The Legend Effect (Influence, Brand, Communication)

In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan is going solo. In a new series of short episodes - Solo Sesh (sessions), he is bringing the best strategies and ideas from scientific studies and the legends among us so you can live your version of legendary.He delves into how to craft a clear and compelling value proposition that sets you apart and attracts the right opportunities and people. The discussion emphasizes the importance of standing out instead of blending in. Howie walks you through the story of someone who struggled with creating a good value proposition, why having a value proposition matters so much, and a simple three-step framework to help you define yours.Episode Breakdown:02:11 Sarah’s struggles with defining her value proposition03:02 Why your emotions and your why matter for your value proposition05:47 Step 1 to find your value proposition:  Who do you help?06:37 Step 2 to find your value proposition: What problem do you solve?07:28 Step 3 to find your value proposition:  Why does it ignite you?08:42 Putting it all together into your unique value proposition09:10 Now it’s your turn!From Me:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram Want 75 hacks to become more charismatic?Get your FREE copy of my Charisma Tactical Toolkit.Legendary Quotes:“ If you can't explain what makes you unique in one sentence, you're losing clients. You're losing money!” – Howie Chan“ A value proposition isn't just some business jargon. To put it another way, it is your declaration of purpose. It helps people understand why you're here, what makes you different, and stops someone and [has] them think, ‘Hmm, do I need that?’” – Howie Chan“In today's crowded market, being generic is the fastest way to be ignored, but also being lengthy is the easiest way to confuse people.” – Howie ChanIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind-the-scenes content in under 5 min.📩 Try the Legend Letters Newsletter.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Henna Pryor, a Workplace Performance Expert, a 2x TEDx speaker, a regular expert columnist for Inc. Magazine, and a best-selling author. If you're looking to improve your speaking skills, listen up! Howie and Henna delve into what embracing awkwardness really entails, the  skills now being lost in the modern era that we need to recreate in the workplace, and what it looks like to make big career pivots.The discussion emphasizes how feeling awkward is not something to fix but something that can actually improve your speaking skills and be your biggest asset for professional and personal growth. Henna provides tips and insights into how to successfully navigate awkward moments and situations, build deeper connections, get better at selling, and become more confident.Episode Breakdown:02:21 The Helen story: navigating extreme awkwardness at work for the first time08:25 A real-life awkward moment11:10 Taking aligned action over avoiding discomfort14:53 How to get good at navigating awkward moments21:09 Practical tips to help you face awkward situations25:38 The cultural shift toward being less perfect30:12 The decision to leave an explosive 14-year career in staffing33:54 An exercise for high achievers to overcome the fear of career change35:41 Telling Henna’s South Asian parents about her career pivots36:54 The blessing of starting from scratch during the Pandemic38:25 How difficult it was for Henna to pivot throughout her career40:31 A hard-earned but transformational lesson42:08 A tactical sales hack45:02 How awkwardness became Henna’s banner47:32 The value of placing a small bet51:13 Awkward conversations are what will help heal humanity53:50 A letter to Henna’s younger self55:28 Henna’s current definition of successFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn YoutubeFacebook Instagram Get the book, Good Awkward.Watch Henna’s 2 TEDxTalks Want to get ahead at work? Risk the awkward moments and The new way to brag in the modern world - and feel good doing it.Want 75 hacks to become more charismatic?Get your FREE copy of my Charisma Tactical Toolkit.Join Legend Letters: the ultimate guide for corporate dropouts turned business owners.. Each week I share a heartset, mindset, and skillset to grow your business, your brand, and your life.📩 Try the Legend Letters Newsletter.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Blake Eastman, former professional poker player and the founder of the Nonverbal Group,  a behavioral research and education company teaching people to better communicate and thrive in social interactions.They delve into Blake’s journey to becoming the human behavior and communications expert he is, effective communication skills, the hard-earned lessons he got when his father was diagnosed with ALS, behind the scenes stories, and, of course, poker.The discussion emphasizes the complexity and subjectivity of communication and how any transformation must start from within. Blake provides tips that will help you communicate like the legend that you are right away, insights into the world of professional poker, and unveils the truth behind the lies we’re told about how human behavior.Episode Breakdown:02:18 The truth behind the scenes of Slate’s viral article on Blake04:22 Blake’s intense teaching schedule05:20 A quick rise and journey of mistakes and lessons07:14 Being an expert and an impostor09:06 Becoming an adjunct professor at CUNY12:24 Why a JD MBA and academia just wasn’t for Blake16:54 The questions Blake is trying to answer 17:46 Always having a plan (even when it’s the wrong one)20:22 How his family and early years influenced his path  24:01 Navigating the serious challenge of a parent with ALS27:31 Hard-earned lessons30:03 The truth behind statistics and blank statements about human behavior 33:05 How Blake approaches research as an entrepreneur39:54 Tips to help you communicate more effectively today41:27 The Flaw Finder 500043:43 Biggest barriers to truly transforming your social skills45:01 Why people are committing to a full year of transformation48:09 Insights into the world of poker52:24 Tips to win a home poker game54:18 The role of poker in Blake’s life56:36 When Blake  placed 