Zoltan A. Vardy

The Launch Code

• The Launch Code: a proven sales blueprint for B2B founders to consistently close 3+ high-ticket clients per quarter.
• Applied by 200+ startups across 26 countries to turn sales from guesswork into a repeatable growth engine.
• Delivered through a video course, 1:1 mentoring, group accelerator programs & workshops.

B2B Sales Strategist & Founder

• Startup & Tech Conferences: Dublin Tech Summit, EU Startups Summit, Arctic15, TechChill, TNW, Wolves Summit, PODIM, How To Web.
• Accelerators & VCs: Startup Wise Guys, Supercharger Ventures, Design Terminal, ReaktorX, Speedinvest, Kindred Capital, Euroventures, Fil Rouge. 
• Organizations: Venture Cafe, HBBA, United Way

Keynote Speaker - Sales, Growth & Entrepreneurship

Antavo Enterprise Loyalty Cloud

• Support founders, leadership team, and investors to accelerate Antavo's global expansion.
• Antavo is an enterprise loyalty SaaS technology with clients like BMW, KFC, Kathmandu and BrewDog in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Chairman

Investor & Board Member

Mentor Equity LLC

• Investor and board member of B2B enterprise technology startups based in Europe.
• Portfolio - Dexory (AI data analytics in logistics), Antavo (loyalty program SAAS tech platform)
• Exit: Brainient (video advertising technology), sold to Teads (2016).

Angel Investor & Board Member

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

• Led global ad sales teams for international TV division, 12 offices and 50+ channels across EMEA, APAC and LatAm. 
• Grew TV and digital ad revenues +20%, unified global sales organization, developed digital commercial strategy and negotiated multi-market ad partnerships.

Sr. Vice President, Global Ad Sales, NBCUniversal International Networks

ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE

• P&L responsibility for 900-employee, $150m revenue division with TV channels in Hungary (TV2, FEM3), Romania (Prima TV, Kiss TV) and a TV production company. Private-equity backed (KKR, Permira) company, bought SBS Broadcasting in June, 2007.

CEO, Central & Eastern Europe

• Generated record revenues and profits by relaunching flagship general entertainment channel, reducing costs during economic downturn, and launching cable channel portfolio.

CEO, TV2 Hungary

SBS Broadcasting

• Oversaw ad revenues of $1.1 bil for 19 TV channels in Nordic, Benelux & Central Europe; negotiated group-wide advertising deals with marketers and media agencies.

Vice President, Advertising Sales

• Led 60-person commercial team in super-charging revenues by 50% to $150 mil over 3 years alongside declining viewing share.

Commercial Director, TV2 Hungary

eEurope Media

• Developed business plan and raised $1.5 mil from angel investors to launch a network of consumer Internet portals in Central Europe; built and managed staff of 30, created exclusive partnerships with Google and Hewlett Packard; sold business to strategic buyers.

Co-Founder & CEO

CBS Corporation

GM & Vice President, CBS Plus

Turner Broadcasting

Business Development Manager, Europe

USA TODAY

Marketing Manager, Europe & Asia

I teach B2B founders how to close more enterprise deals faster using The Launch Code 🚀 Generated $2 billion in B2B revenue in my 30-year career📣 Speak about B2B sales & entrepreneurship

Struggling to sell your B2B tech product, even though you know it’s great?

I’ve been there. After 30 years in B2B sales — from leading $150M revenue teams at NBCUniversal to building my own startup — I’ve closed $2B in revenue by learning how to make skeptical buyers say “yes.”

That’s why I built The Launch Code, a proven blueprint trusted by 200+ founders in 26 countries to turn sales from a constant struggle into a repeatable growth engine. It’s designed to help founders win 3+ high-ticket clients per quarter.

👉 I created The Launch Code by blending my two worlds:

• Corporate sales leadership at the highest level

• Startup founder grit, speed, and focus

The result: a sales system that gives startup founders corporate-level structure without losing startup agility.

What you’ll learn with me:

✅ How to FOCUS your offer & message so buyers instantly get it

✅ How to STRUCTURE your sales process so you close more with less stress

✅ How to SCALE your sales so you stop doing it all yourself

Who I work with:

• Early-stage founders → use my video course + mentoring to land your first consistent high-ticket clients.

• Scaleup founders → work 1:1 with me to scale faster, build a high-performing team & break revenue ceilings.

Why listen to me?

🔹 Closed $2B+ in revenue
🔹 Carried $150M revenue responsibility as SVP at NBCUniversal 
🔹 Built & sold my own company
🔹 Investor in multiple startups
🔹 Author of The Launch Code & keynote speaker

📩 DM me if you’re ready to win 3+ high-ticket clients per quarter and turn sales into your growth engine.

• The Launch Code is a blueprint that helps B2B tech founders sell and market to enterprise customers.
• Worked with 200+ founders from 26 countries.
• I share The Launch Code via a personal mentoring program, an on-demand course and a course + mentoring package.
• Startup accelerators can choose a course + group coaching package.

