RecomMONDAYtions ~ 2026.01.05

Two men, Tom Ruwitch and Ahmard Vital, are smiling and talking in a virtual interview. The background shows shelves, books, and a wall sign. Above, there’s a Story Power Marketing Show logo with Tom’s photo.

Recommended Reading

šŸĀ Steve Jobs’s 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.

You’ll 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.

It’s a great reminder that great presentations require serious preparation.


Podcast (The Story Power Marketing Show)

šŸ“” 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.

A promotional image features Amos Balongo in a suit, smiling at the camera. Text reads Welcome to the Story Power Marketing Show, Im Tom Ruwitch. My guest is Amos Balongo. Blue patterned background.

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

šŸ“šĀ The Delegation Trap

Atiba de Souza’s “The Delegation Trap” is this month’s selection forĀ The Mastermind Book Club.

A person crouches inside a hanging birdcage on a book cover titled The Delegation Trap. Subtitle: Its not them, its you. Author: Atiba De Souza. The words ITS YOU are circled.

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:

Screenshot of a virtual interview with two men; one smiling in an office, the other speaking into a microphone with a Superman hat, and a podcast logo labeled Story Power displayed at the top center.

Recommended Listening

šŸŽ¶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.”

A black and white image of a vinyl record player, a partially visible album cover reading The Red Clay in the corner, and song lyrics TO KEEP MY FEET ON THE GROUND overlaid with a play button icon.

Recommended Channel

ā–¶ļøĀ 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:

A person with gray hair smiles while sitting in front of a brick wall, wearing a gray sweater. A red play button is centered on their face, indicating a video thumbnail.

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: ā€œThe 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. I’ll contact you with more details.

4) Work with me one-on-one: If you’re 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 ā€œSpeaking Engagement.ā€ I’ll circle back to discuss the possibilities.

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Tom Ruwitch

Tom Ruwitch is the founder and CEO of Story Power Marketing. For more than 30 years, he has helped businesses grow by delivering powerful stories using a variety of different media.