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Business

Amplify Speakers Podcast

Amplify Speakers Podcast features conversations with elite speakers, leaders, athletes, authors, and change-makers who know what it takes to perform at a high level and create real impact. Each episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore mindset, leadership, resilience, and the moments that shaped their journey. Hosted by Chris Sund of Amplify Speakers, this podcast spotlights voices that challenge thinking, inspire action, and help listeners elevate how they lead, communicate, and show up.

Latest Episodes:

The Spirit of TA DA: When Work Becomes Play Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

The Spirit of TA DA: When Work Becomes Play

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Joel Zeff. He shares his journey from improv comedy to becoming a renowned keynote speaker, emphasizing the importance of celebration, ownership, and positive support in leadership and teamwork. Discover practical strategies to foster engagement and create a thriving workplace culture.

Takeaways

Joel Zeff's journey from improv to keynote speaker
The importance of celebration and positive support in teams
How ownership drives engagement and success
The role of fun and joy in workplace culture
Practical strategies for leaders to motivate teams
Celebrating small wins daily fuels passion and engagement.
Ownership and positive support are essential for team success.
Fun and joy are vital components of a thriving workplace.
Improv teaches valuable lessons about teamwork and adaptability.
Leaders should ask, 'How do I help my team succeed?'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Joel Zeff and His Journey

03:11 The Evolution of Improv and Speaking Career

05:56 The Power of Improv in Business

08:54 Celebrating Success: The Ta-Da Philosophy

11:52 Finding Joy and Fun in Work

20:49 Creating Ownership and Passion in Teams

25:30 The Power of Ownership in Team Success

27:57 The Importance of Positive Support

30:00 Helping Others Find Success

30:59 Insights from a Diverse Career

35:01 Stories from the Stage

42:57 Wrapping Up with Key Takeaways

Quotes

"Celebrate the small ta-dub moments every day"

"Opportunity creates joy and fun in work"

"Ask, how do I help my team find success?"

Links

Joel Zeff’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/joel-zeff/

Joel Zeff’s Website:

https://www.joelzeff.com/

Joel Zeff’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelzeff/

Joel Zeff’s Book:

https://www.joelzeff.com/book

Choose Your Attitude, Create Your Life Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Choose Your Attitude, Create Your Life

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Nick Strand. He shares his incredible journey from touring with legendary artists to building resilience through personal adversity. Discover his impactful framework 'Attitude + Action = Impact' and learn how to overcome challenges, foster human connection, and live with purpose.

Takeaways

· Resilience and overcoming adversity

· The 'Attitude + Action = Impact' framework

· The power of human connection in personal and professional life

· Attitude + Action = Impact

· Five Attributes of Success: Connection, Authenticity, Consistency, Self-Empowerment, Urgency of Time

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nick Strand's Journey

02:49 The Thrill of Touring and Human Connection

05:46 Memorable Experiences in Live Events

08:45 The Impact of Personal Adversity

12:13 Transitioning to Speaking and Sharing Lessons

15:03 Finding Purpose Through Pain

17:51 The Power of Attitude and Resilience

30:18 Turning Adversity into Purpose

31:10 The Framework of Attitude, Action, and Impact

40:11 The Power of Community and Connection

44:12 Attributes of Transformation

51:52 Applying Lessons in Business and Life

Quotes

"Choose your attitude, create your life."

"Lizzo understood human connection."

"She was told she would die by 13."

Links

Nick Strand’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/nick-strand/

Nick Strand’s Website:

https://www.thenickstrand.com/speaking

Nick Strand’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenickstrand/

Nick Strand’s Book:

https://a.co/d/0hd1fWp8

Life Undeferred: The Identity Shift That Changes Everything Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Life Undeferred: The Identity Shift That Changes Everything

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Jerrid Sebesta. He shares his transformative journey from meteorology to high-performance coaching. Discover how internal shifts, belief rewiring, and surrender can unlock greater peace, happiness, and success.

Takeaways

· The shift from meteorology to coaching and personal development

· The importance of internal beliefs and programming

· How to increase capacity for receiving and success

Chapters

00:00 From Meteorology to Transformation Coaching

03:00 The Pressure of Live Broadcasting

06:05 Discovering Passion and Purpose

11:47 Awakening to a New Path

16:02 Increasing Capacity for Success

21:59 Foundational Truths for Personal Growth

25:56 Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind

27:21 Reigniting Desire for Success

29:15 Rewiring Beliefs and Self-Worth

37:44 The Power of Surrender and Detachment

41:32 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Quotes

"Life is a reflection of your programming."

"Your main reason here is to receive."

"Peace is a byproduct of inner shifts."

