Anecdotally Speaking

276 – What We Do is Who We Are – Emlyn Hatch

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Emlyn Hatch shares his journey into storytelling and how it’s transformed his leadership and team culture. In Episode 276 of Anecdo...

275 – The Magic Went Missing – Manchester United

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to hear how Manchester United shows us that small changes can erode culture. In Episode 275 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares a story about ...

274 – Illness to Opportunity – John Stetson

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 274 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how a bout of tuberculosis led to the creation of an American icon. In this episode, Shawn tells … ...

273 – Bold, Brave and a bit Quirky – Paul Fairweather

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 273 of Anecdotally Speaking, we’re rejoined by Paul Fairweather to explore how creativity, storytelling, and illustration intertwine in h...

272 – Are You Selling Trombone Oil? – Bob Iger

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 272 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how a unique metaphor helped Disney’s CEO evaluate risky decisions and how it can help you too. In ...

271 – Planning for the Unexpected – New Horizons

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 271 of Anecdotally Speaking explores why most business problems live in a field of uncertainty, not precision. In this episode, Mark tells the...

215 – Rising from Burnout – Simone Biles (rerun)

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover the remarkable journey of Simone Biles and the powerful lessons it offers on burnout and the importance of empathy in judging others. In this...

209 – Take the Opposing View (rerun)

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 209 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how asking the right questions brought us GPS – and how you can take these lessons into your … T...

270 – Publishing on Principal – Katharine Graham

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 270, learn how a moment of courage by Katharine Graham shaped history and provided a lesson in principled leadership. Mark recounts the pow...

269 – Generosity Inspires Generosity – Maria Andrejczyk

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how an Olympic medal and generosity changed lives, and what leaders can learn from this act of selflessness. In Episode 269 of Anecdotally Sp...

268 – Sharpening the Saw – Philip Seymour Hoffman

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 268, learn how Philip Seymour Hoffman’s career illustrates the value of staying connected to your roots. In this episode, Mark shares a s...

267 – Back to What Matters – Howard Schultz

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 267 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how Howard Schultz reignited Starbucks’ purpose to drive a complete business turnaround. Shawn shar...

266 – The Right to Wear Pants – Helen Hulick Beebe

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 266, discover how a 1930s courtroom appearance by a woman in pants turned into a lesson in values, justice, and change. In this … The po...

265 – Thrown to the Sharks – Quentin Tarantino

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 265 of Anecdotally Speaking explores Quentin Tarantino’s early setback and the value of persistence and learning from failure. In this episo...

261 – Gambling on a Curry – Dishoom

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Dishoom gamified dining to become a must-visit destination, offering lessons in creative problem-solving and customer engagement. In Epis...

264 – Finding What Didn’t Exist – Beth Norris

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 264 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a chance act of curiosity led to the groundbreaking discovery of Australian amber, and what it teache...

263 – Chasing Payment, Finding Connection

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 263 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a potter turned a late payment request into a meaningful conversation through storytelling. In this e...

262 – What We Walk Past

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 262 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how a 25-second train delay in Japan sparked a deep conversation about organisational culture. In thi...

260 – Every Turn is An Olympic Final – Mary Meagher

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 260 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how keystone behaviours transformed Mary T. Meagher into an Olympic legend. In this episode, Shawn sh...

259 – Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how vulnerability and connection drove Eleven Madison Park to become the world’s best restaurant. In Episode 259 of Anecdotally Speaking, M...

258 – A Memorial in Mashed Potato – Maya Lin

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how creativity under constraint led to one of the world’s most distinctive memorials. In Episode 258 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares ...

257 – How to Make a Great Story Boring – Notre-Dame

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode explores how story delivery can either ignite or flatten your message, illustrated by the fire and restoration of Notre-Dame. In Episode ...

256 – The Power of Coaching

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover why coaching drives real behaviour change, far beyond training alone. In Episode 256 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares research by Joyce ...

255 – Rich Church, Poor Church

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how 17th-century Rome reveals a clever behavioural insight still relevant for change initiatives today. In Episode 255 of Anecdotally Speakin...

128 – Collaboration and diversity is how you make progress (Rerun)

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Collaboration and diversity bring progress. Listen to hear how one woman defied gender norms to receive recognition for a scientific breakthrough. Th...

