Stories With Traction

Show Notes:In this high-impact episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Tom Schwab, Chief Evangelist Officer & Founder of Interview Valet, to unpack how leaders can use podcast interview marketing to beat obscurity, earn trust at scale, and convert ideal clients, and how to repurpose one 45-minute conversation into a month of authoritative content.In this episode, they cover:✅ Obscurity is the real enemy — Why trusted conversations (not more funnels) drive the best partners, clients, and hires✅ “Crowded space”? Good. — Most shows are inactive; focus on the active, right-fit podcasts your ideal buyers already follow✅ Leader-as-evangelist — Your CEO’s personal audience is ~10× the brand’s; don’t abdicate storytelling—lead it✅ Quality over quantity — Don’t “create crap at scale.” Clarity, stories, and specificity beat generic content every time...and much more!BIOS:Tom Schwab is the Chief Evangelist Officer & Founder of Interview Valet, the category leader in podcast interview marketing. A former naval officer and engineer, Tom built Interview Valet’s US-based, remote team (many are military spouses) on one core belief: "our success is proportional to our systems." His firm places thought leaders on targeted podcasts, optimizes topic strategy for human listeners and AI discovery, and turns interviews into revenue-driving content engines.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps leaders inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using strategic storytelling to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.

SHOW NOTES:In this insightful episode, Matt Zaun talks with Marcy Sagel, CEO & Principal of MSA Interiors, a Baltimore-based commercial interior design firm with over 30 years of experience designing multifamily, student housing, senior living, hospitals, and more.They unpack how Marcy built a downturn-proof business by diversifying revenue streams, locking in budgets early, and adapting her leadership through crisis...including the sudden loss of her hearing during COVID.Marcy shares how the pain of the 2008 recession reshaped her entire approach to business, what today’s developers need most amid rising costs, and how confidence and grit develop across decades of entrepreneurship.In this episode, they cover:✅ Surviving 2008–2011 — how Marcy went three years without paying herself, kept her entire team employed, and rebuilt her firm through diversification.✅ Leading through adversity — Marcy’s story of losing her hearing during COVID and the practical ways she adapted as a business leader.✅ Team longevity & culture — why she invests heavily in great people, profit-sharing, and happiness, and lets go of misaligned hires faster.✅ Confidence for women in leadership — advice for young women learning to find their voice in male-dominated industries: “Speak early, speak often, and get reps through public speaking.”…and much more!BIOS:Marcy Sagel is the CEO & Principal of MSA Interiors, a commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily, student, senior, and healthcare design projects across the U.S. Over three decades, she’s built a reputation for high-impact, budget-disciplined design and resilient business leadership.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps leaders inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using strategic storytelling to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.

SHOW NOTES:In this powerful episode, Matt Zaun talks with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting—an “accounting firm on steroids.” They unpack how fractional CFOs turn messy books into strategic insight, why AI speeds analysis but never replaces human judgment, and how Natalia rebuilt her life (and business) from $7.10/hour to a multi-million-dollar firm.In this episode, they cover:✅ AI in finance (the truth) — great for speed and patterns; still needs humans to classify revenue vs. loans, deposits, and edge cases✅ A trust case study — “400 calls a month” salesperson with zero sales; the numbers exposed fabricated activity✅ Survival tactics when you feel stuck — slash to essentials, stack small wins, and re-engage your mind so you’re not trapped in a negative loop✅ Why founders should sell more often — being in the sales process forces you to listen and shape services people actually want...and much more!BIOS:Natalia Zacharin is the founder & CEO of Zacharin Consulting, a full-service accounting firm with controller-level oversight, dedicated payroll specialists, fractional CFO services, and tax strategy. She and her team help clients improve revenue, profit, and cash clarity to build sellable companies. Zacharin Consulting grew 525% in three years (Inc. 5000) and surpassed $2M in annual revenue with a team of 12+.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps leaders inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using strategic storytelling to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.

