#19 Why Human Connection Matters: How to create connection and drive performance
Release Date: 07/29/2025
#22 How to Own Your Story: A lesson in audacious optimism with former Chiefs cheerleader, Shanna Adamic
The Story Effect
There is a difference between ‘think positive’ and a mindful choice to live boldly and create endless possibilities. Shanna Adamic gives you the playbook to own your story. She’s a former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader, a brain tumor survivor and now an Executive Leader at Oracle, where she helps people use their story to achieve greater health outcomes. Additional Resources: Connect with Shanna: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: Optimism is a choice that can be taught and inspired. We can choose what happens...
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#21 How To Forgive Yourself and Others: Mark Whitacre, VP of Culture & Care at Coca-Cola Consolidated, shares his story
The Story Effect
His story was first told in the movie, The Informant, played by Matt Damon. But it’s only part of the story. In this episode, Mark Whitacre shares how he learned to forgive loved ones and himself after a life-changing chapter with the FBI and a prison sentence. He talks about how to regain happiness and rebuild a life you love. It’s the ultimate story of redemption. If you struggle with forgiveness, Mark’s story could set you free. You’ll learn how faith, love and owning your story can change the trajectory of your life, and help you make a meaningful impact on others. ...
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#20 The Real Story Behind Reality TV: A conversation with Emmy Award-winning producer, Meri Haitkin about unscripted storytelling
The Story Effect
If you are a reality TV addict, especially for shows like Project Runway and Top Chef, then you will love this behind-the-scenes storytelling with Meri Haitkin. She’s an Emmy winner, a Webby winner and a brilliant story architect who breaks it down and reveals the secrets. Thank you to my sister Alex for the coolest interview yet. Additional Resources: Connect with Meri: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: Winning an Emmy is a validation of years of hard work. Storytelling is influenced by lived experiences,...
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#19 Why Human Connection Matters: How to create connection and drive performance
The Story Effect
In Danielle’s 3rd solo episode, she breaks down the 4 connection types and 4 storytelling types that you need to know to create human connection at work and drive individual and business performance. Additional Resources: Take the free Connection Quiz: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: Danielle is an extreme introvert. People feel more lonely than ever. Human connection matters at work. We are wired to connect. Connection is good for us.
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#18: 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
Garry Ridge cracked the code on how to grow business by putting people in the center of the strategy. He led the WD-40 company into extraordinary global success and shares some of his secrets in the book, ‘Any Dumbass Can Do It.” On this episode, he shares a little more of the story behind the story. Additional Resources: Connect with Garry: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: Cultural roots shape our humility and approach to success. Intentional leadership involves bringing your best self to every...
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#17 From the Sideline to Startups: A conversation about courage and community with Five Star Fans co-founder Tina Provost
The Story Effect
If you’ve ever wanted to start a business, this will give you energy. Tina Provost was a D1 cheerleader for Ohio State and with her business partner, created Five Star Fans, the NIL’s only platform that lets fans send players rewards directly. She shares her entrepreneurial journey, her personal story of a tough upbringing and inspires you to live life to the fullest. Additional Resources: Connect with Tina: Five Star Fans: https://www.fivestarfans.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaprovost/ Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect http://thestoryeffect.com/ Instagram...
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#16 Purpose Needs Some PR: Why purpose needs a new brand story and how to think about it now
The Story Effect
Danielle 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 Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency 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...
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#15 How to Train Your Mind Like the Best Performers on the Planet: A conversation with performance psychologist and author of Learned Excellence, Eric Potterat, PhD
The Story Effect
Greatness isn’t luck. It’s learned. Eric Potterat, PhD has worked with the LA Dodgers, Red Bull athletes, NASA astronauts, US women’s national soccer team and the Navy Seals to name only a few and has the secrets on how to lead and win. This episode is a breakdown of some of Danielle’s favorite ideas from his book, Learned Excellence. Additional Resources: Connect with Eric: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: High performers across various fields share similar mental principles. Mental toughness is about...
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#14 Authenticity in the Age of AI: A conversation about e-commerce transformation, leadership and personal evolution with President of XGen AI with Charlie Cole
The Story Effect
If you think you know how AI is impacting us, you may want to listen to Charlie Cole. He shares his experience on the evolving impact of AI on the workforce, sharing insights from his own career journey in digital marketing and e-commerce. As a successful business leader, he gives insight on the challenges of leadership and maintaining authenticity in a corporate environment. This conversation is personal, digital and full of ideas. Additional Resources: Connect with Charlie: Connect with Danielle: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: Over...
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#13 Story Secrets Revealed: Learn how you can use storytelling to create connection
The Story Effect
Danielle reveals how to be more influential, memorable and persuasive with a skill you can use right now—storytelling. It's the secret weapon to human connection. Additional Resources: The Story Effect Instagram Linkedin Learn about Knight Agency Key Takeaways: You can't demand vulnerability and authenticity and not demonstrate it. My mom created space for people to tell their story. The power of storytelling connects people on a deeper level. Storytelling can drive business performance and human connection. Creating time for storytelling in meetings enhances motivation.
info_outlineIn Danielle’s 3rd solo episode, she breaks down the 4 connection types and 4 storytelling types that you need to know to create human connection at work and drive individual and business performance.
Additional Resources:
Take the free Connection Quiz: https://thestoryeffect.com/quiz/
Connect with Danielle:
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:
- Danielle is an extreme introvert.
- People feel more lonely than ever.
- Human connection matters at work.
- We are wired to connect.
- Connection is good for us.