Problem Solvers

Donald Miller literally wrote the book on brand storytelling: It's called Building A StoryBrand, and it sold 1 million copies. He's just released an updated version. On this podcast, Don explains how to communicate your brand's value in a simple story. After that, I invite a few entrepreneurs to tell him about their brands — and he comes up with stories for them! It'll change the way you think about telling your story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to pitch yourself with confidence? Want to become better at sales, or just selling yourself? You must learn to be shameless. That's the advice from Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of the new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. In this episode, she teaches you how and why to embrace shamelessness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angie Hicks has been the face of Angie’s List (now called Angi) for decades. It’s not a role she wanted, but she knows how important it is — and how to play it perfectly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Want to get your product onto store shelves? Listen to this. Matt Adelmann used to be a buyer at Target, where he was responsible for placing products on shelves. Here are the three mistakes that founders always get wrong about retail — and how you can set yourself up for success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Reggie Fils-Aimé, the former president of Nintendo of America, as he shares insights from his groundbreaking tenure. He reveals the intense debate on whether to bundle Wii Sports with the Wii console, a decision that drastically impacted sales despite initial revenue sacrifices. Reggie explains how strategic marketing and understanding consumer behavior drove the Wii's success. Delve into the concept of innovation through familiarity, and discover how these decisions reshaped the gaming landscape for years to come.

Annie Duke, a former professional poker player and author of "Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away," shares her insights on the often-overlooked virtue of quitting. She argues that letting go of unproductive pursuits can lead to greater success. The discussion highlights psychological factors at play, such as cognitive biases that make quitting feel premature. Duke emphasizes the importance of understanding when to step back, presenting strategic frameworks to aid decision-making in entrepreneurship. It's a refreshing take on success that redefines perseverance.

Holden Forrest, the innovative Founder and CEO of HiberTec Homes, shares the incredible story behind his groundbreaking idea to lower houses underground for wildfire protection. He discusses the journey from sketching his vision on his daughter's math homework to launching a tech company with multiple patents. Holden dives into the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges, securing funding, and the vital role of networking. His passion for creating sustainable housing solutions highlights the intersection of ambition and personal well-being in entrepreneurship.

Jen Kem, author of "Unicorn Team" and founder of Master Brand Institute, specializes in team building and leadership. In this discussion, she reveals the three essential skills—visualization, strategizing, and mobilization—and how to combine them effectively for a powerful team. Kem emphasizes the importance of identifying your own skill type and hiring accordingly. She also introduces nine key roles needed for success, providing practical insights on balancing these roles to enhance productivity and drive innovation.

Sahil Bloom, author of "The 5 Types of Wealth," inspires listeners to redefine their understanding of wealth beyond just money. He emphasizes the significance of time as a vital resource, sharing strategies for effective time allocation and prioritizing what truly matters. Bloom discusses the personal transformations necessary to embrace meaningful success and the importance of self-awareness in achieving it. He also highlights the value of gratitude and the need for setting healthy boundaries, encouraging a more fulfilling life.

This episode features Steve Sims, a renowned business coach celebrated for turning ambitious ideas into reality. He emphasizes the importance of brevity in communication, revealing how founders often complicate messages. Sims discusses his journey from East London to creating extraordinary experiences for elite clients, underscoring the value of directness in building relationships. He also shares tips on crafting compelling bios and pitches, and highlights how impactful questions can forge connections with influential figures.