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Chief Story Officer

Rob D. Willis

Most leaders know storytelling matters. But can stories actually be strategic?

On Chief Story Officer we talk to executives and thought leaders who know that the right story at the right time can shift strategy, align teams and transform businesses.

Hosted by Rob D. Willis, a strategic story producer who's helped leaders at HelloFresh, Babbel, and Raisin craft compelling stories that make strategies stick, so teams live it and clients feel it.

What You'll Discover:
🎯 Real world examples of stories shifting team direction, clarifying strategy or closing deals.
🧠 Strategic frameworks to think about storytelling as part of business strategy
⚡ Practical takeaways you can use in your next meeting, pitch, or all-hands
🎙️ Diverse perspectives from CEOs, strategists, and operators who've cracked the code on strategic storytelling

This isn't about crafting perfect presentations or learning narrative tricks. It's about understanding how stories shape decisions, drive alignment, and create measurable business impact.

Who This Is For:
Chief Story Officer is built for executives, senior leaders, and strategic thinkers who know that communication is more than a soft skill.

If you're responsible for:
📊 Leading teams through change and uncertainty
🎯 Communicating vision and strategy across your organisation
🤝 Building buy-in for complex initiatives
💡 Translating technical ideas into compelling direction
✨ Creating alignment where there's confusion
...then this podcast will sharpen how you lead through communication.

About Your Host:
Rob D. Willis is a strategic story producer who's been helping executives communicate ideas that matter since 2018. He's delivered 3,000+ presentations to 100,000 people across six continents, working with HelloFresh, Babbel, and Raisin to transform how they tell their stories.
Before focusing on executive storytelling, Rob spent years as a Berlin tour guide and music producer—two disciplines that taught him what makes messages memorable and impossible to ignore.

The Format:
⏱️ 30 minutes per episode
📅 New episodes every two weeks
💬 Conversational and story-driven style
🎯 Focused on extracting specific lessons that made communication work in high-stakes moments

Why Subscribe:
If you believe that the way you communicate shapes the way you lead—and that better stories lead to better strategy—Chief Story Officer will become your go-to resource for sharpening both.

New episodes drop bi-weekly. Subscribe now so you never miss a conversation!

🌐 Visit robdwillis.com for frameworks, resources, and more on strategic storytelling in leadership.

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  • 23 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 34 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • #20
    Friday · 36 min

    How Story Changes Everything Erin O'Connor on Film, Neuroscience, and Social Impact

    Erin O’Connor, co-founder and co-president of the Story Incubator Writing Lab, joins the show to share how stories shift hearts, change laws, and bridge divides. A former English professor at the University of Pennsylvania turned award-winning screenwriter, Erin reveals why the right narrative can unite even the most polarised audiences. In this episode, we delve into the true power of story to bridge divides, influence public policy, and shape how we see ourselves. We examine what makes some stories ignite collective action using Dallas Buyers Club and The X-Files as case studies and why “preachy” narratives rarely bring about real-world change. Erin O’Connor, former English professor and award-winning screenwriter, reveals how immersive storytelling affects our brains, why great story always beats mere messaging, and what Dickens and Uncle Tom’s Cabin can teach modern leaders. She shares lessons from running a lab for professional screenwriters aiming to have social impact without sacrificing narrative. You’ll walk away understanding why a well-crafted story trumps statistics every time, the neuroscience behind narrative immersion, and practical steps like reading rituals to make stories land and linger in business, leadership, or life. KEY TOPICS How Dallas Buyers Club inspired bipartisan legislation and measurable social change [02:40] Neuroscience insights: why well-shaped stories drive action and empathy [07:04] The surprising limits of "preachy" documentaries versus character-driven narratives [13:14] Practical storytelling advice for leaders: finding and telling stories that bridge divides [19:32] The enduring power of literature—how Dickens and Stowe shifted hearts and history [29:42] GUEST BIO & LINKS Erin O’Connor is a screenwriter, producer, narrative strategist, and co-founder of the Story Incubator Writing Lab. A nonprofit talent incubator and micro think tank that backs screenwriters whose stories bring people together across divides. After years as an English professor at the University of Pennsylvania, Erin transitioned from academia to film, writing and producing the acclaimed feature Miss Virginia, which aired on BET and Netflix. Today, she helps experienced screenwriters harness the neuroscience of storytelling for real-world impact and leads research into how narrative shapes culture and policy. Connect with Erin O'Connor: Website: https://www.storyincubatorwritinglab.org/ Substack: https://storyrulesproject.substack.com/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #19
    October 9 · 44 min

