

Anecdotally Speaking
Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2025 • 10min
267 – Back to What Matters – Howard Schultz
Discover how Howard Schultz revitalized Starbucks during a crisis in 2008 by reminding employees of their purpose. Learn about the major two-hour storewide reset that refocused 140,000 staff on quality and service. Hear how shifting to a people-first approach transformed the company’s mindset. The impact was evident as the share price began to recover, illustrating that purpose can be an intrinsic motivator for employees. Plus, explore storytelling techniques that enhance audience engagement and make anecdotes resonate.

Sep 22, 2025 • 11min
266 – The Right to Wear Pants – Helen Hulick Beebe
In Episode 266, discover how a 1930s courtroom appearance by a woman in pants turned into a lesson in values, justice, and change. In this …
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Sep 15, 2025 • 14min
265 – Thrown to the Sharks – Quentin Tarantino
Discover the rollercoaster ride of creativity as filmmakers share their struggles and resilience in the face of setbacks. Hear how persistence and learning from failures shape careers in the film industry, illustrated by real-life examples from notable actors. Journey along an adventurous expedition with vintage vehicles, highlighting the camaraderie and challenges faced. Unpack the defining moments in storytelling that drive character development and explore the shift from written narratives to the power of oral storytelling.

Sep 8, 2025 • 14min
261 – Gambling on a Curry – Dishoom
Discover how Dishoom gamified dining to become a must-visit destination, offering lessons in creative problem-solving and customer engagement. In Episode 261 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn …
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Sep 1, 2025 • 14min
264 – Finding What Didn’t Exist – Beth Norris
In Episode 264 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a chance act of curiosity led to the groundbreaking discovery of Australian amber, and what it teaches …
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Aug 25, 2025 • 11min
263 – Chasing Payment, Finding Connection
In Episode 263 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a potter turned a late payment request into a meaningful conversation through storytelling. In this episode, Shawn …
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Aug 18, 2025 • 9min
262 – What We Walk Past
A minor train delay in Japan ignites a fascinating discussion about accountability and professional standards. Creative problem-solving takes center stage as the speakers highlight how innovation can grow from ordinary experiences. Everyday storytelling emerges as a powerful tool for inspiring excellence in business. Cultural insights on punctuality and public apologies reveal striking differences between Japan and Sydney, emphasizing the importance of communication in global contexts.

Aug 4, 2025 • 19min
260 – Every Turn is An Olympic Final – Mary Meagher
In Episode 260 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how keystone behaviours transformed Mary T. Meagher into an Olympic legend. In this episode, Shawn shares a story …
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Jul 28, 2025 • 15min
259 – Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara
Discover how vulnerability and connection drove Eleven Madison Park to become the world’s best restaurant. In Episode 259 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares a story …
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Jul 21, 2025 • 16min
258 – A Memorial in Mashed Potato – Maya Lin
Discover how creativity under constraint led to one of the world’s most distinctive memorials. In Episode 258 of Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares the inspiring story …
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