Inside Influence

What makes you who you are? I know that’s a huge, complex question. However, if you think about it – there would have been a few pivotal moments, relationships and possibly conversations that set you on the path you’re on today.Beyond the path, those moments would have also laid the wiring for how you now react, decide and decode the world around you. Laying the foundations for how you show up in every situation, relationship, and moment of your life.Today’s conversation is a little different to usual, as it has a very autobiographical feel. However, although this episode is all about my guest’s lifelong journey, leading to the completion of his latest book, the lessons learnt along the way are universal. Offering a roadmap for anyone who wants to examine and reimagine their life - at whatever age.Today’s Guest My guest is a friend of the show - Raj Sisodia. Raj is an acclaimed thought leader, speaker and author. Co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, Raj has written a number of the core texts from that field. Including ‘Firms of Endearment’, ‘Conscious Capitalism’, ‘Everybody Matters’ with past guest and incredible human being Bob Chapman and ‘The Healing Organisation’.His latest book ‘Awaken: The Path to Purpose, Inner Peace and Healing’ is a guide to leading a life of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. Containing practical advice on how to know yourself, love yourself, be yourself and express yourself from a place of choice – rather than a place of habit. This is Raj’s second time on the podcast, the first time we dove into his journey starting and leading the Conscious Capitalism movement. This time we go deeper into the moments, events and experiences that led to who he became – and who he chooses to become in this next chapter of his life. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajendrasisodia/Twitter: @RajSisodiaCC You’ll LearnRaj’s definition of what it means to ‘awaken’. Including the acronym ‘LIST’ which he now uses as a roadmap for all his decisions. LIST standing for: Love, Innocence, Simplicity and Truth. His journey of self-discovery – and the strength it takes to dismantle the parts of our lives and personalities that are no longer working. How to find the courage to step back when things don’t feel right and the curiosity to ask: ‘Could there be a better way?’ Finally, why our core childhood memories often hold the key to what we most need to re-examine in order to move forward.A couple of quick notes, this episode contains mention and memories of violence and abuse. As always, I leave it to your instincts to decide what’s healthy for you and any listening ears around you.If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyBahia ShehabThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hands up who’s busy? Busy with work, life, kids, family, businesses, side hustles, resting (now when did that become a task) and everything in between. The reason many of us are so busy, constantly moving and thinking at 100mph is I believe, in its most positive sense, because we want to get it right. We want to be the best we can be in every aspect of our life. Maybe that’s achieving mastery in our field. Maybe it’s being the best leader or parent we can be - or maybe it’s just not waking up one morning and realizing a window of opportunity has passed us by.Nobody gets the results, impact, influence or relationships they want without giving it 110%.But what if we’re actually too busy to be brilliant? What if by slowing down, not hiding in the story of the ‘busyness’ of our lives, we could step back and reclaim the power we have to create the impact we want. This is the mindset and approach that runs through the entirety of my conversation with today’s guest on the podcast - and no matter which way our conversation turned - every road seemed to lead us right back to that place.Today’s Guest Phill Nosworthy is a speaker, author and educator specializing in leadership, personal mastery and high performance. Having spoken around the world over 2000+ times to companies including Microsoft and Universal Music. Phill is also the founder and managing director of Switch L+D; a learning and development company that advises and coaches some of the planet's foremost CEO’s, executives, athletes and entertainers.I also know him as one of the most conscious and intentional leaders, husbands, fathers and humans that I have had the pleasure of knowing for more years than I can count.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillnosworthy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillnosworthy/You’ll LearnImposter syndrome - how to define it and how to tackle it. Honestly Phill has one of the most unique takes on this that I have found, his insights into this one aspect are worth the price of entry alone.The importance of checking in with yourself as you build your influence, specifically what he calls micro check-ins OR ROC’ing - R: relax, O: open up, C:connect. The 1%ers of impact - Simple, practical strategies and improvements you can make, rather than either postponing or tripping up on the big strides. Finally, the importance of ‘prescription vs description’ in leadership, I’ll leave that one there – but suffice to say this one stuck with me in how I both lead and show up as a parent since this conversation.