Preserving Legacies with Steve Mann
In this episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, host Andrea interviews Steve Mann, a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor, whose extensive background spans continents from Africa to Southeast Asia. Steve discusses his early life on a potato farm in Idaho, his challenges with nearsightedness, and his voracious love for reading that fueled his dreams of seeing the world. He shares insights from his diverse career, including his work in organizational behavior and notable experiences with the White House.
Central to Steve’s message is the profound impact of storytelling in preserving legacies, connecting generations, and guiding future leaders. He emphasizes the importance of dreams, taking risks, and the powerful role of personal stories in teaching and leading. Steve also touches on his new book, Stories That Shape Us, aimed at helping individuals pass down their wisdom and experiences.
Mentioned in this Episode:
Set Up for Success at Work Mentorship Guide and Bonuses
Listener Feedback Form – Share how you see people shaping the future – and/or ask a question for Andrea and guests to address on the show.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:51 Steve‘s Childhood and Early Influences
03:15 The Importance of Dreams
04:41 Family Support and Education
08:32 Leadership and Dream Pursuit
11:41 The Power of Storytelling
19:26 Storytelling in Organizations
24:10 The Power of Storytelling in Different Cultures
26:03 From Dream Job to the White House
27:23 Life Lessons from the Campaign Trail
31:07 Humanitarian Work and Family Sacrifices
39:12 Mentorship and Building Trust
41:47 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts
Summary:
As a child on a potato farm in Idaho, Steve Mann didn’t yet know he would become a global entrepreneur, philanthropist, and storyteller. But he knew one thing: he wanted off that farm. What began as a desire to explore the world evolved into a lifelong commitment to building businesses, serving communities across continents, and preserving the stories that define who we are.
In this week’s episode of the Voice of Influence podcast, Steve shares the transformative power of dreams, the critical role of storytelling in leadership, and how legacy is about more than wealth—it’s about wisdom. If you want to influence the future, this conversation is for you.
Listen to the full episode to be inspired by Steve’s remarkable journey.
Let Yourself Dream Again
“I think too often those dreams get squelched out of us in today’s society—sometimes by parents, teachers, friends, or our situation,” Steve said.
From reading encyclopedias cover to cover as a nearsighted boy who couldn’t see the mountains around him, to standing beside President Reagan at Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Steve has lived a life shaped by dreams. And yet, he emphasizes that dreaming is only the beginning. “Dream the dreams—and then do something about it.”
He reminds us that real momentum happens when we take action, even if we’re unsure. “Most people who climb Mount Everest start by going outside,” he quipped, referencing a professor who challenged him to move from ideas to action.
Your Story Could Change a Life
“I realized my kids didn’t know anything about my life before them,” Steve shared, recalling how his sons discovered a photo of him with President Reagan and assumed it was photoshopped.
This moment sparked his passion for storytelling—not just for entertainment, but as a tool to pass on wisdom. Through stories, we convey our values, our mistakes, our growth. They give our loved ones something more lasting than advice: perspective.
Steve believes this is especially true in a digital age. “We’ve delegated storytelling to the internet. But data isn’t perspective. It doesn’t carry the warmth and love of a grandfather’s voice.”
Influence Begins With Connection
Whether it’s in families or organizations, Steve emphasizes that transformation happens through shared experience. “If a boss says, ‘Here’s how I struggled with this,’ suddenly people are ready to talk,” he said. That same principle helped him mediate between engineers and factory workers, turning a failing product launch into a record-breaking success—because people listened.
And perhaps his most powerful advice is the simplest: Say hello. “If we all just walked up to someone different from us and said hi, everything would change.”
Pass Down Your Wisdom—And Your Courage
Steve’s upcoming book, Stories That Shape Us, is about encouraging everyday people to share what matters most—so the next generation has a deeper sense of who they are and where they come from. “You don’t need to start a foundation to make a difference,” he said. “You just need to show up. To say something. To believe that your life matters.”