    When Being Yourself Becomes Your Superpower: Christian O'Connell’s Strategic Storytelling Secrets

    Christian O'Connell, broadcaster, writer, and the first person in history to host the number one breakfast radio show in two different countries, joins the show to share why the messy, unscripted moments are the real gold in storytelling and connection. In this candid conversation, we dive into the messy magic of authentic storytelling, the dangers of performative connection in the age of AI, and why the best leaders drop the act to let people meet the real person beneath the title. Christian O'Connell reveals hard-won lessons from decades on the radio, interviewing icons from Mick Jagger to Jon Hamm, and the pivotal moment he realised his success was built on an avatar rather than his true self. Christian O'Connell shares the story behind his move from the UK to Melbourne, facing brutal rejection and turning it into connection through vulnerability and honest storytelling. He introduces the "woodshed", his ever-growing collection of real-life fragments and explains why charisma is ultimately about presence, not performance. You'll walk away with practical ways to find and record your own resonant stories, tips for building connection (not just credentials), and permission to be just 10% braver because the world needs less polish and more humanity. KEY TOPICS Why trying to be perfect kills connection and how the magic is in the mess [06:32] How Christian O'Connell won over a new city by sharing honest, vulnerable stories instead of punchlines [23:08] The turmeric tea breakthrough: getting celebrities out of “interview mode” with human moments [15:18] The “woodshed” practice for capturing everyday stories before they disappear [30:12] Why energy and emotion matter more than confidence (and how 10% more enjoyment changes everything) [41:03] GUEST BIO & LINKS Christian O'Connell is a multi-award-winning broadcaster, writer, and comedian. Over a 28-year radio career, he has won 13 Radio Academy Awards in the UK and became the first person ever to top the breakfast radio charts in both the UK and Australia. Most recently with his national breakfast show based in Melbourne. Christian O'Connell is the author of UNSCRIPT: The Radical Act of Being Yourself, a guide to leaving behind the performative act and forging authentic connections through vulnerability and real conversation. His unique approach to communication and storytelling has resonated with audiences across continents, and he now mentors others in finding their true voice in a world saturated with artificiality and filtered personas. UNSCRIPT: The Radical Act of Being Yourself, Christian O'Connell (Wiley, 2026) Connect with Christian O'Connell: Website: https://christianoconnell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-o-connell-43774a64/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #18
    September 25 · 43 min

    Storyworthy Habits: Matthew Dicks on Slowing Down Time and Finding Meaning

    Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy & Stories Sell, joins the show to share the origin of "Homework for Life" and why most people erase the best moments of their own lives without realising it. In this episode, we delve into the power of personal storytelling in business, why a single rehearsed narrative won't cut it, and how the right story can make time slow down, bring teams together, and turn any moment no matter how ordinary into something unforgettable. Matthew Dicks shares the origins of his celebrated “Homework for Life” practice, the surprising secrets behind his storytelling spreadsheet, and how authentic stories told through your personal lens outperform anything scripted. You’ll hear how creating a culture of storytelling can unlock hidden memories, reveal what your company truly stands for, and move people to action. You’ll walk away with a simple daily habit to harvest story-worthy moments, practical tips for finding your best material, and the mindset shift that will help you capture, craft, and share stories that actually land wherever you happen to be. KEY TOPICS The origins of Homework for Life and how it solves the problem of running out of stories to tell 01:39 How daily story journaling changes your relationship with time and helps reclaim lost memories 06:14 Why business storytelling requires personal stories and constant "reps" to build trust and connection 13:01 The crucial difference between reporting and storytelling: structuring customer stories around change, not events 24:39 Building a storytelling culture—why authentic, personal delivery always beats company speak 28:40 GUEST BIO & LINKS Matthew Dicks is an author, renowned storyteller, and the man behind "Homework for Life," the habit-forming exercise recommended by leaders and experts worldwide. A 10-time Moth GrandSLAM champion with 64 Story Slam wins, Matthew Dicks spent 27 years as an elementary school teacher while quietly becoming one of the world’s most decorated storytellers. He now teaches the craft at Amazon, Google, Salesforce, Harvard, Yale, MIT, and the World Bank, helping people at every level unlock storyworthy moments from daily life. His books include Storyworthy & Stories Sell, and his work reveals how storytelling can slow down time, build connection, and transform businesses. Connect with Matthew Dicks: Website: https://matthewdicks.com/speaking/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-dicks-storyworthy/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #17
    September 11 · 32 min

