Recent Appearances
Media inquiries for Kurian to appear as a guest may be made through this email address: . Want to get a feel for what my guest experience is like? Go to any episode marked with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
September 3, 2024 – Success in Mind, Vancouver, BC
In this episode of Success in Mind, we chat with Kurian Tharakan, founder of Strategy Peak Sales and Marketing Advisors and author of the Amazon bestseller, ‘The Seven Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.’ We delve deep into the crucial role storytelling plays in business success, discuss the seven essential stories every business should tell, and explore how companies like Apple and Tesla masterfully use storytelling to captivate their audiences. If you’re seeking to elevate your sales and marketing game, this episode is a must-listen!
September 2, 2024 – Expert in You Podcast, St. Louis, MO
Join Ann Carden as she hosts Kurian Tharakan for a powerful conversation on leadership, charisma, and influence. Kurian dives into his journey, revealing how value creation and a competitive edge shape today’s business world. Discover the art of storytelling as a leadership tool, the seven stories every leader must master, and insights from Kurian’s new book. Plus, explore the impact of AI on art and communication.
March 12, 2024 – Smooth Operator Podcast, Coldwater, Ohio
What’s the most valuable tool that you have to inspire people? I’ve been observing influential people for years and notice that they all have one critical similarity. They all tell stories. It makes sense when you consider that the entire human experience is rooted in storytelling. From the earliest days of caveman we’ve been telling stories to convey greater meaning. Inspiring others to take action or learn lessons. So let me ask you… what stories do you have to tell? As I would discover during this episode, there are actually 7 essential stories that we need as leaders in our companies. Which is why I turned to my new friend Kurian to help me learn more.
January 25, 2024 – B.O.O.S.T. Podcast, Washington, DC
Ever wonder what the #1 one reason companies and movements fail? Kurian Tharakan is the founder of the sales and marketing strategy firm, StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors. Kurian is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people [and mountains] with the power of a story.
December 26, 2023 – The Be Better Broadcast, Albany, New York ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever felt stuck on your journey despite your dedication and hard work? You’re not alone. Many business professionals and salespeople face a critical yet often overlooked problem:
A limiting “personal narrative” which is the story we tell ourselves about who we are and what we’re capable of achieving.
For many, this narrative is filled with 😔 self-doubt, 😔 underestimation, and 😔 a BOATLOAD of limiting beliefs!
Here’s the good news – your personal narrative isn’t set in stone. Some people HAVE the solution for crafting an empowering personal narrative, and I’m honoured to have had the chance to speak to one! In my latest conversation with Kurian Tharakan on The Be Better Broadcast, we will dive into:
👉🏻 The impact of personal narrative on your professional life, 👉🏻 Practical strategies to identify and alter limiting beliefs, and 👉🏻 How to lead others and transform the culture in your workplace!
December 11, 2023 – That Will Nevr Work, Philadelphia, PA
Maurice Chism interviews Kurian Tharakan, whose bold claim is that he can teach anyone to be more charismatic, compelling, and persuasive through a simple framework outlined in his book, “The Seven Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.”
September 13, 2023 – Neil Wilkins Online, Bleadon, England, United Kingdom
Neil Wilkins talks to Kurian Tharakan about culture, religion, core values and belief systems, the hero of your story being your customer, and how to craft stories that are so compelling your products and services are merely the tools for enabling the successful journey together.
September 1, 2023 – Future Factory, Oak Park, Illinois
Today, with the integration of AI in everyday life the people and stories behind the scenes matter more than ever. Join host Anthony Amunategui as he speaks with Kurian Tharakan – Author of “7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” to discuss the importance of storytelling in an ever changing landscape.
May 23, 2023 – Move. Crush. Count., Louisville, Kentucky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Are you tired of being told to communicate better without any real guidance on how to do so? Have you tried implementing cookie-cutter communication strategies with little success? The truth is that simply improving communication isn’t enough to drive business growth. But in this episode, you’ll learn the power of storytelling and how it can transform your marketing and leadership efforts. Say goodbye to ineffective communication tactics and hello to emotional connections and sustainable growth.
