Stories and Wisdom Podcast

The Stories and Wisdom Company
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Honest stories. Tough calls. Unexpected laughs. On Stories and Wisdom, host Pradeep U.N., CEO of The Stories and Wisdom Company, sits down with leaders and thinkers to unpack the moments that shaped them. Segments like Memoir Moments, Decision Do Over, Vision Venture, Puzzle Point, and a fun This or That round make each episode personal, playful, and packed with insight. If you like your wisdom with a side of story (and a splash of mischief), hit play.

  1. 17h ago

    S03E06: Team Building Is a Myth (Until You Solve a Murder Together)

    #Storytelling #Creativity #Leadership #TeamBuilding #ImmersiveTheater #LetGo #Entrepreneurship #CreativeCareer #CorporateCulture #Improv #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #LiveInTheatre #LeadershipLessons #PodcastClip Summary The best creative work, and the best teams, are built when people stop watching from the back seat and start to play. Carlo D’Amore, actor, playwright, Drama Desk nominated director, educator, and founder of Live in Theatre, has spent more than fifteen years creating immersive, story-driven experiences that pull audiences into the action. Today his company produces hundreds of virtual events each year for teams around the world. Carlo traces his path back to his mother, an international con artist who lived as hundreds of different personas, and to a high school drama class where a teacher singled him out for the first time and he realized, at fourteen, that he was good at something. He also reflects on a decision he would do over: in the early days of his theater company, he did everything himself, held the bar so tightly that success felt painful, and only later learned that empowering other people makes the work better, not worse. You’ll discover: Why adults forget how to play, and what happens when you give them permission to do it againHow a childhood spent around a con artist shaped a career in acting and true crime storytellingThe gardening lesson on creating something, tending it, and then letting it goWhy catching your overthinking and remembering that “everything changes” loosens your gripHow a virtual murder mystery turns coworkers into a real team and reveals sides of colleagues you’ve never seenWhy great actors never judge their characters, and what that teaches us about understanding peopleCarlo also shares his vision for growing Live in Theatre from about 50 actors to as many as 200, the puzzle of marketing a product when you are a creative and not a marketer, and why he believes “companies that laugh together grow together.” Along the way, he explains why most workplaces are groups of individuals rather than true teams, and how play can close that gap. This episode is especially valuable for founders, creatives, team leaders, HR and L&D professionals, and anyone who holds on too tightly to what they build. It is a warm, funny, honest conversation about play, control, and the courage to let your work go out into the world.

    S03E06: Team Building Is a Myth (Until You Solve a Murder Together)

  2. Oct 19

    S03E05: Valerie with a Y: Why Your “Why” Comes Before Everything Else

    #Gamification #Creativity #Learning #InstructionalDesign #DistanceLearning #Resilience #FailureAndGrowth #FuturesLiteracy #HumanCenteredLearning #Facilitation #CareerTransitions #FindYourWhy #LeadershipLessons #PersonalGrowth #PodcastClip Summary The best learning does not come from points, badges, or a teacher talking at you. It comes from an environment where people can motivate themselves. Valerie Olenik, a past president of the United States Distance Learning Association with more than two decades in training, e-learning, and instructional design, shares how she came to see gamification as a way to make learning more creative, engaging, and human. Valerie traces her path back to a piece of high school advice that stayed with her for over a decade: someday she would have to choose between the arts and academics. She talks about how the work she does now proved that advice wrong, and about the moment of reset after her mother was hit by a car, when she had to rediscover her why. She also reflects on a decision she would do over, staying too long in the safe choice, and why being planful about your own disruption beats being forced into it. You’ll discover: Why gamification done well is a design approach, not a layer of points and badgesHow one piece of bad advice shaped a decade of career choices, and what finally broke its holdWhy scheduling time to reflect matters more than collecting ideas and notesWhy engineers rate themselves as “not creative,” and why everyone is creative in their own wayHow different cultures treat failure, and what futures literacy teaches us about imagining what’s possibleThe simple breakout room move that taught her how to read what a person needs without being told Valerie also shares her upcoming projects, The Failure Reset and Follow Your Clues, and why, while everyone else leans into AI, she is choosing to focus on the human side of navigating uncertainty. Along the way, she explains why skills like empathy, judgment, and creativity are learned through modeling and practice, not fixed traits you either have or don’t. This episode is especially valuable for learning designers, facilitators, leaders, creatives, and anyone standing at a crossroads between the safe path and the one they know they should take. It is a warm, thoughtful conversation about curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to keep asking “why not?”

