Show Notes:

In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Mary Messner, a former healthcare executive turned keynote speaker, to explore how creativity, not just innovation, fuels business momentum.

Mary shares how creative thinking helped her rise through the corporate ranks, lead global teams, and e...

Like so many people, I remember watching in horror as I saw the Twin Towers fall on the news.

Hopelessness.
Sadness.
Shock.

But then something happened in the month that followed (ended around mid Oct), that was simply amazing...

People started to come together in a big way.

Community.
Strength. ...

The countdown is getting real.
 
In one week, The StoryBank will officially be out in the world, a book that’s been years in the making.
 
This isn’t just another “business book.”
 
It’s a playbook for leaders who want to harness the most powerful tool they already have: stories.
 
Inside, I show how str...

When people hear the word "sales," they often picture pushy pitches, constant follow-ups, and closing deals no matter what. However, there's another, more meaningful way to think about sales —one that's all about solving problems and building genuine connections. This fresh approach is championed ...

SHOW NOTES:

In this powerful episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Kristen Harootunian, mental health advocate and speaker, to explore her journey from addiction and childhood trauma to long-term recovery and national advocacy work.

Kristen shares how losing her mother to suicide at age 12 led to year...

My speaking calendar is almost completely booked for 2026. As of this moment, I only have availability to add a few more Powerfully Persuade Through Storytelling workshops next year.
 
If your organization is interested in learning strategies to enhance communication, boost sales, and achieve your 2...

I hear the same thing everywhere I go: "We have a great company culture!" It's practically a mantra at this point. However, what baffles me is that those same leaders who rave about their culture are often the ones struggling to find and retain talented people. 

It's the same conversation every t...

Here is the most important framework that I learned...
 
1. You have to understand your Ideal Client Persona (ICP).

2. You share stories that relate to your ICP.

3. You engage (comment, "like," etc.) with your potential clients. 

4. You network (virtual coffee/meet IRL) with your potential clients.

5. Y...

The countdown is getting real.
 
In less than a month, The StoryBank will officially be out in the world, a book that’s been years in the making.
 
This isn’t just another “business book.”
 
It’s a playbook for leaders who want to harness the most powerful tool they already have: stories.
 
Inside, I show h...

This little building is where Schwarzenegger launched his empire! 
 
I had to go there after my speaking engagement in Cali to see it for myself. 
 
Love Arnold or hate him, there is no denying that he used his grit to build a massive business. 💪
 
 
Have a great week, everyone!

What she didn't realize is that sometimes our greatest “weakness” can actually be our greatest strength. 
 
Because of her condition, she was forced to focus on every interaction she had with people, and it was actually paying off in huge dividends. 
 
One of her direct reports told me that she's the ...

5-Day Storytelling Challenge

Whether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.

To sign up, go HERE.

Habits of Sales Champions Keynote. 

In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Ian Koniak, founder and CEO of Untap Your Sales Pot...

When Einstein gave his famous quote about “expecting different results,” he was referring to a mathematical equation, not business. 
 
Let’s clarify something:
 
📈 In business, you must do the same things over and over…
 
…even when it feels like yelling into the void.
 
-Posting when no one’s liking.
-Cal...

Typically, a comic takes over a year to create one hour of comedy material.  🤯 
 
1️⃣ First, they hit local comedy clubs.
 
2️⃣ Then, they make notes on the jokes that worked the best and prepare to use them on a bigger stage. 
 
3️⃣ If their material holds up, then they perform those jokes in arenas. 
 ...

5-Day Storytelling Challenge

Whether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.

To sign up, go HERE.

SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Joshua B. Lee, Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Standout Authori...

If you were actually a numbers person like you claim, you'd obsess over how to tell better stories, knowing that doing so would boost your numbers.
 
Powerful stories boost your numbers in:
 
Sales
Marketing 
Employee Retention 
 
I'm a “numbers person," too; that's exactly why I share stories!

P.S. If ...

I told him, “𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱.”
 
But this doesn’t just go for my son; this goes for all of us. 
 
 
I’ve spent an exorbitant amount of time researching how MLK was able to connect with his audience the way he did. 
 
 
𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸; 𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆𝗲...

...three strikes, and you're out! We’re constantly on the lookout for others’ mistakes. 
 
This mindset is bogus! 
 
Creating an environment that strives for perfection will crush your organization’s creativity. 
 
Stop focusing on your team’s mistakes and how it's “hurting your business,” and teach the...

”Their own private life gets to be like a rat race.” 
 
Since this writing, the ”rat race” has morphed into describing the sad pursuit of a ”good life” but only a step away. 
 
Keep walking and walking and walking, but you'll never get there. 
 
So many of us are trying to win the wrong race. 
 
We’re so bo...