    Controlling Your Online Narrative: Jason Barnard on Storytelling for Google and AI

    Jason Barnard, founder of Kalicube and inventor of the Kalicube Framework, joins the show to reveal why the story machines repeat about you online rarely matches the story you want to tell and how to fix it. In this episode, we dive into the little-known world of storytelling for machines, why the first audience for your personal brand is no longer a person, but AI. From entity homes and online ambiguity to how Google or ChatGPT decides which “you” to present, Rob and Jason unpack the new rules for making your narrative machine-readable. Jason Barnard reveals how leaders can wrangle their sprawling digital histories, reframe their “blue dog moments,” and strategically manage their multifaceted stories so AI lands on the right headline. He shares practical frameworks for clarifying your message, structuring your About page, and turning corroboration into your secret weapon. Listen in and you’ll discover why third-person bios matter, how to spot and fix narrative drift, and a step-by-step action plan that puts you, not the algorithm, in the driver’s seat. If you want the strategy behind being known for what you choose, this one’s essential. KEY TOPICS Why your online narrative is only as strong as its consistency across every platform [00:09] Building an "entity home" to guide AI's understanding of who you are and what you do [02:28] The three-part process: claim, corroboration, and proof for strengthening your digital reputation [20:46] How to reframe past careers so they support your current story (and avoid becoming "the blue dog") [26:36] The first step for every leader: secure your own domain and create an About page that aligns your story [30:16] GUEST BIO & LINKS Jason Barnard is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, and award-winning digital marketing innovator. Known as the "Brand SERP guy", he coined the term "Answer Engine Optimisation" in 2017 and now leads a platform that tracks 25 billion data points across 73 million brand profiles. With over 14 years’ experience in shaping how AI understands and repeats personal brands, he helps entrepreneurs and businesses control their narrative across the web so Google and ChatGPT get it right, every time. Connect with Jason Barnard: Website: https://kalicube.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmbarnard/ Free AI Audit: https://diagnosis.kalicube.pro/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #16
    August 28 · 35 min

    Why Your Story Isn’t What Your Audience Hears with Kendall Haven

    Kendall Haven, narrative influence architect and author of StoryProof and StorySmart, joins the show to uncover why it’s not the story you tell that matters, it’s the one your audience creates for themselves. In this episode, we dive into the science behind why the only story that matters is the one your audience builds in their own mind, and how the best communicators shift from speaker-centric to audience-centric storytelling. We break down the moments when words alone fail, and how unexpected interpretations can trigger reactions you never intended, whether you’re announcing a new strategy, persuading for change, or simply trying to get a process adopted. Kendall Haven reveals the eight levers you can pull to ensure your story lands focusing on character, motive, conflict, risk, and more, backed by decades of research with everyone from NASA to the World Bank. He shares his practical process for identifying your true target audience, unpicking their real blockers, and engineering stories that move them to action (or intentional inaction). You'll discover why emotion is the driver of influence, how to road-test your message with the "green VW" experiment, and a repeatable toolkit for ensuring your stories are remembered, not just heard. GUEST BIO & LINKS Kendall Haven is a narrative influence architect, author, and distinguished visiting scholar at Stanford. For two decades, he’s led the research effort for the National Storytelling Association and the International Storytelling Center, and his books, StoryProof and StorySmart, gather evidence from 16 fields of science to prove that the human brain is physically wired for story. Trusted by organisations like NASA, the World Bank, Boeing, and Aramco, Kendall Haven designs stories that shape minds, shift behaviour, and make strategy stick. Connect with Guest’s Name: Website: https://www.kendallhaven.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-haven-7390b73/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #16
    August 14 · 36 min