    S03E05: Valerie with a Y: Why Your “Why” Comes Before Everything Else

  3. Sep 28

    S03E04: Why Purpose Is the Real Time Management System

    #Leadership #PurposeDriven #Resilience #Innovation #TeamLeadership #CareerGrowth #PersonalGrowth #ImmigrantStory #WaterInnovation #DecisionMaking #WorkLifeBalance #MindsetShift #LeadershipLessons #EntrepreneurMindset #PodcastClip Summary The advice most leaders need is not how to do more. It is how to stop confusing control, urgency, and productivity. Daniel Benitez, VP and General Manager of Innovation and New Ventures in Water Quality at Veralto, shares the career-defining lessons that shaped how he leads, chooses, and creates space for what matters most. From immigrating to the U.S. during the chaos of 2001 to nearly going bankrupt before finishing graduate school, Daniel opens up about the moments that forced him to stop blaming the environment and start focusing on the next move. He also reflects on a high-pressure relocation to Belfast during an oil downturn, where he learned a hard truth about leadership, mentorship, and separating what is truly under your control from what is not. You’ll discover: Why crisis can become the best training ground for resilienceThe leadership lesson Daniel learned the hard way after a major acquisitionHow he thinks about innovation in the water sector and why the space still has decades of opportunityThe personal purpose framework that now guides his decisions around family, nature, and communityWhy saying no is often the real skill behind a meaningful life and career Daniel also shares how he creates room to think in a world that rewards constant busyness, why he believes presence matters more than productivity theater, and what it means to build a life around purpose instead of endless optimization. If you have ever felt stretched between ambition, family, and the pressure to keep moving, this conversation will hit home. This episode is especially valuable for founders, leaders, immigrants, and high performers who are trying to make better decisions without losing themselves in the process. It is a grounded, honest conversation about resilience, focus, and the courage to choose what deserves your time.

    S03E04: Why Purpose Is the Real Time Management System

  4. Sep 14

    S03E03: The Hidden Cost of Promoting People Without Management Training

    #LeadershipGrowth #CareerTransitions #NewManagers #CareerAdvice #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #WomenInLeadership #CareerClarity #DecisionMaking #WorkplaceLeadership #ManagerTraining #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipTips #CareerPivot #PodcastClip Most career regret starts with one bad assumption: that you have to choose between money, learning, and meaning. Becky Farone shows why the best leaders stop overthinking long enough to get honest about what they actually want, then use curiosity, not certainty, to move forward. Becky is an executive leadership coach, founder of Fireworks Coaching, and strategic advisor with more than 30 years across Microsoft, Nike, Starbucks, Kaiser, and MIT Sloan. In this conversation, she and host Pradeep unpack the career moments that shape confidence, the hidden cost of staying stuck in the wrong role, and why so many high-performing people second-guess themselves exactly when they need clarity most. Summary In this episode, Pradeep and Becky explore how people make better career decisions by understanding what they truly want from work. They discuss the difference between a job, income, and a learning opportunity, why “I don’t know” can be a powerful leadership answer, and how small experiments can reduce fear and uncertainty. The conversation also touches on leadership growth, values alignment, and the challenges of being promoted without the training or support to succeed. Takeaways “I don’t know” can be a strength when it leads to better decisions.Small, low-risk experiments can help clarify big career choices.Job satisfaction depends on more than salary — learning and meaning matter too.New managers often need more training and support than they receive.Values mismatches can lead to burnout, resentment, and self-doubt.The right mentor or environment can change the direction of a career. About the Guest Becky Farone is an executive leadership coach, founder of Fireworks Coaching, and strategic advisor with over 30 years of experience in leadership and organizational development. Her career includes work with Microsoft, Nike, Starbucks, Kaiser, and MIT Sloan, where she has helped leaders and teams build clarity, confidence, and better decision-making habits. If you’re a student, new manager, analytical leader, or anyone standing at a crossroads, this episode is for you. It’s a grounded, energizing conversation about trusting yourself, asking for what you need, and building a career that fits who you are, not just what looks impressive from the outside.

