The Story in Your Head
by MacklinConnection
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Co-Hosts Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy.Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more
Episodes
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Is AI Making Us Less Human? The Surprising Skill We’re Losing
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb ask a question that feels increasingly urgent: as AI becomes more capable, how do we hold on to what makes us human? They explore fears about disappearing jobs, the purpose people find in their work, and why the ability to learn something…
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Can AI Help You Choose Who to Vote For? The Experiment That Could Challenge Your Bias
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore whether AI can help people make more informed voting decisions without surrendering their own judgment. They look at how news, social media algorithms, and long-held political loyalties shape what we believe, then challenge…
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Is AI Thinking for You? The Hidden Danger of Cognitive Surrender
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore cognitive surrender: what happens when we accept an AI-generated answer without questioning it. They consider why handing over our thinking is not a new problem, and how AI makes it especially tempting to trust a convincing…
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AI Theater vs. Real AI Strategy: What Leaders Need to Know Before They Waste Money
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb welcome Jason Tanaka for a conversation about AI, leadership, and the difference between real strategy and what Jason calls “AI theater.” Jason brings a background in software, technology, financial services, and AI advisory work, helping...
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The Real Reason You Don’t Talk to the People Who Could Change Your Life
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the idea of social agency: the story that you can choose to talk to anyone. From the person sitting next to you on an airplane to the speaker at a conference to the leader in your organization, every interaction carries the...
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What Is Personal Agency? Why Leaders Give It Away Without Realizing
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the idea of philosophical agency: the ability to notice, choose, and change the stand we take in life. Agency is not just about making decisions. It is about recognizing that many of the beliefs, assumptions, and “truths” we live by...
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AI Can Outthink You – But It Can't Do One Thing 5-Year-Olds Do Every Day
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb continue their conversation on the difference between thinking and imagination – and why that distinction matters more than ever in the age of artificial intelligence. In the previous episode, Ron and Deb explored how children naturally…
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Why the Right Answer Is Killing Your Company’s Creativity
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the difference between imagination and thinking – and why that distinction matters more than ever for leaders, teams, and organizations. Beginning with a simple observation: young children are naturally imaginative. But somewhere...
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AI Won’t Replace You – But People Who Know How to Use It Might
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Joey Cardella, a police officer who discovered AI while exploring what could come next beyond law enforcement. Joey describes AI as a tool that amplifies the user, sharing how he has used it to research career transitions,...
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The Leadership Skill No One Taught You – But Everyone Needs
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore “agency” as a person’s capacity to act independently and make free choices, contrasting living as the author of your life versus being acted on by outside forces. They discuss how people throughout history have been led to believe...
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Students Booed AI at Graduation. Here's the Speech They Needed to Hear.
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb ask, “What would you tell a room full of graduates entering the workforce at a time when AI seems to be changing everything?” Inspired by recent graduation ceremonies where mentions of AI were met with boos from students concerned about…
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Why Most Companies Are Struggling with AI Adoption
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore one of the biggest conversations happening in business today: why are so many organizations investing heavily in AI – and still struggling to see results? The conversation moves beyond technology into the heart of leadership...
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The Workforce Crisis That Will Reshape Company Culture Forever
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore one of the least discussed forces shaping the future of business: the collision between demographic decline and artificial intelligence. As developed nations face shrinking populations and aging workforces, organizations are being...
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How One Roofing Company Is Using AI to Outperform the Competition
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb are joined by Julian Caldwell, Chief Information Officer at JR & Co., explore how artificial intelligence is transforming even the most traditional industries. Together they discuss how leaders in his company are shaping company culture,...
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When AI and Your Team Disagree: The Decision That Defines Company Culture
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb break down what happens when AI and your human network don’t agree, how communication problems begin to surface inside organizations, and what leadership development really looks like in a world where data and human judgment collide. Embark...
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The Hidden Leadership Problem AI Is About to Make Impossible to Ignore – with Jason Beutler from RoboSource
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb are joined by Jason Beutler, founder and CEO of RoboSource, on why artificial intelligence often sparks both curiosity and apprehension. Together, they explore how to view AI as less of a threat and more as tool to unlock human potential....
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Are You Ready for How AI is Testing Your Leadership Skills?
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how technological change reshapes not just productivity, but company culture, trust, and the way leaders communicate. In today’s rapidly advancing technological world, adapting to new tools like generative AI is no longer optional –...
