What makes you who you are? 

I know that’s a huge, complex question. However, if you think about it – there would have been a few pivotal moments, relationships and possibly conversations that set you on the path you’re on today.

Beyond the path, those moments would have also laid the wiring for how you now react, decide and decode the world around you. Laying the foundations for how you show up in every situation, relationship, and moment of your life.

Today’s conversation is a little different to usual, as it has a very autobiographical feel. 

However, although this episode is all about my guest’s lifelong journey, leading to the completion of his latest book, the lessons learnt along the way are universal. Offering a roadmap for anyone who wants to examine and reimagine their life - at whatever age.

My guest is a friend of the show - Raj Sisodia. Raj is an acclaimed thought leader, speaker and author. Co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, Raj has written a number of the core texts from that field. Including ‘Firms of Endearment’, ‘Conscious Capitalism’, ‘Everybody Matters’ with past guest and incredible human being Bob Chapman and ‘The Healing Organisation’.

His latest book ‘Awaken: The Path to Purpose, Inner Peace and Healing’ is a guide to leading a life of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. Containing practical advice on how to know yourself, love yourself, be yourself and express yourself from a place of choice – rather than a place of habit. 

This is Raj’s second time on the podcast, the first time we dove into his journey starting and leading the Conscious Capitalism movement. This time we go deeper into the moments, events and experiences that led to who he became – and who he chooses to become in this next chapter of his life. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrasisodia/

Twitter: @RajSisodiaCC 

• Raj’s definition of what it means to ‘awaken’. Including the acronym ‘LIST’ which he now uses as a roadmap for all his decisions. LIST standing for: Love, Innocence, Simplicity and Truth. 
• His journey of self-discovery – and the strength it takes to dismantle the parts of our lives and personalities that are no longer working. 
• How to find the courage to step back when things don’t feel right and the curiosity to ask: ‘Could there be a better way?’ 
• Finally, why our core childhood memories often hold the key to what we most need to re-examine in order to move forward.

A couple of quick notes, this episode contains mention and memories of violence and abuse. As always, I leave it to your instincts to decide what’s healthy for you and any listening ears around you.

• Bahia Shehab

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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When you hear the word ‘power’, what first springs to mind? 

Do you immediately think of its absence, the moments you felt ‘power-less’ – or the moments you showed up as the fullest version of yourself?

Is ‘power’ a word or sensation that feels like it belongs to you? Or is it a word that usually belongs to someone else?

My guest today wants to redefine how we think, approach and own the word ‘power’ in our lives. 

Kemi Nekvapil is one of Australia’s leading coaches for female executives and entrepreneurs. She describes her life’s work as being to ‘empower women to live and lead without apology’. 

Kemi is a certified facilitator for Brenè Brown’s ‘Dare To Lead’ program, and also a facilitator for The Hunger Project Australia which works with communities to enable them to realize a future free from hunger and poverty. 

She is also a highly sought after international speaker and author who has just published her latest book: ‘Power; A woman’s guide to living and leading without apology’. The book looks at how to navigate the inevitable challenges we face from a place of unapologetic power – in order to show up at the highest possible level. 

Instagram: @keminekvapil

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemi-nekvapil-58000027/

• The true meaning of the word power, and how it’s our definitions of the word – rather than our own innate strength – that keeps us small.
• What stops us from stepping into our power. Including all the ways we give our power away, in order to feel a sense of safety and belonging.  
• The right questions to ask to reclaim your sense of power. In particular, when faced with people and situations that would usually make us shrink.
• Why real power is often found in the quiet moments, the small decisions, the micro-choices – rather than the big grand gestures.
• Finally, how to access your intuition and realize that the greatest power comes from outwardly trusting your inner voice. 

For me, the word ‘power’ has shifted in meaning, particularly over the last few years. Previously it had the energy of pushing. Building, creating, showing up, using your voice – changing what needs to be changed. Forcing where necessary. 

Yet now, largely thanks to this podcast. That’s fundamentally shifted.

Now when I think about the word ‘power’, when I embody it, when I witness it - the feeling is one of ‘pulling’. Showing up and holding yourself with such clarity, such intention, such gravity. That the right people and situations are quite literally pulled towards you. That to me is real power.

• https://www.keminekvapil.com/

• Deb Gruenfeld

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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As the Inside Influence Team and I take a short break to refuel our collective batteries over Summer - or Winter depending on where you are in the world - we’ve got you covered. For the month of August we will be releasing a weekly power cut of our favorite (and your favorite) podcast episodes. A short powerhouse version containing some of our favorite moments. To keep you fuelled and showing up at the next level. Our first powercut is with Koelle Simpson. 

Koelle Simpson is one of the most highly regarded horse whispers on the planet.

A world-renowned coach and leader of the Equus Coaching Movement. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, BBC Business Report, The National Journal, The OWN Network. She is also a TEDx speaker as well as appearing on many other stages around the world. 

The Koelle Institute works with individuals and Fortune 500 organisations to create transformational leadership experiences – all by using the lens of her journey as a horse whisperer - to decode the silent language of authority.

Why silent? Well when it comes to building trust with a wild horse, all the best sales or leadership language in the world isn’t going to help. Charm and charisma don’t work. And raising your voice generally has the opposite effect.

Horses are listening to one thing and one thing alone. Your presence. Your ability to show up fully and yet with calm intent. Your ability to wait and hold space – and yet - still instill trust that you will lead the charge when it counts.

Get it wrong – panic or overcompensate – and you may well meet the wrong end of 1000 pounds of instant feedback.

Which is why, when I first came across Koelle and how she applies the world of horse whispering to leadership presence, I had to know more.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koelle.simpson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koellesimpson/?igshid=18gyzqhw71gs0

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koelle-simpson-21835012/

If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Koelle Simpson please refer to the link at the end of the show notes, head over to my website juliemasters.com - Episode 124 - or wherever you get your podcasts.

For now sit back, relax and enjoy my powercut conversation with Koelle Simpson.

• https://koellesimpson.com/
• My new ebook The Influencer Code

• Koelle Simpson
• Koelle Simpson

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Now, what if I told you that I could capture your attention in 30 seconds or less. Then convert that attention into engagement so great – that you would voluntarily spend an hour of your day – every day – consuming my product. Then add to that maybe another hour of your day talking about my product to your friends, family, online networks.

And then – and here’s the kicker – what if I told you I could turn that engagement into action - to the tunes of millions of dollars in revenue - in the space of one week? And I would do that by persuading you to spend your own money to vote on the fate of a group of people that you don’t know – in a situation that doesn’t impact you or your life in the slightest? And what if I could do that every week? Week after week. In various different forms. To the tune of 8 billion interactions and counting.

So here’s the question - is that a formula you would be interested in knowing? My answer is a big fat yes. 

I’m talking of course about reality television. Now before you roll your eyes, and believe me I get it - let’s get real about the influence it wields. In the UK, more young people voted in the final of Britain’s Got Talent, than voted in the most recent general election. I’ll give you a second with that one. As a content tool, it exists within and shapes more conversations than the news. And as a force – it literally redefined the concept of celebrity and shaped an entire generation of attention spans. 

And on that note – I arrive at today’s guest.

Marion Farrelly created, built and produced some of the most influential reality TV shows on the planet. Shows such as The X Factor, Big Brother, Celebrity Apprentice, Dancing with the Stars, The Farmer Wants a Wife. Her content has been watched more than eight billion times worldwide and she’s put more than ten thousand people on stage, who were then watched by hundreds of millions. 

She’s worked with everyone from Hollywood A listers to Astronauts, Politicians to Popstars, Cyber Security Specialists and CEOs. Having recognised one thing very early in her career - that the people who were world-class, charismatic and utterly influential, all had one thing in common – The X Factor. 

In today’s conversation we get into:

·      The X-Factor – what it is, what it looks like and how to harness it from the fist moment – whether in a pitch, a video, or walking onto a stage. Casted over 12,000 people.

·      The formula for turning engagement to action; i.e. getting people to ‘vote’ - either with their time, attention or money. 

·      The power of ‘sticky information’ i.e. how to have the largest impact with the least possible words.

·      The A, B, C & D of presenting yourself in the best possible way whenever you’re required to step up. 

·      How to cut out the white noise; every industry has white noise – the words everybody else uses

·      The difference between hoping something will happen – and making it happen. 

·      And, in what has been possibly the most obvious and yet insightful piece of advice in the history of this podcast. Why the antidote to stage fright is one simple sentence: ‘no one knows what you’re going to say and so therefore, you can’t get it wrong’. Sounds obvious, but believe me it’s worth spending some time with that one the next time you feel any fear around using our voice. 

I’ve known Maz for a little while now. Other than being as brilliant as she is wholehearted. The reason I asked her on the show is really simple – I really believe that if you took everything she knows - about the levers behind attention, influence and action – and how to pull them – and then injected it into a brand or political party. It would rewrite the playing field.

Imagine an election campaign so compelling you would pay to vote? Hard right? Hopefully not so hard by the end of this episode.

So, turn on, tune in, put down the hashtags and enjoy my chat with the explosion of energy that is Marion Farrelly...

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

If I asked you to think of a business negotiation, depicted in TV, film, theatre etc. chances are it’s a scene of high drama. It’s a desk-banging, horn-locking, hard-balling battle where someone (usually the most aggressive) leaves with everything and the little guy gets nothing. 

Now, if I asked you to think back to the last negotiation you were involved in, I’m guessing it didn’t look much like that. But I bet it still had a feeling of edge to it; an understanding that the available outcomes fit into one of only two camps – what they want – and what you want. 

But is this ‘us vs them’ version of negotiation due to the nature of the negotiation process itself? Or the human nature we bring to it?

According to my next guest - this battle orientated framework for negotiation – is as broken as it is ineffective.

Professor Margaret Neale is The Adams Distinguished Professor of Management at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University – as well as Negotiation Strategies Program Co-Director of the Executive Program for Women Leaders. 

Professor Neale’s research focuses primarily on negotiation, and in 2015 she co-authored ‘Getting More of What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life’. 

This book leverages decades of research to answer questions like: ‘Who should make the first offer?’ and ‘How to create a compelling pitch?’

What I loved about this approach is the definition of negotiation itself – which shifts the focus from a battle mindset – one I’ve never found comfortable or particularly effective - to one of ‘finding a solution to your counterpart’s problem that makes you BETTER OFF than you would have been had you not negotiated’.

Why is that important? Not many of us consider ourselves talented negotiators – but most of us, in one area or our lives or another, would get a gold star at problem solving.

In this episode we jump into:

How much preparation you should be doing for each negotiation - chances are it’s a lot more than you think – and here’s a clue – twice as much as you’re doing right now. 

The 4 step structure for how to get what you want from a negotiation - including how to tackle most people’s least favourite part: The Ask.

Why – when heading into a negotiation – you should never solve the easy issues first. Why? Because leaving the big hairy stuff until last is the fastest way to end the negotiation in conflict.

The differences between how men negotiate and how women negotiate. This is not only hugely important for women to understand – but for any men who want to better support the women you lead, mentor or love in getting what they have earned – then these insights might change the way you approach it. 

And finally, how to move someone out of survival mode and into learning mode – which let’s face it - is the only mode where solutions are found.

Right now, as we try to figure out what comes next in this pandemic - new rules are being written daily and everything about ‘the old way of life’ has the potential to be renegotiated. I know for myself, this sometimes feels like a huge opportunity – and other days like a daunting challenge - but here’s the choice: do you want to approach these negotiations a) ready for conflict Or b) ready to collaborate?

If the answer is the latter - then yeah, me too.

So, sit back, do whatever you need to do to negotiate some time for yourself – no easy feat these days - and enjoy my conversation with the fiercely sharp mind of Professor Margaret Neale.

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“Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Now, some might say, that one of the ultimate forms of influence is the ability to change the mind of someone’s else. 

Which shouldn’t be that hard right? Replace fact A with updated Fact B and then done. System overwrite. Opinion changed.

If you’re smiling right now – then I’m guessing you’re with me in that – never once – in my entire career of trying to get ideas adopted and actioned. Have I EVER had that experience.

Generally speaking, and by that I mean pretty much always, if we feel we’re being pushed to do something, we push back. If something new or novel is suggested, our brains automatically pick out every reason it’s a terrible idea before we even CONSIDER it.

Even when confronted with proven evidence that a change is needed research shows that - human nature (in its infinite wisdom) – then makes us MORE determined to double down on our current version of events. 

So - when opposition is literally hard wired into our nature – and without access to Yoda and some serious Jedi mind tricks – then then question then becomes – how do you change someone’s mind?

My guest today has spent a career unpacking the hidden forces behind influence.

Professor Jonah Berger is a marketing professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and internationally bestselling author of Contagious, Invisible Influence and now The Catalyst.

At the heart of Contagious - which (without overestimating) is a complete must read - is why certain products, ideas, services, and behaviours catch on. While others stay on the side-lines. 

The success of Contagious and resulting consulting requests for some of the worlds top tier firms – including Google, Apple, Nike - then led him to another insight. That there are two phases to impact. The first is getting someone’s attention – the second is converting that attention into action. 

That realisation - and resulting research - led to his latest book ‘The Catalyst: How To Change Anyone’s Mind’; a counterintuitive approach to initiating change - which isn’t about pushing harder or exerting more energy, but instead lowering the barriers that prevent that change from happening.

·      In this episode, we talk about what those barriers are – and how pushing against them, as instinctive as it feels, rarely works.

·      We discuss the technique of providing a menu; and why giving someone options allows them to buy in while retaining control. Sounds simple, but apply it and you’ll find this one is a game changer.

·      We look at the impact of movements – the role of protests - and the what next when it comes to harnessing attention into action.

·      And finally, one for the world we currently find ourselves facing: How to lift the handbrake of uncertainty. Allowing people to experience what you’re offering, by temporarily removing the risk involved in changing their mind.

At this point I would usually provide a menu of ways to enjoy the podcast – along with some suggestions of what to reflect on – but in the spirit of this episode – I’ll leave that up to your own free will.

Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing – I hope you enjoy my conversation with the incredible Professor Jonah Berger.... 

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“Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation.” 

Now, when you listen to this podcast, are you only listening to this podcast? Or when you listen to this podcast, are you cooking? Driving? Working? Working out? All of the above? 

Chances are you’re not focussing solely on this podcast. Most likely, you’re doing something else. In fact, when you think about it – when was the last time you shut down all distractions and focused on one thing utterly and completely? 

And why am I even asking these questions – what does any of this have to do with influence? The answer is – everything. If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s this – we can have no influence, not over ourselves, our organisations, our networks or our communities – without first mastering the ability to focus. 

The most influential people you know are the most focused. I’ll say that again… The most influential people you know are the most focused. They are the most able to tune out the noise and focus on essential signals. And in doing so create a force strong enough to pierce through the noise in other people’s lives – long enough and consistently enough - to create an equally focused following. 

Add to that – that there are no shortage of distractions right now. No shortage of screaming elements that are as urgent as they are important. The future of the economy, important social unrest in our societies, a pandemic, the health and wellbeing and continued isolation from our families, educating and entertaining our children at home, trying to keep our jobs and businesses alive – not to mention the ever ready call of social media - just to remind us of everything else we (probably) don’t have the time or bandwidth to even consider adding to our plate. 

