Messaging in business and skillful communication tips and tricks, a new collaborative #1 best selling book with Molly Tschang & Marshall Goldsmith to help confidence in communication within teams. This was an interview between Emily and Molly Tschang, author of the best-selling book "Say It Skillfully," which she co-wrote with Marshall Goldsmith. Molly discussed her framework for effective communication in the workplace, which focuses on helping people speak up with clarity, compassion, and confidence. She explained how the framework addresses limiting beliefs and fears that prevent people from sharing their perspectives, emphasizing that everyone matters and has unique value to contribute. Molly described her consulting practice where she works with senior executives and leadership teams to improve communication and create better team dynamics. She discussed how leaders can model effective communication and create safe spaces for transparent dialogue, while also empowering individual team members to speak up. The conversation covered practical strategies for overcoming shyness and resistance, the importance of work-life balance, and how to foster an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared effectively. Molly offered resources including a free mini-book available at sayitskillfully.com/gift and encouraged listeners to visit her website for additional training programs and support.

This was an interview for Emily’s podcast “Out of the Blue” with Gabrielle Dolan, author of the book “Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI.” Gabrielle discussed her 21-year journey from corporate leadership roles in Australia’s banking sector to becoming a leading storytelling expert, sharing how she discovered that authentic stories could better communicate messages and build trust with audiences. They explored the power of storytelling to engage emotions and bypass logical reasoning, with Gabrielle explaining how stories connect with both the storyteller and the audience through shared experiences and emotions. The conversation addressed the challenges of AI in storytelling, with Gabrielle emphasizing that while AI can assist in finding and refining stories, it should never take control and risk damaging authenticity or credibility. Gabrielle outlined four types of stories businesses should consider: personal stories, professional stories, parables, and public stories, while stressing the importance of authentic storytelling and clear message definition. The interview concluded with Gabrielle reading a letter to AI from her book, emphasizing that while AI can be a helpful creative partner, humans must remain in control of their storytelling and not lose their unique voice in the process.

Story Intelligence - Gabrielle Dolan

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Maxi and Emily had a wide-ranging conversation covering Maxi's upcoming work schedule at various events including festivals in Newport and Warwickshire, her concerns about late night shifts conflicting with her natural morning routine, and her plans to move after July 6th while dealing with family complications. They discussed current events in Ireland regarding immigration issues and government responses, with Maxi expressing strong concerns about media coverage and government silencing of victims' families. Maxi shared updates about her YouTube channel growing to 317 subscribers through exercise content, her recent work as a marshal at Blenheim Palace where she encountered the Duke of Marlborough, and her experience staying overnight near a church. The conversation also covered Maxi's challenges with downsizing and organizing belongings for her upcoming van lifestyle.

Maxi discussed upcoming work commitments, including events in Newport, Wales and at the ARC bike festival at Ragley Hall, where they expressed dissatisfaction with the late night working hours. Maxi mentioned having to postpone their move until after July 6th due to work conflicts and family obligations, including two weddings. Maxi also revealed they have additional festival work scheduled from July 16-19 at the Meal Mile event in Peterborough, and mentioned having received a promotion through multiple event agencies.

Emily and Maxi discussed recent protests in Belfast related to immigration issues, with Maxi expressing strong concerns about the impact of immigrants on Ireland and the UK. Maxi criticized the BBC's coverage of the situation and highlighted how the government allegedly silences victims and their families from speaking about attacks. They agreed that social media has been important for bringing attention to these issues that might otherwise be ignored by mainstream media.

Emily and Maxi discussed media coverage of protests, noting that large demonstrations for Palestine are not televised because they are considered "not sexy" news. They then talked about Dua Lipa and Callum Turner's recent marriage in Sardinia, with Emily explaining how they met 'on the same page'. The conversation shifted to conspiracy theories about Earth's shape and history, with Emily sharing beliefs about forgotten civilizations and the ocean's depth, while Maxi expressed skepticism about established scientific knowledge.

