Storylines Live

Paul Furiga

In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. With countless businesses vying for attention, it's essential for your organization to have a compelling story that sets you apart. This is where the concept of a Capital S Story comes into play. The Capital S Story is more than just a narrative; it is the very essence of your business. It captures your organization’s values, purpose, and unique benefit to those you serve, all while resonating with customers and prospects, employees, investors, partners and other critical stakeholder audiences. How does the Capital S Story do this? By providing a unique, compelling and memorable narrative that answers these fundamental questions: Why someone should buy from, work for, invest in or partner with your business.  But how do you know what makes a Capital S Story so powerful? Storylines Live is the only podcast that explores the power of this most powerful marketing asset, the most valuable marketing asset that your business owns. Storylines Live is hosted by master storyteller Paul Furiga, Chief Storyteller at Vendilli. A veteran of more than two decades each in journalism and marketing agencies, Paul has written, edited, shaped and shared tens of thousands of stories. Through insightful discussions and interviews with industry leaders and marketing experts, Storylines Live reveals the secrets behind successful Capital S Stories. Each episode explores how successful business leaders and marketing experts leverage stories to develop their companies and connect with their most crucial target audiences to achieve the best possible results.  Whether you're just starting your marketing journey, struggling to help your desired audience see, hear or experience the unique value of your business, or you simply have an appreciation for a well-crafted business story, Storylines Live is tailor-made for you. It’s a valuable resource for organizations seeking to establish or enhance their presence in the marketplace of ideas they serve, by offering practical insights and inspiration. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling and how it can be harnessed to elevate their brand and ultimately achieve success in the dynamic and competitive landscape they face every day.  Join us on Storylines Live as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries behind impactful business narratives. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and empowered by the art of storytelling. Tune in today! 

  1. 3D AGO

    Before Your Next Crisis Hits, Watch This

    Most companies overlook the critical role of storytelling in crisis response until it’s too late. In this episode, Chris Britton, General Manager and COO of RockDove Solutions, Inc., reveals how technology can turn your organization’s story into a powerful tool for resilience, helping you navigate chaos with confidence. When a crisis hits, your reputation, trust, and future are at stake. Chris shares how RockDove’s app, In Case of Crisis, transforms crisis planning into an interactive, real-time operation that minimizes silos, boosts response speed, and preserves your organization’s credibility. Drawing from decades of experience advising organizations worldwide, Chris discusses how their digital tools embed best practices and automation to ensure your team acts swiftly and coherently when it matters most. You'll discover: The evolution of crisis management technology, from static plans to dynamic, mobile-friendly playbooks. How to harness automation and collaboration tools to reduce silos and keep everyone on the same page during an emergency. Why proactive storytelling, building deposits in the bank of goodwill, can prevent crises from spiraling out of control. Real-world examples of organizations that transformed their crisis response from chaos to control using digital frameworks. The expanding variety of crises, from cyberattacks to natural disasters, that demand a new, integrated approach. Failure to act on these insights risks not just reputational damage but the very survival of your organization. In a world where news cycles accelerate and social media fires up crises in minutes, having a prepared, technology-enabled story is your best insurance against chaos. Perfect for CEOs, crisis managers, communication professionals, and risk officers, anyone who understands that the story you tell before, during, and after a crisis defines your organization’s character and future. Get the insights, tools, and real-world success stories you need to stay ahead in an unpredictable world. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction of Chris Britton 02:07 The Importance of Crisis Storytelling 11:35 Overview of In Case of Crisis 23:17 Client Success Stories and Impact Show Notes Reach Chris by calling him at (240) 404-8155, emailing him at brittonc@rockdovesolutions.com, or connecting with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/cwbritton1/. Learn more about RockDove Solutions, Inc. and In Case of Crisis at rockdovesolutions.com. Download RockDove’s free white paper at https://www.rockdovesolutions.com/docs/the-state-of-crisis-readiness/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min
  2. APR 29

    Your Story Is Your Strategy (How to Inspire Your Team Into Action)

