The Story Effect

PeopleForward Network
  • 5.0 (12)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Story Effect, hosted by Danielle Krischik, shares raw, vulnerable stories from leaders and experts that inspire hope, spark ideas, and motivate you to embrace your own journey and transform your life.

  1. 12/23/2025

    Replay: Any Dumbass Can Do It - A conversation with former 25-year CEO of WD-40, Garry Ridge, about culture, purpose and performance

    We're hitting "replay" and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️🎄 Each year, our PeopleForward Network team takes a full holiday break to rest, be with our people, and come back recharged for the new year. So this week, instead of a brand-new episode, we're sharing one of our all-time favorite conversations for you to enjoy again. Curl up, press play, and soak in the inspiration while you enjoy your own holiday downtime. Thanks for listening and letting this show be part of your year. We're excited to keep growing with you in the new one. Garry Ridge cracked the code on how to grow business by putting people in the center of the strategy. He led the WD-40 company into extraordinary global success and shares some of his secrets in the book, 'Any Dumbass Can Do It." On this episode, he shares a little more of the story behind the story.   Additional Resources: Connect with Garry: https://thelearningmoment.net/ Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Visit thestoryeffect.com Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Cultural roots shape our humility and approach to success. Intentional leadership involves bringing your best self to every interaction. Transforming toxic leadership requires awareness and intention. Creating a positive culture at WD-40 was a journey of learning and growth. Values should be enduring and guide decision-making.

    1h 1m

  2. 12/09/2025

    #29 One Year of Stories: A wrap up and reveal solo episode with Danielle

    Danielle's book, The Story Effect, is full of real stories—including stories from some of her podcast guests. As this episode celebrates one year of her show, she reveals who made it into the book and how it all came together. And she included a special message to surprise her husband, Mike. Buy The Story Effect Now on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2s4c57up   Additional Resources: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network

    17 min

  3. 11/25/2025

    #28 The Story Behind The Story Effect: Mike Hinn, founder & CEO of Knight Agency, joins Danielle for a conversation 15 years in the making

    In this episode, Danielle and Mike look back on how it all began — the projects that shaped their partnership, the lessons learned along the way, and the moments that made the work worth it. It's a rare behind-the-scenes look at the friendship, business, and belief system that built Knight—and inspired The Story Effect itself.   The Story Effect: How Storytelling Creates Connection and Drives Performance launched on November 21 — but this book has a story of its own. Buy The Story Effect Now: https://tinyurl.com/2s4c57up   Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/   Additional Resources: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Visit thestoryeffect.com Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Hiring decisions are often influenced by personal connections. Freelancing offers freedom but can lead to burnout. A strong company culture fosters genuine relationships. Vulnerability is essential for creativity and collaboration. Personal stories can significantly impact business success.

    1h 4m

  4. 11/11/2025

    #27 The Executive Consigliere: The best c-suite advisor in the game, Arthur Baker, on leadership presence, authenticity and human connection

    If you've seen The Godfather, Arthur Baker is like Tom Hagen, the Corleone's right hand guy. He has worked with top executives, driven communications strategies and coached c-suite professionals. As the ultimate advisor, Baker knows how to cut through the BS to lead with authenticity and create real human connection. Additional Resources: Conect with Arthur:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-j-baker/ https://www.youtube.com/@ChefsKissConsigliere/featured https://calendly.com/arthurbakerconsigliere Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/ Connect with PeopleForward Network: Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Leaders today face unique challenges in a rapidly changing environment. Leadership is a privilege that requires a focus on human connection. Authenticity is crucial in corporate culture to foster genuine relationships. Mentorship plays a significant role in career development and personal growth. Overcoming fear is essential for effective leadership and communication.

    1h 9m

  5. 10/28/2025

    #26 The 5 Pillars of a Fulfilling Life: How to win big, care about people and still have fun with CEO of Service Express, Ron Alvesteffer

    Stop thinking you have to pick one: big business success or happy life. Ron proves you can have both. He's a successful President and CEO of a growing, global company. He's won awards for his caring leadership and great company culture. And he's a real human being who knows how to drive performance while never losing sight of what it's all about.   Additional Resources: Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalvesteffer/ https://serviceexpress.com Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network   Key Takeaways: Life is supposed to be fun and should be balanced with work. Intentional breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and creativity. Failure is an integral part of success and should be embraced. Building a high-performing culture requires hiring for fit and servant leadership. Creating a culture of growth empowers employees to achieve their goals.

    1h 3m

  6. 10/14/2025

    #25 What Taylor Swift Can Teach You About Connection: With the author of Taylormaking, Ken Hughes

    If you really want to understand how to build a tribe of loyal followers, this is your episode. Ken Hughes is an expert on customer experience, modern consumer behavior and brand engagement. He just launched his book, Taylormaking, which is an incredible case study in emotional connection. He's a performer and one of the best storytellers in the business. Additional Resources: Connect with Ken: https://www.kenhughes.info/ https://www.taylormaking.com/ Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Storytelling is deeply embedded in Irish culture. Brands are defined by the stories customers tell about them. Emotional connections drive brand loyalty. Generational shifts can challenge brand identity. Empowering employees enhances customer experiences.

    1h 8m

  7. 09/30/2025

    #24 Turn Jobs into Careers: Learn the secrets of building a high performing culture and a business you love with Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues

    Broad River Retail is one of the largest and fastest growing licensees of Ashley Stores. Working for the company could easily be seen as just a retail job. But Charlie, CEO, and Manny, President, engage their team in such a meaningful way, people stay with them for decades. In this episode, you'll hear how they do it. Additional Resources: Connect with Charlie and Manny: https://www.youtube.com/@StoriesFromTheRiver https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-river/id1608553896 Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn Visit thestoryeffect.com Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Charlie and Manny have a strong partnership built on trust and collaboration. Their backgrounds in sports influence their teamwork in retail. Retail is a team sport, and success relies on collective effort. Creating a positive company culture is essential for employee engagement. They focus on innovative delivery solutions to enhance customer experience.

    1h 9m

  8. 09/16/2025

    #23 Culture Isn't a Formula, It's a Practice: Ideas and inspiration for every great leader from Brandon West of Phos Creative

    Brandon West is Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Phos Creative, as well as an author and keynote speaker. He shares specific practices, ideas and actions that create a great culture where people feel inspired and purpose-driven. His team is making an incredible impact on the world—with their mission to open care centers that fight extreme poverty and sex-trafficking. Additional Resources: Brandon West, Chief Purpose Officer, Phos Creative: https://phoscreative.com/ Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonmichaelwest/ Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram: http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik Learn about Knight Agency: http://knightagency.com/ Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn Learn more about PeopleForward Network Key Takeaways: Good company culture has a formula, but it's unique to each organization. Creating an environment for happiness is essential for employee satisfaction. Personalizing experiences for employees can significantly enhance their engagement. Vulnerability in leadership fosters trust and openness within teams. Gentleness is a crucial virtue in effective leadership.

    1h 3m
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12 Ratings

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The Story Effect, hosted by Danielle Krischik, shares raw, vulnerable stories from leaders and experts that inspire hope, spark ideas, and motivate you to embrace your own journey and transform your life.

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