He can't stand “bad guys” in movies.

Freaks him out.

But aren't we all allergic to adversity?

In the moment, we want it to be easy. 

That doesn't make a great story, though, does it?

Next time you have a difficult client that you figure out how to deliver for, you need to capture the story. 

You can use...

Excited to fly to the Bay Area. 

Tomorrow, I'll be speaking at PCH, Inc. 

We’ll be talking about how to…

-boost sales
-enhance internal communication 
-and create a vibrant company culture 

…all through the power of strategic storytelling.  🗣

The next few days are going to be awesome! 


P.S. If you'd like ...

A couple of years ago, I made a goal of going to every presidential museum. 

So far, I've been to:

-George Washington 
-Thomas Jefferson
-James Buchanan
-Abraham Lincoln 
-Rutherford B. Hayes
-Woodrow Wilson
-Warren G. Harding
-Franklin D. Roosevelt
-Lyndon B. Johnson
-Richard Nixon
-Jimmy Carter
-Ronald Reaga...

SHOW NOTES:

SERIES: This podcast episode is part of a book-writing series with Amy Lynch on the Stories With Traction Podcast.

1st Episode

2nd EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode, Amy Lynch and Matt Zaun discuss systems and creativity in book writing.

AMY LYNCH BIO: Amy is the founder and a writer at Fern...

I took a significant financial risk and lost, putting my family in a tough position.
 
The night it all came crashing down, I sat on my couch crying since I knew how tough the road ahead would be. 

My wife sat beside me and said, “You need to keep going. Regardless of the consequences, I want you to ...

Last year, I was speaking in Atlanta and had the chance to check out his Presidential museum.

Many of you know how much I enjoy going to Presidential museums, regardless of which party the person represented.

So far, I’ve been to:

-George Washington 
-Thomas Jefferson
-James Buchanan
-Abraham Linc...

...make sure...

➡️ You know how to speak to connect
➡️ You write short, clear, and for impact
➡️ Make sure you know how to dress for the situation 

...that's what my Father told me when I was growing up. 

When I went into business, my Dad’s words came rushing back.

Simple. True. Impactful.

Don't overcomp...

The last 3 quarters this year have been incredible! 

Excited for you to hear what's to come in the months ahead, but in the meantime, check out some of the highlights:

Leader of Leaders with  Anthony Lee
How to be a TEDx Speaker with  Bobby Umar
How to be More Creative with  Barbara Zerfoss
The Inferio...

My speaking calendar is almost completely booked for 2025. As of this moment, I only have availability to add a few more Powerfully Persuade Through Storytelling workshops next year.

If your organization is interested in learning strategies to inspire your team, persuade your clients, and create a ...

We all will, actually. Life is quick. 

This is the first thing my kids are to do once I'm gone…

…whether I pass away in 5 years or 50. 

They are supposed to listen to my podcast, Stories With Traction.

The content is built for leaders, and they are being raised to lead. 

Every time I produce an episode, ...

...I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of the year so far. 

It's been quite a journey from countless miles flown and driven to working tirelessly for my clients! ✈️🚗

But now, it’s time for a much-needed pause. I won't be flying anywhere for the next two weeks and spending time with family. 

My ...

People want to feel that they can trust you, and the quickest way you can build that trust is through storytelling. 

In addition, people are yearning for a real connection. 

Understanding this is an opportunity for you and a chance to empower people through your personal and business stories. 

👉 Talk...

I just burned mine in the harbor. 

In 1519, Hernán Cortés destroyed all his ships to send a clear message to his soldiers…

THERE IS NO TURNING BACK! 

I, too, just burned my ship. 

Recently, I was offered the largest contract I could have ever thought possible in my business at this point. 

I’d love it....

*MLK, Jr. was born in this house on Jan 15th, 1929

Before my son, Elliot, turned 6-years-old, I had him listen to all of MLK’s speeches. I told Elliot, “If you can become a great orator, you can change the world.” This doesn’t just go for my son but for all of us.

I’ve spent a lot of time r...

Ever have that moment when a friend pitches an idea, and you think, "Wait...what? You really want me to do this?" 😅

That was me 3 years ago.

“Scott, are you sure about this?” I asked, trying not to look too doubtful. "There are soooo many podcasts out there already! Is this really how I should spend...

...inside and outside of your company—employees and customers—to unite around a common purpose. 

It tells employees that their actions contribute to the well-being of a broader mission. 

It tells clients that they contribute to a movement whenever they interact with you.

...impersonal, faceless institution that only cares about your bottom line?! 

No way. 

You want people to be endeared to your mission, don't you? If so, you have to build a company culture of storytelling. 

By defining your mission as a human-first story, you give your brand a face and a pulse.

SHOW NOTES:

SUMMARY: In this episode, Eric Curtis and Matt Zaun talk about Eric’s adoption story and how climbing a physical mountain led him to climb another kind of mountain.

ERIC CURTIS: Eric is the CEO and Managing Partner at Curtis Strategy.

For more info on Eric:
LinkedIn
Website

MATT ZAUN: Matt is ...

Not the neck pain but the moments leading up to it. 

Those seconds right before you hit another car feel like minutes. 

It's almost as if time slows down. 

Sometimes, in those split seconds, we have time to think. 

I remember asking myself, ”did I care for my family enough? 

Was I a good friend? 

Was my...

It was one of the best cheeseburgers I've ever had, too. 

“Wait, what?!” you say. I thought this was the company that says, Eat Mor Chikin?!”

Yup. Well, they used to serve burgers, and the one that started it all (in Hapeville, GA) still does. 

What's wild about this to me is that they served burge...