PLUS – and I will stop soon I promise – there’s this whispering opportunity many of us feel at the moment. The opportunity to look deeply at our lives, our careers, our businesses – and redesign them. For some it’s to include more breaks, more white space and more connection. For other’s it’s transitioning to a business model that will put us and our teams in the strongest possible position for whatever comes next. 

So – have I made my case yet? Focus and how we deal with distractions has everything to do with influence.

My guest today has been making this case for over 15 years. 

Chris Bailey believes in a ‘human’ approach to productivity and focus i.e. no spreadsheets in sight. A fact that makes me truly happy.

His fascination with focus first led him to dedicating a year after college – turning down a number of job opportunities – in order experiment with productivity. Primarily using himself as the guinea pig. These experiments included.... working a 90 hour week, watching 70 hours of TED talks in 7 days, and making himself bored for a month to see where his mind wandered. All this, with the aim to learn and share how we can focus more deeply, overcome procrastination and energise ourselves in the process. 

The result of this 12 months was his first book ‘The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy’. The book was a huge success, but then Chris noticed something – that his old unfocused habits were starting to creep back in – particularly when it came to technology. This led to his second book – the manual he needed and couldn’t find: ‘Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction’. 

In this episode – the conversation I needed but previously hadn’t been able to find - we dive into… 

1. The one thing that we (i.e. I) wanted to hear the most. That it’s not our fault we’re distracted. Apparently, we’re hard wired for novelty (for reasons we’ll get into) and that every time we discover a new and novel thing – hello social media - our brain gives us an addictive hit of dopamine. So, if you can give yourself a pass for that, and be kinder to yourself in those moments, that’s the first step to a better attention span. 

2. Following on from that, how to embrace the break. That includes learning to read your own cues about when it’s time to take a break. And by the way, looking at your phone is not taking a break. Sorry about that. 

3. The rule of 3. This is one of Chris’ top focus tips - each morning, he picks three intentions for the day - out of the many he has on his plate, and gets them done. 

4. How not to fear White Space (another word for the ‘in-between time’ we often avoid or try to fill with stimuli). And how harnessing that space, that pause, is the key to becoming a more effective decision-maker. 

5. And finally, the joy of email sprints – which I can promise you does not require active wear, but does get that never-ending monkey of your Inbox off your back. 

So, no more distractions from me, time to press pause on whatever you’re doing - or at least one of the things you’re doing - and get set to consider a new way of working with the ‘force of focus’ that is Chris Bailey.... 

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

===== 

I’m sure you, like me and 99% of the population of this planet, would think of yourself as a rational person. The dictionary definition of rational is: ‘based on or in accordance with reason or logic’. ‘Reason and logic’; I’ll take those words – who doesn’t like to think of themselves as logical and reasonable? 

Well, I’ve got some news for you – and it’s probably not a surprise. We are not as rational as we think we are. You are not – and I am not. 

According to my next guest, most of our day to day decisions are not carefully evaluated, thought through - or weighed-up. But instead based on beliefs, personal preferences and working assumptions – each one cross-checked against our environment, background, desires, feelings and mood at any specific time. And most of that… is done unconsciously without you even being aware. Sound hard to navigate? Unfortunately it is.

As I record this introduction, the aftershock, global protesting and heartbreak following the death in custody of George Flyod – is still very much ongoing. And if that situation teaches us anything – it should be how hard wired, unconscious (and often dangerous) our beliefs systems can be. 

But it’s not enough to sit in that knowledge - what comes next is probably the most important question when it comes to understanding influence – what does it take to understand, direct – and in this case – redirect our beliefs into new behaviour?

My guest today has spent a good portion his life studying the gap between what we say is important – and what we actually do - both for individuals, companies and social movements. 

A speaker, writer and advisor - Tom Asacker takes a different approach to creating momentum, and that approach is all about belief, desire and the physics of action. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, co-founded a high-tech medical device company - won the George Land Innovator of the Year Award – and is now the author of ‘The Business of Belief’ focusing on the hidden logic of behaviour. 

In today’s conversation we talk about.... 

·       How to close the gap I mentioned earlier – taking your team, your community or yourself from ‘talking the talk’, to ‘walking the walk’. 

·       Why as a leader you have to embrace the desires and beliefs of those you are trying to influence – especially when the horizon is uncertain. And I don’t mean just acknowledge those beliefs (which actually was a shift in my thinking), but instead find a place where you can authentically own them as your own. 

·       How to get over the past experiences and stories that impact how you show up - so you can arrive at a situation open, but still armed with certainty. 

·       And why it’s physically impossible to hit a baseball – I know this sounds like this would have nothing to do with influence – but it has everything to do with waiting for the right moment… vs. swinging with intent and trusting you have the muscle to follow through when the angle becomes clearer.

What I want you to reflect on in this episode is how hidden and hard wired our beliefs can be. We are complex and multi-dimensional beings – who bring our entire history and belief system with us to any table or conversation. However, by accepting that - and by committing to the excavate – understand – and work with someone’s beliefs – including our own – we start to walk the fastest and most powerful road to influence that I know. 

So, take a seat, let the logical world go for awhile – hard as that is right now - and open your mind to the thoughts and (ever flexible) beliefs of Tom Asacker.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Now, at the time of recording and publishing this episode we are still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some lockdowns are easing, some are being extended - but wherever you’re at in your lockdown, we are all at a point where it’s something we’ve been dealing with for months - rather than for days or weeks. 

For many, or for most in fact, the stress and the strains of those months are very real and there’s a high chance that conflict is a lot more familiar part of your life than it was pre-pandemic. That conflict might be light – children arguing over toys or homework – more intense – as many of us deal with financial and family crisis points – or critical – if – as is the case for far too many - your home isn’t a safe place – and the main emotional and physical dangers lie more within your four walls than outside.

For some people, dealing with – and trying to resolve – conflict - is their life’s work. And it’s one of those people who is my guest for this episode. 

Dr Scilla Elworthy was put on her ‘path’ at the young age of 13 - having watched a life altering news broadcast in 1956 which literally jolted her into action. That small moment changed her life, which in turn, helped change the lives of countless others. 

Dr Elworthy is best known for founding the Oxford Research Group; an organisation set up in 1982 to develop communication between nuclear weapons policy-makers and their critics - for which she was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize. 

In 2003 she left her role there as executive director and set up Peace Direct; a charity which supports peace-makers and peace builders in areas of conflict. She is also a member of the World Future Council, has advised Desmond TuTu and Sir Richard Branson in setting up ‘The Elders’, and was Awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003. 

Today her full attention is on developing Business Plan for Peace - resulting in her 2017 book The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World Without War . 

Her latest booklet - which has literally just been released – is called: ‘The Mighty Heart: How to transform conflict’. It takes the experience of people who have been preventing and resolving conflict for decades; some on the front-line, others within families or schools. And distils their experiences into practical, non-technical advice on how build your own mighty heart. 

So what’s a mighty heart? Put simply, it’s having the courage to meet conflict with compassion, curiosity – and unshakeable presence.

How do we do that? Keep listening. In this conversation we dive into: 

·       How to deal with a bully without becoming a thug yourself, and how to overcome violence in all its forms without resorting to force. 

·       Why it’s important to realise that whilst it’s okay to be angry at ‘the thing’, it’s not okay to be angry at the person who holds the opposing view on that ‘thing’; get mad at ‘the thing’ together and resolve it. 

·       Self intervention - how to take a step back when we feel too close to the trigger point - very important this one, and very relevant for these times. 

·       How to take a stand clearly and calmly – and with full gravity - so you are not dismissed. Quick Tip - it’s important to literally take a ‘stand’. 

·       And how we build certainty through self enquiry. Especially in those 3am moments. One of my favourite moments in this conversation is listening to how Scilla – literally – deals with her dragons when they arrive at 3am. 

For me – speaking to Scilla was both a deep honour and reminder that the most powerful forms of influence are not force, aggression or interruption. Which I know sometimes is a hard truth to hold onto.

In the long run of history – or any relationship - the only lasting genuine peace always comes from a willingness to firstly show up – for ourselves before anyone else. Then to get curious about both sides of the story – even when that feels impossible. And finally, in the decision to fiercely and compassionately hold our ground – even (and especially) in the moments when our knees shake and our voices break. 

Writing this introduction actually sent me off in search of a poem I hadn’t read in years, it’s by Rumi and it’s the closest (and shortest) summation of the beginnings of peace that I have ever found: “Out beyond the ideas of right and wrong there is a field – I will meet you there’.

So, find whatever resembles a peaceful place for you right now - and enjoy my conversation with the truly indescribable, Dr Scilla Elworthy... 

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Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you are focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, you will find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Brandon Webb. Former US Navy SEAL sniper, New York Times bestselling author and Entrepreneur. He has received numerous distinguished service awards - including the Presidential Unit Citation (awarded to him by President George W. Bush), and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal with “V” for valour in combat.

After ending his Navy career, he then went on to embark on an entrepreneurial journey that – first time out of the gate – literally resulted in him losing everything. Undeterred - he dove deep into the pivot and went on to found Hurricane Media - a digital content network now valued at over $100 Million dollars

This episode jumps around a bit but the there's 3 or 4 gold nuggets I want you to listen out for...

In this episode, we talk about mental management Navy SEAL style, getting off the X and staying fluid, drown-proofing (literally a concept that changed my life – professionally and personally) and surrounding yourself with the right people when the terrain gets unclear.

You may notice a fair amount of background noise in this episode – for those of you that are particularly sensitive to that – I totally get it. It’s just the trade off we had to make to get this one out there. Interesting side story…

If you want to dig even further into Brandon’s genius – you can also hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No. 38. 

But for now, and as always with these episodes – and all of the Inside Influence conversations come to think of it - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right move.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock down.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you’re focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Chris Voss – previously the FBI's lead kidnapping negotiator. During his 24 year tenure in the FBI, he was trained in the art of negotiation at Scotland Yard and Harvard Law School. He is also a recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement – as well as teaching business negotiation at a number of prestigious universities. He’s also the author of the EXCELLENT book: Never Split The Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It. 

In this conversation we drill down into something very specific… How to deal with everything being renegotiated. Most of us have had to deal with either making – or taking – those ‘renegotiation’ phone calls more than we could have ever imagined over the last few weeks. Either with suppliers, team members, landlords or customers. They can be deeply uncomfortable, emotionally intense and hard to navigate. As a blue print to work from – Chris walks through a four point system for handling renegotiation phone calls. As well as how to deal with two of the biggest derailers in phone negotiations – what to do when the other party goes silent – and what to do when they won’t stop talking.

What I want you to listen for in this conversation… is that these tools apply whether you are making – or taking the phone call. Managing your state i.e. tone of voice to set the tone. Creating engagement - through emotionally intelligent guesses as to what the other party might be facing. Reflecting back – and naming the elephant in the room - by labelling what you have heard them say. And then asking thought shaping, collaborative questions that usually begin with ‘How do we…’. Emphasis on the WE.

I’ve said it a hundred times – and it’s never more true than now – influence isn’t something you either have or do not have. It’s not a power bestowed from on high by a divine force to some and not others. It’s a set of tools you can claim and choose to master at any point. But first, like any mastery – you have to decide to claim it and commit to the practice. 

If you want to hear more tools from Chris Voss and his experiences in the FBI… you can hunt down our previous conversation - which believe it or not was actually episode No.1. WOW – how far we’ve come. In particular his insights on ‘why ‘yes’ should be the last thing you want to hear in a negotiation’ is a TOTAL game changer.

Chris also has an amazing newsletter… blackswanltd.com – actionable and brief. Also a masterclass for $90 – insane. 10 videos.

So… other than staying well and looking after each other - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the ‘messy middle’ of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you are focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – or to put it another way - a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Tiffani Bova. Global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce AND Wall Street Journal bestselling author of – ‘Growth IQ - Get Smarter About the Choices that Will Make Or Break Your Business’. 

What impresses me most about Tiffani isn’t her credentials – which are extensive – or her laser focused approach to solving the growth challenges of some of the world’s top tier firms. What has always impressed me during the few times we have been able to spend some time together - is her ability to peer into the clutter – into the never-ending predictions, statistics and trends – especially at times like right now -  and translate them with a level of certainty, clarity (and perspective) that only comes from having done the work.

In todays conversation we talk about… Stabilised decision making – and why’s it’s vital during any crisis. The Growth Zone – what it is – what it looks like – and how we will know when we’re there. Which consumer habits are temporary and which are now here for good. And the one that hit me the hardest – the idea of ‘Jobs to be done’ and how it needs to be the guiding light for whatever you do next.

What I want you to reflect on here… isn’t actually related to growth – but more related to influence. Tiffani has one of the most finely attuned ‘question radars’ that I have ever come across. Her success as an analyst, author, influencer and leader is in my opinion down to one thing – she listens hard to the questions of her target market, and makes it her absolute mission to answer them. There. That’s it. That alone is an insanely powerful next right thing.

If you want to dig even further into Tiffani’s insanely smart mind and Growth IQ as a set of tools and strategies… you can also hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No. 42. You can also find her book on Amazon – highly, highly recommended. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say I again - this series very much a ‘by the seat of your pants’ kind of thing… lockdown means we’ve had to work with what we have in terms of equipment and internet speeds. So sound quality isn’t always perfect. But – as I’m learning to embrace - that’s not the point. 

The point is that we’re showing up – with intent that somewhere in here – imperfections and all - you will find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

So… other than staying well and looking after each other - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the ‘messy middle’ of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you are focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – or to put it another way - a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Joe Newman. Joe describes himself as an expert in helping parents in crisis. When we first brainstormed this series - he was top of my list to reach out to. As one of the first children to be diagnosed with ADHD. A label that taught him that he was “broken,” – he went on to shatter expectations and re-build his identity as a teacher and champion of children labelled by society as ‘difficult’ or ‘beyond help’. Founder of Raising Lions – he is also author of the book by the same name ‘Raising Lions: The Art of Compassionate Discipline’. In other words – how to hold structure in situations – and with children – where structure doesn’t come easily.

Honestly, I think I have used his tools more in my parenting journey than any other source. And – as I say at the beginning of this podcast – I think if this lockdown has taught me anything over the past six or seven weeks – it’s how to apologise. Two kids under three, two businesses in chaos and two parents trying to find their way through without destroying their sanity or each other. That’s a situation – by anyone’s definition - that needs some tools.

In todays conversation we talk about… structure and why it’s vital. Mutual recognition – including why starting your sentences with ‘I need’ – far from being selfish – is one of the most powerful lessons we can teach our children in creating intimacy. Why the fight is never about the thing – insert homework, wearing shoes or use of the iPad – but about power, autonomy and dignity. And the powerful shift from right and wrong – to cause and effect.

What I want you to reflect on here… is actually a quote I heard from Joe the first time we spoke. It’s a quote from Peggy O’Mara and it says this: ‘The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice’. Seriously: ‘The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice’. Doesn’t that just slay you?

Those words I feel have been seared on my brain since the moment I heard them. But here’s what I’ve realised, the more I’ve thought about it. Our words become the inner voices or our children – yes – but those words start as our own inner voice. The voice, the tone and the language we use on ourselves. In our best and worst moments.

So, maybe we can start there – the next time we hear something coming out of our mouths that we don’t feel is perhaps our best selves – by asking ‘where do I say this to myself’, ‘when did I first hear those words’ and ‘how can I be gentler, more resourceful or present in those moments’. Maybe by tending to that inner voice, we can become a better inner voice for the people that we love. 