4th at a WSOP Main Event1:01:33 The funny story behind Blake’s run-in with the IRS1:04:33 Finding  the magic and beauty of what makes people effective1:07:00 A letter to Blake’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn Youtube XFacebook Instagram Sign up for The Behavioralist Newsletter by Blake.Check out the Slate article Howie mentions.Charisma is a Skill:Get your FREE copy of the Charisma Tactical Toolkit.Legendary Quotes:“ You can choose how you experience the world every second. I can't move my arms, but I'm so grateful for my legs. I can't walk unassisted, but I'm so grateful I can still walk.” – Blake Eastman“ "Most people don’t add enough context when they communicate. You can hedge so many simple things by just telling people what’s going on.".” – Blake Eastman“ I never tell people how to act. I just make sure that their behavior is in alignment with how they want to be perceived.” – Blake Eastman“ We're meaning making machines and it's our greatest gift and it's our greatest curse at the same time.” – Blake EastmanIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: the ultimate guide for corporate dropouts turned business owners.. Each week I share a heartset, mindset, and skillset to grow your business, your brand, and your life.📩 Try the Legend Letters Newsletter.Follow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!

In this episode of the Legend Effect Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews David Robson, one of the most prolific science writers out there, with thousands of articles and three bestsellers. They delve into strategies backed by scientific research to help you better manage your mental health and build stronger relationships.The discussion emphasizes how your mindset can transform your life. David provides tools that will help you leverage stress, curb self-doubt, and quickly form deeper connections. He also shares his most impactful psychological effect after over 10 years of research.Episode Breakdown:02:27 David’s drive and intellectual curiosity 04:10 Combining mathematics and science with literature and writing07:00 Self-fulfilling prophecies and the power of mindset10:06 The importance of reappraising stress16:28 2 things that will help you better manage your mental health 19:10 Teaching kids valuable tools for their mental health22:04 The liking gap in social interactions and how to overcome it26:20 How to form better connections through the virtual world28:09 One thing you should do RIGHT NOW if you work by yourself 31:19 The phenomenon of self-expansion in meaningful relationships33:23 The power of self-disclosure and vulnerability38:27 The fast friendship procedure43:28 Overcoming the fear of being vulnerable46:46 Using narrative to live better and form stronger connections48:46 The tool David uses to get through difficult times51:09 David’s mission52:51 How David is starting to do scientific research himself54:48 The one technique that will transform your life58:48 A letter to David’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn XInstagram Get David’s books here.Read my article about David’s book The Expectation Effect.Get my FREE Mindset Mastery Course.Legendary Quotes:“ I think it also comes back to the Expectation Effect in a way that the stories we tell ourselves about the things that we're facing can become self-fulfilling prophecies. So, we always should recognize that fact that we are heroes of our own stories, and we can try to make the most of that.” - David Robson“Life is going to have these downswings, but it's what defines your path in life is actually how you respond to that and whether you can find a way to bolster your resources, even if that is asking for support.” - David Robson“ It's really learning just to question your basic assumptions and to realize that just because you think or feel something does not mean that it is necessarily the way that other people would interpret the situation or that there's an objective proof to that.” - David RobsonIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to go from unknown to unforgettable. One actionable lesson each week to establish authority, build attraction, and grow in influence.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Ash Rathod,  a storyteller, founder, and LinkedIn instructor of his 6P storytelling framework. They delve into how stories helped Ash emerge from the darkness and build the strongest relationships with his audience.The discussion emphasizes the power of storytelling and vulnerability for people building their brand, influence, and business. Ash provides a storytelling framework and tips to help anyone create memorable and engaging stories that change hearts and minds, and he reflects on the lessons he learned from his real-life hero.Episode Breakdown:02:52 Ash’s true hero, his father09:39 When Ash’s father passed away13:13 The onset of vitiligo17:01 Facing negative situations and racism21:20 The LinkedIn post that changed it all26:24 The importance of sharing our small stories29:33 The #1 barrier to storytelling31:56 The core KEY elements of storytelling33:52 Ash’s 6P Storytelling Framework37:41 Write hot, edit cold38:49 How to make your story memorable and engaging42:48 From scriptwriting to storytelling47:56 Ash’s love for creating something new50:05 Ash’s transformation post-vitiligo53:41 Two letters to Ash’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedInInstagram The LinkedIn post that kicked off Ash’s journey.Learn more about Ash’s 6P framework in his LinkedIn course, Storytelling and Content Creation to Transform Your Personal Brand. Legendary Quotes:“ The difference between a hero and a villain is how they react to adversity, because both of them face the same issues and problems. But the hero wants to make sure that people don't feel that again, and then the villain says, ‘I want everybody to feel the same way.’” – Howie Chan“ It's emotionally draining trying to keep up with what you think others think of you.Be yourself and be kind to yourself. You're good enough, and others know this too. Once you embrace this, I promise you will be the best version of yourself.” - Ash Rathod“People want to know the real you. Of course, they want you to help them in terms of what they need from you and why they turn to you because of your expert opinion, your specialty, or your experience. But if they're not going to align with you in terms of values or they don't like you for whatever reason, they might just choose someone else that can also do that job as well.” - Ash RathodIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters: the ultimate guide for corporate dropouts turned business owners.. Each week I share a heartset, mindset, and skillset to grow your business, your brand, and your life.