For this last show of 2025, host Steve Vaughan is joined by the "two Jonathan's" - Cooper and Slasinski to delve into the critical topic of sales forecasting. The team discuss the definition of forecasting, its importance in sales management, and the best practices for achieving accurate predictions. Topics include the role of data, the challenges faced in forecasting, and the dynamics of teamwork in achieving sales goals. The episode concludes with practical tips for improving forecasting accuracy, emphasizing the need for clear communication and understanding within sales teams.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan and his colleagues Jonathan Slasinski, Christian Walter and Pascal Le Floch  discuss the importance of managing stakeholder groups in B2B sales, particularly in the life sciences sector. They explore the necessity of engaging with multiple stakeholders beyond just the end users, including decision-makers in various departments such as operations and IT. The team discuss the need for a balanced approach between top-down and bottom-up strategies in sales, as well as understanding the unique needs and concerns of each stakeholder involved in the purchasing process. Topics include the need for empathy, curiosity, and relationship-building, especially with purchasing departments, to enhance sales success. They also discuss the challenges posed by organizational politics and the significance of timing in the sales process, particularly in avoiding the rush at the end of financial periods.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury of Choice, host Steve Vaughan and guests Christian Walter and Jonathan Slasinski discuss the essential needs and expectations of customers in the laboratory equipment sector. They explore the importance of understanding customer workflows, the value of face-to-face interactions in building trust, and the role of emotional intelligence in sales. The conversation emphasizes the need for salespeople to prioritize customer needs over upselling and to foster long-term relationships based on reliability and support.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

Getting appointments with key customers and prospects is vital in successful B2B sales. It's never been easy, and it is only getting more difficult! In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host and Senior Sales Trainer Steve Vaughan is joined by two fellow members of the George James training team to discuss approaches, best practice and strategies in getting more face to face meetings with decision makers. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of the Luxury of Choice Podcast Steve Vaughan and Jayne Green and joined by Jonathan Slasinski for his first podcast with the team to discuss the inevitable aspect of rejection in sales. They explore how to cope with rejection, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the learning opportunities that arise from these experiences. A key takeaway that rejection is not personal but rather a part of the business process, and they share personal stories from their own sales career as examples. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury of Choice, Steve is joined by Jayne Green and Christian Walter to discuss the concept of corridor conversations in sales, exploring their significance, appropriate topics, and the potential pitfalls. 

They emphasize the importance of professionalism, curiosity, and relationship-building during these informal interactions, whether in-person or virtual. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of meeting in different environments, such as labs versus coffee shops, and the importance of post-meeting reflections to maintain rapport with clients.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode, Steve is joined again by fellow sales trainers Pru Layton and Christian Walter, to discuss product demonstrations. All too often in technical B2B sales, salespeople are too eager to book a product demonstration with a customer, without properly qualifying the opportunity. Steve, Pru and Christian discuss timing of the demonstration, how to prepare, and why the demonstration is part of the sales process, not the final objective. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

The Luxury of Choice is back for Series 3! In the episode, host Steve Vaughan and trainers Pru Layton and Christian Walter discuss the critical importance of preparation before sales calls. They explore various aspects of preparation, including mental, physical, and technical readiness, as well as the significance of researching customers to bring value to meetings. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in enhancing preparation and shares real-life examples of both good and bad preparation experiences. The episode concludes with final thoughts on the necessity of thorough preparation to ensure successful customer engagements.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this  bonus episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan introduces Jonathan Slasinski, a new member of the George James training team based in the United States. Jonathan shares his diverse career journey from being a high school science teacher to a successful sales professional in the life sciences industry. He discusses his transition into training and enablement roles, emphasizing the importance of effective training programs. The conversation explores the benefits of local training, the collaboration between internal and external training providers, and the value of fresh perspectives in training. Jonathan also shares his upcoming training initiatives and highlights the significance of work-life balance.

Jonathan Slasinski LinkedIn Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

After 22 episode of the Luxury of Choice Podcast, we are taking a short break for the summer. We will be back in September 2025 with our next series of sales and sales leadership topics. 