SHOW NOTES:In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Stewart Cohen, award-winning director/photographer and CEO of SC Pictures and Superstock, to unpack how brands can use video and imagery to stay on message in a chaotic, multi-channel world. From keeping large organizations aligned with the role of authenticity (and where it can backfire) to practical ways leaders can tell stories people actually want to binge, Stewart shares practical ways leaders can tell stories people actually want to binge.In this episode, they cover:✅ From TV spots to everywhere: how video evolved from 30-second ads to an always-on content engine across divisions✅ Staying on brand at scale: why messages start focused, then get watered down, and how to keep guardrails in place✅ Who owns the vision: the CMO’s real job (and why short tenures sabotage brand consistency)✅ Authenticity that works: “strategic authenticity” vs. oversharing; telling the truth without losing professionalism…and more.BIOS:Stewart Cohen is a director/photographer and founder of SC Pictures, creating brand films and campaigns for leading companies and agencies. He is also the owner of Superstock, a global licensing company with 29M+ photos, videos, illustrations, and fine art. Known for visually rich, human-centered storytelling, Stewart helps brands sustain message discipline while producing content audiences want to watch.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps leaders inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using narrative to build culture, boost sales, and strengthen marketing.

SHOW NOTES:In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Rob Black, Founder & CEO of Fractional CISO, to demystify cybersecurity for growing companies—without the fear-mongering. Rob explains how his team operates as a virtual CISO (security leader) to strengthen programs, enable enterprise sales, and translate “security-speak” into clear business outcomes.Rob shares why security shouldn’t be priority #1 (sales and delivery come first), how to size up the risk when incidents are low-probability but high-impact, and why humor can drive far more adoption than dry policy memos.In this episode, they cover:✅ Prioritization reality: why cybersecurity should be priority 4–5—not 100✅ Humor that converts: skits, wigs, and why fun content outperforms stoic lectures✅ LinkedIn as referral fuel: staying top-of-mind vs. hard selling (and why neighbors all know what Rob does)…and much more.BIOS:Rob Black is the founder of Fractional CISO, where he and his team serve as virtual CISOs for companies. A veteran security leader with an MBA from Kellogg, Rob blends operator pragmatism with clear business storytelling, often using humor to drive adoption of best practices.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps leaders inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using narrative to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.

SHOW NOTES:In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Patricio Misitrano, a racquet-sports strategist and consultant, to unpack the cultural boom of pickleball and the fast-rising padel movement and what it means for players, investors, and operators.Patricio explains why pickleball exploded (hint: everyone is the target market), how short games and easy onboarding supercharge engagement, and what separates thriving facilities from failing ones. Whether you’re a curious player, a gym owner exploring new revenue, or an investor eyeing a space, this episode breaks down the economics, operations, and community dynamics behind modern racquet sports.In addition, they talk about:✅ Why pickleball went mainstream: universal target market, near-zero learning curve, short game loops, and high social proximity✅ Injury reality check: common risks (wrist/ankle/knee), why “deconditioned returners” get hurt, and how risk compares to other sports✅ Coaching & performance: why even elite athletes hire tough coaches and how the right fit accelerates results…and much more.BIOS:Patricio Misitrano is a racquet-sports consultant and club operator with 20+ years across tennis, pickleball, and padel. He advises entrepreneurs and investors on site selection, build-outs, programming, pricing, software, staffing, and launch strategy, and has been involved end-to-end in facility development and operations. Patricio is a former tennis pro, lifelong multi-sport athlete, and marathoner who brings a coach’s mindset and an operator’s rigor to growing this category.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a practical playbook for using strategic storytelling to build culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become a dynamic public speaker.

SHOW NOTES:In this insightful episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Morgan Adams, an insomnia and holistic sleep coach, to break down why so many high achievers are running on fumes and what to do about it.Morgan shares practical tools, mindset shifts, and behavioral strategies for those struggling with sleep maintenance, middle-of-the-night wakeups, and chronic insomnia. Whether you’re a business leader burning the candle at both ends or someone simply trying to reclaim restful sleep, this episode unpacks the science and psychology behind sleep and how to improve it.In addition, they talk about:✅ The trifecta Morgan uses to help clients: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI), behavior shifts, and mindfulness✅ How racing thoughts at 3 a.m. are biologically wired to feel catastrophic (and what to do about them)✅ How “constructive worry” sessions help offload anxiety before bed✅ The danger of social jet lag and how inconsistent wake-up times sabotage your circadian rhythm…and much more.BIOSMorgan Adams is a holistic sleep coach and former insomniac who helps ambitious professionals overcome sleeplessness without the use of sleep aids. She is a Certified Sleep Science Coach, has completed Brief Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (BBTI) certification, and holds a Health Coach Certification. Morgan helps clients rewire their habits and mindset to get the restorative sleep they need.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a book that teaches people how to leverage strategic storytelling to build a vibrant company culture, boost sales, strengthen marketing, and become dynamic public speakers.

