Storylines Live

Storylines Live

Download on the App Store

Storylines Live episodes

  • Why Employees Resist AI (And How to Fix It)

    AI adoption is failing for a reason most leaders miss: human psychology. Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, LLC, breaks down the hidden blockers that derail AI rollouts and shows how to turn resistance into real results. If your company is struggling to get teams to actually use AI, this episode shows why top-down mandates keep falling flat and what works instead. You'll learn:

    • How to identify the three psychographic groups slowing AI adoption
    • Why the usual change management playbook fails with AI
    • Leadership moves that change the story around AI inside an organization
    • Why the most effective AI use cases often start with the tasks people hate most
    • How Dr. Gleb works with companies at the individual, team, and organizational level

    If you’re a leader, manager, or a team looking for AI adoption that actually sticks, grows revenue, and creates a better day-to-day experience for the people doing the work, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!
     

    Episode Chapters

    02:33 Understanding AI Adoption Challenges

    13:27 The Role of Storytelling in AI Adoption

    18:16 Addressing AI Alarmists' Concerns

    24:27 Normalizing AI Adoption in Organizations

    26:55 Engaging Employees in AI Training

    38:22 Bottom-Up Approach to AI Implementation

    45:11 The Joy of Transforming Work with AI

     

    Show Notes

    Connect with Dr. Gleb on LinkedIn.

    Get a copy of Dr. Gleb’s latest book, The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work.

    Learn more about Disaster Avoid Experts, LLC.

    Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

    Learn more about Vendilli.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    49 min
  • What Happens When Leadership Leaves the Room?

    Most companies get leadership, succession, and culture wrong because they miss the real story underneath. Chip Scholz, Founder and Owner of Scholz and Associates, Inc., shares why the biggest shifts rarely come from dramatic moments. Instead, they come from the small decisions repeated every day.

    Using his proven Five C's framework, Chip reveals how leaders can navigate change, rebuild trust, and close the gap between the story they intend to tell and the story people actually experience. You’ll discover:

    • Why family businesses carry a different level of passion, pressure, and drama
    • How the “knowing-doing gap” quietly undermines leadership
    • Why culture is the story people tell when leadership leaves the room
    • What happens when a company says “people first” but behaves like it’s only about EBITDA
    • How one stroke forced Chip to move from being performative to being useful

    Chip also shares the personal reinvention that followed a layoff, the health crisis that reshaped his purpose, and why he now measures success by whether the lights come on for other people. His perspective is especially powerful for founders, family businesses, executives, coaches, and anyone trying to lead with more honesty, humanity, and long-term trust.

    If you care about succession, culture, legacy, or simply becoming a better leader, this conversation is a must-listen!


    Show Notes

    • Connect with Chip on LinkedIn.
    • Email Chip.
    • Learn more about Scholz and Associates, Inc.
    • Check out Chip’s books on Amazon.
    • Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.
    • Learn more about Vendilli.

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    32 min
  • How to Build a Team That Stays, Works Harder, and Recruits For You

    The best retention strategy is not a bigger paycheck; it's a story people want to belong to. Joe Rockey, Founder of Elite Business Cruises, reveals how one well-designed incentive can turn disengaged employees into a team that stays longer, works harder, and recruits its own all-stars.

    He breaks down why most companies misunderstand motivation, why “treat people the way you want to be treated” is often not the right leadership strategy, and why the real competition is not another employer offering a few more dollars. Instead, it's whether your people feel connected to the mission, the team, and each other. Joe shares the idea behind his cruise-based incentive programs and how they help companies solve a problem many leaders assume is impossible: getting people to care. Plus, you’ll discover:

    • Why the classic pay-more approach hits a wall and starts delivering weaker returns

    • How the “platinum rule” changes the way you build culture and manage performance

    • Why Gallup’s engagement research makes the case for deeper employee connection

    • How all-or-nothing incentives create self-accountability and team momentum

    • Why cruises work so well for sales teams, real estate offices, and other hard-to-retain workforces

    • If you lead a team, manage salespeople, or are trying to fix turnover without just throwing money at it, this conversation is an opportunity for you to learn the practical, unexpected way to build loyalty, improve culture, and keep their best people from walking out the door.


      Episode Chapters

      03:01 The Importance of Employee Engagement

      08:41 Joe's Journey from Accounting to Business Solutions

      11:54 Innovative Solutions for Employee Retention

      17:13 Understanding Employee Motivations

      25:49 The Impact of Personal Connections at Work


      Show Notes

      Connect with Joe on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerockey/.

      Get a copy of Joe’s book, Casino Sales Master, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS6D562Z.

      Learn more about Elite Business Crusises by visiting https://elitebusinesscruises.com/.

      Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

      Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/.


      Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

      36 min
    • What Happens When You Actually Listen to Your Calls?

