Best Dr Mike Strouse Podcasts (2025)

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The Privacy Paradox (with guests Beth McCoach and David McDonald) 56:07

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11d ago56:07

56:07

Send us a text In this conversation, Dr. Mike Strouse welcomes Beth McCoach and David McDonald to discuss the complexities of privacy in care, emphasizing the paradox of seeking privacy while relying on intrusive methods. He explores how technology can enhance independence and care delivery, advocating for remote support as a less intrusive alterna…

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Ep. 63 - The Long Game Behind Sustainable Services w/ RCPA 39:46

11h ago39:46

39:46

What does it really take to build services that last—not just through the next budget cycle, but for the next decade? In this conversation, host Nate Beers sits down with Tim Sohosky from RCPA to talk about the long game in disability services: how change actually happens, why efficiency alone isn’t enough, and what leaders need to pay attention to…

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Ep. 62 - The Connection Every IDD Leader Needs w/ RCPA 37:39

8d ago37:39

37:39

In today’s episode, podcast host, Nate Beers, sits down with Tim Sohosky, IDD Director at RCPA (Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association), to uncover one of the most overlooked advantages available to leaders in the IDD field: your provider association. If you’ve ever felt like you’re leading in isolation, drowning in vacancies, or consta…

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Ep. 61 - The 7 quiet danger signs your supervisors are burning out their teams 29:25

15d ago29:25

29:25

Supervisors rarely intend to burn out their teams—but the early warning signs are easy to miss until turnover, drama, and exhaustion take over. In today’s episode, Nate breaks down The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burning Out Their Teams and what agency leaders can do to stop the cycle. These subtle patterns show up long before resigna…

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The Quest For The Good Life and The Holy Grail of Workforce Serendipity 1:15:33

18d ago1:15:33

1:15:33

Send us a text Today we welcome Nate Beers, the founder and host of the popular "IDD Leader" podcast. The conversation explores the critical role of frontline supervisors in staff retention and the lack of training they often receive in leadership. Nate Beers introduces the Leadership Lab, a new initiative aimed at providing comprehensive training,…

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Ep. 60 - Why DSP Turnover Isn’t “The Cost of Doing Business” w/ NADSP 33:41

22d ago33:41

33:41

If you’ve ever felt trapped in the cycle of high vacancy and high turnover, this episode will feel like oxygen. In Part 2 of my interview with Joe Macbeth and Dan Hermreck of NADSP, we dig into the data, the myths, and the practical steps that are actually helping agencies go from 40% turnover to 10% turnover — with DSP credentialed staff. If you l…

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Ep. 59 - From the Oval Office to the Pope: How NADSP Is Transforming DSP Work 33:43

29d ago33:43

33:43

“Born” in the Oval Office? Yes—NADSP’s origin story is wilder than you think. In this episode, Joe Macbeth and Dan Hermrick from the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals join Nate to unpack the surprising beginnings of NADSP, the national movement they’ve sparked, and why DSP credentialing is becoming one of the most effective tools f…

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The Quest to End the Perfect Storm of Workforce Challenges 1:10:19

1M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Send us a text In this episode of 'The Quest for the Good Life,' Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov welcome Marcy Davis, CEO of Candeo, who shares her journey in transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities through the innovative workforce strategies developed by GoodLife. The conversation explores the successful implementation of new work …

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Ep. 58 - The New Rules Shaping DSP Pay and Policy w/ NASDDDS and HSRI 36:31

1M ago36:31

36:31

Wages up. Turnover down. Still not enough. In Part 1, we looked at the progress: DSP wages are rising, and turnover is finally trending down. But in this episode, we explore what’s driving the next wave of change—and the new rules that could reshape DSP pay, policy, and funding for years to come. I’m joined again by Laura Vegas (NASDDDS) and Doroth…

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Ep. 57 - The State of the DSP Workforce (And Why It Matters) w/ NASDDDS and HSRI 36:53

