Masters of Storytelling

In Part II of our mini-series 'How to Shape a Legacy', we focus on legacy as it applies to businesses and brands. In this episode, Maya talks to BRC Chief Creative Officer, Christian Lachel, about the closest thing a brand can have to having a soul: a set of values, that lend to a series of decisions, actions, and events that become the lessons we impart, and hopefully, the stories that we tell when we feel like shedding light.   In part 1, Senior Writer, Rich Procter, unpacks legacy as many things: a gift, a call to action, a glimmer of hope, a path…But in the end, a great legacy teaches us that life is not about being rewarded for good behavior; it’s about doing the right thing, despite one’s personal gain. And all of that is possible, even for things as seemingly mechanical as corporations.   Christian is no stranger to the concept of legacy. He's worked on many corporate archive teams for brands like Ford, Coca-Cola, Caterpillar, and Johnnie Walker, helping the best of them define the best in themselves. Whether you're an iconic brand that has an archive or a brand new company that's dreaming of one, a legacy is possible! But as Christian and Maya discuss, no matter who you are, your legacy is only as good as the people responsible for passing it on.    To learn more about Christian, visit: https://bit.ly/3HAMyfE   To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com   Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide. Learn more: www.worldxo.org

If there's one thing kids do better than adults, it's play. As the playwright and political activist George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Who needs Botox when you have Barbie dolls? Speaking of Barbie... can you think of another brand that has evolved as much over the past 65 years? Barbie is unique in that, over those 65 years, she has transitioned from representing just one of us to representing all of us. Today, Barbie does more than just model; she's President. But today's episode isn't about Barbie. It's about leadership, legacy, and how one woman's personal passion for childhood and commitment to learning through play has enabled many of the world’s most iconic toy brands—from American Girl to Polly Pocket, and of course, Barbie—to stay relevant and evolve with the times. Krista Berger is the Senior Vice President of Barbie and the Global Head of Dolls at Mattel, where she leads Product and Brand Marketing for Mattel’s Dolls category globally. Krista's career at Mattel began 16 years ago in the Dolls division, where she developed a strong foundation in intellectual property, licensor management, and commercial expertise across the Dolls portfolio and the U.S. Barbie business. When Mattel acquired Mega Brands in 2014, Krista was a key member of the integration team, spearheading the Mega strategic rebranding initiative, which led to increased distribution and impressive double-digit sales growth in the construction category. In 2017, Krista returned to the Barbie team, helping drive record-breaking performance with a 60% increase in the toy business. Notably, Krista's vision and leadership were instrumental in re-establishing Barbie as the #1 global doll property. Her contributions and dedication have earned her several industry recognitions, including the Ad Age 40 Under 40, Brand Innovators 40 Under 40, and the Women in Toys Wonder Women Award. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Krista about the importance of play, localizing global brands, and the careful listening required to sustain a brand as iconic as Barbie.    For more information about Krista, visit: https://bit.ly/3MWhyLv For more information on Mattel, visit: https://bit.ly/3zx2C3f For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

Legacy. It may seem like just a simple word, but it carries immense weight. It’s the kind of term that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and ponder your lasting impact on others, your community, and the world at large. It can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to break it down!   Welcome to "How to Shape a Legacy," a new Masters of Storytelling miniseries, where we break down what legacy truly means and how you can create one that endures. In part one, Maya talks to one of BRC's very own master storytellers, Senior Writer Rich Procter. The two explore what legacy means, explore its facets, and discuss the unique role storytellers can play in crafting a legacy that matters.   To learn more about R Lee Procter's book, "Sugarball: A Novel of Negro League Baseball", visit: https://bit.ly/3Z0VCWA  To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com   Special thanks to the sponsors of this miniseries, The World Experience Organization, a global institution dedicated to promoting the experience economy, improving the quality of experiences, and enhancing the opportunities for experiential creators worldwide. Learn more: www.worldxo.org 

