The Legend Effect (Influence, Brand, Communication)

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans?Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Rob Volpe, the empathy activist. He is the Founder and Chairman of Ignite 360, an award-winning, best-selling author, and he empowers people to build empathy and be better at the work they do and the people they are.They delve deep into empathy, what it is and isn't, why it's so critical in our personal and work life, and how to develop it so it too can be your superpower. The discussion emphasizes that empathy is not just a "nice to have," in fact, its absence is actually the reason companies lose millions and millions of dollars every year.Rob walks us through the 5 Steps to Empathy that can help you dissolve any conflict and come out on the other side more connected, more powerful, and more effective. He also shares a simple but profound technique called the Curious Breath, which is a quick reset that takes you from reactive to thoughtful, from spiraling to strategic.Episode Breakdown:03:33 A miracle of life, Judy Garland, and a lot of empathy08:08 Listen to your intuition to connect with others10:32 The development of empathy and a real-life example15:05 Why empathy is so critical in all facets of life18:31 Fusing the head and the heart to connect and build empathy 21:45 The current empathy crisis in a polarized, angry society24:31 Empaths: when empathy can quickly become too much28:18 Go from reacting to responding with a curious breath32:52 The 5 Steps to Empathy35:06 How to dismantle judgment so it stops getting in your way43:56 Choosing to ask questions differently and ditching "Why?"48:59 What active listening looks like and some exercises to help55:40 Play the ice cream game and integrate different points of view1:02:45 Put yourself in the other person's shoes to imagine solutions 1:04:07 How people rallied around Rob after a recent injury1:07:01 What to do today to start your empathy journey1:07:42 A letter to Rob Volpe’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInTikTokInstagramGet the book, Tell Me More About That.You can find more content about Rob's cats – Domino, Barnabas, and Solitaire – here.Check out the Empathy Circle.It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want to go from unknown to unforgettable in 44 simple steps?Check out my Personal Brand Checklist.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Lisa Bragg, a strategic visibility expert, a former broadcast journalist turned entrepreneur, and author of Bragging Rights. They delve into how great work won't speak for itself and how self-advocacy is the superpower that will allow you to be seen, to influence, lead, and create lasting impact.The discussion emphasizes that if you're not bragging or self-promoting, you're getting left behind. Lisa provides us with your roadmap out of hiding. She shares easy first steps and strategies to start bragging the right way, the pitfalls to avoid on your path to standing out, and gives you the push you need to start advocating for yourself today.Episode Breakdown:03:26 The value of sparkle and showing up with shine, shimmer, and bravery08:21 The evolution of the word brag into something negative10:10 The biggest lie we've been told about bragging10:55 What makes bragging either icky or not15:04 When bragging goes wrong17:33 Easy first steps to start bragging the right way22:08 Lisa guides Howie through reaching potential podcasting guests27:43 Self-promotion, effectively reaching out cold, and opening doors33:42 The importance of amplifying what you're doing again and again38:22 Overcoming internal barriers to bragging39:58 Why your work won't speak for itself43:48 The risks and rewards of standing out46:05 Don't humble brag, do this instead49:21 The power of sharing the story behind everything52:16 Stop holding back, start advocating for yourself today56:06 How to avoid over-bragging57:42 Always think of your audience and don't make things up1:02:34 Find the shortcut to your future through self-advocacy1:07:08 A letter to Lisa Bragg’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramGet the book, Bragging Rights.Catch up with my interview with Fotini Iconomopoulos.Legendary Quotes:“ It's not a Me, Me, Me journey when we are doing bragging and self-promoting. It's really how do I make sure that people know where I am of service and then how do I bring other people along the way.” – Lisa Bragg“ You don't have to constantly start something brand new all the time. We don't have to have a million ideas. We can just even have one really solid idea. And be known for that over and over again. That'll give you influence.” – Lisa BraggIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want to go from unknown to unforgettable in 44 simple steps?Check out my Personal Brand Checklist.