As we've discussed a lot on this show, a story is many things at once. But a story does not exist without a storyteller. Today's episode is about the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, that in turn, define who we are.

How we show up in the world has a big influence on whether the world hears us. And if they can't hear us, how could we possibly make them care? Put differently, the stories we tell ourselves have a direct influence on the ideas that live in the world. Each of us, every day, in our own way, tell the world if we matter, and together, we shape a collective narrative of what matters. What would happen if we did that more consciously? 

Samara Bay believes that how we share our vision matters as much as what it is. She's actively redefining what power and authority sound like, teaching people how to use their voice to move their audience & change the world. In addition to coaching television & film actors, she's prepped clients for Broadway & LA theater, UN speeches, televised award show presentations, academic talks, tech pitches, and political ads. She also runs trainings and delivers keynotes across industries including for Women @Google, MAC Cosmetics, SXSW, Telemundo, Warner Brothers Discovery, Princeton University, Compass, and Emerge America. She's a professor of practice at USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.

Samara is also the author of a fantastic book and podcast by the same name, Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You. It’s a #1 bestseller in Women & Business and Public Speaking and the perfect holiday gift! 

In this episode, our host, Maya Guice, sits down with Samara Bay to explore how traditional perceptions of authoritative voices influence our communication, the ways our voice stories shape the narratives we share, her personal journey writing Permission to Speak, and practical tools we can all use to cultivate a voice that feels both authentic and powerful.

Ultimately, this episode is meant to be a holiday gift to you—an audience of amazing, creative, intelligent people. If the sound of your voice is the only thing holding you back, we hope this episode causes you to share your story in 2025. 

For more information about Samara, connect with her: https://bit.ly/3OT3zHf 

To purchase Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You, visit: https://bit.ly/4g8SIES 

For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In part III of our mini-series, 'How to Shape a Legacy' we're leaning into legacy as it applies to community and more broadly, culture. In part I we started to define legacy, in part II we talk what it means for business, and in part III we're leaning into how people—one by one, bit by bit—feed the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. How do these stories shape our collective identity and how do each of us contribute to these narratives in meaningful ways?

In this episode, our host, Maya Guice, talks to BRC Vice President of Creative and Story, Matthew Solari. A creative director with an impressive portfolio spanning museums and cultural institutions, Matt brings a unique perspective on storytelling and its role in shaping cultural legacy. But this isn’t just about his work—it’s personal. Matt shares how his family has influenced the legacy of one community in Long Island, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the power of family, tradition, and shared stories.

To learn more about Matt, visit: https://bit.ly/3ORg4Si 

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com 

Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide.

Learn more: www.worldxo.org

In Part II of our mini-series 'How to Shape a Legacy', we focus on legacy as it applies to businesses and brands. In this episode, Maya talks to BRC Chief Creative Officer, Christian Lachel, about the closest thing a brand can have to having a soul: a set of values, that lend to a series of decisions, actions, and events that become the lessons we impart, and hopefully, the stories that we tell when we feel like shedding light.

In part 1, Senior Writer, Rich Procter, unpacks legacy as many things: a gift, a call to action, a glimmer of hope, a path…But in the end, a great legacy teaches us that life is not about being rewarded for good behavior; it’s about doing the right thing, despite one’s personal gain. And all of that is possible, even for things as seemingly mechanical as corporations.

Christian is no stranger to the concept of legacy. He's worked on many corporate archive teams for brands like Ford, Coca-Cola, Caterpillar, and Johnnie Walker, helping the best of them define the best in themselves. Whether you're an iconic brand that has an archive or a brand new company that's dreaming of one, a legacy is possible! But as Christian and Maya discuss, no matter who you are, your legacy is only as good as the people responsible for passing it on. 

To learn more about Christian, visit: https://bit.ly/3HAMyfE

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide.

Learn more: www.worldxo.org

If there's one thing kids do better than adults, it's play. As the playwright and political activist George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Who needs Botox when you have Barbie dolls?

Speaking of Barbie... can you think of another brand that has evolved as much over the past 65 years? Barbie is unique in that, over those 65 years, she has transitioned from representing just one of us to representing all of us. Today, Barbie does more than just model; she's President. But today's episode isn't about Barbie. It's about leadership, legacy, and how one woman's personal passion for childhood and commitment to learning through play has enabled many of the world’s most iconic toy brands—from American Girl to Polly Pocket, and of course, Barbie—to stay relevant and evolve with the times.

Krista Berger is the Senior Vice President of Barbie and the Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, where she leads Product and Brand Marketing for Mattel’s Dolls category globally. Krista's career at Mattel began 16 years ago in the Dolls division, where she developed a strong foundation in intellectual property, licensor management, and commercial expertise across the Dolls portfolio and the U.S. Barbie business. When Mattel acquired Mega Brands in 2014, Krista was a key member of the integration team, spearheading the Mega strategic rebranding initiative, which led to increased distribution and impressive double-digit sales growth in the construction category. In 2017, Krista returned to the Barbie team, helping drive record-breaking performance with a 60% increase in the toy business. Notably, Krista's vision and leadership were instrumental in re-establishing Barbie as the #1 global doll property. Her contributions and dedication have earned her several industry recognitions, including the Ad Age 40 Under 40, Brand Innovators 40 Under 40, and the Women in Toys Wonder Women Award.

In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Krista about the importance of play, localizing global brands, and the careful listening required to sustain a brand as iconic as Barbie. 

For more information about Krista, visit: https://bit.ly/3MWhyLv

For more information on Mattel, visit: https://bit.ly/3zx2C3f

For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

Legacy. It may seem like just a simple word, but it carries immense weight. It’s the kind of term that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and ponder your lasting impact on others, your community, and the world at large. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to break it down!

Welcome to "How to Shape a Legacy," a new Masters of Storytelling miniseries, where we break down what legacy truly means and how you can create one that endures. In part one, Maya talks to one of BRC's very own master storytellers, Senior Writer Rich Procter. The two explore what legacy means, explore its facets, and discuss the unique role storytellers can play in crafting a legacy that matters.

To learn more about R Lee Procter's book, "Sugarball: A Novel of Negro League Baseball", visit:

https://bit.ly/3Z0VCWA 

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide. Learn more: www.worldxo.org 

A go-to authority on global business, economics and geopolitics, digital transformation, and corporate governance, global trade, Ryan Patel is so smart, he's never been afraid to ask the stupid questions. These days, he's doing it on TV, appearing on networks like CNN, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC, The Hill, and Yahoo Finance. He's frequently featured in publications like the New York Times, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, and has lead campaigns with corporations Mastercard, HP, Adobe, The Economist, IBM, Salesforce, LEGO, and more. Ryan also asks a lot of questions on his own Webby-Nominated series “The Moment with Ryan Patel,” a show that's filmed in the actual Garage where HP and Silicon Valley, accordingly were founded. 

Ryan is a firm believer in giving back to the community and paying it forward. His passion for combining social good and business has led him to discuss relevant and real-world situations that are accessible to both students and professionals alike. In 2015, he was awarded “Executive of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal and received Special United States Congressional Recognition for outstanding services to the community. In 2017, Inc. listed him as one of nine executives and innovators who serve as an inspiration for how all businesses can make a difference. He also received the 2018 “Connect” Award for Business Leader of the Year and is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious NAAAP 100 award. He also received the United States Senate Certificate of Commendation which recognized his exemplary business leadership and contributions. Also, listed as one of the “Creators to Follow” by Linkedin Editor in Chief and is recognized as a “Top Voice” on Linkedin. He also holds the esteemed title of Visiting William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow at Claremont McKenna College.

In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Ryan about building and leading teams, the careful work of scaling businesses, the art of telling stories that resonate, and how to be yourself in the face of bygone corporate expectations. 

For more information about Ryan, visit: https://bit.ly/3YuTYwh 

For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.  

In part four of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to BRC's President, Carmel Lewis, a woman who has been producing projects in the experiential world long before "experience" was a buzzword. Listen in as Maya asks Carmel about casting and leading teams, working through unknown unknowns, and the unseen and sometimes thankless job of production. 

Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b 

To learn more about Carmel Lewis: https://bit.ly/3yx72Gg 

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.  

In part three of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Edward Hodge, Vice President of Creative and Innovation at BRC. Listen in as Edward and Maya discuss the science of immersion: how we use lighting, sound, technology, and a dash of magic to recreate the same emotional highs we experience on game days as non game days. 

Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

B. Joseph Pine II is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial start-ups alike. He is cofounder of Strategic Horizons LLP, a thinking studio dedicated to helping businesses conceive and design new ways of adding value to their economic offerings.

In 1999 Joe and his partner James H. Gilmore wrote the best-selling book ‘The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage’, which demonstrates how goods and services are no longer enough; what companies must offer today are experiences - memorable events that engage each customer in an inherently personal way. Joe is also co-author of ‘Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want’, which recognizes that in a world of increasingly paid-for experiences, people no longer accept the fake from the phony, but want the real from the genuine; and ‘Infinite Possibility: Creating Customer Value on the Digital Frontier’, on how to use digital technology to stage experiences that fuse the real and the virtual.

In his speaking and teaching activities, Joe has addressed both the World Economic Forum and TED and is a Visiting Scholar with the MIT Design Lab. He has also taught at Penn State, Duke Corporate Education, the University of Minnesota, UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management, and the Harvard Design School. He serves on the editorial boards of Strategy & Leadership and Strategic Direction, is honorary editor of The International Journal of Mass Customization, and is a Senior Fellow with both the Design Futures Council and the European Centre for the Experience Economy, which he co-founded.

In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Joe about the art of packaging ideas, the difference between fake and faux, and why if you treat your customers like the individuals that they are they will be your customers forever.

Join Joe on Substack while he works on his new book on the Transformation Economy: https://strategichorizons.com/the-transformation-economy-and-you/

For more information about Joe Pine, visit: www.strategichorizons.com/pine-and-gilmore/joe-pine/

For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.  

In part two of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer at BRC. Listen in as Christian and Maya discuss the business case or rather, the opportunity, sports stadiums and venues have to wake up their sleeping asset. The two unpack the planning, budgeting, goal setting, and deep strategic work that goes into building not only sports experiences, but entire mixed use destinations and districts. 

Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b

To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com