Stories With Traction

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.

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 talks with Kristen Pucci, Founder and CEO of KRAE Creative & Talent, to explore why most leaders get marketing wrong and how to fix it through brand clarity, human connection, and strategic authenticity.Kristen shares her journey as a creative navigating a family of engineers, how vulnerability became her business superpower, and why documenting is the new marketing.This conversation covers everything from viral content myths to raising resilient daughters, building personal brands with substance, and how female leaders can thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ Why documenting is more powerful than creating content from scratch✅ How leaders can stop chasing trends and start anchoring in authenticity✅ The mindset shifts necessary to succeed in a noisy, AI-driven world…and much more!BIOS:Kristen Pucci is the founder and CEO of KRAE Creative & Talent, a brand strategy and marketing firm that helps organizations create compelling, authentic brands. With a background in psychology and a talent for storytelling, Kristen empowers leaders to lean into their testimony, clarify their message, and build cultures that actually care.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 track record of helping 300+ organizations transform sales, marketing, and culture, Matt helps decision-makers lead with clarity and connection.

SHOW NOTES:In this episode, Matt Zaun sits down with Luke Frazier, Head of Revenue at Good Agency, to explore how powerful storytelling can transform not only business results but also the human experience behind the brand. Luke challenges business leaders to go beyond tactics and marketing hacks, and instead ask: “What impact are we really making?”In addition, they talk about:✅ Why brand clarity is both a strategy and a calling✅ How storytelling builds trust and drives performance✅ The difference between being persuasive vs. performative…and much more!⸻BIOS:Luke Frazier is a seasoned brand strategist, certified StoryBrand Guide, and the Head of Revenue at Good Agency, a Texas-based creative firm helping purpose-driven organizations create cultural impact. With a background in nonprofit leadership and a passion for assisting leaders to find their voice, Luke’s mission is to help brands lead with clarity, connection, and conscience.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 Christopher Brown, co-founder and CEO of Teed & Brown, to unpack what it really takes to grow a thriving service business from the ground up. Christopher shares how a teenage summer job on a golf course shaped his work ethic, how the right partnership fueled early growth, and what it took to scale from a two-man operation to over 135 employees, with plans to double in size.In this conversation, they dive into:✅ The power of pairing street smarts with book smarts✅ Why the best leaders build teams of people better than themselves in specialized roles.✅ The “1 to 10” rule…and much more!BIOS:Christopher Brown is the co-founder and CEO of Teed & Brown, a leading lawn care service company serving Connecticut, New York, and beyond. Since 1995, Teed & Brown has grown from a two-man startup to a regional industry leader recognized for its consistent quality, strategic growth, and a culture that attracts top talent.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 track record of helping 300+ organizations transform sales, marketing, and culture, Matt helps decision-makers lead with clarity and connection.