If you want to dig even further into Joe’s tools and strategies and the work of Raising Lions… you can also hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No. 54. Obviously check out the book – and if you sign up for his newsletter I believe he’s also running free Zoom Q&A’s for parents in crisis. So definitely worth checking out.

So… other than staying well and looking after each other – now the time to sit tight, listen up and hopefully find somewhere in here - the fuel you need for your next right thing.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say I again - this series very much a ‘by the seat of your pants’ kind of thing… lockdown means we’ve had to work with what we have in terms of equipment and internet speeds. So sound quality isn’t always perfect. But – as I’m learning to embrace - that’s not the point. 

The point is that we’re showing up – with intent that somewhere in here – imperfections and all - you will find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

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Are you pitch perfect? 

We all understand the power of the ‘pitch’ – whether it’s for investment, a new career defining opportunity or that game changing client. These are the 7 to 14 minute long ‘sliding door’ moments that define whether we take our influence to the next level.

However, once you’ve done the hard work of getting the right people in the room, how do you make every second count?

My guest today is corporate storyteller and ‘pitch alchemist’ Donna Griffit.

Donna has worked with over 1000 start-ups, Fortune 500 companies and venture capitalists from across the globe, helping them raise billions of dollars of investment – all through the power of pitching. Earlier this year she also published her first bestselling book: ‘Sticking to my Story - The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups’, collating all of her knowledge from over 20 years helping experts and business leaders become pitch perfect. 

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnaabraham/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Donna.Griffit.Corporate.Storyteller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Donna_Grif

• The most common pitching mistakes we all make - and one change you can make to avoid the biggest mistake of all. 
• The ideal duration of a pitch – including why you should always have a quick pitch in your back pocket in case your time is cut (happens more than you think), or if you bump into the right person in the elevator. 
• Why your ‘origin story’ is one of the most powerful tools in your storytelling arsenal.
• Why the very best pitches are designed as a play of four acts - complete with a hero, a villain and a happy ever after. 
• And crucially, how to close your pitch in a way that guarantees people will take action.

I honestly don’t know many other skills as practical and vital to work on as perfecting the power of the pitch. 

Yet what always amazes me - is that with a few small tweaks and a backbone of proven structure - it’s not as difficult as you think to take a 7/10 “Talk to me next year” to a 9/10 “Can we talk about next steps?”.

That’s where insights from experts like Donna – who have been on the front line of pitches that actually get results – are truly in a league of their own.

• My new ebook The Influencer Code
• Donna’s new book https://donnagriffit.com/sticking-to-my-story/

• Nathan Chan
• Dorie Clark

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Now, if I asked the question: what is the one big topic, or theme or take away or, let’s face it, obsession of Inside Influence, then the answer would be this: storytelling. 

Sometimes that feels light…

Storytelling is in our DNA; from the dawn of humanity to today and beyond, storytelling is who we are - it’s how we connect, and how we engage – it captures our attention and compels our actions more than any other ONE thing on the planet. 

So that might help explain why, storytelling (that is, telling our individual and collective stories to other people) has quite rightly had its fair share of airtime on this podcast. But one thing I don’t feel like we’ve spoken about often enough – and that I intend to rectify now – is the impact of the stories we tell ourselves. No these stories are usually about ourselves and our abilities – or lack of for the majority of us. And how these stories impact how we show up – WHETHER we show up – and our ability to stand out ground when the road gets tough. 

Things like… I’m not a good leader… I know in my gut that this needs to be said or done – but I’m not the person to do it… Or the biggest one that I see – I’m too old, introverted, different, small, large - who do I think I am to stand out, make waves or be seen.

These stories – as I said usually about ourselves and our abilities – my guest today refers to as our ‘second stories’.

Which if you’re anything like me makes you wonder – if this is my second story – how bad must my first story have been? Which we will get into – including how to rewrite any story that’s keeping you stuck to create a Third story. Which is the one that will ultimately shape the person you want to become. In short, your third story cuts the BS, and enables you to live the life you’ve always wanted to. 

But first, let me tell you about the man behind this way of thinking and todays guest. 

Flip Flippen is a New York Times’ best seller, he’s a serial social entrepreneur, philanthropist, respected speaker, thought leader and, perhaps most surprising and impressive of all - father to 20 children. Can we just sit and comprehend that for a second. Just trying to get shoes on two children in the morning is challenging enough, my brain literally melts trying to imagine 20. 

Flip started-out working with kids who had become involved in gangs, setting up a very successful non profit organisation – before (and after one fateful day which we will talk about) going on to found numerous companies - including one of the largest educator training companies in North America. 

Last year, along with Dr Chris White he released the book: ‘Your Third Story: Author the Life You Were Meant To Live’. 

Which brings us back to today – talking about our first, second and ultimately third story. I won’t ruin it by going too deep into the definitions – but in short your first story is the one you were given, the second is the one you tell yourself to justify the first – and the third is when you throw away the whole God damn book. And this time write your own.

I LOVED this conversation. It’s impacted me in untold ways since as a leader, parent and just human being in this world. If you’ve ever had that sneaking feeling that there are maybe other words you want to say, or challenges you would dare to attempt – if you could just step back from the script for awhile. Then this is the episode for you.

Today we dive deep into... 

·       How to write your Third story; the prerequisites you need to consider and the questions you should be asking yourself... 


·       The drivers for change; be that either an emotionally compelling reason from within you, or an external force that backs you into a corner... enter stage left COVID-19 


·        How you can become mindful of the stories you programme into your children

·       Forgiveness. The benefit to you to forgive, and the impact it can have on everyone around you when you dare to take the leap. And make no mistake about it – forgiveness is one of the most daring acts of bravery we can commit ourselves to


·       And finally -  how to see off the story dragons who want to eat your third story for breakfast... 

Now, speaking of dragons, I had a few tech dragons attacking my mic for this recording, so I apologies for the lower quality than usual, but luckily Flip sounds fantastic. 

So sit back, get settled and prepare to look inward, guided by the story master himself Flip Flippen.

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Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock down.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you’re focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Justin Dry – Co-Founder + CEO of Vino Mofo, an online wine retailer and community that began in a garage - and then a campervan - and then became one of the fastest growing online wine retailers on the planet. With an annual turnover of more than $50 million – and collaborations with power houses that include wine rockstar Gary Vaynerchuck.

Justin and his team has done what many would say was impossible – and the challenge that so many are facing right now. Which is take a category that previously relied on high touch – face to face interaction – and pivot it into a high tech, high engagement online community. That - rather than diminishing the experience – takes it to such another level that their best form of marketing is the customers themselves.

In this conversation we talk about… the pivot from high touch to high tech – the impact of lock down on our digital attention (including what he sees working right now) – and why relentlessly obsessing about your story is still the number tool of engagement.

If you want to dig even further into Justin’s experiences in creating, building and globally scaling Vino Mofo… you can hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No.62. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – audio not perfect.

So… other than staying well and looking after each other - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock down.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you’re focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I’m joined by… Bill Coletti - a crisis communications and reputation management expert with more than twenty-five years of experience managing high-stakes crises, issues management, and media relations challenges for Fortune 500 companies and global political campaigns.

Bill’s expertise is focused on one thing – how to approach, handle and lead in critical moments. In the moments when all the bets are off – and a normal Tuesday suddenly becomes the pivot point for your entire career, business – or in the case of some – political legacy.

In this conversation we talk about… The A-B-C (Always be communicating) approach to crisis communication. How to excel during the messy middle phase – when a new normal has sunk in and no end is still in sight – and whether there is such a thing as over communicating with your team and stakeholders.

What I want you to reflect on here… that the leaders that will excel during these times – or during any time that involves a critical moment – aren’t the ones with all the answers. As leaders it’s often easy to fall into the trap of ‘the great reveal’. the ‘da da’ moment. Not the destination – but the map.

What we want is someone to translate the path with a level of certainty. To share our process of decision making – and not our perfection.

If you want to dig even further into Bill’s knowledge and background… you can hunt down our previous conversation – where we talk more about influencing critical moments, developing a Crisis EQ and the Power of an Apology - which I believe is episode No. 57. 

In the meantime stay well, look after each other – and I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

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Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lock down.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you’re focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Linda Cruse – frontline humanitarian, leadership expert and author of ‘Leading on the Frontline – Remarkable stories and essential leadership lessons from the worlds danger zones.’

Linda has worked alongside some of the world’s most influential figures including HH The Dalai Lama, Sir Richard Branson and HRH The Prince of Wales, and with companies, foundations and universities including GSK, Virgin Unite, Cadbury, Rabobank, KPMG, Merrill Lynch, the World Bank.

Her main message being this – when crisis comes – and we find ourselves on the frontline in whatever form - we need to stop focusing on being charitable – and start focusing on being capable.

In this conversation we talk about… Leading from the frontline – what she has learned works when all traditional structure and hierarchy falls away. The concept of charitable vs capable – and why there are 7.7 billion hero’s on this planet right now. And how recovery actually works – not the sanitised ‘plan on a spreadsheet’ kind – but the messy ‘making it up the next right thing at a time, when the ground is constantly shifting beneath us’ kind.

What I want you to reflect on here… is that in crisis and uncertainty – those that emerge as the leaders – both as individuals and brands – are often not who you would expect. As frequently as it’s the top dog – it’s someone you may never have noticed before. Someone who decides, for whatever reason, that now is the time to stand up and contribute the best that they have to give – with certainty. Essentially, those that make the decision to focus more on ‘capability’ than ‘catastrophe’.

If you want to dig even further into Linda’s knowledge and background… you can hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No. 22. You’ll also hear her talk about ‘Race For Good’ which is an online platform (I think maybe app) that she’s developing to allow capable people around the globe to collaborate on solving some of the world’s greatest issues. At the time of publishing it’s not yet finished – but keep an eye out in the coming weeks.

Not perfect – showing up…

So… other than staying well and looking after each other - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

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Hi – this is Julie Masters and you’re listening to The Next Right Thing – a mini-series from The Inside Influence Team. Designed to provide some actionable certainty in uncertain times. Specifically – and the situation we’re all facing right now – the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea behind this series is to go out to some of the most popular guests from past episodes of Inside Influence – and ask them one question: ‘What are the most important things you are focusing on right now (tools, ideas, strategies) - or advising your clients to focus on - that you know for sure work in uncertain times?’

The intention being that somewhere in there, from these incredible minds, you might be able to find inspiration for your next right thing – a point of certainty amidst the uncertainty.

In this episode I speak with… Ty Montague – Founder at co:collective and author of:  ‘True Story: How to Combine Story and Action to Transform Your Business’. Using his own words Ty considers himself a traditional advertising ‘refugee’ - having decided to pivot (recognise that work from any conversations recently?) his entire career when he noticed - and couldn’t explain why - Starbucks could be on every corner - yet not spend a single dollar on traditional advertising. 

Ty took that one question and went on to build a philosophy, a methodology, a company and a global reputation on the answer. All based around one premise – if you want to stand out, build trust and engage your target market – particularly in when there is no business as usual to be found. Then you need to shift from Story Telling. To Story Doing.

In this conversation we talk about… Pivoting the Quest – knowing when to double down on your messaging and when to change direction. The importance and process of defining a few transformative actions to focus on in uncertainty. And why these two questions should be on Post It notes above your desk right now: “When this crisis is over what story do I want people to tell about me (or us)?” And “What story do I want to tell about myself?”

What I want you to reflect on here… Those that are doing it well right now – are not necessarily changing direction – but finding ways to take their existing mission – or Quest - and expanding it. To include community, connection and a wider purpose for existing.

If you want to dig even further into Ty’s insanely smart mind and Story Doing as a concept… you can also hunt down our previous conversation - which I believe is episode No. 69. You can also find his book on Amazon – highly recommended. 

So… other than staying well and looking after each other - I hope somewhere in here you find the fuel you need for your next right thing.

This series very much a ‘by the seat of your pants’ kind of thing… the intention is to keep these short – as least for now we’re going to release as we record. We’ll probably also leave in a lot of the imperfections we usually edit out. 

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“Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Now, hands up if you have a set routine whilst listening to this podcast. Maybe you listen whilst you’re in the gym or on your commute?

Obviously, if you’re listening to this at the time of publishing – when most of us are in lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic - you’re not at the gym and your commute is probably a traffic-free 10 second stroll to the kitchen table. So, in that scenario, it’s likely that your podcast listening habit has shifted or changed. And if that habit has changed, then I imagine, like me, most of your other habits are either completely out the window or drastically re-engineered. 

And… I’d take a guess that you’re probably forming new habits for this new landscape; some good (like spending more time with your family and finally reading those books you’ve been meaning to get to), and some, like the daily baking of banana bread and drinking of red wine -  potentially bad. 

As the saying goes, we are creatures of habit. Habits ground us, they lead us, they calm us. According to researchers at Duke University, they also account for 40 percent of our daily behaviour.  So what happens when all our usual habits disappear – or become impossible? 

Although unsettling (which is a just a fancy way of saying a cause for being either frozen, frantic or freaking out), it can also present us with a massive opportunity to upgrade. To bed down new habits – atomic habits - that can become the foundations of whatever comes next.

In times of crisis we are either catastrophic or catalytic – The habits we develop during this time – they will become the catalysts to who we become next.

So, all you need to do to improve your habits; is put in some good new ones, remove the bad old ones. Easy, right? Well, it’s easier than you think, and my guest for this episode can help you... 1% at a time. 

James Clear is the author of New York Times Best Seller: ‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones’. The central question to James’ work both in the book and on his website and (EXCELLENT) newsletter is: how can we live better? And as I’ve said, our habits are the foundation to how we answer that question.

So what is an Atomic Habit? They are small 1% improvements in behavior that, over time, compound into full-blown transformation. And this isn’t just about ‘will power’ and ‘mind over matter’. This is about removing the mental load of intending to get something done every day – and beating yourself up when you don’t – into creating micro habits that you can achieve easily, consistently – and eventually automatically.

In this episode we talk about: 

● Forming and enforcing new habits in this new environment - and what four things you need to focus on to cement those new habits. 


● How to make the immediate outcome of your habit satisfying – even when the greatest returns may feel in the distant future – i.e. developing killer abs.

● The vital practices of Habit stacking and habit squashing - and how to master both. 


● Why identity always trumps motivation when the going gets tough. First asking yourself “Who is the type of person I want to become?” and “What would they do right now”?

·     And Warren Buffet’s two-list rule; how the most dangerous things on your to-do this are the ‘good’ uses of your time (and also that you're a rose bush and not a tree, but that’ll make a lot more sense later). 

I could go on with the sound bytes as this episode is packed with them, but perhaps the most striking insight for me, is that ‘every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to become’. If you sit with that one sentence for long enough – other than potentially regretting that last bottle of wine – it brings every decision you make from here into blinding clarity.

So, pick a chair, corner of the garden or just get comfy into whatever your life in lockdown looks like – and enjoy my conversation with James Clear.... 

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

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Now, it’s a pretty reliable fact of life that new will always replace old. New ideas, new approaches, new ways of thinking and communicating, new tech, new platforms; new music. 

However nostalgic you feel about the old, the new will usually get you eventually.

But who’s heard of the phrase New Power? Well, whether you’ve heard of it or not there’s a pretty high chance that New Power has influenced your life in some way. Anything from riding an Uber or booking an AirBnB through to contributing to the MeToo or the Extinction Rebellion Movements - all these things fall under the banner of New Power.  

