Should your company take a stand on a social issue? There’s no better person to ask than TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie. He and his team have built a thriving footwear brand on the One for One model of giving a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair they sell. And recently, they launched a bold campaign on the controversial issue of gun violence. In this episode, we examine the finer points of what happens when your company takes a stand on a social issue. How does it affect your employees’ lives? Your bottom line? Your brand? The cause itself? Listen now and see for yourself. http://buildingastorybrand.com/127

We business leaders like to talk about our "core values," but all too often, those values don't actually show up in our products, services, and business practices. That's not the case at Brandless, an online retailer with a wholly different approach to how people shop for home essentials. They've built everything around core values like quality, community, and kindness. On today's episode, our guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge talks with Tina Sharkey, the co-founder of Brandless, about the practical ways we can build our businesses around our core values. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/126

The Enneagram is a personality typing system that teaches there are nine basic personality styles in the world. These styles, or “Types,” deeply influence how we think and act. But what does that mean for us as leaders? Enneagram teacher Ian Cron is back for part 2 of our Enneagram series for leadership. This time, he shows you how to leverage the strengths of your own Enneagram Type in order to lead your team well. (Not sure of your Type? You may have a better idea of it after you listen to this episode!) http://buildingastorybrand.com/125

The Enneagram is a personality typing system that teaches there are nine basic personality styles in the world. These styles, or “types,” deeply influence how we think and act. Today on the podcast, we welcome Ian Cron, an Enneagram teacher, to walk us through leadership “do’s and don’ts” for each type so we can lead our teams well. Download the cheat sheet for this episode: http://storybrand.com/enneagram http://buildingastorybrand.com/124

By now you know the framework of story can transform your marketing. But how can story make you a better leader? Today on the StoryBrand podcast, the tables turn as Andy Stanley interviews Donald Miller about how to invite those you lead into a bigger story. Learn the 3 questions you need to answer for your organization and you’ll be ready to re-energize your team. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/123

Got something you need to communicate to a crowd? You KNOW it needs to be clear and memorable. But that’s easier said than done. Today on the podcast, we welcome one of the finest communicators we know, Andy Stanley. As a pastor and bestselling author, he knows how to craft a message that sticks. Listen to learn the 5 questions he asks himself as he prepares a talk. They’ll help a ton the next time you need to win over a crowd. http://buildingastorybrand.com/122

How on earth does a summer league baseball team in Savannah, Georgia sell out every game? Well, it has nothing to do with the baseball -- and everything to do with the team’s philosophy of putting fans first. In this episode, we sit down with Savannah Bananas GM Jesse Cole. He shares the unique and fun philosophy that’s fueled their success and how we can apply it to delight our customers and grow our businesses. http://buildingastorybrand.com/121

We’re gearing up for a strong economy this holiday season. Is your marketing ready? If you’re not sure, listen to this episode. Don and JJ talk through the four simple tasks you need to create in order to have a great fourth quarter (and beyond!). They don’t cost much -- just a little time. But execute them well and you’ll be crushing your revenue goals for Q4. http://buildingastorybrand.com/120

Leadership, character, performance, and competition. All part of our lives as business leaders -- and also the driving forces for sports teams. So this week, as the NFL season heats up, we’re honored to have Ben Malcolmson, the assistant to Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, with us on the podcast. He and Donald Miller talk about Coach Carroll’s leadership, the surprising role persistence plays in our success, and the “x-factor” quality they look for in every player. Give this episode a listen so you can be a better leader, no matter what your playing field looks like. http://buildingastorybrand.com/119

It’s not a question of whether or not we’ll face adversity. It’s a question of how we’ll respond when we do. So today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we’re featuring interviews with two incredibly resilient people. First, Donald Miller sits down with Bonnie St. John, who despite having her right leg amputated as a child, became the first African-American to medal in Winter Olympic competition. Second, Allison Trowbridge talks with Jason Russell, who experienced worldwide acclaim with Invisible Children followed by a public mental breakdown. They help us understand what resilience looks like and why it matters. So if you’re facing a setback, listen to this episode for the inspiration you need to get back up. http://buildingastorybrand.com/118

If you manage a team, it’s way too easy to just give advice and demand action. But if you want to get the best from your team so your business can grow, you’ve got to coach your people, not manage them. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Michael Bungay Stanier. He talks us through seven questions we can ask our team members if we want to have better conversations. http://buildingastorybrand.com/117

Sales minus expenses equals profit, right? Not exactly, according to Mike Michalowicz, our guest on today’s episode. A lot of business leaders aren’t maximizing their profits because they’re thinking about them as what’s “left over.” He shares his system for structuring your business’ finances so you put the priority on profit. It’s remarkably simple and will help you reshape your entire mindset around how you look at profit and expenses. http://buildingastorybrand.com/116

