Adaptability, Empathy & Authenticity with Rick Denley

Rick Denley is a keynote speaker, leadership coach, and founder of Peak Performance Leadership Services. With over 30 years of experience guiding organizations through transformational change, Rick empowers sales teams and leaders to embrace growth, develop trust-based cultures, and lead with courage. Blending engineering expertise with real-world leadership insights, Rick delivers impactful keynotes, coaching, and workshops that help people evolve into the best version of themselves.
 

SHOW SUMMARY

In this episode of Selling from the Heart Podcast, Larry Levine and Darrell Amy are joined by Rick Denley, leadership coach and founder of Peak Performance Leadership Services. Together, they explore the importance of adaptability, empathy, and authenticity in sales and leadership. The conversation covers how to lead through change, connect with Millennial and Gen Z decision-makers, and cultivate trust-based workplace cultures. Rick shares practical advice on being courageous and vulnerable while staying grounded in integrity—offering listeners a powerful roadmap for personal and professional growth.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Adaptability is Essential: Change is constant, and embracing it leads to growth and fulfillment.
• Empathy is a Superpower: Empathy requires courage, presence, and cannot be faked—it builds deep connections.
• Authenticity Wins: Vulnerability and being your true self foster trust in both clients and teams.
• Lead Across Generations: Millennial and Gen Z buyers and employees value transparency, respect, and growth.
• Build Daily Habits: Leadership and relational skills must be practiced consistently—not switched on and off.

HIGHLIGHT QUOTES

The only constant in the world today is change. We need to get better at changing.

Adaptability, empathy, authenticity—these are the skills that will help us become the best versions of ourselves.It's about identifying the anchor that holds you back to move forward.

You can’t fake empathy. If you try, people will pick it up in your tonality, your body movement, and all this.

Vulnerability and authenticity take just as much courage as confidence.

People buy from people they know, like, and trust.”The only constant in the world today is change. We need to get better at changing.

Allow the up and coming generations to have a say, be seen and heard, and they’re going to be fully engaged.

📌 FOLLOW THE CONVERSATION

Connect with Rick:
➡️Rick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdenley/
 

Learn more about Darrell and Larry:  

➡️Darrell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/

➡️Larry's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrylevine1992/

➡️Website: https://www.sellingfromtheheart.net
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Explore the secrets of heart-centered leadership and thriving workplace cultures with Culture from the Heart Podcast—nominate a visionary CEO at www.culturefromtheheart.com!

Listen to Larry Levine’s Bestselling Book — Selling in a Post-Trust World! Now available on Audible! Transform your sales approach with insights that matter.  

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