Maxi shared her experience at a recent event where she got wet from rain and nearly lost her voice from shouting. She discussed her YouTube channel, which now has 317 subscribers after posting a video about an exercise challenge called "Fat Girls Can." Em explained her plans to use Minvo to schedule clips from a podcast she recorded about stories in marketing and business, which will be distributed across multiple social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Maxi shared details about a camping trip to Blenheim Palace, including an incident where she had to redirect a car belonging to the Duke of Marlborough, who insisted on using the restricted drive. Maxi also mentioned staying overnight in a church in Steeple Barton, where she met a man who was spending the night there. Emily briefly discussed John's recent cycling race in the Italian alps, which involved challenging terrain and a crash.

Emily discussed her decision to focus on coaching rather than returning to marketing after meeting someone at B&Q who wanted her help with marketing. Maxi shared that event freelancing is paying well with both immediate and two-week payment options, allowing expenses like travel and food to be invoiced. They discussed Maxi's challenges with organizing and decluttering items while preparing for a move, including decisions about what to keep or sell.

Zen guides a meditation bubble

Emily and Zen conducted a coaching session using the SOARA method (Situation, Objective, Action, Result, Aftermath) from NLP to help Zen address personal challenges with relationships and inherited beliefs from her mother. Zen shared her situation of feeling isolated and suspicious in a developing romantic relationship, tracing back to childhood memories of being alone and neglected while her working mother was frequently absent. They created a metaphor using the Rapunzel story, where Zen identified her need to break down emotional walls and trust others, recognizing that the fears she carries are inherited rather than her own. Through the storytelling exercise, Zen reimagined her childhood as happy and fulfilling, with a loving family and supportive environment, ultimately creating a new narrative about personal empowerment and relationship freedom.

Emily and Zen discussed how inherited fears from parents or grandparents can create self-limiting belief patterns that prevent people from forming relationships. They explored the concept of recognizing these fears as not being one's own, but rather generational beliefs that were projected onto the individual. Emily advised that by surrendering these inherited beliefs and trusting one's intuition, it becomes safe to open up to relationships without fear of disappointment.

Relationship Patterns and Personal Growth

Emily and Zen discussed relationship patterns and personal growth, with Zen reflecting on how past experiences affect current relationships. They worked on creating a story where Zen could envision breaking free from limiting beliefs about relationships and abundance, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling future. Zen expressed a desire to rewrite her childhood narrative with a happier ending, moving away from feelings of scarcity and toward a more abundant perspective on giving and receiving love.

Building Joyful Family Experiences

Zen shared a story about growing up in a loving family in Africa, describing beautiful sunsets and happy meals shared around the table. Emily guided Zen to rewrite the story as if telling it to a six-year-old and encouraged Zen to reflect on actions needed to build joy in the present. Zen decided to focus on creating positive experiences and would share this vision with new people, excluding those who don't align with this vision.

Mental Transformation and Growth

Zen shared a personal story about transforming past memories and breaking out of self-imposed limitations, comparing it to the Rapunzel tale of escaping a tower. They described how they transmuted negative memories into positive growth, using the metaphor of a seed growing into a tree with energy and life. Zen emphasized the power of mental transformation and creating new stories to live a better life.

Gender Roles in Fairy Tales

Zen and Emily discussed the use of metaphors and storytelling as a way to access the subconscious mind, particularly through the lens of fairy tales and their underlying messages about gender roles. Zen expressed frustration with traditional narratives where women are often depicted as prizes or in need of rescue, while men are portrayed as the heroes. They agreed on the importance of challenging cultural conditioning and embracing more equal partnerships.

Gavin, an engineer turned business consultant, discussed his book which explores different genres of storytelling in business including value storytelling, product storytelling, brand storytelling, sales storytelling, leadership storytelling, and culture storytelling. They covered how companies like IKEA and Apple successfully create “world building” narratives that extend beyond their products, and how businesses must align with existing narrative constellations rather than trying to create entirely new frames. The conversation also touched on the challenges companies face with AI implementation, with Gavin explaining that AI creates a “validation tax” where the bottleneck shifts from creating content to checking its accuracy. Gavin revealed he’s currently working on a second book about driving organizational change, and the interview concluded with discussion about AI’s current limitations and future implications.