If you lead a business, you’ve got a huge opportunity to add value to your product or service. Trouble is, most everybody overlooks it. On today’s episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge talks with Gina Bianchini. She’s the founder and CEO of Mighty Networks and a pioneer in online community building. She’s helped countless businesses offer value in the form of a niche community where customers can share ideas and experiences. She’ll show you how, too -- and why it’s important as the Facebook backlash grows. If the customers you serve have a motivation to help each other, don’t miss this episode! http://buildingastorybrand.com/115

If you’re a business owner, then you know how to pay your taxes. But do you understand the basic economic principles of how those taxes work? Or how economic policy affects your business’s growth? Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller talks with Dr. Arthur Laffer, a prominent American economist whose ideas have shaped policy from the Reagan administration through today. He gives us an accessible primer on how taxes work -- plus, we dive into other economic policy like trade, debt, and more. It’s straightforward, easy-to-understand, and frankly, a whole lot more fun than your Econ 101 class ever was. http://buildingastorybrand.com/114

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York is on the podcast! Sarah Ferguson sat down with our correspondent, Allison Trowbridge, for an inspiring conversation about how we can all bring an entrepreneurial spirit to improve the lives of those around us. She’s winsome and full of wisdom -- and, having married the son of the Queen of England, she has found a way to use her considerable influence to be a voice for those in need. Don’t miss this uplifting episode! http://buildingastorybrand.com/113

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at how music artists and managers develop their brands in a rapidly changing landscape. In part one, guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge interviews Russell Redeaux, the manager for Snoop Dogg and many other fantastic artists. Then, in part two, Donald Miller sits down with musician Ben Rector. From balancing commercial success with artistry, to cultural diversity in our entertainment, to the way streaming works, to the backstory of global marketing campaigns, you’ll find this insider look at the music business fascinating.  http://buildingastorybrand.com/112

Ever wondered how songs get written, pitched, and cut? How songwriters and publishers work together? How the creative process unfolds? The role publishers play in getting a song out there? To answer all these questions, we sat down with legendary Nashville songwriter Tom Douglas and the president and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Troy Tomlinson. It’s a fascinating look at both the art and business of songwriting. If you’re in a creative field, you’ll find plenty of takeaways for your own business. http://buildingastorybrand.com/111

Your customers are leaving in droves. Today’s guest, Joey Coleman, has the research to back it up. So if you want to keep your customers and grow your business, don’t miss this episode. In it, Joey highlights the 8 phases of customer experience so you never lose another customer again. http://buildingastorybrand.com/110

We talk a lot about “trust” in our businesses. But a lot of us are getting it wrong. On this episode, Oxford lecturer and bestselling author Rachel Botsman joins us for a fascinating look at how trust works in the business world, how it’s changing, and what we need to do to keep up. http://buildingastorybrand.com/109

A vibrant company culture is a silver bullet for success. But how does culture work? What makes it gel? On this episode, we talk with NYT bestselling author Daniel Coyle, who unpacks 3 traits of great cultures and how we can develop them in our businesses. http://buildingastorybrand.com/108

What is the “ideal” entrepreneur like? The answer may surprise you. Why? Because our assumptions about what it takes to run a business don’t really line up with what successful leaders actually do. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge talks to esteemed Oxford economic sociologist Marc Ventresca. He debunks 3 myths about entrepreneurship. Listen for an inspiring new outlook on how to lead your business well. http://buildingastorybrand.com/107

There’s more to business than just making money. We want to make the world better, both for our customers and our employees. To do that, we need to create a company culture that’s built around happiness. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Jenn Lim, one of the pioneers of culture at Zappos. Listen and discover three key ways we as leaders can build a positive, thriving culture for our employees. http://buildingastorybrand.com/106

Art helps us see the world in a new way. But the art world itself can feel pretty intimidating. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we talk with three art world insiders -- an artist, a curator, and a patron -- so we can understand how it works and why it makes life better. If you want to appreciate art at a finer level but don’t know where to start, this episode will inspire you. https://buildingastorybrand.com/105

Hiring the right person can transform your business. Bring on the wrong person, and you can substantially set it back. So if you’re growing your team, don’t miss this episode with Armando Lopez, the Executive Director of HR for Dave Ramsey’s company. Follow the six steps he outlines, and make sure everyone who joins your team helps to make it amazing. https://buildingastorybrand.com/104