1M ago36:53

36:53

Are DSP wages finally improving—or are we still far from solving the workforce crisis? In this episode, Laura Vegas (NASDDDS) and Dorothy Hiersteiner (HSRI) unpack what the National Core Indicators State of the Workforce Survey reveals about turnover, tenure, and wages across the country—and what that means for your organization. Explore more: NASD…

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Ep. 56 - What Really Keeps Staff in Disability Services w/ CHI Friendship 31:28

2M ago31:28

31:28

What really keeps people in disability services? In this episode, the leadership team from CHI Friendship shares how they’ve reimagined staff retention—not through higher pay or perks, but through purpose, inclusion, and genuine connection. They talk about the culture shifts that made the biggest difference: listening to staff, inviting people supp…

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The Quest For The Last Frontier 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

Send us a text The Quest continues way up north as Dr. Mike Strouse travels to the stunning, vast and unforgiving state of Alaska! Our distinguished guests are Amanda Elder and Kim Champney. The conversation explores the unique challenges and innovative solutions in delivering disability services in Alaska. Among other things the discussion highlig…

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Ep. 55 - One Simple Question Doubled Staff Retention w/ CHI Friendship 39:08

2M ago39:08

39:08

What if one simple question could change your entire organization? In this episode, leaders from CHI Friendship in North Dakota share how they saw dramatic improvements in staff retention—simply by asking one question over and over again. Through real stories of appreciation, mentorship, and leadership, you’ll hear how this one shift sparked a ripp…

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Ep. 54 - How “Professional Neighbors” Are Transforming IDD Care w/ Dr. Mike Strouse 23:12

2M ago23:12

23:12

What if your agency could deliver care as a neighborhood instead of one home at a time? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse of GoodLife Innovations shares how “Professional Neighbors” and shared living models are redefining community supports for people with IDD. The result? Lower turnover, stronger relationships, and a future where care is an amenit…

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PastCast: Rise Up, Look Back, Step Forward 20:15

2M ago20:15

20:15

Send us a text In this episode Dr. Mike Strouse addresses the enduring challenges facing service providers such as: - wonky schedules - reliance on part-time labor - early turnover - working short - reliance on PRN and pool staffing Finding the right solutions starts with asking the right questions. What are the twelve important questions service p…

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Ep. 53 - The Retention Strategy No One Talks About w/ Dr. Michael Strouse 49:55

2M ago49:55

49:55

Most providers think high turnover and staff vacancies are just part of the job. But what if there’s a proven way to predictably build a stable workforce? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse (CEO of GoodLife Innovations and founder of GoodLifeU) reveals the retention strategy no one talks about — one that’s transforming provider agencies across the c…

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Ep. 52 - Your Turnover Isn't "That Bad"? Think Again. w/ UMN Direct Support Workforce Solutions 34:15

3M ago34:15

34:15

Think your turnover isn’t that bad? You might be missing the blind spots that are costing your agency thousands. In this episode, Kris Foss and Chet Tschetter from UMN’s Direct Support Workforce Solutions share stories of agencies that turned the corner—from defensive to proactive, from crisis to culture change. You’ll hear about common leadership …

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Revolutionizing Senior Care: The Senior Neighborhood Network Is Here! 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mike Strauss discusses the challenges faced by seniors in accessing effective care, particularly the limitations of traditional in-home care and assisted living. He introduces the Neighborhood Network, a new model that combines community support, technology, and professional caregivers to provide affordable, on-d…

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Ep. 51 - From High Turnover to Thriving Workforce w/ UMN’s Direct Support Workforce Solutions 46:35

3M ago46:35

46:35

Is your agency stuck in the cycle of high turnover, vacancies, and constant shift coverage? In this episode, Kris Foss and Chet Tschetter from UMN’s Direct Support Workforce Solutions share practical steps any human services leader can take to break free. From asking and listening, to using data to identify hot spots and bright spots, to building a…

