary but produce extraordinary results. In this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts reveal how consistency builds trust, mastery, and lasting success.Buy the Closers Books Pt 1 and Pt 2 on eBay: Having these books in front of you while listening to The Closers Inner Circle Podcast lets you follow

Smart Relocation: Data-Driven Choices for Your Next MoveToday on Your Partner In Success Radio,  I’m joined by Vasily Yurenkov, founder of Greener Relocation, a company transforming the way people decide where to live. Greener Relocation helps individuals and families make smarter moves—whether across the country or around the globe—using a proprietary multifactor algorithm that evaluates more than 150 cities in 70+ countries.With a background in high-stakes data analysis for investors and executives managing decisions worth millions, Vasily brings analytical rigor to a process that’s often clouded by stress and uncertainty. Having lived and worked internationally himself, he understands both the opportunities and challenges of relocation.Since founding Greener Relocation in 2021, his mission has been clear: replace guesswork with clarity, structure, and actionable insights. Through in-depth consultations and personalized rankings, his team helps clients cut through stereotypes, compare locations objectively,

Your Leadership Legacy: LTC Oak McCulloch on Servant Leadership, Trust, and Building Leaders for TomorrowLieutenant Colonel (Retired) Oakland “Oak” McCulloch is back with us today, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome him back to Your Partner In Success Radio. Oak served our country for more than 23 years in the U.S. Army, holding leadership positions at every level—from training young recruits to commanding soldiers in the field and advising senior leaders. His career gave him not only a wealth of experience but also a deep belief in servant leadership: that leadership is never about you—it’s about the people you serve.Since retiring from the Army, Oak has carried that mission forward. He’s become a sought-after speaker and mentor, traveling across the country to teach leaders how to build trust, empower their teams, and leave a lasting impact. He captured these lessons in his book, 'Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be', which blends personal stories with practical, timeless wisd

They Liked It but Didn’t Buy? How to Diagnose and Fix a Stalled CloseWelcome back to The Closers Inner Circle Podcast. We are your hosts, Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III, and today we’re tackling a situation every salesperson knows too well: the prospect loved your presentation, nodded along, said all the right things… and then didn’t buy.Why does that happen? Where did the close stall? And more importantly, what can you do to diagnose it and move from ‘I like it’ to ‘I’ll take it’?Ben and I are going to break down the most common reasons deals stall, how to uncover the real objections hiding under polite smiles, and practical steps you can take to turn interest into action. Because in sales, ‘liking it’ doesn’t pay the bills — closing does.If you’d like to go deeper into these conversations, grab your copies of The Closers Books 1 and 2 by Ben Gay III at Ronzone Books on eBay. They arrive with free shipping and are signed by Ben. These books are the foundation for everything we discuss here, and you can fol

The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Smarter, Faster Decisions with Geoff WoodsGeoff Woods is the #1 bestselling author of The AI-Driven Leader, host of the AI-Driven Leader podcast, and Founder of AI Leadership and The AI-Driven Leadership Collective™, a highly vetted network of executives collaborating to harness AI to build better businesses and better lives. As the former Chief Growth Officer of Jindal Steel & Power, Geoff’s strategic leadership helped the company grow its market cap from $750 million to over $12 billion in just four years. Prior to that, he co-founded the training and consulting company behind The ONE Thing, advising businesses ranging from $10 million to $60 billion in annual revenue.His book, The AI-Driven Leader, advocates for using AI as a strategic partner to enhance decision-making and drive growth. It emphasizes putting strategy and people first, with technology serving as a tool to support business goals. Woods provides practical guidance for leaders to prioritize effe

Boring wins. The most successful people rely on simple routines that look ordinary but produce extraordinary results. In this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts reveal how consistency builds trust, mastery, and lasting success.Success rarely comes from grand gestures. It is built in the quiet repetition of small, deliberate actions. Boring routines might not get attention, but they eliminate decision fatigue, create structure, and free mental energy for the work that truly matters. Whether it is following the same prospecting process every morning, blocking time for skill development, or checking in with clients on a set schedule, these habits become the invisible scaffolding that supports long-term wins.Over time, this consistency compounds into mastery. The more you repeat the fundamentals, the more automatic and effective they become. Routines make you reliable in the eyes of clients, teammates, and partners, building trust you cannot buy. By letting the “boring” p