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer CodeThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would you consider yourself to be stubborn? Do you bristle at the thought of change and dig your heels in even when presented with undeniable logic? For most of us our instinct is to probably answer ‘no’ to that question.It’s everyone else that’s stubborn right? It’s the people on the internet who are blatantly wrong in their points of view. The family member who won’t shift position, regardless of how much evidence you present them with. The colleague that just can’t let go of how it ‘used to be’ and embrace the only logical path forward.Or maybe… in order to survive in an age of more information, disruption, ideas, opinions, facts, news, and fake news than we have ever had to process - we’ve ALL become more entrenched and stubborn in our thinking. Simply as a way to survive.My guest today believes that not only are we more MindStuck than ever before - but the process of how we go about changing minds – including our own – has to change. Today’s Guest Michael McQueen is a multi-award winning speaker, trend forecaster and best-selling author of nine books. Having helped some of the world’s most successful brands like Pepsi, Mastercard, BP and Cisco navigate disruption and lead in times of extreme change.He has also just released his latest book ‘Mindstuck: Mastering the art of changing minds’ which completely flips on its head so much of what we assume to be true about exactly how we influence, in a world where silos and stubbornness are now the norm. LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmcqueen1/You’ll LearnWhy we are all more stubborn and MindStuck than ever before - and how accepting that fact opens up a whole new toolkit of influence.The concept of the ‘inquiring mind’ vs the ‘instinctive mind’ – and why we currently spend more than 40% of our time trying to influence the wrong one. Why logic isn’t enough and, in order to influence at the highest level, we need to take a whole different approach to persuasion.The paradox of choice (this one blew my mind) and why giving people the opportunity to opt-out, rather than convincing them to opt-in - almost guarantees they will say yes. Finally, five counter-intuitive strategies to move people from MindStuck to open to new ideas. Including why real trust and persuasion always begins with first having the courage to be wrong. References and links mentionedMichael’s book www.mindstuck.net Michael’s book can be ordered at the following link:- https://linktr.ee/michaelmcqueen  If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyZoe ChanceThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you have an Alter Ego? A side of yourself, with a whole different set of traits and strengths, that you can quickly access to give yourself the edge?Usually when we hear the term ‘Alter Ego’ we think of Peter Parker and Spider Man, Diana Prince and Wonder Woman, Clarke Kent and Superman. The list goes on. However, what if I told you that some of the greatest performers and influential figures on the planet also had one. A side of themselves that they deliberately built and cultivated. A persona that allowed them to access hidden superpowers. Powers like strength, resilience, charisma, deadly focus or larger than life presence – that may otherwise have remained undiscovered.Today’s Guest My guest today has helped millions of people access their Alter Egos in order to move from their trapped self, to their heroic self.Todd Herman is a coach and mentor to some of the world’s most elite athletes, public figures and leaders. An expert on the topics of performance, mindset, strategy and execution - his work goes well beyond the theory. After over 22 years and 15,000 hours on the field of play, Todd has helped his clients achieve some of the greatest feats on the planet.I first discovered Todd through his best selling book, ‘The Alter Ego Effect: Defeat the Enemy, Unlock Your Heroic Self and Start Kicking Ass’. This idea that we all have secret identities, dormant versions of ourselves that we keep buried (due to conditioning, past experiences or societal norms) really rang true with my experiences working with high level speakers and thought leaders.Then I read his book and, to put it simply, it completely unraveled and rebuilt how I thought about myself and how I show up in the world.LinkedIn: @toddherman1Twitter: @todd_herman Instagram: @todd_hermanFacebook - @toddhermanconnect TikTok - @todd_hermanYou’ll LearnHow to find your alter ego – not to change who you are – but to enable you to perform at levels you may previously have thought impossible. How