    In this episode of Storylines Live, Vistage Chair Elize Giese shares how her international journey from South Africa to Pittsburgh shaped her deep understanding of human behavior and leadership across cultures. She reveals the secret to unlocking innovative ideas: creating space for reflection, even in the busiest moments, and how a simple bike ride sparked a breakthrough during a pandemic launch. You'll discover: Why adapting your story and approach for different countries is key to business success, no matter what you sell. How shifting from a transactional to a relationship-focused mindset transforms leadership and team engagement. The power of intentional partnerships and curiosity in shaping your Capital S Story. Practical ways to remove resistance and unlock discretionary energy within your team. Insights into how Vistage’s peer groups and coaching accelerate growth by fostering a culture of continuous learning and reflection. Elize shares powerful lessons from building businesses in Africa, navigating cultural differences, and translating those experiences into practical leadership strategies for the U.S. market. Her approach emphasizes that business, as we believe at Vendilli, is fundamentally about moving hearts and minds, an insight rooted in centuries-old storytelling traditions that still drive results today. In a world overwhelmed by tech and automation, Elize reminds us that the most valuable asset remains human connection. Whether you're leading a small team or scaling a global enterprise, mastering your story and culture can be the one thing that propels you forward. Perfect for growth-minded leaders eager to unlock their full potential and craft a compelling narrative that inspires action, both in their teams and their markets. This episode is a masterclass in how storytelling, reflection, and relationship-building form the cornerstone of sustainable business success. Tune in, reflect, and discover the storytelling power that can transform your leadership and your business trajectory. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction of Elise Giese and Her Story 05:06 The Importance of Partnerships in Business 10:39 Cultural Adaptability in Business 13:47 The Role of Relationships in Business 14:18 Understanding Vistage and Its Impact 22:22 The Value of Leadership Growth 27:54 Conclusion and How to Connect with Elise Show Notes Learn more about Vistage. Connect with Elize on LinkedIn. Learn more about Vendilli. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  3. APR 15

    Your Crisis Plan Will Be Ineffective Without This

    Most organizations stumble into crises because they’re unprepared. But what if a simple, strategic plan could save your reputation when it matters most? In this episode of Storylines Live, Vendilli’s crisis experts, Jeremy Church and Paul Furiga, reveal the secrets behind mastering pressure, delivering authentic messages, and training your team to respond with confidence. Imagine knowing exactly how to handle tough questions under fire, avoiding common pitfalls like rambling or appearing inauthentic on camera. Jeremy shares how body language, key message pyramids, and live-fire simulations turn anxiety into authority, and how your team can practice their story until it’s second nature. Paul introduces the groundbreaking crisis message pyramid, a roadmap that keeps your communication clear and consistent in moments of chaos. Get strategic insights on crisis planning, from identifying your most likely scenarios to conducting quarterly drills that prepare your organization for the unexpected. Failure to plan can cost your company more than you think, from damaged reputation to lost trust that takes years to rebuild. This episode dives deep into how proactive training and an environment like Vendilli’s state-of-the-art studio elevate your crisis response from reactive to ready. Whether you’re a CEO, communications professional, or crisis team member, you’ll discover practical tactics to stop the bleeding, control the narrative, and maintain credibility when it’s do-or-die. Perfect for leaders committed to safeguarding their reputation, this episode delivers proven frameworks, real-world examples like BP’s Gulf spill, and straightforward steps to make crisis communication second nature. Don’t wait until an emergency strikes. Tune in now and learn how to turn pressure into your most powerful story asset. When it comes to protecting your brand, preparedness is everything. Episode Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Your Story 07:36 Crisis Communication Essentials 13:53 Learning from Crisis Examples 21:41 Understanding Issues vs. Crises 24:54 Preparing for Crisis Management Show Notes Learn more about Vendilli’s crisis communications capabilities by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/crisis-communications. Connect with Tara on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/taradarazio/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/churchjeremy/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
  4. APR 1

    The Secret to Closing Deals (It's Probably Not What You Think)

    Most sales are won, or lost, before you even say the first word. Jorge Chavez of Topaz Sales Consulting reveals why the real key to closing deals isn’t what you say, but how you build trust through storytelling. Instead of focusing on hard pitches or high-pressure tactics; Jorge prioritizes creating authentic relationships that lead clients to buy because they trust you and see their pain being understood. In this episode of Storylines Live, Jorge breaks down the counterintuitive concept that sales is rooted in relationships, and explains how to shift from transactional to transformational conversations. Discover how asking the right questions, listening deeply, and aligning your solutions with what clients truly value can turn prospects into loyal advocates. You'll learn why the biggest competitor isn’t the competition but the status quo, and how most sales fail because they ignore the emotional pain that drives decision-making. Jorge also explores the importance of silence, curiosity, and genuine inquiry in today’s short-attention-span world, where capturing interest in fewer than eight seconds is critical. Whether you’re a sales leader, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to influence more effectively, this episode reveals how mastering storytelling transforms your ability to connect, influence, and close. If you believe that trust and authenticity are the future of sales, this episode is a must-listen. Jorge Chavez’s insights will challenge your thoughts on selling and empower you to craft your own compelling business story that attracts clients naturally and ethically. Perfect for sales professionals, leaders, or anyone eager to build meaningful relationships that drive results, this is your blueprint to transforming transactions into trusted partnerships. Show Notes Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrchavez/. Learn more about Topaz Sales Consulting and check out their resources at https://www.topazsalesconsulting.com/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  5. MAR 18

    The Decision Science Framework Every Leader Needs

    Most companies overlook the secret ingredient that can transform their decision-making and leadership: understanding the diverse minds in the room. Kylee Ingram, Co-founder of Wizer, reveals how decision science and cognitive diversity can slash errors by 30% and boost innovation by 20%. In this episode of Storylines Live, she shares her extraordinary journey from sports television and documentaries to pioneering decision intelligence. You'll discover how Wizer’s innovative platform maps the unseen biases and decision styles that shape organizational success. Kylee breaks down her groundbreaking decision profiles, the seven key ways people approach problems, and explains how this diversity can uncover hidden talent, foster inclusive teamwork, and lead to smarter, faster choices. Paul and Kylee explore real stories, like how a disaster at the Adelaide Writers Festival was misread due to lack of diverse perspectives, highlighting the enormous stakes of faulty decision processes. This episode is essential listening for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to unlock the full potential of their teams. If you're serious about making better, bias-free decisions that inspire action and drive growth, you’ll want to hear Kylee’s insights on creating workplaces that listen, adapt, and thrive. Whether you're leading a startup or part of a large organization, understanding the science of decision-making can be your game-changer. 👉 Don’t forget to visit https://www.wizer.business/ to complete your own decision profile. Show Notes Connect with Kylee on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleeingram/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Check out Dr. Juliet Bourke’s book, Two Heads Are Better Than One at https://www.wizer.business/resources/which-two-heads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

Ratings & Reviews

About

In today's hyper-competitive business landscape, standing out from the crowd is more important than ever. With countless businesses vying for attention, it's essential for your organization to have a compelling story that sets you apart. This is where the concept of a Capital S Story comes into play. The Capital S Story is more than just a narrative; it is the very essence of your business. It captures your organization’s values, purpose, and unique benefit to those you serve, all while resonating with customers and prospects, employees, investors, partners and other critical stakeholder audiences. How does the Capital S Story do this? By providing a unique, compelling and memorable narrative that answers these fundamental questions: Why someone should buy from, work for, invest in or partner with your business.  But how do you know what makes a Capital S Story so powerful? Storylines Live is the only podcast that explores the power of this most powerful marketing asset, the most valuable marketing asset that your business owns. Storylines Live is hosted by master storyteller Paul Furiga, Chief Storyteller at Vendilli. A veteran of more than two decades each in journalism and marketing agencies, Paul has written, edited, shaped and shared tens of thousands of stories. Through insightful discussions and interviews with industry leaders and marketing experts, Storylines Live reveals the secrets behind successful Capital S Stories. Each episode explores how successful business leaders and marketing experts leverage stories to develop their companies and connect with their most crucial target audiences to achieve the best possible results.  Whether you're just starting your marketing journey, struggling to help your desired audience see, hear or experience the unique value of your business, or you simply have an appreciation for a well-crafted business story, Storylines Live is tailor-made for you. It’s a valuable resource for organizations seeking to establish or enhance their presence in the marketplace of ideas they serve, by offering practical insights and inspiration. Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the art of storytelling and how it can be harnessed to elevate their brand and ultimately achieve success in the dynamic and competitive landscape they face every day.  Join us on Storylines Live as we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries behind impactful business narratives. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be inspired and empowered by the art of storytelling. Tune in today!