5-Day Storytelling ChallengeWhether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.To sign up, go HERE.SHOW NOTES:In this episode of Stories With Traction, Matt Zaun sits down with Daniel McMahon, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrated Growth Advisors, to discuss how leaders can transition into purpose-driven, sustainable roles beyond their primary career without losing their identity or impact.With over 30 years of experience as a CPA, strategist, and business advisor, Dan shares hard-earned wisdom on critical thinking, leadership, and what truly prepares founders for the next chapter of their lives after building a successful company.He also shares how doing stand-up comedy has made him a stronger communicator and why that matters now more than ever in an AI-driven world.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ Comedy as a Communication Tool: Why Dan performs stand-up to sharpen business skills and model risk-taking✅ Improv for Executives: How improv and humor unlock better listening, confidence, and connection✅ Leading by Example: Why integrity means doing what you ask others to do—even if it terrifies you✅ The Real Retirement Crisis: What happens when identity is tied too tightly to career success…and much more!GUEST BIO:Daniel McMahon is the Founder and Managing Partner of Integrated Growth Advisors. With 30+ years of experience as a CPA and trusted business advisor, Dan helps founders and executives get unstuck, scale sustainably, and prepare for meaningful transitions (both in business and in life). He’s also an improv-trained stand-up comedian who believes leadership gets better when you’re willing to laugh at yourself.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a book that teaches people how to utilize strategic storytelling to create a vibrant company culture, boost sales, enhance marketing, and become dynamic public speakers.

5-Day Storytelling ChallengeWhether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.To sign up, go HERE.SHOW NOTESIn this episode of Stories With Traction, Matt Zaun sits down with Gary Braun, Founder and Owner of Pivotal Advisors, to break down what most companies get wrong about sales and how to build a repeatable system that actually works.He also unpacks the biggest myth in sales: “If I just hire a great rep, we’ll grow.Spoiler: Great reps without process = chaos.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ The #1 reason most companies plateau: no repeatable system✅ “The Rep That Leaves a Wake” and the leadership mistake that enables them✅ Why AI won’t replace reps, but it will supercharge the ones who embrace itBIOGary Braun is the Founder and Owner of Pivotal Advisors, a company that helps CEOs and leadership teams build rock-solid sales infrastructure. With deep expertise in sales strategy, leadership development, and performance systems, Gary has worked with hundreds of companies to fix flatlining sales, coach struggling leaders, and build scalable growth engines.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story. He’s the author of The StoryBank, a book that teaches people how to utilize strategic storytelling to create a vibrant company culture, boost sales, enhance marketing, and become dynamic public speakers.

5-Day Storytelling ChallengeWhether you're looking to boost sales, enhance marketing, or captivate audiences in meetings, this challenge is for you.To sign up, go HERE.SHOW NOTES:In this episode of Stories With Traction, Matt Zaun sits down with business strategist and growth expert, Jessica Yarbrough, to discuss how high-achieving professionals (especially those from the C-suite) can escape hustle culture and build scalable, sustainable, and wildly profitable consulting businesses.Jessica shares her journey from building startups and consulting in her 20s to helping seasoned executives command six-figure engagements today. She unpacks the inner game of imposter syndrome, the outer game of scalable systems, and why authenticity will always beat automation.In This Episode, You'll Learn:✅ The "Bleeding Wound" Test: Why your offer must solve urgent, high-stakes problems if you want to scale✅ Why AI Can't Replace Human Coaches: And how to use it as a time-leveraging tool, not a crutch✅ Storytelling That Connects: How to document pain, process it, and share it with impact …and much more!BIOS:Jessica Yarbrough is a sought-after business strategist for established coaches and consultants who are ready to command premium fees, scale with integrity, and build a business that fuels both income and fulfillment. She has worked with former Fortune 100 executives and leaders across various industries to package their expertise into high-value offers and thought leadership platforms.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who shows leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of story, with a proven track record of helping over 300 organizations transform sales and marketing.He is also the author of The StoryBank. This practical guide equips business leaders with tools to create vibrant company cultures and become dynamic public speakers through the art of storytelling.