Disruptive Influence: The Business Storytelling & Brand Communication Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Most brands aren’t failing.
They’re just fading into the background.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with David Brier, one of the sharpest and most unapologetic minds in branding, to talk about why so much marketing today feels polished, competent… and completely forgettable.

David calls it the Wall of Beige: what happens when brands optimize for speed, safety, and scale - but quietly lose their nerve, their taste, and their point of view along the way.

We get into why “meeting expectations” is actually a trap. Why pumping out more content won’t save you if it costs you differentiation. And why loyalty isn’t built through clever tactics - it’s built through intention.

From the ritual of opening an iPhone box, to handwritten notes, to small human moments most brands overlook, this conversation breaks down how everyday interactions - when handled with conviction - become the reason people come back, talk about you, and choose you again.

This isn’t a conversation about trends.
It’s a conversation about standards.

If you’re a founder, executive, or brand leader who’s tired of sounding like everyone else - and wants people to stop saying “that’s nice” and start saying “I want more of that” - this is the episode for you.

What we explore

• Why so many brands blend in (even when they’re doing “everything right”)
• The difference between convenience and care
• How fanatical intention turns moments into loyalty
• Why anticipation beats persuasion
• Where authenticity actually comes from - and where it doesn’t

Chapters

00:00 — Turning Ordinary Into Amazing
00:44 — AI, Speed & the Wall of Beige
04:42 — Why Playing It Safe Is Riskier
06:23 — Freshness, Familiarity & Surprise
10:14 — The iPhone Box Lesson
12:03 — Practitioner vs Professional vs Genius
18:23 — Fanatical Intention
22:39 — Why Meeting Expectations Is a Failure
27:05 — Human Effort Creates Loyalty
30:32 — Apple vs Microsoft: DNA Matters
36:40 — Refusing to Let Ordinary Be Ordinary
41:58 — Curiosity Beats Confusion
44:07 — Why Meaning Beats Marketing
55:17 — The Next 4 Years vs the Next 40
58:44 — “I Want More of That”

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

In this episode, I sit down with designer, educator, founder, and category creator, Nick Broekema, the mind behind the booming discipline of Content Design and one of the most recognizable visual brands on LinkedIn™.

Nick has built something rare: a business that’s 100% inbound. No outreach. No cold emails. No chasing. Just magnetic, systematic content that compounds.

We go deep on:

• How Nick built an audience of 80k+
• How Content Design became a category, and how he's leading it
• The exact steps he took to turn random posting into a business
• What most creators get wrong on LinkedIn™
• Why alignment beats hustle
• The role of clarity, positioning, and ICP refinement
• His pivot from Done-For-You to Cohorts + Community
• And the mindset shifts required to scale a highly creative business sustainably

This is a masterclass in positioning, design, systems, and treating content as a strategic asset - not decoration.

Whether you're a founder, a coach, a designer, or someone reinventing their career on LinkedIn, this is a conversation you will want to save.

Chapters:

00:00 - Teaser Intro

00:41 - Re-Framing, Re-Building

01:08 - The Early Days & Becoming a Category of One

02:50 - From Crickets to Clarity

04:10 - The Coach Who Sparked a Category

05:23 - Why LinkedIn™? Why Now?

07:41 - Quitting, Drifting, and Rediscovering Entrepreneurship

09:20 - Choosing LinkedIn™ Over Instagram

09:53 - What a Carousel Really Is (and Why It Works)

11:30 - Why Visuals Must Be Simple, Clear, and Fast

13:49 - How to Build Leads on LinkedIn From Scratch

15:44 - Compounding Through Conversation

17:05 - The Turning Point: Selling Through Content

18:38 - The Three-Month Danger Window

19:45 - Quantity → Quality (No Other Shortcut Exists)

22:16 - Why You Should Post BEFORE You Need To

26:15 - The Multiple Facets of Content Design

28:21 - Nick's Design Rules (And Why They Work)

30:30 - How His Client Grew 8k Followers and 80k in Revenue

32:22 - Trim the Offer: Why Less > More

34:28 - The 60% Rule for Positioning

36:22 - D.F.Y → D.I.Y: A Pivot That Scales

37:52 - Nick’s Current Business Model

40:10 - Why He’s Leaving Done-For-You Behind

42:53 - The Rise of In-Person Events

44:58 - Why Build a Community?