“When do I give up?”
I ask myself that at least once a quarter.

When things hit harder than expected.
When a prospect or partner shuts me down.
When something I really counted on... doesn’t happen.

But somehow, I always pick up the pieces and keep moving.
Founders ask me this question too — a lot.

Because “never give up” can be dangerous advice.
Blind persistence can kill your startup just as fast as quitting too soon.

So here’s what I tell them:
✅ If you're still learning, improving, and seeing progress → keep going.
⚠️ If you're repeating, losing money, or drained of motivation → pause, pivot, or reset.

Giving up isn’t failure.
It’s strategy.
It’s how you make space for your next big win.

This is the side of entrepreneurship no one glamorizes, but every founder knows.
👉 When did you know it was time to quit?
👇 Let’s talk in the comments.

#FounderStruggles #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Startuplife

B2B Sales Strategist for Tech Founders | Win 3+ High-Ticket Clients per Quarter | Closed $2B in Revenue | Author of The Launch Code | Keynote Speaker

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This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for more than just good fortune.

I’m thankful for the decisions that changed my life, even when they felt risky.

🙏 I had the courage to walk away from a comfortable corporate career in my late 40s.
Starting over wasn’t easy. But it was right.

🙏 I get to share my knowledge with incredible startup founders, and help them turn their dreams into reality.

🙏 I’ve built a life where financial stress no longer runs the show.
It took years of hard work, discipline, and yes...a bit of luck.

🙏 I’m physically healthy and energized enough to pursue the work I care about.
That’s a privilege I don’t take for granted.

🙏 I’m surrounded by a loving wife and daughter who believe in me and support my purpose, especially on the hard days.

None of this happened overnight. But every step was worth it.

👉 What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year that didn’t come easy?

#Thanksgiving #Gratitude #EntrepreneurLife #Founders #StartupJourney #Reflection

Last week, I fired a brand new client — no regrets.

He wasn’t prepared to listen to my advice.
He was rude, dismissive, and resistant to feedback.

Ironically, his business was about helping others “clarify their focus.”
But when I asked him to define his own... he listed 20 things.
When I suggested choosing one, he pushed back. Hard.

That’s when I knew: we weren’t aligned.
And alignment isn’t a luxury. It’s a requirement.

After mentoring 200+ founders, I’ve learned:
→ The best client relationships are built on mutual respect
→ Shared values and shared trust.
 
When those don’t exist, it’s better to walk away.
Early. Clean. Honest.

Because great outcomes only happen when you’re building with the right people.

📸 This is me — standing firm in that decision.
Respect is non-negotiable.

Would you have fired him, too, or tried to make it work?

#b2bsales #founders #entrepreneurship #focus #clientrelationships

I thought publishing my book was the finish line. I was wrong.
Turns out, the real work begins after the launch.

📖𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙝 𝘾𝙤𝙙𝙚

Last week, I wrapped up an eight-month European promotional period with one final talk at Venture Café London.

𝟭𝟴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. 𝟭𝟭 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.
From Finland to Spain, Germany to Estonia, I shared The Launch Code with founders, dreamers, and doers.

I stood on stages and in countries I'd never been.
I met readers I’ll never forget.
I signed and sold hundreds of books to founders building what’s next.

And I hit walls.

My “favorite”? I once traveled 1,180 kilometers over two days... to speak to four people and sell one book.

𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀:
➡️ Hearing MY words come to life in a stranger's voice in my audiobook.
✅ Signing a Hungarian publishing deal with Líra Group for 2026.

Would I do it again?
Absolutely.

Because true impact doesn’t happen in a single moment.
It’s built, brick by brick, one trust-building conversation at a time.

👉Swipe through for moments from the road.

What’s something you finished that changed your life?

#entrepreneurship #founders #authorlife #globalkeynote #startups

The Launch Code Promo Tour 2025

Basic professionalism is now a competitive advantage.
Crazy, right?

What comes naturally to you might feel like a revelation to others.

Paul Kulon from SummerJam once told me:
“God, you’re really great with follow-up!”

Urban Lapajne from PODIM thanked me for giving honest feedback — not because it was easy, but because it was real.

It made me realize:
The stuff that makes you look like a pro isn’t flashy.
It’s not loud.
It’s consistency.

✅ Sticking to deadlines
✅ Following up when you say you will
✅ Delivering what you promised

These aren’t “big” moves....but they build trust.
And trust builds everything else.

Your achievements might get attention.
But your behavior is what earns opportunity.

What’s one “basic” behavior that, in your eyes, sets true professionals apart?

👇 I’d love to learn from your perspective.

#leadership #professionalism #followthrough #founderlife #trust

Brilliant founders. Great products. But no traction?
It’s not a product problem — it’s a sales system problem.

That changed last week. 