    Shaping Storytelling as a Strategic Business Function with Elliott Rayner

    Elliott Rayner, Fractional Head of Storytelling and creator of The Story Cohort, joins the podcast to explain why a truly strategic narrative is less about individual creativity and more about aligning every voice in the company around a core message. In this episode, we dig into why storytelling is moving from a personal skill to a vital company function, what “head of storytelling” roles actually mean in today’s market, and how alignment rather than creativity can be the difference between a brand that cuts through and one that fades away. Elliott Rayner shares the patterns emerging from new storytelling job descriptions, a step-by-step process for creating narrative alignment across teams, and a real-world example of transforming a tech product’s chaos of messages into a single narrative everyone could own. He also unpacks how AI can help expose gaps in a company’s story, but only if you know where to shine the torch. You’ll leave with three deceptively simple questions to test your company’s narrative alignment, a concrete method for measuring where your team stands, and the practical next steps to get every colleague telling the same compelling story. GUEST BIO & LINKS Elliott Rayner is a Fractional Head of Storytelling, product marketing strategist, author, and creator of The Story Cohort. With over a decade leading product narratives for global brands like Adidas, ASICS, Babbel and ARION, he now helps teams translate complex technology into stories anyone can tell (and everyone remembers). His book "The Story Engine" and "The State of Storytelling 2026" detail the rise of storytelling as an official business function, and his frameworks have guided Olympic campaigns and tech launches alike. Elliott Rayner leads workshops and a live cohort programme designed to help leaders, marketers, and founders turn scattered ideas into a single, company-defining narrative. Connect with Guest’s Name: Website: https://www.productnarratives.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elliottrayner/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #15
    July 31 · 33 min

    Why Simple Stories Win: Philipp Humm on Speaking for Impact

    Philipp Humm, founder of StoryLab and bestselling author, joins the show to break down the art and science of connecting with an audience, whether you’re in the boardroom or on the open mic stage. In this episode, we break down what makes charismatic storytellers so compelling and why even the stories that “lead nowhere” can hook any audience. Rob and Philipp Humm dissect iconic moments from Matt Damon and Barack Obama, uncovering the hidden techniques behind anticipation, visual language, and tension. Philipp Humm reveals his daily “homework for life” journaling practice, the art of storytelling compression, and his go-to framework Place, Action, Speech, Thoughts for bringing stories to life in meetings, pitches, or on stage. He lifts the curtain on his personal story bank, detailing how to mine everyday moments and improvise unforgettable narratives. You’ll walk away with a blueprint for building your own library of stories, practical tips for adding scene and emotion, and a method for transforming mundane experiences into business gold. Connection, not perfection, is the currency and you’ll have the tools to spend it. GUEST BIO & LINKS Philipp Humm is a storytelling and communication expert, author, and founder of StoryLab. Drawing on his experience at Columbia Business School, Uber, and Bain, as well as his time performing on Amsterdam’s open mic circuit, Philipp helps leaders translate complex ideas into simple, powerful stories. His bestselling books, Storytelling for Business, The StorySelling Method, and Public Speaking With Confidence have made him a trusted voice for millions on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Philipp’s mission: make storytelling practical and accessible for every professional who wants their message to stick. Connect with Philipp Humm: Website: https://storylab.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipphumm/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #15
    July 17 · 40 min