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan is going solo. In a series of short episodes - Solo Sesh (sessions), he is bringing you the best strategies and ideas from scientific studies and the legends among us, so you can live your version of legendary.He delves into  why your brain fights against being different, why being unique isn't just a fluffy brand exercise, it's actually science, and how to define your edge and your ability to show up different in a sea of sameness.The discussion emphasizes that if you don't stand out,  you will not get attention, you will not be able to influence, and you will not be able to get where you're trying to go. Howie provides some neuroscience insights and a three-step framework to help you figure out YOUR different, which he backs up with powerful stories of brands that managed to step out of the crowd.Episode Breakdown:02:25 Why being different is so hard03:23 Salience: what our brains are actually designed to notice04:50 The story of an intensely unique brand that broke through07:22 Step 1: Study the competition09:46 Step 2: Find the opportunity11:20 Step 3: Test the edge12:17 How to break the psychological barrier and stand out the right way15:07 What's one unique thing that could change your trajectory ?From Me:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLearn more about Liquid Death here.Legendary Quotes:“ If you say the same things, if you show up the same way, it's all gonna blend into the background. So you will not get attention, you will not be able to influence, you will not be able to get where you're trying to go.” – Howie Chan“ The irony is this: the very thing you fear sharing the thing that makes you feel that you are weird, you're different, you're being cast out, is the thing that people will thank you for.” – Howie Chan" Sameness is safe. Different gets remembered. Always–different is better than being better." – Howie ChanIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Produced by Ideablossoms.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans?Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Brian Ahearn,  one of only a dozen people in the world certified to teach Dr. Robert Cialdini's method, and who has trained thousands of professionals on how to ethically move people to action.They delve into how to become more persuasive by serving instead of manipulating, as well as the everyday influence that shapes our lives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of not only learning or teaching the principles of ethical influence but also living them out.Brian provides powerful models and frameworks to help you apply the principles of persuasion and influence, such as the T.I.M.E. method, the DEAL Model, and the Core Motive Model. He also shares how all of this can be used in real-life situations with stories of how he has successfully used these principles himself.Episode Breakdown:03:08 The impact of Brian's personal mission statement05:58 Brian's journey to learning Cialdini's work and teaching it11:48  What it takes to be an ethical influencer14:26 The benefit of establishing genuine relationships16:02 Don't forget to focus on what actually matters17:53 How Pre-suasion can make all the difference22:38 Using the T.I.M.E. framework to set the stage for persuasion28:01 The seven principles of influence in practice30:19 Powerful models and frameworks to help you apply the principles33:00 How using sticky notes can completely change the game37:39 Combining and amplifying different principles of influence42:29 The "8th principle": building and leveraging a strong personal brand50:11 The true power of the relationship part and ways to nurture them55:22 How Brian lives out his brand and the  principles of influence57:46  The most powerful principle to influence ourselves1:00:19 Consistency, belief, identity, and attentiveness1:05:19 Increase the happiness at home with this advice1:08:06 A letter to Brian Ahearn’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeFacebookGet the InfluencePEOPLE Books.Watch Brian's TEDxNewAlbany Talk.Catch up with my interview with Will Storr.Also, catch up with my interview with our mutual friend, Steve Martin.It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want to go from unknown to unforgettable in 44 simple steps?Check out my Personal Brand Checklist.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Melina Palmer, the founder of The Brainy Business and  the translator between brain science and business strategy. They delve into  how behavioral science can make you more influential in business and beyond.The discussion emphasizes  that true influence lies in understanding how people think, not just what they say. Melina unlocks some of our brains' secrets so you can have a greater impact on the choices that people make, including your own, without being manipulative. She also shares the truth about pricing so you can be paid what you're worth.Episode Breakdown:03:00 The power of music and Melina's relationship with it06:57 Approaching the world with thoughtfulness and curiosity10:04 Ways you can get in the way of your goals and how to turn this around14:00 What makes Melina (and others) reject LinkedIn connection requests16:10 The two systems of the brain, and which one you need to sell to19:52 A strategy that works for influencing choices and one that doesn't21:46 What you need to understand to be able to nudge people into action26:29 Essential steps to get more listeners for your podcast32:46 The truth about profitable pricing37:01 Overcome the hesitation and fear behind raising your prices40:45 The "I'll Start Monday" Effect and how to set better goals44:47 How Melina helps clients effectively incorporate changes47:15 Time-saving strategies for thoughtful and effective communication53:03 How to not only get people's attention but also be remembered56:15 When shifting one little thing changes everything1:01:33 Lessons from solving escape rooms 1:04:53 A letter to Melina Palmer’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeFacebookInstagramGet the book "What Your Customer Wants and Can't Tell You" and more.Listen to The Brainy Business Podcast.Watch Melina's TEDxPortland Talk.Catch up with my interview with Nelson Dellis in episode 14 of the podcast.It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want to go from unknown to unforgettable in 44 simple steps?Check out my Personal Brand Checklist.