🚀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽 kicked off inside the V4 Startup Force accelerator, uniting early-stage founders from:
🇨🇿 Contesaur.cz  
🇭🇺 Felm
🇵🇱 RunPixie.com  
🇸🇰 shealed  

Over four intense weeks, we're going beyond theory:

✅ 5 live mentoring sessions
✅ Hands-on playbook building
✅ Real-world sales simulations

Each founder gets access to The Launch Code — but more importantly, they build their own repeatable sales process, together.

One founder’s initial feedback:
"I’ll finally know what to say in sales calls without sounding like a robot."

If you run an accelerator or incubator and want your founders to stop guessing and start closing, let’s talk.

📩 Message me to see how The Launch Code can plug into your program.

Let’s equip the next generation of founders with the skills they need to sell.

#b2bsales #startups #foundertraining #accelerators #launchcode

Imagine paying to get punched in the gut... and calling it a win.

That’s entrepreneurship.

Anastasiia H. said it better than I ever could:

“Entrepreneurship: the only roller coaster where you pay for the ride, get punched in the gut, and still stand in line for another go.”

After decades in the game, I still haven’t found a better description.

🎢 The highs? Unreal.
🥊 The lows? Unforgiving.
🔁 And yet… we get back in line. Every time.

Because once you’ve felt that rush, there’s no going back to "safe."

👉 What’s been your most unforgettable ride as a founder?

Drop your story below. I’d love to hear it 👇

#entrepreneurship #founders #startuplife #resilience #leadership #growth

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(24) Venture Café London: Posts | LinkedIn

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Talks about #b2bsales, #startups, #entrepreneurship, #salesandmarketing, and #businessdevelopment

AI-Driven Ops | GTM Operations | Workflow Automation | HubSpot CRM | Customer Success Enablement

Most founders don’t struggle because of their product.

They struggle because of their message.

If your customers don’t instantly get why you matter, they’ll move on, no matter how good your solution is.

That’s what I talked about at Podim Conference, where we broke down how clarity and structure turn chaos into consistent sales.

But the conversation doesn’t stop there.

Because the same myths keep holding founders back:
❌ That you can build a unicorn in 9–5 hours
❌ That AI can sell for you

The truth?
AI can speed you up, but if your fundamentals are broken, it’ll just help you fail faster.
And balance is great, but commitment still wins.

I unpacked all this in my latest newsletter.

Which do you think is the bigger myth right now: AI replacing sales or success without sacrifice?

Every founder I meet has one goal: sell more. But most miss the real reason they’re not closing more deals. It’s not the product, it’s not the market…

How 200+ startups fixed their sales with one simple shift

Podim Conference

Your sales team doesn’t need another motivational talk.
They need the startup mindset to close big deals faster.

I discovered my superpower at age 25 when I spoke on stage at an international sales event, sharing how I sold ads for Cartoon Network in Eastern Europe. 

I was nervous but ready.

That talk launched me to become a Vice President at CBS three years later.

Since then, I’ve led sales teams at TV2 and NBCUniversal, using speaking to align vision, drive revenue, and energize performance across global markets.

In the last six years, I’ve taken 50+ stages in a dozen countries, helping founders scale B2B sales.

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀.

Whether it’s sales kickoffs, leadership offsites, or global conferences -- I’ll 
show your teams how to think, sell, and win like founders.

🎥 Here’s the 2.5-minute speaker reel - and imagine this on your stage.

Planning your next sales event? Message me.

And let’s create the kind of keynote they’ll talk about all year.

#CorporateEvents #PublicSpeaking #EntrepreneurialThinking #HRLeadership #B2BSales

5PM: Quit or Conquer?

Meetings are done.
Your to-do list? Still stacked.

This is the moment that separates dreamers from builders.

Do you scroll…
or do you show up and finish strong?

Because success isn’t built when it’s easy.
It’s forged in the quiet hour...
when no one’s watching and quitting feels justified.

The best founders I know don’t wait for motivation.
They commit.
Even when it’s unglamorous.
Even when it’s exhausting.

That’s how businesses are built.
That’s how founders grow.

So when 5PM hits, ask yourself:
Comfort or progress?

👇 What’s your 5PM ritual?

#founderlife #entrepreneurship #mindset #discipline #leadership #videocontent

Everyone’s trashing office work these days.

But I just spoke with the founder of a high-end lifestyle brand in the UK.

Her company has a full-time, in-office policy.

No hybrid. No WFH.

Has it made recruitment tougher? Yes.

But the founder’s stance is clear:

“If you don’t want to work side-by-side with your colleagues, you’re not a fit for our culture.”

And honestly? I get it.

I’ve led teams from ten to a thousand.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned:

𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻.

Deals, ideas, and culture often happen between the meetings — not on Zoom.

These days I split my time between home and the office. 

But I’m a solopreneur.

And even then, I know: remote work isn’t always the productivity booster people think it is.