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Ep. 50 - From Family Startup to IDD Industry Standout - w/ CARES of Western PA 26:34

3M ago26:34

26:34

CARES of Western PA has grown from a small family startup into an industry standout. Yet they’ve kept their family feel at every step. In this episode, Mindy Bowen and Kate Smith share how they stay lean at the top, respond quickly to staff feedback, and keep quality of care as the non-negotiable center of everything. We also dive into how CARES is…

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The Quest for the Future of Care 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text What does it truly mean to live a “normal life”? In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov explore how technology, shifting expectations, and the lessons of the pandemic are transforming care. From “place killers” like Netflix and Amazon to the enduring vision of the Final Rule, they reimagine wha…

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Ep. 49 - From 4 Employees to 100: How This IDD Agency Scaled Without Losing Their Heart 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

In this episode, you'll hear from Mindy Bowen, Co-Owner, and Kate Smith, Assistant Director of CARES of Western PA, to unpack their incredible growth journey—going from just 4 employees to nearly 100 in a decade. We talk about: -How they built “the CARES way” and a family-friendly culture -Why investing in staff (and making it fun!) pays off -How l…

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Ep. 48 - Fixing Leadership Blind Spots that Hurt IDD Teams w/ NLC 41:55

4M ago41:55

41:55

What blind spots keep leaders from building thriving teams? In this insightful follow-up conversation with Dr. Caitlin Bailey and Kristen Loomis Greenidge, co-directors of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, we explore the hidden assumptions that quietly undermine leaders. You’ll hear how blind spots can stall growth, …

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MacGyvering & Navigating the GoodLife 56:51

4M ago56:51

56:51

Send us a text What happens when MacGyver meets Wonder Woman in the world of human services? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov sit down with Veronica St. Cyr, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Navigating Life. Together, they explore how private social platforms can foster connection, build trust, and transform care for individual…

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Ep. 47 - The Leadership Aha Moments That Change Everything - w/ Nat'l Leadership Consortium 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

What makes a leader truly grow? In this powerful conversation with Dr. Caitlin Bailey and Kristen Loomis Greenidge, co-directors of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities, we explore the aha moments that transform leaders—sometimes bringing them to tears. You’ll hear why DSPs don’t leave because of the people they serve, b…

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Ep. 46 - Better Client Outcomes: Autism and IDD Leadership Fixes w/ Dr. Peter Gerhardt 38:25

4M ago38:25

38:25

What does it take to lead in Autism and IDD services without burning out—or burning bridges? Dr. Peter Gerhardt shares surprising lessons on adapting your leadership style, keeping your team motivated, and making the work deeply meaningful for those you serve. Learn more: https://www.makeitmeaningful.info/home Do your frontline supervisors sometime…

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The Rise of the Blue Zone Man 1:06:12

4M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Send us a text What happens when you combine the wisdom of the world’s healthiest communities with a vision to reinvent how we age? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov take listeners from stories of synchronicity and small-town magic to a bold plan for creating America’s first “Blue Zone” without walls. Learn how logistics, tec…

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Ep. 45 - "Don't believe your own press" & more leadership lessons w/ Dr. Peter Gerhardt 34:07

4M ago34:07

34:07

In the field of human services, the needs are vast and the mission is clear. But when leaders are pulled in a thousand different directions, it's easy to feel stressed by the competing demands on every side. In this episode, Dr. Peter Gerhardt breaks through the complexity with simple yet profound words of wisdom from his renowned career in leaders…

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Ep. 44 - Turning Organizational Values Into Daily Actions w/ Dr. Syard Evans 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

It’s one thing to have values on the wall—it’s another to see them come to life in day-to-day decisions, especially on the frontlines. In this episode, Dr. Syard Evans returns to share how her team at Arkansas Support Network builds real values alignment across the organization—not through posters, but through clarity, consistency, and trust. She g…

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Noel's Quest for Independence 0:41

