Young and Profiting (YAP) with Hala Taha

Cal Fussman: The Power of Questions, Transform Your Life and Business with Authentic Connections | E302

Aug 5, 2024

Cal Fussman, a New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller, reveals the transformative power of questions and storytelling. He shares how a childhood letter to President Johnson sparked his passion for inquiry. Cal offers entrepreneurs tips on turning brief meetings into meaningful connections, enhancing listening skills, and leveraging curiosity for success. He emphasizes the art of interviewing and building genuine relationships, illustrating how authentic communication can bridge personal and professional gaps.

01:04:47

Episode guests

Cal Fussman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Cal Fussman's journey highlights how the simple act of asking meaningful questions can forge genuine connections and unlock insights.

The podcast emphasizes the vital role of authentic storytelling in business, positioning customers as heroes in their transformative journeys.

Deep dives

The Power of Questions

The podcast emphasizes the transformative power of asking questions, illustrated by the narrator’s experience writing to President Lyndon B. Johnson as a child. This act not only garnered a personal response from the president but also laid the foundation for the narrator's lifelong pursuit of inquiry and storytelling. A question can bridge gaps and establish connections with influential figures, highlighting that curiosity is a powerful tool in creating opportunities. This underscores the idea that effective communication begins with the willingness to ask meaningful questions, fostering relationships and unlocking valuable insights.

Intro

2min

The Art of Meaningful Connections in a Disconnected World

2min

The Art of Interviewing: A Journey Through Skill and Experience

1min

A Child's Perspective on Change

7min

Empowering Entrepreneurs with Essential Tools

3min

Cultivating Connections Through Travel and Curiosity

23min

The Art of Questions: Building Authentic Connections

4min

The Art of Communication and Storytelling

19min

“Are you happy to be the president?” asked 7-year-old Cal Fussman in a letter to President Lyndon B. Johnson after JFK’s assassination. Six months later, his mother ran into their apartment, waving a letter from the White House. This profound moment revealed the power of a question, setting Cal on a lifelong journey of asking questions and telling stories. In this episode, Cal discusses the power of authentic storytelling and offers entrepreneurs actionable advice on how to ask the right questions.

Cal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and master storyteller known for his captivating interviews. He also hosts the Big Questions podcast and his work has appeared in Esquire, GQ, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN.

In this episode, Hala and Cal will discuss:

- The presidential letter that changed Cal's life

- How he traveled the world for free

- Techniques for making people open up

- How to turn brief meetings into deep connections

- The winning formula for telling captivating stories

- Tips for becoming a better listener

- How curiosity can lead to success in life and business

- Cal’s unique style of interviewing famous people

- Building genuine relationships through conversation

- Tips for entrepreneurs on asking the right questions

- And other topics…

Cal Fussman is a New York Times bestselling author and master storyteller known for his captivating interviews. He is the host of the Big Questions podcast and a celebrated keynote speaker. Cal has spent decades connecting with some of the world's most influential figures, from Muhammad Ali to Jeff Bezos. His unique ability to make people feel comfortable and his relentless curiosity have made him a beloved figure in journalism. His work has appeared in Esquire, GQ, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN.

Connect with Cal:

Cal’s Website: https://www.calfussman.com/

Cal’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calfussman/

Cal’s Twitter: https://x.com/calfussman

Cal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calfussman

Cal’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calfussman/

Resources Mentioned:

Cal’s Podcast, Big Questions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/big-questions-with-cal-fussman/id1315791659?mt=2

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