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Legend Effect, host Howie Chan interviews Harvey Lee, Top 10 PMM Consultant & #1 LinkedIn PMM Creator, and a legend in both the rock and roll and gaming industries. They delve into Harvey’s stories from his time in the music industry, including when he became the impromptu bassist for the band he was touring with, how he made his way to the video game industry, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.The discussion emphasizes the power of passion, authenticity, giving it your all, and taking action. Harvey provides insight into how he was able to face great challenges where failure was not an option and shares lessons that will help you navigate your career reinvention and tough times.Episode Breakdown:02:30 How Harvey became known as the money10:21 Harvey’s passion for music and his early realizations12:36 From the roadie life to the business career life15:06 Starting early and learning the hard way and the quick way17:59 Making things happen for a career in music22:01 Harvey’s parents’ role in his journey25:14 Finding your talent through your passion27:21 Thrown into the rock and roll stage32:01 Treating people as you find them33:25 What it all comes down to with how you present yourself35:49 The transition from the music industry to the video games industry41:09 How Harvey faces challenges where failure is not an option44:08 Proving the naysayers and bullies wrong46:03 The fear of failure paradox47:48 3 life lessons to help you navigate tough times56:11 How to know when to quit1:00:47 The hardest decision Harvey ever made1:06:55 A letter to Harvey’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn InstagramTikTok Get the book for FREE, Backstage Pass.Legendary Quotes:“I gained my nickname, and that part was all fun. However, making a name for yourself in life and business is important. It can open doors and help make things happen. You need to be remembered for all the right reasons.” – Harvey Lee“In life and in business, sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is just getting thrown in. Just thrown in. These are the moments that you forge your reputation with your crew, with your audience, with your community, with the people that you work with.” – Harvey Lee“Your marker for the future, your story of the future, hasn't yet been written, and only you can write it. So, whatever is happening with you today, you're only in the moment now. When you wake up tomorrow, you have a blank piece of paper.  The question is, What are you going to do with it?”It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to go from unknown to unforgettable. One actionable lesson each week to establish authority, build attraction, and grow in influence.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Legend Effect, host Howie Chan interviews Loren Greiff, an Executive Career Strategist who is ending career victimization by elevating, accelerating, and celebrating one executive at a time. They delve into the ugly realities of the recruiting and job searching world and what Loren is doing to hack the system to get her clients in the position they want in 4 to 7 months—and earning 40% to 70% more.The discussion emphasizes the importance of unconventional job search strategies in an increasingly complex world. Loren shares powerful career-fueling strategies that can help you nail high-stakes interviews, be prepared before joining the company, and beat ageism to get your dream position.Episode Breakdown:03:28 When Loren quit the job she worked her whole life to get07:35 The CTJ moment for Loren09:52 The journey to create PortfolioRocket13:49 It isn’t just about climbing the ladder18:59 Navigating inevitable turnover and complexity21:12 Unconventional job search strategies24:31 How Loren deals with reluctant executives26:34 A simple exercise to unearth your why28:05 Reach more people with fewer words and less time29:57 3 strategies to nail high-stakes interviews34:35 One test you should do before joining a company37:59 How to make your age just a number39:48 Old (bad) habits around job boards and recruiters42:22 Personal resilience and reinvention48:21 Loren’s experience with a Vipassana course50:15 How Loren made cancer fun53:47 Every breakdown is a breakthrough55:58 A letter to Loren’s younger selfFrom Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn Youtube PodcastFacebook Instagram Get the book by Jen Sincero You Are a Badass®.Legendary Quotes:“There's this phenomenon called sheltering, right? People staying in jobs that they know that they're misaligned to. They know that there's a feeling that somehow, whether it's the values of the company or they're not being challenged or their compensation is compromised, they stay. And I can understand why. Because it's safe.” – Loren Greiff“Networking isn't broken. Maybe your approach needs some help. These things are all part of a larger effort, not a one-and-done.” – Loren GreiffIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind the scenes content in under 5 min.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Sam Browne, a former rockstar turned LinkedIn master, shares his riveting journey from music to entrepreneurship. He reflects on his Nashville adventures and the bittersweet end of his band. Sam emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity in personal branding and offers actionable strategies for success on LinkedIn. He discusses the power of storytelling, the importance of passion in your pursuits, and how to stand out in a crowded digital space. Plus, he encourages listeners to embrace intentional living and self-acceptance as they navigate their own paths.