So what is New Power? Well, unlike old power which is traditionally driven by command and control, New Power is an open, collaborative and usually tech driven force. And if used correctly, New Power is probably the most influential tool on the planet today. The fact that in under a year – from the age of 15 to 16 - Greta Thunberg can go from protesting alone outside Parliament – to mobilising millions of people in protest around the world… is testament to that.

So how do we harness this New Power and make it work for our businesses, our organisations or our beliefs? Step forward my guest for this episode: Jeremy Heimans - entrepreneur, political activist and author of the book: ‘New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World - and How to Make It Work for You.’

Not unlike Greta, Jeremy started his activism young; aged 8 in fact, and by the age of 12, his first steps into New Power involved trying to stop the Gulf War - armed only with a fax machine. History may have had different plans there, but un-phased Jeremy went on to form GetUp; an Australian political organisation. Following its success, in 2007 he went on to co-found Avaaz.org, an online activist network that now has over forty million members across the globe. 

Two years later and now based in New York - he co-founded Purpose; a social impact agency working alongside brands like Google, Starbucks and the World Health Organisation. Developing the strategies, campaigns an tech to thrive in a new world. A world fuelled by currents of attention rather than currency – and letting go of control rather than tightening your grip.

If, like me, that sounds in equal parts terrifying and exciting. Stay curious. New Power isn’t coming. It’s already woven deep into the fabric of all our lives. In this episode we jump into…

●      The four vital things to consider before launching a new movement, vision or community.

●      What every organisation needs to learn from the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement – including why you should occupy yourself before you get occupied.

●      How to reach the people you’re targeting - and once you get to them - how to set off the spark that drives them to participate.

●      How New Power is enabled by more than just tech; yes the tech has changed, but alongside it so have we…

●      And most importantly, how old power still has a place in this brave new world – which parts of structure and control we need to hold onto (like seeing actual Dr’s rather than self-diagnosing on internet forums at 2am – cue me hanging my head in shame) and how to apply them in a world where the power now belongs in the hands of the many – rather than the few

As I’m recording this intro we’re deep into the COVID-19 pandemic – over 1.6 million cases and climbing. Thinking back to this interview, and now knowing the world we’re launching it into. It’s interesting to reflect on how relevant understanding new power has become.

Any leader that now needs to motivate and harness the collective power of their teams remotely – needs New Power. Any organisation that previously relied on face-to-face interaction and now needs to pivot into engaging or creating online communities – has to understand New Power. Anyone isolated, struggling with loneliness and leaning on the support of online communities of friends or the likeminded – is grateful for New Power. The government itself, as it tries to spread community awareness and participation in reducing the spread of the virus – is banking on New Power. We may have felt we had more time to understand and try to consciously and responsibly harness this new force. But maybe we don’t. Maybe this is the moment. The pivot point when New Power finally comes into its own.

On that note, I’ll leave you to sit back, or head out for your blissful 30 minutes of the outside world - and enjoy my conversation with the force of nature who is Jeremy Heimans.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside

Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers

– or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and

then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a Nation. 

Have you ever been in the situation where you had limited time to pitch an idea? A moment where you knew you had to immediately capture attention, establish credibility and build a compelling enough argument - and that your ability to do so would literally make or break what comes next? 

I’ve found myself on both ends of this situation more times than I can count over the years. Having both made and received hundreds of pitches. Some successfully - some so unsuccessful I still have difficulty thinking about them without shuddering. 

But the ones that went well - that ultimately ended up changing the course of my businesses and career - and the ones where I have been in the position to change the course of someone else’s business or career. Those successful ones all had a few things in common. 

The largest of those? Is an epic FIRST 2-3 minutes.

So when someone sent me a book recently called ‘The 3-Minute Rule: Say Less to Get More from Any Pitch or Presentation’. I was ALL IN.

That book was written by my next guest - Brant Pinvidic - award-winning film director, veteran television producer, keynote speaker, top-rated podcast host (Rob Lowe being one of the most recent guests I tuned into) and columnist for Forbes.

With over 20 years of experience in producing, creating, and directing household TV shows and movies - Brant is widely recognized as one of the great creative leaders in Hollywood. Having given over 100+ successful film and television pitches over his career, Brant learnt that if he didn’t get them in the first three minutes - chances are he wouldn’t get them at all. Taking those business and storytelling lessons he developed a proven blueprint for leaders wanting to position their message with impact.

In today’s conversation we delve into the mechanics of what it takes to get your ideas over the line. Including:

• Why three minutes is the key to creating an ultra-concise, ultra-compelling pitch for any idea, product, service or company.
• The Fire Alarm Test – If someone pulled the fire alarm after three minutes of your presentation or sales pitch, have you done enough to make people want to come back and hear more?
• The four core questions every successful pitch needs to address
• Why being passionate about everything - often means you are credible about nothing.
• How to close with a hook that guarantees action.
• And the difference between situational doubt and self-doubt - in particular why one of those mindsets is self-defeating - and the other is self-preserving.

If now is the time to get others on board with your ideas, product, company or vision - those potentially hold the power to making it happen - then this episode is for you.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

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If I asked you to list all of the skills you learnt at school, what are some of the things that would make that list? For me, it would be things like the square root of a triangle - algebra - obviously being British - the bloody history of the Empire - and various fun facts about frogs. 

Now the next question you can probably see coming… outside of the occasional hero moment at trivia… how many times have you actually found yourself using those skills?

Today’s conversation on Inside Influence is a second time guest. The first time I had the pleasure of speaking to him it was to discuss the universal challenge of ‘How to be Heard’. This time we wanted to flip the focus - and concentrate on the largest and most undiscussed part of that equation - our ability to hear someone else. 

And it all came from one question he asked me during that original conversation. And it was this… how come - with all the skills we learn at school - the most fundamental skill - the one that’s the most likely to dictate the success of our relationships, careers, businesses and parenting - never gets taught. The art of listening. 

Not hearing - which is something we do involuntarily. But the art of truly listening and processing the world of another human being.

Today I’m thrilled to welcome back Julian Treasure. Founder of The Sound Agency and author of ‘How to be heard’. Julian’s five TED talks have been watched more than 80 million times. His latest, ‘How to speak so that people want to listen’, now in the top 10 TED talks of all time. He is also regularly featured in the world’s media, including TIME Magazine, The Economist and the BBC. 

Today we dive into the deep deep world of listening including:

• The difference between listening and hearing. Listening = position of curiosity
• The circle of influence… why the way I speak impacts the way you listen – and the way you listen impacts the way I speak. 
• The four C’s of conscious listening
• Our relationship to silence – how most of us either jump on it, fill it or retreat from it – and why how we deal with it is often the key to gravitas.
• The four leeches that suck the power out of communication - and how to avoid them
• And how to hear the people around you with fresh ears - by avoiding falling into listening autopilot - ‘I know how this is going to go…’

For anyone that wants to go even further into both Julian’s work on listening - and how to speak so that you are heard - he also has a new course called ‘How to speak so that people want to listen’ on his website speaklistenbe.com. He’s given me a sneak peak and I can promise you it will change the way you approach every single piece of communication in your life.

So - usually I would pick a subset of people that I think this podcast would resonate most with - but this one is for everyone, everyday. So let’s start now. Turn off the distractions if you can, settle in with a curious mind - and dive into a world where our ability to stop talking long enough to listen - will literally dictate the quality of every single one of our relationships - and every single one of our results.

Enjoy my conversation with the sound master himself - Julian Treasure.

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So here’s todays question... is it possible to persuade soulfully?

To influence without (at least partially) resorting to force, manipulation, interruption or

volume? And if it is possible - when you really get down to it - to the business of standing out

and generating results at scale - is effective enough in the long run to commit to mastering

as a skill?

Some would probably say right now that we live in a world where fear drives the majority of

persuasion. In the business world - we call that fear by many different names. Urgency,

authority, scarcity - all of which usually mean the same thing - and for a long time have

informed the majority of the marketing, advertising and sometimes leadership messages we

receive.

But in a world where trust is harder to find - and our ability to tune out the messages (and

people) we don’t want great than ever. Is there another (potentially more effective) way to

stand out? My guest on today’s episode would argue (persuasively) that there is...

Jason Harris is the CEO of powerhouse creative agency Mekanism. A creative agency that

works with brands such as Peliton, HBO, Ben & Jerrys, Dropbox, Under Armor – the list

goes on. He is also the author of ‘The Soulful Art of Persuasion - 11 Habits That Will Make

Anyone a Master Influencer’, it’s pretty much a grassroots guide to influence in a world of

distrust. HIGH RECOMMENDED. In it he draws on the latest in-depth research on trust,

influence and habit formation – to make a compelling argument that being persuasive in

todays world - means rejecting an ethos of quick - and instead embracing a commitment to

playing the long game.

In this conversation, Jason and I dive in and out of topics including:

- Why playing the long game is the key to coming out in front – and why hearing ‘no’

can sometimes be the best opportunity to stand out

- How to apply a philosophy of ‘Never Be Closing’ - and still win more business in the

long run

- The art of giving yourself away – and the tools to not to let it take over your life

- Why learning to write, own and articulate your unique story - is the key to cut through

in a cynical age

- And the importance of ‘turning to face the strange’, I loved this one – basically why

your inner freak – you know the one – the one you pretend you don’t have – is

perhaps the greatest super power you own

Today’s conversation is for anyone trying to work out how to make an impact in a world of

diminished trust. And like most common sense it pretty much applies at every level.

From the bottom line of how you communicate in moment to moment situations – to the top

line of what the future of persuasion actually looks like - in a world where ‘Daisy Methods’

(you’ll understand more about that after listening) – appear on the surface to get the lion’s

share of attention. Basically, the clouds and the dirt of influence.

So grab a notepad, or a coffee... or a protein bar... yep still on the F45 challenge. DM me

your condolences. And enjoy my interview with Jason Harris.

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Today’s question is the holy grail of influence. 

It’s the question that any influencer that wants to make an impact with their words, ideas or mission strives to answer: 

How do you tell stories that change the way the world works? 

My guest today has built his career around answering this question - and still sits at the coal face, mining away at the ever-evolving answer.

Jeremy Connell Waite is a man of many hats. He’s Communications Designer at IBM where he coaches partners and executives to create compelling pitches and keynotes for purpose-driven brands.

He also created IBM's Communications Thinking™ framework, now used across the globe to help future business leaders to tell stronger purpose-driven stories, on screen, on stage or in the boardroom.

Having been Voted the #1 Most Influential Person on Twitter for #BigData,Top 30 Most Influential Digital Marketer in the world and the 3rd most Influential Social Media Marketer in the UK.

In April this year Jeremy also founded the Earthshot Academy - a storytelling platform to help young professionals and business leaders who ‘want to change the world with their words and ideas’. 

If this wasn’t enough, he’s also written four books, run his own agency and worked for brands such as Nike, Vodafone and Uber. 

I first came across Jeremy after a friend recommended I check out his LinkedIn profile, where I was just blown away by the visual story maps he was creating. Literally decoding on one page the key structures, moments and secrets of the greatest storytellers of our time.

He calls himself an industrial storyteller – I would say he’s a storytelling scientist.

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypaulwaite/ 

• The key emotion you must evoke to get people to consider and take action on your ideas - basically the magic ingredient of influence.
• What ‘elephants’, ‘wild geese’ and ‘black swans’ have to do with purpose-driven influence and how to use them all within your storytelling. 
• How to tailor your storytelling to make maximum impact – including staying flexible when it comes to ‘what you want to say’ vs. ‘what your audience needs to hear’.
• How much preparation a world changing speech actually takes (HINT: a lot more than you think). 
• Finally, the keys to enrolling people in your purpose - and where you immediately need to take them from there.

• My new ebook The Influencer Code
• Purpose driven storytelling: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8858594

• Zoe Chance
• Joel Leon

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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In a business landscape that’s changing rapidly - it’s no secret that the companies staying ahead of the curve are getting better and faster at reinventing themselves. Spotting opportunities, responding to competition, or - more frequently - even becoming their own competition. 

But what - and this is a question I’m asking a lot at the moment - sits in the DNA of a company that can reinvent an entire category? Or a business that completely reinvents itself - or an individual that sparks the momentum that reinvents an entire conversation?

Some might say it’s being really clear about what your target audience wants… and others, including the prime example we’re looking at today, might just agree with the immortal words of Henry Ford: ‘If I had asked them what they wanted - they would have said faster horses”

My guest today is Joseph Michelli - is a psychologist-turned best selling author - who has dedicated his career to decoding how category reinventors such as Starbucks, Zappos and now Air BnB change the game.

In his latest book, The Airbnb Way, Michelli and his team took an unprecedented inside look at the influence of one of the largest disruption stories of our time. To give you some perspective on that... Air BnB now has over 4 million listings in 220+ countries - higher than the top five major hotel brands combined. In 2016 - in New York City alone - the estimated hotel revenue lost to Airbnb was totalled at $365 million. Four years later... there’s only one direction that number would have gone in.

The research of Joseph and his team involved interviewing hundreds of Airbnb hosts and guests in over 11 countries - what they found - was that the same five words kept playing on repeat. The power of belonging, trust, hospitality, empowerment and community.

So in today’s podcast, we take a deep dive into those words and quite a few more. The ground we covered including:

• What it takes to truly reinvent an industry or product
• Designing for trust - staying in a stranger’s house!
• The power and influence of powerfully designing and telling your story
• The noble art of hosting - probably the biggest one for me
• The line between giving people options, and giving them too much choice

If you’re working hard to create something that cuts through business as usual - then this conversation is definitely for you. 

So if you’re anything like me and this year has kicked off with a commitment to cut back on caffeine - pour yourself a herbal tea - get out your notepad and pen and enjoy the incredible insights of Joseph Michelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

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Have you ever caught yourself wondering if you’re the right person for the job? I’m talking about that feeling that eventually - everyone is going to figure out that you’re making it up as you go along. That questioning how you even found yourself in the position you are, doing the things that you’re doing? Wondering when (not if) anyones eventually going to ‘find you out’?

And secondly - here’s the biggie - have these thoughts ever stopped you from shooting for something - or asking for something - that really mattered?

Today’s topic is a deeply personal one for me...

I know for me there has been countless times in my life, not just my career, where I’ve thought to myself “”? And now that you’re here, how on earth are you going to pull this off?” 

As a mum, a founder, a speaker, my inner voice can sometimes be deafening than the sound of the busy-ness, even louder than the sound of the triumph, can I probably don’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many times my inner voice has been loud enough to stop me at the last minute from taking a dive into something beautiful.

That’s what makes today’s podcast guest and conversation, such a deeply personal one for me, because I know the grips that Imposter Syndrome has had on me in the past, and I’m sure for you as well, and 

So - as one of the first in the year - I went on a mission to find the No 1. Voice on the planet on imposter syndrome.

Find we did - and her name is Valerie Young, 

Valerie has spoken at some of the world’s largest and most diverse organizations as Apple, Chrysler, Boeing, Microsoft, IBM, Facebook, BP, Google, TED - and the list just keeps going - as well as at over 85 colleges and universities including Stanford, Harvard, Princeton, MIT, and Oxford.