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Stephen Shedletzky,  a global keynote speaker, a leadership coach, and the author of Speak Up Culture, a book that's redefining how we think about psychological safety and organizational influence. They delve into leadership, influence, and, more specifically, how to create a speak-up culture that empowers and impacts change, whether in one-to-one conversations, within our families, communities, or companies.The discussion emphasizes that influence doesn't start when you talk; it starts when others feel they can. Stephen provides the key to effective influence, as well as powerful, tactical insights on how anyone can build cultures where people actually want to speak up and leadership is strong. Episode Breakdown:03:21 The peak and valley experiences in the pursuit of fulfillment08:25 Shed's journey of overcoming a stutter and using his own voice15:44 Incorporate ideas and actions of others into your life in your own way18:17 Powerful lessons from working with Simon Sinek22:50 The definition of a speak-up culture27:57 What a speak-up culture is not and what it actually entails30:35 Curiosity and understanding others are key to effective influence 32:36 Don't just pitch to prospects, create a speak-up culture38:10 How to create a healthy speak-up culture at scale44:34 Influence and leadership versus extroversion and charisma46:47 How to scale the experience and the impact of a community 49:46 Creating a speak-up culture at home and other parenting tips56:07 Shed's definition of leadership and what makes a leader good or bad1:04:53 A letter to Stephen Shedletzky’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeXInstagramGet the book, Speak-Up Culture.Learn more about Dr. Beccky Kennedy's Good Inside parenting support.It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans?Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan is going solo. In a series of short episodes - Solo Sesh (sessions), he is bringing you the best strategies and ideas from scientific studies and the legends among us, so you can live your version of legendary.He delves into identity-driven influence. The discussion emphasizes that we shouldn't try to convince people and force logic on them, we should speak to their identity instead.Howie provides a three-step framework that  will help you influence people to take an action without resistance because it's in accordance with their identity, as well as the reason why identity is the linchpin of behavior, and the benefits of this identity-based approach to influence.Episode Breakdown:02:47 The Texan anti-littering campaign that changed the game04:00 Why this strategic influence technique is so powerful 05:04 Step 1: Find and align with their values07:10 Step 2: Use identity-based language08:18 Step 3:  Start with a proof move09:25 What identity-driven influence doesFrom Me:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramLegendary Quotes:“ Influence doesn't come from pushing, it comes from reflecting. So, less convincing and more speaking to who they already believe they are.” – Howie Chan“ There is this false myth that change is hard. We resist change. People actually don't resist change, they resist the behavior that feels misaligned with their identity.” – Howie Chan“ That's what identity-driven influence does. It doesn't feel like change. It just feels like acting truthfully to who they saw themselves as right from the beginning.” – Howie ChanIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans?Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Karen Eber, a storyteller, author, TED and Keynote speaker, and leadership consultant who has educated and inspired over three million globally. They delve into storytelling and the fact that it's not just an art, it's also a science that can be applied to amplify your message and  move people, not just inform them.The discussion emphasizes that great storytelling isn't about you, it's about your audience and truly connecting with them. Karen provides the science behind storytelling, ways to hack the five factory settings of the brain, debunks common myths, and a step-by-step guide on how to put together a compelling story, either beforehand or on the fly. Episode Breakdown:03:28 Karen's story of culture and tradition in the Marching Chiefs06:07 How stories influence our brains and decisions09:55 Leverage the power of internal stories15:38 The do's and don'ts of effective storytelling for diverse audiences19:03 Harness the 5 factory settings of the brain to hack the art of storytelling28:45 Make people pay attention with this tip30:00 Putting together the perfect story about the power of branding for skeptics45:46 What relatable conflict actually looks like48:39 Use prepared stories, but always connect them to the audience51:15 How to structure the perfect story on the fly54:36 Don't rely on just one epic story, and beware of this common mistake1:00:06 Disco balls, fun metaphors, and visual aids1:02:53 When to tell and when not to tell stories1:04:47 A letter to Karen Eber’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeInstagramGet the book, The Perfect Story.Watch Karen's blockbuster TED Talk.Legendary Quotes:“ What neuroscientists have found is that we do make decisions subconsciously based on our long-term memory of knowledge and experiences, and these emotions and stories connect to that and can help shape people's decision making.” – Karen Eber“ When you hear somebody talking and they're really using interesting language, interesting expressions, the brain pays attention. So, don't be afraid to be unique in what you're saying.” – Karen EberIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Produced by Ideablossoms.