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Comprehend the vital role storytelling plays in successful marketing and leadership pursuits.
- Learn the seven essential stories at the heart of engaging storylines.
- Build emotional connections and encourage empathy through immersive storytelling.
- Leverage social media to develop a strong brand through resonant narratives.
- Appreciate the impact of customer feedback and the benefits of organic growth approaches.
April 20, 2023 – Beyond the Rut, Dallas, TX
Kurian Tharakan thought he was simply studying the secrets of great religions to inform his marketing strategies – but he ended up uncovering a powerful framework for creating high-performance organizations. How would this framework – the Seven Essential Stories – transform your leadership impact?
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Transform your organization by incorporating powerful strategic narratives.
- Boost your leadership presence through persuasive communication methods.
- Acquire marketing wisdom from religious principles to foster devout followers.
- Develop a high-performance team by integrating seven essential stories into your culture.
- Reclaim your business purpose and establish market dominance through your origin story.
April 12, 2023 – Anatolii Ulitovskyi / Unmiss.com, Pompano Beach, FLA
Charismatic leaders have a unique ability to inspire and motivate others with their words. But what makes them so effective? In this podcast, we’ll be talking with Kurian M Tharakan, an expert in storytelling and leadership, about the seven essential stories that charismatic leaders tell to inspire and connect with their followers.
February 27, 2023 – The Pete Primeau Show, Cleveland, OH ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In this episode, Pete is joined by Kurian Tharakan, founder of StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors, to discuss the power of storytelling in sales and marketing. With over 27 years of experience in the industry, Mr. Tharakan has worked with numerous companies across different sectors, helping them develop effective sales and marketing strategies. He is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which explores the power of storytelling and how it can be used to inspire and motivate people. He shares his insights on the seven essential stories that charismatic leaders tell and how these stories can be adapted and incorporated into different business contexts.
February 22, 2023 – Marc Haine Live, Edmonton, Canada ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Most organizations’ leaders have difficulty communicating the essence of their company and its products to their customers. In this episode, sales and marketing strategist Kurian Mathew Tharakan takes us behind the scenes to uncover the seven stories you need to stand out in your market. Pickup the 7 story framework for powerful communications to allow anyone to move people and mountains.
December 20, 2022 – Clear Brand Academy, Cape Town, South Africa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Josh Ramsey interviews Kurian Tharakan about:
- How to take an investigative approach to marketing that helps you figure out what works and what doesn’t (so you can be confident you’re doing what works)
- How to separate the roles of marketing and sales so that team members can get better results (better results = more sales, more customers helped, and more smiles on your face)
- How to use every aspect of your offer to stand out and increase conversions (people need what you sell — every “conversion” is a life you helped change for the better)
September 26, 2022 – Amplify Your Business, Edmonton, Alberta
For Episode 171 of Amplify Your Business, we’re joined by Kurian Tharakan, the founder and Managing Director of StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors. Kurian has been in the business for decades, and when he’s not sitting across the table from companies providing them with sage marketing and sales advice, he’s investing in budding entrepreneurs, and writing books, like his 2020 work The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.
September 16, 2022 – Supercharging Business Success, Phoenix, AZ
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:* Why story-telling is essential to being a great leader.* What your core story needs to be.* Why you must have all 7 stories perfected to consistently demonstrate your leadership abilities.
September 1, 2022 – The 30 Minute Hour, Temple Hills Park, MD
Are you moving people with the power of story? Are you able to captivate and inspire people to take action? After listening to Kurian Matthew Tharakan and applying his principles, your answer to these questions will be a strong YES!
August 8, 2022 – Terminal Value, Newberg, OR ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Deal Making through Storytelling – Doug Utberg interviews Kurian who spoke about how storytelling has an essential part in your business, marketing, and prospecting clients. We all need to share and provide value to our clients and make them feel the sincerity of how your products or services will benefit them.