I...:

• Just exactly how far-reaching the effects of imposter syndrome are - here’s a clue it doesn’t belong to an age group or a gender - in fact - the further up the tree you go - the more likely you are to deal with it
• What it can do, to even the most capable of people - and why it’s vital that we learn to deal with it or miss out on vast amounts of potential
• The tools to re-frame that voice in our heads when it appears - to literally take the ‘freeze effect’ and use it as fuel
• Developing new responses to failure and mistake making - this one has been huge for me this past year. Starting with my conversation with Mark Schulman - drummer for Pink and the phrase ‘Am I free to fail?’
• Why the belief that we are imposters relies on one fundamentally untrue assumption
• And what to do when we feel that cycle of self-doubt kick in

This was one of those conversations, that started out for me - and hopefully will continue to gain traction as we start discussing - in more and more places - and certainly on this podcast - the stories that keep us small - in business, in society and in life - and ways to flip that narrative to make the largest contribution we’re capable of making.

And that involves first believing that we deserve to be there.

So grab your favorite biscuits, I’m all in on Tim Tams at the moment - make sure you’ve got your pen and paper handy - and let 2020 be the year you finally let that imposter go. 

Enjoy my conversation with - Valerie Young. 

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation. ____________________________________________________________________________

One of the things I notice a lot in talking to people about influence - and influencers - especially those that have managed to harness attention long enough to redefine or reinvent an entire industry - is the assumption that it must be sexy.

Like the hero’s journey - only in a cool T-shirt. A one way upward trajectory - where you can always see a light beconning at the end of the tunnel, and everything you try either works - or provides an obvious answer around what will.

Yet never - in 20 years of working with, talking to influencers - have I heard anything like that version of events. 

Usually it starts with a feeling - a nagging thought that something is missing - a product, a service, a conversation. And then begins a seemingly never ending process of figuring out what happens next. And that generally involves years of starting conversations you have no idea how you’ll finish. Experimenting with strategies you’re not sure you fully understand. Selling ideas or products you have no clue how you’re going to build. And sitting on the office floor once everyone has gone home - trying to remember why you started.

I saw a diagram on Instagram the other day… what people think it looks like - what it actually looks like. AND THAT - IN MY EXPERIENCE - IS ABOUT AS TRUE AS IT GETS.

For my next guest - that squiggely line began in a garage - and then a campervan - and then became one of the fastest growing online wine retailers on the planet. With an annual turnover already of more than $50 million- and a Global Tribe of Wine Lovers who - and trust me I’ve met a few - you can’t stop evangelising about their love for all things Mofo.

As Co-Founder + CEO, my guest today Justin Dry has done what many would say was impossible - reinvent one of the oldest - most weighed down in tradition - categories imaginable. Wine.

I first met Justin when I was asked to interview him on stage at a corporate event. So much gold came from that conversation - around what worked - but more importantly what didn’t - when it comes to starting, scaling, hacking attention, using social fuel and combining the powers of human interaction with cutting edge content. That all I remember is walking away feeling like ‘why didn’t we record that?!?’.

In today’s conversation we talk about:

• The incredible, unexpected, journey of vinomofo - I don’t always dive into back story - it’s just not that kind of podcast - but with Justin I did - for specific purpose
• How grassroots storytelling is at the heart of building any tribe
• Practical tools on how to use online platforms to gain traction (including when to and when not to double down) - and what he sees coming next when it comes to online attention
• How to translate what works in a traditionally face 2 face (i.e. high touch) model (such as buying wine) into digital channels
• How to manage the issue of control when it comes to creating a culture where everyone is responsible for building digital engagement
• His favorite and most expensive mistake - and what it taught him about being grown up
• And how the 5 love languages has transformed the way Justin’s manages team Mofo

What I love about Justin and the Vino Mofo story - is not only that it’s a story about being willing to back yourself, over and over again. Which is key number one in influencing anything - or anyone. But that it always, always - comes back to how many times you’re willing to get curious, reset, follow your gut and ask the question.

A small shout out finally also to Justin and his amazing partner Asher - who - just last week - welcomed baby Matisse into the world. She’s gorgeous - and it’s hard to imagine how much wine would have been consumed in her honor over the past seven days. Congratulations guys. Enjoy the cocoon - and the caffeine.

So - without further delay - pour yourself a glass - and enjoy my conversation with the Head Mofo himself - Justin Dry.

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Start with an announcement… This will be the last episode of Inside Influence for 2019. We’ve been on air now for two years - and come rain, shine, tech malfunctions, childbirth or recording in cupboards during blizzards - we’ve loved delivering an episode every two weeks. 

This year I’ve decided to do it a little differently - and we’ll be taking an extended break over Christmas. However fear not - normal programming - actually no scrap that - bigger and better programming - will resume on the 15th of January 2020. 

As a quick word to the creators out there - you’ll know what I mean when I talk about that essential tension between consistency and creativity. The irony being that while they’re both 100% vital to doing anything worthwhile - they often make uneasy bedfellows. I don’t have a universal answer to that balance - and to be honest I’d be watchful of anyone that claims they do. However what I have learnt over the years is that taking an intentional break - or deliberate pause - is often the moment that things just naturally move to the next level. As someone much wiser than me once said - ‘this is your train set - so drive it.’ And that includes choosing when to take a pit stop.

So - while we peer under the bonnet, check the oil and figure out which parts of the show we want to supercharge next year. I’d love your feedback. What would you like to hear more of? Less of? How can we support you in having more of these conversations out there in the world? All ideas are good ideas so hit me and the team up on social, via the website or good old fashioned web mail at content@juliemasters.com

OK… public announcement over - let’s move on to today’s guest. 

Here’s the question… is there any more important skill than being able to sustain a coherent, confident conversation? Can you think of any other super power that holds more possibility? Or more strength?

As a business owner, leader and parent - I can promise you that any time I have looked at the priorities of skills that I need to develop - for myself - and in those I’m here to support - it hits number one on the list every time. 

Imagine if you could broach that subject that’s painful or uncomfortable for you - and deepen rather than fracture your connection with that person. Or ask for what you want OR stand up for something you truly believed in.

Fast forward a year - what would your life and relationships look like now? Which would still be there? And how fiercely open minded would you have become? 

And probably more importantly in the world right now - where intolerance and our seeming inability to hold constructive dialogue with those that disagree with us - that hold different views and values. Online and Offline. What would our teams, communities and governments look like if we knew how to successfully tackle hard and yet vital topics - with curiosity, respect and an intention to move forward together - rather than score a point?

Someone asked me - ‘would you rather be right or would you rather be in relationship?’. For me the answer is always the latter. And let me tell you that’s hard. That’s a hard commitment to keep. Especially when what’s at stake is high. But there is a difference between mindlessly complying - and being open to other perspectives. You don’t have to agree in order to accept - and once someone feels truly accepted - that’s a place when bridges start to be built.

My next guest in this episode is what I would consider a certified master in having powerful conversations. An award-winning journalist and author - throughout her 20-year career in public radio she has anchored programs including Tell Me More, Talk of the Nation, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition - some of America’s top rated radio programs. She is also the author of ‘We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter’. Synthesising everything she has learned about how to navigate respectful and important conversations.

As an NPR host and journalist, Celeste has interviewed hundreds of people from all walks of life. From Nobel prize winners, truck drivers, plumbers to Heads of State. Sometimes on topics that fit with her personal viewpoints - and other times with people she disagrees with deeply. 

And once again it’s in the latter - where the most surprising moments can be found. 

In our conversation, Celeste and I danced - yes I’m going to say danced for this one - our way through some of the science, art and profound moments that are possible when you start committing to having conversations that matter. Including:

• Staying open enough to be amazed by everyone you meet - and that means everyone. I know full well you’re picturing one person right now that you’ve already pegged as an exception.
• How to actually begin difficult conversations. Often the hardest part right?
• The toughest conversation she’s ever had - and what she would do differently if she could do it over again.
• How by both focusing on and verbalising your intent in a difficult conversation - has the ability to change everything - and act as a rudder when things get off track
• The power of the human voice on physiological level - this bit quite seriously blew my mind - in fact I think if you listen you can hear my brain scramble when we get to this point. Definitely a rabbit hole I’ll be jumping down over Christmas.
• And the role of empathy, when to use it - how - and why it starts with a commitment to stop saying the phrase – ‘I know exactly how you feel.’ 

If I was going to end this podcast year on any note - it would be this one - we need to get better at having difficult conversations. Openly, frequently, respectfully and intentionally. Even when we don’t know what to say. And especially when we don’t agree.

So - let’s start here. Pour a cup of tea, chai frappe latte - or whatever floats your caffeine boat. Is that a thing? I have no idea. Either way, pick a conversation in your life that deserves either a second OR first attempt. And get ready to learn from one of thee best on the planet when it comes to navigating what should come next after the words…. ‘We need to talk’.

One of the fiercest, funniest people I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with - Celeste Headlee.

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In the time it will take me to introduce my next guest - 2400 hrs of video will be uploaded to YouTube. Today alone - 5 billion videos will be watched - which - if you do the maths - should equate to 5 billion opportunities to interrupt and capture the attention of those eyeballs right? 

Wrong. More like 5 billion opportunities to get lost, unseen and be drowned out in one of the noisiest rooms on earth. 

So, in a world where we now have the ability to pause live TV, fast forward adverts, pay for ‘interruption free’ viewing and tune out billions of dollars of carefully crafted attempts to steal our attention. Or - in the world of my next guest - simply press ‘SKIP’ on the bottom right hand corner of the screen after 5 seconds.

The question becomes - how do you make sure the stories you tell are UnSkippable?

That was the question I asked my next guest the first time we met - nearly two years ago in the middle of a Boston blizzard. His response - and the data he was able to provide from having LITERALLY studied those 5 billion daily hours of Youtube viewing. Answered more questions for me about online storytelling than any conversation since. Hence - why he’s back today.

My next guest is Ben Jones – Creative Director at Google and Head of Unskippable Labs. A team within Google that started the day Ben decided to put his own credit card on the line - brave man - to try and figure out exactly what makes a Youtube story or specifically advertisement - so compelling that it’s unskippable.

In that conversation we broke down the Netflix Effect - and how it continues to defy the rules of attention (clue: if human attention spans are really at their lowest point - 8 seconds at last check - then why are we binge watching more TV series than ever before?), we talked about ideal story lengths, production values and the incredible results of how long we are literally willing to watch a video of a brick wall. I’m not joking - as it turns out - and Bens credit card bill will attest - the answer is a ridiculously long period of time. 

If you’re business is in any way dependant on trading attention, storytelling, or any form or content marketing - definitely go back in the archives and check it out.

In today’s conversation - we go even deeper into the wilderness. Diving into the what is - and what is to come in the world of online storytelling - including topics such as:

• The bottom line traits that ALL unskippable stories all have in common
• How data can - and increasingly will - change the way we tell stories. Including machine learning and why it’s not time for Creative Directors to retire just yet. Good news or bad news - depending on how you look at it.
• The emergence of intent signals, what they are and and how we can use them to get more sophisticated about the stories we tell, to who and when
• How and when to pull the lever of customising content - to avoid wasting time and money
• Whether our ability to make good decisions when it comes to content - actually impairs the more data we have access to
• The number one metric to double down on when it comes to amplifying what works
• And obviously - what Ben sees coming on the horizon for digital storytelling

I always love having people back on the show - it’s an opportunity to jump back in and explore the extra 10% of the iceberg we rarely have time to touch. In Ben’s case, and with 250 UnSkippable experiments and counting up his sleeve - it’s an iceberg of knowledge that just keeps on growing.

So sit back, stretch out, stride through, sip on - I could literally keep going here - and enjoy my reunion with the man at the forefront of the future of storytelling. Ben Jones. 

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Here’s today’s question - what Quest are you on? And then the next question - what’s the natural enemy of that quest? Not necessarily a person - but maybe an idea, a viewpoint - or a traditional way of doing things?

For regular listeners of the podcast, you’ll know that a frequent topic of conversation is the power of storytelling. Whether it’s in the shows we binge watch on Netflix, the ads we skip past on YouTube, or the way we communicate our ideas in person or from a platform. 

The impact of a well crafted story is one of the most primal - and powerful - forms of influence on the planet. Not to mention the fastest way to cut through. And the most reliable tool in converting that cut through into action.

Storytelling in business isn’t a new concept, we’ve been wondering how businesses should tell their brand story since ‘marketing’ began - literally since the origins of the word - where it began with stallholders trying to get their products to stand out in the town ‘marketplace’. 

So what’s changed? And what’s the next iteration of storytelling? Especially in a digital age where we can no longer out-shout, out-spend and out-interrupt to guarantee our target audiences attention?

Today’s guest has built a career around these questions. And the belief that brands that will dominate in the future - and are in fact dominating today - are those that have taken storytelling to the next level - the level beyond simply telling - and into ‘story-doing’.

Ty Montague - and his cofounders at co:collective - help companies innovate their customer experience using the methodology of Storydoing. Using his own words Ty considers himself a traditional advertising ‘refugee’ - having decided to pivot his entire career when he noticed - and couldn’t explain why - Starbucks could be on every corner - yet not spend a single dollar on traditional advertising. 

Ty took that one question and went on to build a philosophy, a methodology, a company and a global reputation on the answer. Then writing the stand out book - that if it isn’t already should be on the curriculum for every world-class marketing MBA: ‘True Story: How to Combine Story and Action to Transform Your Business’.

In today’s conversation we dive into:

• The difference between story-telling and story-doing? How the best companies aren’t just telling their stories, but building their entire customer journeys around them
• The bottom line (practically and from an execution standpoint) behind what a story-doing company does that works
• The importance of carefully defining a ‘Quest’ and a clear enemy - and why it’s at the core of our very humanity to gravitate towards those that stand for - and against - something important
• How to strategize for the iconic? This one was big for me - it’s one thing to aim to become an iconic brand - but few understand the grassroots strategy behind bringing that word to life. 
• Why a pile of free T-Shirts can tell you more about your brand story - than a thousand surveys or data points
• How to humanize your brand - by developing stories that authentically resonate
• Plus how Ty see’s story-doing playing out in the next horizon - when it comes to new emerging technology
• Not to mention a few golden soap box moments - on how commiting to this new paradigm - literally has the power to solve some of the largest issues of our time.

There were a lot of ‘aha’ moments for me in today’s conversation, but one of the biggest stand-outs was just how logical Ty’s philosophies are. 

This is a man who’s spent decades on the front line of building ideas - brands - and stories - that actually stick. And - as I find we uncover more often than not on this podcast - what he discovered in the arena - turns out to be the opposite of traditional wisdom.

So - get ready to stop chasing impact unicorns - identify the gaps in your story - and start fiercely advocating for your Quest. You’ll definitely want your notepad for this one. Enjoy my conversation with storyteller from the front line - Ty Montague.

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Imagine getting a call from Barack Obama. In and of itself, that doesn’t sound like a usual day at the office. But beyond that, imagine getting a call from then-President Barack Obama asking you to work on the US Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. A team of individuals who role it is to advise the office of the President on the scientific and technological issues requiring attention the highest levels of Governemnet.

If you’re a second-generation physicist, son of two astrophysicists and a biotech entrepreneur working on a cure for cancer - when that call comes - you vaguely consider faking the flu - and then jump straight in with both feet.

This was the position that my guest today found themselves in. Luckily for Safi Bahcall, working on what he calls ‘loonshots’ is in his blood. Having already become fascinated - for very personal reasons that we’ll get into - with what (all too often) makes good teams kill great ideas. Safi started to research some of the great ideas that have already influenced the course of humanity - and what he found was surprising. 

