Inside Influence

What’s the future of storytelling?Before you try to answer this question, consider these facts.Al software can now generate video content on demand – in one year's time you will be able to generate an entire movie based on a few simple lines of text.Short story platforms (Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram) have now hit staggering views of 30 billion views a day. At the same time in 2021 the streamers (Netflix, Amazon, Disney) released more than 1800 original series – that’s a staggering 90% increase since 2017.So what on earth, you may ask, does all of this mean about the future of story?Today, once again, to help me answer that question is Global Director of Creative Works at Google, the brilliant Ben Jones.For those of you that don’t know Ben, you are in for a feast. Today’s Guest Ben Jones is Creative Director at Google and Head of Unskippable Labs. A team within Google designated with the huge task of studying the 1 BILLION hours of videos that are viewed onto YouTube EVERY SINGLE DAY. Their mission? To work out exactly what makes us press, or not press, the SKIP button. Decoding ‘in real time’ the stories that attract and hold the attention of their 122 million visitors a day. Essentially – what makes a story UnSkippable.This is Ben’s fourth time on the podcast. However, and I may say this every time, this is by far my favorite conversation.This feels like a cumulation of all Ben’s predictions about the future of storytelling since we met four years ago – each coming rapidly and simultaneously to life. LinkedIn : https://bit.ly/3JPbBiGTwitter: @harperjonesYou’ll LearnHow COVID reset all our patterns when it comes to the stories (and adverts) we pay attention to – and the trends Ben is now watching emerge. The role of story length when it comes to engagement – this one hit me hard. Including why 3 minute videos are now more powerful than 30 seconds and why the most successful advert he has ever seen – runs for four hours.We talk about why micro-cultures are now more powerful than demographics i.e. why ‘what you love’ is now a better indicator of engagement, than ‘who you are’.We unpack the 3rd era of marketing. An era made up of big stories, invitations and automations.Finally, and unexpectedly – we discuss his experience in navigating one of the hardest chapters of his life – and how a simple poem he wrote became a blueprint that kept him (and eventually many others) moving forward.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer CodeNissan ARIYA 4-hour advert -https://bit.ly/3FCdVHj With me videos - https://bit.ly/3Z478ge Medium article ‘If not joy, then joy’s direction’ - https://bit.ly/3mT4dJV Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What holds you back from having the influence you want?Quickly listen to the first thing that comes into your mind. It might have been a sense that somehow you’re not charismatic enough, or not aggressive enough – or maybe the opposite. You talk too much and forget to listen or emotionally engage.So if we have a clear idea on the blocks that are holding back from the influence we know we’re capable of having. What stops us?According to my guest today, tapping into your true influence superpower is like learning a new language. We all say we want it, but few of us are prepared to go through the discomfort and awkwardness of becoming fluent.Today’s Guest My guest today is Yale Professor and super human, Zoe Chance. Zoe is a writer, teacher, researcher and climate philanthropist. Her latest bestselling book is called ‘Influence Is Your Superpower.’ She has a doctorate from Harvard and teaches the most popular course (in that it  completely sells out every year) at Yale School of Management. Her research is published in top academic journals and covered in global media outlets. She speaks on television and around the world, and her framework for behavior change is the foundation for Google’s global food policy. Twitter: @zoebchanceFacebook & Linkedin: @zoechanceYou’ll LearnWhy the universe is not designed for our pleasure, and what that has to do with how we influence ourselves and (as we both discovered) the wiring of our children. The difference between our ‘alligator’ mind and our ‘judge’ mind – and you guessed it, why it’s always wise to win over the alligator first.Why you should focus on changing someone’s ‘behavior’ and not their ‘mind’. The main misconceptions about what it takes to be a person of influenceFinally, how Zoe is dealing with her own influence blocks right now. Believe me, the further you go on your influence journey – the more upper limits you will encounter and the better the tools you learn to employ.