I had a blast talking with Jan Spence, a Certified Speaking Professional and TEDx speaker whose journey from professional women’s full‑tackle football to international keynote speaker is unforgettable. Jan shares how turning a sea of competitors into teammates through simple encouragement sparked her “Cheer Leadership®” philosophy. We dive into actionable tools - from ‘putting on that Teflon raincoat’ to overcoming fear, to using ‘A‑B‑or‑C’ goals to build momentum. Plus, we explore how small gestures - handwritten notes, energy boosts, meaningful check‑ins, etc. - can transform leadership, sales, and team culture. Prepare to be encouraged, motivated, and ready to lead with more courage and connection."

• Fear isn’t permanent. Wear that ‘Teflon raincoat’ to slide off rejection or hesitation.

• Your mindset matters. Reframe risks and focus on simple actions rather than perfection.

• Cheer leadership works. Small acts of encouragement can unify teams and elevate performance.

• Use “or” in your goals. Make goal‑setting flexible to build momentum and avoid overwhelm.

• Intentional connection is powerful. From sticky notes to weekly one‑on‑one check‑ins, small acknowledgments go a long way.

• Lead with authenticity. Being relatable, present, and encouraging builds loyalty and morale.

• Jan Spence’s website: https://www.janspence.com/

• Jan’s Book: Cheer on Your Team! 52 Tips to Increase Employee Retention, Engagement, and Loyalty

• Jan’s TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/k41bimZXAeA?si=uBahC83hAmdJZKSi

• Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-spence/