

Anecdotally Speaking
Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 16, 2026 • 12min
286 – Please Demote Me – Satya Nadella
In 286 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn a remarkable story of leadership, humility and what it means to truly put the organisation first. In this episode …
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Mar 9, 2026 • 27min
105 – A rose by any other clinical name (Rerun)
Often we dismiss signals that we should interpret. Listen to hear how one woman’s sense of smell established a new field of medicine. In this …
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Mar 2, 2026 • 15min
285 – Building Empires – Forrest Mars
In Episode 285 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how Forrest Mars rolled up his sleeves to learn from the factory floor and built a global empire. …
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Feb 23, 2026 • 18min
284 – The Meaning You Choose – Tsutomu Yamaguchi
In Episode 284 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how the story you tell yourself shapes resilience, leadership and meaning at work. In this episode, Mark shares …
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Feb 16, 2026 • 16min
283 – What Data Can’t Tell You – New Coke
In Episode 283 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how at times data can reveal preferences but not what people truly care about. In Episode 283 of …
The post 283 – What Data Can’t Tell You – New Coke appeared first on Anecdote.

Feb 9, 2026 • 16min
282 – Can You See Tahiti? – Polynesian Voyaging Society
In Episode 282 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover what ancient Polynesian navigation teaches us about vision, leadership, and organisational alignment. In this episode, Mark shares an …
The post 282 – Can You See Tahiti? – Polynesian Voyaging Society appeared first on Anecdote.

Feb 2, 2026 • 16min
281 – Stronger Than Steel – Stephanie Kwolek
In Episode 281 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how a single act of curiosity led to a life-saving discovery that transformed industries. In this episode, Shawn …
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Jan 26, 2026 • 15min
280 – A Portfolio of Possibilities – Picasso and Kahnweiler
In Episode 280 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn how an art dealer’s unconventional strategy with Picasso offers lessons in decision-making, risk, and productivity. In this episode, …
The post 280 – A Portfolio of Possibilities – Picasso and Kahnweiler appeared first on Anecdote.

Jan 19, 2026 • 0sec
279 – Computer Says No – UK Office Scandal
Explore the devastating consequences of the UK Post Office scandal and the lessons it offers for leadership, transparency, and institutional accountability. In Episode 279 of …
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Jan 12, 2026 • 17min
233 – Sorry We Suck: Domino’s Pizza (rerun)
In this Episode 233 of Anecdotally Speaking, learn how Domino’s transformed their business by owning their flaws and taking bold action. In this rerun episode, …
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