to move from your ‘trapped’ self to activating your ‘heroic’ self. And the power of ‘totems’ to help you tap back into your power.The Importance of naming your enemy – not the enemy out there because, as you’ll hear, in many senses their name is irrelevant. Instead the voice inside your head that’s keeping you on the sidelines.Finally, why answering the question ‘Who do you think you are?’ holds the key to unlocking more strength, wisdom and fire than you ever knew you possessed.References and links mentionedhttps://toddherman.me/If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyDr Kristy GoodwinDoug ConantThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Inside Influence Team and I take a short break to refuel our collective batteries over Summer - or Winter depending on where you are in the world - we’ve got you covered. For the month of August we will be releasing a weekly ‘PowerCut’ of our favorite (and your favorite) podcast episodes from the past year. These are short powerhouse episodes, to keep you fuelled and showing up at the next level. Each PowerCut contains the most useful tools, moments or insights from the full conversation, essentially a mini masterclass in influence.Our second PowerCut episode is with the incredible Victoria Labalme. Today’s Guest Victoria LaBalme is a Hall of Fame Speaker, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author and Performance Strategist for Top Leaders & Brands. As the trusted consultant to top leaders and brands, she shows individuals at all levels how to uncover their hidden genius and express themselves in memorable ways, aligning with a larger mission and winning over the people they serve. She is also the author of the Wall Street Journal Bestselling book, ‘RISK FORWARD,’ and the founder of the ROCK THE ROOM® program that helps people knock their communications out of the park, both on camera and in person.  Website https://www.victorialabalme.com/LinkedIn @victorialabalmeInstagram @victorialabalmeFacebook @victorialabalmeYou’ll LearnWhy shifting your focus from ‘recognition’ to ‘contribution’ is one of the most powerful decisions you can make when it comes to building influence.Why ‘hyperactivity’ is a form of ‘self hypnosis’ (this one really broke my brain). Including why the largest risk - and greatest step - we can often take is to deliberately pause and look at where we’re going.And finally, how to start trusting the ‘idea that leads to the idea’ – rather than staying frozen and waiting for the perfect plan of action.If you enjoy this PowerCut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Victoria, check out the link below - or search for Episode 133 at any of your favorite podcast places.For now sit back, relax and enjoy this powercut with the powerhouse herself Victoria Labalme.References and links mentionedmy new ebook The Influencer CodeVictoria’s book:- https://www.victorialabalme.com/book-risk-forward/If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyVictoria Labalme full length episodeMichael PortDorie ClarkThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Inside Influence Team and I take a short break to refuel our collective batteries over Summer - or Winter depending on where you are in the world - we’ve got you covered. For the month of August we will be releasing a weekly power cut of our favorite (and your favorite) podcast episodes. A short powerhouse version containing some of our favorite moments. To keep you fuelled and showing up at the next level. Our first powercut is with Koelle Simpson. Today’s GuestKoelle Simpson is one of the most highly regarded horse whispers on the planet.A world-renowned coach and leader of the Equus Coaching Movement. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, BBC Business Report, The National Journal, The OWN Network. She is also a TEDx speaker as well as appearing on many other stages around the world. The Koelle Institute works with individuals and Fortune 500 organisations to create transformational leadership experiences – all by using the lens of her journey as a horse whisperer - to decode the silent language of authority.Why silent? Well when it comes to building trust with a wild horse, all the best sales or leadership language in the world isn’t going to help. Charm and charisma don’t work. And raising your voice generally has the opposite effect.Horses are listening to one thing and one thing alone. Your presence. Your ability to show up fully and yet with calm intent. Your ability to wait and hold space – and yet - still instill trust that you will lead the charge when it counts.Get it wrong – panic or overcompensate – and you may well meet the wrong end of 1000 pounds of instant feedback.Which is why, when I first came across Koelle and how she applies the world of horse whispering to leadership presence, I had to know more.