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The $200M Decision: How One Leadership Stand Changed Company Culture – Lessons from Anthropic AI and OpenAI
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the ever-evolving landscape of AI in the workplace, and how recent events have highlighted the impact of taking a stand. They weave together the connection between leadership strategy, organizational culture, and the ripple effects...
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Why Smart Leaders Are Rewriting the Rules of AI in the Workplace
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb welcomed Andre Walker, Senior Vice President of Power Operations at Pattern Energy, to discuss AI in the workplace, leadership, and the evolving demands on modern organizations. Together, they explored not only the technological…
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Why Leaders Who Fear AI Are Falling Behind
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore a timely question: what happens when AI in the workplace collides with human curiosity? As organizations integrate artificial intelligence into everyday operations, leaders are being challenged to rethink company culture,...
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The Leadership Mistake That’s Breaking High Performing Teams (And How to Fix It)
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how leadership mindset, company culture, and shared stories determine whether teams merely function – or truly thrive. Together they discuss how teams, organizations, and AI can achieve greater outcomes when stories, purposes, and...
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Is AI Destroying Your Company Culture?
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the reasons behind the fear of AI taking over jobs and whether AI is truly coming for your job. They examine the role of employers in choosing AI over human workers and how AI can actually enhance jobs rather than replacing them.…
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Navigating the Future of Human Connection and the Jobs AI Can’t Replace
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore of the future of work, leadership, and human connection in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Inspired by the underlying theme of many of their conversations throughout 2025, they continued to pontificate on how...
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This Lifelong Learning Program Can Change Your Entire Career Trajectory
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb are joined by guests Thomas and Jason to talk about the significance of lifelong learning. Thomas, a sales leader in the healthcare sector from Orlando, and Jason, a CTO involved in AI tools for financial services in Dallas, share their...
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Gen Z Says the Job Market Is Broken – Adry Muñoz Exposes What’s Really Going On
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb engage in another thought-provoking conversation with Adry Muñoz, a 20-year-old social media coordinator and senior at Michigan State University. Together they explore today's rapidly changing job market and the challenges faced by Gen Z.…
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The Rise of the Chief Value Officer — And Why Every CEO Needs to Think Like One with Joel Strom
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Joel Strom, founder of Chief Value Officers, a business strategist and leadership development expert who helps transform companies from ordinary to extraordinary. Together, they explore what it takes to build a thriving…
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How Fear is Silently Destroying Your Business – and What to Do About It
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb examined how fear – especially during uncertain times – can shape business decisions, impact communication, and limit growth. They share insights from their careers, along with personal reflections on how fear manifests in business...
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The Hidden Battle Inside Your Business: How Internal Competition Is Destroying Company Culture
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb discover how internal competition, fear, and communication problems shape company culture and leadership development. Together, they explore how these problems shape the way organizations handle competition – both inside and outside their...
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Why I'm Never Going to Hire Gen Z - with Adry Munoz
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb engage in a thought-provoking conversation with special guest Adry Munoz, a 20-year-old social media coordinator and senior at Michigan State University. Together they explore the narrative behind not hiring Generation Z and delve into the...
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Are You Building a Good Company or Just Riding a Lucky Wave?
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how to know whether your company is good or just lucky. Through personal anecdotes and industry examples, they delve into the concepts of preparation, opportunity, and the sunk cost fallacy. They discuss how market conditions…
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Why Most Businesses Fail to Sell — And How to Solve the Hardest Problem
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Bob Latham, managing partner and principal at IBG's offices in Arizona and Texas. With over 30 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, Bob discusses the critical factors that can make a business unsellable. He shares...
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Is Your Business on Life Support? Here’s How to Save It
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy explore a problem entrepreneurs often find themselves stuck in - a cycle of micromanagement – effectively keeping their company on “life support.” This episode of The Story in Your Head explores how company culture, leadership...
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Is Remote Work Destroying Your Company Culture?
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy unpack the evolving reality of hybrid work and remote work culture. They explore how leadership, trust, and company culture are being reshaped in this new environment—and why some leaders struggle to adapt. Through honest...
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Why Most Leadership Training Fails – And What Top Leaders Do Instead
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy demystify the adverse effects of mandatory two-day leadership courses. They explore why believing you can learn leadership in such a short time is damaging to both individuals and organizations. Through discussing real...
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Why Most Leaders Fail to Scale – And How to Build a Company Culture That Does
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy talk with Fred Neil, Founder and CEO of Magellan Venture Partners, about what it really takes to grow your business – and yourself. Learn how to escape the day-to-day, avoid common leadership blind spots, and build a company...
