206 episodes
Anecdotally Speaking Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
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- Business
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4.9 • 14 Ratings
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Welcome to our podcast, Anecdotally Speaking. Each week we tell a business story, talk about why it works and discuss where you might tell it at work. Our aim is to help you build your story repertoire.
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204 – The Serve and Return Turning Point: Agassi, Becker and perseverance
We are all looking for the turning point in a good story, and we love a story that demonstrates perseverance and resolve.
Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: explaining the data in a story, sizing up your competition and 'keeping Mum' with your competitive advantage. -
203 – The resilience and persistence story of Penfolds Grange
Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights!
https://www.anecdote.com/
Resilience and persistence are not only the hallmarks of future success in winemaking, but in business too.
Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: sticking to your guns, having a ‘partner in crime’ and really, fully backing your instincts.
Links and References:
Shawn Callahan on LinkedIn
Mark Schenk on LinkedIn
Come say hi on our social Medias!
LinkedIn Page
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Photo by Davidson Luna on Unsplash
For your story bank
Tags: resilience, persistence, Grange hermitage, wine
This story starts at 02:41 and ends at 09:05
In the 1950s, Australia predominantly favored fortified wines, but Schubert, a visionary winemaker at Penfolds, had a different vision. Despite initial resistance from management, Schubert persisted in his quest to produce a premium table wine. His determination led to the birth of Grange Hermitage in 1951, named after the family cottage and the grape variety used.
However, Grange faced harsh criticism from wine critics, threatening its existence. Undeterred, Schubert and a supportive colleague, Jeffrey Penfold Highland, embarked on a secret endeavor to continue crafting Grange. Through patience and perseverance, the wine matured into a masterpiece, winning acclaim and prestigious awards by the 1960s.
Today, Penfolds Grange stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation in the wine industry, with each bottle carrying a rich history and hefty price tag. Join us as we raise a glass to Max Schubert and his unwavering commitment to excellence, proving that great wines, like great journeys, are often filled with unexpected twists and turns. -
202 – Efficiency versus cost cutting
Reducing waste increases the efficiency of raw material use. But can we all agree that scraping mould off food product prior to packaging may be a little beyond the pale?
Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: understanding the difference between efficiency and cost cutting, short 'single point' storytelling, the retelling factor in stories with disgust, and the importance of avoiding abstraction in your stories. -
201 – Governance and accountability lose their Barings
A governance and accountability story. Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast!
Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights!
https://www.anecdote.com/
In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk kick off the 2024 season of the show!
The episode features a cautionary story about Nick Leeson, an infamous investment trader for the Queen’s bank (Barings) who traded them into bankruptcy.
Expect to learn:
* The devastating story leading to the bankruptcy of England’s oldest investment bank
* The importance of governance and accountability
* The impact of high risk investment trading
* The vital difference between talent and luck
And…much more!
Links and References:
Nick Leeson story
Shawn Callahan on LinkedIn
Mark Schenk on LinkedIn
Come say hi on our social Medias!
LinkedIn Page
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
For your story bank
Tags: governance, internal control, trust, accountability, trader, bankruptcy
This story starts at 04:09 and ends at 10:39
This business story is centred around the downfall of Barings Bank in the 1990s. The bank’s Singapore office, led by the young and successful Nick Leeson, initially thrived with a doubling strategy, turning profits. However, Leeson’s high-risk trades led to substantial losses hidden in an obscure account. The lack of oversight and accountability within the bank’s governance allowed the losses to accumulate, ultimately resulting in the bank’s bankruptcy in February 1995.
The takeaways from this story include: the importance of governance, trust, accountability, and the fine line between talent and luck in the financial world. -
200 – Weber BBQ Australian Success
Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast!
Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights!
https://www.anecdote.com/
In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk celebrate the 200th episode of the show!
The episode features an inspiring story about Ross McDonald, a former accountant who found unexpected success in the barbecue industry.
Expect to learn:
* The inspiring journey of the Weber Kettle Barbecue in Australia
* The importance of customer experience
* The impact of perspective on identifying opportunities
* The vital role of curiosity in recognizing patterns for success
And…much more!
Links and References:
Ross McDonald story
Shawn Callahan on LinkedIn
Mark Schenk on LinkedIn
Come say hi on our social Medias!
LinkedIn Page
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Photo by Harry Knight on Unsplash -
199 – Approach to the south poles apart – Amundsen Scott
Two explorers from the northern hemisphere set out to be the first to reach the South Pole – Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falconer Scott of England. Their expedition planning, team, equipment and transport selections could not have been more different.
Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: corporate culture, knowing your limitations, hand picking your teams and the impact of clear, singular goals on success.
Welcome back to a new Anecdotally Speaking episode.
For your story bank
Tags: workplace culture, know your limitations, teams, goal setting, planning
This story starts at 01:25 and ends at 06:29
Early 1900s – Race to reach the South pole
Robert Falconer Scott UK v Roald Amundsen Norway
Amundsen already traversed South West Passage
Time among Inuit – dogs, skiis, clothing
Scott naval officer – royal appointment
Both commence missions early 1910
Amundsen single focus > pole and back safely
Planning food > eat penguins, then the sled dogs… eeuw!
Amundsen encounters bad storm early – retreats and tries again later
Amundsen reaches pole Dec 11 1914
Not so well for Scott…
Multiple objectives and ‘noble’ mission
Ponies and motorised sleds – die and breakdown – party left to continue on foot
Inadequate food supply
Scott arrives at South Pole one month after Amundsen
On Scott’s return, get to within 12 miles of supply depot, but…
All die in their tents – exhaustion, frostbite, malnutrition
Culture
Know your limitations – learning via immersion
Keep it simple
Get the local knowledge
Hand pick your team
Clear, singular goal >
Too many objectives/stakeholders is dangerous
The importance of planning
Disgust in this story – penguins, then dogs > horror
Customer Reviews
Always great work
I've been following Anecdote for a while and attended one of their courses. I highly recommend them, and with free podcasts, you have no excuse not to up your storytelling game.