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want to go from unknown to unforgettable in 44 simple steps?Check out my Personal Brand Checklist.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Simon Alexander,  a life coach, a bestselling author, speaker, and guide for thousands of people seeking more energy, more clarity, and more impact.They delve into how you can step away from being a minor character in someone else's journey and step into being the hero of the story you actually want to live. The discussion emphasizes that  we don't need to wait for clarity to take action because we gain clarity through  awareness, curiosity, and the willingness to experiment. So, don't wait.Simon provides poignant questions to help you break free from autopilot, get crystal clear on what you want, and stand out on the path you choose. He also shows the importance of caring for our energy levels across all four dimensions – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – instead of just the physical.Episode Breakdown:03:29 A profound message to help get you through challenging times07:26 Why you're stuck in autopilot and how to effectively break free11:41 Self-awareness and redesigning your environment for success13:57 How to become more self-aware (without hitting rock bottom)16:41 The Lehman Brothers collapse: a blessing in disguise 20:36  Find out what you truly want through curiosity27:03 How to stand out amongst the noise30:41 Will you be replaced by the rise of AI?34:13 Collapse the gap between the life you're living and the life you want38:15 The path to abundance: gratitude41:14 An exercise to tap into who you really are and find alignment43:18 What stops us from moving towards the life we know we want45:00 Being afraid of our power and the real challenge of being successful47:53 Happiness and achievement are not one and the same52:14 Three questions to unlock the path to the life you want56:39 What Simon's late mother would say about his chosen path58:25 A letter to Simon Alexander’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramGet the book, Energize.Check out Simon's LinkedIn post from a year ago.Watch Simon's first YouTube video.Catch up with my interview with Will Storr in episode 17 of the podcast.It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Want prospects to become customers and passers-by to become fans?Sign up for Behavior Blueprint, my FREE 7-day email course.In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Dr. Liane Davey, also known as the team doctor. She's the one companies call when teams start breaking down, falling sick, and going off the deep end.They delve into what makes a team work well, why yours might be going sideways, and what you can do to change your team from any seat at the table. The discussion emphasizes that you will only change your team if you're willing to change yourself first.Liane provides some powerful frameworks that will allow you to build solid trust with others, speak truth to power and handle conflict with your boss, understand the types of toxic teams out there and how you can best change them. She also provides tips on how to deal with tension and friction within a team and a question that stops conflict in its tracks.Episode Breakdown:04:38 Liane's badass parents and their influence on her07:37 Finding the courage to be fully Liane in public11:33 The counterintuitive fact that trust and connection come from vulnerability14:44 The magic pairing: vulnerability and accountability16:59 The 4 layers of trust and how you're probably eroding it20:12 Building trust within complex team dynamics22:19 The difference between a team and a community26:19 The concept of Thought Load and how we need to protect ourselves from it29:30 The 6 toxic team archetypes33:22 How you can change your team from any seat at the table36:52 Conflict debt, and Liane's journey with conflict at work40:51 How to handle conflict with your boss and  change the trajectory of your team46:34 Why we suck at working together and the value of getting good at it51:00 Tips for dealing with tension and friction within a team56:51 The truth about stoicism and accountability (they're not what you think)59:31 The question that stops conflict in its tracks1:03:14 A letter to Liane Davey’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInYoutubeXFacebookGet the book, The Good Fight, and You First.Watch Liane's video, How To Handle Conflict With Your Boss (Step by Step).It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: The free newsletter helping thousands of business owners influence human behavior (and look like a legend) using brand psychology.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Produced by Ideablossoms.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.