Heartbeat For Hire with Lyndsay Dowd

After nearly 200,000 cold calls and a million auto-dialer calls, Stephen Oommen discovered something shocking: 98% of his revenue came from warm referrals. Today, he breaks down how sellers can turn relationships into predictable growth. In this episode, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Stephen Oommen, a 25-year go-to-market veteran, speaker, and author of the upcoming book The Referral Effect. Stephen shares why nearly 98% of his business revenue came from warm referrals, despite making hundreds of thousands of cold calls throughout his career. Stephen opens up about growing up as the child of immigrants in Oklahoma, navigating an identity crisis that ultimately became his superpower—the Chameleon Effect—his ability to adapt, connect, and create trust across any environment. That skill later became the foundation for his referral-based sales methodology. You'll learn: - Why executives don't respond to cold outreach—and what they do respond to - How to close the trust gap by scaling warm referrals - The "Magic Networking Question" that instantly upgrades your network - The 99 and 1 Principle for managing energy in sales and relationships - How leaders can balance intensity, kindness, and long-term legacy If you're a B2B seller, founder, GTM leader, or executive tired of low-yield outreach, this conversation will challenge how you think about networking, sales culture, and growth. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Stephen Oommen, the Truth Teller. 02:22 – Stephen's Origin Story: From Bankruptcy to Corporate Success. 04:48 – The Chameleon Effect: Turning Identity Crisis into a Superpower. 10:39 – Cold Calls vs. Warm Referrals: The Efficiency vs. Effectiveness Debate. 16:54 – How to Start Networking: Nurturing and Activating Relationships. 19:16 – The Live Exercise: Asking the Right Questions to Build a Network. 22:50 – Using Qualifiers: Geography, Industry, and Title. 26:08 – The 99 and 1 Principle: Managing Energy in Sales. 30:04 – What Inspires Stephen: Growth, Contribution, and Laughter. 32:38 – Legacy: Kindness Character vs. Intense Personality. 35:00 – What's Next: Speaking Tours and The Referral Effect. About the Guest Stephen Oommen is a 25-year go-to-market veteran with experience spanning frontline sales to executive leadership. He has worked with startups and global enterprises including Microsoft, ADP, and Citibank. Stephen is the only speaker and trainer dedicated to helping B2B sellers solve the biggest challenge in modern sales: lack of access to decision makers. His work focuses on closing the trust gap by scaling the most successful method known—warm referrals. A successful entrepreneur and W2 employee ("entreployee"), Stephen has retired from corporate twice, paid off hundreds of thousands in non-mortgage debt, and is currently writing his book The Referral Effect. He believes legacy is built at the intersection of kindness, generosity, and laughter. Connect with Stephen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenoommen/ About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #B2BSales #SalesStrategy #WarmReferrals #ColdCalling #SalesLeadership #GTM #Networking #RelationshipSelling #SalesPodcast #TheReferralEffect

What if the solution to feeding the world isn't on land—but in the ocean? Today, we're diving into the future of food with James Beard and Emmy-nominated storyteller Jennifer Bushman. In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire, we dive into the deep blue with Jennifer Bushman, a James Beard Award–nominated chef, Emmy-nominated producer, and co-founder of Fed by Blue. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up in a cattle-ranching family in Colorado to becoming one of the world's leading advocates for sustainable aquaculture, ocean health, and blue foods. We explore her groundbreaking PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, the innovators restoring our oceans, and why the future of food depends on what comes from water—not land. Jennifer debunks common myths around farmed vs. wild seafood, explains how seaweed farming can regenerate ecosystems, and reveals why storytelling—not fear—is the key to environmental leadership and lasting change. From shrimp farms in Minnesota dairy barns to kelp used in skincare and ice cream, this conversation offers a hopeful, practical vision for feeding a growing world while healing our oceans. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Why Seaweed is the Vegetable of the Future 00:44 – Welcome: Meet Jennifer Bushman 01:51 – Jennifer's Origin Story: From Cattle Ranching to Ocean Advocacy 03:50 – Feeding the World: Reliance on Blue Foods 05:15 – Seaweed: It's More Than Just Sushi (Skincare, Toothpaste, & Ice Cream) 07:05 – Fed by Blue and the Hope in the Water Docuseries 09:00 – The Power of Celebrity Advocates: David E. Kelly & Martha Stewart 11:35 – Breaking the Stigma: The Truth About Farm-Raised Seafood 14:10 – Innovation Spotlight: Farming Shrimp in Minnesota Dairy Barns 16:45 – Leadership Lesson: Using Storytelling to mobilize funding and action 22:15 – Finding Inspiration and Defining Legacy 24:58 – What's Next & The Blue Food Cookbook About the Guest Jennifer Bushman is an award-winning chef, cookbook author, consultant, and storyteller working at the intersection of food, sustainability, and ocean health. A multiple James Beard Award nominee and Emmy nominee, Jennifer is the co-founder of Fed by Blue, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable blue foods and aquaculture. She is also the creator and producer of the PBS docuseries Hope in the Water, spotlighting the water farmers, fishers, and scientists driving real solutions to restore our oceans and feed the world. Jennifer serves on the Board of Directors of The Marine Mammal Center and believes innovation, education, and hope are essential to solving the ocean crisis. Website: www.jenniferbushman.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-bushman-86782212/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_bushman About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #JenniferBushman #FedByBlue #BlueFoods #FutureOfFood #SustainableSeafood #OceanHealth #Aquaculture #FoodSystems #EnvironmentalLeadership #HopeInTheWater #SustainableEating #ClimateSolutions