254 – Cooking Up Company Culture – Ericsson

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to hear how Ericsson’s workplace culture was transformed by a cleaner, and the lessons this brings in empowerment and initiative. In Episode ...

253 – Radical Transparency in Action – Patagonia

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how Patagonia’s radical transparency over PFAS transformed a corporate challenge into a brand triumph. In Episode 253 of Anecdotally Speaking,...

252 – The Architecture of Play – Carl Sorensen

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 252, discover how a radical playground redesign during WWII transformed free play and what it teaches us about engagement, creativity, and ...

251 – Starting an Airline with a Blackboard – Richard Branson

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how a missed flight led to the creation of one of the world’s most iconic airlines and what it teaches us about innovation and … The pos...

250 – Barbie is Born – Ruth Handler

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 250 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how Ruth Handler used a simple story to reframe scepticism and launch one of the world’s most iconic …...

249 – Find the Torture You’re Comfortable With – Jerry Seinfeld

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Jerry Seinfeld’s process in finding comfort in the mundane can guide your path to excellence in your career and life. In Episode 249 …...

248 – Tuning into New Frequencies – Hedy Lamarr

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 248 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how unexpected talents and hidden connections can spark world-changing innovation. Shawn shares an un...

247 – The Cure was Already Here – David Fajgenbaum

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 247 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how moments of desperation can spark remarkable change and what businesses can learn from one man’s...

246 – The Value is in the Doing: Patrick Matthew

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how Patrick Matthew’s overlooked insight into the theory of evolution shows why execution, not just inspiration, drives real impact. In Episod...

245 – Doing the Human Thing: Joe Ingles

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How a coach’s unexpected decision showed the power of empathy, lifted a team, and reminded us that leadership is deeply human. In Episode 245 of …...

244 – Building Culture with Your Bare Hands: Jeff Bezos

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how Jeff Bezos turned a DIY desk into a powerful symbol of frugality and a cornerstone of Amazon’s culture. In Episode 244 of Anecdotally …...

243 – Trust Your Spider Senses: Stan Lee

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to hear how Stan Lee’s bold decision-making and trust in his instincts turned Spider-Man into a global icon, and what you can learn for … ...

242 – Who’s Going to Bell the Cat?

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to hear a timeless fable, useful in business situations where great ideas face real-world challenges and execution matters. In Episode 242 of A...

241 – Turning Mistakes Into Magic: Miles Davies

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 241 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how a wrong note became a moment of brilliance – and the lesson it holds. Mark shares a … The po...

Episode 240 – Everyday Storytelling: The Secret to Better Communication

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 240 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark and Shawn give insight into everyday storytelling—what it is, why it’s so important, and how it can b...

239 – Patrick Cooley: How Stories Shape Leadership at Mars

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 239 of Anecdotally Speaking, Patrick Cooley, a business leader at Royal Canin, shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the role of s...

238 – When Incentives Backfire: The Great Hanoi Rat Hunt

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how well-intended incentives can backfire through the story of the great Hanoi rat hunt – a lesson in unintended consequences. In Episode 2...

237 – Play Your Own Game: Josh Waitzkin

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 237 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover why staying true to your strengths and being selective with what advice you take is key to long-term ...

236 – Ignoring Expertise: The Vasa

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 236, hear the dramatic story of the Vasa, Sweden’s ill-fated warship, and the lessons it holds for leadership, decision-making, and engin...

235 – Price vs Value: Julius Caesar’s Ransom

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How Julius Caesar turned a kidnapping into a power move—and what it teaches us about sales, self-worth, and negotiation. In Episode 235 of Anecdotal...

234 – Paul Luxton: Storytelling and Authenticity in Leadership

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 234 of Anecdotally Speaking, Paul Luxton, Head of Asia for Syngenta, shares insights on leadership, cultural adaptability, and the power of...

233 – Sorry We Suck: Domino’s Pizza

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 233 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn how Domino’s transformed their business by owning their flaws and taking bold action. Mark shares the ...

232 – Humanity in the Trenches: The Christmas Truce of 1914

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Uncover the incredible true story of how Christmas spirit brought enemy soldiers together in No Man’s Land during World War I in 1914. In the … T...

231 – A Parade to Billions: Bob Iger

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 …...

230 – Purpose Drives Performance: Adam Grant

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 230 of Anecdotally Speaking discover how purpose and storytelling can skyrocket performance. In Episode 230 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn ...

