The Story Effect

We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️🎄

Each year, our PeopleForward Network team takes a full holiday break to rest, be with our people, and come back recharged for the new year. So this week, instead of a brand-new episode, we're sharing one of our all-time favorite conversations for you to enjoy again.

Curl up, press play, and soak in the inspiration while you enjoy your own holiday downtime. Thanks for listening and letting this show be part of your year. We're excited to keep growing with you in the new one.

Garry Ridge cracked the code on how to grow business by putting people in the center of the strategy. He led the WD-40 company into extraordinary global success and shares some of his secrets in the book, 'Any Dumbass Can Do It." On this episode, he shares a little more of the story behind the story.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Garry: https://thelearningmoment.net/

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

Visit thestoryeffect.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural roots shape our humility and approach to success.
• Intentional leadership involves bringing your best self to every interaction.
• Transforming toxic leadership requires awareness and intention.
• Creating a positive culture at WD-40 was a journey of learning and growth.
• Values should be enduring and guide decision-making.

Danielle's book, The Story Effect, is full of real stories—including stories from some of her podcast guests. As this episode celebrates one year of her show, she reveals who made it into the book and how it all came together. And she included a special message to surprise her husband, Mike.

Buy The Story Effect Now on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2s4c57up

Additional Resources:

Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/

Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik

Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

In this episode, Danielle and Mike look back on how it all began — the projects that shaped their partnership, the lessons learned along the way, and the moments that made the work worth it. It's a rare behind-the-scenes look at the friendship, business, and belief system that built Knight—and inspired The Story Effect itself.

The Story Effect: How Storytelling Creates Connection and Drives Performance launched on November 21 — but this book has a story of its own.

Buy The Story Effect Now: https://tinyurl.com/2s4c57up

Connect with Danielle:

The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik

Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

Visit thestoryeffect.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Hiring decisions are often influenced by personal connections.
• Freelancing offers freedom but can lead to burnout.
• A strong company culture fosters genuine relationships.
• Vulnerability is essential for creativity and collaboration.
• Personal stories can significantly impact business success.

If you've seen The Godfather, Arthur Baker is like Tom Hagen, the Corleone's right hand guy. He has worked with top executives, driven communications strategies and coached c-suite professionals. As the ultimate advisor, Baker knows how to cut through the BS to lead with authenticity and create real human connection.

Additional Resources:

Conect with Arthur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-j-baker/ https://www.youtube.com/@ChefsKissConsigliere/featured https://calendly.com/arthurbakerconsigliere

Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/

Connect with PeopleForward Network:

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Leaders today face unique challenges in a rapidly changing environment.
• Leadership is a privilege that requires a focus on human connection.
• Authenticity is crucial in corporate culture to foster genuine relationships.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in career development and personal growth.
• Overcoming fear is essential for effective leadership and communication.

Stop thinking you have to pick one: big business success or happy life. Ron proves you can have both. He's a successful President and CEO of a growing, global company. He's won awards for his caring leadership and great company culture. And he's a real human being who knows how to drive performance while never losing sight of what it's all about.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalvesteffer/ https://serviceexpress.com

Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik

Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Life is supposed to be fun and should be balanced with work.
• Intentional breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and creativity.
• Failure is an integral part of success and should be embraced.
• Building a high-performing culture requires hiring for fit and servant leadership.
• Creating a culture of growth empowers employees to achieve their goals.

If you really want to understand how to build a tribe of loyal followers, this is your episode. Ken Hughes is an expert on customer experience, modern consumer behavior and brand engagement. He just launched his book, Taylormaking, which is an incredible case study in emotional connection. He's a performer and one of the best storytellers in the business.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Ken: https://www.kenhughes.info/ https://www.taylormaking.com/

Connect with Danielle:

The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Storytelling is deeply embedded in Irish culture.
• Brands are defined by the stories customers tell about them.
• Emotional connections drive brand loyalty.
• Generational shifts can challenge brand identity.
• Empowering employees enhances customer experiences.

Broad River Retail is one of the largest and fastest growing licensees of Ashley Stores. Working for the company could easily be seen as just a retail job. But Charlie, CEO, and Manny, President, engage their team in such a meaningful way, people stay with them for decades. In this episode, you'll hear how they do it.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Charlie and Manny: https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesFromTheRiver https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-river/id1608553896

Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn

Visit thestoryeffect.com

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Charlie and Manny have a strong partnership built on trust and collaboration.
• Their backgrounds in sports influence their teamwork in retail.
• Retail is a team sport, and success relies on collective effort.
• Creating a positive company culture is essential for employee engagement.
• They focus on innovative delivery solutions to enhance customer experience.

Brandon West is Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Phos Creative, as well as an author and keynote speaker. He shares specific practices, ideas and actions that create a great culture where people feel inspired and purpose-driven. His team is making an incredible impact on the world—with their mission to open care centers that fight extreme poverty and sex-trafficking.

Additional Resources:

Brandon West, Chief Purpose Officer, Phos Creative: https://phoscreative.com/

Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmichaelwest/

Connect with Danielle:

The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik

Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Good company culture has a formula, but it's unique to each organization.
• Creating an environment for happiness is essential for employee satisfaction.
• Personalizing experiences for employees can significantly enhance their engagement.
• Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and openness within teams.
• Gentleness is a crucial virtue in effective leadership.

There is a difference between 'think positive' and a mindful choice to live boldly and create endless possibilities. Shanna Adamic gives you the playbook to own your story. She's a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, a brain tumor survivor and now an Executive Leader at Oracle, where she helps people use their story to achieve greater health outcomes.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Shanna: https://www.shannaadamic.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shannaadamic/

Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Optimism is a choice that can be taught and inspired.
• We can choose what happens next in our lives.
• Facing adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Reclaiming one's identity after hardship is crucial.
• Audacious optimism is a powerful mindset in difficult times.

His story was first told in the movie, The Informant, played by Matt Damon. But it's only part of the story. In this episode, Mark Whitacre shares how he learned to forgive loved ones and himself after a life-changing chapter with the FBI and a prison sentence. He talks about how to regain happiness and rebuild a life you love. It's the ultimate story of redemption.

If you struggle with forgiveness, Mark's story could set you free. You'll learn how faith, love and owning your story can change the trajectory of your life, and help you make a meaningful impact on others.

Additional Resources:

Connect with Mark: https://www.markwhitacre.com/index2.html[https://t-factor.com](https://t-factor.com/)

Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/

Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik

Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn

Learn more about PeopleForward Network

• Coca-Cola Consolidated's purpose statement emphasizes honoring God in all actions.
• The company employs full-time chaplains to support employees' spiritual needs.
• Prayer groups and Bible studies are integral to the company culture.
• Inclusivity is key; employees are not pressured to participate in faith-based activities.
• Leadership training focuses on empathy and servant leadership principles.