5M ago0:41

0:41

Send us a text Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jG4M1him8Hk?si=4qKdXTWneqaS5y3o Watch this Episode on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/goodlifeu/quest13?share=copy About this Episode: In this special video episode of The Quest for the GoodLife Podcast, Dr. Mike Strouse travels to Arkansas to meet Noel—an insightful, passionate young man with…

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Ep. 43 - Leveraging AI in human services w/ Dr. Syard Evans of Arkansas Support Network 57:36

5M ago57:36

57:36

How can AI help your organization provide values-based, person-centered care? And what are the risks and benefits? In this episode, Dr. Syard Evans shares what is already happening at her organization—how they have developed an AI tool that moves them even further toward their innovative approach to providing care. And she gives examples of how oth…

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Ep. 42 - Tackling staff turnover w/ Dr. Dennis Reid 22:03

5M ago22:03

22:03

Is this a "good idea" or something that will actually move the needle when it comes to reducing staff turnover? This is Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Dennis Reid, and in it he unpacks practical steps to take at your organization to most effectively decide how to address staff turnover. We all know that staff retention is a complex issue and it…

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The Holy Grail of Taking Care of People Who Take Care of People 1:02:56

5M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Send us a text In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov welcome Todd Lewis, VP at IMA and a passionate advocate for those who care for others. Together, they unpack the complex world of ICHRAs—Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements—and why these innovative benefits are gaining traction ac…

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Ep. 41 - Supervisor training that actually works w/ Dr. Dennis Reid 37:37

5M ago37:37

37:37

In Part 1 of this powerful interview, Dr. Dennis Reid—renowned author of The Supervisor’s Guidebook—shares how to train supervisors effectively, what to do if a supervisor is struggling, and how to start developing future leaders from your DSP team. If you want to improve staff performance, reduce drama, and build stronger supervisors, this episode…

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Ep. 40 - From "too many vacancies" to "fully staffed" - How to recruit more DSPs 18:20

5M ago18:20

18:20

The problem isn't the people. It's the process. Fix your recruiting process and your vacancies will drop. This episode offers 12 simple changes that make a huge difference in improving your hiring funnel. And if you want a blank Hiring Funnel Worksheet to help you in that process, get yours at iddleader.com/funnel. Do your frontline supervisors som…

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Beyond Turnover's Temple of Doom 1:09:14

6M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

Send us a text Is your workforce strategy stuck in the past? In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov dig into the hidden traps of traditional scheduling in the care industry. Through powerful analogies and data-driven insights, they explore how rigid five-day workweeks, fragmented part-time roles, and outdated scheduling models are…

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Ep. 39 - How to recruit more DSPs and reduce your job vacancies 15:07

6M ago15:07

15:07

If you're at all involved in the hiring process of Direct Support Professionals (or you oversee the people who do), then this episode is for you! Drop your agency's job vacancy rate and stop burning through overtime costs. Leverage the power of behavior science to stop getting ghosted on interviews, to keep your best candidates engaged, and to stop…

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Ep. 38 - 3 Secrets to Increase your Staff Retention 16:18

6M ago16:18

16:18

Tired of the revolving door of staff? Consider these three secrets to increase your staff retention--and the quality of services you provide. Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute to staff turnover? I know how it feels... Most supervisors were never trained to lead. Get The 7 Quiet Danger Signs Your Supervisors Are Burn…

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Pinning Down Turnover 1:08:32

6M ago1:08:32

1:08:32

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mike Strouse and Ivo Ivanov sit down with Lewis Walton—attorney, tech innovator, longtime board member, and one of the most respected professional family teachers in GoodLife’s history. Together, they revisit the pivotal years between 1999 and 2002, when the seeds of remote support, professional family living, an…

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Ep. 37 - Hired an underperformer: fire them or change them? 13:19

6M ago13:19

13:19

Anyone involved in management knows the painful decision: "Can this underperforming team member be changed or do I need to let them go?" This episode breaks down the behavioral science of why this dynamic often drags on for too long at IDD agencies (and at many other businesses) and how to quickly implement a system that makes it clear when to help…