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Why Great Leaders Surround Themselves with Disagreement
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy explore the surprising leadership strategy that top performers use to grow: surrounding themselves with disagreement. Learn how building a “challenge network” can elevate your leadership development, transform company culture,...
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Why My Promotion Made Me Want to Quit
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb take a closer look at a practice that undermines both leadership credibility and workplace morale: dry promotions. These promotions, where employees are given new titles and increased responsibilities without a pay raise, are more common…
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From Curmudgeons to Culture Change: Hidden Leadership Secrets That Transform Workplaces!
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sit down with Lori Grubs, a seasoned HR leader and expert in leadership development and company culture transformation. With over two decades of experience, Lori shares her mission to make workplaces better across the globe. From piloting...
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The Secret to Real Productivity: Stop Being Busy
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the essential difference between being busy and being productive. They discuss why it's vital to recognize this distinction, identify the pitfalls of busyness, the importance of strategic planning, and the role of leadership in...
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The REAL Reason Your Boss Wants You Back in the Office
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the current debate surrounding the return to the office—a hot topic as businesses worldwide are being encouraged to reassess workplace dynamics post-pandemic. They explore the benefits and challenges of both remote work and…
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Big Brother at Work: Can Companies Spy on Their Employees?
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into the controversial topic of company surveillance. Together they discuss the legal and ethical implications of employers monitoring employees, and explore the fine line between necessary security measures and building a culture of...
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The Power of Radical Candor in Building Trust and Connection
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy. In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb delve into how radical candor can build trust, while showing care for others by challenging them directly. The explore how this can foster a culture of openness and...
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Rewrite Your Reality: The Impact of Changing Your Fundamental Stories
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore changing your fundamental stories. They share personal narratives about how deeply ingrained beliefs—formed early in life—can shape one's reality. With compelling stories from their own lives, they explore the process of recognizing...
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How Leaders Navigate Uncertain Times
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb navigate the complexities of leading through uncertain times. From global political shifts and AI advancements to company layoffs and market deregulation, they share personal experiences and offer valuable advice on building trust, being...
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Why Hope and Fear Are Your Business's Real Boss
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive deep into two major forces that shape our lives, cultures, and businesses: fear and hope. They discuss how fear can manipulate and wear down individuals in a business environment, leading to decreased productivity and innovation. They...
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How Choosing People Over Profits Transforms Companies
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore the dynamic relationship between shareholders and employees in business. They delve into the roles and expectations of shareholders—who invest financial capital for returns—and employees—who invest their time and energy for...
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Concussion Crisis: What Doctors Aren't Telling You
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb sat down with returning guest Dr. Mladenoff, a leading expert in concussion care, to discuss his new book which delves into the intricacies of diagnosing, treating, and understanding this serious health issue. Dr. Mladenoff shares personal...
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What No One Tells You About the Art of Forgiveness
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how holding onto past traumas and grudges can stifle your creative potential and how forgiveness, whether towards others or oneself, can facilitate emotional freedom and personal growth. Embark on a transformative journey with 'The...
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How to Lose the Weight This New Years by Apologizing
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb dive deep into the true meaning and power of apologies. Together they reflect on the psychological burden of unspoken guilt, the importance of making genuine apologies for personal liberation, and the four essential steps for a meaningful...
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Why the F*** Do I Have to Celebrate With Family
In this episode of “The Story in Your Head,” Ron and Deb explore how altering the stories in our heads and setting authentic stands can transform how we experience the holidays. They candidly discuss the importance of creating space, prioritizing meaningful interactions, and finding joy in...
About this show
Welcome to "The Story in Your Head" podcast with Co-Hosts Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy.Embark on a transformative journey with 'The Story in Your Head' podcast, where we delve into the power of narratives in shaping our lives and the cultures within organizations. Our expert hosts, alongside a diverse array of guests, explore the realms of self-talk and collective storytelling, uncovering insights that foster authentic connections, personal growth, and thriving workplace environments.Each episode is a masterclass in understanding and reshaping the narratives that influence our personal interactions and professional dynamics. Discover strategies to enhance self-awareness, build stronger relationships, inspire leadership, and cultivate inclusive, innovative company cultures.Whether you're seeking to enrich your personal life, elevate your professional relationships, or transform your company's culture, 'The Story in Your Head' is your guide to harnessing the power of story for a more
Hosted by
MacklinConnection
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