The story behind Southwest Airlines’ ‘Bags Fly Free’ campaign demonstrates how having a clear purpose can help an organisation make better, more profitable decisions. Having a clear purpose can help an organisation make better decisions. Southwest Airlines’ purpose to ‘democratise the skies’ helped the airline add over $1 billion to their bottom line, despite a […]

Is poverty a lack of character or a lack of cash? This story could change your mind.   This week, it is Mark’s turn to share a story. The story he has chosen is one which demonstrates how stories can change minds and influence people. This story changed his mind. It reminded him to be […]

As you may already know, I’ll be in Silicon Valley this December to deliver two of our storytelling programs, Storytelling for Sales and Story-powered Culture Change. We’ve mentioned the programs on Anecdotally Speaking and on our social media, but I wanted to give you more information about Story-powered Culture Change, as this is the first […]

The story of how James Dyson designed and produced the first bagless vacuum cleaner is one of perseverance and iteration. We know the ending of this story, but the fifteen years which precede it are well worth sharing for the insights they offer into innovation. Most of us know the Dyson brand. Their vacuum cleaners, […]

Over the last six months, we’ve been approached by a number of luxury brands to help them with their in-store sales skills. Companies like Burberry, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Christian Louboutin, Fendi, Versace, Hermès, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany & Co. have all felt their sales soften as the market has readjusted to the growing […]

Sir Charles Masefield describes the series of events by which, under his leadership, BAE Systems’ worst performing factory became their best. Continuing to share stories from those we’ve met on our travels, in this episode we’re joined by Sir Charles Masefield. Charles shares a story from very early in his career with BAE Systems. Charles […]

As a leader, you often need to establish a rapport with others, to connect with them. It might be when you meet new people in an office or when you give a presentation or a talk. In each case, the other people will want to know who you are and what you stand for. They […]

Steve Crompton shares an inspiring, real-life rags to riches story, which proves that anyone can make a difference and achieve their dreams if they take the initiative and are willing to work hard to make it happen.  Anecdotally Speaking is back! We’ve taken a short hiatus while travelling all over Australia and the world. We’ve […]

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what makes a compelling story and I’ve come up with a shortlist. Safe to say, if you’ve found a story which has all, or most, of the following characteristics, it’s a great one to add to your story bank.   1. Something Unanticipated When I first started thinking […]

It’s not what you know, but who knows you and trusts what you say! Looking after your business connections is important for maintaining communications, especially for your ‘news feed’. But does your attention to the news depend on the messenger? In today’s story, we contrast the famous Paul Revere with the not so famous William […]