Host: Martin Rowinski, CEO of Boardsi
Guest: Stephen Skeel and Michael Ayjian, Co-Founders – 7 Wonders Cinema
In this special episode of Boardsi Leadership Talks, host Martin Rowinski welcomes Michael Ayjian and Stephen Skeel, the Emmy-winning co-founders of Seven Wonders Cinema, for a bold and deeply authentic conversation on the intersection of storytelling, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
From launching scrappy guerrilla film projects at NYU to producing brand campaigns for global names like Disney, Mercedes-Benz, and Stanford, Michael and Stephen have built more than a business—they’ve built a storytelling empire. One of their standout collaborations was with Wasabi Technologies, helping fuel growth from $25M to over $1B in valuation—90% of which touched their content.
But this episode goes far deeper than production wins. The co-founders open up about the mental and emotional toll of building a business, from anxiety and burnout to realigning their identity outside of work. They discuss how faith, discipline, and personal health became the backbone of sustainable leadership—and how true authority is found not in flashy marketing, but in authentic, consistent communication.
Martin, Michael, and Stephen explore:
The origins of Seven Wonders Cinema
Why authenticity beats flash in modern brand storytelling
How content helped Wasabi scale past a billion-dollar valuation
The role of personal challenges in shaping long-term leadership
Why every executive today must become a storyteller
How Seven Wonders’ podcast production model helps leaders build authority
Tactical advice for telling your story—whether in 10 minutes or on a global stage
Their advice? Start with your “five-second moment”—the pivotal experience that made you who you are. Build your brand around that truth, and lead from the inside out.
⏱️ Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 – From Dorm Room to Disney
02:50 – The 25M→1B Video Blueprint
08:14 – “Authenticity or Bust” (Why CEOs Fail)
12:33 – Anxiety → Emmy: Mental Health Wins
17:57 – Their “5-Second Story” Rule
24:21 – How to Hire Them (For Your Brand)
“Being a good person in business gives you far more return than chasing the quick win.” – Stephen Skeel
If you’re an executive looking to scale not just your business, but your voice, this episode is a masterclass in authentic leadership, storytelling, and personal resilience.
Connect with the guests:
Check out 7 Wonders Here
Learn about the 7 Wonders Podcast Program HERE