A go-to authority on global business, economics and geopolitics, digital transformation, and corporate governance, global trade, Ryan Patel is so smart, he's never been afraid to ask the stupid questions. These days, he's doing it on TV, appearing on networks like CNN, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC, The Hill, and Yahoo Finance. He's frequently featured in publications like the New York Times, Forbes, and Entrepreneur, and has lead campaigns with corporations Mastercard, HP, Adobe, The Economist, IBM, Salesforce, LEGO, and more. Ryan also asks a lot of questions on his own Webby-Nominated series “The Moment with Ryan Patel,” a show that's filmed in the actual Garage where HP and Silicon Valley, accordingly were founded.    Ryan is a firm believer in giving back to the community and paying it forward. His passion for combining social good and business has led him to discuss relevant and real-world situations that are accessible to both students and professionals alike. In 2015, he was awarded “Executive of the Year” by the Los Angeles Business Journal and received Special United States Congressional Recognition for outstanding services to the community. In 2017, Inc. listed him as one of nine executives and innovators who serve as an inspiration for how all businesses can make a difference. He also received the 2018 “Connect” Award for Business Leader of the Year and is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious NAAAP 100 award. He also received the United States Senate Certificate of Commendation which recognized his exemplary business leadership and contributions. Also, listed as one of the “Creators to Follow” by Linkedin Editor in Chief and is recognized as a “Top Voice” on Linkedin. He also holds the esteemed title of Visiting William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow at Claremont McKenna College.   In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Ryan about building and leading teams, the careful work of scaling businesses, the art of telling stories that resonate, and how to be yourself in the face of bygone corporate expectations.    For more information about Ryan, visit: https://bit.ly/3YuTYwh    For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.   In part four of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to BRC's President, Carmel Lewis, a woman who has been producing projects in the experiential world long before "experience" was a buzzword. Listen in as Maya asks Carmel about casting and leading teams, working through unknown unknowns, and the unseen and sometimes thankless job of production.  Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b  To learn more about Carmel Lewis: https://bit.ly/3yx72Gg  To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.     In part three of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Edward Hodge, Vice President of Creative and Innovation at BRC. Listen in as Edward and Maya discuss the science of immersion: how we use lighting, sound, technology, and a dash of magic to recreate the same emotional highs we experience on game days as non game days.  Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

B. Joseph Pine II is an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and management advisor to Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial start-ups alike. He is cofounder of Strategic Horizons LLP, a thinking studio dedicated to helping businesses conceive and design new ways of adding value to their economic offerings.   In 1999 Joe and his partner James H. Gilmore wrote the best-selling book ‘The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage’, which demonstrates how goods and services are no longer enough; what companies must offer today are experiences - memorable events that engage each customer in an inherently personal way. Joe is also co-author of ‘Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want’, which recognizes that in a world of increasingly paid-for experiences, people no longer accept the fake from the phony, but want the real from the genuine; and ‘Infinite Possibility: Creating Customer Value on the Digital Frontier’, on how to use digital technology to stage experiences that fuse the real and the virtual.   In his speaking and teaching activities, Joe has addressed both the World Economic Forum and TED and is a Visiting Scholar with the MIT Design Lab. He has also taught at Penn State, Duke Corporate Education, the University of Minnesota, UCLA's Anderson Graduate School of Management, and the Harvard Design School. He serves on the editorial boards of Strategy & Leadership and Strategic Direction, is honorary editor of The International Journal of Mass Customization, and is a Senior Fellow with both the Design Futures Council and the European Centre for the Experience Economy, which he co-founded.   In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Joe about the art of packaging ideas, the difference between fake and faux, and why if you treat your customers like the individuals that they are they will be your customers forever.   Join Joe on Substack while he works on his new book on the Transformation Economy: https://strategichorizons.com/the-transformation-economy-and-you/   For more information about Joe Pine, visit: www.strategichorizons.com/pine-and-gilmore/joe-pine/   For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.   In part two of our Masters of Storytelling mini series, 'How to Tell a Sports Story,' Maya talks to Christian Lachel, Chief Creative Officer at BRC. Listen in as Christian and Maya discuss the business case or rather, the opportunity, sports stadiums and venues have to wake up their sleeping asset. The two unpack the planning, budgeting, goal setting, and deep strategic work that goes into building not only sports experiences, but entire mixed use destinations and districts.    Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

In episode one of season two, Maya talks to Experience Consultant, Victoria Taylor, about her work at the cross sector of hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. During the conversation, the two speak briefly about Wrexham Association Football Club, which is based in North Wales, just outside her hometown. The team was recently acquired by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whos vision's led the complete transformation of a team with a rich legacy and passionate fanbase. In Victoria's words: they've transformed Wrexham from a town into a city.   To follow up on her interview with Victoria, Maya talks to Brad Shelton, Vice President of Creative and Story at BRC. Listen in as Brad and Maya discuss why we tell sports stories, how sports teams serve as symbols for humanity and civic pride, and the transformative impact that teams and stadiums have on their communities.   Listen to Maya's interview with Victoria Taylor: https://bit.ly/42SSI6b To learn more about The Bud Selig Experience: https://bit.ly/3wFcIxk To learn more about The Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium Tours: https://bit.ly/3IgdjFw To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com  