What if the secret to leading creative teams wasn't control — but curiosity? Rob Sharenow shares the leadership philosophy behind decades of award-winning programming. In this episode of The Heartbeat for Hire Podcast, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Rob Sharenow, President of Programming for A+E Networks, overseeing the creative vision behind A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Rob is one of the most respected creative executives in modern media — an award-winning writer and producer, Emmy and Peabody–recognized leader, and a guiding force behind some of the most impactful storytelling and programming in the industry. But his career? Anything but linear. Rob takes us through his unexpected path: ➡️ an unhappy academic in a PhD program ➡️ a risk-taking pivot into screenwriting ➡️ a bold 30–40% pay cut to pursue passion ➡️ and finally, rising to the top of a major media organization This powerful conversation offers a rare inside look at what it really takes to lead creative teams, navigate volatility, and shape culture in one of the most competitive industries in the world. This episode is a must-listen for creators, leaders, media professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to understand the DNA of great storytelling and extraordinary leadership. 📌 Timestamps 0:00 | The Evolution from a "Unified Culture" to a "Fragment Culture" 0:37 | Introducing the Episode's Three Key Learning Themes 1:12 | Meet Rob Sharenow, Creative Force at A&E, Lifetime, and History 1:59 | The First Rule of Leadership: Always Give Credit to Your Teams 2:30 | Rob's Circuitous Journey: From Academics to Screenwriter to TV Executive 5:53 | The Unique Culture of A&E and Leading Multiple Brands 7:41 | The "No One Wants to Read Anything Twice" Rule: Why Preparation is Everything 9:11 | Leadership Principle: Differentiating Passion from Conviction 10:48 | Killing a Good Idea: Navigating Tough Creative Feedback in "Show Business" 13:25 | The Risky Decision: Taking a Pay Cut for a Passion Project 15:13 | Decoding the Volatile Media Landscape and Targeted Content 19:15 | How to Maintain Psychological Safety for Creative Teams 21:28 | The Enduring Power of Individual Creative Acts 27:04 | Rob's Final Advice for Aspiring Creators & Final Thoughts 👤 About the Guest Rob Sharenow is a leading creative media executive, award-winning writer, and producer who currently serves as President of Programming for A+E Networks. He oversees all creative development and production for A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime, A&E Indie Films, and Home.Made.Nation. Throughout his career, his teams have earned numerous Primetime Emmys, News & Documentary Emmys, Peabody Awards, and even Academy Award recognition. A former screenwriter and longtime executive, Rob's leadership is defined by curiosity, clarity, and a deep respect for creative storytelling. 👩‍💼 About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. 🌐 Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 🛍️ To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! 📲 Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: 👉 Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ 👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H 👉 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #RobSharenow #AENetworks #CreativeLeadership #MediaIndustry #Storytelling #LeadershipPodcast #HeartbeatForHire #LyndsayDowd #EntertainmentIndustry #ContentCreation #TVLeadership

What It Feels Like to Lead the World's Most Successful Musical with Maggie Brohn ---------------------------- She started answering phones. Now she runs Broadway's biggest global hit. Meet Maggie Brohn, the powerhouse behind Hamilton. In this episode of Heartbeat for Hire, host Lyndsay Dowd sits down with Maggie Brohn, Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the powerhouse Executive Producer of Hamilton across Broadway, the West End, Disney+, multiple global tours, and international productions. Maggie shares the remarkable story of how she went from answering phones in a theatrical office to becoming an owner, producer, and one of the most influential leaders in modern theater. She breaks down how Hamilton transitioned from a groundbreaking production into a global business — operating more like a major corporation than a traditional Broadway show. We explore the art of leading creatives, building trust, setting authority, navigating strong emotions, and making mission-critical decisions. Maggie reveals what it takes to guide artists while staying grounded in business realities and cultivating a team capable of worldwide excellence. She also opens up about listening, cultural sensitivity, DEI conversations, building long-term contracts, and why the industry needs a full reset. Plus, Maggie shares what Broadway needs most right now — and how audiences can help. Timestamps 00:00:00 Intro: The Audience's Desire for Delight in Theater 00:01:00 Introducing Maggie Brohn: Broadway's Executive Producer and COO 00:01:58 Maggie's Journey: From Answering Phones to Producing Hamilton 00:03:23 Leading Creatives: Setting Authority and Navigating Feelings 00:04:30 The Power of Trust and Delegating to Expertise 00:06:00 The Biggest Lesson: Moving Theater from "Show" to Global Business 00:08:15 Adapting Hamilton for International Audiences 00:11:59 The Current State of the Broadway Business 00:18:24 Setting Boundaries as a Manager 00:20:32 An Early Leadership Test: The Jack Daniels & Massage Request 00:23:46 Leading as an Outsider and a Woman in a Male-Dominated Group 00:24:49 Listening & Hard DEI Conversations 00:26:50 Maggie's Legacy: Leading an Industry "Reset" 00:30:22 Union Negotiations & Long-Term Contracts 00:33:26 How to Support Theater & Broadway Today 00:34:18 Conclusion & Final Thoughts About the Guest Maggie Brohn is the Chief Operating Officer of Adventureland and the Executive Producer of Hamilton on Broadway, the West End, the international tour, UK/Ireland Tour, and Disney+. Her recent credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail at New York Botanical Garden, the 2023 Sweeney Todd Broadway revival, Hamilton in Hamburg and Australia, Derren Brown: Secret, and The Cher Show. Previously a partner at Bespoke Theatricals, Maggie general-managed major plays and musicals for over a decade. She serves on the Board of Governors and Executive Committee for The Broadway League and is a former Co-Chair of the Labor Committee. She resides in New York City with her husband and two children. About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. Official Brand Partner: https://MyDeals.Page/19c3 To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #Hamilton #Broadway #MaggieBrohn #HamiltonMusical #ExecutiveProducer #LeadershipPodcast #CreativeLeadership #TheaterBusiness #WomenInLeadership #BehindTheScenes #HeartbeatForHire