    Turning Stories Into Action: The Brain Chemistry Behind Influence With Paul Zak

    Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist and founder of Immersion, joins the show to reveal how stories physically and emotionally move us and why crafting the right narrative can transform behaviour. In this episode, we go deep into the neuroscience of storytelling, what makes a story truly memorable, how to grab attention from the first seconds, and why emotion, not just information, is the real driver of behaviour change. From TED talks to boardrooms, we break down why your audience's brains are built for narrative and what happens at a chemical level when a story lands. Paul Zak reveals the research behind immersion, why stories beat statistics every time, and how even movie trailers are fine-tuned to trigger oxytocin and drive action. He shares his own "crying on a plane" moment, lessons from the Pentagon, and practical tips honed from testing thousands of stories in the wild. You'll leave with a neuroscientist's toolkit for influencing behaviour: how to open hot, create emotional resonance, and close with impact. Plus, the reason you should keep your stories under 20 minutes and what happens if you don't. GUEST BIO & LINKS Dr. Paul Zak is a pioneering neuroscientist, university professor, TED speaker, and founder of Immersion. Renowned for discovering oxytocin’s role in trust and human connection, Paul has spent three decades studying the science of behaviour in settings ranging from the Pentagon to Fortune 50 boardrooms. His research and real-time immersion technology have reshaped how organisations use storytelling to influence decision-making, engagement, and memory. Paul is the author of The Moral Molecule, Trust Factor, Immersion, and The Little Book Of Happiness. Connect with Paul Zak: Website: https://www.getimmersion.com/ Personal Website: https://pauljzak.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-zak-91123510/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #14
    July 3 · 33 min

    Storytelling that Converts: Andy Raskin on Creating an Irresistible Strategic Narrative

    Andy Raskin, strategic narrative expert and host of the Bigger Narrative Podcast, sits down with us to explore how shifting from bragging about features to championing a movement can align leadership, shift strategy, and help businesses thrive. In this episode, we dive into the power of strategic narrative, unpacking why today’s most influential leaders are shifting from boastful selling to championing movements that inspire change and rally teams. We break down why most sales decks fail, how the right narrative can unify complex organisations, and where even the best messaging unravels if the CEO’s not leading the charge. Andy Raskin joins to share hard-won lessons from shaping narratives with Gong, Salesforce, Dropbox and more, revealing why manifesto-style documents rarely stick, how to craft a deck that does, and exactly who needs to be in the room if you want everyone truly on board. Andy opens up about his own journey from failed pitches to narrative epiphanies, and walks through his evolved five-part structure for creating a winning strategic narrative. You’ll leave with actionable ways to build story-driven culture, an exercise for surfacing your buyer’s true mission, and the one customer question that just might transform your pitch tomorrow. GUEST BIO & LINKS Andy Raskin is a strategic narrative adviser who’s helped leadership teams at Gong, Dropbox, Salesforce, Uber, Square, and IBM unite around a single story. Credited with popularising the term “strategic narrative” in the startup world, his Medium post “The Greatest Sales Deck I’ve Ever Seen” is now required reading in VC-backed companies, with over 3 million views. Andy’s expertise spans sales, marketing, fundraising, and recruiting narratives. He hosts the Bigger Narrative Podcast, where he interviews CEOs about storytelling’s role across organisations. Connect with Andy Raskin: Website: https://andyraskin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyraskin/ The Greatest Sales Deck I've Ever Seen — Andy Raskin, Medium (2016) — the original viral post The Making of a Great Strategic Narrative — Andy Raskin, Medium Selling Your New Sales Deck to Sales — Andy Raskin, Medium The Bigger Narrative podcast — andyraskin.com/podcast Zuora's "Best Sales Deck Ever" — zuora.com/resource/best-sales-deck-ever/ Lenny's Newsletter episode with Andy — The power of strategic narrative ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #13
    June 19 · 39 min