46:32 - Screen-Sharing, Transparency, and “Winging It”

48:06 - Jeff’s POV on Clarity, Story, and Power of Voice

52:02 - Reframing Stage Nerves into Excitement

53:36 - Nick’s Public Speaking Trauma (And How He Overcame It)

55:54 - Expertise + Stories = Unshakeable Confidence

57:15 - The Anchor of Inbound-Only

58:10 - Jeff on Remembering Your Own Value

59:41 - Jeff’s Storytelling Background & Business Model

01:02:52 - Naming, Positioning & Not Getting “Too Cute”

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Aransas Savas, motivational strategist and coach, joins Jeff to explore the real drivers behind creativity, influence, and personal growth.

They dive into why healthy conflict is essential for innovation, how to transition from chasing positional power to embodying personal power, and why authenticity, not conformity, is the real superpower.

Aransas shares how embracing play, curiosity, and even our perceived limitations can unlock new possibilities in leadership, creativity, and life. This conversation reminds us that growth isn’t about fitting in - it’s about showing up as your truest self and finding the people and opportunities that see your value.

Key Topics:

• Why healthy conflict and tension fuel creativity
• Challenging societal norms to uncover your truth
• The shift from fitting in to standing out
• How to use play to solve problems and get unstuck
• Turning perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths
• Finding community, courage, and personal power
• How emotional storytelling drives real-world influence

Connect with Aransas Savas:

• Podcast: The Uplifters Podcast
• LinkedIn: Aransas Savas

Connect with Jeff Abracen:

• LinkedIn

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:36 Understanding Wellbeing and Leadership Coaching

02:20 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Truth

04:43 Challenging Societal Norms and Personal Beliefs

08:50 The Struggle Between Fitting In and Standing Out

10:46 Transitioning from Positional to Personal Power

12:08 Finding Value in Uncommon Skills

17:04 The Role of Purpose in Professional Life

21:10 Navigating Acceptance and Impact

24:33 Defining the Ideal Customer and Job to Be Done

27:35 The Complexity of Superpowers and Insecurities

30:04 The Value of Diverse Perspectives

35:27 The Power of Play in Problem Solving

40:09 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

42:25 Transforming Limitations into Strengths

48:21 Using Struggles to Help Others

54:11 Defining Your Unique Influence

01:01:14 The Impact of Stories on Courage

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Rob Lawless set out to meet 10,000 strangers for one hour each. 7,000+ conversations in, the project has become more than a social experiment - it's a masterclass in empathy, presence, and the untold power of human connection.

In this conversation, we go deep into what drives Rob, how he turned a bold idea into a global movement, and what he's learned from spending thousands of hours truly listening. From growing up in a big family, coffee shop chat and international stages, we unpack not just Rob’s journey, but our shared humanity.

And in a twist, Rob flips the mic and interviews me for part of the episode, bringing out personal stories I rarely get to share on air. It's a conversation full of curiosity, surprises, and reminders of what really matters.

In this episode:

• Why Rob started meeting strangers for one hour at a time
• The “Friend” framework for finding what connects us
• What 10,000 hours of presence can teach you about being human
• Rob’s storytelling superpowers — and how he discovered them
• The discipline, empathy, and mindset behind long-term vision
• My pie chart of identity — and what’s shifted since becoming a dad
• What’s next for Rob after 10,000 people
• Why being present is the ultimate superpower

Connect with Rob:

Instagram: @robs10kfriends
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-lawless-robs10kfriends/

Connect with Jeff:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/

Like what you heard?
Subscribe, rate, and share Disruptive Influence!