The Truth About Food Nobody Told You with Matt Beaudin | with Lyndsay Dowd Some chefs chase fame. Matt Beaudin chased truth. From riverbank fires in Vietnam to volcanic soil in Rwanda, he learned from people whose kitchens often had no walls—only stories, culture, and purpose. Today, he shares that journey with us. In this cinematic and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Chef Matt Beaudin, a world-class culinary leader whose career has been built not in glossy kitchens—but in the kitchens of villagers, fishermen, farmers, and cultures most chefs have only read about. Matt's journey has taken him from the volcanic slopes of Rwanda to riverbank fires in Vietnam, from hidden markets in Hong Kong to back-porch grills in the Caribbean and small island kitchens in Barbuda. He didn't travel to collect stories—he traveled to earn them. Today, Matt is a leading voice in sustainability and conservation, using food as a platform for purpose. In this conversation, he shares how consumer choices shape global supply chains, why real sustainability requires truth—not marketing—and how partnering with the right suppliers can uplift communities and protect the environment. We also dive into his journey from barely graduating high school in a small New Hampshire town to attending the Culinary Institute of America, often called the "Harvard of cooking schools," and becoming a globally respected culinary storyteller. If you care about food, culture, leadership, conservation, or making an impact, this is a must-listen. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Episode Themes 01:18 – Meet Chef Matt Beaudin: From Small Town to CIA 04:39 – Leadership and Culture in the Kitchen 05:31 – Partners, Not Purveyors: Food as a Conservation Platform 08:49 – The Reality of the Global Supply Chain (Ghana & Vietnam) 13:00 – Finding Purpose: SSA Group & Seafood Watch 17:14 – Simple Ways to Make an Impact 24:56 – The Power of Consumer Choice & Sense of Place 28:49 – Bluefin Tuna & Conservation Wins 32:00 – Final Takeaway About the Guest Matt Beaudin is a globally recognized chef, culinary storyteller, and advocate for sustainability and conservation. His work bridges culture, food integrity, and environmental responsibility through partnerships with communities around the world. About the Host – Lyndsay Dowd is a Speaker, Founder, Author, Coach, Podcast Host—and unapologetic Disruptor. With 30 years of leadership experience, including 23 at IBM, she's built and led high-performing teams that consistently delivered results. She also served as a Guest Lecturer at Harvard University, sharing her insights on modern leadership and culture transformation. As the founder of Heartbeat for Hire, Lyndsay helps companies ditch toxic leadership and build irresistible cultures that drive performance, retention, and impact. She's been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and over 100 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time best selling author of Top Down Culture and Voices of Women, and the host of the globally ranked and 2X awarded Heartbeat for Hire podcast—sitting in the top 2.5% worldwide. She is also the host of a weekly live show called THE LEADERSHIP LOUNGE. Lyndsay is a frequent speaker, moderator, and guest, known for her candor, humor, and ability to spark action. To my loyal listeners - I love luxury and I love a great deal. If you are looking for an amazing gift or a way to treat yourself, Go to https://cozyearth.com/ and use the code LEADWITHHEART and get 41% off. It's the deepest discount you will find anywhere and I get commission too! This brand has been on Oprah's Favorite Things 9 times!! Happy Shopping! Connect with Lyndsay Dowd: Website: https://heartbeatforhire.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdh4h/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h #ChefMattBeaudin #CulinarySustainability #FoodCulture #VoteWithYourPlate #CulinaryJourney #ConservationMatters #SustainableSeafood #GlobalCuisine #CulinaryLeadership #FoodWithPurpose