Links

Jerrid Sebesta’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/jerrid-sebesta/

Jerrid Sebesta’s Website:

https://www.jerridsebesta.com/

Jerrid Sebesta’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerridsebesta/

Jerrid Sebesta’s Book:

https://a.co/d/0eU3Kuw3

The Vibe: Why Culture Beats Strategy Every Time Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

The Vibe: Why Culture Beats Strategy Every Time

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Kelly Cardenas. He shares his journey from business owner to influential speaker, emphasizing the importance of culture, vibe, and authentic communication in creating successful organizations and impactful experiences. Discover practical strategies to enhance team engagement, build culture, and deliver memorable live events.

Takeaways

· The importance of culture and vibe in business

· Reverse engineering business success through culture

· The role of communication in leadership and culture

· Creating memorable live experiences with The Vibe Room

· The ripple effect of speaking life into people

· Culture is an environment suitable for growth, not static.

· The vibe is about how people feel when you leave, not just energy.

· Authentic communication involves understanding the language of others.

· Creating experiences like The Vibe Room can transform lives and businesses.

· Speaking life and recognizing unsung heroes boosts morale and performance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kelly Cardenas

02:20 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

05:50 Understanding the Vibe

12:02 Defining Culture in Business

15:24 Communication and Culture

20:15 Speaking Life into Employees

27:32 The Ripple Effect of Positive Culture

30:10 The Importance of Being Seen and Heard

31:53 Creating a Culture of Value

33:01 Introducing the Vibroom Experience

40:09 The Magic of Connection at the Vibroom

41:59 Building Your Own Stage

45:18 Expanding the Vibroom Experience

48:23 The Ripple Effect of Impactful Experiences

Quotes

"Most challenges come down to communication."

"Love the people, manage the system."

"Leave every place better than you found it."

Links

Kelly Cardenas’ Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/kelly-cardenas/

Kelly Cardenas’ Website:

https://www.kellycardenas.com/

Kelly Cardenas’ LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-cardenas/

Kelly Cardenas’ Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Vibe-Missing-Ingredient-Changes-Everything-ebook/dp/B0CKNV93XR

Unmuted: Overcome Fear and Embrace Your Voice May 18, 2026

Show notes

Unmuted: Overcome Fear and Embrace Your Voice

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Rachel Druckenmiller. She shares her journey from burnout to boldness, including her incredible experience singing the national anthem at Camden Yards and her insights on overcoming fear, building confidence, and living a life that makes you feel alive.

Takeaways

· Rachel's journey from corporate burnout to full-time speaker

· The transformative power of visualization and self-belief

· Overcoming fear and stepping into big opportunities

· The importance of physical and emotional strength in personal growth

· Saying yes to opportunities can lead to life-changing experiences.

· Visualization and feeling the success before it happens primes your mind.

· Surrounding yourself with supportive people accelerates growth.

· Physical strength boosts mental and emotional resilience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rachel Druckenmiller

02:02 Rachel’s Background and Path to Speaking

03:36 Leaving Corporate for Full-Time Speaking

07:14 The Impact of the Pandemic on Rachel’s Business

08:46 Rachel’s Near-Death Experience and Recovery

14:00 Physical and Emotional Healing Journey

18:10 Rachel’s Dream to Sing the National Anthem

20:24 The Surprise Opportunity at Camden Yards

22:10 Preparing for the Big Stage

24:09 Building a Foundation for a Bigger Life

25:31 Advice for Feeling Stuck and Building Confidence

28:07 Visualization and Materialization of Dreams

32:51 The Power of Belief and Taking Action

34:38 Rachel’s Future Goals and Dreams

38:34 Allowing the Unfolding of Your Life Journey

39:07 Closing Remarks and Follow Rachel’s Journey

Quotes

"You get one life. Take a chance."

"What's it costing you to hold back?"

"Don't rob us of your contribution. Show up."

Links

Rachel Druckenmiller’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/rachel-druckenmiller/

Rachel Druckenmiller’s Website:

https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/

Rachel Druckenmiller’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/

Inspired By It: The Strategy and Mindset for Sustainable Success May 11, 2026

Show notes

Inspired By It: The Strategy and Mindset for Sustainable Success

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Brian Reynolds. He shares his journey from starting at Coca-Cola at 17 to building a social media following of over 250,000. He discusses goal setting, authenticity, consistency, and the importance of thinking long-term to achieve success in both personal and professional life.

Takeaways

· Goal setting and achievement over two decades

· Building an authentic personal brand

· The role of consistency and authenticity in social media success

· Writing down goals increases the likelihood of achievement.

· Authenticity and consistency are crucial for social media growth.

· Thinking long-term (2-3 decades) is more effective than short-term goals.

· Overcoming fear of failure is essential for progress.

· Building a supportive circle helps sustain motivation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Reynolds

01:20 Brian's Journey and Goal Setting

05:03 Transitioning to Social Media and Authenticity

11:45 The Impact of Inspirational Content

16:20 Motivational Speaking and Encouraging Youth

22:41 Overcoming Obstacles and Consistency

28:41 The Importance of Passion and Genuine Impact

Quotes

"Authentic content resonates most"

"Persistence beats talent"

"Everyone has bad days, push through"

Links

Bryan Reynold’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/bryan-reynolds/

Bryan Reynold’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-reynolds-8897b845/

All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose May 04, 2026

Show notes

All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Rashmi Airan. She shares her powerful journey from a successful attorney to facing prison, and how her experiences shaped her approach to leadership, decision-making, and resilience. This episode explores the importance of self-awareness, recognizing red flags, and making better choices under pressure.