Do you really need a physical office space? Remote collaboration is easier than ever, and digital workplaces are on the rise. But how does each setup impact how we work? Which kind of office will help your team members achieve their best? Today on the podcast, we have two guests with differing opinions. Bryan Miles of BELAY joins us to discuss the merits of the virtual remote office. And Jacob Morgan, a leading expert on how we work, shares the benefits of a thoughtfully designed physical space. In these two conversations, you’ll be able to compare and contrast the benefits and determine which style works for you, or how to blend them to get the best of both worlds. https://buildingastorybrand.com/103

If you read the headlines, you know our mental health is precious. But you also know it’s in jeopardy. As business leaders, what can we do? Plenty. Today on the podcast, we welcome Dr. Lee Norton, a clinical social worker and trauma expert. She helps us understand the role mental health plays at work. What is trauma and how does it show up in our employees? What do you do if you work for someone who lacks empathy? How can you protect your own mental health and look out for the people around you, too? It’s a timely conversation with loads of insight for business leaders who want to create a safe and nurturing work environment. http://buildingastorybrand.com/102

We hear words like “cryptocurrency” and “blockchain” and “Bitcoin” and we know they’re supposedly the Next Big Thing. But what do they really mean? How are they relevant to us as business leaders? Today’s guest, Peter Smith, the CEO and Founder of Blockchain, Inc., walks us through this brave new world of digital finance in a way we can actually understand. Listen to this episode and you’ll have a practical understanding of digital currency and what next steps you can take if you’re ready to dig in more. http://buildingastorybrand.com/101

Why are we always mentally worn out? As business leaders, we ask a lot of our brains every day. Decisions, creativity, strategy, and more. And if we don’t protect our mental energy, it will show up in our bottom line. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Olympic medalist and leadership consultant Bonnie St. John. She shares small but mighty “micro-resilience” techniques that can help us keep our mental sharpness so we can be at our best for the people who count on us. http://buildingastorybrand.com/100

Ever wonder what it’s like in the film industry? What it’s really like? Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we’re taking an insider tour of the movie business. Our guest correspondent Allison Trowbridge sat down with actor Kellan Lutz (of 'Hercules' and 'Twilight' fame) and top manager/producer Ryan Daly. Together, they give us a fascinating look at what it takes to succeed with integrity in a cutthroat industry. There are some surprising takeaways for other industries too, particularly if partnerships, clients, negotiation, or first impressions are a part of your job. http://buildingastorybrand.com/99

If you want to build a strong social media following without resorting to negativity, you’ll love today’s episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast. Branden Harvey of Good, Good, Good joins Donald Miller for a conversation about how we can create dynamic and positive social media that draws our customers in. You’ll learn what to post about, how to separate your personal brand from your business, and so much more. Your social media can be a huge asset to your brand and your bottom line. This episode will help you make it happen. http://buildingastorybrand.com/98

Growing a business is tough and risky. And as pressures rise and competition emerges, we’re tempted to make compromises with our brand in order to win the day. But if you want to be successful in the long run, you’ve got to know what your brand authentically stands for and stick to it. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we hear from Too Faced founders Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson. With their winsome blend of authenticity and creativity, they’ve built one of the biggest and most beloved cosmetics brands in the world. Their story -- and their unique approach to business -- will encourage you to stay true to your brand as your grow your company. http://buildingastorybrand.com/97

The awkward stops here, folks. If you want to be more memorable and captivating when you talk to other people, then you need to listen to this episode. Donald Miller talks with Vanessa Van Edwards, a human behavioral expert, about the art and science of how we interact with each other. Discover the small signals you don’t even know you’re sending out -- and how to authentically manage them so people easily connect with you. You’ll feel more confident and and in control the next time you walk into a room of strangers or sit down to talk with your team. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/96

Making a smart hiring decision can make you a ton of money. But the wrong choice can set your business back dramatically. So how can you make sure you’re hiring the right person for the role? Today, we’re going to hear from three big brands who’ve developed their own strategies to find and keep amazing talent: Chick-fil-A, POPsocial, and Ramsey Solutions. If you’re hiring or if you want to better nurture your current employees, then you want to listen to this episode. It’ll help you tap into (and keep!) amazing talent that will grow your business. http://buildingastorybrand.com/94

On the podcast today, we welcome Daymond John. He founded the iconic fashion brand FUBU. He kills it every week on Shark Tank. He is, without a doubt, successful. But the story behind his success -- and how he pursues it now -- is what truly makes Daymond inspiring. In this conversation with Donald Miller, Daymond shares the habits and qualities you need as a leader if you want to truly prosper in both life and business. He also tells some amazing stories about the early days of FUBU that will encourage you if you’re in the beginning stages of your startup. Don’t miss this one -- listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/94

