Ever wonder why some speakers land top speaking engagements and captivate an audience from the first word, while others struggle to keep attention? TEDx speaker and five-time bestselling author Sara Connell says it's all about storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Sara reveals the surprising neuroscience behind why stories are 80% more memorable than facts and data, and how mastering this skill can not only elevate your message but also open doors to lucrative, 5-figure speaking engagements. Get ready to move your audience from their heads to their hearts and make an unforgettable impact.

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Open loops = mental clutter. In this episode, Penny Zenker shares how to reduce overwhelm and reclaim focus with simple reset rhythms that help you finish what you start—daily, weekly, and even in transitions. Close the loop. Clear your mind.

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Limiting beliefs are huge dream killers, but they are usually self-imposed. By unlocking the power of belief that you can do anything, you can overcome all of your fears and doubts. Belief architect and inspirational keynote speaker Ken Hartley joins Penny Zenker to discuss how to undergo a total reset and create a clear path toward success. He breaks down the power of investing in yourself, the impact of in-depth communication, and what it takes to live a truly fulfilling life.

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Penny talks about how AI can transform our work lives by taking over repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on more meaningful and creative activities. She acknowledges that while some people feel important doing busy work, it's more beneficial to concentrate on what truly matters. Drawing from her own experiences with AI tools, Penny admits initial resistance but highlights the long-term benefits of improved efficiency and productivity. She recommends regularly reviewing your tasks to see where AI can help reduce distractions, save time, and lower stress. Instead of replacing us, AI can reposition us to enhance our judgment, creativity, and connections. The key takeaway is to see AI as a collaborator that helps us add more value and make a bigger impact.

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“Yes, And” is a fundamental principle in improv performance, usually for collaborative problem-solving and creative thinking. Improv master Avish Parashar has mastered how to apply this framework not just on-stage but even beyond. He joins Penny Zenker to discuss how to use the “Yes, And” concept in unlocking your creative genius, resolving interpersonal conflicts, and navigating changes in both personal and professional lives. Avish also talks about the importance of embracing messiness to build the most authentic version of yourself and create a more grounded and fulfilling journey.

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Many people, particularly women, often wait for the perfect timing before taking the leap and embracing change. But for Cara Moeller Poppitt, this does not need waiting – the right time is always right now. She joins Penny Zenker in this insightful conversation about her book, “Big Freakin’ Change,” and how to overcome the fear of not feeling ready. Cara talks about her six-step process for getting out of being stuck and taking full control of the life you want to live. She also discusses why women often seek eternal permission and what it takes for them to start taking courageous action.

Feeling like something's missing? Craving more purpose and fulfillment? Today, we're joined by Rick Walker, a successful entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and author of the upcoming book, Nine Steps to Build a Life of Meaning. Rick believes that universal truths whisper to us from all corners of life – from ancient texts to modern physics. He shares how to find these profound insights, revealing what he calls "the arbitrage of masterful ideas." Discover why concepts like "indestructibility" are key to lasting relevance, and learn practical steps to infuse more joy and beauty into your everyday life. If you're ready to hit the reset button on your life's meaning, tune in. Rick will even share his unique personal reset practices, including an instant energy boost you won't want to miss!

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What is perception bias, and why does it matter, and how does hyper-personalization stop bias?

Perception bias is our tendency to interpret people and behaviors based on our own filters—whether that’s age, gender, role, or past experience. We don’t mean to do it. But we all do. It’s fast, automatic, and often subconscious.

Here’s the catch: Bias doesn’t just hurt inclusion—it kills engagement.

According to Deloitte’s 2025 Human Capital Trends report, 71% of employees expect personalized experiences at work, but only 23% of organizations are delivering them effectively. That gap? It’s where bias thrives.

When people feel misunderstood or misjudged, they check out. And burnout? It’s not always caused by workload. It’s often caused by people feeling unseen, unheard, and undervalued. That’s perception bias in action.

Neuroscience backs this up. The brain’s anterior cingulate cortex—the region tied to pain and conflict—lights up when we feel socially excluded, similar to physical pain. Feeling like a number isn’t just demotivating—it’s neurologically distressing.

How hyper-personalization flips the script

So what’s the reset? It’s personal. Literally.

Hyper-personalization uses real-time data, AI, and behavioral insights to create tailored experiences that meet employees where they are. Think learning styles, communication preferences, reward motivators, even snack and feedback preferences.

When leaders co-create profiles with their teams—knowing what energizes them, how they like to receive feedback, what stresses them out—you close the assumption gap. And when people feel seen, they show up differently.

📈 Stats that prove it:

• Adobe reduced voluntary turnover by 30% after launching its “Check-In” system—ditch the annual review, focus on frequent, personalized conversations.
• Salesforce saw 11% higher engagement in teams where managers had access to individual workstyle preferences.
• And Domino’s didn’t just use hyper-personalization for customers—they built internal AI tools to tailor onboarding and development. It’s part of how their stock jumped 3,500% over a decade.

Let’s talk results

Hyper-personalization isn’t about coddling. It’s about performance.

McKinsey found that organizations that personalize the employee experience see up to 15% increases in productivity and 20% higher retention.

But it only works when personalization is embedded—not just in onboarding—but in daily rhythms:

• 1:1s that start with “What do you need today?”
• Feedback that aligns with the person, not just the role
• Recognizing wins in a way that actually lands

When employees don’t have to mask or mold themselves to fit a generic mold, they focus more, collaborate better, and stay longer. That’s not a soft benefit. That’s ROI.

Your Reset. Try it. See the difference it makes.

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Many organizations find it difficult to execute and keep up with various changes in their culture or processes, especially if longstanding traditions are already set in stone. Change management specialist Barb Grant is here to discuss how to make lasting change stick and encourage everyone not to revert to their old ways. Joining Penny Zenker, Barb presents key points in understanding how people change through connection, addressing their fears and uncertainties along the way. She also explains the importance of giving yourself the permission to change, the right way to manage ego at work, and how to keep your values aligned with the team’s vision and everyone else’s goals.

It is often said that our gut has the ability to tell us all kinds of things, especially when it comes to improving our health. To live our best lives, we must learn to understand the undeniable connection between gut health and our overall performance. Penny Zenker sits down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, an expert in men’s health optimization and longevity, to discuss how to keep an eye on our hormonal levels and stay away from environmental toxins we are using every single day. He emphasizes the importance of blood testing, sleep quality, and making health a top priority. Dr. Tracy also laments the shortcomings of the healthcare system and his advocacy for a more proactive, holistic, and patient-centered approach.