The key is knowing what really brings out your best -- not just what feels comfortable.

👉 Curious: would you work for a company that requires full-time office presence?

#leadership #companyculture #productivity #hiring #futureofwork

If you're building a startup, you already know how easy it is to get pulled in ten directions at once.

New ideas, new clients, new markets… everything looks like an opportunity.

But here’s the truth: most founders don’t struggle because of weak products or bad markets. They struggle because they lose focus.

And the same principle shows up at the top of the tech world.
The Magnificent Seven (Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla) now make up 36% of the S&P 500.

Not because they chased everything… but because each one doubled down on what they do best.

Cloud. Chips. AI. Mobility.

Relentless focus turned into momentum, momentum into dominance.
I
n this newsletter, I break down:
🔹 Why focus is the single most underrated growth strategy
🔹 A simple 5-step process to help you find yours
🔹 How narrowing mine changed my entire career
🔹 And what the Magnificent Seven can teach every founder about clarity

If you feel spread thin or “busy but not moving,” this one’s worth a read.

Because once you find your focus, growth stops feeling like guessing, and starts feeling like momentum.

View newsletter: Master your B2B startup sales

f you’re building a startup, you already know how easy it is to get pulled in ten directions at once… New ideas, new clients, new markets. Everything 

Open article: Losing momentum? Here’s how to get it back. by Zoltan A. Vardy • 3 min read

Losing momentum? Here’s how to get it back.

Ever noticed how tracking performance flips a switch in your brain?

I saw this firsthand when a founder I mentor started logging weekly sales data.

No new hires. No extra budget. Just focus.

In 30 days, revenue trends emerged. 
Leaky funnels got patched. 
Momentum returned.

Why? Because what you measure, you manage.

Peter Drucker nailed it:
“If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

It’s not glamorous, but it’s a discipline shift.

Founders who track metrics (sales, marketing, finance) don’t just stay informed. They stay in control.

When you ignore the numbers, you manage by gut.
And gut doesn’t scale.

So here’s the question:
What’s one metric you track every single week—no excuses? 👇

#founderinsights #b2bgrowth #startuplife #scalingstartups #founders

Measure it, to manage it

If your value proposition sounds like this guy...
…it’s time for a rewrite.

Founders often want to explain everything:
✅ Every feature
✅ Every benefit
✅ Every audience

But in trying to say it all, you say… nothing.

A strong value proposition answers just 3 things:
1. What problem do you solve?
2. For whom?
3. Why are you better?

In one sentence.
Clear. Sharp. Repeatable.

Once you’ve got it?
Test it.
Watch people’s faces.
Then refine.

Clarity wins. Complexity kills.
So, how simple is your value proposition right now?

👇 First comment = practical help for B2B founders.

#startups #b2bsales #founders #positioning #valueproposition

Everyone’s so loud during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
More offers, more noise, more urgency.

So here’s the opposite of that ⬇️

If you want 2026 to look different, don’t buy more stuff.
Invest in clarity, focus, and systems that actually move your business forward.

That’s why I wrote The Launch Code, not as a trend, but as a practical, proven framework to help founders win high-ticket clients with confidence.

This week’s newsletter goes deeper into that idea:
📘 What The Launch Code is really about
A no-fluff conversation from my Sales Dojo Podcast episode: mindset, value proposition, and why so many founders secretly hate selling (and how to fix it).

📍 Behind the scenes of my European book tour
18 events, 11 countries, hundreds of founders, including the night I traveled 1,180 km to speak to four people… and still considered it a win.

🎯 Why the best investment isn’t a Black Friday deal
It’s structure.
It’s clarity.
It’s the habits that shape your business long after the discounts disappear.

If you want 2026 to be your most focused and predictable year yet, start here.

👉 Read the full newsletter and make your business blast off 🚀

It’s that time again…. Black Friday. Cyber Monday. A week where everyone is trying to sell you something, usually fast, loud, and without much meaning

Open article: If you want 2026 to be different, start here by Zoltan A. Vardy • 3 min read

If you want 2026 to be different, start here

Ghostwriter & Messaging Strategist helping leaders achieve 70% opt-ins with a Microstory Journey using the 3-Minute Story Blueprint to build trust and convert hesitant prospects into eager customers.

Most businesses struggle to convert leads because they rely on forgettable downloads and meaningless discounts that fail to create an emotional connection. 

Prospects don't just need information, they need to feel valued, to trust you, and to experience genuine engagement. 

That's why I created the concept of the Microstory Journey, a 5-day emotional experience that uses the 3-Minute Story Blueprint to touch hearts, build authentic connections, and establish unshakable trust, turning hesitant prospects into eager customers ready to take action.

AWAI Verified Copywriter
Case Studies Certification
Sales Enablement Certification

WRITING SERVICES I PROVIDE:

📨 5-Day Education Email Courses
💲 Ghostwriting on Social Media Platforms
📰  Newsletters
🌐   Web Content
✍️   Blog Posting
📧   Email Marketing
🛒   Sales Pages
📱   Facebook/Google Ads 

WHOM I WORK WITH: I help executives, CEOs, founders, & coaches.