In this episode of Your Partner In Success Radio, sales expert Ian Selbie shares proven strategies to improve sales effectiveness, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable revenue growth. With over 25 years of experience training more than 17,000 sales professionals worldwide, Ian reveals practical tips you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading a sales team or closing deals yourself.A former Apple sales leader (Top Salesperson in the World, 1990), Ian is also the author of If You Were Arrested for Selling, Would There Be Enough Evidence to Convict You? and host of the podcast Confessions of a Sales Pro.Discover how to improve forecasting accuracy, increase customer loyalty, hire more effectively, and boost both revenues and margins. This conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you sell smarter and lead stronger.Connect with Ian online: Website | LinkedIn | Confessions of a Sales ProSPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is sponsored by Damon Lembi, C

When Your Soul Speaks: Listen and Create a Life You Love with Steffani LefevourMy guest today on Your Partner In Success Radio, Steffani LeFevour is a soul strategist, bestselling author, and unapologetic advocate for women living their truth. With a no-fluff approach to personal growth, Steffani helps women stop settling and start creating lives that actually feel like their own.She’s spent over two decades guiding thousands of women to ditch perfection, own their stories, and step fully into their power—without burning their lives to the ground in the process. Whether it’s navigating radical self-acceptance, healing emotional wounds, or manifesting from a place of clarity and courage, Steffani is the mentor who meets you where you are—and walks with you toward who you’re meant to become.Connect with Steffani online: Website | LinkedIn | InstagramSPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is brought to you by Krisstina Wise. Krisstina is passionate about helping high-income entrepreneurs tra

The Timeless Art of Selling: Blending Classic Skills with Modern StrategiesWelcome to The Closers Inner Circle Podcast with me, Denise Griffitts, and my co-host, legendary sales trainer and author Ben Gay III. Today we’re asking a question that every salesperson should consider: Is there still a place for old-school sales skills?In a world dominated by AI, automation, and digital selling, are the classic skills—like relationship-building, handwritten notes, and face-to-face conversations—outdated, or are they the secret advantage in today’s hyper-digital marketplace? We’ll explore which skills remain timeless, how human connection can still close deals, and how modern sales professionals can blend technology with these proven methods to stand out and succeed.If you want to keep up with the strategies we talk about here on The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, make sure you grab a copy of The Closers books by Ben Gay III. These books are considered the sales bibles for professionals around the world—they’re packed

Today on Your Partner In Success Radio, I am joined by Marcus Sheridan, a world-renowned communication expert, bestselling author, and keynote speaker who has spent over two decades helping leaders, brands, and sales teams transform the way they connect with their audiences.With 23 years of entrepreneurial experience and more than 13 years in the speaking industry, Marcus has mastered the art of human connection. He is known for teaching organizations how to build trust, engage authentically, and influence effectively in a world where audiences are more discerning than ever.Marcus is the author of Endless Customers: A Proven System to Build Trust, Drive Sales, and Become the Market Leader, where he shares a clear and actionable framework for creating a consistent flow of loyal customers by focusing on transparency and trust.In this conversation, we explore:How to build authentic trust with your audience and customersThe role of communication and transparency in driving salesWhy human connection is the most po

Strategic Rest in Leadership: The NAP FrameworkToday on Your Partner In Success Radio, my guest Dr. Erin Wilson is on a mission to transform how leaders and teams thrive by integrating relationship intelligence, strategic rest, and intentional leadership. As CEO of Design Ideal Consulting, she crafts transformative team-building experiences and is a certified expert in Core Strengths, The Five Behaviors, and Everything DiSC. Erin is also the co-founder of the Strategic Rest Summit and co-author of 'Strategic Rest in Leadership: The NAP Framework', where she challenges the hustle mindset to help leaders cultivate clarity, resilience, and creativity. She co-hosts The Power NAP live show, exploring the intersection of rest, leadership, and innovation.I have her book on my desk as we speak and I highly recommend it and this is why: I’m someone who tends to be a workaholic, so rest doesn’t always come naturally to me. What really struck me is how the book talks about the guilt so many of us feel for taking breaks

Sales as a Calling vs. a Hustle: Finding Your Real Why with Ben Gay III and Denise GriffittsWelcome to The Closers Inner Circle Podcast with Ben Gay III and Denise Griffitts, where we go beyond surface-level tactics and dive deep into what truly drives long-term success in sales and leadership.In today’s episode, we’re asking a question that every true closer must answer for themselves: What’s my real why? Is sales just a hustle to get through the month, or is it a calling that demands your best thinking, habits, and purpose?We’ll explore the mindset shifts and daily disciplines that separate the burned-out from the fulfilled, and the transactional from the transformational. This conversation is about self-mastery, internal alignment, and building a business that reflects your values—not just your quotas.If you’ve ever paused to reflect on what’s really driving you in this business, this conversation will help you reconnect with your purpose and move forward with greater clarity.If you don’t already own The C

