This week, Shawn shares the story that you can add to your story bank and use to make a business point. It explains the thinking behind and impact of one of performer Andy Kaufman’s most famous acts.

Shawn recommends the movie Man on the Moon: https://buff.ly/3xmUJcw 

And he says the story reminds him of the one he shared in 154 – Less is more: https://buff.ly/3PAWY2S

162 – Use contrast to make an impact

Welcome to our podcast, Anecdotally Speaking. Each week we tell a business story, talk about why it works and discuss where you might tell it at work. Our aim is to help you build your story repertoire.

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Management

We are all looking for the turning point in a good story, and we love a story that demonstrates perseverance and resolve.

Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: explaining the data in a story, sizing up your competition and 'keeping Mum' with your competitive advantage.

204 – The Serve and Return Turning Point: Agassi, Becker and perseverance

Reducing waste increases the efficiency of raw material use. But can we all agree that scraping mould off food product prior to packaging may be a little beyond the pale?

Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: understanding the difference between efficiency and cost cutting, short 'single point' storytelling, the retelling factor in stories with disgust, and the importance of avoiding abstraction in your stories.

202 – Efficiency versus cost cutting

A governance and accountability story. Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast!
Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights!
https://www.anecdote.com/

In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk kick off the 2024 season of the show!
The episode features a cautionary story about Nick Leeson, an infamous investment trader for the Queen’s bank (Barings) who traded them into bankruptcy.
Expect to learn:

*  The devastating story leading to the bankruptcy of England’s oldest investment bank
*  The importance of governance and accountability
*  The impact of high risk investment trading
*  The vital difference between talent and luck

And…much more!
Links and References: 

Nick Leeson story 
Shawn Callahan on LinkedIn 
Mark Schenk on LinkedIn 

Come say hi on our social Medias! 

LinkedIn Page 
Instagram 
Twitter 
Facebook

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
For your story bank
Tags: governance, internal control, trust, accountability, trader, bankruptcy
This story starts at 04:09 and ends at 10:39

This business story is centred around the downfall of Barings Bank in the 1990s. The bank’s Singapore office, led by the young and successful Nick Leeson, initially thrived with a doubling strategy, turning profits. However, Leeson’s high-risk trades led to substantial losses hidden in an obscure account. The lack of oversight and accountability within the bank’s governance allowed the losses to accumulate, ultimately resulting in the bank’s bankruptcy in February 1995.
The takeaways from this story include: the importance of governance, trust, accountability, and the fine line between talent and luck in the financial world.


201 – Governance and accountability lose their Barings

Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast!
Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights!
https://www.anecdote.com/

In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk celebrate the 200th episode of the show!
The episode features an inspiring story about Ross McDonald, a former accountant who found unexpected success in the barbecue industry.
Expect to learn:

*  The inspiring journey of the Weber Kettle Barbecue in Australia
*  The importance of customer experience
*  The impact of perspective on identifying opportunities
*  The vital role of curiosity in recognizing patterns for success

And…much more!
Links and References: 

Ross McDonald story 
Shawn Callahan on LinkedIn 
Mark Schenk on LinkedIn 

Come say hi on our social Medias! 

LinkedIn Page 
Instagram 
Twitter 
Facebook

Photo by Harry Knight on Unsplash

200 – Weber BBQ Australian Success

Two explorers from the northern hemisphere set out to be the first to reach the South Pole – Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falconer Scott of England. Their expedition planning, team, equipment and transport selections could not have been more different.
Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: corporate culture, knowing your limitations, hand picking your teams and the impact of clear, singular goals on success.

Welcome back to a new Anecdotally Speaking episode.
For your story bank
Tags: workplace culture, know your limitations, teams, goal setting, planning
This story starts at 01:25 and ends at 06:29

Early 1900s – Race to reach the South pole
Robert Falconer Scott UK v Roald Amundsen Norway
Amundsen already traversed South West Passage
Time among Inuit – dogs, skiis, clothing
Scott naval officer – royal appointment
Both commence missions early 1910
Amundsen single focus > pole and back safely
Planning food > eat penguins, then the sled dogs… eeuw!
Amundsen encounters bad storm early – retreats and tries again later
Amundsen reaches pole Dec 11 1914
Not so well for Scott…
Multiple objectives and ‘noble’ mission
Ponies and motorised sleds – die and breakdown – party left to continue on foot
Inadequate food supply
Scott arrives at South Pole one month after Amundsen
On Scott’s return, get to within 12 miles of supply depot, but…
All die in their tents – exhaustion, frostbite, malnutrition
Culture
Know your limitations – learning via immersion
Keep it simple
Get the local knowledge
Hand pick your team
Clear, singular goal >
Too many objectives/stakeholders is dangerous
The importance of planning
Disgust in this story – penguins, then dogs > horror


162 – Use contrast to make an impact

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