
Anecdotally Speaking
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 31, 2025 • 20min
243 – Trust Your Spider Senses: Stan Lee
Listen to hear how Stan Lee’s bold decision-making and trust in his instincts turned Spider-Man into a global icon, and what you can learn for …
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Mar 24, 2025 • 13min
242 – Who’s Going to Bell the Cat?
Listen to hear a timeless fable, useful in business situations where great ideas face real-world challenges and execution matters. In Episode 242 of Anecdotally Speaking, …
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Mar 17, 2025 • 20min
241 – Turning Mistakes Into Magic: Miles Davies
In Episode 241 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how a wrong note became a moment of brilliance – and the lesson it holds. Mark shares a …
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11 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 28min
Episode 240 – Everyday Storytelling: The Secret to Better Communication
Dive into the art of everyday storytelling and discover its pivotal role in enhancing communication, especially in business settings. Explore how small, relatable narratives can elevate larger messages, making them more impactful. Hear personal anecdotes, including a comical struggle with catching beachworms, which illustrate the importance of detail in communication. Learn strategies to build your own 'story bank' for effective storytelling and embrace your potential to connect authentically with others through shared experiences.

Mar 3, 2025 • 39min
239 – Patrick Cooley: How Stories Shape Leadership at Mars
In this discussion, Patrick Cooley, a business leader at Royal Canin, shares his journey from military service to the veterinary sector. He highlights storytelling’s vital role in leadership and resilience. Cooley uses personal anecdotes to demonstrate how reframing mistakes can foster a learning culture. He discusses the importance of understanding local contexts before implementing changes, emphasizing communication strategies that resonate within company culture. Listen in for his insights on how structured narratives can transform leadership effectiveness.

6 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
238 – When Incentives Backfire: The Great Hanoi Rat Hunt
Explore how well-intentioned incentives can lead to unexpected outcomes, illustrated by the intriguing story of the great Hanoi rat hunt. Discover the surprising consequences of a program that paid for rat tails, including a bizarre black market for breeding rats. The discussion highlights the psychological challenges of sticking with flawed policies and reflects on historical examples like the campaign against sparrows in China. Humor and creativity emerge as key themes in navigating complex reward systems.

Feb 17, 2025 • 17min
237 – Play Your Own Game: Josh Waitzkin
Unravel the quirky tale of the Eastern koel chick's nesting habits and its ironic upbringing. Follow the emotional journey of a chess prodigy struggling with identity amid coaching influences. Discover the importance of selective advice and cultivating personal style in storytelling. Explore the role of credible guidance in achieving goals while acknowledging the luck factor. Finally, reflect on the balance between passion and performance as players navigate changes in their sports. It's an insightful dive into the nuances of personal growth!

Feb 10, 2025 • 0sec
236 – Ignoring Expertise: The Vasa
Dive into the dramatic tale of the Vasa, a Swedish warship that tragically capsized due to ignored expertise and poor leadership decisions. Learn how its story serves as a cautionary lesson for modern management and engineering. The hosts also explore the power of personal storytelling, revealing how sharing experiences can foster deeper connections. Plus, discover the amusing parallels between catching beach worms and effective storytelling techniques, making for a light-hearted yet insightful discussion.

Feb 3, 2025 • 12min
235 – Price vs Value: Julius Caesar’s Ransom
Discover how Julius Caesar turned his kidnapping into a strategic power move by boldly raising his own ransom. Explore the art of storytelling he employed, showcasing its importance in negotiations and sales. Learn how creating value through narratives can resonate with customers and decision-makers alike. The discussion dives into historical perspectives on self-worth and the necessity of recognizing one's own value to gain respect. These timeless lessons reveal much about effective communication and negotiation tactics.

Jan 27, 2025 • 39min
234 – Paul Luxton: Storytelling and Authenticity in Leadership
In Episode 234 of Anecdotally Speaking, Paul Luxton, Head of Asia for Syngenta, shares insights on leadership, cultural adaptability, and the power of storytelling. Paul …
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