From a steel-town childhood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to pioneering the measurement of corporate brand value, before leaping into award-winning fiction, Dr. James Gregory has lived many lives—and measured every one of them.

In this warm, wide-ranging Cafe W.O.W. conversation with host John Dodds, the father of the CoreBrand Index shares stories from a happy childhood. He later describes his sorrow at the death of his father at a young age, and how losing everything you love can still point you toward everything you're meant to do next.

Not forgetting how a subway romance launched an agency, a career and a lasting relationship..

James describes how CEOs begged for proof that branding actually works, including the day Jack Welch forced the industry to grow up.

James maps his transformation from a life of measurement to one of fiction writing.

Full of Sharp End tips on personal branding, risk-taking, storytelling, and why "do it now" might be the best business advice ever given.

A great listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, writers, and anyone wondering how to turn a hunch into a legacy.

Keywords: corporate branding, personal brand, brand measurement, Core Brand Index, James Gregory, branding ROI, storytelling, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, fiction writing, AI in storytelling

Dr James Gregory's website - www.jamesrgregory-books.com

Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk

Comments and suggestions please email me: johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com