In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan interviews Michael Margolis, CEO of Storied, Inc, a Silicon Valley storyteller, best-selling author and innovation expert. He’s a go-to advisor for top executives at Google, Meta, Salesforce, Uber, and NASA. His narrative frameworks are regularly used by those who want to influence at scale – whether you need to get investment, buy-in, or alignment.

Michael shares his journey as a misfit and disruptor. The discussion emphasizes why storytelling matters so much in this attention economy, especially with generative AI. They delve into the philosophy behind storytelling and what it can do for humanity, how to survive in this new world of work, and go the very practical route with a framework for leaders to influence at scale.

Episode Breakdown:

02:43 The 4 waves of storytelling

07:39 The biggest challenge as you scale and grow a company

09:20 What is the role of technology and AI in our lives?

13:44 From lonely and awkward to working with big tech

17:31 Michael’s first career as a social entrepreneur

24:06 The gift and the curse of our time

26:37 People don’t buy the product, they buy the story

30:16 The greatest fundamental power that human beings have

31:55 The SFB Narrative Framework for leaders

39:28 Niching down in this attention economy

43:21 The 3 currencies for how to survive in the new world of work

49:41 Michael’s 500 days around the world

56:13 The long walk home

1:04:49 A letter to Michael’s younger self

Resources Mentioned:

Cartoons of the big tech companies org charts.

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

X

Facebook

Instagram

Get instant access to the book for free, Story 10x.

Legendary Quotes:

“What people don't realize is that whatever story you choose to tell is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Storytelling is like fortune telling. So choose wisely.” – Michael Margolis

“My thesis with generative AI is that learning how to take control, take charge of the story is the #1 most deterministic choice and or skill that will define the next 5, 10, 20, 30 years of your life and career. It's the master skill that you have to learn. Literally, words are the new code now.” – Michael Margolis

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of Legend Letters, host Howie Chan talks with Scott Walker, a veteran kidnap-for-ransom negotiator with over 300 cases under his belt. Scott has used decades of experience to develop a unique understanding of what makes people think, feel, and act—specifically in times of adversity, conflict, and uncertainty.

In this conversation, Scott shares insights from his career in high-stakes negotiations. They discuss how some negotiation skills translate to everyday scenarios like business negotiations and family interactions. Scott also recounts his personal journey from a police officer in Scotland Yard to a crisis management consultant, and how a tragic family event reshaped his life's purpose and meaning.

Episode Breakdown:

01:16 Meet Scott Walker: The Negotiation Expert

04:56 From Scotland Yard Detective to Renowned Negotiator

14:47 The First Step Towards a Decision That Will Change Your Life

18:48 The Biggest Lesson Scott Learned in His First Kidnapping Case

24:09 The #1 Skill of Successful Negotiations

31:08 The REAL Challenge of Kidnap-for-Ransom Negotiations

34:17 Embracing Conflict to Win Negotiations

35:56 Managing Emotional Triggers: Try THIS Next Time You Feel Riled Up

40:39 How This Personal Tragedy Changed Scott’s Perspective and Career Path

45:12 How Can We Have Better Conversations? And Why Does It Matter?

47:20 Finding Purpose and Excitement in a New Career Path

50:05 Business Negotiations: Scott’s Thoughts and Insights

1:02:19 Kidnap Negotiations That Went South

Resources Mentioned:

Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art.

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Get the book, Order out of Chaos.

Sign up for Scott’s newsletter, Negotiations Essentials.

Legendary Quotes:

“Anyone and everyone can be taught how to negotiate and how to communicate more effectively. It's a teachable skill. But it's also a perishable skill.” – Scott Walker

“You don't get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate.” – Howie Chan

“The golden rule of successful negotiation is: It's not about you.” – Scott Walker

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

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In this episode of the Legend Letters Podcast, host Howie Chan sits down with Lan Phan, a powerhouse in the world of personal development and founder of Community of Seven.

Lan shares her journey from growing up in poverty in Inglewood, California, to becoming a published author and successful entrepreneur. They discuss the pressures of social media, the importance of self-belief, the dirty secrets of the self-help industry, and redefining success. Lan also talks about her mission to democratize leadership development and the personal experiences that shaped her path.

Episode Breakdown:

01:08 Meet Lan, her story, and her purpose of democratizing Leadership Development

08:00 The common mistake of defining success using other people’s benchmarks

10:31 Redefining success, overcoming hardship, and uncovering your values

20:53 Lan’s many career pivots and what they can teach us about life’s purpose

29:24 How to find purpose in life: Your path to personal greatness

36:18 Lan’s personal story of leadership development and building the Community of Seven

41:52 Using your values to find purpose and passion in work—or to pivot

48:28 The big secret of the personal growth and leadership development industries

57:09 What you need to know about personal branding and growing an audience

59:29 A letter to Lan’s younger self

From Our Guest:

Website

LinkedIn

Youtube

Facebook

Instagram

Get the book, Do This Daily.

Join the Community of Seven.

Legendary Quotes:

“A lot of times, it's our hardship that shapes us. It's not something that we should be afraid of.” – Lan Phan

“No one is on their deathbed wishing they spent more time at the office.” – Lan Phan

“What does purpose-driven leadership mean? What does owning your voice mean? What does collaboration, psychological safety mean? When you're able to define it, you're able to live it. ” – Lan Phan

It’s time to turn up the volume on life, make your mark, and live your legend. 🤘🏽

Join Legend Letters to get the most important lessons and behind the scenes content in under 5 min.

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