Victoria Taylor is Experience Partner to hospitality, tourism, cultural destination, and luxury experience brands. She works with her clients to create unique experiences that impact people, profit and planet whilst proofing for the future.  Fascinated with traditional craftsmanship and "maker" based hospitality experiences that delve into the origins of people and place, she has an insatiable curiosity for the exceptional and the unusual. Her unique work has taken her all over the world and as a seasoned keynote speaker, Victoria enjoys events that spark ideas to change things and challenge what always "has been." In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Victoria about the art of designing experiences, how destinations can transform communities, and the courage that’s required to create something truly singular. For more information about Victoria, visit:  www.victoriatayl.uk For more information about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In the final bonus episode of season one, Maya sits down with Dylan Agajanian, composer, editor, mix-er, master-er, audio engineer, and the person entirely responsible for this podcast sounding 'real'.  Since starting work on this podcast at the end of 2021, Maya and Dylan have become good friends, a friendship born from a uniquely joyous creative collaboration. To wrap up season one, the two met up to discuss everything they did, everything they loved, and the many things they learned making season one of, 'Masters of Storytelling.'    To learn more about Dylan Agajanian visit: https://www.dacomposer.com/  For more information about BRC: https://bit.ly/3B4RDKB  Follow BRC on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3a9OJsu 

To follow up on her interview with Joe Rohde, former Disney Imagineer and experience architect of Virgin Galactic, Maya talks to Bob Rogers, the man who puts the ‘B' 'R’ in ‘BRC’. Founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts, Bob is our Master of Storytelling.  Over the course of his 50+ year career, Bob has developed two patents, has won over 500 international awards for creative excellence with BRC, including two Academy Award nominations. In 2006, Bob was honored with this industry's highest honor, the Themed Entertainment Association's Award for Lifetime Achievement. He's been inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame and has served on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences. Bob was also invited by NASA to help develop its master plan for the exploration of Mars and later awarded him the NASA Public Service Medal.  Writer, innovator, teacher, scholar…Bob has many things, but we tend to think of Bob as a magician. He's made a career making people smile, suspending our disbelief long enough to help us forget ourselves or maybe to find ourselves.  To learn more about Bob Rogers: www.bobrogers.com   To learn more about BRC: www.brcweb.com

Joe Rohde is an artist, explorer, and creative executive. Over the course of his 40 year career with the Walt Disney Company, Joe worked at Imagineering, the creative arm that designs and builds everything from cruise ships, theme parks, rides and attractions, hotels, and infrastructure systems for the company's theme parks and resorts. During his tenure, he oversaw several projects, including Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Expedition Everest, and Pandora, the world of Avatar.  Joe is now retired, but still takes on projects like his work a strategic adviser with Virgin Galactic, one of a handful of companies aiming to commercialize space travel. He joined the company in early 2021 as the first experience architect. The astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, “If we can see the horizon, we want to know what's beyond.” As you’ll hear, Joe is someone for whom travel has been transformational, driving his curiosity and desire to see, hear, smell, feel and taste the thing he wants to know. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Joe about narrative placemaking, deep research, and the public responsibility of the storyteller.    In an effort to keep each episode a reasonable length, we’ve split this interview into two parts. This is part two.   To follow Joe on Instagram, visit: bit.ly/3BVpZl3   For more infomation about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

Joe Rohde is an artist, explorer, and creative executive. Over the course of his 40 year career with the Walt Disney Company, Joe worked at Imagineering, the creative arm that designs and builds everything from cruise ships, theme parks, rides and attractions, hotels, and infrastructure systems for the company's theme parks and resorts. During his tenure, he oversaw several projects, including Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa, Expedition Everest, and Pandora, the world of Avatar.  Joe is now retired, but still takes on projects like his work a strategic adviser with Virgin Galactic, one of a handful of companies aiming to commercialize space travel. He joined the company in early 2021 as the first experience architect. The astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, “If we can see the horizon, we want to know what's beyond.” As you’ll hear, Joe is someone for whom travel has been transformational, driving his curiosity and desire to see, hear, smell, feel and taste the thing he wants to know. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Joe about narrative placemaking, deep research, and the public responsibility of the storyteller.    In an effort to keep each episode a reasonable length, we’ve split this interview into two parts. This is part one.   To follow Joe on Instagram, visit: bit.ly/3BVpZl3   For more infomation about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In this bonus episode, Maya talks to Bernard Semerdjian, an incredible graphic designer, art director, experience designer, and mensch. The two sat down a couple of weeks ago to talk about Maya's interview with concept artist and art director Philip Boutté Jr., world building, and what it means to create the thing that you would like to see in the world. For more information about Bernard: https://bit.ly/3RjkAcs  For more information about 11 Ravens: www.11ravens.com  For more information about BRC: https://bit.ly/3B4RDKB  Follow BRC on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3a9OJsu 

