Anecdotally Speaking

Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
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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.
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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 … The post 266 – The Right to Wear Pants – Helen Hulick Beebe appeared first on Anecdote.
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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.
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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 … The post 261 – Gambling on a Curry – Dishoom appeared first on Anecdote.
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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 … The post 264 – Finding What Didn’t Exist – Beth Norris appeared first on Anecdote.
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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 … The post 263 – Chasing Payment, Finding Connection appeared first on Anecdote.
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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.
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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 … The post 260 – Every Turn is An Olympic Final – Mary Meagher appeared first on Anecdote.
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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 … The post 259 – Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara appeared first on Anecdote.
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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 … The post 258 – A Memorial in Mashed Potato – Maya Lin appeared first on Anecdote.

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