229 – Less is More: Edward Everett

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 229 of Anecdotally Speaking, explore how Edwards Everett and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Addresses demonstrate the impact of concise com...

228 – The Power and Peril of Storytelling: Orson Welles

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 228, we examine Orson Welles’ groundbreaking War of the Worlds broadcast and its lessons on innovation and the ethical complexities of st...

227 – Too Good to Ignore: Cecilia Payne

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore the story of Cecilia Payne, whose discovery reshaped our understanding of the universe—and what it teaches us about perseverance, recognitio...

226 – Falconry and Fortitude: The Siege of Malta

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn and Mark explore a gripping historical tale from Malta, highlighting lessons in resilience and ingenuit...

225 – Shady Dealings in a Bright Industry: Phoebus Cartel

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 225 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark explores why lightbulbs don’t last forever and the implications of planned obsolescence. In Episode 225...

224 – Small Inventions Can Change the World: John Gates

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 224 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how barbed wire transformed the American West and its business lessons on innovation. In Episode 224 ...

223 – Shelley Beumont: Storytelling in Communications

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 223 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear Shelley Beumont’s insights into the field of communications, and why storytelling, connection...

222 – Bridge to Nowhere

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 222 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear a story that exemplifies why adaptability is one of the most important attributes of longevity....

221 – Accidentally Iconic: Paul Simon

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 221 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover the story behind the creation of one of Paul Simon’s most iconic songs and explore the lessons in …...

220 – Paul Fairweather: Storytelling and Creating Without Fear

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 220 Paul Fairweather joins Anecdotally Speaking to discuss all things storytelling and creativity in business and beyond. In Episode 220 of...

219 – The Art of Brewing Influence

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 219 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn how to change minds, build trust and influence others through your storytelling In Episode 219 of Anecdo...

218 – Punching an Unconventional Path to Greatness – Vasyl Lomachenko

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 218 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how boxing legend Vasyl Lomachenko’s unconventional training shaped him into one of the greatest of...

217 – The Foundations of Royal Canin – Jean Cathary

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 217 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear an exemplary foundation story and learn how to effectively use foundation stories in the sales ...

216 – Challenge the Status Quo – Todd McFarlane

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 216 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear how Todd McFarlane repopularised the Spider-Man comics by going against the status quo. In epis...

215 – Rising from Burnout – Simone Biles

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 215 of Anecdotally Speaking tune in to discover the remarkable journey of Simone Biles and the powerful lessons it offers on burnout and …...

214 – Jumping to New Ideas – Richard Fosbury

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In 214 of Anecdotally Speaking, listen to hear how Richard Fosbury used innovation to defy all odds and win a gold medal in the high … The post 214...

213 – Value is Relative

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 213 of Anecdotally Speaking illustrates the impact of product placement and range, giving insight into sales tactics and the impact of identit...

212 – Fight Fire with Fire – Wagner Dodge

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 212 of Anecdotally Speaking, delve into the gripping tale of the Mann Gulch fire, a story that will challenge your views on underlying … ...

211 – Looks Can be Deceiving – Ronald Read

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 211 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover Ronald Read’s secret and its application to staff development and job design. In Episode 211 of Ane...

210 – There’s a Story Behind Everything

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 210 of Anecdotally Speaking gives insight into how salespeople can increase value and customer buy-in through story. In Episode 210 of Anecdot...

209 – Take the Opposing View

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 209 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how asking the right questions brought us GPS – and how you can take these lessons into your … T...

208 – Making Numbers Meaningful

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 208 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how to make abstract concepts relatable and humanize data in business settings. In Episode 208 of Ane...

207 – Control is an Illusion – Barbra Streisand

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 207 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn the origin of “The Streisand Effect” and uncover its powerful lesson on perseverance in business. In...

206 – Necessity is the Mother of Invention – John Sipe

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Explore how John F. Sipe’s 1919 innovation provides lessons in business problem-solving and challenging the status quo. In Episode 206 of Anecdotall...

205 – Creativity in Constraints – Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Boundless creativity can create stagnancy. Listen to hear how Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie demonstrate the importance of constraints in creativit...

204 – The Serve and Return Turning Point: Agassi, Becker and perseverance

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are all looking for the turning point in a good story, and we love a story that demonstrates perseverance and resolve. Shawn and Mark discuss the r...