      Most companies hear customer pain too late, or not at all. Tom Vander Well has spent 30+ years listening to more than 100,000 recorded business calls, and he reveals what those conversations expose about leadership, service, trust, and the hidden reasons customers stay, leave, or complain.

      As CEO of Intelligentics and author of the Amazon bestseller This Call May Be Monitored, Tom shares how ordinary phone calls become extraordinary sources of truth when you know how to use them. He explains why frontline agents often see the real problems first, why executives get insulated from customer pain, and why the companies that treat call monitoring as a strategic discipline win long term. In this episode, you’ll learn:

      • Why the best customer insights live in the "moment of truth" on recorded calls

      • How a new SVP changed an entire service culture by training as a frontline rep and answering phones himself

      • Why many companies record calls but never actually listen to them

      • How layers between the contact center and the C-suite hide the truth from decision makers

      • What Tom's "man in the middle" role teaches about communication, leadership, and accountability

      • This episode proves why story matters just as much as data, and why the most meaningful business lessons are often hiding in plain sight. If you lead a team, manage customer experience, or want to know what your business sounds like when no one thinks anyone is paying attention, tune in now!


        Show Notes

        Email Tom at [email protected].

        Visit Tom’s website at https://tomvanderwell.com/.

        Get a copy of Tom’s book, This Call May Be Monitored, by visiting https://www.amazon.com/This-Call-May-Monitored-Eavesdropping/dp/B0GZ4YW6FP.

        Connect with Tom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-vander-well-intelligentics/.

        Learn more about Intelligentics at https://www.intelligentics.com/.

        Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

        Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/.


        Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

        33 min
      • Is Your Messaging Invisible to Investors?

        Startups do not fail because they lack technology. They fail because they cannot turn that technology into a story investors, partners, and customers actually understand. Justin Starbird, CEO of The Aebli Group (TAG), shows how they help startups build that story, create community first, and use AI without losing the client’s real voice.

        From electrifying heavy machinery to raising capital through equity crowdfunding, Justin walks through the exact shift that took TAG from a traditional B2B agency to a partner for startups in hard tech, robotics, and other complex markets. He and host Paul Furiga unpack why the right story is about making a company’s value clear enough for people to buy in, fund it, and help scale it. You'll discover:

        • Why partnership matters more than vendor relationships in the startup world

        • How to build a community before you try to sell or raise money

        • The difference between customer messaging and investor messaging

        • How TAG uses long-form interviews and podcasts to create a client-specific content library

        • Why AI works best when it is trained on authentic first-person source material, not generic prompts

        • If you work in a startup, lead a complex B2B company, or want to use AI without sounding like everyone else, this episode is a must-listen. It is a sharp, practical look at how story becomes strategy, and how the right narrative can unlock growth, trust, and momentum.


          Episode Chapters

          00:14 Introduction to Storylines Live

          02:18 The Importance of Storytelling for Startups

          06:27 Transitioning to Startup Partnerships

          14:23 The Role of AI in Storytelling

          17:57 Building Community Through Storytelling

          30:36 The Origin of The Aebli Group


          Show Notes

          Connect with Justin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinstarbird/.

          Learn more about TAG at https://aebligroup.com/.

          Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

          Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/.


          Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

          40 min
        • Grow On LinkedIn, No Spam or Paid Ads Needed

          Do you know how to best leverage LinkedIn organically and build genuine relationships that drive revenue and growth? Daniel Alfon, a top LinkedIn strategist and author, shares proven strategies to transform your approach and turn connections into long-term partnerships.

          Imagine connecting with your ideal clients or partners without ever sending a cold pitch. Daniel reveals how you can use simple, free methods like meaningful introductions, high-value content, profile visits, and strategic event engagement to attract the right opportunities. He explains why your profile is a story that needs to resonate authentically with your audience. Plus, learn how to utilize LinkedIn’s powerful search and networking features to build a pipeline of interested prospects, all without ad spend or spam. You’ll discover:

          • Why visiting profiles is the most overlooked yet effective organic strategy on LinkedIn

          • How to craft content that educates and guides your prospects, instead of selling to them

          • The art of meaningful introductions and the importance of knowing your ideal client

          • Why building long-term relationships on LinkedIn beats transactional tactics every time

          • Practical steps for leveraging LinkedIn events to boost your visibility before trade shows or seminars

          • Without a clear, strategic approach, you risk drowning in noise and missing opportunities that could transform your business. But with these insights, you'll unlock LinkedIn’s true potential, making it a genuine engine for authentic business growth.

            Perfect for entrepreneurs, service providers, and sales leaders eager to move beyond generic tactics and create real impact online. If you’re tired of spammy messages and want a smarter, more sustainable way to generate leads and partnerships, listen now!