3 Simple Steps to Powerful Messaging
1. Define your goals and messaging. 
2. Develop a customized storytelling strategy. 
3. Execute and refine messaging for maximum impact.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Email me at mike@mikehays.net OR
Book a call with me at https://calendly.com/ask-mikehays

Mike Hays

“If I were really that good… wouldn’t people just know?”

I used to think great work spoke for itself.

That thought used to haunt me.

I’d pour my heart into coaching, get referrals 
here and there, and quietly assume that great 
work would naturally lead to great clients.

Meanwhile, I watched others post daily.
Sharing testimonials. Wins. Lessons. Offers.
At first, I judged them. “Must be compensating,” I told myself.

But beneath that judgment?
A fear I didn’t want to name.

The day I tried writing a post about my services, I froze.
It felt like admitting I wasn’t good enough.
Like needing to promote meant my work couldn’t speak for itself.

But then a client said something that cracked the whole illusion:

I had no idea you even did that. 
I would’ve hired you months ago if I knew.

That hit hard.

Here’s what I finally realized:

The people who need you the most aren’t psychic.
They don’t see the lives you’ve changed unless you show them.
They don’t know the depth of your work unless you talk about it.

Self-promotion isn’t proof you’re not good enough.
It’s proof you care enough to serve beyond 
the ones who already found you.

Quiet brilliance doesn’t create impact.
Visible value does.

Self-promotion isn’t arrogance.
It’s leadership.

If you're a coach or consultant struggling to be seen
what's holding you back from showing up?

Follow Mike Hays for more insights on leadership.

Mike  Hays

Messaging Strategist & Ghostwriter for Leaders - I help you turn short stories into trust, influence, and premium clients with my Microstory Journey using the 3-Minute Story Blueprint.

This One Practice Reveals Your Blind Spots, 

Refines Your Decisions, and Fuels Growth

Most entrepreneurs jump from crisis to crisis without ever 
stopping to learn from what just happened.

They're missing the most powerful tool for growth: systematic learning.

Here's how to turn your business into your personal MBA:

Study yourself first:
→ Note when you procrastinate vs. when you act fast
→ Document what triggers your best ideas
→ Identify your energy peaks and valleys
→ Track your decision-making patterns

Analyze your partnerships:
→ Which collaborations produce the strongest results?
→ When do conflicts arise, and what causes them?
→ What communication styles work best with each person?
→ How do different personalities complement your weaknesses?

Decode your market:
→ When do prospects say yes vs. when do they hesitate?
→ What customer complaints reveal hidden opportunities?
→ Which campaigns generate the highest engagement?
→ How do seasonal patterns affect your business?

The difference between struggling entrepreneurs 
and thriving ones isn't talent or luck.

It's the discipline to treat every interaction, 
every failure, and every success as data worth studying.

Smart business owners don't just experience t
heir business they study it like scientists.

They keep learning logs, review patterns monthly, 
and adjust strategies based on evidence, not emotions.

The question is:

Are you running your business, or is your business teaching you how to run it better?

🔔 Follow Mike Hays for more business strategies

If Your Team Can't Picture Your Strategy…

They'll Never Execute It Properly.

(The visualization gap that kills execution)

Everyone says, "communicate the vision."
But here's what leaders miss:

↳ Abstract strategies create confusion.
↳ Clear mental pictures drive action.

Here's why visualization transforms execution:

1. Cognitive Clarity

↳ Brain processes images 60,000x faster than text
↳ Visual concepts eliminate interpretation gaps
↳ Teams align on the same mental model

2. Emotional Connection

↳ Pictures trigger emotional engagement
↳ People commit to what they can see
↳ Abstract goals feel impossible to reach

3. Decision Framework

↳ Clear vision becomes a filter
↳ Teams self-correct toward the picture
↳ Reduces constant micro-management needs

4. Progress Tracking

↳ Visual goals show measurable progress
↳ Milestones become obvious checkpoints
↳ Momentum builds through visible wins

The Leadership Reality:

↳ Complex strategies overwhelm teams
↳ Clarity beats complexity every time
↳ Simple pictures inspire action

Your team isn't failing execution.
They're failing visualization.

Quick Question:

How do you help your team picture success?

Share your approach below
Follow Mike Hays  for more leadership insights

The Simple Clarity System I Guarded for Years

Now I’m Finally Sharing It

My career has been defined by high-stakes decisions and ticking clocks.

One thing kept me from burning out.

Clarity.

When the pressure hits, your brain 
wants options, not decisions.

More meetings, more messages, 
more browser tabs pretending to be progress.

Early in my career, I played that game.
I was always busy, rarely moving the needle.

Then higher roles raised the stakes even further.

