Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Disruptive Influence: The Business Storytelling & Brand Communication Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 10: "The Language of Legacy" with Jasmin Alić | 13 Aug 2024 | 01:03:58 | |
Jasmin Alić, LinkedIn Coach, Corporate Trainer, Copywriter, Brand Strategist & one of the most influential LinkedIn Creators in the world, joins Jeff to talk about the power of writing, building trust by sharing 100%, creating a community for greater impact, growing up in a war-torn city and his external influences, handling the pressures of being a top creator, leaving a legacy to be proud of, how he likes his burgers 🍔 …and so much more! Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 9: "Chai for the Shy" with Mahfuz Chowdhury | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:58:02 | |
Mahfuz Chowdhury, author, international TEDx speaker, and Director of Strategy at Candybox Marketing, joins Jeff to talk about his journey from introversion to storytelling success, how he overcame his "mental chatterbox," the significance of resilience and adaptability, and the key traits of thriving business leaders. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 8: "Amplify Yourself!" with Nausheen I. Chen | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:45:23 | |
Public Speaking Coach, Podcaster, 3-time TEDx Speaker & LinkedIn Top Creator, Nausheen I. Chen, talks about overcoming nerves and improving your speaking skills, how visualisation can get you through awkward moments, the importance of video for your personal brand, why being yourself is the key to effective public speaking, what it's like to speak on a TEDx stage…and so much more! Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 7: "Ding-Dong! Who's There?" with Dan Nelken | 25 Jun 2024 | 00:56:45 | |
Dan Nelken, creative director, copywriter, speaker, author of ‘A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters’, and creator of the ‘Writing Under Pressure’ course, talks overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, the importance of creating something of your own, building audience and community around your work, the creative value of collaboration and relationships, building confidence through craft…and so much more (like getting the one of the craziest commercials ever produced for Nintendo Canada on air)! Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 6: "Mentoring Madness" with Jason Bagley | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:55:39 | |
Jason Bagley, former Executive Creative Director at Wieden+Kennedy Portland, and founder of the Audacious School of Astonishing Pursuits (ASAP), talks about the importance of pushing ideas to the edge of madness, the critical role of empathy in client relationships, the impact of mentoring, and the disruptive work of brands like Liquid Death and Burberry. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 5: "Creator Culture" with Roger Figueiredo | 29 May 2024 | 00:43:21 | |
#Paid Chief Marketing Officer Roger Figueiredo talks about the creator economy, the role of creators in shaping culture, pricing predictability, team leadership, hiring talent, and how brands can be present in key creator life moments. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 4: "Empowering People & Process" with Greg Kihlstrom | 04 Mar 2024 | 00:42:00 | |
Digital transformation thought leader Greg Kihlstrom talks about being a speaker and author, implementing process at scale, empowering employees, great customer experiences, what do to with your data, and predictions on AI. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 3: "Whipped Queen Dreams" with Tracy Luckow | 22 Jan 2024 | 00:46:21 | |
Whipnotic co-founder Tracy Luckow talks about whipping up a CPG brand from scratch, essential qualities of entrepreneurs, embracing the ask, building a business with family, and more. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 2: "Loud Shirts, Louder Strategy" with Julian Cole | 22 Jan 2024 | 01:09:04 | |
Strategy guru Julian Cole talks about the role of the strategist, overcoming overwhelming imposter syndrome, creative collaboration with AI, memorable brand campaigns, why he wears loud shirts, and more. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 1: "The Mysterious 5%" with Mitch Joel | 16 Jan 2024 | 01:02:59 | |
Decoder of the Future Mitch Joel talks technology, AI eating your job for breakfast, the mystery of soul in the work, CMOs vs Chief Advertising Officers, the need for brands to carve their own path, and the overdue onus on marketers and advertisers to deliver results. Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 14: "Relationship Capital" with Eric A. Brooker | 29 Oct 2024 | 00:53:27 | |
Eric A. Brooker, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Bestselling Author & Coach, joins Jeff to discuss the transformative power of vulnerability, navigating personal struggles to find "enough," the impact of small gestures in building relationship capital, the importance of positivity in personal growth, resilience when facing disruption and change, keynote speaking, personal branding, embracing AI...cool glasses, Nike Blazers, and so much more! 00:00 The Importance of Little Things Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 13: "Write the Book!" with Chris Stanley | 22 Oct 2024 | 00:44:51 | |
Chris Stanley, Mini-Book Coach, 27x Author & Amazon Bestseller, joins Jeff to talk about the rise of mini books and the mini book model, building credibility through writing, overcoming writing challenges, finding your voice and audience, influences and inspirations (check out category pirates), running a life and business from a sailboat...and so much more! 00:00 The Rise of Mini Books Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 12: "Driven to Lead" with Stefania Mancini | 08 Oct 2024 | 00:51:18 | |
Stefania Mancini, Vice-President, Product Management & General Manager Consumer Group Canada at Intuit, joins Jeff to talk about feedback and personal growth, innovative marketing, product management, lifelong learning and professional development, radical candor, catering to diverse consumer needs, keys to driving growth and innovation, mentorship and team leadership...and why she runs her group like a Formula 1 team. 00:00 Unlocking Personal Growth Through Feedback Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 11: "The Considered Creator" with Sam Browne | 08 Sep 2024 | 00:39:59 | |
Sam Browne, New Zealand-based LinkedIn Creator & Coach, Entrepreneur, and former Rock Musician, joins Jeff to talk about growing his audience from zero to 100K+, the crossover between music and LinkedIn, the 80/20 rule for LinkedIn success, creating and promoting digital products, embracing identity shifts in the face of burnout, the story behind his famous dinosaur emoji 🦖 ...and more! Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 16: "Podcasting with Purpose" with Ben Albert | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:47:23 | |
Ben Albert, Founder of Real Business Connections and Balbert Marketing, joins Jeff Abracen to discuss the journey from accidental entrepreneur to podcasting expert, the power of local connection and how to build genuine business relationships, the essential role of gratitude, the importance of commitment and consistency in podcasting, the art of storytelling, monetizing a podcast beyond sponsorships...and so much more! 00:00 The Path to Full-Time Creation Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 15: "The Magnitude of Authenticity" with Erica Rankin | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:59:03 | |
Erica Rankin, Personal Branding Coach, Entrepreneur, Founder, and Host of the ‘You're Not a Bad Person’ Podcast, joins Jeff to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience and reinvention, navigating hustle culture, overcoming self-doubt, the importance of authenticity, the influence of mentorship, the impact of personal branding, her new course "The Magnitude Method"…and so much more! Chapters Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 19: "Creative Courage" with Dhaval Bhatt | 03 Dec 2024 | 00:56:13 | |
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. 00:00 Intro Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 18: "Do Bold Sh*t!" with Robb Gilbear | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:51:30 | |
Robb Gilbear, Coach & Founder of Growth Habit and author of Die Before They Do, joins Jeff Abracen to share how fear can spark breakthroughs, decoupling learning from school, how accountability transforms goals, using storytelling as a tool for connection, the clarity found in digital detoxes, and the power of forgiveness and empathy in healing. Robb also opens up about the personal growth behind his heart tattoo, why adaptability fuels success, how fear-setting can crush limitations, and so much more! 00:00 Intro Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 17: "Fearless Business" with Robin Waite | 19 Nov 2024 | 00:58:25 | |
Robin Waite, Business Coach & Founder of Fearless Business, joins Jeff Abracen to share why a 'boring business' might be for you, the 7/11/4 concept for building trust, simplifying offers for better outcomes, how fewer clients can mean better service, why giving away books is a winning strategy, how guesting on podcasts is one of the best marketing moves you can make...and so much more! Chapters 00:00 Intro Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 24: "Selling Elegance" with Richard Moore | 10 Mar 2025 | 01:08:04 | |
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/] | |||
| Ep 23: "Stop Reading Slides!" with Ben Levy | 22 Feb 2025 | 01:07:10 | |
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. Find Ben Levy Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/ https://www.sellitgreat.com/shop https://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/ Chapters 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/] | |||
| Ep 22: "Live. Laugh. Brand." with Alana Sparrow | 15 Feb 2025 | 00:48:28 | |
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 Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 21: "Dominate Your Niche" with Darren Lee | 20 Jan 2025 | 01:39:14 | |
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! 00:00 Intro Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Episode 20: "Solo Mission" with Kasey Jones | 17 Dec 2024 | 01:03:31 | |
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 Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 27: "Mind, Body, & Business" with Mike Fata | 12 May 2025 | 01:02:45 | |
Mike Fata is a founder, investor, health advocate, and builder of movements. After losing 100 pounds, he co-founded Manitoba Harvest and grew it into a $100M+ hemp foods powerhouse, later guiding its $419M sale to Tilray. He’s now the CEO of Fata & Associates, host of the Founder to Mentor podcast, and an advisor to world-class natural product brands. Whether he’s mentoring founders or plunging into ice baths, Mike is all about growth - with purpose. He joins Jeff to talk about the discipline behind transformation, how to pitch in 60 seconds, why personal branding matters more than ever in 2025, and what it really means to live with purpose after the exit. From health to storytelling to deep work, this conversation goes way beyond business. We cover:
Chapters 00:00 Intro Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 26: "Courageously You" with Aransas Savas | 28 Apr 2025 | 01:03:22 | |
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:
Connect with Aransas Savas: Connect with Jeff Abracen: 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/] | |||
| Ep 25: "10,000 Conversations" with Rob Lawless | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:53:20 | |
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:
Connect with Rob: Instagram: @robs10kfriends Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/ Like what you heard? 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/] | |||
| Ep 30: “Build a Brand That Sells Itself” with Jasmin Alic | 14 Jul 2025 | 01:03:33 | |
Jasmin Alić, LinkedIn's king of comments, content & community, shares how to turn content into conversations, stories into sales, and profile views into paying clients. We dive into warm outreach, offer alignment, and why connection beats content every time. Jasmin is a brand strategist and community builder who’s helped thousands of creators turn personal brands into real businesses. As the founder of LinkUp and LinkBound, he teaches people how to grow with clarity, integrity, and a little bit of swagger. Chapters Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 29: "Big Founder Energy" with Aaron Spivak | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:53:29 | |
Aaron Spivak co-founded Hush, turning a weighted blanket into a Kickstarter smash and selling to Sleep Country for eight figures - all before his 26th birthday. He joins Jeff to unpack the real juice behind: Giving Before You Take – the counter-intuitive first rule powering his invite-only Founders Club Cooling the Market – How hundreds of customer calls flipped Hush from summer slump to record-breaking demand Story > Specs – how truly speaking to their audience turned their Dragons’ Den pitch into Canadian TV lore Reps, Results, Reality Checks – why Aaron treats entrepreneurship like a full-contact sport ..and how Aaron Spivak Sold Hush, but kept his soul. 0:00 Intro “Everything is war” Useful Links Find the Founders Club: https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/ Connect with Aaron Spivak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/ Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 28: "Life. Style. Business." with Shoaib Ahmed | 06 Jun 2025 | 01:01:00 | |
Shoaib Ahmed, Founder, Brand Storyteller, Ghostwriter, and Digital Nomad, joins Jeff to talk about building a business that actually works for you. We get into personal branding that drives results, solopreneur freedom, the reality behind it, and how Shoaib curates what he calls his “little life”, for more freedom, flow, and focus. He shares how he approaches content, and what it’s like to ghostwrite for everyone from global execs to Gen Z founders, how numbers and narratives go hand in hand, fashion, power bowls, and how to win over your barista and batch create content in a coffee shop. And surprise! Bestie Karla McNeilage, Personal Brand Strategist and Owner at Wave Socials, crashes the pod with surprise questions, unhinged chaos, and some real talk about growth, friendship, confidence, and how far they’ve come -together. If you’re a executive, founder, coach, creator, consultant, or anyone building something that’s both personal and powerful, this episode slaps. 00:00 Intro 00:38 Meet Shoaib Ahmed 01:37 Curating a Stylish Life and Content 02:57 The Concept of 'My Little Life' 03:52 Business Retreats and Collaborations 05:04 Building Meaningful Connections 07:15 The Importance of Complementary Relationships 08:29 Navigating Business Partnerships 10:09 The Journey of a Digital Nomad 11:23 Finding Balance in Health, Wealth, and Happiness 12:46 The Evolution of a Solopreneur 14:56 Self-Discipline and Awareness 16:46 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact 18:27 The Role of a Ghostwriter 20:35 The Art of Context Switching 22:05 Automation and Systems in Business 23:41 The Challenges of Solopreneurship 25:08 The Intersection of Storytelling and Data 27:53 Proving Value Through Metrics 29:50 The Joy of Numbers and Analytics 30:58 Content Creation Rituals 32:38 Daily Routines and Coffee Rituals 37:11 Coffee Shop Strategies for Productivity 39:15 Client Relationships and Boundaries 41:31 The Importance of Trust in Branding 43:11 From Nerd to Rebel: Embracing Change 46:26 Unhinged Questions and Fun Dynamics 54:21 Reflections on Personal Growth and Identity Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 32: "The Sugar Factor" with Priya Chopra | 29 Jul 2025 | 00:56:53 | |
Priya Chopra reveals the secret ingredient behind her cross-border PR and creator agencies - a blend of vibes, intuition, and a relentless Momentum Mindset that keeps brands, and teams, sweetly winning. Priya Chopra is the founder & CEO of 1Milk2Sugars and double shot, where she mixes her “Sugar Factor” - a unique recipe of psychic intuition, empathy, and entrepreneurial grit - to help brands and creators amplify impact, loyalty, and growth. In this episode, she joins Jeff to break down: Chapters Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 31: "Put Gas on Your Strengths!" with Curtis Matsko | 25 Jul 2025 | 01:21:00 | |
Curtis Matsko turned a pink diary and a garage startup into a $180 million leather-goods empire - then doubled it year after year by unleashing what he calls “founder magic.” He shares how leaning into your strengths and embracing the unknown can turn every setback into a launchpad for growth. Curtis Matsko is the CEO and co-founder of Portland Leather Goods, one of North America’s fastest-growing DTC and retail brands. A self-described “over-educated jerk” who never held a real job beyond three days, he’s built his business on pattern recognition, calculated risks, and unapologetic authenticity. Mariana Patiño, PA/EA at Portland Leather Goods, jumps in to share what it’s like being Curtis’ right hand - juggling the logistics, capturing his lightning-fast ideas, and turning his wild energy into every project’s secret sauce. We talk about: Whether you’re launching your first venture or leading a mature organization, you’ll walk away with a new playbook for bold growth, real-talk storytelling, and the magic that happens when you refuel your superpowers.
Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 33: "Stop Performing, Start Believing" with Annelise McCarthy | 24 Aug 2025 | 00:52:38 | |
What does it really take to stand out as a speaker in a noisy world? The zesty and unapologetically real, Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach, joins Jeff to explore what speaking with confidence really means. From overcoming a childhood lisp to building a thriving global coaching business, Annelise shares powerful and counterintuitive lessons on communication, presence, and self-belief. This episode isn’t about tips and tricks, it’s about transforming the way you see yourself, so your voice carries the weight it deserves. We dive into:
Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply someone who wants to use their voice more powerfully, this conversation will remind you: it’s never too late to claim your voice and step into the spotlight on your own terms. 🎧 Tune in and get ready to stop performing - and start connecting. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:40 Journey into Public Speaking 10:25 The Importance of Communication in the Age of AI 12:01 Memorable Moments in Speaking 18:05 The Impact of Empowering Voices 24:14 Self-Love and Communication 27:54 Embracing Anxiety as a Superpower 29:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery 31:27 The Impact of COVID on Personal Growth 34:08 The Mirror Moment: A Turning Point 36:40 Building a Relationship with Self-Love 38:07 The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling 40:07 From Performance to Authenticity 44:14 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience 48:00 The Foundation of Compassion in Public Speaking 51:21 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||
| Ep 34: "The Ungeneric Hero: Beards, Burnout & Business" with Louis Butterfield | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:55:31 | |
This is a conversation about what it really takes to build a business, stand out in a sea of sameness, and recover when the hustle turns into burnout. Louis Butterfield is the co-founder of Awesome Business Videos & Video Heroes, an agency, program & community helping founders create videos that actually get watched on LinkedIn. Known for his playful “videos in the park” format, Louis has carved out a reputation for making content that’s ungeneric, entertaining, and rooted in values. Alongside his wife Jenna Sipponen, he’s built a six-figure business and a fast-growing community - while also confronting the realities of burnout and balance. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Takeaways
Chapters 00:00 – The role of story: why we’re drawn to people like us Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/] | |||