July 5, 2022 – The Sanity Project, Seattle, WA
Joanne Victoria interviews Kurian Tharakan on The Sanity Project. Listen to discover the very first thing anyone buys from you, and why most people skip over this critical part.
June 14, 2022 – The Winning Zone, San Francisco, CA
How to Build More Charisma within Your Organization with Kurian Tharakan.
June 10, 2022 – Café & Networking Podcast, Vinhedo, São Paulo, Brazil
Tom Reaoch, the king of networking, interviews Kurian Tharakan on the power of story, with examples from Disney and Star Wars.
April 19, 2022 – Leadership Powered by Common Sense, Houston, TX
Kurian Mathew Tharakan is the founder of the sales and marketing strategy firm StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors and a 27-year veteran of the sales and marketing industry. Mr. Tharakan is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people and mountains with the power of story.
Listen for:
- The 7 essential stories you need to develop
- Why leaders may never get these principles right
- Ways you can elevate your business through the use of these stories
- The powerful ways the stories make ‘why’ happen
April 18, 2022 – Leadership is Changing, Auckland, New Zealand ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
How do leaders navigate through change when it’s so disruptive? Kurian M Tharakan, the author of The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell, points out the power of telling stories and how leaders need to be aware of data and analytics in order to keep their customers safe and their employees thriving.
Kurian Tharakan is the founder of the sales and marketing strategy firm StrategyPeak Sales and Marketing Advisors and a 27-year veteran of the sales and marketing industry. He has consulted for companies in numerous sectors. Kurian is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people and mountains with the power of story.
April 11, 2022 – My Quest for the Best with Bill Ringle, Philadelphia, PA
Episode 358: When you lose your narrative, you lose your way with guest expert Kurian Tharakan. My Quest for the Best is a top 50 iTunes business podcast. In this interview, Kurian Tharakan and Bill Ringle discuss the rudderless leader and how to avoid becoming one by telling a better story to yourself, your team, and other stakeholders. Highlights include:
- The story is what keeps a company emotionally and culturally relevant. The narrative, not the product, is a company’s true legacy.
- Choose how you and your work will be remembered through the story you create. Your story is your most significant brand.
- The power of our narrative is what makes us charismatic. If we believe that our story is insightful and that it drives us to success, then we will become charismatic.
March 14, 2022 – When I Grow Up, Seattle, WA
Episode 55: The Power Of A Compelling Narrative. When you tell the right story in the right way, you don’t have to sell your products or “persuade” people to buy – because the narrative of your story does the heavy lifting for you! I don’t know about you, but that sounds amazing to me! Where do I sign up? Today’s guest, Kurian Tharakan, has made it his mission to help business owners like us create, tell, and deliver our stories for maximum impact. Kurian is the Founder and Managing Director of a strategic marketing firm and best-selling author of a book rooted in storytelling.
February 28, 2022 – The Smart Agents Podcast, Atlantic Beach, FL
Episode 78 of The Smart Agents Podcast features our conversation with sales and marketing strategy consultant, Kurian Tharakan. After spending time in the commercial real estate industry himself, Kurian shifted focus to marketing which eventually led him to launch StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors. Throughout our conversation, Kurian shares his top tips for real estate agents and entrepreneurs alike to build a rock-solid brand and set themselves apart from the competition.
January 12, 2022 – Quantum SHIFT Podcast, Concord, MA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Today we speak with Mr. Tharakan about his Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people and mountains with the power of story.
January 4, 2022 – NonProfit Architect, Oklahoma City, OK ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Not for Profits must absolutely move people with the power of a story. Your brand will be created and clarified in storytelling. Kurian shares the seven essential stories charismatic leaders tell.
November 29, 2021 – The Bow Live, Glens Falls, NY
Many Leaders are looking to storytelling to help advance the work of their organization and to keep their teams engaged and connected. Chris Jones interviews Kurian Tharakan of Strategy Peak Sales and Marketing.