203 – The resilience and persistence story of Penfolds Grange

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Resilience and persistence are not only the hallmarks of future success in winemaking, but in business too. Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of th...

202 – Efficiency versus cost cutting

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Reducing waste increases the efficiency of raw material use. But can we all agree that scraping mould off food product prior to packaging may be a lit...

201 – Governance and accountability lose their Barings

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A governance and accountability story. Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast! Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insigh...

200 – Weber BBQ Australian Success

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast! Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights! https://www.anecdote.com/ In this e...

199 – Approach to the south poles apart – Amundsen Scott

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two explorers from the northern hemisphere set out to be the first to reach the South Pole - Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falconer Scott of Eng...

198 – Mayor in the monkey suit – Stuart Drummond

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

People from Hartlepool UK are known colloquially as 'monkey hangers' - a moniker that stems from the Napoleonic Wars of the 1800s. But this story is a...

197 – Atlanta Olympic swim 1996 – Kieren Perkins

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Australian champion swimmer Kieren Perkins barely qualified for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and only just made the final for the 1500 metre event. Shaw...

196 – Better fire story – Michigan Uni

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Michigan University researchers sought to understand the 'stickiness' of stories - does factual or emotionally charged information provided 'after the...

195 – Bullet train kingfisher nose – Eiji Nakatsu

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bird watcher and engineer Eiji Nakatsu sped up and made Japan's bullet trains quieter by studying the kingfisher's beak. Shawn and Mark stick their no...

194 – French reverse mortgage – Jeanne Calment

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jeanne Louise Calment lived to 122 years of age (a species record). Who would have thought such an age was achievable? How would you feel, betting aga...

193 – Rolling Stones songwriting – Andrew Loog Oldham

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Loog Oldham at 19 years of age was the Rolling Stones first manager. By suggesting that Keith Richards and Mick Jagger start writing original s...

192 – Americas Cup speed focus – Peter Blake

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sir Peter Blake suggested a single focus for New Zealand's Americas Cup challenge - only do those things that make the boat go faster - leading to two...

190 – Infancy of the newborn test – Virginia Apgar

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The quality of a good question can create insight. Join Shawn and Mark as they discuss the life saving simplicity and humble beginnings of the Apgar T...

189 – The last raiders of the lost ark – Harrison Ford – Gary Marshall

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sometime we just have to throw plans out the window as circumstances change. Blistering temperatures in Tunisia caused the simplification of a now ico...

188 – Sydney Opera House – Jorn Utzon – Ove Arup

26 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can you imagine Sydney Harbour without the Opera House? Well, without 10 years of delays and $90 million in cost overruns the bridge might have been t...

187-Privacy in the EU – Anastasia Dedyukhina – Consciously Digital

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If it doesn't feel right, maybe it's not? Do the right thing, not the easy thing. We always have the right to choose, so ask questions and resist bein...

185 – VR headsets are coming – Ursula Llabres from Meta

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The launch of a new product is risky, but to see young people interact with ease can give lots of confidence. In this episode, we discuss this very po...

186 – Never give up – Jack Ma

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The beauty and power of persistence. This is the story of Jack Ma told by Vika Abromova, the country head of Mars Poland. It's another business story ...

184 – Don’t push your bias onto others – Fiona Wood

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Opinions aren’t facts. Listen to hear how Surgeon Fiona Wood set the record straight when her son’s partner was told to reconsider her chosen care...

183 – Show your work as much as possible – The Caillebotte Seven

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We grow to love the things we are exposed to again and again. Listen to hear how the mere exposure effect helped the Caillebotte Seven become the famo...

182 – Listen to your customer – Anita Roddick

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Some of the best ideas will come from your customers. Listen to hear how The Body Shop grew from a side hustle to an international … The post 182 –...

181 – It’s never too late – Judith Curphey

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s never too late; if you believe something should be different, try to change it. Listen to hear how Judith Curphey went from retirement to found...

180 – Focus on your work – Christine Ha

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t compare your work to that of others; focus on yourself. Listen to hear how Christine Ha’s vision impairment helped her win the third America...

Replay 164 – You don’t need to be an expert – Lisa Blair

08 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

You don’t need to be an expert to develop expertise. On International Women’s Day, listen to hear how Lisa Blair beat the odds and went from saili...