Gavin and Emily discussed the power of narrative and language in shaping perceptions and influencing the subconscious mind. Emily explained her background in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) and how it involves reframing reality through different perspectives and narratives. Gavin shared a study about how the words used to describe a car crash affected people’s perceptions of the speed involved, demonstrating how language can significantly impact memory and interpretation.

Marketing Transformation and Storytelling Evolution

Gavin explained that their work primarily involves helping companies transform their internal operations, with marketing organizations often serving as change agents within these transformations. He described how marketing in large companies has evolved from traditional advertising approaches to a more complex role involving daily customer interactions and internal storytelling across the entire organization. Gavin noted that storytelling has become increasingly important outside of the marketing department, as it requires influencing multiple internal stakeholders before marketing initiatives can be successfully implemented.

Gavin and Emily discussed how information and stories about companies, whether positive or negative, can quickly spread and impact reputations. They explored the importance of authentic storytelling from the beginning to maintain a company’s image. Gavin outlined the structure of a book on storytelling, which covers the basics of storytelling, the neuroscience behind it, and different genres of business storytelling, including value storytelling, product storytelling, and brand storytelling.

Gavin discussed the concept of world building in business, using examples like IKEA and Apple to illustrate how companies create cohesive brand stories that extend beyond their core products. He explained that these companies maintain detailed guidelines about their brand elements, including product naming conventions and character associations in media placements. The discussion highlighted how successful world building creates dedicated fanbases and enables companies to expand into related products that align with their brand narrative.

Gavin discussed the progression from sales storytelling to leadership storytelling and finally to culture storytelling, emphasizing how these interconnected elements help align people and create shared context within organizations. When asked about incorporating these concepts into business planning, Gavin suggested starting with value storytelling and considering whether a new idea aligns with broader market trends, using the “rising tide floats all boats” principle as a framework for evaluating potential opportunities.

Gavin and Emily discussed storytelling in business and marketing, with Gavin explaining how companies need to align with existing narrative constellations rather than creating frames from scratch. They explored examples like Dell’s historical positioning and how AI companies like Anthropic occupy multiple narrative positions.

Em and Zen had a wide-ranging conversation covering personal development, coaching practices, and current events. They discussed Emily's decision to delete family and friends from her Instagram to reduce social pressure, while Zen shared her struggles with coaching course analysis paralysis and her upcoming trip to London for a content creation event. Zen provided detailed insights about her recent visit to Israel, including observations about US Air Force presence at Israeli airports and her theory that the current conflict may be more about US interests than Israeli security. They also discussed personal topics including Emily's home renovations, Zen's relationship with her daughter who remains in Israel, and their shared experiences with personal development courses and coaching practices. The conversation concluded with plans for future practice sessions using hypnotherapy and meditation techniques.

Em and Maxi had a casual conversation covering various personal topics including cycling, travel plans, and life updates. Maxi discussed upcoming work events including Blenheim Palace and potential stewarding opportunities, while sharing plans to transition to full-time event work and living in a van. They talked about YouTube channel growth, with Maxi having 248 subscribers and working toward the 500 subscriber milestone needed for monetization. The conversation also covered personal challenges including relationship difficulties, health issues, and past traumatic birth experiences. They discussed various topics like mosquito control programs, exercise routines, and creative projects including Maxi’s idea for a travel experience journal.

Cycling Training and Experiences

Emily and Maxi discussed their recent cycling experiences and training routines. Emily shared that John, who is 51, is preparing for a challenging bike race called the Sella Ronda in the Italian Alps on Saturday, involving significant uphill climbing. Maxi described her own cycling experiences in Lincolnshire, including training routes with hills and the use of a GPS device for tracking distances. The conversation also touched on cycling in London and the family’s cycling activities in various locations including Regent’s Park, Richmond, and Windsor.