November 23, 2021 – Merged Marketing, Guelph, Ontario
Jason Hut interviews Kurian Tharakan and discovers why great marketing has to answer the primal questions that exist in their customers’ heads.
October 27, 2021 – Today’s Leader, Alexandra Hills, Queensland, Australia
Coach Tony Curl is building a leadership revolution to drive better leaders. In today’s episode, Kurian Tharakan answers the question. “What is the number one reason people, companies, organizations, and movements fail?” (It’s the same reason they thrive!)
October 19, 2021 – Speaking Influence, Valencia, Spain
My guest for this episode could have saved that poor CEO and spared those stressed employees from a limp and uninspiring talk and turned it into something uplifting, powerful and charismatic. Kurian Tharakan is an expert in charisma when it comes to leadership and is the author of the book The 7 Essential Stories Leaders Tell which is available for free to Kindle Unlimited members.
October 12, 2021 – R.E.I Branded, Hamilton, ON
Paul Copcutt interviews me to explore how real estate investors can leverage the power of story.
October 12, 2021 – The Bow Live, Glens Falls, NY ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chris Jones interviews me live on his show to explore questions like, “What is the very first thing anyone buys from you?”, and why this company’s theft from Steve Jobs will not go unpunished.
September 30, 2021 – Accelerate Your Business Growth, Lakewood, OH
Storytelling is important in many aspects of business. Kurian Tharakan shares the essential stories charismatic leaders tell.
September 28, 2021 – InnovaBiz, Avalon, Victoria, Australia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You know when you’re so captivated by the words of a good storyteller that they take on an almost magical quality? Whether it’s through grace, passion, or enthusiasm. Charismatic leaders have that way with storytelling! And not only can they teach us how to communicate our strategic narratives more effectively but also embrace this skill as an important tool in any leader’s kit bag – especially those who want their message to resonate deeper than ever before and infect others with their enthusiastic spirit. Join me and Kurian Tharakan in this inspiring conversation about the 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell and the cultural framework they need to infuse these stories within, to show both their passion and expertise in an engaging manner that will motivate others to create impactful change not just within themselves but across their communities.
September 27, 2021 – Your Intended Message, Burlington, ON
Kurian Tharakan offers insights from his book. Before we examine the 7 stories, we first visited the 7 Pillars of Culture because the stories are determined by the culture. What are the 7 Pillars of Culture and why are they significant for an organization and the resulting stories? What are the connections between religion, stories and marketing? How do stories affect your sales and marketing efforts and results?
September 21, 2021 – Aim to Win Podcast, Phoenix, AZ
“Facts on their own are extremely boring. Facts embedded with meaning and then translated into stories become extremely memorable.” Kurian Tharakan is on the #podcast to talk about how to use your #story to inspire action and live your mission.
September 13, 2021 – Wealth on the Beach, Ontario, CA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daniel Alonzo interviews Kurian Tharakan about the power of persuasion.
August 26, 2021 – Bold Business Podcast, Kirkland, WA
How you spend your time sends a message to the rest of the organization. Intentionally taking time to reflect, assess, and evaluate where your company has been and where it is going creates clarity for what is truly a priority. Making sure priorities are aligned to strategic initiatives requires discipline. That discipline reflects in the one thing we all have in common: 24 hours in a day. A Present Retreat is protected time that is one of the elements crucial to leading your company to success. Jess Dewell welcomes Kurian M. Tharakan, Founder at StrategyPeak Sales and Marketing; Maceo Jourdan, Founder at Canexxia; and Myoshia Boykin-Anderson, CEO, AndTech Solutions; they share insights and experiences about how to make better decisions by protecting time to be intentional about working on their businesses.
August 18, 2021 – LIFT Your Story, Toronto, ON
This podcast was quite fascinating. Who would have thought that most of the Leader’s stories incorporate religion? We had never thought of that. We truly enjoyed Kurian’s enthusiasm. Such a well-spoken person to deliver his message and story. We are sure you will truly enjoy as he gives an overview of The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.
