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. Oct 28

    Comfortably Unhappy? Your Leaders Might Be Too

    Most leaders think coaching is about fixing problems. Wayne Pratt, speaker, author, and life coach, says the real job is helping people uncover the answer they already have, and using storytelling, humor, and the right questions to get there faster. If you are stuck in the hamster wheel of management, this conversation will help you change how you think about leadership, coaching, and what actually drives transformation. Paul and Wayne unpack the ideas behind his business fable Freshly Brewed Coaching and why a coffee shop story can teach leadership better than a dry how-to manual ever could. Wayne explains why so many people are “comfortably unhappy,” how coaches help leaders move beyond simple productivity fixes, and why the best coaching starts by lowering the noise so the truth can surface. You’ll hear: Why business fables can make leadership lessons stick when traditional books put people to sleep by page tenThe difference between transactional coaching and true transformationHow generative questions like “If you did know, what would you do?” unlock better decisionsWhy storytelling is the bridge between coaching principles and real human connectionHow leaders can move beyond the “two foot more syndrome” of chasing bigger houses, cars, and boats without real changeIf you lead teams, coach others, or want to understand why the best leaders are often the best storytellers, this is essential listening.   Show Notes Connect with Wayne on LinkedIn. Visit Wayne’s coaching website. Learn more about Freshly Brewed Coaching. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn. Learn more about Vendilli. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Comfortably Unhappy? Your Leaders Might Be Too
  2. Oct 14

    Why Employees Resist AI (And How to Fix It)

    AI adoption is failing for a reason most leaders miss: human psychology. Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO of Disaster Avoidance Experts, LLC, breaks down the hidden blockers that derail AI rollouts and shows how to turn resistance into real results. If your company is struggling to get teams to actually use AI, this episode shows why top-down mandates keep falling flat and what works instead. You'll learn: How to identify the three psychographic groups slowing AI adoptionWhy the usual change management playbook fails with AILeadership moves that change the story around AI inside an organizationWhy the most effective AI use cases often start with the tasks people hate mostHow Dr. Gleb works with companies at the individual, team, and organizational levelIf you’re a leader, manager, or a team looking for AI adoption that actually sticks, grows revenue, and creates a better day-to-day experience for the people doing the work, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!  Episode Chapters 02:33 Understanding AI Adoption Challenges 13:27 The Role of Storytelling in AI Adoption 18:16 Addressing AI Alarmists' Concerns 24:27 Normalizing AI Adoption in Organizations 26:55 Engaging Employees in AI Training 38:22 Bottom-Up Approach to AI Implementation 45:11 The Joy of Transforming Work with AI   Show Notes Connect with Dr. Gleb on LinkedIn. Get a copy of Dr. Gleb’s latest book, The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work. Learn more about Disaster Avoid Experts, LLC. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn. Learn more about Vendilli. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Employees Resist AI (And How to Fix It)
  3. Sep 30

    What Happens When Leadership Leaves the Room?

    Most companies get leadership, succession, and culture wrong because they miss the real story underneath. Chip Scholz, Founder and Owner of Scholz and Associates, Inc., shares why the biggest shifts rarely come from dramatic moments. Instead, they come from the small decisions repeated every day. Using his proven Five C's framework, Chip reveals how leaders can navigate change, rebuild trust, and close the gap between the story they intend to tell and the story people actually experience. You’ll discover: Why family businesses carry a different level of passion, pressure, and dramaHow the “knowing-doing gap” quietly undermines leadershipWhy culture is the story people tell when leadership leaves the roomWhat happens when a company says “people first” but behaves like it’s only about EBITDAHow one stroke forced Chip to move from being performative to being usefulChip also shares the personal reinvention that followed a layoff, the health crisis that reshaped his purpose, and why he now measures success by whether the lights come on for other people. His perspective is especially powerful for founders, family businesses, executives, coaches, and anyone trying to lead with more honesty, humanity, and long-term trust. If you care about succession, culture, legacy, or simply becoming a better leader, this conversation is a must-listen! Show Notes Connect with Chip on LinkedIn.Email Chip.Learn more about Scholz and Associates, Inc.Check out Chip’s books on Amazon.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.Learn more about Vendilli. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    What Happens When Leadership Leaves the Room?
  4. Sep 16