In this short message Steve Vaughan looks back on our 2nd series of the podcast, outlines the plans for Series 3, as well as giving a little teaser of something new and exciting coming in September.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, hosts Steve Vaughan, Jayne Green, and Pru Layton reflect on their personal journeys into sales, sharing insights and lessons learned throughout their careers. They discuss the importance of preparation, the value of sales training, and the significance of building strong customer relationships. The conversation also touches on the challenges of rejection and the necessity of persistence in sales. Finally, they offer sage advice for new salespeople entering the field, emphasizing the importance of prospecting and understanding the dynamics of customer interactions.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Pru Layton, and Jayne Green discuss effective strategies for managing large sales territories. They emphasize the importance of planning, identifying key accounts, maximizing efficiency in customer visits, and leveraging support roles. The conversation also highlights the use of technology and tools to enhance sales efforts and the need to focus on both high-potential accounts and those in less competitive areas. The episode concludes with practical tips for structuring territory coverage and maintaining customer relationships.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

Many sales people in technical sales are comfortable talking about the latest features of their instrument or consumable product. After all, they are in the role they have due their technical or scientific knowledge. However, it is an old adage in sales that customer don't buy features, they buy benefits. In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan is joined by Jayne Green and Christian Walter, where they discuss F.A.B. selling, or how to link features to an advantage, and to uncover the benefits these may bring to a customer in their work. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

Salespeople often get nervous when their manager contacts them to arrange a day in the field with them seeing customers. Field accompaniment is a great way for a sales manager to give coaching and feedback to their salesperson, and for the salesperson to learn "on the job". In this episode host and trainer Steve Vaughan is joined by his two colleagues Jayne Green and Pascal Le Floch. The team discuss the importance of preparation for the days, some key "Do's and Don'ts", how to agree who does what in the call, and lots more useful tips and recommendations. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury of Choice, Steve Vaughan is joined by Jonathan Cooper and Christian Walter. The team discuss the critical role of feedback in personal and professional development. They explore the definition of feedback, its importance in fostering self-awareness, and the distinction between constructive feedback and criticism. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective timing, the significance of focusing on behaviors rather than personalities, and the creation of a safe environment for feedback discussions. They also touch on the concept of 'feed-forward' and share personal experiences with 360 feedback, highlighting the importance of trust and specificity in feedback processes.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

One of the most common challenges we hear from sales people is lack of time do fit everything in. Whether in front line sales, sales support or sales leadership, demands on our time from our customers, colleagues and our own organisation constantly challenge our ability to think and to plan. 

In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, along with colleagues Jayne Green and Pru Layton, delve into the complexities of time management in today's fast-paced business environment. They discuss the challenges posed by technology, the impact of email as both a tool and a distraction, and share effective strategies for managing time and priorities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being effective rather than just busy, the necessity of saying no, and the value of planning one's day to enhance productivity.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan, along with colleagues Pru Layton and Pascal Le Floch, delve into the complexities of sales management and leadership. They explore why some team members respond better to certain managers, the importance of understanding team dynamics, and the various styles of situational leadership. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-awareness, effective coaching, and the balance between management and leadership roles. The episode provides valuable insights for sales managers on how to adapt their approach to meet the diverse needs of their team members, ultimately fostering a more productive and harmonious work environment.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding team dynamics is crucial for effective management.
• Self-awareness is key to improving team relationships.
• Different team members require different management styles.
• Situational leadership adapts to the needs of the individual.
• Coaching is essential for developing team members' skills.
• Delegation should be done thoughtfully to empower team members.
• Micromanagement can demotivate experienced employees.
• Regular check-ins are important for team support.
• Leadership is about guiding through challenges, not just managing tasks.
• Effective leadership requires balancing time management with team development.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this week's show Steve Vaughan is joined by two of his sales training colleagues, Pru Layton and Jayne Green. Having competition in technical B2B sales is inevitable and part of the job; however it is also good news! The team discuss why having competition helps you "sharpen the saw" and why competition doesn't necessarily mean another supplier. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

This is a special bonus episode around the topic of International Women's Day. On March 8th each year, IWD has been in place for over 100 years, and recognizes the achievements of Women worldwide, as well as campaigning for gender equality and inclusiveness. Steve Vaughan is joined by his colleague Jayne Green, plus two business leaders from the fields of lab equipment and life sciences - Belen Diaz and Johana Kuncova-Kallio. 

They discuss amongst several topics:

• Why do we still need IWD in 2025
• Cultural aspects to gender equality in business
• The barriers to women's career advancement
• Challenges and progress for Women in leadership 

Belen Diaz on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-belen-diaz/

Johana Kuncova-Kallio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuncovakallio/

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

Having regular, scheduled 1-to-1 meeting with your team members can significantly impact employee engagement and retention. Yet many managers don't prioritize 1-to-1's, or if they do have them, do them badly! 

In this episode Steve Vaughan, Pru Layton and Pascal Le Floch discuss why 1-to-1's matter, where they go wrong, and give their tips and recommendations to make them effective, enjoyable and motivationa for both manager and team member. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of The Luxury Choice podcast, host Steve Vaughan and his colleagues Jayne Green, Pru Layton and Jonathan Cooper discuss the essential elements of sales success. They explore the importance of planning, understanding performance indicators, and the role of self-awareness and management in achieving sales goals. The conversation emphasizes the need for both activity and competence in sales, as well as the significance of enjoying one's job and maintaining meaningful relationships with customers and colleagues. The episode concludes with key takeaways on how to assess if one is doing the right thing in their sales role.