    S03E03: The Hidden Cost of Promoting People Without Management Training

  5. Aug 31

    S03E02: How AI Is Turning Leaders into Builders Again

    #AIEconomy #LeadershipStrategy #FutureOfWork #StoriesAndWisdom #AIAdoption #StoriesandWisdom #podcast Summary AI isn’t just a hype cycle anymore - the real question is whether leaders can turn it into a strategic advantage before they get left behind. Jeremy Korst, founder and CEO of Midspan Labs, breaks down what it actually takes to move from AI curiosity to real-world impact, and why the hardest part has almost nothing to do with the technology. Jeremy draws on a career that spans Microsoft, T-Mobile, GBK Collective, and now AI advisory and incubation work, making this a rare conversation that connects enterprise strategy, product leadership, and hands-on building. If you care about innovation, adoption, or what comes next for business leaders, this episode goes straight to the pressure points. You’ll discover: Why Windows 10 became one of Microsoft’s most successful launches ever, and how his team compressed a 3 -4 year cycle into just 16 monthsThe mentor-driven career lessons that shaped how he leads, hires, and develops talentWhy he now regrets not spending more time on science, engineering, and the technical side earlier in lifeHow AI and agentic coding are changing what one person can build without waiting months for a large-company processThe iceberg view of AI adoption, where only about 30% of the challenge is the technology itself, and the rest is people, process, and leadershipWhy he’s bullish on AI’s upside, but deeply concerned about job displacement, misuse, and the policy gap around powerful new tools Jeremy also shares how he’s applying these ideas in practice across startup advising, classroom teaching at Columbia, Wharton, the University of Washington, and USC, and even building new apps with his kids. The result is a grounded, current look at the future of work from someone who’s operating in both the boardroom and the builder’s chair. Essential listening if you’re a leader, founder, operator, or curious professional trying to understand where AI is actually headed and how to use it responsibly before the window closes.

    S03E02: How AI Is Turning Leaders into Builders Again

  6. Aug 17

    S03E01: How Building for Dogs Revealed Product Design Rules

    #Podcast #Startup #ProductDesign #UXDesign #FounderLife #Entrepreneurship #DogTech #PetTech #HardwareStartup #Innovation #AI #BusinessTips #Microsoft #ProductManagement #StartupLessons Summary Software is about to reshape pet products, but building for dogs is far stranger than building for humans. Eric Eidus, founder and CEO of PupPod, reveals how a Microsoft and Motorola product leader turned a simple question - “if I were a dog, what would I want?” - into a hardware-software startup trying to reinvent how dogs play, eat, and stay mentally engaged. Eric traces the moment a barking-at-the-TV dog became a product idea, and how that curiosity led him from Microsoft’s smartphone platform to consulting, prototyping, fundraising, and eventually founding PupPod. He breaks down what it takes to design for a completely different species, why dog cognition and enrichment research shaped the product, and how his background in UX, product management, and hardware-software systems gave him a head start. You'll discover: Why “if I were a dog” is a surprisingly powerful product strategyHow PupPod used dog trainers, psychology books, and cognition studies to guide developmentWhy the team found a CTO through Arduino meetup groupsThe biggest miss in the company’s early years and why marketing and sales became the critical gapWhat it really takes to build a hardware startup when the product spans a toy, feeder, cloud platform, and mobile apps Eric also gets candid about the emotional side of entrepreneurship - the trade-offs between consulting, startups, and corporate life, the reality of founder fatigue over a decade-long build, and the difference between pressure and stress. He shares why “fail fast” never quite fit his experience, what he’s learned about energy, mortality, and choosing how to spend your time, and why AI may be more useful for operational efficiency than for making pet tech magically smarter. This is essential listening if you care about product design, startup resilience, hardware-software entrepreneurship, or the challenge of building something people truly depend on. If you want an honest look at the grind behind a unique startup vision, this conversation delivers it. About the Guest Eric Eidus is the founder and CEO of PupPod, and previously led product design, UX, and product management work at Microsoft and Motorola.