If you want to build a team where everyone feels supported, heard, and ready to tackle big challenges, then you want to listen to this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast. In it, we welcome our correspondent Allison Trowbridge as she talks with GiANT co-founder Steve Cockram. As a expert in both leadership and personality types, Steve walks us through the five different personalities (or “Voices”) you’ll find on every team and how to nurture each one. In Steve’s words, “You can’t outsource culture.” Build a better one by making sure everyone feels safe and supported to contribute their best. This episode will show you how. Give it a listen! http://buildingastorybrand.com/93

Hustle and grind. Plan out everything. Protect your availability. That’s the typical advice business leaders get to “maximize our efficiency.” But there’s more to life than efficiency. And no one models this better than Bob Goff, the bestselling author of Love Does. He joins Donald Miller on the podcast for an inspiring conversation about leading well by loving others. It’s a different kind of mindset that puts people before efficiency and meaning ahead of success. If you struggle with a fear of failure, if you’re looking for permission to start that next big thing, or if something about your current way of life just isn’t working, THIS is the wisdom you need to hear today. http://buildingastorybrand.com/92

You’re driven to lead your business well. But you want quality time with your family, too. It’s a constant balancing act, and for women especially, it can seem like you have to choose one or the other. But Shannon Miles, today’s guest on the StoryBrand podcast, believes it doesn’t have to be that way. She shares nine creative and practical ideas that will help you succeed both at home and at work instead of feeling like you have to choose between them. If you want to design a life where both work and family can thrive, don’t miss this episode! http://buildingastorybrand.com/91

If you’re reading this, you’re probably a productivity junkie. You love getting stuff done and being successful. You write down stuff you’ve already done just so you can check it off! But when constantly being in “beast mode” leaves us feeling depleted and unhealthy, is that really success at all? What if we’re doing productivity all wrong? Today on the StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller sits down with Michael Hyatt to talk about a better approach to productivity. Michael believes that to truly be productive, we need freedom to focus on the things that matter most. That way, your life can be full of significance and meaning, not just tasks and goals. In this episode, he teaches us the surprisingly simple systems and rituals we can implement to help us do just that. If you struggle to turn off work at nights and weekends, or if you always feel defeated at the end of the day no matter what you’ve gotten done, you need the wisdom Michael shares in this episode. Listen now, and don’t forget to subscribe, too. http://buildingastorybrand.com/90

If building a positive team at your organization feels like a uphill battle, this week’s podcast is for you. Ron Clark joins Donald Miller to share ten practical habits that will help both leaders and employees contribute to their teams in extraordinary ways. Ron developed these ideas after years of serving educators and schools, but they work for businesses and nonprofits, too. Why? Because at the end of the day, ANY organization needs great people in order to thrive. Ron will show you how to be the kind of leader who draws the best out of your team. Don’t miss this inspiring (and incredibly practical) episode. Listen now! http://buildingastorybrand.com/89

The world around us is pretty bonkers. Fortunately, that’s good for us as business leaders. Behind every headline, there are so many lessons that can make our business stronger. Today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast, we hear the crazy story behind one of those headlines. Ryan Holiday is the author of Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue, which tells the story of how Peter Thiel strategically launched a behind-the-scenes conspiracy to take down media giant Gawker. The story itself is wild, but when Ryan tells it, it becomes a study in how to use narrative, patience, and strategy if you find yourself in a battle of sorts. Maybe you’re battling a competitor for market share. Or battling a public misconception that’s hurting sales. In either case, this episode will give you a glimpse into what Thiel did behind the scenes to create the outcome he wanted. Give it a listen today! http://buildingastorybrand.com/88

Why do organizations fail? For countless reasons, of course, but at the root of every business failure you’ll find a leader who never gave their team a clear vision. It sounds so simple, but in practice, only the boldest leaders have the courage to craft a vision and the tenacity to keep their staff focused on it. So when it comes to bold leadership, you don’t need to look much farther than today’s podcast guest, Carey Lohrenz. She was the first female pilot of an F-14 Tomcat, and she knows what it takes to lead well when the pressure’s on and the stakes are immense. In today’s episode, she shares the three characteristics you need to be a bold leader, with practical ways you can develop them. Listen now, and give yourself a huge boost of motivation this week! http://buildingastorybrand.com/87

90 days from now. It’s not that far away, is it? That’s all the time you need to accomplish a major goal, according to Todd Herman, a performance coach for athletes and business owners. He’s our guest today on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. He shares his four-part blueprint for tackling big projects in 90 days instead of letting them languish and stall for an entire year or longer. He’ll show you how to make reaching your goals “inevitable” by using smarter strategy and a more efficient process -- all in 90 days. If you want to scale your business as efficiently as possible, don’t miss this interview! http://buildingastorybrand.com/86 

