Anecdotally Speaking

Dec 09 2024 240 ep. 21 mins 669
Anecdotally Speaking Podcast artwork

Welcome to our podcast, Anecdotally Speaking. Each week we tell a business story, talk about why it works and discuss where you might tell it at work. Our aim is to help you build your story repertoire.

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231 – A Parade to Billions: Bob Iger

Dec 09 2024 17 mins  
In Episode 231 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how Bob Iger used a simple story to drive a billion-dollar turnaround at Disney. In Episode 231 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares a story from Bob Iger, former CEO of Disney, about the power of small stories in big settings. In his first board meeting, Iger used a parade at Hong Kong Disneyland to illustrate the dire state of Di

230 – Purpose Drives Performance: Adam Grant

Dec 02 2024 17 mins  
In Episode 230 of Anecdotally Speaking discover how purpose and storytelling can skyrocket performance. In Episode 230 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares a research story led by Adam Grant that demonstrates the profound impact of connecting people with purpose. Conducted in a call centre, this study revealed that reminding employees of the meaningful outcomes of their work doub

229 – Less is More: Edward Everett

Nov 25 2024 25 mins  
In Episode 229 of Anecdotally Speaking, explore how Edwards Everett and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Addresses demonstrate the impact of concise communication. In Episode 229 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares a compelling story contrasting two speeches delivered at Gettysburg in 1863. On one hand, Edward Everett spoke for two hours in excruciating detail, while Abraham Lincol

228 – The Power and Peril of Storytelling: Orson Welles

Nov 18 2024
In Episode 228, we examine Orson Welles’ groundbreaking War of the Worlds broadcast and its lessons on innovation and the ethical complexities of storytelling. In Episode 228 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark recounts the story of Orson Welles’ infamous 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Welles’ daring experiment in storytelling propelled him to fame, reshaped his career

227 – Too Good to Ignore: Cecilia Payne

Nov 11 2024 16 mins  
Explore the story of Cecilia Payne, whose discovery reshaped our understanding of the universe—and what it teaches us about perseverance, recognition, and excellence. In Episode 227 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares the inspiring story of Cecilia Payne, a pioneering astronomer who, despite her groundbreaking discovery about the composition of the sun, didn’t receive the rec

226 – Falconry and Fortitude: The Siege of Malta

Nov 04 2024 26 mins  
In this episode of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn and Mark explore a gripping historical tale from Malta, highlighting lessons in resilience and ingenuity. In Episode 226 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares an incredible story from his recent travels, recounting the 1565 Siege of St. Elmo in Malta. This powerful tale of persistence and innovation by a small, determined group of kni

225 – Shady Dealings in a Bright Industry: Phoebus Cartel

Oct 28 2024 8 mins  
In Episode 225 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark explores why lightbulbs don’t last forever and the implications of planned obsolescence. In Episode 225 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark unpacks a century-old conspiracy that continues to impact our everyday lives—the story of the Phoebus Cartel and its role in the life expectancy of light bulbs. Mark takes us through the history of in

224 – Small Inventions Can Change the World: John Gates

Oct 21 2024 19 mins  
In Episode 224 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how barbed wire transformed the American West and its business lessons on innovation. In Episode 224 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark tells the story of John Gates, a bold salesman who introduced barbed wire in a dramatic public demonstration in 1876. This simple invention reshaped the American West, revolutionising land ownership, far

223 – Shelley Beumont: Storytelling in Communications

Oct 14 2024
In Episode 223 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear Shelley Beumont’s insights into the field of communications, and why storytelling, connection, and authenticity are essential for effective communication. In Episode 223 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shelley Beumont, Head of Communications at QBE, joins Mark and Shawn to share her journey into her current role and the insights sh

222 – Bridge to Nowhere

Oct 07 2024 14 mins  
In Episode 222 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear a story that exemplifies why adaptability is one of the most important attributes of longevity. In Episode 222 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares an interesting story about the Choluteca Bridge and how a well-built new bridge quickly became unfit for purpose. Today’s story highlights the importance of adaptability in our f