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koelle.simpsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/koellesimpson/?igshid=18gyzqhw71gs0LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koelle-simpson-21835012/If you enjoy this powercut episode and would like to hear my full conversation with Koelle Simpson please refer to the link at the end of the show notes, head over to my website juliemasters.com - Episode 124 - or wherever you get your podcasts.For now sit back, relax and enjoy my powercut conversation with Koelle Simpson.References and linkshttps://koellesimpson.com/My new ebook The Influencer CodeIf you liked this episode, you might also enjoyKoelle SimpsonKoelle SimpsonThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook. The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s question is the holy grail of influence. It’s the question that any influencer that wants to make an impact with their words, ideas or mission strives to answer: How do you tell stories that change the way the world works? My guest today has built his career around answering this question - and still sits at the coal face, mining away at the ever-evolving answer.Today’s Guest Jeremy Connell Waite is a man of many hats. He’s Communications Designer at IBM where he coaches partners and executives to create compelling pitches and keynotes for purpose-driven brands.He also created IBM's Communications Thinking™ framework, now used across the globe to help future business leaders to tell stronger purpose-driven stories, on screen, on stage or in the boardroom.Having been Voted the #1 Most Influential Person on Twitter for #BigData,Top 30 Most Influential Digital Marketer in the world and the 3rd most Influential Social Media Marketer in the UK.In April this year Jeremy also founded the Earthshot Academy - a storytelling platform to help young professionals and business leaders who ‘want to change the world with their words and ideas’. If this wasn’t enough, he’s also written four books, run his own agency and worked for brands such as Nike, Vodafone and Uber. I first came across Jeremy after a friend recommended I check out his LinkedIn profile, where I was just blown away by the visual story maps he was creating. Literally decoding on one page the key structures, moments and secrets of the greatest storytellers of our time.He calls himself an industrial storyteller – I would say he’s a storytelling scientist.LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypaulwaite/ You’ll LearnThe key emotion you must evoke to get people to consider and take action on your ideas - basically the magic ingredient of influence.What ‘elephants’, ‘wild geese’ and ‘black swans’ have to do with purpose-driven influence and how to use them all within your storytelling. How to tailor your storytelling to make maximum impact – including staying flexible when it comes to ‘what you want to say’ vs. ‘what your audience needs to hear’.How much preparation a world changing speech actually takes (HINT: a lot more than you think). Finally, the keys to enrolling people in your purpose - and where you immediately need to take them from there.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer CodePurpose driven storytelling: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8858594If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyZoe ChanceJoel LeonThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to own your voice when everything is on the line - and the entire world is watching?Today’s Guest On the podcast today I speak with Gretchen Carlson, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and internationally recognized trailblazer for women’s rights in the workplace. In June of 2016, two years before the beginning of the #metoo movement - Gretchen boldly went public with sexual harassment claims against then Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes, considered to be one of the most powerful men on the planet.Having spent over 30 years as a journalist. Gretchen was one of the most recognised faces on television - hosting the Saturday edition of The Early Show on CBS News, Fox News’ Fox & Friends and The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson.Two weeks after the suit was filed, Roger Ailes was fired from Fox in a historic precedent. Laying the foundations for the #metoo movement to come. Gretchen went on to settle her lawsuit and co-found ‘Lift Our Voices’, a nonprofit organization fighting to stop forced arbitration and non-disclosure agreements keeping toxic workplace issues silent.So what led to that moment? Although the NDA Gretchen had to sign as part of her settlement prevents her from publicly discussing her time at Fox. Her story has since been told as both the movie ‘Bombshell’ starring Nicole Kidman as Gretchen - and the Showtime mini-series ‘The Loudest Voice’ where Gretchen was played by Naomi Watts.In today’s conversation we talk about what it takes to stand up to power, how to fight for change and the ripple effect of courage - in our workplaces, our families and the world.Instagram & twitter: @gretchencarlsonYou’ll LearnHow she found the courage to stand up and tell her story - and why “it’s not like walking into a room and flipping on the light switch, even as a strong person.”What happened after “One of the darkest days of my life”. The day she was told by her lawyers that she didn’t have a case. All because of a tiny clause in her contract that she (and millions of others) didn’t know existed.Why she created ‘Lift Our Voices’ to end forced arbitration and NDA’s. Including how they managed to pass the largest labor law change the USA has seen in 100 years.Finally, how it feels to watch her story portrayed on the big screen – not once but twice – while being legally prevented from contributing her own voice.