It was a busy week this last week!
I had 2 speaking engagements this week!
- One on One Sales Academy
- Momco
One On One Sales Academy
The One on One Sales Academy, a senior living sales training organization, focuses on prospect-centered selling and integrating the principles of Motivational Interviewing into the sales process.
At the last minute, I was invited to join their team as a co-host to discuss Motivational Interviewing as a communication tool for senior living sales professionals — a topic I care deeply about and continue to champion through my work at Calais Senior Consult.
When sales professionals are trained to listen rather than persuade, to approach conversations with curiosity instead of certainty, and to collaborate rather than “overcome objections,” the entire customer experience shifts. Conversations become more human. Trust builds more naturally. Decisions feel less pressured and more thoughtful.
During the session, I demonstrated the power of reflective listening within a sales conversation. I played the role of the sales counselor while the co-host acted as a family member considering change for a loved one. One of the most meaningful pieces of feedback afterward was, “Tami didn’t talk much — I found myself talking far more than she did.”
That was the point.
My role wasn’t to convince or push toward a decision. It was to create a space where someone could safely explore their own thoughts and feelings. When we reduce pressure and increase presence, people often discover their own clarity.
MomCo
This is a local group of mom’s getting together for fellowship and fun. I’ve been attending for a year, and they had asked me to speak. I normally talk about supporting aging parents, but given the diverse group, I altered my normal presentation to not just be on talking to aging parents, but connecting with our spouses or children.
We worked on some basic skills, understanding empathy, doing reflective listening and cultivating an empowered change conversation.
On 1/28, I went to a networking event, and an industry colleague mentioned they needed a speaker in 6 days. Of course I said, “Yes”.
2/4/26 Spoke at Metropolitan Senior Network
2/10/26 Spoke at Clark College Continuing Education on “How Leaders Inspire Change.” Teaching the foundational skills of Motivational Interviewing. One of my favorite comments from this training was, “You are bringing the humanity back to communication and leadership.”
Yes. Yes I am. 🙂