Clients waited on my calls, revenue hinged on my calendar.

That pressure forced a hard truth on me.

Clarity isn't a nice-to-have.
Clarity is survival.

So I built a simple productivity system my career could trust.

Here is the system I use every single day:
→ Decide what you want.
→ Write it down where you will see it.
→ Each morning, choose the ONE task that moves you closest.
→ Block time and do that task before anything else.

No inbox.

No scrolling.

No “quick favors” that hijack your day.

This is how I rebuilt myself, again and again.

I have started companies, sold franchises, and pivoted careers.
Every reinvention began with one clear daily priority.

Most people confuse movement with progress.

Their calendars are full, their results are thin.

You win when your day serves your direction.

Tonight, will you pick tomorrow's one non-negotiable task?

Follow Mike Hays for more leadership advice.

Being a doctor, lawyer, or consultant actually makes you a worse writer.
Not better....Worse.


Because once you're the expert, your job becomes to "know."
↳To explain.
↳To teach.
↳To correct.

But that same expertise, your years of training, the frameworks you’ve mastered can trap you.

You start writing from reflex.
From what you’ve already decided is true.

And in doing so, you kill the very thing that makes writing online worth reading:

Fresh thinking.

Writing that changes minds doesn’t come from what you know
it comes from what you’re willing to re-examine.

The professionals who win online don’t have the most credentials.

↳They’re the ones who reflect publicly.
↳They question assumptions—even their own.
↳They share what others are afraid to say.
↳They think differently, and then they write from that difference.


In the age of AI and content overload, repeating 
the same “expert advice” makes you forgettable.

But when you write from reflection
not repetition you become magnetic.

People follow professionals who make them think.

Not the ones who explain what they already believe.

You’re not paid to write what’s obvious.

You’re remembered for writing what’s original.

Follow Mike Hays for more insights on growth and creativity

There’s no “magic list” of buyer emotions.

But there is a sequence you can’t skip.

Every time someone says yes to your offer
They’ve walked an invisible emotional path to get there.

Not because you convinced them.
Because you reflected what was already true.

They were feeling something.
They saw themselves in your words.
And something clicked.

It didn’t start with logic.
It started with emotion.

Here’s what that emotional journey looks like underneath the surface:

Desire: “This matters to me.”

Resonance: “You get me.”

Belief: “This could actually work.”

Vision: “That’s what my life could look like.”

Momentum: “I don’t want to wait another day.”

That’s the runway.

Not persuasion.
Progression.

If your story, sales page, or pitch isn’t landing
Check the emotional sequence.

Are you rushing to urgency…
Before someone even believes it’s possible?

Are you pitching transformation…
Before they’ve felt seen?

Every skipped emotion is a drop-off point.
Every honored one builds trust.

Don’t just move people.
Walk with them.

Which step in the emotional journey are you most likely to skip?

Follow Mike Hays for more communication strategies

⚠️ MARKETER WARNING:

Side effects include curiosity, skepticism, and clicks..

Use of the Word “New” May Cause Unexpected Spikes in Attention, Consideration, and Click-Through Rates...

…but only if you know what the heck you're doing.

Side Effects of Reckless “New” Usage Include:

❌ Sudden bursts of hype with no substance
❌ Inflated expectations your product can’t deliver
❌ Momentary engagement followed by long-term brand erosion
❌ Confused buyers who think “new” means “unproven”

Use “New” Responsibly:

✅ Only apply to genuinely novel value
✅ Frame as a trigger for exploration, not a crutch for conversion
✅ Combine with context, contrast, or mechanisms
✅ Treat “new” as a frame, not just a feature

Final Note:

“New” is a match.
Strike it right, and it sparks attention.

Strike it wrong, and you’re just burning through trust.

Use with strategic intent or don’t use it at all.

Follow Mike Hays and look for the release of Story Sells Better Newsletter

She made a decision most people never do.

Did the world’s most famous coaches give her the right advice?

She stopped asking if she should leave her marriage.

And asked something much harder.

They still loved each other. That part wasn’t broken.

But the relationship?
It was stuck.

↳ No spark.
↳ No growth.
↳ Just a subtle decay
Like paint fading in slow motion.

She felt invisible in her own life.
Still loyal. Still present.
But disconnected from the woman she used to be.

She didn’t want a divorce.
She wanted her clarity back.

So she took a chance and asked for help 
from two people known for unlocking human potential.

They didn’t give her an answer.
They gave her a challenge:

What if, for the next 90 days, you led with love, not logic?

What if you stopped waiting to feel it, and became it?

Not the kind of love that feels good to give.
The kind that feels good to receive from him.

↳ Appreciation.
↳ Recognition.
↳ Presence.

Not to change him.
Not to fix anything.

But to clean the lens so she could finally 
see what was real and what wasn’t.

Long-term relationships gather dust.
Old resentments. Recycled assumptions.
Little bruises that go unspoken.

