#16 Purpose Needs Some PR: Why purpose needs a new brand story and how to think about it now
Release Date: 06/24/2025
#31 Leaders Need This Now: Jack Swift, Entrepreneur, challenges the way leaders lead and shares the skills you need now
The Story Effect
Sometimes we resist change because we’re comfortable. Other times, it’s because of fear. But as Jack Swift says, fear feeds on fear. To be an effective, successful leader today, there are some new ways of thinking and leading to consider. Jack is an entrepreneur, serves on many boards and advises companies and leaders to navigate growth, especially as the world is changing with AI. Additional Resources: Connect with Jack: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Linkedin Instagram Learn about Knight Agency Connect With People Forward Network: Key Takeaways: Resilience...
info_outline
#30 Unlock Your Confidence: Leadership coach Jenna Washneiski reveals how to be more of yourself
The Story Effect
If you’re navigating the next level in your career, this episode will help you feel like you’re not alone. As a Leadership Coach and consultant, Jenna Washneiski gives incredible advice and insight to become the leader you were meant to be—without losing yourself along the way. The Story Effect: How Storytelling Creates Connection and Drives Performance launched on November 21 — but this book has a story of its own. Buy The Story Effect Now: Additional Resources: Visit Key Takeaways: Leaders often struggle with confidence, regardless of their experience level. Human nature plays...
info_outline
Replay: Any Dumbass Can Do It - A conversation with former 25-year CEO of WD-40, Garry Ridge, about culture, purpose and performance
The Story Effect
We’re hitting “replay” and raising a mug of cocoa! ☕️🎄 Each year, our PeopleForward Network team takes a full holiday break to rest, be with our people, and come back recharged for the new year. So this week, instead of a brand-new episode, we’re sharing one of our all-time favorite conversations for you to enjoy again. Curl up, press play, and soak in the inspiration while you enjoy your own holiday downtime. Thanks for listening and letting this show be part of your year. We’re excited to keep growing with you in the new one. Garry Ridge cracked the code on how to grow...
info_outline
#29 One Year of Stories: A wrap up and reveal solo episode with Danielle
The Story Effect
Danielle’s book, The Story Effect, is full of real stories—including stories from some of her podcast guests. As this episode celebrates one year of her show, she reveals who made it into the book and how it all came together. And she included a special message to surprise her husband, Mike. Buy The Story Effect Now on Amazon: Additional Resources: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency
info_outline
#28 The Story Behind The Story Effect: Mike Hinn, founder & CEO of Knight Agency, joins Danielle for a conversation 15 years in the making
The Story Effect
In this episode, Danielle and Mike look back on how it all began — the projects that shaped their partnership, the lessons learned along the way, and the moments that made the work worth it. It’s a rare behind-the-scenes look at the friendship, business, and belief system that built Knight—and inspired The Story Effect itself. The Story Effect: How Storytelling Creates Connection and Drives Performance launched on November 21 — but this book has a story of its own. Buy The Story Effect Now: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: Instagram: Linkedin: Learn...
info_outline
#27 The Executive Consigliere: The best c-suite advisor in the game, Arthur Baker, on leadership presence, authenticity and human connection
The Story Effect
If you’ve seen The Godfather, Arthur Baker is like Tom Hagen, the Corleone’s right hand guy. He has worked with top executives, driven communications strategies and coached c-suite professionals. As the ultimate advisor, Baker knows how to cut through the BS to lead with authenticity and create real human connection. Additional Resources: Conect with Arthur: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Connect with PeopleForward Network: Key Takeaways: Leaders today face unique challenges in a rapidly changing environment....
info_outline
#26 The 5 Pillars of a Fulfilling Life: How to win big, care about people and still have fun with CEO of Service Express, Ron Alvesteffer
The Story Effect
Stop thinking you have to pick one: big business success or happy life. Ron proves you can have both. He’s a successful President and CEO of a growing, global company. He’s won awards for his caring leadership and great company culture. And he’s a real human being who knows how to drive performance while never losing sight of what it’s all about. Additional Resources: Connect with Ron: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: Instagram: Linkedin: Learn about Knight Agency: Key Takeaways: Life is supposed to be fun and should be balanced with work. Intentional...
info_outline
#25 What Taylor Swift Can Teach You About Connection: With the author of Taylormaking, Ken Hughes
The Story Effect
If you really want to understand how to build a tribe of loyal followers, this is your episode. Ken Hughes is an expert on customer experience, modern consumer behavior and brand engagement. He just launched his book, Taylormaking, which is an incredible case study in emotional connection. He’s a performer and one of the best storytellers in the business. Additional Resources: Connect with Ken: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: Instagram: Linkedin: Learn about Knight Agency: Key Takeaways: Storytelling is deeply embedded in Irish culture. Brands are defined by...
info_outline
#24 Turn Jobs into Careers: Learn the secrets of building a high performing culture and a business you love with Charlie Malouf and Manny Rodrigues
The Story Effect
Broad River Retail is one of the largest and fastest growing licensees of Ashley Stores. Working for the company could easily be seen as just a retail job. But Charlie, CEO, and Manny, President, engage their team in such a meaningful way, people stay with them for decades. In this episode, you’ll hear how they do it. Additional Resources: Connect with Charlie and Manny: Visit Key Takeaways: Charlie and Manny have a strong partnership built on trust and collaboration. Their backgrounds in sports influence their teamwork in retail. Retail is a team sport, and success relies on...
info_outline
#23 Culture Isn’t a Formula, It’s a Practice: Ideas and inspiration for every great leader from Brandon West of Phos Creative
The Story Effect
Brandon West is Founder and Chief Purpose Officer of Phos Creative, as well as an author and keynote speaker. He shares specific practices, ideas and actions that create a great culture where people feel inspired and purpose-driven. His team is making an incredible impact on the world—with their mission to open care centers that fight extreme poverty and sex-trafficking. Additional Resources: Brandon West, Chief Purpose Officer, Phos Creative: Connect with Brandon: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect: Instagram: Linkedin: Learn about Knight Agency: Key Takeaways: Good company...
info_outlineDanielle breaks down why purpose is misunderstood and how you can use it to create personal connections in your company—the kind that lead to big business results. She found the ultimate case study to prove it.
Additional Resources:
The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/
Instagram http://instagram.com/storyeffectpodcast
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekrischik
Learn about Knight Agency http://knightagency.com/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn
Learn more about PeopleForward Network
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose is not fluff; it leads to real business results.
- The story of WD-40 exemplifies the power of purpose.
- Purpose should be personal and relatable to employees.
- Creating a purpose statement is essential for any organization.
- Intentional decision-making is key to a strong company culture.