Thanks to NASA, we’re trained to think that the key to innovation is to aim for moonshots  - seemingly huge audacious goals. However - what he found - was that it wasn’t in fact moonshots that created the first long distance phone call, or that created the technology that helped the Allies to win the second world war - it was something else. Something he now calls - a loonshot.

Safi studied at Harvard and received his PhD in physics from Stanford. He was also a Miller Fellow in physics at UC Berkeley and worked as a consultant with McKinsey. Having co-founded a biotechnology company developing new drugs for cancer. He then also went on to lead its IPO and serve as its CEO for 13 years. To add to that extraordinary list of accolades - he is now also the author of a book you have to check out - Loonshots - How to Nurture the Crazy Ideas that Win Wars, Cure Diseases, and Transform Industries’. 

This interview was one of my favorite types - the type that goes far and wide, fusing a variety of different worlds - in order to create an altogether new perspective on an important topic. Some of those threads included:

• The real difference between a moonshot and a loonshot (and the fascinating history behind the concept of moonshots)
• Why understanding the molecular structure of water - at exactly 32 degrees Fareinheight - is pivotal to structuring teams that aren’t afraid to take important risks
• How the traditional viewpoint ‘culture eats strategy for breakfast’ should be replaced with ‘structure eats culture for lunch’
• Why every organisation that requires innovation as it’s lifeblood - in that read every organisation - needs to have an Chief Incentives Officer
• How to love your artists and soldiers equally in order to effectively fill the gap between innovation and execution - this one huge for me...
• And finally - why any type of innovative ‘loonshot’ thinking requires mental space - and one of the best tools I have comes across in a long time to quiet the never ending mental chatter of your mind

If you ask Safi his greatest weapon in attempting to achieve the impossible - he will tell you it’s curiosity. Curiosity that came from having astrophysicists for parents. Curiosity that took him from consulting to the United States military, to starting his own Biotech company to cure the greatest health issue of our time - and that it’s this curiosity that’s at the heart of anyone that’s ever been crazy enough to attempt a loonshot.

So - get curious. Sit back, strap in - and join me for an epic fusion of the unexpected, at the surface unrelated, but utterly compelling ideas - of Safi Bahcall.

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I’m sure we’ve all had days that have felt like we did nothing but fight fires. Nothing but intensely analyse, inspect and wrestle with problems, both big and small, that at times feel like the sheer volume might crush us, or our organisation entirely.

I can definitely tell you, from my own days of feeling like that, the last thing I often felt like I had, was a clear idea of how to address these issues in a manner where everyone wins. In fact some of the time it felt more like frantically getting one fire under control - just to move on and deal with the next.

So I want you to imagine if every day was one of those days. If everyday your job was to tackle some of the biggest crises happening in an organisation, or in the media - and work out how to get them through it.

My worst nightmare - and the reality for my guest this week. He walks alongside CEO’s, executives and organisations in some of their darkest hours, helping them work out exactly what they need to do in the midst of a crisis - to come out with their reputations intact (preferably increased - because that’s the opportunity not often talked about in crisis situations).

As a reputation management and crisis communications expert, Bill Coletti knows his way around the most complex and sensitive situations a business may face.

Having provided reputation defense to numerous high profile clients such as AT&T, American Airlines and Xerox, the thing that stood out to me most about Bill’s incredible approach to his work? He cares. I know that shouldn’t be a surprise - but I’ll admit it - the image I had in my mind of a reputation manager before this conversation was something along the Mad Men vibe - a spin doctor there to protect those than can pay from the worst of their actions.

What I found? Couldn’t have been further from that stereotype.

Bill’s approach to the people behind these crises, is deeply rooted in compassion. For those that have been impacted by the situation - but also for those in the midst of the fire, having to make very tough decisions with their livelihoods on the line... some due to their own mistakes - and others who just woke up one morning to a raging inferno they didn’t see coming. AND THAT is what elevates him to the best in his field.

As much as I wanted to get into the strategies, techniques and tactics he’s road tested over years of being the front line - most of our conversation today is about people. And how to manage the expectations, responses and behaviour of people at critical moments:

In today’s conversation with Bill we talked about:

• Crisis EQ - what it is, why it’s vital and how - like any other muscle - it takes training
• How to get unstuck when a crisis first starts to unfold - when everyone is in flight or fight and you can feel the panic starting to spread
• Why most of us either ‘passively engage’ or over react when there’s an issue - and how to replace those responses with a process he calls Active Decision Making
• The importance of storytelling in controlling crisis
• A simple three-recipe for an effective apology… clue.. it doesn’t involve the words ‘if’ or ‘but’
• And finally - having the courage to speak truth to power. In critical moments there is often significant fear, not of the situation itself but of swimming against the tide and offering a different, unpleasant point of view - how to overcome those moments and share what you know constructively.

One of the moments I knew I would enjoy this conversation as much as I did was when, in researching Bill’s work - I came across his love for a particular quote which has been one of my lifelong favourites:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

In critical moments - when the stakes are high, emotions are stretched - and every new piece of information feels like a missile - it’s easy to forget that it’s often not what we do that makes the difference - but how we do it. And that’s what Bill unpacks.

So, sit back - stride out - and pull into mind some of the critical moments you have in your life right now - organisationally, personally or socially - how much of an impact would it make if you had a blueprint ready to go?

With that in mind - enjoy my conversation with one of the best in the business, Bill Coletti.

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I want you to imagine the most complex challenge on your horizon at the moment - it might be a global issue, one within your network or organisation. Here’s the question - did it arrive with a roadmap? A simple route to get from A to B? Or even some guide posts around where to start?

I’m guessing the answer is no - because - let’s face it - the more complex or high stakes the issue – the more complicated the solution. 

Why? Because it inevitably involves more stakeholders and collaborations to cross the finish line. Which means successfully navigating a whole series of competing agendas. Not to mention getting the attention of those who usually (if they are in a large enough position of power) do not hand it over easily.

AND THEN - once you’ve herded the right big cats into the room – to use the words of my next guest - you need to become fluent enough in their language – to be able to translate the problem and opportunity in such a way that they are willing to commit to the solution - not just for that day - or while it’s easy - but for the long term. 

Get it wrong at any of those points and the process falls down. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. Do not solve the problem. Still up for it? I hope so.

From the outset - my guest today is in the business of harnessing big money. Specifically harnessing how that money it spent and invested in new ways - in order to create solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems.

As Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing for the World Economic Forum, Katherine Brown describes her day job as ‘transforming complexity into concrete action - and navigating ambiguity to find shared value’. A far cry from where her journey began - killing time in the cloakroom of a pizzeria reading investment books. More on that later...

Her role at the WEF essentially involves challenging traditional models of financial investment - including how we leverage emerging digital technology - so returns (and success) aren’t just only measured in dollars - but also in social and environmental outcomes. Posing one of my favorite questions at the highest level - what if we choose both?

In today’s conversation Katherine and I cover a lot of territory. Including:

• The art of getting the right people in the room, at the right time and curating a constructive conversation
• The significance of building a lighthouse - or an easily identifiable target when it comes to engaging those stakeholders
• Flipping the story we tell as change makers - from risk to opportunity - and why risk will always get our attention - but only opportunity will keep us committed to a solution in the long term
• The pivotal role investors and big business has to play in solving some of our world’s biggest problems
• Why to be successful you have to be willing to ‘go there’’ – we’ll talk about where that is in the later parts of the conversation.
• Why the Velocity, Scope and Systems of the 4th industrial revolution has the potential to solve some of the greatest challenges of our time - if we can leverage it

Anyone that’s in the business of behavior change - particularly change where the stakes are high - will tell you that collaboration at any level can be frustrating. That’s before you get to global issues such as the 70 million people are forcibly displaced globally every year and trillions of potential dollars in aid investment. 

Getting any positive action in motion is complex, it’s messy.

And yet - on the 20th of September - just seven days ago as I record this. Sixteen year old climate change activist Greta Thunberg called for one of the biggest climate change action strikes the world has ever seen. 4 million students and workers mobilised and took to the streets - in a mass climate protest that could well change the course of history. 

Almost exactly one year before? In August 2018 - at 15 years of age - Greta had sat alone striking outside her native Swedish Parliament. I guarantee you no one gave her a road map to get between those two points in time. Or permission to start. So it is possible.

And you know the best place to start? Listening to those who are getting it done.

With that in mind, sit back, strap in, buckle up and enjoy my conversation with the seismic force that is Katherine Brown. 

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation. 

Here is the primary question I went into my interview with this week’s guest thinking about…

What kind of leadership influence actually creates impact? Real impact.

Sure as leaders we can request, motivate, incentivise - reprimand. But what happens when those tools don’t work? When we’ve tried everything we know - and the results are still falling way too far short? When we have that sneaking feeling in our gut that it’s us rather than them - and that a better leader could get this train back on track. 

It’s hard to admit those moments - because it means we have to stretch when we already feel stretched enough. Learn new tools and - hardest of all - admit to those we’re supposed to inspire that in this moment we’re as unsure as anyone else.

And yet - it’s in those moments - according to my next guest - that we have the choice to do something different. To develop tools that are some of the most potent we have available as leaders. 

These tools are counter-intuitive. They involve slowing down - especially when you need results fast. To stop talking even when everyone is looking to you for answers. To really listen to our teams - and consider their purpose in going to work in the first place - rather than purpose we have given them. To trust the people around us implicitly until proven otherwise - and then tell the truth fast when things aren’t working. Essentially they involve unlearning everything we think we know as leaders.

My guest today is the entertaining and unreservedly direct Nigel Risner. Nigel is a globally recognised specialist in company turnarounds - and author of ‘The Impact Code’. 

His journey into leadership began at 21 - as one of the youngest CEO’s of a financial services company in London. He started with the total sum of £12.80 in his pocket - and went on to lead that company through massive growth - eventually becoming the largest independent brokerage in the Country. 

But of course that’s not the end of the story. The course of true love - or true leadership - never ran that smooth. I also can’t think of many masterful CEO’s or Founders that I know that hit the bullseye on the first shot. Or the second or the third for that matter. 

Then came the financial crash of the 1980’s - and after a chain of events Nigel found himself making a previously inconceivable choice - to drive a mini-cab in the Company Bentley in order to pay the bills. 

What happened next - and the lessons he learnt - fire tested all the tools he now teaches when it comes to helping companies and teams successfully emerge from what would be considered ‘near fatal’ situations.

In today's conversation Nigel and I go head first into:

• The importance of telling the truth quickly
• The art of deep trust - until proven otherwise
• What it takes to show up intentionally and powerfully as a leader
• Why 17 mins is the magic number - I won’t go into more detail here - but it’s worth writing down
• How to turn Feedback into Feedforward. A simple twist that completely changes the outcome.
• And the vital leadership pivot from coach to commentator 

I first heard about Nigel in a Facebook message that arrived one morning from a friend I admire. It said: ‘You need to check this guy out. He’s interesting.’

So now I’m saying the same to you. Grab a coffee - get ready to dive into a world of what it takes to drive leadership impact - when the road most travelled disappears.

Enjoy my conversation with Nigel Risner.

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How do you communicate from a place of stillness and calm regardless of what’s happening around you?

We all know the situations that tend to set off our body’s alarm system. It could be a fight with our partner, the same old conversation with a member of our team - or getting up in front of a room full of people to speak or make our ideas heard.

Regardless of the situation – the warning signals tend to be the same. Our heartbeat increases, our breath shortens, our thinking becomes reactive, our responses shift into ‘fight or flight’ and our ability to communicate calmly becomes non-existent.

Well, those were mine anyway, until I adopted the micro-practices of my incredible guest today.

Allan Parker is a friend, mentor and one of the very first people I invited onto this podcast over 150 episodes ago. Episode No. 3 I believe. Such is the respect and admiration I have for him as a master in his space.

Allan is a Micro Behavioural Scientist, Educator, Facilitator and Author. In 2019 he was a recipient of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the Queens Birthday Honors List - for Contribution to Business and Dispute Resolution.

He’s best known in his field as a facilitator of large-scale multi-party negotiations and disputes. Having acted as a moderator for both the United Nations World Investment Forum, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development.

He is also the author of The Negotiator’s Toolkit, the bestseller Switch on Your Brain; and co-author of the negotiation bible Beyond Yes.

When you invite Allan into a conversation, it’s usually best to throw out your agenda – and follow where his instincts want to go. So that is exactly what happened.

LinkedIn :  linkedin.com/in/allanparkeroam

• How we can start to better understand and manage our adrenaline and cortisol systems as communicators – especially in high stakes moments.

• Allan’s favorite techniques for preventing our inner alert system from being triggered in certain salutations – keeping adrenaline and cortisol low and enabling us to stay in a calm and present state.  

• The importance of breathing as a stress reliever – sounds simple I know, but anyone that’s tried to monitor their breath while in fight or flight knows the focus it takes.

• How to identify what Allan calls ‘critical choice points’ in any situation – this one tool has been a game changer for me in my own communication. 

• Finally, why when speaking in front of either a large or small group of people, you should always identify your ‘light houses’ and lean into the friendly eyes.

• My new ebook The Influencer Code
• www.peakpd.com

• Allan Parker
• Cody Keenan

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

How do we raise, mentor, or lead the young people in our lives to be bold? In other words - how do we raise or lead lions and not lambs? It’s a good question and one that I’ve heard asked a lot - especially since becoming a parent. Which - along with running a business - and therefore leading teams of all ages - through good times and bad - has been one of the most significant (and therefore terrifying) journeys inside influence of my life.

But I digress - raising lions vs. lambs. A great question - but here’s a better one - and this is one you don’t hear asked out loud very often. But it’s there in the background for parents and leaders - like a quiet panic you don’t want to voice.

Can we actually survive raising lions? If we in-still that kind of strength, that kind of passion, the ability and NEED to question and test every hypothesis - every boundary - to take nothing for granted. Especially the instructions of those supposedly in charge. Do we - as parents and leaders - in our most quiet and overwhelmed moments - even want that?

And yet... don’t we need more of those skills? Especially now - with so many global issues requiring the type of fierce leadership - that increasingly only seems to come from younger generations. From those that haven’t learned to shut up and do as they’re told.

But let’s be honest - raising lions isn’t easy. Leading lions isn’t easy. In many cases families don’t survive. Teams fall apart. Governments collapse. Those in charge end up squashing the very passion they were hoping for - swapping innovation for speed - and diversity for consensus.

So here’s my question again. How do you lead lions without taming them? How do you raise passionate, robust, fierce human beings - without surrendering your sanity?

To get some insights into this question we hunted down my next guest - the incredible Joe Newman. 

Joe was one of the very first children globally to be diagnosed with ADHD. A label that taught him to feel “broken,” and accept the diagnosis that he had limited potential. 

Since then, Joe has dedicated his life to shattering that label, re-building his identity - and challenging our notions of the interplay between potential, passion, obedience and leadership. For the past 30 years he’s worked with children from every walk of life - all considered to have extreme behavioural issues. 

In doing that he has shown repeatedly that - by changing the ways we interact - by getting deeply curious - and by respectfully holding our ground - behind those issues is more often than not EXTREME potential. 

His work AND perspectives on parenting, power and relationships - have been shared and discussed by thought leaders across the world.

He has also since written the incredible book ‘Raising Lions - The Art of Compassionate Discipline’. Sounds like a book for parents - and it is. But here’s the thing - there’s not a single leader I know that doesn’t struggle with compassionate boundaries - with channeling the passion, friction and diversity in their teams. Same tools - just different language.