That dust clouds everything.

But clarity doesn’t come from distance.
It comes from immersion.

The question wasn’t:
"Do I stay or go?"

It was:
“Can I show up with zero agenda, total presence, 
and serve the love that’s still alive?”

This isn’t just about marriage.
It’s about ANY relationship that matters.

Whether it's a spouse, a business partner, or your own team:

* Don’t wait for change—>lead it.
* Don’t negotiate love—>demonstrate it.
* Don’t react from fear—>respond from alignment.

She didn’t find the answer.
She became the woman who could see it.

And the coaches who guided her through that?

Tony Robbins and Sage Robbins.

Follow Mike Hays for more communication insights.

Show Up as Yourself 

Attracts Better Clients Than Any Polished Brand Voice.

If visibility feels like selling out, this is for you.
I used to hide behind my clients’ success instead of my own.

As a coach, I hated those polished, corporate-sounding posts.

Every draft I wrote sounded like a brand deck, not me.
So I stayed quiet and told myself silence meant integrity.

Meanwhile, louder voices defined what “leadership” looked like in my space.
Then a dream client said something that stopped me cold.
“I keep referring you, but your online presence doesn’t sound like you.”

They weren’t asking for a polished version.

They were begging for the real coach they met in sessions.

That day I made one rule for visibility.
I will show up as the room version, not the stage version.

↳ No perfect brand voice.
↳ Just the questions I actually ask clients, written in my voice.
↳ No glossy carousels.
↳ Just simple stories, real stakes, and clear invitations to reflect.

The result surprised me.

Views were smaller, but the right people started reaching out.
They quoted my messy lines, not the polished phrases.

Because leadership and coaching land when they feel human.

If you fear selling out, try this experiment for thirty days.

↳ Post as if you were recapping a session to a trusted friend.
↳ One story, one client moment, one honest insight each time.
↳ Hit publish before you smooth the interesting edges away.

Visibility is not selling out when your values hold the microphone.
What part of you are you still hiding from clients?

Follow Mike Hays for more visibility advice

Sometimes the most obvious solution is staring us in the face…

But we can't see it because we're looking too hard.

(The hiring mistake that costs us millions)

We overthink everything:
↳ The revolutionary marketing agency
↳ The perfect candidate profile
↳ The groundbreaking strategy

But here's what we miss:

What No One Wants to Admit:
↳ 73% of great hires come from internal referrals
↳ Our best marketing ideas already exist in customer feedback
↳ Winning strategies are often simple executions done consistently

Here's why we overlook the obvious:

1. Complexity Bias

↳ We assume harder = better
↳ Simple solutions feel too easy
↳ We discount what's right there

2. External Validation Trap

↳ We chase shiny new agencies
↳ Ignore our internal expertise
↳ Outsource what we already know

3. Strategy Paralysis

↳ We overcomplicate proven methods
↳ Analysis replaces action
↳ Perfect becomes the enemy of good

The Hidden Power:
Our best people are already here.
Our winning message is in our reviews.
Our strategy worked last quarter.

Quick Question:

What obvious solution have you been overlooking in your business?

⤵️ Share below

How a 30-Second Ordinary Moment

Creates Massive Engagement

Most people think great stories need big drama.
They don’t.

I used to believe “epic” moments made content compelling.
Massive wins. Huge failures. Perfectly crafted narratives.

But the posts that resonated most were never the dramatic ones.
They were the small, honest moments I almost didn’t share.

Like the awkward client call.
Or the lesson learned on a random Tuesday.
Or the quiet realization that changed how I lead my team.

You probably don't want to hear this...
Readers connect far more with relatability than spectacle.

They don’t want heroes.
They want humans.

Big stories entertain.
But simple stories connect.

The imperfect detail is what makes people trust you.
The honest moment is what makes people remember you.
The everyday struggle is what makes people engage with you.

You don’t need a dramatic arc to be compelling.
You need clarity, honesty, and a moment someone can see themselves in.

Small stories build big impact.
What “ordinary” moment taught you something recently?

Follow Mike Hays for more microstory tips

If You Think Your Question Isn't Worth Asking…

You're Missing the Biggest Growth Opportunity.

(The mindset shift that changes everything)

Everyone thinks, "My question is too basic."
But here's what I've learned after 15 years:

↳ Your "dumb" question is someone else's breakthrough.
Here's why you should ask anyway:

1. The Expertise Curse

↳ Experts forget beginner struggles
↳ Your question fills knowledge gaps
↳ Creates valuable teaching moments

2. Collective Intelligence

↳ Questions spark deeper discussions
↳ Others have the same uncertainty
↳ Community learning accelerates growth

3. Vulnerability Creates Connection

↳ Admitting confusion builds trust
↳ Shows authentic learning mindset
↳ Attracts genuine helpful responses

4. Question Quality Myth

↳ "Basic" questions often reveal fundamentals
↳ Simple inquiries expose complex issues
↳ Clarity benefits everyone involved

What you should know:
↳ Courage to ask creates breakthrough moments.
↳ Your question validates others' confusion.
↳ Silence keeps everyone stuck.