    How to Build a Team That Stays, Works Harder, and Recruits For You

    The best retention strategy is not a bigger paycheck; it's a story people want to belong to. Joe Rockey, Founder of Elite Business Cruises, reveals how one well-designed incentive can turn disengaged employees into a team that stays longer, works harder, and recruits its own all-stars. He breaks down why most companies misunderstand motivation, why “treat people the way you want to be treated” is often not the right leadership strategy, and why the real competition is not another employer offering a few more dollars. Instead, it's whether your people feel connected to the mission, the team, and each other. Joe shares the idea behind his cruise-based incentive programs and how they help companies solve a problem many leaders assume is impossible: getting people to care. Plus, you’ll discover: Why the classic pay-more approach hits a wall and starts delivering weaker returns How the “platinum rule” changes the way you build culture and manage performance Why Gallup’s engagement research makes the case for deeper employee connection How all-or-nothing incentives create self-accountability and team momentum Why cruises work so well for sales teams, real estate offices, and other hard-to-retain workforces If you lead a team, manage salespeople, or are trying to fix turnover without just throwing money at it, this conversation is an opportunity for you to learn the practical, unexpected way to build loyalty, improve culture, and keep their best people from walking out the door. Episode Chapters 03:01 The Importance of Employee Engagement 08:41 Joe's Journey from Accounting to Business Solutions 11:54 Innovative Solutions for Employee Retention 17:13 Understanding Employee Motivations 25:49 The Impact of Personal Connections at Work Show Notes Connect with Joe on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerockey/. Get a copy of Joe’s book, Casino Sales Master, at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DS6D562Z. Learn more about Elite Business Crusises by visiting https://elitebusinesscruises.com/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Build a Team That Stays, Works Harder, and Recruits For You
  5. Sep 2

    What Happens When You Actually Listen to Your Calls?

    Most companies hear customer pain too late, or not at all. Tom Vander Well has spent 30+ years listening to more than 100,000 recorded business calls, and he reveals what those conversations expose about leadership, service, trust, and the hidden reasons customers stay, leave, or complain. As CEO of Intelligentics and author of the Amazon bestseller This Call May Be Monitored, Tom shares how ordinary phone calls become extraordinary sources of truth when you know how to use them. He explains why frontline agents often see the real problems first, why executives get insulated from customer pain, and why the companies that treat call monitoring as a strategic discipline win long term. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the best customer insights live in the "moment of truth" on recorded calls How a new SVP changed an entire service culture by training as a frontline rep and answering phones himself Why many companies record calls but never actually listen to them How layers between the contact center and the C-suite hide the truth from decision makers What Tom's "man in the middle" role teaches about communication, leadership, and accountability This episode proves why story matters just as much as data, and why the most meaningful business lessons are often hiding in plain sight. If you lead a team, manage customer experience, or want to know what your business sounds like when no one thinks anyone is paying attention, tune in now! Show Notes Email Tom at tomvanderwell@gmail.com. Visit Tom’s website at https://tomvanderwell.com/. Get a copy of Tom’s book, This Call May Be Monitored, by visiting https://www.amazon.com/This-Call-May-Monitored-Eavesdropping/dp/B0GZ4YW6FP. Connect with Tom on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-vander-well-intelligentics/. Learn more about Intelligentics at https://www.intelligentics.com/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    What Happens When You Actually Listen to Your Calls?
  6. Aug 19

    Is Your Messaging Invisible to Investors?

    Startups do not fail because they lack technology. They fail because they cannot turn that technology into a story investors, partners, and customers actually understand. Justin Starbird, CEO of The Aebli Group (TAG), shows how they help startups build that story, create community first, and use AI without losing the client’s real voice. From electrifying heavy machinery to raising capital through equity crowdfunding, Justin walks through the exact shift that took TAG from a traditional B2B agency to a partner for startups in hard tech, robotics, and other complex markets. He and host Paul Furiga unpack why the right story is about making a company’s value clear enough for people to buy in, fund it, and help scale it. You'll discover: Why partnership matters more than vendor relationships in the startup world How to build a community before you try to sell or raise money The difference between customer messaging and investor messaging How TAG uses long-form interviews and podcasts to create a client-specific content library Why AI works best when it is trained on authentic first-person source material, not generic prompts If you work in a startup, lead a complex B2B company, or want to use AI without sounding like everyone else, this episode is a must-listen. It is a sharp, practical look at how story becomes strategy, and how the right narrative can unlock growth, trust, and momentum. Episode Chapters 00:14 Introduction to Storylines Live 02:18 The Importance of Storytelling for Startups 06:27 Transitioning to Startup Partnerships 14:23 The Role of AI in Storytelling 17:57 Building Community Through Storytelling 30:36 The Origin of The Aebli Group Show Notes Connect with Justin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinstarbird/. Learn more about TAG at https://aebligroup.com/. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Is Your Messaging Invisible to Investors?
  7. Aug 5