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer CodeGretchen’s Non-profit, Lift Our Voices: https://liftourvoices.orgIf you liked this episode, you might also enjoyNathan ChanBunker RoyThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which of these has more influence over your day.Your priorities, focus and close relationships – or the demands and temptations of your digital device?Maybe it’s a hard question to answer, maybe it’s easy.Maybe you like the answer, maybe you don’t.Either way, if influence requires focus, then how we handle the ongoing ‘creep’ of the digital world into our lives becomes one of the most important decisions we can make.My guest today on Inside influence is on a mission to help professionals, parents and their families tame their tech habits and stop being a slave to the screen.Today’s GuestDr Kristy Goodwin provides research-based, yet realistic, strategies to using technology in productive and purposeful ways - without reverting to phone bans or digital detoxes. Hands up guilty on that one.She is a global speaker and media commentator – as well as author of my new handbook: ‘Dear Digital we need to talk- A guilt free guide to taming your tech habits and thriving in a digital world’.This is Kristy’s second time on the podcast. Our first conversation was so powerful and practical that, rather than edit it to the usual length, we turned it into a two part series. Such is her ability to combine practicality, eye opening data and ‘guilt free’ wisdom on a topic we all need to master.LinkedIn : Dr-KristyGoodwinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkristy/You’ll LearnWhy one of the most intimate relationships we have today is with a screen – and how to turn that relationship from ‘toxic’ into a powerful tool for focus.Why digital detoxes don’t work How to “Build a fortress around your focus” – whether that’s focusing on work or the relationships that are so critical to our wellbeing.Finally, the non-negotiable boundaries she uses in her own life to ‘tame the tech’The largest gift I received from this conversation was more awareness. I know that doesn’t sound like much at first.The truth is that the technology we have now - and whatever it is we’re hurtling towards – comes with no handbook, not even from the creators themselves.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer Codehttps://drkristygoodwin.com/If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyKristy Goodwin Part 1Kristy Goodwin Part 2Subscribe to and Review the Inside Influence PodcastThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is developing a ‘puzzle mindset’ the key to influence?A few years ago, I developed a bit of an obsession.It started out as innocent and then became an addiction that, like all addictions, began to expand into more and more corners of my life.That obsession was with the world of puzzling.Sudoku, crosswords, train tracks, word finders. You name it I had to solve it.Perhaps it was a reaction to the pandemic, to all the countless facets of life and the world I couldn’t begin to solve. Or maybe, it just gave me something I was missing.A safe space to channel my curiosity and restless mind. To be honest I thought I was alone in my addiction - until I came across a book from my guest today.That book was called “The Puzzler - one man's quest to solve the most baffling puzzles ever from crosswords to jigsaws to the meaning of life”. Today’s Guest AJ Jacobs is a best-selling author, journalist and human guinea pig. He has written four bestsellers including, ‘The Year of Living Biblically’ - for which he followed all of the rules of the bible as literally as possible and ‘Thanks a Thousand’ for which he went around the world and thanked every person who had even the smallest role in making his morning cup of coffee possible. He has given four TED talks with a combined 10 million+ views, he also regularly contributes to NPR and the New York Times. He was also once, perhaps most importantly, the answer to No 1. DOWN in the New York Times crossword puzzle.Twitter:- @ajjacobs Instagram:- @ajjacobsincYou’ll LearnWhy AJ has always considered himself to be a human guinea pig – and how developing an ‘experimental mindset’ changed the entire trajectory of his life.Why every challenge we face is a puzzle – and how by consciously approaching and talking about it that