In today's episode, Joe and I jump into the shifting waters of:

• The personal attributes of a ‘Lion’ and what it takes to lead one. 
• Whether labels are useful - for children and adults - or whether they are just permission to separate from our actions
• What does a child – or an adult for that matter – who can self-regulate actually look like? This one is important - because we all know you can’t be what you can’t see. If we can learn to recognise it - and move towards it when we do - our chances of becoming go through the roof
• Why lions love conflict - and how to use that to propel constructive action
• How to use consequences effectively and  respectfully
• And finally how to ‘meet someone’s hand’ and powerfully answer the inherent question in all lion interactions ‘I have power - do you?’

One of my greatest curiosities when it comes to influence - is how often and unintentionally we get it wrong. No one wakes up thinking they want to hurt or fail the ones we love or lead. 

Unfortunately the usual suspects of influence - those we see so often being successful in the short term - charisma, bravado, force or sitting on the fence and avoiding any real conflict - rarely if ever get us where we need to go in the long term.

You can’t force someone to respect you, or listen to you, or love you, or collaborate with you. And trust me I’ve tried. Nor does anything get any better by avoiding the transformative friction that comes from conflict. Or by taming and caging diversity. 

We need lions. But first we have to believe that we can survive them - or better than that - thrive because of them.

So - grab your coffee, or relax into whatever traffic jam you’re stuck in - and prepare to be challenged in all the best ways by the force that is Joe Newman.

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

Now this episode - is a little different to any other episode of Inside Influence that we’ve ever done. 

One of my favourite parts of putting together the last 52 Episodes of The Podcast has been tracking down world class people to talk to - some of our ideas have worked beyond what I had hoped - poets, musicians, politicians, CEO’s, world record breakers - the list goes on. And some - well - haven’t. Which - lets face it - is just part and parcel of creating anything at all. Sometimes you win - sometimes you end up face down in the dirt wondering how you got there. 

Just as an aside on that - for anyone thinking about putting together a podcast (which I would wholeheartedly recommend by the way) - please never attempt any interview that involves three languages and a four way - real time - translation. As we found out recently it makes a fascinating mime show - but not so much great audio.

Anyway - pretty much the driving force of every episode we have ever done - has been to get inside how we influence ourselves (our own stories and reactions), how we influence others (either one on one or from a platform), or how we influence at scale (i.e. amplifying an idea or message that has the power to change the world).

Most CEO’s and leaders that I meet are on at least one of those journeys. In a world where everyone has a platform, noise is high, brand engagement and trust are low - and storytelling by algorithm now drives the majority of behaviour. Standing out - and converting that attention into action - is probably the largest challenge business challenge of our time.

In today's episode of Inside influence these are the issues we’re going to get into. However - for this week only - it will just be me. No guest. 

Today’s episode is a compilation of a few different speeches I have given recently - mainly for large corporations - most in industries that are currently suffering from a dive in trust. The common theme for each essentially being the question: ‘How do you become the most influential and trusted authority in your space?’. 

The pieces we’ve chosen hopefully answer some of the most commonly asked questions I get in regards to influence. These include:

• How to identify your unique space as a micro-authority
• How the digital world has changed the role of branding - and branded marketing - in driving opportunities, sales, conversations and change. Leaving humans as the most influential force on the planet.
• Why harnessing your unique skills and experience – or the unique skills and experience of the people within your organisation – is now the No 1 key to cut through
• The methods to designing a strategy to become the go-to expert in your space. 
• Tools to focus more on out-contributing - rather than out-spending and out-interrupting your competition
• How to harness the power of epic storytelling
• The power of co-creation - and how to amplify your impact by joining forces with those that already have the eyes and ears of your target market
• And why becoming the primary translator for your chosen audience is the most powerful decision you can make

So - as I said - today is a little different to usual programming. If you like it let me know on the usual social channels. We can try and do more. If not then - just like the multi translation episode - we’ll chalk it down to experience and keep moving. With that in mind, kick back, drive safe (or walk slow) and get ready to take a deep dive into standing up, being seen and harnessing the power of their voice. 

My name is Julie Masters and this is Inside Influence.

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

Here are some questions that have been on my mind recently:

Is there a science behind how and which ideas become mainstream? Could there be a formula to driving a movement through a human network - at maximum impact and speed? Is it possible to develop a framework that would predict what we pay attention to, what we ignore and what we actually act upon?

And… if the answer to any of those questions was yes… then could it be used to predict some of unexpected situations (politically and culturally) - that have occurred globally?

Essentially - is there something predictable here that I’m missing when it comes to who and what ideas gain the most influence.

My next guest has dedicated a career to - among many other things - understanding this science. The science of human networks. In particular decoding how our position in these networks impacts the most important decisions of our lives.

So why is that vital to the question of influence? Well - our networks - and where we sit in our networks - write the story of pretty much every choice we make. 

Traditionally these networks were the people we grew up with, the people we worshiped with and the people we worked with. However now and perhaps most influentially - they are the people, groups and platforms we spend our digital lives interacting with online.

These networks make up the fabric of our lives - our identities - our choices - and everything we believe to be true.

And yet - amazingly - very little is known about the science of human networks. In particular how ideas spread from one part of a network to another. A fact my next guest - Matthew O Jackson - aims to change.

Matthew is the author of ‘The Human Network - How Your Social Position Determines Your Power, Beliefs, and Behaviors’. He is a Professor of Economics at Stanford University, an external faculty member of the Santa Fe Institute, and a senior fellow of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. 

He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences; a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and former Guggenheim Fellow. Having reached more than a million students via his popular online courses on social and economic networks.

In today's conversation Matthew and I unpack: 

• The digital tipping point in human revolutions - how, when and why ideas take hold
• Why influence and popularity are distinctly different - and how the person with the least contacts is often the most influential
• The importance of being the primary translator - or ‘centre star’ - for your target market. 
• How not enough people focus on the ‘halo effect for building influence - where it’s who you know rather than how many people you know that makes the difference
• How to go about identifying the most influential people within your network
• And finally - some of the key patterns that make an idea or a movement contagious

There is a quote by Sonia Sotomayor that Matthew uses in his book that I love: ‘Virtue in obscurity is rewarded only in Heaven. To succeed in this work you have to be known to people’.

Understanding human networks is essentially that - understanding the science of becoming ‘known’. Which I would suggest, whatever work you do - is usually the key to taking it to the next level.

So grab a cup of coffee, a notebook and pen and get ready for a crash course in global movements, historical figures and network based influence.

Enjoy my conversation with the fascinating Matthew O Jackson.

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How do you go from an idea to influence to income? Often we only hear about the two polarities. We hear about people who have a great idea, who put a lot of time and effort into building their influence with very little results. And then there are the multi-millionaires who are living in a New York loft apartment who, just last week, we're living in their parent's basement but then they discovered this Killer system and now they are uber-successful. So what does it take to actually build a business as an influencer? 

My next guest is Dorie Clark, author of the groundbreaking book 'Stand Out' where she first came to my attention. It was named the number one leadership book of 2015 by Inc magazine and named one of the top 10 business books of the year by Forbes, and is a Washington Post bestseller. She's also recently just published a new book which is what brought us to talk this time. 

It's called 'Entrepreneurial You' and I would urge you to go out and get it. In this episode, we discuss how to find your breakthrough idea. We discuss the keys to building a following when starting from scratch. Why most success stories you see on Facebook aren't true and why fear plus 10 percent is the magic number when it comes to turning it expertise into income.

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Greetings everyone, my name is Julie Masters and welcome to another episode of Inside Influence. In which I delve into the minds of some of the world’s most fascinating influencers – or experts in influence - to get to the bottom of what it really takes to own your voice - and then amplify it to drive an industry, a conversation, a movement or a nation.

Over the course of the Inside Influence Podcast, my intention has been to bring you some of the brightest minds in the world of Influence.

However, every now and then, I come across a person who is the embodiment of what this podcast is about. A person who can in every sense of the word claim mastery as an influencer of influencers. 

As some of you might know - I’ve spent the last few weeks bunkered up with my newborn son.  One of the challenges of committing to consistency with anything is that - when life takes over - you need some support. 

So, while I was on Maternity leave the Inside Influence team took over and curated a list of the hottest questions we have been asked over the past year. When they showed me the list I knew there was only one person I would go to to answer them, and that person is the Incredible Dorie Clark. 

For our regular listeners, you would be aware of Dorie's influence genius, however for those of you who have not heard of Dorie... fear not! She is about to become your number one guru on the art of standing out as a global authority in your space.

If you needed more than just my word - Dorie is in fact the author of the groundbreaking book Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of 2015 by Inc. magazine, one of the Top 10 Business Books of the Year by Forbes - not to mention a Washington Post bestseller. The New York Times described her as an “expert at self-reinvention.” 

Dorie has also just recently published a new book – Entrepreneurial You. Which I would urge you to go out and get. Believe me, in all my years of working in this field - it’s rare that anyone actually talks about the grassroots tactics of what it takes to build a business as an influencer. Creating influence is one thing - turning it into income is another.

Some of the questions we explored include: 

• How to identify trends and distill your breakthrough idea. 
• How to turn your influence into income. Again this is where most people - even some of the most well known or famous people you might know - can often get stuck. You can’t pay your mortgage with ‘likes’ - or at least that’s what my accountant says.
• How to get influence cut through as quickly as possible i.e. traction
• Proven methods to identify your niche, add real value and then amplify your impact 
• The common mistakes that industry influencers make in the early days - and how to avoid them 
• Plus - just a ton more.

This episode is pretty hard and fast. Dorie takes the questions and just dives straight in - with none of the usual rambles or segways from me.

However - for those of you who missed Dorie’s original hour long Inside Influence episode don’t worry. We will also be re-releasing the original interview “From Influence to Income” this time next week as an added bonus. If you caught it the first time around and haven’t managed to yet implement the ton gold she delivered - well - then definitely worth a refresh.

Enough from me - enjoy, kick back and soak up the incredible one-on-one wisdom of Dorie Clark. 

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As a leader, it is our ability to influence harmony within a culture that determines our success. There needs to be a focus on both listening and guiding an individual. We must have an ability to hear the voice of one and the voices of many. As leaders we are the conductors in a symphony where the influence we have will determine the magic in the music we create. 

Todays guest is the incredible Itay Talgam. I have wanted to interview Itay for quite some time for one purpose, and that is to decode how leaders can create influence like the greatest conductors on the planet. Conductors who influence, listen, guide and unite individuals in creating musical magic all while performing live in front of huge audiences...where any mistake is there for the world to see. 

Itay Talgam is an orchestral conductor turned into ‘conductor of people’ – A producer of the symphony that is influence. He has mastered the creation of human harmony and cooperation passing on key leadership and influence skills to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits and universities, and at conferences around the world, including TED, Google’s Zeitgeist, and the World Economic Forum at Davos.

With a lifetime of experience behind him Talgam conducted many orchestras in Europe – being the first Israeli conductor to perform with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and with the Leipzig Opera house. He also performed in the United States, and, naturally, conducted and recorded many times with all of Israel’s major orchestras, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Israeli Opera, Jerusalem Symphony, and the Israel Chamber Orchestra.

While your office is clearly not a stage, and your team are more than likely not professional musicians, there is so much that can be learned about influence in decoding the mindset, methodology and the magic of some of the worlds greatest composers. Talgam's anecdotes and insights will change the way you think about listening, humility and the path to unpredictable brilliance. They will equip you for exceptional leadership and influence. 

In today's episode we discussed: 

• The Intersection between the office and the conductor's podium. 
• The sheer gravity of silence as a tool of influence
• What it is to create space for others in leadership
• How do you go about creating a community of listeners
• How do you ensure other peoples stories are shared
• The balance between direction and enabling self expression in leadership. 
• Why creating space to simply enjoy your creation revitalises your role in leadership 

So as always kick back, and get ready to tune into the music of influence. A space where leadership and influence express themselves via graceful movements, expression, emotion and sound. 

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My next guest Chris Voss was the FBI lead kidnapping negotiator and what that means is he had to understand influence at a level and with stakes that you and I can barely imagine. During his 24 year tenure in the FBI He was trained in the art of negotiation at Scotland Yard at Harvard Law School. He is also the recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in law enforcement and has taught business negotiation at a number of prestigious universities around the world.

He is the founder and CEO of The Black Swan Group and he’s also also the author of Never split the difference which is a book that I genuinely cannot recommend highly enough. If negotiating persuading or influencing is a part of your daily life which I can promise you it is. In our conversation we jumped in to a number of really fascinating ideas. The first of which was how yes is actually the last thing we want to hear which blew my mind because I had assumed that negotiation was all about getting to a Yes and apparently not one single hostage negotiation technique is designed to get a yes. What are they designed for. You’ll have to listen. We talk about high stakes conversations. How does he prepare. His mental state going into these conversations where literally lives are on the line. We talked about delivering bad news. How to do it quickly and efficiently and get straight into what’s next.

I invite you to sit back and listen and take a fascinating peek behind the curtain of what has to have been one of the most interesting careers I’ve ever heard of. And as a result take some tools and in the words of Chris start negotiating like your life depends on it.

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In the last episode of Inside Influence, I spoke to the incredible Dr Kristy Goodwin - children’s technology and development expert, a speaker, author and parent - about The Digital Dilemma.

We unlocked the challenges faced by parents, leaders and teachers in influencing young people in a new digital age. An age where digital devices increasingly - and soon to be literally - are woven into every fabric of our environment.

The episode was full of perspective changing information - or at least I know it was for me - which is why today as bonus episode - and for the first time for Inside Influence listeners we are backing it up with a Part Two.

For those of you who missed last week’s conversation - I would recommend downloading part one - although not essential it will be helpful in giving you some background context to Kristy’s work - however if you did miss it, we covered everything from infobesity to techno tantrums, brain science to boundary setting and Kristy (very generously) offered up a toolkit of proven parent strategies to manage your child's relationship to digital devices….100% guilt free.

At the heart of the conversation we explored one of the most profoundly influential positions we will ever hold as a human being… The Influence we have as parents, mentors and leaders in helping a new generation make healthy choices - in particular around what and who they allow into their worlds.

As I mentioned in the first episode - this used to be as simple as closing the front door - finishing school, heading home and forgetting about it for the day. Now that world - and all it’s opinions, personalities and messages - follows us home in the form of digital devices.

In part two we discuss the following:

• The right and wrong environments for digital devices
• How to engage young people - in particular young children - in conversations about digital safety
• Why technology can in fact support our relationships - but should never supercede them
• How to manage the mine field of early exposure to sexuality, body image norms (or apparent norms) and exposure to porn. This one is I know on the mind of a lot of parents I know, in particular those of young boys.
• How to protect our children from cyber bullying.
• And the most influential question for us all: Are we being controlled by digital or is it possible to develop boundaries - healthy and resilient boundaries - where we can take the best of this new world - and leave the worst?

Now it bears repeating in the words of Dr Kristy herself - these are 100% guilt free conversations. Feeling guilty about our relationship to technology isn’t going to help anyone. It’s just going to keep us all further stuck in the dark - and prevent the type of conversations that are needed if we’re going to navigate this new world. None of us know the rules here. So let’s talk.

On that note - for the second time - grab a cup of tea - a bar of dark chocolate - or your running shoes - whatever floats your boat and enjoy Part Two in my conversation with the incredible Dr Kristy Goodwin.

