How can stories transform your business? Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to four extraordinary guests, each of whom has harnessed the power of storytelling to revolutionise their businesses and inspire others.

Igor Van Gerwen, the mastermind behind Anver’s Confectionery and the creator of the world’s rarest chocolate. Igor shares how embracing his personal story, despite initial hesitation, helped him connect with his audience and transform his business. Our next guest is Gaya Samarasingha, founder and CEO of Kalaia Products. Gaya is a force to be reckoned with, a true storyteller who proves that authenticity and vulnerability can be game-changers in the world of business. Next up is a returning guest,  Lisa McInnes-Smith, one of the most inspiring and genuine people I know. Lisa doesn’t just talk about storytelling, she teaches it. And finally, Ben Physick. He’s a true storyteller at heart. What’s truly inspiring is how Ben uses storytelling as his primary strategy—not just to grow his business, but to empower others to achieve their dreams

So, sit back and get ready for an episode filled with inspiration, actionable advice, and the courage to share your own story. 

We’ll be talking about: 

➡ [0:00] Introduction

➡ [04:44] Glimpses of Igor’s story

➡ [06:43] Making a difference by sharing stories

➡ [07:33] A change of heart

➡ 10:42] Correlation between StorySelling and success 

➡ [13:34] We are all unique

➡ [13:41] Introduction to Gaya Samarasingha

➡ [16:16] StorySelling as a marketing strategy

➡ [19:18] Effective story selling on social media and in person

➡ [22:04] Keeping it simple

➡ [25:32] The hero's journey

➡ [27:04] What is real anymore?

➡ [30:47] A changing landscape

➡ [31:17] Introducing Lisa McInnes-Smith

➡ [33:42] Specialising in StorySelling

➡ [34:56] When is sharing too much, too much?

➡ [36:47] The power of being relatable

➡ [37:47] The impact of sharing your stories

➡ [38:36] A changing landscape

➡ [39:35] Tips on telling a story  

➡ [41:57] Which stories are worth sharing?

➡ [43:33] Balancing facts and emotions

➡ [46:06] What is human anymore? Being real

➡ [48:35] Introducing Ben Physick

➡ [51:46] Ben’s business story 

➡ [53:54] How Ben uses stories to grow his business

➡ [58:44] Third party validation is huge

➡ [1:02:19] Tips on how to effectively share stories

➡ [1:05:37] Your stories matter

➡ [1:10:28] Use your stories to connect with people 

➡ [1:11:53] Final thoughts

Resources: 

Gaya Samarasingha’s previous episode: https://youtu.be/6ew2kxBEVY8

Lisa McInnes-Smith’s previous episode: https://youtu.be/rfgcandFdEA

Ben Physick’s previous episode: https://youtu.be/kjO0-G8q8U4

Book Recommendations

➡ Chocolatier by Igor Van Gerwen

https://anvers-chocolate.com.au/product/ivg-chocolatier/

About our guests:

Igor Van Gerwen moved to Tasmania, Australia at 20 as a young Belgian pastry chef. His culinary path began in Belgium, where Igor trained as a pâtissier/chocolatier. Igor worked at Klaas’ Bakehouse, where he introduced Belgian classics and adapted recipes to showcase local Tasmanian ingredients. 

Gaya Samarasingha was born and raised in Sri Lanka and moved to the United States in 2004. She is a mum, a wife, an immigrant, and an entrepreneur who is passionate not only about clean skincare tailored for women’s needs. 

Lisa McInnes-Smith is a well-renowned motivating international speaker. She is passionate and provocative and a master of shifting behaviour. Lisa understands that people’s learning styles are key components of the rate of their progress, and most importantly, she inspires people to grow.

Ben Physick is a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, weight Loss coach, and public speaker. He has owned and operated his own personal training studio for over 20 years and has helped literally tens of thousands of people around the world to correct their weight. 

Connect with Igor Van Gerwen and Anvers Tasmania:

➡ Anvers Tasmania website: https://anvers-chocolate.com.au/

➡ Anvers Tasmania Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anverschocolate/

Connect with Gaya Samarasingha:

➡ Kalaia IG - https://www.instagram.com/kalaiaproducts

➡ Kalaia FB - https://www.facebook.com/kalaiaproducts

➡ Kalaia Website - https://kalaiaproducts.com

➡ Gaya’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayasamarasingha

Connect with Lisa McInnes-Smith:

➡ Lisa’s Website: https://www.lisaspeaks.com/

➡ Lisa’s email: lisa@lisaspeaks.com

➡ Lisa’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.mcinnessmith

Connect with Ben Physick:

➡  Ben Physick’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ben.physick

➡  Weight Loss Coaching Works: https://www.facebook.com/WLCW.AU/

Connect with Direct Selling Accelerator:

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