Stories With Traction

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, Matt Zaun sits down with Joshua B. Lee, Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of Standout Authority, to unpack what it truly means to be human in the age of AI. Joshua shares his powerful journey from burnout and breakdown to building a business that thrives on authenticity. He challenges the noise of algorithm-chasing content and reminds us why connection always beats clicks.In addition, they talk about:✅ The importance of humanizing your brand✅ What most people get wrong about “thought leadership”✅ How to use LinkedIn as a conversation platform, not a content dumping ground…and much more!👤 BIOS:Joshua B. Lee (aka the “Dopamine Dealer of LinkedIn”) has over two decades of experience in digital marketing. He has built 16 businesses, managed nearly a billion dollars in ad spend, and has driven over 35 trillion online impressions. 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, Matt’s approach blends performance, persuasion, and purpose.

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, Matt Zaun sits down with Lisa Dy, a mindset coach and public speaking advocate, to explore how leaders can create meaningful change by mastering communication, embracing vulnerability, and developing confidence from the inside out. With over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, Lisa now helps individuals and teams break through limiting beliefs, sharpen their leadership presence, and communicate more effectively.In addition, they talk about: ✅ Why vulnerability is the hidden catalyst for building strong, high-performing teams. ✅ How Toastmasters helped Lisa go from painfully shy to speaking in front of thousands. ✅ Why public speaking skills are more important than ever in the age of AI.BIOS:Lisa Dy, CPA, MBA, is a mindset coach who helps individuals and teams create lasting change by addressing the root causes of their challenges. She leverages her 25+ years of experience in multiple business settings to guide her clients in overcoming limiting beliefs and developing the confidence, communication skills, and leadership presence necessary to excel. 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.

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, Matt Zaun sits down with Steve Schmidt, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Owner of Magnetic, as well as Co-Owner and Creative Lead at Spotlight Sioux Falls, to explore how creative content and radical authenticity shape modern business success. From building a $5M company in one year to facing rock bottom and rebuilding both his life and career, Steve offers a brutally honest look at what it really takes to lead and why vulnerability might just be the ultimate business superpower.In addition, they talk about:✅ Rhythm, consistency, and predictability: business lessons from the drummer’s seat✅ Steve’s powerful sobriety journey and how it reshaped his leadership approach✅ How to creatively break through content saturation (with actual examples)✅ The role of emotional regulation and why sometimes the smartest move is just to walk away…and much more!BIOS:Steven Schmidt is the Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Owner of Magnetic, a creative content agency helping companies craft compelling media strategies that scale. He’s also the Co-Owner and Creative Oversight at Spotlight Sioux Falls, a rapidly growing local media platform. A former touring musician, seasoned entrepreneur, and advocate for mental health and sobriety, Steve brings a unique blend of grit, creativity, and real-world leadership to every conversation.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.

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, Matt Zaun sits down with Cody Hand, founder of Speakers Collaborative, to discuss what it really takes to become a dynamic speaker in the age of AI and short attention spans. Cody breaks down the myth that effective speaking is about memorization and instead reveals why authenticity, presence, and intentionality on stage matter more now than ever.In addition, they talk about:✅ How to structure a powerful “hook” that grabs your audience from the start✅ The biggest mistake leaders make when emulating TEDx-style speeches✅ Why soundbites matter more than ever in today’s scroll-happy world… and much more!BIOS:Cody Hand is the founder of Speakers Collaborative, a cohort-based coaching experience for seasoned professionals who want to master the stage. Drawing on a background in law, politics, education, and performance, Cody helps speakers distill their unique stories, develop powerful stage presence, and walk away with compelling content to fuel their thought leadership.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.

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, Matt Zaun sits down with Dave Snell, founder of Snell Advisory Group, to unpack the critical (and often ignored) role of cybersecurity in business today. Dave explains why cybersecurity is not just a tech issue; it’s a leadership issue. From Fortune 100 firms to small startups, he shares real stories of oversight, breaches, and deception that cost companies far more than they anticipated.In addition, they talk about:✅ Why most executives underestimate their company’s cyber risk✅ The danger of using ChatGPT to “write a security policy” without a real strategy✅ How Dave’s Navy cryptology background shaped his career… and much more!BIOS:Dave Snell is the founder and principal consultant of Snell Advisory Group, where he helps companies of all sizes protect their most valuable asset: information. With a 20-year background in cryptology and cybersecurity from the Navy, and experience supporting both Fortune 100 companies and startups, Dave brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise to the world of cyber defense.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.

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 David Nast, CEO of Nast Partners, to explore how creativity, storytelling, and grit have shaped his life from the stage as a rock musician to the boardroom as a business coach.David shares how writing fiction every morning has not only improved his mental clarity but also increased his business performance. With 21 novels written and three CEO roles under his belt, David unpacks the lessons he’s learned from building multiple Vistage groups and transitioning away from high-pressure industries into more purpose-driven work.In this episode, they dive into:✅ Why creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s a leadership tool✅ How daily writing (even fiction!) can lead to a 39% increase in productivity✅ Why starting with “mood” makes you a better storyteller, songwriter, and coach…and much more!BIOS:David B. Nast is the CEO and Managing Partner of Nast Partners. He’s a three-time CEO, an award-winning business coach, and a Vistage Chair. David combines behavioral science, AI, and leadership coaching to help organizations eliminate bias in decision-making and build healthier, more productive teams. Outside of business, he’s a novelist, a former rock musician, and a lifelong Prince fan.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.

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:SUMMARY: In this episode, Scott Mason and Matt Zaun talk about storytelling and the myths that we tell ourselves. SCOTT MASON: Scott is a transformational coach for attorneys, a keynote speaker, and the host of Myths, Leadership, & Life.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. 

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, Matt Zaun sits down with David Frederiksen, Petra Coach and founder of PatientFocus, to discuss the often-overlooked struggles business leaders face when transitioning from doing the work to leading the team. David shares lessons from launching a company that changed how healthcare organizations collect payments—and how humility, systems thinking, and a mindset shift helped him scale both his impact and influence.In addition, they explore:✅ Why strategic systems scale a business✅ What most leaders get wrong about delegating ✅ How to turn humbling moments into powerful growth catalysts…and much more!BIOS:David Frederiksen is a Petra Coach based in Nashville and the founder of PatientFocus, where he served as CEO from 2008–2023. He now works with teams across the U.S. to align strategy, execution, and leadership for real growth.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.

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:SERIES: This episode is part of a Launch, Grow, Thrive series with John Wilson on the Stories With Traction podcast. SUMMARY: In this episode, John Wilson and Matt Zaun discuss why many successful business leaders face an identity crisis. EPISODE MENTIONED | Always Fall Forward with Jacob Brown DR. JOHN WILSON: John is an entrepreneur, a professor at Drexel University, and the Host of EntreProfessor.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. 

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:SERIES: This episode is part of a Launch, Grow, Thrive series with John Wilson on the Stories With Traction podcast. SUMMARY: In this episode, John Wilson and Matt Zaun discuss why hiring the right COO is paramount to the growth phase of your business. DR. JOHN WILSON: John is an entrepreneur, a professor at Drexel University, and the Host of EntreProfessor.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.