As we've discussed a lot on this show, a story is many things at once. But a story does not exist without a storyteller. Today's episode is about the stories we tell ourselves, about ourselves, that in turn, define who we are.   How we show up in the world has a big influence on whether the world hears us. And if they can't hear us, how could we possibly make them care? Put differently, the stories we tell ourselves have a direct influence on the ideas that live in the world. Each of us, every day, in our own way, tell the world if we matter, and together, we shape a collective narrative of what matters. What would happen if we did that more consciously?    Samara Bay believes that how we share our vision matters as much as what it is. She's actively redefining what power and authority sound like, teaching people how to use their voice to move their audience & change the world. In addition to coaching television & film actors, she's prepped clients for Broadway & LA theater, UN speeches, televised award show presentations, academic talks, tech pitches, and political ads. She also runs trainings and delivers keynotes across industries including for Women @Google, MAC Cosmetics, SXSW, Telemundo, Warner Brothers Discovery, Princeton University, Compass, and Emerge America. She's a professor of practice at USC's Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.   Samara is also the author of a fantastic book and podcast by the same name, Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You. It’s a #1 bestseller in Women & Business and Public Speaking and the perfect holiday gift!    In this episode, our host, Maya Guice, sits down with Samara Bay to explore how traditional perceptions of authoritative voices influence our communication, the ways our voice stories shape the narratives we share, her personal journey writing Permission to Speak, and practical tools we can all use to cultivate a voice that feels both authentic and powerful.   Ultimately, this episode is meant to be a holiday gift to you—an audience of amazing, creative, intelligent people. If the sound of your voice is the only thing holding you back, we hope this episode causes you to share your story in 2025.    For more information about Samara, connect with her: https://bit.ly/3OT3zHf    To purchase Permission to Speak: How to Change What Power Sounds Like, Starting With You, visit: https://bit.ly/4g8SIES    For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In this discussion, Matthew Solari, VP of Creative and Story at BRC, shares his vast expertise in cultural storytelling and its impact on community legacies. He highlights the importance of personal narratives in shaping our identities, illustrated by his family's meaningful celebrations, such as honoring St. Anthony. Solari also touches on how storytelling fosters healing in communities and explores the complexities of legacy through examples like Michael Jackson. His insights remind us that each shared story contributes to our collective history.

In a captivating discussion, Christian Lachel, the Chief Creative Officer at BRC with deep roots in corporate archives, shares his insights on building and preserving brand legacies. He emphasizes that a brand's soul lies in its values and stories, shaping its cultural impact. Christian explores how legacy isn’t just for iconic brands but can be cultivated by any business. He also highlights the importance of documentation and teamwork in maintaining a brand's historical narrative, ensuring its lessons and values resonate for future generations.

Krista Berger, Senior VP of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, shares her insights on inspiring limitless potential through play. She reflects on how her childhood adaptability shaped her career in toy development. Topics include the evolution of iconic brands like Barbie, the importance of arts education, and empowering leadership within corporate culture. Krista also discusses the challenge of balancing legacy with personal authenticity, emphasizing how positive impact defines true success.

Rich Procter, Senior Writer at BRC Imagination Arts and author of "Sugarball: A Novel of Negro League Baseball," dives into the profound concept of legacy. He discusses how legacy stories, like the biblical tale of Job, resonate through time, illustrating resilience through adversity. Procter emphasizes the transformative power of personal narratives and the imperative for redemption in today's cancel culture. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their own legacies and the hope and change they can inspire in others.

A go-to authority on global business, economics and geopolitics, digital transformation, and corporate governance, global trade, Ryan Patel is so smart, he's never been afraid to ask the stupid questions. These days, he's doing it on TV, appearing on networks like CNN, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC, The Hill, and Yahoo Finance. He's frequently featured in publications like the New York Times, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, and has lead campaigns with corporations Mastercard, HP, Adobe, The Economist, IBM, Salesforce, LEGO, and more. Ryan also asks a lot of questions on his own Webby-Nominated series “The Moment with Ryan Patel,” a show that's filmed in the actual Garage where HP and Silicon Valley, accordingly were founded.    Ryan is a firm believer in giving back to the community and paying it forward. His passion for combining social good and business has led him to discuss relevant and real-world situations that are accessible to both students and professionals alike. In 2015, he was awarded “Executive of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal and received Special United States Congressional Recognition for outstanding services to the community. In 2017, Inc. listed him as one of nine executives and innovators who serve as an inspiration for how all businesses can make a difference. He also received the 2018 “Connect” Award for Business Leader of the Year and is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious NAAAP 100 award. He also received the United States Senate Certificate of Commendation which recognized his exemplary business leadership and contributions. Also, listed as one of the “Creators to Follow” by Linkedin Editor in Chief and is recognized as a “Top Voice” on Linkedin. He also holds the esteemed title of Visiting William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow at Claremont McKenna College.   In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Ryan about building and leading teams, the careful work of scaling businesses, the art of telling stories that resonate, and how to be yourself in the face of bygone corporate expectations.    For more information about Ryan, visit: https://bit.ly/3YuTYwh    For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.   In part four of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to BRC's President, Carmel Lewis, a woman who has been producing projects in the experiential world long before "experience" was a buzzword. Listen in as Maya asks Carmel about casting and leading teams, working through unknown unknowns, and the unseen and sometimes thankless job of production.  Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b  To learn more about Carmel Lewis: https://bit.ly/3yx72Gg  To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.     In part three of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Edward Hodge, Vice President of Creative and Innovation at BRC. Listen in as Edward and Maya discuss the science of immersion: how we use lighting, sound, technology, and a dash of magic to recreate the same emotional highs we experience on game days as non game days.  Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

Internationally acclaimed author and management advisor, B. Joseph Pine II, discusses the shift from goods and services to experiences, the importance of authenticity, and creating personalized customer interactions. He explores the impact of mass customization, the value of storytelling, and the future of the transformation economy.

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.   In part two of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer at BRC. Listen in as Christian and Maya discuss the business case or rather, the opportunity, sports stadiums and venues have to wake up their sleeping asset. The two unpack the planning, budgeting, goal setting, and deep strategic work that goes into building not only sports experiences, but entire mixed use destinations and districts.    Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com