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 Scott Raven, founder of Corvus Solutions, to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can escape the very businesses that are trapping them.Scott opens up about the hidden burnout cycles that plague founders and executives and how he turned his own rock-bottom experience into a blueprint for reclaiming freedom without sacrificing growth. He outlines his six dimensions of professional freedom and explains how companies can create systems that liberate, rather than imprison, their leaders.In addition, they talk about:✅ Why boundaries at work aren’t just necessary; they’re an act of authenticity and leadership✅ How burnout nearly ended Scott’s career and health, and what he learned about flow state, anxiety, and doing work that truly fits✅ Why optimization isn’t always the answer and how designing your business around your natural strengths leads to sustainable success…and much more!BIOS:Scott Raven is the founder of Corvus Solutions. He helps business owners escape the chaos of overcommitment by building systems and strategies that align with their natural flow state. A certified CliftonStrengths coach and former executive who faced severe burnout, Scott now guides leaders through personal and operational transformation so they can experience sustainable freedom and fulfillment in business and life.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps business leaders inspire action and drive results. With a track record of catalyzing growth across 300+ organizations, Matt shows clients how to leverage story to transform sales, marketing, and company culture.

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 Mary Messner, a former healthcare executive turned keynote speaker, to explore how creativity, not just innovation, fuels business momentum.Mary shares how creative thinking helped her rise through the corporate ranks, lead global teams, and eventually launch a thriving speaking business. She unpacks how leaders can unlock creative potential across their organizations and why failing fast might be the most strategic move a company can make.In addition, they talk about: ✅ Why creativity is not arts and crafts and how to reframe it as a business growth tool ✅ The power of “hackathons” in non-tech environments and how they foster surprising breakthroughs ✅ Why creativity should permeate every level of the organization, not just the innovation team…and much more!BIOS:Mary Messner is a former healthcare exec turned keynote speaker who helps teams swap stale routines for sparks of creativity. Her talks feel like a field trip for your brain…fun, unexpected, and full of “why didn’t we think of that?” moments.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps business leaders inspire action and drive results. With a track record of catalyzing growth across 300+ organizations, Matt shows clients how to leverage story to transform sales, marketing, and company culture.

SHOW NOTES:In this powerful episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Kristen Harootunian, mental health advocate and speaker, to explore her journey from addiction and childhood trauma to long-term recovery and national advocacy work.Kristen shares how losing her mother to suicide at age 12 led to years of substance abuse, and how her path to recovery began at just 17. Now, more than a decade sober, she’s committed to helping others find healing through storytelling, vulnerability, and mental health education.In addition, they talk about:✅ Kristen’s advice for parents of struggling teens and why secrecy can be harmful✅ How she helps normalize the idea that healing is nonlinear, lifelong, and filled with nuance✅ The “post-speaking high” many speakers experience, and how she manages it with intentional habits…and much more.BIOSKristen Harootunian is a speaker for Minding Your Mind, a national organization dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health. After beginning her recovery journey at 17, she now shares her story at over 150 events annually, ranging from high schools and colleges to corporate teams and correctional facilities. Kristen is passionate about redefining what recovery looks like and building cultures of empathy, understanding, and support.Matt Zaun is an award-winning speaker and strategic storytelling expert who helps business leaders inspire action and drive results. With a track record of catalyzing growth across 300+ organizations, Matt shows clients how to leverage story to transform sales, marketing, and company culture.

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.Habits of Sales Champions Keynote. In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Ian Koniak, founder and CEO of Untap Your Sales Potential, for a raw and powerful conversation about what it truly takes to succeed in business — and in life — when the spotlight fades.Ian opens up about his journey from being Salesforce’s #1 enterprise account executive to hitting rock bottom in a battle with hidden addictions that nearly destroyed his family. He explains how that wake-up call, confession, and complete surrender reshaped his definition of success and fueled his mission to help other high achievers do the inner work, not just the outer hustle.In addition, they talk about:✅ The hidden dopamine traps that drive high performers to destructive habits.✅ Why many top achievers secretly struggle, and how to break the cycle before you hit rock bottom.✅ How to rewire your brain for sustainable success through a “dopamine detox” and daily disciplines.…and so much more!BIOSIan Koniak is the founder and CEO of Untap Your Sales Potential, where he helps high-performing sellers and sales leaders master their mindset, habits, and selling skills to reach new levels of income and impact, all while preserving what matters most. A former #1 enterprise account executive at Salesforce, Ian’s coaching and speaking have inspired thousands to unlock authentic, sustainable success.Matt Zaun 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 driven significant sales increases for over 300 organizations, ranging from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry. 

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.