Phillip Boutté Jr. is a concept artist within the costume designers guild. He's worked on a multitude of different blockbuster projects—films like Black Panther, Inception, Once Upon a time in Hollywood, Bohemian Rhapsody, Captain America, Hunger Games, The Greatest Showman—and as a production designer on musical tours and music videos for artists likeMadonna, Ariana Grande, The Black Keys, and Panic at the Disco. Phil is also co-founder and CEO of 9B Collective, which he started with two friends, Michael Uwandi and Aldis Hodge. Their goal is to provide a shift in the entertainment landscape by working towards true inclusivity both in front of,and behind the camera. The collective includes artists working across multiple disciplines, from Feature Films, Animation, Television, Video Games, XR, Graphic Design, and more. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Phil about costume and character design, the permanence of practice, and how his experience as a child actor influenced his purpose today. As you’ll hear, Phil’s someone who experienced a problem, saw the possibility, and rather than sit comfortably as pawn, he’s a become player, unafraid to effect change when everyone else said they didn’t know how to.   For more information about Phillip Boutté Jr., visit: www.artstation.com/phillipbouttejr  For more information about 9B Collective, visit: www.9bcollective.com  For more infomation about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In episode in five Maya interview Abigail Rosen Holmes, a lighting and production designer for concerts, special events, and installations. She’s worked artists like Phish, The Cure, Janet Jackson, The Cure, CHER; for companies like Disney, Nordstrom; and on projects the span from the High Roller Observation Wheel at Caesar’s in Vegas to Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall,’ which was performed live at the site of the Berlin Wall shortly after it had been torn down. To follow up on this conversation, Maya speaks with Brad Shelton, Vice President and Creative Director at BRC and the man behind many of BRC's music focused projects. A fellow ex-theater kid turned theater-adult, he’s a storyteller, writer, and director who’s overseen the development of entire entertainment resorts and guest experiences around the world that span music, sports, entertainment, space, and everything in between.   For more information about Brad: https://bit.ly/3zwESIi  For more information about BRC: https://bit.ly/3B4RDKB  Follow BRC on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3a9OJsu 

Abigail Rosen Holmes is a lighting, video and production designer who's worked on live concerts, special events, and installations for artists like Phish, The Cure, Janet Jackson, The Cure, Cher; for companies like Disney and Nordtrom; and on projects the span from the High Roller Observation Wheel at Caesar’s in Vegas to Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall,’ which was performed live at the site of the Berlin Wall only eight months after it had been torn down. A D.C. native and graduate of Brown University, Abigail spent years touring the US and Europe with some of the world's biggest music acts before spending six years as a Disney Imagineer. Her unique and varied background lend to her habit of leaning into otherwise unfamiliar mediums, platforms, and tools. This has contributed to a depth of experience that is fundamental to who she is today. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Abigail about her experience as a roadie, the power of abstraction in lighting and media design, and the magnificent things that happen when you just say 'yes.' For more information about Abigail and NYXdesign, visit: www.nyxdesign.com For more infomation about BRC Imagination Arts, visit: www.brcweb.com

In Maya’s interview with Chris Do, an Emmy award-winning designer and director, the two discuss business storytelling, brand strategy, finding your purpose, and the importance of doing what you love. To follow up on this conversation, Maya spoke to Cara Pico, BRC’s Design Studio Director. She leads all of BRC’s casting and recruitment, studio operations, and supports practically every department at BRC from project development to marketing, finance to design and production.    For more information about BRC: https://bit.ly/3B4RDKB    Follow BRC on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3a9OJsu 

CEO and Chief Strategist of Blind Inc, Chris Do has lectured all over the world. Storyteller, businessman, designer, teacher, and creative strategist among other things, Chris has spent over 15yrs teaching at schools like ArtCenter College of Design, Otis College of Art and Design, and has reached millions through his second company, The Futur—an online education platform with close to 2M subscribers on YouTube. He received his BFA from Art Center College of Design in Graphics/Packaging, where he has taught Sequential Design for over a decade. He’s lectured all over the world on subjects including pricing, sales, negotiations, content marketing, branding, storytelling, building community and influence. In this episode of Masters of Storytelling, Maya talks to Chris about his journey starting and growing a creative agency, business storytelling and the importance of knowing your audience, and the magic that happens when you do work that has meaning. For more information about Chris and his company Blind, visit: www.blind.com For more information about The Futur, visit: www.thefutur.com To learn more about BRC Imagination Arts: www.brcweb.com