RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2026.01.05
Recommended Reading
šĀ Steve Jobsās 6-Step Rehearsal Process He Used for Every Presentation
Thanks to Dave Dee for telling me about this article. A longtime Apple designer breaks down the exact 6-step rehearsal process Steve Jobs used before every big presentation.
Youāll get a peek behind the curtain at how he started early, rehearsed like a theatrical performance, refined every slide and gesture, and practiced out loud as if he were on the big stage — not just in his head.
Itās a great reminder that great presentations require serious preparation.
Podcast (The Story Power Marketing Show)
š” What Are We Really Trying To Say (with Amos Balongo)
Amos Balongo has been a corporate motivational speaking sensation since moving to the United States from Africa. He has presented at several leadership conferences and summits and traveled to over 32 countries motivating and transforming leaders with his message.
In this episode, Amos shares his journey from Africa to the United States, his shift from management consulting to leadership coaching, and the pivotal role of effective communication in leadership. He and I discuss common communication mistakes leaders make, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling.
Amos also outlines his coaching processes and offers resources for improving communication skills. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities through better communication.
DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE
01:03 Amos’s Journey From Africa to Corporate Leadership
04:33 The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership
06:07 Common Communication Mistakes Leaders Make
07:01 The Power of Clarity and Simplicity in Messaging
10:56 Developing Effective Communication Skills
12:48 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership
15:07 The Impact of Storytelling in Communication
18:04 Amos’s Coaching and Resources
20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
FULL EPISODE VIDEO: vimeo.com/1150499142
LISTEN ON:Ā AppleĀ |Ā SpotifyĀ |Ā Amazon
Recommended Book & Event
šĀ The Delegation Trap
Atiba de Souza’s “The Delegation Trap” is this month’s selection forĀ The Mastermind Book Club.
Every month, Ted Prodromou and I choose a great business book. Then we gather — usually on the fourth Thursday of the month — live on Zoom to discuss the book and how we can apply its lessons to our businesses.
We’ve tentatively scheduled this month’s meeting for Thursday, January 22 at 2:30 p.m. ET.
There’s no charge to attend the meeting orĀ join the Club. But you have to be a member to get the Zoom link for the meeting.
Why Read This Book and Attend the Meeting?
A few months ago, Atiba de Souza was my guest on The Story Power Marketing Show podcast. I asked him why he wrote the book. Here’s hisĀ answer:

Recommended Listening
š¶Ā “Sunshine” by The Red Clay Strays
Melissa and I have been watching “Landman” — the series starring Billy Bob Thornton, written by Taylor Sheridan (the guy behind “Yellowstone” and its prequels).
The show is OK (too much melodrama and ridiculous plot details).
But the soundtrack makes it worth the ride. One great song, after another.
I hadn’t heard of The Red Clay Strays until I heard a bunch of their songs on Landman. Now their songs fill my favorite playlists. Here’s one called “Sunshine.”

Recommended Channel
ā¶ļøĀ My New YouTube Channel
In case you missed my email last week, I’ve resolved to post at least one video a day through 2026.
I’ll post every video on my new YouTube Channel (and I’ll post some on other social media channels).
Visit the new channelĀ hereĀ and subscribe.
Here’s the video where I announce the resolution:

Words to Ponder
Robert Duvall was born on this day in 1931. He once said:
“If you don’t daydream and kind of plan things out in your imagination, you never get there. So you have to start someplace.”
Don't go away yet..
p.s. Coaches, authors, and consultants hire me to power-up their creative content and storytelling to captivate prospects, stand-out and book more business.
Whenever you're ready, here are several ways I can help you become a storytelling stand-out so you'll land more clients without pitching and prodding:
1) Get theĀ Story Power Profit PackĀ -- 52 Strategies, Tips, and Tactics Ā to Transform Your Content from Ignored to Adored.
2) Watch theĀ free, 7-minute Micro-Training: āThe 3 Most Important Storytelling Keys to Captivate Prospects and Inspire Them to Act -- Without Pitching and Prodding.ā
3) Become a Story Power VIP: Master how to discover, assemble, and deliver business-building stories. Twice-monthly live masterclasses. Members-only content. One-on-one feedback and consulting sessions. And more⦠If you'd like to learn more about our VIP program, just reply to this email and put "Story Power VIP" in the subject line. Iāll contact you with more details.
4) Work with me one-on-one: If youāre interested in working directly with me -- to discover, assemble, and deliver powerful, business-building stories -- simply reply to this email and change the subject line to "Private Client." Tell me a little about yourself, your business, and what you'd like to accomplish, and I'll reply to discuss options.
5) Invite me to speak at an event: I can tailor a presentation that meets the specific needs of your organization. Informative. Entertaining. Virtual or live. Potential for continuing education credits when applicable for your group. If interested, reply to this email and change the subject line to āSpeaking Engagement.ā Iāll circle back to discuss the possibilities.
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