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Do you remember the world before the internet? A world where children built Forts, rather than play Fortnite, and setting boundaries was as simple as closing the bedroom door. Or in my case - the day your Father received one too many outrageous phone bills and unplugged the telephone for a week. Teenage. Life. Over. As. I. Knew. It.

Compare that to some of the stories from my next guest….

In a world of influence, there’s possibly none more powerful - or wide reaching - as the influence we have on the next generation.

Maybe I’m thinking a lot about it at the moment - new baby on the way - young daughter I can feel already watching my every technology move. Someone asked me recently - boyfriend beaming into her eyeballs. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THAT?

Yet this isn’t just a question for parents - this is a question for peers, teachers, mentors, relatives and leaders of young people. Or really for anyone trying to navigate a digital age where no one - not even the technology creators themselves - fully understand the rules (or consequences) of the game.

So how do we face this new digital dilemma with optimism rather than fear? How do we instill OR MODEL a resilient, healthy and empowered relationship with the technology that increasingly fuels every facet of our lives?

That’s the reason why today, I am introducing a 2 part podcast series with the incredible Dr Kristy Goodwin. Kristy is a children’s technology and development expert, a speaker, author and parent who has committed her life to translating the latest research on leading young people through a digital age. And it starts - you guessed it - with first leading ourselves.

Most importantly - what I want you to notice is that Kristy doesn’t believe in guilt. Which in a world where all our decisions in relation to technology - seem to be increasing coming under fire - in particular when it comes to digital devices and parenting. Is as refreshing as it is insightful.

In part one of this podcast dive into:

• Info-beasity, and address what it takes to tame the information beast.
• Why our ancient brains are struggling to cope in a digital world.
• Tips to prevent and manage techno-tantrums
• How our own digital habits inform how our children engage with devices - TIP - that age old parenting phrase ‘do as I say and not as I do’ - which is a from memory from my childhood - is about effective now as it was then.
• Effective (parental war zone tested) strategies to implement digital boundaries.
• The neuroscience governing our engagement with digital platforms.
• AND finally - and this one totally changed my perspective - why we should avoid using (or removing) digital devices and connectivity as a punishment tool

So - grab your digital device of choice - find a quiet spot - drop the guilt - and prepare to make some empowered choices in relation to how technology can enhance - rather than control - your life and the lives of those you love and lead. Enjoy my conversation with the crazy talented… Kristy Goodwin.

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Now for anyone that’s been listening to the podcast for awhile - you’ll know I FIRMLY believe that the days of out-spending, out-shouting and out-interrupting our competitors is over.

What do I mean by that? I mean that if you want to stand out in a new age of influence - in an age where what gets talked about, what gets remembered, what (in the words of my next guest) is considered ‘remarkable’ enough to share within our networks - isn’t ‘business as usual’ - OR ‘marketing as usual’.

In fact - I believe it was Robert Stephens, founder of Geek Squad - who said the immortal words ‘advertising is a tax paid by the unremarkable’.

The challenge now is not to constantly interrupt what people are interested in - but to BECOME what they are interested in. To provide a service or information so valuable - so engaging - or so unexpected - that word of mouth - or word of mouse - literally takes care of itself.

My next guest Jay Baer would describe these moments as Talk Triggers. A Talk Trigger being any strategic, operational differentiators that compel word of mouth. NOTICE THE WORD STRATEGIC THERE - NOT ACCIDENTAL - NOT HOPEFUL - BUT AN ACTUAL PLAN TO CREATE CONSISTENT AND PASSIONATE WORD OF MOUTH. Sounds simple - yet as he points out - nearly every organisation has a…. We have social media strategies, marketing strategies, sales strategies etc.

Now word of mouth has always been the backbone of any business - but in a digital landscape - where voice search, reviews and algorithms all tie back to the sentiment of the crowd. If you don’t have a plan - you are missing one of the biggest opportunities available.

Jay has spent 25 years in digital marketing and customer experience, consulting for more than 700 companies, including 34 of the FORTUNE 500. His current firm – Convince & Convert – provides word of mouth, digital marketing, and customer experience advice and counsel to some of the world’s most important brands.

Jay’s Convince & Convert blog was named the world’s #1 content marketing blog by the Content Marketing Institute. He is also the author of three best selling books - including “Youtility: Why Smart Marketing is About Help not Hype”, “Hug Your Haters”, and his latest book with co-author Daniel Lemin, “Talk Triggers - The complete guide to creating customers with word of mouth”.

It is fair to say that Jay understands every aspect of what it is to build a brand around earned influence. And the great thing about earned influence - rather than hype or the number of followers you can amass - it’s really hard to lose once you have it.

Now a warning about this conversation - it’s pretty rapid fire - so grab a pen and paper now. In it we sprint our way through:

• Why so many people confuse influence with audience
• Why relevance is the new killer app
• Why contribution takes courage - and the fears that will hold you back
• How to hardwire ‘help over hype’ into your marketing strategy
• The 4 requirements to designing a compelling talk trigger
• Why in this day and age building a marketing campaign around earned influence shouldn’t be the Wild West - but instead driven by data, AI and machine learning
• AND finally - why real influence is always earned.

So sit back, grab yourself a coffee and enjoy the insights of one of the most experienced thought leaders on the planet when it comes to brand influence. My conversation with the outrageously talented - Jay Baer.

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What does it take to own your voice when everything is on the line - and the entire world is watching?

On the podcast today I speak with Gretchen Carlson, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and internationally recognized trailblazer for women’s rights in the workplace. 

In June of 2016, two years before the beginning of the #metoo movement - Gretchen boldly went public with sexual harassment claims against then Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, considered to be one of the most powerful men on the planet.

Having spent over 30 years as a journalist. Gretchen was one of the most recognised faces on television - hosting the Saturday edition of The Early Show on CBS News, Fox News’ Fox & Friends and The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson.

Two weeks after the suit was filed, Roger Ailes was fired from Fox in a historic precedent. Laying the foundations for the #metoo movement to come. Gretchen went on to settle her lawsuit and co-found ‘Lift Our Voices’, a nonprofit organization fighting to stop forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements keeping toxic workplace issues silent.

So what led to that moment? Although the NDA Gretchen had to sign as part of her settlement prevents her from publicly discussing her time at Fox. Her story has since been told as both the movie ‘Bombshell’ starring Nicole Kidman as Gretchen - and the Showtime mini-series ‘The Loudest Voice’ where Gretchen was played by Naomi Watts.

In today’s conversation we talk about what it takes to stand up to power, how to fight for change and the ripple effect of courage - in our workplaces, our families and the world.

Instagram & twitter: @gretchencarlson

• How she found the courage to stand up and tell her story - and why “it’s not like walking into a room and flipping on the light switch, even as a strong person.”
• What happened after “One of the darkest days of my life”. The day she was told by her lawyers that she didn’t have a case. All because of a tiny clause in her contract that she (and millions of others) didn’t know existed.
• Why she created ‘Lift Our Voices’ to end forced arbitration and NDA’s. Including how they managed to pass the largest labor law change the USA has seen in 100 years.
• Finally, how it feels to watch her story portrayed on the big screen – not once but twice – while being legally prevented from contributing her own voice.

• My new ebook The Influencer Code
• Gretchen’s Non-profit, Lift Our Voices: https://liftourvoices.org

• Nathan Chan
• Bunker Roy

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter.

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Now I have a bit of an obsession with fear. Or - at least I didn’t realise I had - until looking over some of the amazing guests we’ve had and have lined up for the podcast this year. And realising that fear - or at least mastering fear - seems to be a constant and underlying theme.

So that raises the question of why - what has fear got to do with influence - and why can’t I seem to leave it alone. I’ll tell you why - other than because it’s a daily dance of my own in one way shape or form. As it is for anyone that’s ever tried to do or say anything in the public domain - or any domain for that matter.

I think it’s because - over the years of working alongside influencers - I have met and worked with one too many brilliant people, one too many brilliant ideas, companies, brands and products. One too many people with something important to say or contribute. Who have all been left on the sidelines as a result of this statement: ‘I will do this… when I feel more...’

Sound familiar? Essentially - I will show up, stand up, be seen - and offer the full force of what I have to offer. When I feel less fearful.

So - in that sense - fear - or the ability to move towards it, harness it, rewrite it’s stories and relinquish it’s control over when and how we show up. Is the ultimate key to influence. Without it - the rest - negotiation tools, presentation skills, content algorithms, leadership habits - all mean nothing at all. So - there’s my why.

Now back to this episode. As a metaphor for negotiating with fear - surfing a 50 foot wave has to be on top of the list. As one of Australia’s best big wave surfers, my next guest Mark Matthews understands better than most the the intersections of fear, focus and staying in place when backing out seems like the only sane option. In fact - one of my favorite moments in our conversation is where he talks about ‘Holding the line’.

I don’t know if many of you will remember that infamous scene from Braveheart before the great battle - possibly showing my age here - where Mel Gibson shouts ‘HOLD!’ over and over again as the charging army gets rapidly closer. Mark talks about how he literally uses this technique, this phrase - over and over again when at the crest of a wave - to keep himself in position until that exact right second. Basically - to prevent himself from reacting to adrenalin by backing out or moving too fast.

Unbelievably - as you’ll hear - Mark was frightened of the ocean as a child and spent his childhood visits with family to the ocean sitting on the beach. YET - he went on to carve out a niche as one of the top big wave surfers in the world. Having surfed many of the world's heaviest and biggest waves including Cape Fear, NSW, Teahupoo (hope I got that one right), Tahiti, Maui and - well - if you know anything about big waves - you’ll be able to recite the rest. He has won three Oakley Big Wave Awards and is considered one of the best big waves surfers in the world.

Then - while in surfing in Australia in 2016 - Mark fell feet first onto a shallow reef - waking up later in a helicopter in a full body brace. He had tore his artery, nerve, multiple ligaments and fractured his shin. After an artery transfer he was assured by Dr’s that he would keep his leg - but with that kind of nerve damage - he would never be able to surf again. What followed was a new journey into fear. The fear of starting again. Only this time against the odds - and while the whole world was watching.

In this epic conversation Mark and I dive into:

• The role of risk analysis in dealing with fear
• How to ‘hold the line’ when you’re so committed you can’t back down
• Why pushing any boundary starts with being unreasonable
• How to ignore the feelings that make you want to run - and swap fear for focus
• The power of embracing the pain - to stop the brain shutting you down.
• How to consciously choose your next adrenaline kick to take you to the next level
• AND why you should always train for wipe out scenarios - in order to push past where other people would choke.

I loved my conversation with Mark. He’s unassuming, humble - and yet driven to take on challenges that will blow your mind. Just quickly Google his name and look at the images that come up - that will be enough for you to get a sense of what I’m talking about.

So - if you know you have a 50 foot opportunity or challenge coming your way - or maybe feel like you’re surfing one right now - then this is for you. Sit back, buckle up - and enjoy my conversation with phenomenal big wave surfer Mark Matthews.

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What can we learn about the art of influence from taming a creature as wild as the horse?

How do we decode a silent language that speaks with feelings and desire rather than cognitive thoughts or words?

How do we begin to understand the silent network of communication that exists within our subconscious mind, and how is it possible to gain insights into some of the most profound parts of human condition by spending an hour horse whispering?

Today, I am honoured to explore all of these questions and more with a world renowned life coach, horse whisperer and the founder of the Equus Coaching Movement, Koelle Simpson.

Koelle's incredible journey into horse whispering came as a result of experiencing trauma as a child that ultimately led to her destiny. In order to heal, a young Koelle would spend hours with the horses in a neighbouring paddock, and in that process began to connect with these beautiful animals in a deeply transformational way. It was during this time, she began to develop a level self awareness, as the horses through their behaviour acted as mirror always reflecting Koelle's internal state. The language of her emotions.

With clarity of purpose, from that point forward Koelle went to to study with the some of the worlds greatest equine teachers Including Monty Roberts, and best selling author, life coach and o magazine columnist Dr Martha Beck.

Today, Koelle is the founder of the Koelle Institute for Equus Coaching. The Institute has evolved into a remarkable community of highly skilled coaches dedicated to creating transformational leadership experiences through encounters with horses.

Koelle is a woman of global influence, with her work being featured in O Magazine, BBC Business Report, The National Journal, The OWN Network and she is a Tedx speaker. She works with individuals and organisations all of the world decoding the silent language of authority through the lens of her journey as a horse whisperer.

In today's podcast we covered the following:

• We learn more about the art of horse whispering.
• Why active and honest connection is at the heart of trust?
• The role of emotions as a silent tool in communication - The horses language?
• Self Awareness and why we disconnect.
• How we can create emotional intention.
• What causes stress and anxiety in how we connect
• Why vulnerability is the strongest component in leadership
• What we can learn from the matriarch mare?
• How do we lead a fearful herd?
• Why Trust is an action in the present moment.
• What makes us suppress expression?
• Why our deepest truth is always held in the body.

So as always grab yourself a cup of tea, and get ready to hear the extraordinary story of a young woman with a gift for translating the silent language of the horse. After all a horse does not hear words, or have the same thoughts we have. This animal has an innate ability to deeply feel and experience the world via emotion. In observing the horse we are given a window into our soul, showing us with no filters… exactly what we are showing the world.

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If you could identify one superpower that would set your business on fire what would it be?

You would imagine growth strategy would go hand in hand with running a successful business, but the reality is that many business leaders fail to see the opportunities right in front of them. That is why Growth IQ is the magic elixir enabling business leaders to harness the growth opportunities that are ripe for the picking.

Today's guest, Tiffani Bova is the global customer growth and innovation evangelist at Salesforce and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of ‘Growth IQ: Get Smarter About the Choices that Will Make or Break Your Business’.

Having spent her career decoding the art of Growth IQ, she is a top influencer in customer experience, digital and the future of work. She is a master of sales transformation and business model innovation, a highly sought after speaker and business influencer. She is also the host of ‘What's Next! with Tiffani Bova’ which has featured guests from Arianna Huffington to Dan Pink, and continues to rank as one of the top 100 business and marketing podcasts on iTunes, and won top Sales and Marketing Podcast by Top Sales Magazine in 2017.

Tiffani is Magazine’s 37 Sales Experts You Need to Follow on Twitter, a LinkedIn Top Sales Influencer, a Brand Quarterly Magazine Top 50 Marketing Thought Leader, and one of the most Powerful and Influential Women in California according to the National Diversity Council. She has appeared on MSNBC and Yahoo Finance and is a regular contributor to Forbes, Harvard Business Review, Marketing Matters on Wharton Business Radio - SiriusXM and Huffington Post in addition to a variety of industry-leading podcasts.

In today's podcast we cover off;

• Why great storytelling and great data are a formula for sales success
• Why the best leaders are also the best storytellers
• Why business growth is never a quick fix
• How to maximise your sales with the people and resources you already have
• The role of purpose in the pursuit for growth
• Why the experience wins the sale
• We decode the higher expectations of tomorrow's customer
• Asking for a symphony of feedback
• The art of collaborative selling
• Key insights into influence from one of the worlds best

When it comes to the intersection of epic business influence, sales and digital growth Tiffani is a global leader whose journey is only just beginning, and that is why I couldn't more excited about having her on board as an Inside Influence guest. Grab yourself a coffee, sit back and get ready to grow with the one and only author of Growth IQ, the incredible Tiffani Bova.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.