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer Code https://bit.ly/3djTTpsZoe’s book Influence Is Your SuperpowerInfluence Insights NewsletterThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s holding you back from focus right now?Most of us started this year with (hopefully) some clarity on what we want to set in motion. Goals we want to kick, freedom we want to create, impact and influence we want to build.Yet what if I told you that the key to achieving any of those intentions was a commitment to doing less rather than more?My guest today is the King of getting maximum impact, with minimum distraction.Today’s Guest Erik Qualman is a 5 time #1 Bestselling Author and speaker, having performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people. His books ‘Socialnomic: How social media transforms the way we live and do business’, ‘Digital Leader – Five simple keys to success and influence’ and his latest ‘The Focus Project – The not so simple art of doing less’ have been on the CEO lists of must-reads for over a decade. Erik’s work first caught my attention a few years ago. When a video he created seemed like it was being played on loop by every influencer, industry expert and CEO I knew. Literally every conference I attended or spoke at - Erik’s video was played from the stage.That video was ‘Socialnomics’, a video trailer for what would become his bestselling book of the same name. It was a two minute visual feast detailing everything you need to know, and couldn’t have imagined, about the rise of social media. If you haven’t seen it, or want to see a book trailer that literally created a global best seller, check it out here.So, needless to say, I’ve wanted to dive into Erik’s brain for awhile.Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok: @equalman You’ll LearnHow Erik created ‘Socialnomics’ and the keys to using content for massive cut through.The story behind Erik’s legendary lime green glasses and why stepping through your story, rather than avoiding it, is the most powerful thing you can do to stand out.Why Erik wrote ‘The Focus Project’ as the ‘anti-venom’ to his first book. A journey that began when he noticed his own inability to focus into a world of digital distraction.What’s on Erik’s ‘Not To Do’ list right now – and how you can learn way more from learning what someone is committed not to doing, than what they’re hoping to attempt.Finally, the advice he gives his own children about how to manage their focus and make a mark, in a world of never ending distraction.The biggest piece of gold I got out of this conversation was a question I have since shared with many people in my inner circle who are trying to focus:“What’s the ONE thing that if I do it well will make everything else easier or not necessary?”Answer that question, then focus like your life depends on it.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer Codehttps://equalman.com/the-focus-project/Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christine McKay, Founder and CEO of Venn Negotiation, is a seasoned negotiator who has transformed countless conversations from combat into collaboration. She shares her inspiring journey from being a homeless single mother to negotiating billions for Fortune 500 companies. The discussion uncovers the importance of emotional intelligence in negotiations, emphasizing the power of self-awareness. McKay also highlights strategies for negotiating from a position of limited power and the value of advisory boards, showcasing how understanding both sides paves the way for successful outcomes.

Now, here's today's question. If you had to pick the most pivotal 10 days of your career, what would they be? Ten days that, either looking back or in the moment, felt like everything had been leading you to this point. Perhaps it was the lead-up to a landmark decision, a moment in the spotlight to either make an impact or publicly fall short, or a crisis you could have never foreseen.These are the moments that usually decide who we become as leaders, communicators, and influencers.A few years ago, I had the genuine pleasure of interviewing someone whose work and career I have admired for a very long time. That person is Cody Keenan, chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama. We talked about the structure of a powerful speech, and what it really takes to forget the critics and show up as a fearless communicator. If you haven't already, you can follow the link at the end of these show notes.At the end of that conversation, Cody mentioned he was writing a book about his experiences in the White House. I asked him to let me know when you're ready to talk about it. Two years and one pandemic later, here we are.His new book, ‘Grace: Ten Days in The Battle for America,’ arrived on my doorstep and instantly became a NYT best-seller. Grace covers 10 pivotal days during June of 2015, when President Obama and Cody had to compose a series of speeches, to meet a succession of stunning developments in American history. These included a white supremacist shooting, an astonishing act of forgiveness, a national reckoning with race and the confederate flag, the fate of marriage equality, and a vital decision on the Affordable Care Act.How do you find the words to describe a time where there are no words? In this episode we dive into his 10 day journey in doing exactly that.Today’s Guest Cody is a professional speechwriter who, as Director of Speech Writing for President Obama – has written or edited more than 2,000 speeches for his boss. Including the historical March 2015 speech, when Obama spoke in Selma, Alabama marking 50 years since “Bloody Sunday”. Most recently he has become a New York Times Bestselling author for his book ‘Grace: Ten Days in The Battle for America’.Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn: @codykeenanYou’ll LearnCody’s hopes and fears for the next generation of communicators.How to move past those moments where you are frozen, staring at a blank page and feeling like an imposter.And finally, the difference between taking a half swing and a full swing as a communicator.A loving warning, this conversation discusses both the act and details of mass shootings on American soil. As you'll hear, this conversation also heartbreakingly took place just days after the Colorado Springs shooting on November 19th, 2022, a fact that was very much on everybody's heart during this recording. Please do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself and any ears that may be listening.If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyMy first interview Cody Keenan – Finding your voice as a leaderThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Dhar, a Managing Director at Boston Consulting Group and founder of BeSmart, shares her insights on fostering constructive conversations. She discusses the importance of respectful dialogue and establishing common ground, especially during conflicts. Julia emphasizes active listening, drawing from her personal experiences, and offers strategies to navigate power dynamics in discussions. With a blend of humor and expertise, she illustrates how raising your hand can enhance communication, making sure every voice is valued.

We are coming to the end of another eventful year, another 12 month bundle of opportunities, challenges, plenty of highlights and some definite unforeseen low lights. Hopefully you are about to embark on a well-deserved break. This is exactly what the inside influence team and myself will be doing. So over the next few weeks we are going to be taking a festive step back to rest up, recalibrate and re-inspire ourselves for 2022. However, if you need some inspiration to get you thinking and planning for next year, we have you covered. Our holiday season of power cuts or power minis are back. Our next power cut episode is with Colin Boyd.Colin Boyd is obsessed with helping experts and entrepreneurs present in a way that creates action -– or sell from stage - in a non pushy or sleazy way.He keynotes at conferences around the world on topics such as persuasive communication and selling ideas, clients include Coca Cola, Suncorp, Fuji Xero, and Hewlett Packard.He runs high-level mastermind programs for speakers and content creators. And delivers his signature program Sell From Stage Academy® which helps people turn every presentation into a conversion machine.In this conversation we cover A LOT of practical ground, including:Why identifying and learning to tell your signature story is the fastest route to creating action – for anyone, anywhere, on any topic.The biggest mistakes people make when it comes to telling their signature story and how to avoid them. Hint here… this is not your origin story.Colin has literally dedicated his whole career and business to decoding the stories that work - and more importantly – compel people to take action.If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Colin Boyd please head over to my website juliemasters.com or listen at all the usual places #itunes #spotify #googleplay #stitcher. For now sit back, relax and enjoy this powercut conversation with Colin Boyd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are coming to the end of another eventful year, another 12 month bundle of opportunities, challenges, plenty of highlights and some definite unforeseen low lights. Hopefully you are about to embark on a well-deserved break. This is exactly what the inside influence team and myself will be doing. So over the next few weeks we are going to be taking a festive step back to rest up, recalibrate and re-inspire ourselves for 2022. However, if you need some inspiration to get you thinking and planning for next year, we have you covered. Our holiday season of power cuts or power minis are back. Our next power cut episode is with Elizabeth Lesser.Every so often with this podcast, I get the pleasure of speaking to someone that’s had a huge influence on my own life - and so it is with today's guest.Elizabeth Lesser is the author of several bestselling books, including Her New York Times bestselling book, Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow, has sold almost 500,000 copies and has been translated into 20 languages. She is the co-founder of Omega Institute, recognized internationally for its workshops and conferences in wellness, spirituality, creativity, and social change. She is also the creator of two amazing TED talks on civility, understanding and the power of truth telling. As well as being one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul 100, a collection of a hundred leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity.Elizabeth is also the person whose work I turn to during times in my life where I’m not sure where to turn. When I don’t want to be inspired, or motivated, or told to dig in and dial up the hustle - but just to know that it’s enough. Enough to show up, enough to take the next breath, enough to trust that the most transformational moments in our lives always happen when we step into the gap – the gap between what’s burning away - and what’s trying to emerge.Which is why I was so thrilled to finally have her on the show.In this conversation we dive into:- The difference between breaking down and breaking open – and why staying awake as we fall holds the key.The Phoenix process – how to stand in the fire of what’s burning away, while trusting that you will rise again.If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Elizabeth Lesser please head over to my website juliemasters.com or listen at all the usual places #itunes #spotify #googleplay #stitcher. For now, sit back, relax and enjoy my powercut conversation with the woman whose books and wisdom I have shared more than any other - the incredible Elizabeth Lesser. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are coming to the end of another eventful year, another 12 month bundle of opportunities, challenges, plenty of highlights and some definite unforeseen low lights. Hopefully you are about to embark on a well-deserved break. This is exactly what the inside influence team and myself will be doing. So over the next few weeks we are going to be taking a festive step back to rest up, recalibrate and re-inspire ourselves for 2022. However, if you need some inspiration to get you thinking and planning for next year, we have you covered. Our holiday season of power cuts or power minis are back. Our next power cut episode is Doug ConantDoug Conant is the only former Fortune 500 CEO who is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, a Top 50 Leadership Innovator, a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, and one of the 100 Most Influential Authors in the World. A devoted leadership practitioner and teacher, Doug’s 45-year career has been defined by achieving high performance through an intentional commitment to studying, practicing, improving, and spreading the tenets of “leadership that works.” He is Founder and CEO of ConantLeadership, former President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company and former Chairman of Avon Products. His Wall Street Journal bestselling book, co-authored with Amy Federman, is called ‘The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights’. He is also the New York Times bestselling co-author of ‘TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments’. In this conversation we dive into:How to build your own personal leadership model. To be honest I was a bit stunned with this one, it just hadn’t occurred to me that you could create your own - read one in a book ‘yes’, inherit one from a mentor ‘yes’ - but write your own? Put it on paper and then commit to showing up for it? That’s a different ball game.And why developing your own leadership blueprint provides the ultimate foundation for dealing with the winds of your life. As a leader AND as a human being.If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Doug Conant please head over to my website juliemasters.com or listen at all the usual places #itunes #spotify #googleplay #stitcher. For now sit back, relax and enjoy my powercut conversation with Doug Conant.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are coming to the end of another eventful year, another 12 month bundle of opportunities, challenges, plenty of highlights and some definite unforeseen low lights. Hopefully you are about to embark on a well-deserved break. This is exactly what the inside influence team and myself will be doing. So over the next few weeks we are going to be taking a festive step back to rest up, recalibrate and re-inspire ourselves for 2022. However, if you need some inspiration to get you thinking and planning for next year, we have you covered. Our holiday season of power cuts or power minis are back. Our next power cut episode is with Leslie Ehm.Leslie Ehm is a former TV host and advertising Creative Director turned training guru. Having spent  decades travelling the globe with her award- winning company Combustion, working with executives and teams from top organizations like Google, Disney, Pepsico, TD Bank, Uber, and more. Seriously the list may as well be the entire Fortune 500.She’s turned technologists into creative forces, bankers into storytellers, and has  brought a serious dose of badassery to  boardrooms everywhere.Her latest book Swagger – Unleash Everything You Are and Become Everything You Want is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestseller. To quote her website she’s been called “better than therapy,” “a rock star,” “ass-kicking,” “a force of nature” and even “a witch.” So basically… my kinda woman.In this conversation we dive into:What faking it until you make it is the opposite of what works – especially if you want to end up being a magnetic and technicolor version of yourself – and not someone elseThe main SWAGGER BLOCKS that most of us have when it comes to speaking up and standing out. Why a huge part of swagger is owning our stories – especially the uncomfortable ones, the ones we fear make us look like a failure in some aspect of our lives. If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Leslie Ehm please head over to my website juliemasters.com or listen at all the usual places #itunes #spotify #googleplay #stitcher. For now sit back, relax and enjoy my powercut conversation with Leslie Ehm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.