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Ep. 36 - Stop staff burnout before it starts 12:35

6M ago12:35

12:35

Too often, mission-driven organizations end up driving their people into burnout. We've all seen it--but how can you burnout-proof your workforce? In this episode, Nate breaks down the behavioral science of burnout and provides three easy next steps to stop it at your organization. Do your frontline supervisors sometimes unintentionally contribute …

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Wrestling Dragons 55:19

6M ago55:19

55:19

Send us a text This week on The Quest for the GoodLife podcast, Mike & Ivo honor the legacy of Diane Bannermen Juracek, the first employee of GoodLife, and explore how her pioneering spirit still fuels innovation today. Dr. Mike Strouse, Ivo Ivanov, and newly-appointed Executive Director Megan McKinney Todd reflect on the roots and future of GoodLi…

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Ep. 35 - The 3-sentence script for any tough employee conversation 13:07

7M ago13:07

13:07

Sweaty palms and a knot in your stomach? Or a raised voice and regrets later? Whatever your 'style' of handling tough conversations with employees, you can benefit from a clear, 3-sentence script that will help guide you through these uncomfortable moments. In this episode, Nate breaks down the science behind tough conversations with employees and …

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Ep. 34 - Work/life balance for leaders? From pipe dream to reality 15:24

7M ago15:24

15:24

Many human services leaders struggle with finding the right balance between work and the rest of life. It's a demanding, heart-and-soul line of work that lends itself to frequent crises which can happen at all hours. And yet, neglecting to promote (or protect) work/life balance for yourself or your staff is a recipe for burnout... and for perpetuat…

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The Wizard Behind the Curtain 1:07:20

7M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Send us a text In this episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse is joined by Beth McCoach and David MacDonald—GoodLife’s leaders in operations and tech innovation—for a compelling conversation on how smart technology is reshaping the way we support independence, safety, and connection. Together, they explore: How iLink is evolving in…

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Ep. 33 - What Happens When You Invest in Your People? w/ Core Services 41:42

7M ago41:42

41:42

If you've ever wondered about the long-term impact of investing in your staff, Core Services has been innovative and unrelenting in their efforts... And they are getting a huge return on investment! Executive director Nick Filarelli explains why Core Services "bares their soul" on their website, how they dropped to an astoundingly low vacancy rate,…

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Ep. 32 - Improve team performance in 15 minutes a day 19:03

7M ago19:03

19:03

What if I told you that a zero-dollar, 15-minute strategy could transform your team? Would you believe me? If your frontline supervisors (or you) are constantly putting out fires, can't get your team to take initiative, or are the last to know when something's going wrong--this episode is for you. In it, Nate will unpack the art and science of a st…

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The Quest for the Temple of Community 1:02:40

7M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Send us a text In this heartfelt and visionary episode of The Quest for the GoodLife, Dr. Mike Strouse and co-host Ivo Ivanov explore the power of real communities—what makes them work, why they matter, and how GoodLife's Neighborhood Network is redefining intentional, inclusive living. From memories of small-town Missouri to the story of a remote …

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Ep. 31 - Why most supervisors struggle (and how to change that) 15:45

7M ago15:45

15:45

When someone gets promoted to supervisor, it's usually because they had great performance, not necessarily because they had great people skills. Sure, if they have been providing direct support, they will be good at that aspect of people skills, but what about providing feedback, addressing concerns, and asking questions to reduce team drama? It's …

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Ep. 30 - Please Don’t Go: How to Retain Employees (and Supervisors) on the Verge of Quitting 19:25

8M ago19:25

19:25

Sometimes, you know they're on the verge. But, is there a way to win them back?? Good news--the answer is yes! In this episode, Nate will discuss who's worth trying to save, a simple step-by-step process to win them back, and how to proactively build an experience that people don't want to leave. Plus, it covers common stuck spots and how to overco…