            Episode Chapters

            04:47 Understanding the Art of Storytelling

            09:12 How Daniel Became a LinkedIn Expert

            10:48 Organic Strategies for LinkedIn Success

            16:16 Five Ways to Leverage LinkedIn

            22:19 Utilizing Events for Networking

            26:23 Client Engagement and Strategy Development


            Show Notes

            Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfon/.

            Visit Daniel’s website at https://www.danielalfon.com/.

            Get a copy of Daniel’s Book, How to Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success: An Ultimate Guide, on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N18B2RS.

            Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

            Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/.


            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            34 min
          • Tired of Chasing Goals? Try This Instead

            In this episode of Storylines Live, Dr. Pat Boulogne, a Performance Optimization Consultant and Executive Coach with over 30 years of experience working with high-achievers, shares her Performance Intelligence Method: a system built from inside out that drives real results. If you're tired of burnout, stuck in old habits, or feeling like your potential is untapped, this episode reveals how to rewire your mindset, systems, and stories to elevate every aspect of your performance.

            Dr. Pat explains her unique approach to creating measurable, trackable systems that turn chaos into clarity, whether you're leading a company, coaching athletes, or navigating personal growth. Her insights on crafting compelling stories that inspire action can help you motivate teams, win clients, and build loyal relationships, starting with the stories you tell yourself.

            Dr. Pat shares surprising success stories from chiropractors to Olympians, revealing how small shifts in storytelling and system design can unlock life-changing results. Whether you're a leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode gives you the tools to rewrite your narrative and create a future where you thrive. This is your roadmap to a healthier, more empowered you. Listen now!


            Episode Chapters

            00:29 Introduction to Storylines Live and Dr. Pat Ballone

            03:05 The Importance of Collaboration in Business

            06:17 The Role of Storytelling in Business

            08:04 Dr. Pat's Professional Journey and Transformation

            13:58 The Impact of Dr. Pat's Work on Clients

            14:17 Dr. Pat's Performance Intelligence Method

            20:48 Working with Athletes and High Performers

            24:08 Finding Satisfaction in Helping Others

            25:47 Dr. Pat’s Motivation Behind Writing Her Book


            Show Notes

            Book a meeting with Dr. Pat at https://meetdrpat.as.me.

            Connect with Dr. Pat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpatboulogne/.

            Get a copy of her book, Why… Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired? on Amazon by visiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734185570.

            Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

            Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/.


            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            34 min
          • Breath, Intention, Genuineness: The BIG Framework Explained

            Unlock the secret to powerful storytelling that transforms your presence and authentically connects you to others. In this episode of Storylines Live, Sandra Bargman, a multi-hyphenate artist, spiritual leader, and renowned voice and presence coach, reveals how mastering your inner voice can radically elevate your leadership, influence, and personal impact.

            Sandra operates at the intense intersection of performance, purpose, and spiritual depth. As an actor, singer, voice coach, and interfaith minister, she combines her diverse expertise through her innovative BIG methodology, focused on breath, intention, and genuineness, to help leaders and public figures uncouple their identity from fear and let their authentic selves shine. 

            She shares how her journey from seminary to spotlight has taught her that true presence isn’t about loud charisma but about grounded authenticity rooted in self-knowledge and vulnerability. You'll discover how storytelling acts as a spiritual practice and why mastering your story is essential for leadership, influence, and creating meaningful change.

            This episode is perfect for leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone committed to spiritual and personal growth through storytelling. Are you ready to uncover and amplify your true voice? Listen now to learn how storytelling is a sacred practice for leading with purpose, presence, and power.


            Episode Chapters

            00:00 Meet Sandra Bargman: The Multi-Hyphenate

            06:20 The Importance of Storytelling in Business

            10:23 Neuroscience and Storytelling

            13:39 Vulnerability and Self-Knowledge

            16:31 The BIG Approach to Storytelling

            23:30 Working with Clients: Sandra’s Process

            28:21 Finding Authenticity in Storytelling


            Show Notes

            Book at 20-minute conversation with Sandra to discuss how you can work with her at https://magicthreadmedia.com/.

            Visit Sandra’s website at https://www.sandrabargman.com/.

            Connect with Sandra on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabargman/.

            Listen to Sandra’s podcast, The Edge of Everyday at https://www.sandrabargman.com/podcast.

            Learn more about Sacred Stages, LLC at https://www.sandrabargman.com/sacred-stages-home.

            Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/.

            Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.


            Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

            35 min
          • Orchestrating Your Brand's AI Presence

            Most companies overlook the true power of storytelling and how AI can radically change the game. In this episode of Storylines Live, Jim Wrubel, founder of Orchestra AI and CEO of Spyglasses, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years in SaaS and marketing tech. Jim reveals how harnessing AI visibility tools can transform your brand’s search presence and unlock new growth. If you're serious about standing out in a crowded digital landscape, this episode will help you master the art of storytelling through innovative AI strategies.