August 11, 2021 – Franze and Friends, Cincinnati, OH
My second appearance on Franze and Friends! Jay Franze, Keith Sensing, and Mindy Jo talk with me about the culture and the 7 essential stories.
August 5, 2021 – Bold Business, Kirkland, WA ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What are the vital qualities you know you lean into and must build to navigate leading your company today? Today we are talking about the vital qualities to lean into, so you can navigate your company’s success. Jess Dewell welcomes Myoshia Boykin-Anderson and Kurian Tharakan to the BOLD Business Podcast Livestream.
August 4, 2021 – Destination on the Left, Canandaigua, NY
On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Kurian Tharakan about the importance of storytelling as a tool for sales and marketing. He shares the seven stories that every leader should tell and how stories make activities and destinations come alive for the listener. Kurian also shares case studies of how destinations can leverage collaboration and community relationships to tell their authentic stories and attract more visitors.
July 16, 2021 – Grind Sell Elevate, Katy, TX
Tyzer Evans interviews Kurian on the 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell, including the three critical things every customer needs to hear from their service provider.
July 10, 2021 – The Business of Sales, Forney, TX
This is a straightforward discussion of how strategy and marketing have to work together! Kurian Tharakan does a fantastic job of explaining the importance of telling your story and, most importantly, understanding the client’s story.
July 10, 2021 – The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Miami, FL
Regaining Your Story to Regain Your Way with Strategy Peak Sales & Marketing Advisors’ Kurian Tharakan.
July 9, 2021 – imperfect: The Heart-Centered Leadership Podcast, London, ON
How Storytelling Ignites Leadership with Kurian Tharakan.
June 29, 2021 – The Bow Knows Who is Changing The World, Glens Falls, NY
Does Leadership involve Storytelling? ..or can you just boss people around and expect good results?
June 23, 2021 – No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio, New York, NY
We all know the importance of telling stories during interviews but KurianTharakan takes it up another notch in this interview. His book is “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell” https://amzn.to/3vDc2C5.
June 23, 2021 – Communications Czar, San Francisco, CA
Success in today’s workplace depends on your ability to communicate in a manner that connects, commands attention and compels others to act on your ideas. Roseann Galvan interviews special guest, Kurian Tharakan.
June 17, 2021 – Leader Seeds, Kaneohe, Hawaii ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This episode answers powerful questions about Marketing and Story! Jordan Mossman interviews special guest Kurian Tharakan.
June 16, 2021 – The Small Business Show, Los Angeles, CA
Our guest for this episode of The Small Business Show is Kurian Tharakan, a veteran sales and marketing professional and best-selling author of “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell”. Kurian first explained to us the number one reason why companies, organizations and movements fail. And the most powerful story categories you can tell to persuade anyone.
June 16, 2021 – Extraordinary Man, Minnetonka, MN
In this episode, Kurian Tharakan shares the #1 reason most businesses fail and how to avoid it. The 7 primary pillars of culture and why they are important in your business. How to tell your “Why We Will Win” story and so much more.
June 15, 2021 – Cut Through the Noise, Canton, MA
My guest this week is Kurian Mathew Tharakan, founder of Strategy Peak Sales & Marketing Advisors and a 27-year veteran of the sales and marketing industry. Mr. Tharakan is also the author of the Amazon Bestseller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell,” which details how anyone can move people and mountains with the power of story. Hope you enjoy!
May 31, 2021 – Resourceful Agent Radio Show, Coeur d’Alene, ID
This podcast was created to provide solutions and influence others in business, finance, Real Estate and personal development. In today’s episode, we have our guest Kurian Tharakan who is a storyteller, and author of, “The Seven Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.”
May 27, 2021 – Think Business, Detroit, MI
Jon Dwoskin talks with Kurian Mathew Tharakan, Founder & Managing Director of StrategyPeak Sales & Marketing Advisors, all about marketing, sales, and the formula to a great transformational story.