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – How the 10,000 People Project Started

04:54 – From Coffee Shops to Cruise Ships

09:56 – The “Friend” Framework

15:07 – The Art of Conversation

20:03 – Post-10,000 Vision

26:47 – Jeff’s Creative Roots

29:48 – Life as a Timeline: Curiosity, Memory, and Storytelling

32:55 – Natural Gifts and Learned Superpowers

37:23 – The COVID Pivot That Changed Everything

42:48 – The Real Influences: Family, Friends, and Gratitude

44:21 – Books, TV Shows, and Staying Relevant (or Not)

46:43 – Presence Over Performance

48:00 – If We’re Popping Champagne Next Year...

50:00 – A Masterclass in Presence

51:57 – Mutual Gratitude and the Power of Saying Yes

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Sales and communication expert & founder of the Art of Sell, Richard Moore, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why most people are selling the wrong way, how to stop chasing vanity metrics, and what really drives business growth in 2025.

They discuss why content and engagement won’t pay the bills, how to ditch the spray-and-pray approach to sales, the power of deep, meaningful conversations over mass outreach, why client acquisition is the only metric that matters, the art of handling objections like a professional, and how self-worth plays a bigger role in closing deals than you might think.

If you’re stuck in the loop of posting, scrolling, and hoping for inbound leads - this episode is a wake-up call. Learn how to sell with elegance, build a business that lasts, and turn connections into clients.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:46 Follower Count vs. Follower Quality

09:57 Competency Over Volume in Sales

15:02 Finding Your Niche and Testing Ideas

20:06 The Role of Feel in Business

25:10 Intentionality in Engagement

30:13 The Reality of Selling on Social Media

34:33 The Art of Selling Elegantly

40:27 Overcoming Sales Inertia

47:01 Embracing Your Superpowers

54:07 The Intersection of Sales and Psychology

01:01:24 The Importance of Individual Interactions

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Presentation Coach, Creative Director, and Author, Ben Levy joins Jeff Abracen to break down the art of creative agency presentations, why the best idea doesn’t always win, and how to structure a story that sells.

Dig into the biggest mistakes people make in presentations (and how to fix them), why reading slides out loud is killing your pitch, how confidence in public speaking is built through preparation—not personality, the power of pacing meetings to avoid information overload, why agencies need to ditch templates and start answering the right questions, how to create conversations instead of monologues, and how Ben overcame social anxiety and became a presentation coach…and so much more!

Find Ben Levy Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/shop

https://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:42 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

12:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Presentations

21:09 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

25:05 Teaching and Learning in the Creative Industry

33:25 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations

35:20 Influence of Family on Communication Skills

37:54 Overcoming Presentation Challenges

40:09 Learning from Industry Leaders

42:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Presentations

46:30 Lessons from Presentation Failures

50:27 Understanding Client Expectations

52:59 Competing for Attention in a Noisy World

54:13 Disruptive Presentation Techniques

57:18 Building Strong Client Relationships

59:05 The Role of Mentorship in Growth

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Albany-based Alana Sparrow, Brand Strategist, Visual Storyteller, Founder of The VIB, and Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of The Foundry for Art, Design + Culture, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why storytelling is the ultimate tool for branding success, the rapid rise of personal brands in corporate spaces, how confidence is built through action, scaling a business without sacrificing freedom, the impact of authenticity on trust and growth, embracing Ikigai to align work and life, why entrepreneurs need to stop sprinting and start sustaining, shining a light on your strengths to unlock your full potential, how personal brands will shape the future of business in 2025…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Alana's Path to Brand Strategy
03:15 – Leaving Higher Ed for Entrepreneurship
05:21 – COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
07:23 – Personal Branding for High Earners
09:21 – Authenticity in Branding and Marketing
11:15 – Early Influences on Entrepreneurial Mindset
15:26 – From Fine Art to Brand Strategy
17:21 – Time Freedom vs. Hustle Culture
18:30 – Slazy™ – A Smarter Work Approach
22:31 – Finding Purpose and Profit with Ikigai
28:23 – How Personal Branding Drives Growth
32:26 – Confidence, Mindset, and Taking Up Space
36:59 – Client Breakthroughs and Business Shifts
38:45 – The Future of Personal Branding in 2025
43:09 – LinkedIn vs. Instagram for Brand Growth
45:00 – Quality vs. Quantity in Social Media
46:56 – Connect with Alana Sparrow