            Jim shares how his personal passion for building and storytelling led him to craft a platform that uncovers how AI cites your brand while helping you shape and share your story for maximum impact. He dives into the surprising ways AI search and earned media are merging, elevating the importance of storytelling in SEO and PR. Discover how small shifts in content can place your organization front-and-center in AI-driven searches, turning visibility into revenue. In this episode, you'll learn:

            • The story behind the name Orchestra AI and how it reflects conducting an AI “orchestra” for your brand’s visibility

            • How AI black boxes respond to content and why citation sources matter more than ever

            • Practical strategies for designing content that AI search engines love without resorting to outdated tactics

            • The secret sauce of Spyglasses’ white-labeled platform that integrates seamlessly with agency workflows

            • Why earned media has become the crown jewel in AI search rankings, and how to leverage it effectively

              The stakes are high. Brands that ignore the storytelling opportunities presented by AI risk falling behind. However, those who harness these insights can dramatically increase visibility, credibility, and business growth in a rapidly evolving digital world. This episode is perfect for marketing leaders, PR execs, and entrepreneurs committed to future-proofing their brand.


              Episode Chapters

              00:00 Introduction of Jim Wrubel

              02:28 The Role of AI in Storytelling

              05:08 Jim's Personal Journey and the Birth of Spyglasses

              11:27 Understanding AI Visibility and Search

              14:33 The Intersection of Storytelling and AI

              20:30 Spyglasses: Enhancing Brand Visibility

              25:52 Success Stories and Client Impact


              Show Notes

              • Connect with Jim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwrubel/.
              • Learn more about Spyglasses and try its resources by visiting https://www.spyglasses.io/en.
              • Read MuckRack’s report on what AI is reading at https://muckrack.com/blog/what-is-ai-reading-new-insights.
              • Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.
              • Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/.

              • Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                33 min
              • Thinking Like an Investor: The Path to Exponential Growth

                Unlock the secret to transforming your business story into your greatest competitive advantage. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or investor ready to elevate your company's narrative, this episode reveals a powerful framework that can change the way you think about growth, capital, and legacy.

                Most successful entrepreneurs hit a critical moment: they've fought through years of risk and sacrifice, reaching a point where they've "won,” but many stumble here, making costly financial mistakes. Steve Walsh, President of Bison Equity Group, is a seasoned investor and business builder with 30 years on both sides of the capital table. He exposes these pitfalls and shares how handling them begins with your story.

                In this episode, you'll discover why storytelling is an essential leadership skill. Steve shares real-world insights on how great stories elevate brands, and why in our AI-driven era, trust and human connection are more valuable than ever. We break down the importance of shifting from doer to owner mindset, incorporating disciplined capital deployment, and building systems that safeguard your legacy.

                Additionally, Steve discusses his proven frameworks, including how to think like an investor about your company’s future, the difference between "smart" and "dumb" capital, and why thinking bigger starts with visualizing your company's next billion-dollar chapter. Whether you're approaching an exit, building wealth, or just starting out, you'll learn how to craft, communicate, and leverage your story for remarkable results.

                This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to avoid the common traps of success and unlock exponential growth. Perfect for those aiming to think with the clarity of an investor, tell compelling stories, and build lasting wealth. If you’re ready to turn your business narrative into your most powerful asset, tune in now.


                Episode Chapters

                00:00 Understanding the Entrepreneur's Journey

                05:48 The Importance of a Capital S Story

                10:51 Steve's Entrepreneurial Journey

                14:47 Bison Equity Group's Mission

                18:57 Identifying Opportunities in Business

                21:57 Transformative Trends in Entrepreneurship

                24:57 Sales Architect Program for Entrepreneurs


                Show Notes

                Email Steve at [email protected].

                Connect with Steve on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/walsh-steve/.

                Learn more about Bison Equity Group at https://bisonequitygroup.com/.

                Get a copy of Steve’s book, Make the 10X Leap on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHL16DH4/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk.

                Keep an eye out for Steve’s next book, The Black Book for High Net Worth Investors, coming soon.

                Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/.

                Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/.


                Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

                31 min

              About Storylines Live

              From the publisher's feed

              In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. With countless businesses vying for attention, it's essential for your organization to have a compelling story that sets you apart. This is where the concept of a Capital S Story comes into play. The Capital S Story is more than just a narrative; it is the very essence of your business. It captures your organization’s values, purpose, and unique benefit to those you serve, all while resonating with customers and prospects, employees, investors, partners and other critical stakeholder audiences. How does the Capital S Story do this? By providing a unique, compelling and memorable narrative that answers these fundamental questions: Why someone should buy from, work for, invest in or partner with your business.