    Why Your Company Story Needs More Conflict and Vulnerability with Rob Biesenbach

    Rob Biesenbach, corporate communications veteran and Second City-trained actor, joins the show to share how trust and emotional resonance are the real engines of powerful storytelling, even in the boardroom. In this episode, we delve into why trust and reassurance consistently trump raw information, and how getting real about conflict and emotion makes your message land. Rob D. Willis and Rob Biesenbach dissect the pitfalls of overly polished corporate case studies, the hidden power of vulnerability, and the value of admitting what went wrong in business stories. Rob Biesenbach reveals his five-step method for crafting stories that stick, drawing on decades in corporate communications and the lessons learnt on stage as a Second City-trained actor. He unpacks how internal storytelling transformed a struggling truck manufacturer, the art of mapping audience wants, and the unexpected parallels between executive speeches and improv performance. You’ll discover how to ladder up audience insights, spot the clutter in your own narrative, and ask the one question that surfaces the “why” behind every story. By the end, you’ll know precisely how to rally teams, rebuild trust, and make your stories unforgettable. GUEST BIO & LINKS Rob Biesenbach is a corporate communications consultant, keynote speaker, author, and Second City-trained actor. With decades spent inside the PR world and nearly 200 stage and commercial performances to his credit, he helps leaders craft stories that win trust, rally teams, and make big messages genuinely land. Rob is the author of Unleash the Power of Storytelling and works with executives and organisations to cut through clutter, reveal relatable character, and turn even tough moments into memorable, strategic narratives. Connect with Rob Biesenbach: Website: https://robbiesenbach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesenbach/ Unleash the Power of Storytelling — Rob Biesenbach 11 Deadly Presentation Sins — Rob Biesenbach Act Like You Mean Business — Rob Biesenbach 10 Steps to Better Business Storytelling — Rob Biesenbach robbiesenbach.com/insights — his blog and articles Free Storytelling Toolkit TELL YOUR STORY, CHANGE YOUR WORLD Ready to get started right away on becoming a more effective storyteller so you can enjoy more success in your career, your business and your life? Sign up now to get your free storytelling toolkit. It includes the book chapter, “How to Tell Your Own Story,” a set of worksheets to walk you through the process, and real-life examples that bring the structures to life. Download it here: https://robbiesenbach.com/storytelling-toolkit/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #12
    June 5 · 40 min

    From Brand Clarity to Team Buy-In: Park Howell on Narrative Leadership

    Park Howell, EMMY Award-winning storyteller and host of the Business of Story podcast, joins the show to share why simplifying your message isn’t just good storytelling, it’s good leadership. In this episode, we explore the ABT (“And, But, Therefore”) framework and why the most compelling brand stories never start with you. Rob and Park delve into how the right narrative can shift team alignment, boost engagement, and transform even the most complex strategies into messages that stick. Park shares the origins of the ABT method, real-world results from rebranding a Canadian car dealership, and how enterprise leaders can turn a wandering vision statement into a rallying cry that inspires action. He reveals why it’s not about what you make, but what you make happen in your audience’s world. You'll walk away with practical ways to reframe your website, roll out storytelling rituals across your team, and test your own brand’s narrative, all before your next meeting. Plus, hear how AI-powered tools can give your story an instant edge that your competitors will envy. KEY TOPICS The ABT framework: how "and, but, therefore" forms the DNA of compelling storytelling [01:52] Turning complex leadership visions into clear, emotionally resonant messages with narrative structure [07:17] Building a story-driven culture where teams create and share ABTs for alignment and buy-in [21:08] The Pret Auto Partez case: using a focused ABT to drive brand growth and team engagement [24:15] StoryCycle Genie: an AI tool for instantly grading and sharpening your brand story [32:06] GUEST BIO & LINKS Park Howell is an EMMY Award-winning storyteller, brand strategy consultant, podcast host, and creator of the Storey Cycle System. With 40 years’ experience building brands including giants like Dell, Hilton and the United States Air Force, he now helps leaders sharpen their narratives and rally teams behind a common vision. Park hosts the Business of Story podcast (top 10% globally) and recently launched StoryCycle Genie, an AI-powered tool for brand storytelling. Connect with Park Howell: Website: https://businessofstory.com/storycycle-genie/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkhowell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/businessofstory/ Podcast: https://businessofstory.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #11
    May 22 · 37 min