May 25, 2021 – 16 Minute Mastermind, Hawthorne, CA
People are hardwired to react to and remember stories. Businesses that capitalize on this truth and master the art of storytelling succeed, while those businesses which don’t realize or learn how to tell a compelling story are most likely to fail.
May 21, 2021 – The Raygacy Show, Singapore
As the saying goes: “When someone loses their way, it is almost always because they have lost their story. When they regain their story, they will regain their way.” Now my question to you: Have you ever wondered how you can move people and mountains with the power of stories? Rayson Choo interviews Kurian Tharakan!
May 19, 2021 – Go for Launch, Charlotte, NC
Storytelling is the original form of “going viral.” But it’s not just personal stories that get passed down through the ages. The best business leaders have learned to master the science and art of crafting stories to propel their vision and move people to take action. Brandon Uttley speaks with an expert in storytelling, Kurian Tharakan.
May 13, 2021 – Your Intended Message, Burlington, ON
George Torok interviews Kurian to discuss: What are the 7 Pillars of Culture and why are they significant for an organization and the resulting stories? What are the connections between religion, stories and marketing? What are the 7 essential stories that leaders and marketers need to appreciate and repeat?
May 5, 2021 – Protect Help Give, Boca Raton, FL
Facts tell and stories sell. That is a lesson that every salesperson has or will learn along the way. Kurian Tharakan is making it his mission to help sales and marketing professionals perfect the ability to tell their story. The great news is these stories don’t have to be rehearsed but rather are co-created conversationally every day.
May 3, 2021 – Better Presentations – More Sales, Truro, England, United Kingdom
Trevor Lee interviews Kurian about how to build powerful stories that are relevant and communicable.
April 21, 2021 – Franze and Friends, Cincinnati, OH
Jay Franze, Keith Sensing, and Mindy Jo talk with Kurian Tharakan on Franze and Friends. Kurian helps Mindy Jo with some marketing strategy advice for her new product idea, Shoestring Bling.
March 14, 2021 – Inside BS, Miami, FL
What’s your story? If you don’t know the answer to that question, it could cost you a deal. Today Dave Lorenzo speaks with Kurian Tharakan about The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell. Kurian helps us focus on building relationships and making sales using his seven stories model.
November 2, 2020 – The Weekly Leadership Experience, Edmonton, AB
This episode features a compelling conversation about Kurian’s book, storytelling, charismatic leadership, and its place in building strong cultures in the workplace.
September 23, 2020 – Secrets for Success, Vancouver, BC
Dr. Ken Keis interviews me on his Secrets for Success podcast.
September 7, 2020 – University of Alberta Alumni Profile, Edmonton, AB
Here’s my interview with the U of A’s School of Business.
August 11, 2020 – School for Startups Radio, Atlanta, GA
Jim Beach interviews me on startup storytelling on School for Startups Radio. My interview starts at the 30-minute mark.
July 29, 2020 – Motivation and Confidence, New York, NY
Ever wonder what makes a great leader and drives the company culture? This week’s special guest Kurian Tharakan shares his marketing experience and wrote The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.
July 20, 2020 – Resurgence Business Interview, Athabasca University,
Edmonton, AB
My interview with David McGarva of the Resurgence Education program at Athabasca University.
June 9, 2020 – KTNV Morning Blend, Las Vegas, NV
Learning this simple toolset can turn you from a poor leader into a great leader. See how to help yourself and your business thrive.
June 1, 2020 – ENTERPRISE RADIO, Miami, FL
Listen to host Eric Dye & guest Kurian Mathew Tharakan discuss why you need to create a compelling story to navigate crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen to the podcast here:
May 11, 2020 – The Nice Guys on Business, Los Angeles, CA
Developing Your Narrative as a Leader — Kurian Mathew Tharakan is a seasoned veteran in marketing consulting and the author of the international best-seller, “The 7 Essential Stories Charismatic Leaders Tell.”