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

In this extended episode, Darren Lee, Founder & CEO of Voics, and Podcast Host of Kickoff Sessions, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into how he built a 7-figure podcasting business from scratch, the importance of creating your own universe, how focus fuels success, learning through failure, why you should sell before you build, the importance of trust, the power of metrics, niching down and mastering simplicity, monetizing small audiences, leaning into your superpowers and overcoming the odds, why Bali is a haven for creators, personalized tips for my own business…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:56 The Journey of Focus and Discipline
10:10 From Sports to Startups: A Reflective Shift
14:55 Building Connections and Trust
19:45 The Circle of Safety in Leadership
25:04 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic
29:53 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship
33:09 Learning Through Experience
36:01 Mastering the Process
38:55 Building Skills for Success
42:13 The Importance of Measurement
46:01 Simplicity in Business
51:45 Selling Before Building
56:10 Finding Your Niche
01:00:01 Staying in the Market
01:02:57 Disrupting the Podcasting Industry
01:06:49 The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn
01:11:59 Short-Form Video: A New Discovery Tool
01:12:56 Influences and Inspirations in the Podcasting Journey
01:16:15 Building Genuine Connections in Podcasting
01:18:09 Why Bali is the New Hub for Creators
01:22:03 Guidance for Emerging Podcasters
01:28:50 The Importance of Clarity in Communication Offers
01:31:13 The Impact of Helping Others Through Content Creation

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Kasey Jones, Growth Strategist, Personal Brand Coach, Founder & CEO at The Solo CEO, joins Jeff Abracen to talk about how self-compassion is a superpower, turning hardship into strength and opportunity, how finding your ‘One Thing’ brings clarity and magnetism to your brand and business, why your insecurities might be your biggest differentiator, how personal branding creates meaningful connections, why Kasey is a mix between Jocko Willink & Mr. Rogers, the ‘F*ck Yes’ principle…and so much more!

00:00 Intro
03:01 Evolving Solopreneurs into CEOs
05:57 Finding Your One Thing
08:54 Navigating Personal and Professional Trauma
12:02 The Journey of Self-Discovery
14:46 The Role of Empathy in Coaching
18:07 Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing
20:59 Where Personal Growth and Business Success Meet
23:55 Uncovering Your Unique Value
27:05 The Balance of Tough Love and Kindness
29:54 The Evolution of Personal Branding
31:43 Embracing Personal Transformation
34:33 Identifying and Owning Your Superpowers
38:49 The Role of Hardship in Shaping Success
41:39 Leveraging Unique Skills for Business Growth
45:21 The 'F*ck Yes' Principle in Client Relationships
49:38 Experimentation as a Path to Clarity
55:21 The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship
01:00:57 Self-Compassion and Personal Systems for Neurodivergence

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Dhaval Bhatt, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Courage Inc., joins Jeff Abracen to share how he co-built Courage into one of Canada’s top and most awarded in under three years - crafting work for clients like KFC, CIBC, Kit-Kat, Taco Bell and Skip.

They chat about treating clients as collaborators, how to present big ideas & moving at the speed of culture, why the human-to-human approach matters more than ever, the people who have inspired him, the lessons that keep him and his team pushing for better work every day - and the culture behind it all.

And of course, working on big budget productions with celebrities like Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper).

Chapters

00:00 Intro
03:02 Building Courageous Client Relationships
05:53 Human-to-Human Communication in Marketing
08:46 The Importance of Being Proactive
12:08 Promises of Courage: A Unique Agency Approach
15:01 Selling the Sizzle: The Art of Presentation
17:52 The Pursuit of Perfection in Advertising
21:11 Founding Courage
24:03 Collaboration in High-Stakes Production
28:27 Adapting to Client Needs
30:22 The Role of Celebrity in Advertising
34:10 Creative Connections with Calendar Events
37:58 The Customer Experience
41:47 Behind the Scenes of Agency Work
44:07 The Pursuit of Perfection in Creativity
48:45 Influences on Creative Growth
52:36 The Human Element in Professional Relationships
54:27 Guiding the Next Generation of Creatives

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. 

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen