Stories aren’t just for Hollywood—they’re the key to better leadership, communication, and culture in the workplace. In this episode, I sit down with Shawn Callahan, storytelling expert and author of Putting Stories to Work, to unpack the power of business storytelling. Shawn shares why the traditional hero’s journey doesn’t work in business, how to naturally weave stories into your communication, and why the stories we tell shape company culture. If you think storytelling isn’t for you, think again—this conversation will change the way you connect, influence, and lead.

[00:00:00] Intro – Why storytelling is a game-changer

[00:02:00] Shawn Callahan on business storytelling and why the hero’s journey is overrated

[00:04:00] Why business stories should feel natural, not scripted

[00:07:00] How leaders can use stories to drive strategy and inspire teams

[00:12:00] The biggest mistake people make when telling stories at work

[00:18:00] How storytelling shapes company culture and drives change

[00:27:00] The power of listening—how to draw out meaningful stories

[00:35:00] Real-world examples of storytelling transforming businesses

[00:44:00] Three key takeaways from today’s conversation

[00:46:00] How to learn more about business storytelling

Shawn Callahan is the founder of Anecdote, one of the world’s leading business storytelling consultancies. As the author of Putting Stories to Work, he helps leaders and teams craft and share compelling stories to drive business impact. With decades of experience in organizational storytelling, Shawn has worked with major brands to build cultures of influence, engagement, and trust. He also co-hosts the Anecdotally Speaking podcast, where he shares powerful business stories that can be retold to inspire action.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Shawn Callahan’s website & blog: anecdote.com
• Shawn’s book – Putting Stories to Work: Grab a copy
• Follow Tim on LinkedIn: Tim Newbold on LinkedIn

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In this episode of Strategy Candy, Tim Newbold dives into one of the most debated topics in business leadership—should OKRs be tied to performance management? Tim breaks down the benefits and risks of linking these two critical processes, offering a fresh perspective on how to drive results without stifling creativity or stressing your team out. With practical tips on creating accountability, tracking progress, and fostering a culture where failure is safe and learning is key, this episode is packed with actionable insights for leaders who want to get the most out of their teams.

Timestamps:

[00:00] – Intro: Why Linking OKRs and Performance Management is a Hot Topic

[01:00] – Understanding the Difference: Performance Management vs. OKRs

[03:20] – Why Traditional Goal-Setting Might Be Holding Your Team Back

[04:50] – Can Bonuses really drive better performance?

[06:00] – Team-Based OKRs: Why They’re the Secret to Success

[08:30] – The Magic of Stretch Goals: Creating Safe Space for Failure

[11:00] – How to Measure Success: It’s Not About Hitting the Target

[14:00] – The 5 Key Behaviors Every Leader Should Look for in Their Team

[16:30] – Celebrating Wins: Why Thanking Your Team is a Game-Changer

[18:00] – Wrapping Up: How to Make OKRs and Performance Reviews Work Together

Check the OKR Quickstart website: okrquickstart.com

https://okrquickstart.com/

Follow Tim Newbold:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/

https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/

In this episode of Strategy Candy, Tim Newbold sits down with Samantha McIntyre, a seasoned CIO who’s held leadership roles at powerhouse companies like L’Oreal, Woolworths, and Suzanne Group. Samantha shares her unique journey from starting on a help desk to becoming a major player in Australia’s corporate world. She’s got a knack for authentic, people-first leadership, and in this conversation, she breaks down how leaders at any level can use similar strategies to build connected, resilient teams. Samantha also dives into what it takes to create more gender equity in traditionally male-dominated fields, offering practical tips for supporting women in leadership and helping everyone achieve their potential.

Tim and Samantha discuss actionable career-boosting moves, the art of navigating work-life balance, and the surprising power of resilience, teamwork, and culture in transforming organizations. If you’re looking for straightforward, inspiring advice on climbing the career ladder and leading with empathy, this episode is a must-listen.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] – Intro to the episode and Samantha’s impressive background.
• [02:11] – Samantha’s journey from help desk to the C-suite: saying "yes" to opportunity and pushing herself forward.
• [06:15] – Breaking into male-dominated fields: Samantha’s experience as a woman in tech and leadership.
• [10:59] – Seeing the gaps: How Samantha realized there was a need to empower women in senior roles.
• [12:30] – The reality of gender bias: Why fewer women hold P&L positions and why that matters.
• [17:00] – Practical tips for building gender diversity: How leaders can create a more inclusive culture.
• [23:55] – Samantha’s top strategies for fast-tracking your career, starting from where you are.
• [31:05] – The impact of accountability: How to keep career goals on track.
• [33:56] – What to avoid in leadership: Busy culture, lazy leadership, and saying “I’m too busy.”
• [36:38] – Lessons from a challenging year: Building resilience and adapting to remote leadership.
• [39:30] – The importance of mutual support and building strong connections with your team.
• [43:05] – Book recommendations: Untamed by Glennon Doyle and other titles on Samantha’s reading list.
• [44:26] – Wrapping up: Tim shares final takeaways and Samantha’s advice for staying true to your goals.

Guest Bio:

Samantha McIntyre is a highly respected CIO and executive who has led technology and business transformation at iconic brands like L’Oreal, Woolworths, and Suzanne Group. Known for her people-centered approach to leadership, Samantha brings a wealth of experience in creating inclusive, high-performance cultures. A champion for women in leadership, she actively mentors and advocates for gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, especially in tech. Samantha is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and sharing practical, real-world insights on career progression and personal growth.

Check the OKR Quickstart website: okrquickstart.com

https://okrquickstart.com/

Follow Tim Newbold:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timnewbold/

https://www.instagram.com/okr.tim/