way - we can tap into unlimited amounts of curiosity, energy and enthusiasm.Why the best piece of advice he ever received was: ‘Don't get furious - Get curious’.Finally, we discuss a beautiful tradition called ‘generational puzzles’. Essentially a puzzle that’s passed down from generation to generation - because no one person can solve it alone.This conversation will twist your brain and hopefully leave you in a place where you can better approach the puzzles of your own life. AJ also poses a few riddles that, for those of you that don’t have the patience to puzzle them out yourself, you can find the answers in the shownotes.For me, I know when I approach anything in my life – goals, conflict, overwhelm – as a puzzle to solve, I immediately start asking better questions.What are the constraints? How long do I have? What resources can I call on? What are the available clues? What assumptions am I making?That shift – from powerless to puzzled – usually holds the key to moving forward.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer Code https://bit.ly/3djTTpsThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the future of storytelling?Before you try to answer this question, consider these facts.Al software can now generate video content on demand – in one year's time you will be able to generate an entire movie based on a few simple lines of text.Short story platforms (Tik Tok, Snapchat, Instagram) have now hit staggering views of 30 billion views a day. At the same time in 2021 the streamers (Netflix, Amazon, Disney) released more than 1800 original series – that’s a staggering 90% increase since 2017.So what on earth, you may ask, does all of this mean about the future of story?Today, once again, to help me answer that question is Global Director of Creative Works at Google, the brilliant Ben Jones.For those of you that don’t know Ben, you are in for a feast. Today’s Guest Ben Jones is Creative Director at Google and Head of Unskippable Labs. A team within Google designated with the huge task of studying the 1 BILLION hours of videos that are viewed onto YouTube EVERY SINGLE DAY. Their mission? To work out exactly what makes us press, or not press, the SKIP button. Decoding ‘in real time’ the stories that attract and hold the attention of their 122 million visitors a day. Essentially – what makes a story UnSkippable.This is Ben’s fourth time on the podcast. However, and I may say this every time, this is by far my favorite conversation.This feels like a cumulation of all Ben’s predictions about the future of storytelling since we met four years ago – each coming rapidly and simultaneously to life. LinkedIn : https://bit.ly/3JPbBiGTwitter: @harperjonesYou’ll LearnHow COVID reset all our patterns when it comes to the stories (and adverts) we pay attention to – and the trends Ben is now watching emerge. The role of story length when it comes to engagement – this one hit me hard. Including why 3 minute videos are now more powerful than 30 seconds and why the most successful advert he has ever seen – runs for four hours.We talk about why micro-cultures are now more powerful than demographics i.e. why ‘what you love’ is now a better indicator of engagement, than ‘who you are’.We unpack the 3rd era of marketing. An era made up of big stories, invitations and automations.Finally, and unexpectedly – we discuss his experience in navigating one of the hardest chapters of his life – and how a simple poem he wrote became a blueprint that kept him (and eventually many others) moving forward.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer CodeNissan ARIYA 4-hour advert -https://bit.ly/3FCdVHj With me videos - https://bit.ly/3Z478ge Medium article ‘If not joy, then joy’s direction’ - https://bit.ly/3mT4dJV Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s holding you back from focus right now?Most of us started this year with (hopefully) some clarity on what we want to set in motion. Goals we want to kick, freedom we want to create, impact and influence we want to build.Yet what if I told you that the key to achieving any of those intentions was a commitment to doing less rather than more?My guest today is the King of getting maximum impact, with minimum distraction.Today’s Guest Erik Qualman is a 5 time #1 Bestselling Author and speaker, having performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people. His books ‘Socialnomic: How social media transforms the way we live and do business’, ‘Digital Leader – Five simple keys to success and influence’ and his latest ‘The Focus Project – The not so simple art of doing less’ have been on the CEO lists of must-reads for over a decade. Erik’s work first caught my attention a few years ago. When a video he created seemed like it was being played on loop by every influencer, industry expert and CEO I knew. Literally every conference I attended or spoke at - Erik’s video was played from the stage.That video was ‘Socialnomics’, a video trailer for what would become his bestselling book of the same name. It was a two minute visual feast detailing everything you need to know, and couldn’t have imagined, about the rise of social media. If you haven’t seen it, or want to see a book trailer that literally created a global best seller, check it out here.So, needless to say, I’ve wanted to dive into Erik’s brain for awhile.Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok: @equalman You’ll LearnHow Erik created ‘Socialnomics’ and the keys to using content for massive cut through.The story behind Erik’s legendary lime green glasses and why stepping through your story, rather than avoiding it, is the most powerful thing you can do to stand out.Why Erik wrote ‘The Focus Project’ as the ‘anti-venom’ to his first book. A journey that began when he noticed his own inability to focus into a world of digital distraction.What’s on Erik’s ‘Not To Do’ list right now – and how you can learn way more from learning what someone is committed not to doing, than what they’re hoping to attempt.Finally, the advice he gives his own children about how to manage their focus and make a mark, in a world of never ending distraction.The biggest piece of gold I got out of this conversation was a question I have since shared with many people in my inner circle who are trying to focus:“What’s the ONE thing that if I do it well will make everything else easier or not necessary?”Answer that question, then focus like your life depends on it.References and links mentionedMy new ebook The Influencer Codehttps://equalman.com/the-focus-project/Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now, here's today's question. If you had to pick the most pivotal 10 days of your career, what would they be? Ten days that, either looking back or in the moment, felt like everything had been leading you to this point. Perhaps it was the lead-up to a landmark decision, a moment in the spotlight to either make an impact or publicly fall short, or a crisis you could have never foreseen.These are the moments that usually decide who we become as leaders, communicators, and influencers.A few years ago, I had the genuine pleasure of interviewing someone whose work and career I have admired for a very long time. That person is Cody Keenan, chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama. We talked about the structure of a powerful speech, and what it really takes to forget the critics and show up as a fearless communicator. If you haven't already, you can follow the link at the end of these show notes.At the end of that conversation, Cody mentioned he was writing a book about his experiences in the White House. I asked him to let me know when you're ready to talk about it. Two years and one pandemic later, here we are.His new book, ‘Grace: Ten Days in The Battle for America,’ arrived on my doorstep and instantly became a NYT best-seller. Grace covers 10 pivotal days during June of 2015, when President Obama and Cody had to compose a series of speeches, to meet a succession of stunning developments in American history. These included a white supremacist shooting, an astonishing act of forgiveness, a national reckoning with race and the confederate flag, the fate of marriage equality, and a vital decision on the Affordable Care Act.How do you find the words to describe a time where there are no words? In this episode we dive into his 10 day journey in doing exactly that.Today’s Guest Cody is a professional speechwriter who, as Director of Speech Writing for President Obama – has written or edited more than 2,000 speeches for his boss. Including the historical March 2015 speech, when Obama spoke in Selma, Alabama marking 50 years since “Bloody Sunday”. Most recently he has become a New York Times Bestselling author for his book ‘Grace: Ten Days in The Battle for America’.Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn: @codykeenanYou’ll LearnCody’s hopes and fears for the next generation of communicators.How to move past those moments where you are frozen, staring at a blank page and feeling like an imposter.And finally, the difference between taking a half swing and a full swing as a communicator.A loving warning, this conversation discusses both the act and details of mass shootings on American soil. As you'll hear, this conversation also heartbreakingly took place just days after the Colorado Springs shooting on November 19th, 2022, a fact that was very much on everybody's heart during this recording. Please do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself and any ears that may be listening.If you liked this episode, you might also enjoyMy first interview Cody Keenan – Finding your voice as a leaderThanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Inside Influence Podcast! Please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave an honest review. Also, don’t forget to hop on my website juliemasters.com and download my new ebook The Influencer Code or become an insider by signing up to my newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.