    S03E01: How Building for Dogs Revealed Product Design Rules

  7. Mar 9

    S02E12: Unlocking Innovation & Wisdom from Microsoft Garage

    Summary In this episode of the Stories and Wisdom podcast, Ed Essey, Senior Director of Business Value at Microsoft Garage, shares insights on innovation, cultural transformation, and his journey within Microsoft. He discusses the Garage Growth Framework, which helps employees bring their ideas to life, and reflects on his personal growth and resilience through challenges. Ed also talks about his new book, 'The Inside Job,' and his aspirations to create an impact investing firm to empower underrepresented individuals. Takeaways Ed Essey emphasizes the importance of empowering passionate people to make meaningful change.The Garage Growth Framework was developed to help more projects move forward within Microsoft.Cultural transformation at Microsoft has evolved significantly over the years.Ed's journey reflects resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.The concept of 'intrapreneurship' is crucial for fostering innovation within large organizations.Ed's book, 'The Inside Job,' aims to share insights on navigating corporate innovation.He believes in the power of frameworks to guide innovation and business value.Ed's future aspirations include creating an impact investing firm to support underrepresented entrepreneurs.The importance of personal growth and learning from experiences is a recurring theme in Ed's narrative.Ed's approach to innovation combines elements of design thinking, agile, and business principles.

    S02E12: Unlocking Innovation & Wisdom from Microsoft Garage

  8. Mar 2

    S02E11: Unlocking Career Potential with AI

    Summary In this episode, Shoop, founder of Pursue AI, shares his journey from a 20-year career at Microsoft to launching a platform that leverages AI to help individuals achieve their career goals. He reflects on early experiences that shaped his approach to storytelling and human connection, discusses the importance of taking charge of one's career, and explores the intersection of AI, neuroscience, and personal growth. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing technology with human experience and the exciting potential of AI in transforming career development. Takeaways Shoop emphasizes the importance of storytelling in connecting with people.Early experiences at a conference shaped Shoop's approach to engagement.Comfort in a role can hinder personal growth and fulfillment.Taking charge of one's career is crucial for happiness and success.AI can help overcome emotional blockers in career development.Gamification and behavioral science can enhance career exploration tools.The impact of AI on careers is rapidly evolving and requires constant validation.Anxiety-aware experiences in AI applications can improve user engagement.Balancing technology and humanity is essential in career development solutions.Shoop aims to make career coaching accessible through AI.

    S02E11: Unlocking Career Potential with AI
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Honest stories. Tough calls. Unexpected laughs. On Stories and Wisdom, host Pradeep U.N., CEO of The Stories and Wisdom Company, sits down with leaders and thinkers to unpack the moments that shaped them. Segments like Memoir Moments, Decision Do Over, Vision Venture, Puzzle Point, and a fun This or That round make each episode personal, playful, and packed with insight. If you like your wisdom with a side of story (and a splash of mischief), hit play.

Information

  • Creator
    The Stories and Wisdom Company
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Stories and Wisdom Company
  • Show Website
    Stories and Wisdom Podcast