The Action Catalyst

07/30/2026

to last week's sit-down with Janice Kapner, former communications leader at Microsoft and T-Mobile , sharing expert insights on navigating high‑stakes corporate transformation, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership without formal authority. Drawing on her experience leading communications during the largest telecom merger in U.S. history, Kapner explains how transparency, strategic storytelling, and consistent stakeholder communication are critical to maintaining trust, credibility, and momentum throughout multi‑year integration processes. She highlights common leadership mistakes—such as underestimating resource needs and post‑merger execution—and emphasizes the importance of understanding business fundamentals, building cross‑functional relationships, and earning credibility over time. The conversation also explores lessons from launching Office 365 at Microsoft, working alongside Bill Gates , and more. #365 Claire Bahn

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2026/07/21/check-your-comms-with-janice-kapner/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/30/2026

Full interview with mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/29/2026

Full interview with mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/29/2026

Full interview with mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/28/2026

Full interview with mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/28/2026

Full interview with mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/28/2026

Mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith share a powerful story of resilience, mindset transformation, and business growth through coaching. Bennett discusses rebuilding her career after a difficult divorce and personal setbacks, revealing how limiting self-talk, stress, and a lack of control were holding her back from regaining top performance in sales. With Smith’s guidance, she learned to reframe negative thoughts, focus on what she could control, and intentionally reshape her mindset to overcome adversity, improve productivity, and rebuild client relationships. The conversation highlights the critical role of coaching in personal development, the impact of mindset on sales success, and how shifting from fear and scarcity to belief, focus, and gratitude can drive both professional achievement and personal fulfillment.

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2017/01/04/letting-go-of-sabotaging-self-talk-with-shelly-smith-and-jennifer-bennett-episode-175-of-the-action-catalyst-podcast/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/28/2026

Mortgage professional Jennifer Bennett and professional coach Shelly Smith share a powerful story of resilience, mindset transformation, and business growth through coaching. Bennett discusses rebuilding her career after a difficult divorce and personal setbacks, revealing how limiting self-talk, stress, and a lack of control were holding her back from regaining top performance in sales. With Smith’s guidance, she learned to reframe negative thoughts, focus on what she could control, and intentionally reshape her mindset to overcome adversity, improve productivity, and rebuild client relationships. The conversation highlights the critical role of coaching in personal development, the impact of mindset on sales success, and how shifting from fear and scarcity to belief, focus, and gratitude can drive both professional achievement and personal fulfillment.



Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

Full talk with Janice Kapner, former communications leader at Microsoft and T-Mobile , available at the link below, or anywhere you get podcasts!

LISTEN: https://theactioncatalyst.com/2026/07/21/check-your-comms-with-janice-kapner/

CONNECT: https://linktr.ee/ActionCatalyst

Produced by Southwestern Family of Companies

#365 Claire Bahn