Left or right. Justice or mercy. Traditional or innovative. Logic or gut instinct. We tend to be binary thinkers. We assume things have to be one way or the other. But this is dangerous, according to Tim Arnold, today’s guest on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. To be a better leader -- both at work and at home -- we need to embrace healthy tension. We need to learn to see life’s decisions not as “either/or” but as “both/and.” When we do, we give ourselves a massive competitive advantage. We unlock a new level of leadership and creativity. Our businesses (and our lives) can breathe and be healthy. If some area of your life or business has plateaued and you don’t know why, listen to this episode. It’s nuanced, it’s practical, and it may just be the “aha” moment you need to truly start thriving. http://buildingastorybrand.com/85

It’s easy to spot weak company culture, isn’t it? We’ve all witnessed the politics, egos, and backstabbing. That kind of toxic environment makes it hard to do good work and retain good people. But it’s not so easy to pinpoint what makes a thriving company culture. What steps can we take to cultivate it with our current employees? How can we recruit and hire people who “get it?” To answer those questions, Donald Miller sits down with renowned business consultant Patrick Lencioni this week on the Building a StoryBrand podcast. Patrick shares the three characteristics of a great team member, plus practical ways you can help your team develop those traits. Your business can’t reach its potential if your people don’t reach theirs. What Patrick shares here will help you create a positive, authentic company culture that drives your overall business growth. http://buildingastorybrand.com/84

So, at this point, you know you need a strong social media strategy to grow your business. But it seems like the best practices are always changing. It takes a ton of time. You’re constantly updating all the things. And at the end of the day, you have no idea if it’s even working. Here’s the good news. With the right strategies, you can measurably grow your business with social media -- even if you don’t have a lot of time or a huge staff. That’s why we’re thrilled to have Rachel Hollis on the podcast today. She’s the force behind The Chic Site, where she’s built a massive community by serving them with valuable content. She sits down with Donald Miller to talk through the five key social media strategies you can use to engage your followers and grow business. If you’re worn out by social media, listen to this episode. You’ll be ready to start building a tribe that can take your business to the next level. http://buildingastorybrand.com/83

When the Winter Olympics start this week, we’re going to be captivated by winners. We’ll get inspired by seeing years of hard work all come down to one moment of glory. You may not be fine-tuning your luge run. But as business leaders, we still want to win. We want to surpass last month’s goals. We want to beat the competition. We want to lead the industry. That’s why we have Olympic gold medalist Scott Hamilton back on the Building a StoryBrand podcast this week. He and Donald Miller talk about how to live more like a champion. Scott has an amazing way of taking what he’s learned about competing and winning at the highest level and turning it into wisdom we can use in everyday life. When you know what champions do differently, you’ll start accumulating little wins  -- and those will turn into big victories for your business and your life. Don’t miss this one. You’ll walk away inspired and equipped to tackle your most Olympic-sized goals. http://buildingastorybrand.com/82

These days, our economy shifts and evolves at light speed. It can be overwhelming and intimidating just to follow along with the news. But if you lead a business, you need to understand how these big-level marketplace changes affect your company. When you do, you’ll feel empowered to make smarter decisions about how you hire and invest. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, Donald Miller talks with economist and investment expert Ron Carson about the many economic issues that impact a business leader. You’ll discover what the new tax plan means for you, how to spot a strong financial opportunity, specific investment ideas for today’s market, what to watch out for when you hire a financial advisor, what’s really happening with blockchain technology -- plus a whole lot more. You don’t have to feel intimidated or overwhelmed by economics. Listen to this episode and discover how a better grasp of economics can make a huge difference in your small business’s bottom line. http://buildingastorybrand.com/81 

For your business to truly thrive, you’ve got to be good at delegation. You know this. But it’s so hard to relinquish control of your email, your calendar, and your travel. You’ve bought into the myth that only you can do it all, and it’s sucking the life out of you. A personal assistant can help -- but only if you set up the relationship in a healthy way. To help us, Donald Miller sits down with Bryan Miles. His company, Belay Solutions, helps high-performing executives achieve more by pairing them with top-notch virtual assistants. In this episode of the Building a StoryBrand podcast, they discuss the 5 key ways you can create a positive and productive relationship with your assistant, even if you’ve been reluctant to delegate in the past. Stop trying to do it all. Listen to this episode, and you’ll unlock new levels of freedom, creativity, and value for your business. http://buildingastorybrand.com/80