Travel Plans and Transportation Discussion

Emily and Maxi discussed their travel plans, with John having purchased a VW Transporter van to transport bikes more easily. Maxi shared that she prefers driving over train travel for its flexibility and freedom. Maxi also mentioned attending a vow renewal ceremony in Stockport over the weekend and planned to visit Blenheim, though she was considering whether to leave that day or the next morning.

Work Schedule and Logistics Discussion

Maxi discussed their upcoming work schedule, including potential work at Sandringham, a wedding in Lincoln, and confirmed work at Silverstone from the 3rd to 5th doing park and ride. They expressed concerns about moving logistics and decided to use a storage unit at £30 per week rather than attempting a full move on moving day. The conversation then shifted to a discussion about mosquito release programs in America, with Emily sharing concerns about the lack of consultation with local populations before implementing such programs.

Health and Fitness Discussion

Emily and Maxi discussed their health and fitness routines, COVID jab side effects and her current use of creatine. They talked about alcohol consumption and its effects on health, with Emily noting she had largely given up drinking. The conversation shifted to plans for an upcoming event in Blenheim, where Maxi was considering volunteering, though details about accommodation were still unclear.

Maxi’s Dating Experience Reflections

Maxi discussed her recent dating experiences, mentioning four dates in one week that were not worth repeating. She shared details about two relationships with men named Merrigan and AA, both of whom were described as “wankers.” Maxi reflected on how she was involved with separated men who wanted to keep their relationships secret, leading her to conclude she’s better off being single.

Full-Time Travel Content Planning

Maxi discussed plans to transition to full-time travel and content creation, including purchasing a larger van, outfitting it with necessary equipment like insulation, a fridge, and a diesel heater, and selling his current van. Maxi shared that his YouTube channel has grown to 248 subscribers, noting he uploads content daily and is working toward the 3,000 followers needed for monetization. Emily mentioned cleaning up her Instagram followers and discussed the effectiveness of short-form content on YouTube, suggesting Maxi continue producing regular short videos.

Emily and Maxi had an informal conversation covering various personal topics including driving experiences, current events, and upcoming plans. They discussed a new Welsh Secretary who was recently banned for speeding, shared stories about traffic violations and road restrictions, and talked about their YouTube channel growth with Maxi reaching 245 subscribers. Maxi mentioned an upcoming vow renewal ceremony in Stockport and shared details about her weekend plans including attending Silverstone for a motorsport event. Emily discussed her upcoming plans including a 50th birthday party and a mushroom retreat, and they both talked about their experiences with car ownership, driving challenges, and the challenges of maintaining YouTube channels.

Video Call and Traffic Updates

Emily and Maxi discussed technical issues with their video call settings and virtual backgrounds. They then had an informal conversation about the new Welsh Secretary who is responsible for implementing 20-mile-per-hour speed limits, noting the irony that she had previously been banned for speeding. Emily also shared her experience receiving an £80 ticket for driving through a recently designated cycle-only area in Dulwich Village after picking up her injured daughter from the Velodrome.

Personal Updates and Local Discussion

Emily discussed her activities in Alicante while John and Maisie were away, mentioning that she had been going to the gym and doing runs. Maxi shared that he used to live in Dulwich near Hexham Road and discussed local landmarks like Kingsdale School and Dulwich College. The conversation briefly touched on a fan and bird noises before ending.

Silverstone Event Minibus Driving Plans

Maxi discussed attending Silverstone event where they will drive a minibus for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Emily expressed excitement about the opportunity and suggested Maxi could watch highlights on TV or phone if unable to see the event in person. They briefly discussed driving regulations and Maxi's ability to drive larger vehicles due to taking their driving test before 1997.

