Stories With Traction

SHOW NOTES:In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Sel Watts, founder of Wattsnext PX, to discuss the essential role of culture in business growth. Sel challenges the common perception that culture is just a "fluffy" HR concept, arguing instead that it is a strategic business driver that directly impacts productivity, retention, and company valuation.In addition, they talk about:✅ The Dreamcatcher strategy: Understanding what truly matters to employees beyond salary.✅ Why businesses should consider past employees as "alumni" and how positive exits impact long-term reputation.✅ Sel’s "No Plan B" mantra (literally tattooed on her arm) and why she believes having a backup plan prevents full commitment.…and much more!BIOS:Sel Watts is the founder of wattsnext Group, the founder and CEO of wattsnext PX, and the NYC Chapter President of EO.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who shows business leaders how to inspire action and drive results through the power of strategic storytelling. With a track record of catalyzing significant sales growth for over 300 organizations across industries—from financial services to health and wellness—Matt’s approach has been proven to deliver measurable impact.

SUMMARY: In this episode, we "flip the script." Instead of Matt Zaun interviewing someone on the Stories With Traction Podcast, he was interviewed on the Executive Hustle Podcast with Kirsten Yurich.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.KIRSTEN YURCH BIO: Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high-performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business.

SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: This is part of an FAQ series where Michelle Griffin and Matt Zaun discuss personal branding and strategic storytelling.MICHELLE GRIFFIN: Michelle coaches on authority-focused personal branding to help professionals step out and be seen as leaders in their space.MATT ZAUN: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.

SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: This is part of an FAQ series where Michelle Griffin and Matt Zaun discuss personal branding and strategic storytelling.MICHELLE GRIFFIN: Michelle coaches on authority-focused personal branding to help professionals step out and be seen as leaders in their space.MATT ZAUN: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.

SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: From overcoming personal struggles as a teen mom to leading a successful business, Tami Cole has built a career defined by resilience, determination, and leadership.In this episode, Tami shares her inspiring journey from adversity to entrepreneurship, offering powerful lessons on:✅ Navigating the challenges of single motherhood while building a career✅ Transitioning from IT consulting to business ownership with docstrats✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome and leading with authenticity✅ Balancing high achievement with steady consistency✅ The power of vulnerability, transparency, and self-leadershipTami’s story is a testament to grit, growth, and the courage to take risks. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with real-world insights you can apply to your own journey.TAMI COLE: Tami is the President and CEO of docstrats.MATT ZAUN: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.

SHOW NOTES:SERIES: This episode is part of a series on Stories From the Top with Matthew Scura from Edge of Cinema.EPISODE #1 | From Struggling to Success in Storytelling EPISODE #2 | Why Storytelling Works EPISODE #3 SUMMARY: In this episode, Matthew Scura and Matt Zaun talk about how you can be a great public speaker. MATTHEW SCURA: Matthew is the CEO & Co-Founder of Edge of Cinema.EDGE OF CINEMA: Founded in 2009, Edge of Cinema is a leading video production and digital marketing agency in the Greater Philadelphia Area. They specialize in corporate, commercial, documentary, and live event video productions, digital ad campaigns, and online marketing.MATT ZAUN: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact. 

SHOW NOTES:SERIES: This episode is part of a series on Stories From the Top with Matthew Scura from Edge of Cinema.EPISODE #1 EPISODE #2 SUMMARY: In this episode, Matthew Scura and Matt Zaun discuss why storytelling works. MATTHEW SCURA: Matthew is the CEO & Co-Founder of Edge of Cinema.EDGE OF CINEMA: Founded in 2009, Edge of Cinema is a leading video production and digital marketing agency in the Greater Philadelphia Area. They specialize in corporate, commercial, documentary, and live event video productions, digital ad campaigns, and online marketing.MATT ZAUN: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact. 

SHOW NOTES:SERIES: This episode is part of a series on Stories From the Top with Matthew Scura from Edge of Cinema.SUMMARY: In this episode, Matthew Scura and Matt Zaun discuss how you can go from struggling to success in storytelling.VIDEO MENTIONED IN THE INTROMATTHEW SCURA: Matthew is the CEO & Co-Founder of Edge of Cinema.EDGE OF CINEMA: Founded in 2009, Edge of Cinema is a leading video production and digital marketing agency in the Greater Philadelphia Area. They specialize in corporate, commercial, documentary, and live event video productions, digital ad campaigns, and online marketing.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact. 

SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Chris Schalleur and Matt Zaun discuss a powerful struggle/victory story and what companies can do to protect themselves regarding cyber security.CHRIS SCHALLEUR: Chris is the CEO of Christo IT Services.CHRISTO IT SERVICES: Founded in 1999 to provide the type of professional IT support larger companies enjoy to small businesses in the Philadelphia region, Christo IT is your partner committed to providing every client with best-in-class technology solutions and exceptional support.Some of their services include:➔ Cybersecurity and Virus Protection➔ Desktop/Server and Hardware Support➔ Backup and Recovery Planning➔ Windows, Mac, and Linux Expertise➔ Consulting & Project Management Services➔ Cloud & Hosted Solutions➔ Phone/VoIPFor more info, check out Christo IT Services HERE.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry. Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact. For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE. 

SUMMARY: In this episode, Julia Soplop and Matt Zaun discuss Julia’s book, Information Crisis.JULIA SOPLOP  BIO: Julia is an award-winning author of four books: Information Crisis: How a Better Understanding of Science Can Help Us Face the Greatest Problems of Our Time, Equus Rising: How the Horse Shaped U.S. History, Documenting Your World Through Photography, and Untangling the Self-Publishing Process.For more info on Julia:WebsiteThe bookLinkedInMATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.