The Pursuit of Value Podcast

“Can you share a bit about your background and career path?”

This is his standard opening to establish a guest's expertise and backstory for the audience.

“In a sentence or two, how would you describe what you and your business do today?”

He asks this after the background story to get a concise 'elevator pitch' of the guest's current work.

“When a new client hires you, what is the first thing you do?”

This reveals the guest's practical, on-the-ground process, moving from theory to application.

“Can you describe for the audience what the term [jargon/key term] means in this context?”

He uses this to ensure the audience isn't left behind, making specialized topics more accessible.

“Where do misunderstandings between [Group A] and [Group B] typically start?”

Asks the guest to pinpoint the root cause of common friction points in business communication or culture.

“Your background in [Field A] and career in [Field B] isn't a typical combination. What are your thoughts on that?”

Used to explore non-linear career paths and how skills transfer between seemingly unrelated fields.

“You've said [guest's previous statement]. What do you mean by that in a business context?”

A signature follow-up that probes deeper into a guest's specific concept or unique phrasing.

“What's the most common mistake or biggest blind spot you see when leaders try to [specific challenge]?”

This question is a staple for eliciting common, avoidable errors and delivering direct advice to the audience.

“What does good [e.g., sales leadership] look like in a [specific type of company]?”

This question seeks a clear definition of best practices from an expert in their specific domain.

“Why is having [a specific practice, e.g., experienced local leadership] a non-negotiable?”

Frames a best practice as essential and challenges the guest to articulate its core importance.

“Can you share a story about an early mistake that taught you a big lesson?”

This elicits a personal narrative of learning from failure, making the guest's advice more relatable.

“What surprised you most when you first started [new venture or operating in a new market]?”

This question uncovers personal insights and the unexpected realities of a business journey.