Car Experiences and Driving Adventures

Emily and Maxi discussed their experiences with cars, sharing stories about their first vehicles and driving adventures. Emily recounted having her Ford Fiesta stolen and later learning it was found burned, while Maxi shared tales of driving without a license and nearly having a tire blowout on the M62. They also discussed the challenges of driving in different conditions, including the dangers of smart motorways.

Vow Renewal and Net Zero

Maxi discussed her upcoming vow renewal ceremony in Stockport, mentioning she needs to finish packing and print certificates. The conversation then shifted to weather conditions and net zero policies, with Maxi expressing criticism of the net zero initiative and praising Tony Blair for acknowledging issues with the policy. The discussion concluded with both participants commenting on weather patterns they observed on Saturday, including haze and chem trails.

Aircraft Emissions and YouTube Content

Maxi and Emily discussed concerns about aircraft emissions affecting air quality, with Maxi reporting significant plane traffic and Emily mentioning health effects from the chemicals being used. Maxi shared that their YouTube channel gained 245 subscribers this week, and they discussed different methods for uploading content to YouTube, including using the YouTube Creator app versus direct phone uploads. The conversation ended with Maxi mentioning potential subscription fraud affecting their account.

Emily conducted a meditation and coaching session focused on abundance manifestation and mindset transformation. She guided participants through a "blue pylon" visualization technique to break free from limiting beliefs and create a high-vibration state, explaining how negative conditioning from past experiences shapes reality and creates dis-ease in the body. Emily discussed the importance of becoming energetically aligned with desired outcomes before physical evidence appears, emphasizing that manifestation involves both mental state and nervous system regulation. She outlined three consciousness states - victim, hustler, and alchemist - and explained how awareness breaks patterns by observing thoughts and behaviors rather than being controlled by them. The session concluded with Emily offering one-to-one coaching services including NLP, hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral coaching for those interested in further transformation work.

Abundance Meditation Session

Emily led a meditation session focused on abundance, guiding participants to imagine a blue pyramid while visualizing feelings of abundance and wholeness. She instructed people to imagine themselves in a comfortable setting, such as standing on sand by the sea, and to bring those positive feelings into the present moment while visualizing the blue pyramid.

Emily discussed the importance of identifying and challenging limiting beliefs to break free from negative narratives and allow for abundance. She suggested reframing these beliefs through meditation and contemplation to prevent them from causing physical and emotional dis-ease. Emily also encouraged acknowledging and giving space to pain, emphasizing the need to address and understand these limitations to improve overall well-being.

Emily discussed how trapped emotions and misalignment with personal values can cause physical and mental dis-ease. She explained that these unresolved feelings affect a person's energy vibration, shaping their reality. Emily emphasized the importance of maintaining a high vibration, which involves visualizing the desired life and becoming the version of oneself that naturally aligns with that vision.

Emily discussed how most people live in a mental loop where the brain unconsciously creates the past and searches for familiarity, leading to repetitive emotions and experiences. She explained that breaking out of this loop requires conscious realignment of thoughts and vibration, as the brain's survival-focused design causes it to constantly scan for danger and return to familiar patterns. Emily emphasized that manifestation involves not just mindset but also nervous system regulation, as the brain's different regions work together for safety, logic, and emotional responses.

Em discussed how conditioning creates limitations through emotions like shame, guilt, and fear, which are often inherited unconsciously from childhood experiences and societal influences. She explained that while these conditioning patterns become emotional programs, they are not permanent identities and can be changed. Emily also described the concept of quantum leaping, explaining that transformation happens before evidence appears and that creators must believe in new possibilities before physical proof manifests, rather than waiting for evidence to believe.

Em discussed the concept that consciousness shapes experience and how attention influences perception and energy flow. She explained that inner states can affect what people notice and attract, suggesting that individuals can influence their reality. Em emphasized the importance of embracing one's true self beyond fear and conditioning, encouraging others to dream big and consider what they would choose if nothing were impossible.

Em discussed strategies for overcoming fear and limiting beliefs to manifest desired outcomes. She emphasized the importance of specificity in visualization and suggested embodying desired feelings as an alternative approach.