Generate Ideal Clients from Social Media in 30 Minutes a Day: Deb Coman’s Proven Trust-Building StrategyToday on Your Partner In Success Radio, I’m joined by Deb Coman—a leading content conversion strategist and copywriter. Deb empowers service-based business owners to turn engaged audiences into loyal buyers, helping them build trust, showcase their unique spark, and create a steady stream of clients with less stress. She’s been recognized by BuzzSumo as a “Top 100 Content Marketer to Follow Right Now” and by NOW Marketing Group as a “Top 113 Digital Marketing Expert to Follow.” Get ready for actionable insights on how to truly connect and convert through social media—without spending all day online.You can find her on your favorite social media platforms and at DebComan.comSPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Radio is brought to you by Devon Blaine and The Blaine Group, Inc.When it comes to getting noticed and making a lasting impression, Devon is the powerhouse ally you want by your side.

Designing Your Life: Intentional Living with Bill ZujewskiWelcome to Your Partner In Success Radio! Today, I'm honored to have Bill Zujewski, Founder and CEO of GoodLiife LLC. With over 20 years as a high-tech marketing executive at companies like Oracle and PTC, Bill made a life-changing transition into entrepreneurship fueled by his passion for intentional living and life balance. He’s the visionary behind the Life By Design™ system and the ZenScore™ app—practical tools that help people score their life satisfaction and track meaningful progress toward purpose-driven goals. Bill is also the author of 'What’s Your Life Score: A Playbook for Designing Your Best Life', and his mission is clear: to help people reduce stress, take ownership of their happiness, and create lives designed with intention. Get ready for a powerful conversation about living well in today’s chaotic world!Connect with Bill Zujewski: Buy the Book | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | XSPONSORED BY: This episode of Your Partner In Success Ra

Ben, What Did Your Best Mentors Teach You That You Still Use Today?In this episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast, cohosts Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III dive into a personal and powerful conversation about the mentors who shaped Ben’s extraordinary career in sales, and by extension, Denise's career in marketing and podcasting.From foundational lessons in discipline and persuasion to the timeless values of integrity and consistency, Ben shares the wisdom passed down to him by some of the most influential figures in his life—and how those lessons continue to guide his decisions and behavior to this day.This isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a rich exploration of the role mentorship plays in building long-term success. Whether you’re new to sales, growing a team, or reflecting on your own impact, this conversation will inspire you to think deeply about who shaped your path—and how you might shape someone else’s.SPONSORED BY: This episode is sponsored by Your Partner In Success Radio—my own long-ru

The Terms and Conditions of Value-Based Leadership with Noel MassieWelcome back to Your Partner In Success Radio. I am your host Denise Griffitts, and today, my guest is Noel Massie, former Vice President of UPS’s U.S. Delivery Operations and author of an insightful book on leadership - 'Congrats! You've Been Promoted: An Essential Guide for Helping New Leaders and Their Teams Succeed' which is an essential guide for equipping new managers with the tools and strategies to lead their teams successfully. Noel began his career at UPS as a part-time employee in college and rose to oversee 200,000 employees and 12,000 supervisors before retiring in 2019. He now mentors young leaders and serves on several influential boards, including the Annenberg Foundation, the Los Angeles Urban League, Chapter ONE US, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legal Center.He’s received numerous awards for his leadership and civic impact — and today, we’ll dive into the lessons he's learned along the way.SPONSORED BY: This epi

How to Build Trust, Upsell with Integrity, and Win Back Clients: Insights from Denise Griffitts and Ben Gay III on The Closers Inner Circle PodcastWelcome to today’s episode of The Closers Inner Circle Podcast with me, Denise Griffitts, and the legendary Ben Gay III. We’re diving into one of the most important — and often most delicate — aspects of sales: how to truly nurture client relationships over the long haul.How do you approach upselling or cross-selling without ever damaging the trust you’ve worked so hard to build?Once a client is happy, what’s the best way to ask for testimonials or case studies that shine a light on their success? We’ll also explore smart ways to keep existing clients engaged and continuing to buy, even when you don’t have anything particularly new to offer, plus how to stay in touch without it feeling forced. And of course, I’m going to ask Ben to share if he’s ever successfully won back a client who left for a competitor — and exactly how he did it.Stay tuned; this is going to be