So many of us are thrown into the deep end of sales, armed with nothing but a phone, a quota, and a sense of dread. But what if everything you knew about selling—and leading—was wrong?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with veteran sales and leadership coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals how he transforms struggling teams and uncertain professionals into confident, high-performing closers. From cold calls and door-to-door rejections to masterminding sales breakthroughs across industries, Howard’s stories and strategies will forever change the way you look at selling—and yourself.
Takeaways:
- Why most sales training fails—and what actually works to grow sales and confidence.
- The hidden reason companies “churn and burn” their salespeople (and how to break the cycle).
- How understanding personality unlocks rapport—and closes deals you never thought possible.
- The 15 ways to close a deal (and why most salespeople only know two).
- The power of mentorship: what it means to truly impact someone’s life—and how the best rewards might come years later.
Timestamps:
- 0:00 — “Thrown Into Sales: The Untold Truths” (Raw beginnings in sales, no training, and early challenges)
- 5:01 — “Breaking Through: From Cold Calls to Coaching” (Howard’s shift from uncertainty to helping others succeed)
- 9:09 — “Teaching, Mentorship & The Long Game” (The hidden power of teaching and an unforgettable story from the New York Mets)
- 12:00 — “The Confidence Gap: Inside Every Salesperson’s Mind” (Why even superstars struggle—and what to do about it)
- 14:18 — “Scripts, Humility, and the Secret to Connection” (Weaponizing preparation without losing authenticity)
- 15:09 — “When Salespeople Hit the Wall: Making Breakthroughs Happen” (Practical stories of real-world growth)
- 20:40 — “Scaling the Unscalable: The Mistake That Destroys Sales Teams” (Howard’s #1 blueprint mistake—revealed)
Guest Links:
Website: www.howardwolpoffSWC.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/
Junaid Ahmed is a multi-passionate creator, storyteller, and home studio architect who believes your voice can change your world. As the host of Hacks and Hobbies, he dives deep into the journeys of people turning passion into purpose — from garage inventors to global entrepreneurs.
The podcast began as a simple idea: record honest conversations about side projects, creativity, and the hustle behind the scenes. Years later, it’s become a movement — showcasing the real, raw, and inspiring stories of everyday innovators.
Whether he’s building pro-level studios or geeking out over podcast gear, Junaid’s mission is clear: help people show up with confidence, clarity, and character.
🎧 New episodes weekdays. New perspectives in every story.
