

Stories With Traction
Matt Zaun
The Stories With Traction Podcast was created to empower leaders to elevate their businesses through the art of strategic storytelling. By engaging clients and inspiring team members, leaders can significantly impact the world around them. Each episode offers insights into storytelling, marketing, sales, company culture, and leadership, providing practical tools to drive growth and influence positive change. Tune in to transform your approach and lead with purpose.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 12, 2024 • 48min
#130: Hope That Won’t Die
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Craig & Karen Andrews and Matt Zaun unpack elements of their gut-wrenching hospital story.SYNOPSIS: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.If you feel… loss… guilt… anger… hurt... Craig and Karen wrote this book, Hope That Won’t Die, for you. The book is about their journey through a miraculous survival of the Delta-variant of COVID. Craig spent 25 days on the ventilator and was the first one to leave the ICU alive. If their experience is any beacon of truth, then part of that truth is that many people are struggling with guilt for things beyond their control. And it’s for those people that they’ve written this book. This podcast episode is an extension of the book and will give you a glimpse into their story. For more info, check out Hope That Won’t Die HEREEPISODE MENTIONED DURING SHOW: Navigating the Generational ShiftMATT 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.

Jun 28, 2024 • 23min
#129: The Story of SOLV
SUMMARY: In this episode, Tressa McLaughlin and Matt Zaun discuss why Tressa is so excited to help her team and clients.TRESSA MCLAUGHLIN BIO: Tressa is the Co-Owner, President, and CEO of SOLV. For more info, check out Tressa 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.

Jun 14, 2024 • 50min
#128: Reflections on the Road to Resilience
SUMMARY: In this episode, Brenda Reynolds and Matt Zaun talk about the 5 Frogs transformational journey and how it can be used to reflect on transitions we’re going through in life.BRENDA REYNOLDS BIO: Brenda Reynolds is a trusted organization and leadership consultant, executive coach, best-selling author, and international speaker specializing in guiding individuals and client organizations through periods of uncertainty--to navigate change, develop leaders, and foster resilience.For more info on Brenda:Website5 Frogs Transformation JournalMATT 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.

May 24, 2024 • 50min
#127: Make Sales Magical
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Craig Andrews and Matt Zaun discuss Craig’s book, Make Sales Magical.CRAIG ANDREWS BIO: Craig is the Principle Ally and Founder of Allies4me, which is a marketing agency that helps companies find strangers and convert them into high-paying customers. In addition, Craig is a speaker, writer, and will always be a Marine.For more info, check out Craig here:WebsiteLinkedInMATT 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.

May 10, 2024 • 17min
#126: Storytelling FAQ Episode #4
SHOW NOTES: PODCAST SERIES: This is part of an FAQ series where Claire and Matt discuss strategic storytelling.PODCAST SUMMARY: This conversation was recorded in person in Spokane, Washington, with Claire Davis. Claire and Matt discuss concepts on how you can be a great storyteller. CLAIRE DAVIS BIO: Claire is a branding consultant who helps people write stories. The Stories With Traction podcast wouldn’t exist if it weren't for her. Claire has been one of the most influential individuals when it comes to marketing, crafting messages, and getting stories to connect with an audience. For more info, check out Claire 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.

Apr 26, 2024 • 25min
#125: How to be a TEDx Speaker
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Bobby Umar and Matt Zaun discuss how to land, create, and leverage a TEDx talk.BOBBY UMAR BIO: Bobby is the CEO of DYPB (Discover Your Personal Brand) and he is a 5 times TEDx speaker.For more info on Bobby:LinkedInWebsiteMATT 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.

Apr 19, 2024 • 15min
#124: The Story of Culbertson Resources Inc.
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Ui Culbertson and Matt Zaun talk about Ui’s upbringing and how it positioned her for the business world. UI CULBERTSON: Ui is the President and CEO of Culbertson Resources Inc.For more info, check out Culbertson Resources Inc. HEREMATT 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.

Apr 12, 2024 • 41min
#123: The Inferiority Complex of Leaders
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Mike Thorne and Matt Zaun discuss Mike’s TEDx Talk, what leaders can do to unpack their early childhood trauma, and how to create a culture that’s not afraid to ask for help. MIKE THORNE BIO: Mike is the Founder and Managing Partner of Trust Inside, a business mentor at the Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, the Chairman of the Board of the National Council for Adoption, and he’s a Vistage Chair, where he coaches numerous CEOs to be better leaders.For more info on Mike, check out his:TEDx TalkWebsiteLinkedInMATT 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.

Apr 5, 2024 • 17min
#122: Storytelling FAQ Episode #3
SHOW NOTES: PODCAST SERIES: This is part of an FAQ series where Claire and Matt discuss strategic storytelling.Next episode in the series: Storytelling FAQ Episode #4PODCAST SUMMARY: This conversation was recorded in person in Spokane, Washington, with Claire Davis. Claire and Matt discuss concepts on how you can be a great storyteller. CLAIRE DAVIS BIO: Claire is a branding consultant who helps people write stories. The Stories With Traction podcast wouldn’t exist if it weren't for her. Claire has been one of the most influential individuals when it comes to marketing, crafting messages, and getting stories to connect with an audience. For more info, check out Claire 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.

Mar 29, 2024 • 28min
#121: Westcliff’s Core Values
EPISODES MENTIONED IN INTRO:The Story of WestcliffLeader of LeadersSHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Dr. Anthony Lee and Matt Zaun talk about Westcliff’s core values and the future of education regarding AI technology.DR. ANTHONY LEE BIO: Dr. Lee is the President and CEO of Westcliff University and has led the institution through incredible growth for the last 16 years. Under his leadership, each of Westcliff’s colleges has experienced commendable progress as they continue to welcome some of their strongest and largest incoming classes. As a distinguished leader with a demonstrated history of excellence, Dr. Lee is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education. His visionary outlook has been significantly influenced by his outstanding educational background: He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership specializing in higher education administration from the prestigious University of Southern California Rossier School of Education. Additionally, he possesses a Master of Business Administration from the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management, where he focused on strategy and entrepreneurship. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of California, Irvine.Dr. Lee is in high demand as a speaker at conferences and seminars across the nation and is a two-time nominee for the esteemed Orange County Business Journal Innovator of the Year award.His leadership has made a profound impact on students and faculty around the world, solidifying Westcliff’s status as a global higher education leader. His unwavering commitment to fostering equitable access to education for all exemplifies his philanthropic spirit and deep dedication to community engagement.For more info on Dr. Lee:LinkedInWebsiteMATT 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.