    How Great Leaders Inspire with Stories, Not Slides, Featuring Paul Smith

    Paul Smith, bestselling author and business storytelling consultant, joins the show to share how surprise turns stories into unforgettable leadership tools and why the best business lessons don’t always fit on a slide. In this episode, we unpack why adrenaline-fuelled surprises make stories unforgettable, how dialogue trumps data in executive communications, and the simple shift from presenting slides to sharing moments that matter. We explore why even data-driven leaders can use storytelling to move teams, clarify strategy, and tackle scepticism head-on. Paul Smith reveals how a CEO's refusal to look at slides sparked his storytelling journey at Procter & Gamble, what over 300 CEO interviews taught him about memorable stories, and why structure matters less than authenticity. He shares the ten essential stories every leader should master, his effortless story collection method, and the science behind why surprise makes learning stick. Listeners will leave with tools to curate and organise their own stories, strategies to shift culture from “presenting” to “connecting”, and practical advice for nurturing a story-driven team. Plus, the one journaling habit that turns everyday events into your organisation’s most valuable assets. GUEST BIO & LINKS Paul Smith is a bestselling author, business storytelling consultant, and former head of consumer research for Procter & Gamble’s $6 billion global business. After 20 years in data-driven corporate roles, Paul shifted his focus to understanding what separates inspiring leaders from the rest and discovered storytelling as the missing skill. He has personally interviewed over 300 CEOs and executives across 25 countries, capturing more than 3,000 business stories and distilling them into three Amazon #1 bestsellers, including Lead with a Story and The 10 Stories Great Leaders Tell. Paul now helps leaders worldwide build trust, drive change, and clarify strategy through practical storytelling. Connect with Paul Smith: Website: https://leadwithastory.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smithpa9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithastory/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/leadwithastory ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #10
    May 8 · 34 min

    Why Every Leader Needs Story Discovery Not Just Storytelling with Esther Choy

    Esther Choy, CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, joins the show to challenge the idea that the leader must always be the "sage on stage" and explains why real power lies in helping others uncover and share their own stories. In this episode, we dive into the art of story discovery and why the best leaders are both sage on the stage and guide on the side. Rob D. Willis and Esther Choy unpack how shifting from persuasion to genuine curiosity transforms the way leaders connect, influence, and unlock the hidden stories within their teams. Esther Choy reveals her process for surfacing untold stories, from asking crazy good questions to synthesising meaning without fixating on being “right.” She shares real-world examples, including a CEO who dissolved silos simply by introducing innocuous questions at meetings and a senior leader who learned the power of narrative over technical detail. You'll walk away with practical approaches for uncovering overlooked stories, rituals to foster team trust, and a mindset that champions wonder over certainty. Plus, learn to enter any conversation with a pocketful of questions and a readiness to see things differently. GUEST BIO & LINKS Esther Choy is CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, a top contributor to Forbes Leadership Strategy Channel, and the author of two leadership books published by HarperCollins, including the newly released Winning Without Persuading. With over 15 years coaching thousands of executives worldwide, Esther equips leaders to move beyond persuasion and unlock the stories that foster team trust and connection. She teaches at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and the University of Zurich, drawing on decades of experience helping clients discover, synthesise, and tell the stories that make strategies stick. Connect with Esther Choy: Website: https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherchoy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipstorylab/ Podcast: https://www.leadershipstorylab.com/podcast/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #9
    April 24 · 36 min

    Rethinking Storytelling: Folklore, Collaboration, and Decolonising the Business Narrative with Annette Simmons

    Annette Simmons, author of The Story Factor and Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins, joins the show to challenge the idea that business storytelling is just about heroes and conflict. She reveals why real influence comes from sharing subjective, emotionally resonant stories, and how rituals of story-sharing can repair trust, build collaboration, and shape organisational culture. In this episode, we dive into the true role of storytelling in organisations, exploring why stories are more than just narratives with conflict and how they're evolution’s way of ensuring collaboration, trust, and survival at work. With business storytelling often reduced to formulas and templates, we challenge what’s been lost, and how leaders can reclaim storytelling’s real strategic power. Annette Simmons reveals her journey from advertising to storytelling, unpacks the difference between objective and story thinking, and introduces the vital but overlooked concept of repair after betrayal stories. She shares practical rituals to surface tacit knowledge, the six stories that every leader needs, and why rituals, not rules are the key to keeping ethics and values alive in business. You’ll leave with tangible prompts to spark more vulnerability and collaboration, a new appreciation for restoring trust after setbacks, and concrete steps to make stories a lived ritual in your team, not just a communication tool. GUEST BIO & LINKS Annette Simmons is a renowned author, keynote speaker, and storytelling expert whose books The Story Factor and Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins have influenced leaders worldwide. Over three decades, Annette has helped organisations like Microsoft, NASA, and the Brookings Institute use storytelling to resolve conflict, foster trust, and shift mindsets not merely through data, but through powerful shared experience. Drawing on early influences in psychology and marketing, Annette’s approach challenges the dominance of “objective” thinking in business. She advocates for bringing back the lost art of tacit, folk-inspired storytelling and establishing rituals that make subjective wisdom and values central to team culture. Her latest work, Drinking from a Different Well, explores how women’s stories redefine power in collaborative settings. Connect with Annette Simmons: Website: https://annettesimmons.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettesimmonsstory/ Article: Evolution’s Lessons We've Left Behind Email: annette@annettesimmons.com ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #8
    April 10 · 36 min

