How to Sound Like a Leader—Not a Sales Rep (Even When You’re Selling)

Let’s be real: most people hear the word sales and immediately cringe. Cue the sleazy tactics, cheesy scripts, and awkward follow-ups that make your skin crawl. I get it.

But after sitting down with Liz Wendling—founder of The Sales Clinic and author of The Heart of Authentic Selling—I’m here to tell you this: sales done right doesn’t feel like sales. It feels like leadership.

In this episode of Possibilities with Monique de Maio, Liz and I went deep on the real difference between sounding confident and sounding desperate. Spoiler alert: it’s all in your language.

Leadership Starts with Language

Her mantra?

“It’s not what you sell. It’s how you sell.”

And that philosophy? It applies to everything—your product, your pitch, your job interview, your team meeting.

Because let’s face it: how many times have you said things like:

• “I just wanted to check in…”
• “Sorry to bug you…”
• “Hope this finds you well…”

Liz calls them landmine phrases—innocent-sounding lines that undermine your authority the second they hit someone’s inbox.

Translation: Your words are weakening your credibility before you even get to the point.

Stop Sounding Like a Script. Start Sounding Like You.

This episode isn’t about sales tactics. It’s about soul-aligned communication. Because when your words match your energy? You stop sounding like Bobby the Sales Bro and start sounding like the badass leader you actually are.

Liz dropped reminder after reminder that:

• Selling is serving.
• Your tone is your power.
• Congruence between words + actions = trust.

People may not know why something feels “off” when you’re speaking—but they’ll feel it. And they won’t buy. Or follow. Or trust.

Your Inner GPS Already Knows

One of the most powerful moments? When Liz shared what she’d tell her 30-year-old self:

“Self-doubt clouds what’s already clear.”

You already know what feels aligned, what feels gross, what language is softening your leadership. Your job? Tune in. Trust it. Clean it up.

Takeaways That Slap (In the Best Way):

• Ditch the “just checking in”s and “sorry to bother you”s
• Replace filler with focused, intentional language
• Communicate with integrity—no sleaze, no scripts, no BS
• Speak like someone who trusts their offer, their value, and their worth
• And most of all… trust your own voice

This conversation was equal parts fire and finesse. Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or simply trying to speak with more power—this episode is for you.

🎧 Catch the full episode with Liz Wendling here

Then ask yourself:
What’s one phrase you’ll never say again? And what’s the powerful one you’ll use instead?

Say it with your chest. Say it with your soul. Say it like the leader you are.

~ Monique