Key Takeaways:

• Having a territory sales plan is crucial for success.
• Sales figures are lagging indicators and should not be the only focus.
• Enjoying your job is a key indicator of doing the right thing.
• Look to high performers for guidance and inspiration.
• Self-awareness and accountability are essential in sales roles.
• Regular one-on-one meetings with management can provide valuable feedback.
• Leading indicators help in identifying gaps early in the sales process.
• Skills development is necessary for maintaining competence in sales.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of the Luxury of Choice podcast, Steve Vaughan, Pascal Le Floch and Christian Walter discuss the critical skill of delegation in sales and management. They explore the definition of delegation, its importance, and the challenges faced by managers and salespeople in effectively delegating tasks. The conversation covers strategies for successful delegation, the role of trust and empowerment, and the significance of situational leadership. The hosts also address when delegation may not be appropriate, emphasizing the need for leaders to lead by example and support their teams.

takeaways

• Delegation is essential for effective management and sales.
• Trust is a fundamental component of successful delegation.
• Salespeople can delegate tasks, not just managers.
• The Eisenhower matrix is a useful tool for prioritizing tasks.
• Delegation should not be seen as abdication of responsibility.
• Effective delegation involves empowering team members.
• Situational leadership is crucial in determining delegation strategies.
• Clear communication about delegated tasks is vital.
• Delegation can lead to team growth and development.
• Leaders should lead by example and not delegate everything.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this episode of 'The Luxury of Choice', host Steve Vaughan, along with guests Jayne and Jonathan, delve into the common phrase 'my order is stuck in purchasing'. They explore the implications of this phrase on sales forecasting and revenue projections, the importance of understanding the buying process, and the necessity of engaging with purchasing teams early in the sales process to mitigate delays. The conversation emphasizes the human aspect of purchasing and the need for salespeople to build relationships with purchasing professionals to facilitate smoother transactions. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of the buying process, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer relationships, particularly with purchasing departments. They discuss the challenges salespeople face, including fear and preparation, and highlight the significance of addressing terms and conditions early in the sales process. The conversation concludes with insights on leveraging purchasing departments as enablers in achieving sales goals.

Key Takeaways :

• The phrase 'my order is stuck in purchasing' often indicates a breakdown in communication between sales and purchasing.
• Salespeople should engage with purchasing teams early to understand their processes and requirements.
• Understanding the customer buying process is crucial for sales success.
• Building relationships with purchasing professionals can lead to smoother transactions.
• Salespeople often overlook the importance of the purchasing process in their sales strategy.
• Purchasing teams are not the enemy; they are part of the sales process.
• Salespeople should educate themselves on the buying process to better navigate it.
• Effective forecasting in sales requires close collaboration with purchasing teams.
• Purchasing can be overwhelmed by demands from both sales and internal teams.
• Engaging with purchasing early can help avoid delays and complications. Understanding the buying process is crucial for successful sales.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

In this final episode before the holiday season, Steve, Jonathan and Pascal discuss the challenges sales managers face in getting their teams to follow directives. They explore the importance of trust, situational leadership, and the shift from directing to coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for active listening and understanding individual team members' needs, especially under pressure. The hosts share insights on how to foster a supportive environment that encourages autonomy and self-discovery among team members, ultimately leading to better performance and team dynamics.

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/

For many sales professionals, the end of the calendar year is also the end of the business year. This frequently means a lot of stress and pressure to close as many sales as possible and the make the numbers as good as they can be. 
In this episode Steve is joined by Debbie Airey and Jayne Green to discuss how to cope at this crucial time of the year. They discuss their own experiences of year end, both as sales professionals and sales leaders. They also reflect on the importance of not forgetting that a new business year is just around the corner, and to ensure that the focus on year end doesn't mean a poor start to the new year. 

Steve Vaughan, Jonathan Cooper, Pru Layton, Christian Walter, Pascal le Floche, Jayne Green and Jonathan Slasinski are Sales Trainers from george james ltd. You can email the show at: Podcast@georgejames-training.com

The trainers on LinkedIn:

Steve Vaughan https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vaughan-salestrainer/
Jonathan Cooper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cooper-18716b1/
Pru Layton https://www.linkedin.com/in/pru-layton-b46a3528/
Christian Walter https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-walter-a1857b1/
Jayne Green https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayne-green-salestrainer/
Pascal Le Floch-Riche https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-le-floch-220ba46/

Jonathan Slasinski https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-slasinski-449a655/

george james training website https://georgejames-training.com/