    Grow On LinkedIn, No Spam or Paid Ads Needed

    Do you know how to best leverage LinkedIn organically and build genuine relationships that drive revenue and growth? Daniel Alfon, a top LinkedIn strategist and author, shares proven strategies to transform your approach and turn connections into long-term partnerships. Imagine connecting with your ideal clients or partners without ever sending a cold pitch. Daniel reveals how you can use simple, free methods like meaningful introductions, high-value content, profile visits, and strategic event engagement to attract the right opportunities. He explains why your profile is a story that needs to resonate authentically with your audience. Plus, learn how to utilize LinkedIn’s powerful search and networking features to build a pipeline of interested prospects, all without ad spend or spam. You’ll discover: Why visiting profiles is the most overlooked yet effective organic strategy on LinkedIn How to craft content that educates and guides your prospects, instead of selling to them The art of meaningful introductions and the importance of knowing your ideal client Why building long-term relationships on LinkedIn beats transactional tactics every time Practical steps for leveraging LinkedIn events to boost your visibility before trade shows or seminars Without a clear, strategic approach, you risk drowning in noise and missing opportunities that could transform your business. But with these insights, you'll unlock LinkedIn’s true potential, making it a genuine engine for authentic business growth. Perfect for entrepreneurs, service providers, and sales leaders eager to move beyond generic tactics and create real impact online. If you’re tired of spammy messages and want a smarter, more sustainable way to generate leads and partnerships, listen now! Episode Chapters 04:47 Understanding the Art of Storytelling 09:12 How Daniel Became a LinkedIn Expert 10:48 Organic Strategies for LinkedIn Success 16:16 Five Ways to Leverage LinkedIn 22:19 Utilizing Events for Networking 26:23 Client Engagement and Strategy Development Show Notes Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfon/. Visit Daniel’s website at https://www.danielalfon.com/. Get a copy of Daniel’s Book, How to Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success: An Ultimate Guide, on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N18B2RS. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli by visiting https://www.vendilli.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Grow On LinkedIn, No Spam or Paid Ads Needed
  8. Jul 22

    Tired of Chasing Goals? Try This Instead

    In this episode of Storylines Live, Dr. Pat Boulogne, a Performance Optimization Consultant and Executive Coach with over 30 years of experience working with high-achievers, shares her Performance Intelligence Method: a system built from inside out that drives real results. If you're tired of burnout, stuck in old habits, or feeling like your potential is untapped, this episode reveals how to rewire your mindset, systems, and stories to elevate every aspect of your performance. Dr. Pat explains her unique approach to creating measurable, trackable systems that turn chaos into clarity, whether you're leading a company, coaching athletes, or navigating personal growth. Her insights on crafting compelling stories that inspire action can help you motivate teams, win clients, and build loyal relationships, starting with the stories you tell yourself. Dr. Pat shares surprising success stories from chiropractors to Olympians, revealing how small shifts in storytelling and system design can unlock life-changing results. Whether you're a leader, coach, or entrepreneur, this episode gives you the tools to rewrite your narrative and create a future where you thrive. This is your roadmap to a healthier, more empowered you. Listen now! Episode Chapters 00:29 Introduction to Storylines Live and Dr. Pat Ballone 03:05 The Importance of Collaboration in Business 06:17 The Role of Storytelling in Business 08:04 Dr. Pat's Professional Journey and Transformation 13:58 The Impact of Dr. Pat's Work on Clients 14:17 Dr. Pat's Performance Intelligence Method 20:48 Working with Athletes and High Performers 24:08 Finding Satisfaction in Helping Others 25:47 Dr. Pat’s Motivation Behind Writing Her Book Show Notes Book a meeting with Dr. Pat at https://meetdrpat.as.me. Connect with Dr. Pat on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpatboulogne/. Get a copy of her book, Why… Are You Sick, Fat, and Tired? on Amazon by visiting https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734185570. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/. Learn more about Vendilli at https://www.vendilli.com/. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Tired of Chasing Goals? Try This Instead

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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!