Takeaways

· The importance of self-awareness in decision-making

· Recognizing and acting on red flags in professional relationships

· The impact of emotional reactions on critical decisions

· The 'Clarity Loop' process for better choices under pressure

· Resilience and personal growth after facing adversity

· All of us are capable of drift, especially under pressure.

· Listening to your inner voice can prevent costly mistakes.

· The 'Clarity Loop' involves four questions to improve decision quality.

· Red flags are often ignored because of emotional reactions.

· Personal adversity can be a catalyst for growth and leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rashmi Aaron's Journey

01:16 From Attorney to Prison: A Life-Altering Experience

07:42 Lessons Learned: The Drift and Decision-Making

13:31 The Clarity Loop: A Framework for Better Decisions

18:43 Rebuilding Life After Prison: A New Purpose

24:44 The Launch of 'All Rise': Sharing the Story

Quotes

"Good people with good intentions can drift"

"I turned a blind eye to the red flags"

"Too good to be true is a red flag"

Links

Rashmi Airan’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/rashmi-airan/

Rashmi Airan’s Website:

https://rashmiairan.com/

Rashmi Airan’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashmia

Reset with Resilience: Overcoming Setbacks and Moving Forward Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Reset with Resilience: Overcoming Setbacks and Moving Forward

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Mandy Gill. She shares her journey from resilience in personal setbacks to ultra endurance athletics, emphasizing the importance of resilience, ownership, and mindset in overcoming life's challenges. Discover practical frameworks like 'First Attempt in Living' and 'Catch It, Check It, Change It' to boost your resilience and performance.

Takeaways

· Resilience in personal and professional life

· The 'First Attempt in Living' framework

· Overcoming setbacks in ultra endurance sports

· The importance of mindset and ownership

· Practical resilience strategies for everyday life

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mandy Gill and Her Journey

03:10 The Importance of Resilience in Life

06:09 Overcoming Self-Sabotage and Building Resilience

09:11 Fear of Failure and the First Attempt in Living

12:11 The Balance of Rest and Performance

15:06 Challenges in Ultra-Endurance Athletics

24:04 Lessons from Setbacks and Failures

29:55 Framework for Moving Forward: Catch It, Check It, Change It

Quotes

"Self-sabotage is a major roadblock."

"Catch it, check it, change it."

"Where focus goes, energy flows."

Links

Mandy Gill’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/mandy-gill/

Mandy Gill’s Website:

https://www.mandygill.com/

Mandy Gill’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandygilldotcom/

Mandy Gill’s Book:

https://www.mandygill.com/book

Mastering Change Fluency Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Mastering Change Fluency

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Jay Kiew. He shares his journey from overcoming childhood health challenges to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker and change expert. We explore themes of change fluency, AI integration, leadership, and balancing personal and professional life, offering practical strategies for navigating uncertainty and driving innovation.

Takeaways

· Change fluency as a language

· AI integration and ethical considerations

· Leadership in uncertain times

· Change as a language

· Change interpretation and response archetypes

· Practice speaking change as a language

· Reframe technology adoption as a change opportunity

· Use strategic foresight to discover new possibilities

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change and Innovation

02:47 Jay Kiew’s Journey and Background

06:01 The Challenge of Change in Organizations

08:58 Understanding Change Mindsets

12:11 The Role of AI in Change Management

15:12 Creating Value Through Storytelling

18:05 Balancing Technology and Human Touch

21:02 Innovative Approaches to Recruitment

23:55 The Importance of Family and Work-Life Balance

27:04 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

Quotes

"AI gets us 80% of the way there."

"Build solutions that make an impact."

"Create memories that last a lifetime."

Links

Jay Kiew’s Profile:

https://amplifyspeakers.com/jay-kiew/

Jay Kiew’s Website:

https://www.changefluency.com/

Jay Kiew’s LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaykiew-change-fluency/

Jay Kiew’s Book:

https://www.changefluency.com/book

Becoming Unstoppable When It Matters Most Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Becoming Unstoppable When It Matters Most

Summary

In this episode of the Amplify Speakers podcast, host Chris Sund interviews Alex Weber. He shares his journey from a bullied kid and college athlete to a coach, entertainer, and Ninja Warrior. Discover powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and the importance of caring for others to unlock your full potential.

Takeaways

· Leadership and culture in coaching

· The importance of showing care and appreciation

· Lessons from competing in Ninja Warrior

· Building resilience through failure and support

· Leadership Culture Model

· Growth Mindset in Sports and Life

· Show genuine care and appreciation for team members

· Build trust through micro moments and authenticity

· Persist through failure and show up consistently

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alex Weber