The smartest people ask the most questions.
Not because they know less.
Because they understand learning never stops.

Quick Question:

What's one question you've been afraid to ask? 
Share below and let's learn together.

Before: Brilliant but Invisible. 

After: Visible, Trusted, In-Demand.

The most talented professionals often remain invisible in their industries.

(And it's not because they lack expertise)

It's because of three limiting beliefs.

But here's what they don't realize about visibility:
It's not about ego.
It's about impact.

The Hidden Barriers:
↳ "My credentials should speak for themselves"
↳ "Good work will naturally be discovered"
↳ "Self-promotion feels arrogant"

Here's why these beliefs sabotage success:

1. The Service Reframe

↳ Sharing knowledge isn't bragging. It's helping
↳ Your expertise solves real problems for people
↳ Staying quiet deprives others of solutions

2. The Credential Trap

↳ Qualifications open doors, but stories close deals
↳ People connect with transformation, not titles
↳ Your experience matters more than your degrees

3. The Discovery Myth

↳ Exceptional work happens behind closed doors
↳ Visibility requires intentional communication
↳ Talent without promotion equals missed opportunities

The Part You Can’t Ignore:
Your expertise sitting in silence helps no one.
Your knowledge locked away serves no purpose.
But your voice sharing wisdom changes everything.

The experts who break through don't abandon humility, they channel it into service.

They understand that hiding their light isn't noble; it's selfish.

Quick Question:

What's one piece of expertise you've been keeping to yourself that could transform someone's business?

Follow Mike Hays for more leadership insights.

Authority isn’t about confidence.

It’s about language.

We often assume people follow the loudest voice in the room.
But in real conversations, especially at work
authority shows up in much quieter ways.

I started paying attention to the people who 
consistently guided discussions.

↳ They weren’t forceful.
↳ They weren’t dramatic.
↳ They simply used intentional phrasing that changed how others responded.

And once you notice it, you can’t unsee it.

Three simple shifts can instantly change 
how people perceive your authority even 
if nothing else about you changes.

1. Use words that imply direction.
Phrases like “I’d like to set the direction here…” 
or “I don’t like the direction this is heading…” 
subconsciously signal leadership.

The moment you reference direction, people look to you to guide it.

2. Frame ideas through experience.
Open with, “In the past, I’ve found…” 
or “In these situations, I prefer…”

These phrases add instant credibility
not because you’re boasting, but because 
you’re grounding your perspective in pattern recognition.

3. Set expectations clearly and calmly.
Statements like “Let’s focus on the issue at hand…” or 
“Here’s what I think we should prioritize…” 

Bring clarity to the conversation.
And clarity creates trust the foundation of authority.

None of this requires a title.
None of this requires dominance.
Authority is simply controlled direction, 
earned clarity, and consistent language.

Credit to Jefferson Fisher, whose ideas inspired this lesson.

If you want more authority, start with your words they shape the room long before your title does.

What phrase do you use to guide conversations?

Follow Mike Hays for more communication insights.

I’m Still Searching for the Perfect To-Do App

I Haven’t Found It Yet

Is It Too Much to Ask for One App That Actually Thinks Like I Do?

I'm hunting for the perfect productivity app…
(And my requirements might be impossible)

But here's what most productivity apps get wrong:
They focus on features rather than workflow integration.

Here's my non-negotiable list:

1. Daily Task Loading

↳ Import my to-dos and active projects
↳ Include courses I'm currently taking
↳ One central command center

2. Smart Prioritization

↳ Automatically rank my tasks
↳ Factor in deadlines and importance
↳ No more decision paralysis

3. Calendar Integration

↳ Load tasks based on available Google Calendar time
↳ Real-time sync between platforms
↳ No double-booking disasters

4. Flexible Time Adjustment

↳ Easy task duration changes
↳ Drag-and-drop time modifications
↳ Adapt to reality, not rigid schedules

5. Daily Planning Ritual

↳ Built-in daily review meetings
↳ Task confirmation and setup
↳ Start each day with clarity

6. Travel Time Intelligence

↳ Auto-calculate drive time for appointments
↳ Buffer time between meetings
↳ Never be late again

7. Delegation Features

↳ Assign tasks to team members
↳ Track delegated work progress
↳ Maintain accountability

The Reality Check:
Most apps do one thing well.
I need one that does everything seamlessly.

Quick Question:

Am I asking for too much, or does this unicorn app actually exist?

Could you post your favorite To-Do/Project Tracker?

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The Battle

Zoltan A. Vardy

Mike Hays

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taplio

The Battle

Zoltan A. Vardy

Mike Hays

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Zoltan A. Vardy's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreZoltan A. Vardy's LinkedIn Performance