In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Michael Margolis, CEO of Storied, Inc, a Silicon Valley storyteller, best-selling author and innovation expert. He’s a go-to advisor for top executives at Google, Meta, Salesforce, Uber, and NASA. His narrative frameworks are regularly used by those who want to master influence at scale – whether you need to get investment, buy-in, or alignment. Michael shares his journey as a misfit and disruptor. The discussion emphasizes why storytelling matters so much in this attention economy, especially with generative AI. They delve into the philosophy behind storytelling and what it can do for humanity, how to survive in this new world of work, and go the very practical route with a framework for leaders to influence at scale.Episode Breakdown:02:43 The 4 waves of storytelling07:39 The biggest challenge as you scale and grow a company09:20 What is the role of technology and AI in our lives?13:44 From lonely and awkward to working with big tech17:31 Michael’s first career as a social entrepreneur24:06 The gift and the curse of our time26:37 People don’t buy the product, they buy the story30:16 The greatest fundamental power that human beings have31:55 The SFB Narrative Framework for leaders39:28 Niching down in this attention economy43:21 The 3 currencies for how to survive in the new world of work 49:41 Michael’s 500 days around the world56:13 The long walk home1:04:49 A letter to Michael’s younger selfResources Mentioned:Cartoons of the big tech companies org charts.From Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn Youtube XFacebook Instagram Get instant access to the book for free, Story 10x.Legendary Quotes:“What people don't realize is that whatever story you choose to tell is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Storytelling is like fortune telling. So choose wisely.” – Michael Margolis“My thesis with generative AI is that learning how to take control, take charge of the story is the #1 most deterministic choice and or skill that will define the next 5, 10, 20, 30 years of your life and career. It's the master skill that you have to learn. Literally, words are the new code now.” – Michael MargolisIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind the scenes content in under 5 min.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of The Legend Effect, host Howie Chan talks with Scott Walker, a veteran kidnap-for-ransom negotiator with over 300 cases under his belt. Scott has used decades of experience to develop a unique understanding of what makes people think, feel, and act—specifically in times of adversity, conflict, and uncertainty. In this conversation, Scott shares insights from his career in high-stakes negotiations. They discuss how some negotiation skills translate to everyday scenarios like business negotiations and family interactions. Scott also recounts his personal journey from a police officer in Scotland Yard to a crisis management consultant, and how a tragic family event reshaped his life's purpose and meaning.Episode Breakdown:01:16 Meet Scott Walker: The Negotiation Expert04:56 From Scotland Yard Detective to Renowned Negotiator14:47 The First Step Towards a Decision That Will Change Your Life18:48 The Biggest Lesson Scott Learned in His First Kidnapping Case24:09 The #1 Skill of Successful Negotiations31:08 The REAL Challenge of Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiations34:17 Embracing Conflict to Win Negotiations35:56 Managing Emotional Triggers: Try THIS Next Time You Feel Riled Up40:39 How This Personal Tragedy Changed Scott’s Perspective and Career Path45:12 How Can We Have Better Conversations? And Why Does It Matter?47:20 Finding Purpose and Excitement in a New Career Path50:05 Business Negotiations: Scott’s Thoughts and Insights1:02:19 Kidnap Negotiations That Went SouthResources Mentioned:Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art.From Our Guest:WebsiteLinkedIn Instagram Get the book, Order out of Chaos.Sign up for Scott’s newsletter, Negotiations Essentials. Legendary Quotes:“Anyone and everyone can be taught how to negotiate and how to communicate more effectively. It's a teachable skill. But it's also a perishable skill.” – Scott Walker“You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Howie Chan“The golden rule of successful negotiation is: It's not about you.” – Scott WalkerIt’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind the scenes content in under 5 min.📩 Try the Legend Letters NewsletterFollow, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.