Hey keep-the-changers, I’m absolutely fired up about today’s episode! I’ve got my good friend and industry powerhouse, Michael Cirillo, CEO of FlexDealer, back on the show, and we’re diving deep into something every dealership leader needs to hear: the secret sauce behind high-performance teams, especially in today’s rollercoaster market.

Now, Michael and I go way back—he was actually the first guest on my podcast—In this episode, we get real about leadership in the dealership, pulling back the curtain on what sets high-performing teams apart in today’s unpredictable market.

Michael and I dive deep into the core traits that successful dealerships share: anticipatory communication (yes, we break down what that means in real terms), vulnerability (and why the hustle culture is dead), and of course, the one word that makes or breaks a team—accountability. We’ve seen it all in our combined years in the industry, and let me tell you, the dealerships that win are the ones that aren’t afraid to get messy, be human, and hold themselves and their teams accountable.

There’s so much we could unpack in this episode, but here’s what I love about this chat: we’re not talking fluff. This is raw, actionable stuff that Michael has seen work in dealerships all over the world—whether in the U.S., Europe, or Canada. It’s universal, no-nonsense leadership that will have you rethinking how you run your team and grow your business.

So, here’s my challenge for you: Are you leading from a place of connection, growth, and accountability? Or are you just getting by, hoping things work themselves out? This conversation will make you think—about your team, your business, and yourself.

Enjoying the show? Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast players!

• Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/keep-the-change/id1622521488
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xcQk7kNGNOnWuZ14aDkWC

Connect with Michael Cirillo

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcirillo/
• Email: michael@cirillo.com

Connect with Bart Nollenberger:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-nollenberger-4949405a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartNollenbergerCoaching