Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Not Your Story

In this episode of Not Your Story, we sit down with Salvador Ayala, who spent 30 years building a global career at SLB, taking on leadership roles across operations, technology, strategy, sales, marketing, and engineering while working throughout Mexico, the United States, Africa, and Brazil. Salvador shares how an unexpected opportunity after graduating during Mexico’s economic crisis led him into the oil and gas industry, and ultimately into a career that continually pushed him outside his comfort zone.Salvador also opens up about the sacrifices behind international leadership, what kept him at one company for three decades, and why he eventually decided it was time for a new chapter as CEO of Atlas Pressure Control. He shares his approach to entering a new organization, building a culture of performance and accountability, creating Atlas’ “Responsive, Reliable, Relentless” philosophy, and the importance of embracing change, negotiation, family, and continuous growth.

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/Host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/Guest - https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvador-ayala-6600273/

In this episode of Not Your Story, we sit down with Harry Morton, CEO of Lower Street, a podcast agency that helps brands create, produce, and grow original shows. Harry breaks down why audio is far from dead, how brands should think about audio vs. video, what makes a great branded podcast, and why niche audiences can be more valuable than getting a lot of views. We also dive into the Moneywise case study, the anatomy of a strong podcast intro, and why the future of podcasting will still come down to great storytelling and human connection.

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/Host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/Guest - linkedin.com/in/harrymorton

In this episode of Not Your Story, we sit down with Scott Johns, Chief Commercial Officer at Sapphire Gas Solutions, to explore why natural gas has become one of the most important pieces of the AI revolution.As demand for AI and hyper scale data centers accelerates, so does the need for reliable, scalable power. Scott explains why natural gas, not just renewables or nuclear is positioned to bridge the growing energy gap, and how Sapphire's virtual pipeline solutions are delivering fuel where traditional infrastructure can't reach.

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/Host - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/Guest - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-johns-00b5701/

Patrick Sternkopf didn't come from the oil and gas industry. Today, he's the Director of Marketing at ThruTubing Solutions and CUDD Pressure Control, where he's helping redefine what great marketing looks like in energy. In this episode, he shares the strategies behind the brand and where he believes the future of oil & gas marketing is headed.

In this episode of Not Your Story, Rory sits down with Khaled Elsebai, the media strategist behind some of the biggest business podcasts in the world, to unpack what actually makes a show grow. Khaled Elsebai has spent 20+ years in media, from college radio and SiriusXM to building podcast infrastructure at Gallery Media Group (under Gary Vee’s VaynerMedia umbrella) before later helping scale HubSpot Media, where he led production on flagship shows like My First Million, Marketing Against the Grain, and The Hustle Daily.

Kal takes us through a masterclass in audience growth, podcast strategy, monetization, YouTube packaging, and why most creators are thinking about content completely backwards.

If you're building a podcast, newsletter, media brand, or trying to turn content into a business, this episode is packed with practical frameworks you can apply immediately.

Learn how programmatic advertising has evolved beyond clicks and impressions. Drako's co-founder breaks down real time bidding, geo-targeting, AI-powered audience scoring, and why measuring incremental lift, not vanity metrics, is the key to maximizing your ad budget across every digital channel.

In this episode, Kyle Puls shares his journey from the military to working offshore, the realities of life on oil rigs, and what led him to Aquila Engineering. We break down why they decided to start a podcast and what it means for the future of offshore oil & gas technology.

Subscribe to I Speak Subsea -  ⁨@ISpeakSubsea⁩ 

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/

Armand left his dream oilfield job to build ComboCurve after realizing oil & gas was making multi billion-dollar decisions with broken workflows. In this episode, we break down his early fundraising days in Houston, launching during negative oil prices, closing 50 clients in six months, and how relentless passion, speed, and true customer obsession fueled ComboCurve's rise.

When Anthony Smith joined The Diary Of A CEO, the show had 300,000 subscribers. Today, it’s pushing 15 million.

In this episode of Not Your Story, Anthony shares how cinematic, narrative-driven trailers helped redefine how podcasts are promoted - after Steven Bartlett challenged him to bring something new to the industry.

In this episode I will walk you through 7 storytelling frameworks you can use to tell great f****** stories for you and your brand.

In this episode of Not Your Story, Rory sits down with Jacob, a producer who’s launched 1,000+ podcast episodes, to break podcasting down step by step, from recording on an iPhone to running a full multi-camera studio. Jacob pulls back the curtain on what he’s learned over 5 years building shows at Digital Wildcatters, launching Energy 101, and producing content for the Collide community.

Chuck Yates once helped manage an $8 billion energy fund and was worth around $150 million at the peak of his private-equity career during the Shale revolution.

Then in April 2020, he got fired. Instead of disappearing, Chuck rebuilt. He leaned into storytelling, started a podcast, joined Digital Wildcatters, and recently helped launch Collide. In this episode, Chuck breaks down the rise, the crash, getting fired in 2020, the personal losses that shaped him, and how storytelling and community became the foundation of his reinvention. This is how Chuck Yates rebuilt his life and career from the ground up.

In 2019, Collin McLelland walked away from a stable oilfield career to chase an idea that didn’t exist yet. What began as a podcast to meet people in Houston became Digital Wildcatters, a storytelling-driven media company and community that has redefined how the energy industry shares ideas, builds culture, and attracts the next generation. That same “Evolve or Die” mindset led to Collide, an AI-powered enterprise platform helping energy operators unlock the power of their data.In this episode, we talk about Collin’s journey from the rig floor to building a media empire, the origins of Evolve or Die, the creation of Collide, why curiosity drives innovation, and what it really takes to build hard companies inside the energy industry.

In this episode, Massiel Diez breaks down why she quit her 13-year career at SLB, what finally pushed her to make the jump, and what it really feels like to start over after climbing the corporate ladder.

She opens up about the moment she knew it was time to leave, the fear and freedom that followed, and why the ticket to get off the wrong train only gets more expensive the longer you wait. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the wrong path or wondered if it’s too late to start over, this episode is for you.

Connect with Massiel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-diez-b0942a60/

Connect with Rory - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/

In this special episode, the tables turn, Flipping the Barrel’s own Massiel Diez interviews Not Your Story host Rory Nolan about his journey from growing up in Manchester chasing his childhood dream to become a professional athlete, losing it, and rediscovering his passion through storytelling, marketing, and the creative grind that led to Not Your Story podcast and his role as Strategy Lead at Midnight Marketing. He reflects on how obsession, discipline, and reinvention have shaped every chapter of his life, and why he's placing his bets on the podcast goldrush.

Connect with Rory - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/

Connect with Massiel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-diez-b0942a60/

Subscribe to our Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@NotYourStorypodcast

Produced by Midnight Marketing - https://midnightmarketing.com/podcasts/

Don't forget to follow us on Spotify to stay up to date and if you enjoyed the show drop us a rating 💜

What does it really take to deliver world-class client experience at a growing marketing agency?

In this episode, Rory sits down with Rachel Pepin, Customer Success Manager at Midnight Marketing, to pull back the curtain on how the team scaled from scrappy, word-of-mouth beginnings to serving 60+ clients, all without long-term contracts.

They unpack the pillars of client experience (speed, simplicity, convenience), what it means to earn trust every month, how to handle tough feedback, and why customer success is the department Midnight keeps doubling down on as it grows.

Subscribe to our Youtube channel

Follow us on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 💜

Produced by Midnight Marketing - build your content engine with us today

In this video I take you through the true story of podcasting, how it went from internet fringe to the mainstream. From the early iTunes days to the YouTube era of video podcasts, and the rise of B2B podcasts, this is the full breakdown of why podcasting is the most powerful trust-building format in media today.

How do you rewire your brain for success?

Katelyn Good, a world championship ice skater turned world-class marketer shares the visualization tools she took from elite performance on the ice into rebuilding her identity and succeeding as a bold marketer and elite mental performance coach.

Learn how to silence negative self-talk, push beyond your fear zone, and activate your alter ego to unlock your full potential and reach elite performance.

(00:00) Intro

(01:20) Kate’s origin story: rebuilding identity

(03:38) Alter-ego & the power of visualization

(10:27) Neutral self-talk & mental reps

(17:51) Overcoming negative self-talk

(21:00) The buffalo mindset: confronting the fear zone

(24:59) Transition from athlete to marketer

(27:28) Behind the Lightspeed IPO success story

(30:00) Playbook for GTM product launch strategy

(41:11) Hiring & leading high-performing marketing teams

(42:44) Visualization for marketers: how to use it to win

(51:10) Mental reps & creating an ad campaign in your mind

(56:14) Bold B2B marketing, shaking up legacy industries

(1:03:57) Building iconic brands: experiments & risk

(1:08:30) One simple visualization exercise to start today

(1:10:11) Advice to her younger self & definition of happiness

(1:11:13) Final reflections / outro

Follow Katelyn & Discuss your Mental Performance / Marketing Goals:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-good/

https://calendly.com/good-chat/30-

minhttps://www.instagram.com/kate__good

LEAVE A REVIEW 💜

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Spotify / Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :)

In this episode, Rory sits down with JP Warren, a seasoned expert in communication and community building, exploring the critical role of soft skills in advancing your career, life and business. We focus on enhancing communication skills, the power of effective storytelling, networking, and strategies for leading with soft skills. What's your elevator pitch?

When Weatherford shut down its UK operations, James Crowley had a choice: relocate - or rebuild.

What followed was the creation of Rockatek, a stealthy British engineering powerhouse now quietly solving problems for some of the world’s biggest oil & gas operators.

In this episode, James Crowley, Co-Owner and Director of Rockatek, joins Rory and Bella to talk about:

- Taking the leap from employee to founder

- Navigating the NDA-heavy world of engineering consulting

- The underrated power of British engineering

- Why Rocketech operates like the MI6 of oilfield innovation

- What it really takes to build a business while raising a family

Whether you’re an engineer thinking about launching your own venture, or a founder navigating the peaks and troughs of growth, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Not Your Story, recorded live at the OTC conference, we sit down with Anjani Kumar, VP of CoFlow at Computer Modelling Group (CMG), the gold standard in reservoir simulation for over 47 years.In today’s economic environment, operators face intense pressure to do more with less, fewer people, tighter budgets, and higher expectations.

CMG’s CoFlow platform is helping teams make faster, more accurate decisions in high-stakes environments where millions of dollars are on the line.Anjani shares insights from two decades of technical leadership, how CoFlow enables a unified, data-driven approach to field development, how to communicate technical value through storytelling, and why continuous learning and the power of compounding are essential for the next generation of energy leaders.

If you really want a job in marketing you've got to be OBSESSED.In this episode, we walk out step-by-step if we were restarting out as marketers from scratch today, here's the playbook we would follow.

6 months ago, Saim sent a video to Midnight, telling us why he should be hired.

He stood out from the crowd showing his ability to create content with an obsessive attention to detail.

We uncover how to start making content as a marketer, how to leverage ai, the importance of content pillars and so much more...

In this episode, LIVE from NAPE Expo 2025, seasoned oilfield veteran Farhod Hamidov, International Sales leader at BICO Drilling Tools reveals his secrets to building a powerful global network.

You'll learn how BICO is revolutionizing geothermal with leading technology and how Farhod has built a name for himself within the industry through strategic networking, storytelling and trust building.

In this episode of Not Your Story, LIVE from NAPE Expo 2025 in Houston 2025, Vasili Borisov shares his journey from professional tennis player, to entering the world of oil and gas and with help from his Russian rocket scientist father, create a revolutionary drill bit technology and founded Cool Edge Bits/

Vasili shares how to tell a compelling story as a founder to pitch your vision and brand to investors, recently securing VC money to take his product to market.

If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review and follow for more podcasts on marketing & entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Bella and Rory dive into the podcasting revolution, exploring why now is the perfect time to start your show.

From the rise of video podcasts to tips on growing your audience on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, they share practical advice for beginners and seasoned creators alike.

Discover the power of storytelling, the trends shaping podcasting in 2025, and how to turn your ideas into a show that stands out.

Chris Buckley is the founder and CEO of INY. He has a history of innovation building ST9 Oil and Gas that was acquired by Liberty Energy in 2019.

Chris shares all the lessons he took from that acquisition and how he's been inspired by those experiences to start his new company INY.

Building the first intelligent hybrid high horse power transmission in the world and disrupting the energy, marine and mining industries.

Tune into to discover more about Chris' innovative approach!

Jim Holmes is the founder and CEO of LFS Chemistry. A chemistry technology company revolutionizing the energy industry or the oil and gas industry with sustainable, high-performing molecules. In this episode Jim reveals the biggest mistakes people make when approaching sales. How can you communicate your story effectively as a founder? Tune in to discover more. _____________________

Connect with Jim and LFS Chemistry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-h-55463a14/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lfs-chemistry https://lfschemistry.com/

In this episode you will learn 5 storytelling secrets to tell great f****** stories. Whether you're building your brand, launching a campaign or trying to amplify your message, this video is for you.

Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - The Hook 1:31 - Conflict 3:57 - Simplicity 4:44 - Show Don't Tell 5:17 - Transformation 5:46 - Recap

__________________

Follow Not Your Story: https://www.instagram.com/nys_podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/not-your-story-nys/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/ (don't forget to like, comment and subscribe to our Youtube channel, learn how to tell better stories with us) 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Spotify / Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) Want to level up your marketing? https://linktr.ee/midnight.marketing

Jake Karls is the co-founder and Chief Rainmaker of Midday Squares, a chocolate brand, that’s shaking up the $140B chocolate industry.

Jake shares how Mid-Day Squares is growing a $100M brand by embracing the power of storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity, sharing their behind the scenes story of entrepreneurial drama.

Timestamps: (0:00) - Intro

(1:45) - The future of marketing

(4:44)- The founding story of Mid-Day Squares

(7:44) - $140 billion chocolate industry, growth in saturated market

(9:40) - The power of authenticity and vulnerability

(12:45) - Reality TV Show storytelling, Shark Tank, The Kardashians & Hollywood

(14:55) - Overcoming burnout

(17:46) - ‘Therapy saved our partnership’

(19:33) - There’s no great story without conflict

(21:44) - Positive momentum & compounding action

(23:44) - ‘failure is a privilege’

(25:00) - Does your story evoke emotion?

(27:00) - Over 50 million organic content views

(28:55) - Curiosity, how can we be better storytellers?

(30:00) - The ground game, building true community

(33:23) - Sam Walton built Walmart by SHOWING UP

(35:30) - What the hell is a Chief Rainmaker?

(37:35) - ‘I was a horrible manager’

(38:38) - Scaling to $100 million

(40:44) - Advice to listeners overcoming fear

(41:47) - ‘LinkedIn is a playground for opportunities’

(43:30) - 'Being myself is my greatest superpower'

(45:04) - Outro

Connect with Jake and Mid-Day Squares:

https://www.instagram.com/jakekarls_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/

https://www.instagram.com/middaysquares/

https://www.tiktok.com/ @middaysquares 

Follow Not Your Story:

https://www.instagram.com/nys_podcast/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/not-your-story-nys/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Spotify / Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :)

Want to level up your marketing?https://linktr.ee/midnight.marketing

Why do some campaigns go viral while others flop?

This episode breaks down the secrets behind content people love to share. Every brand has a story—make sure yours gets noticed.

Our guest Sara, Head of Creative Strategy at Midnight Marketing, explains why most LinkedIn content is ineffective and shows you how to make yours stand out.

Powerful campaigns rely on emotional storytelling, shareability, and brand clarity.

Follow this process to make your content worth sharing.

In this episode, Jeff Bernard, Manager of Digital Strategy at Aerion, reveals how creativity and persistence fuel true innovation.

Hear how Jeff’s passion for skydiving shaped his 150 mph approach to building technology and why branding is key to making your product unforgettable.

This is a story of grit, invention, and daring to stand out from the rest.

Guest: Jeff Bernard Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-bernard-6986932b/ Aerion - https://aerion.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/aerion-rental-services/ If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to follow and leave us a 5 star review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 💜 Follow Not Your Story Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/not-your-story-nys/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nys_podcast... Host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/ Want to level up your marketing? https://linktr.ee/midnight.marketing

In this episode, Massiel Diez talks about the power of authenticity, and how embracing her unique story led to incredible opportunities in her career and as an entrepreneur.

- Discover how personal branding can open unexpected doors.

- Learn why representation in leadership is key to breaking barriers.

- Hear Massiel's inspiring story of determination and grit from the energy industry.

Massiel is Co-Founder of Flipping the Barrel, a podcast and community in the energy industry that empowers diverse voices and champions for a future with greater representation.

If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to follow Not Your Story, share and hit the like button 💜 Follow Not Your Story / nys_podcast / not-your-story-nys

Guest: Massiel Diez LinkedIn: / massiel-diez-b0942a60 / flipping-the-barrel Website: https://www.flippingthebarrel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maisefitlif... YouTube: / @flippingthebarrel Host: / rory-nolan-a89a1ab5 Want to level up your marketing? https://linktr.ee/midnight.marketing

In this episode, we discuss the psychology behind marketing, emphasizing the importance of capturing and retaining attention through emotion-driven storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Pixar and Akira Kurosawa, we explore how to create memorable campaigns through visual storytelling, simplifying messages and building trust with your audience. Karla Estoesta, Marketing Coordinator at Midnight Marketing, specializes in blending psychology with storytelling to build emotionally resonant brands and marketing campaigns. What you'll learn: - Show don't tell storytelling methods. - How brand avatars can flexibly illustrate your brand storytelling. - Understanding how memory is stored to bridge the gap between attention and retention.

In this episode, we sit down with Pablo Perez, CEO and President of Bardasz, to explore his inspiring journey from a childhood passion for the ocean to leading a data management and technology company in the energy industry.

Pablo shares insights on the lessons learned from climbing Kilimanjaro, the foundational story of Bardasz, and the importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

We discuss how Bardasz integrates its brand identity with its strategy, communicates the value of technology, and unites a global team.

Pablo emphasizes the role of vulnerability in leadership, the necessity of human connection in the digital age, and the importance of collaboration and partnerships for growth.

Reflecting on a decade of Bardasz, he shares personal insights on happiness and offers advice to his younger self, providing valuable lessons to all entrepreneurs.

Connect with Bardasz and Pablo:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bardasz/

https://bardasz.com/

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

If you enjoyed this episode don't forget to subscribe to Not Your Story and hit the like button.

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Tim Taylor is the CEO and Founder of Midnight Marketing. With a keen eye for market opportunities, Tim identified a significant gap in the marketing strategies of oil and gas service companies, particularly in their branding and online presence. 4 years ago, this insight led him to start Midnight Marketing, which now offers unlimited, no-contract marketing services, Branding, Websites and Digital Marketing.

He is also a devoted father, balancing his role as a CEO with the responsibilities of parenthood, health and fitness as the foundation for his success. Tim is passionate about fostering a creative, fail-first culture and believes in the power of strategic delegation, experimentation and long-form content/podcasting to drive inbound traffic and build a strong team culture.

In this episode, you will learn:

Strategies for building your personal brand in 2024. Why personal branded content performs better than brand accounts. And why you should invest in your personal brand today? Bella Kelada-Khalil is the Business Development Manager at Midnight Marketing.

We explore Bella's personal branding journey, breaking down here transformation in one year from 152 followers to over 3700+, racking up 400,000 impressions on LinkedIn in that time. From posting actionable tips on marketing, energy & content creation, to content with her extra-terrestrial mascot Schmeez the Alien, and engaging TikTok video trends, she experimented until she found what clicked.

Bella's secret 'A/B test everything' and don't take yourself too seriously. If you're looking to build your personal brand, boost your online presence, and understand why personal branded content outperforms brand accounts, this episode is for you!

Branding needs to solve a business problem.

Christian Bowen is Brand Manager at Midnight Marketing and expert in shaping strategic brand storytelling. Helping B2B companies become recognizable brands.

Branding is not just your logo, colours and visuals. You must understand fundamentally branding is a mission, your values and your reputation. How do you want to be remembered? How are you going to make your customers lives better?

Welcome to Not Your Story Podcast. How can we tell stories that educate, entertain and inspire? Winning audiences, capturing markets, growing businesses and brands. Our mission is clear: to help you tell great stories. Actionable ideas, frameworks and advice on marketing, growth, storytelling and life from creatives and founders. Hosted by Rory Nolan

Social Media Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/not-your-story-nys/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-bowen-20a5a01a0/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nolan-a89a1ab5/

Carla is an energetic, talented and creative marketing professional who excels in presenting and creating content that is out of the box and grabs attention.

In this episode you will learn how to; use persuasive copywriting to capture attention and sell your story. Present with confidence and become a more memorable presenter. Communicate effectively between a creative team and client. And how do you find inspiration and your passion working in marketing?

Welcome to Not Your Story Podcast. Winning audiences, capturing markets, growing businesses and brands. Our mission is clear: to help you tell great stories. Actionable ideas, frameworks and advice on marketing, growth, storytelling and life from creatives and founders.