    The Magic of Metaphors: Simon Lancaster’s Guide to Transforming Boring Corporate Speeches

    Simon Lancaster, leading speechwriter and author of Connect! How to Inspire, Influence and Energise Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime, joins the show to break down why most corporate communication fails and what leaders can do to finally make their words stick. In this episode, we dive into why most corporate communication misses the mark, what truly captures audiences’ attention, and how leaders can transform tired presentations into memorable moments that stick. Simon Lancaster and Rob D. Willis dissect the neuroscience behind effective messaging and the pitfalls of “tin-eared” delivery in boardrooms and beyond. Simon Lancaster reveals his practical approach honed over decades writing for Tony Blair’s cabinet, CEOs, and global brands. He shares his signature “three keys” metaphor, moral appeal, and story plus his favourite questions for unlocking a leader’s deepest values and most powerful narratives. You’ll learn how to spot a dead presentation, the one-word speech technique for instant engagement, and why care, empathy, and musicality matter more than flashy slides. Expect tactics you can use straight away to bring your next speech, meeting, or message to life. KEY TOPICS Why most corporate presentations fail to connect—and how to pass the coffee break test [00:02:34] The neuroscience-backed trio for unforgettable communication: metaphors, moral appeals, and stories [00:08:18] Extracting stories from leaders with one question and a list of 50 moral values [00:12:04] The EVA formula (Empathy, Values, Action): a speechwriter’s fix for political Q&A and crowd control [00:25:19] The “Golden Six” rhetorical devices that instantly make any speech sound powerful, breathless sentences, repetition, contrast, metaphor, exaggeration, and rhyme [00:29:12] GUEST BIO & LINKS Simon Lancaster is one of the world’s top speechwriters, trusted by CEOs at global giants including HSBC, Unilever, and InterContinental Hotels, and political heavyweights such as Alan Johnson from Tony Blair’s cabinet. Beginning his career in government communications. Simon now specialises in helping business leaders transform strategy into story, drawing from the latest neuroscience to craft messages that truly connect. He is the author of several acclaimed books on influence and communication including Connect! and is widely known for making rhetorical devices accessible through TikTok videos. Simon regularly consults for senior executives, leads masterclasses, and demystifies the art of storytelling for modern leaders. Connect with Simon Lancaster: Website: https://bespokeleadershipdevelopment.com/ Website: https://bespokespeeches.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lancaster-speechwriter/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bespokespeeches ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #7
    March 27 · 36 min

    Turning Small Stories into Big Strategy: Insights from Shawn Callahan

    Shawn Callahan, founder of Anecdote International and author of the award-winning book Putting Stories to Work, joins the show to reveal how story listening, not just storytelling can transform corporate culture and strategy, and why the best stories in business aren’t heroic sagas but small, authentic moments that drive change. In this episode, we dig into how storytelling drives strategy and culture, with practical examples from the boardroom to the frontline. You'll hear why most corporate stories skip the hero’s journey, and how the right conversation can coax stories from even the most reluctant leaders. Shawn Callahan shares behind-the-scenes insights from decades of helping Fortune 500 companies, including the real reason slide decks and town halls fail, the “Costanza manoeuvre” for sharper strategic choices, and how story listening cannily triggers change from the inside out. You’ll walk away with actionable ways to spot, craft, and scale stories in your organisation, plus a simple framework for making strategy stick. Discover why authentic, everyday anecdotes beat polished presentations and how to transform your own strategy into something your team not only hears, but owns. KEY TOPICS Why story listening, not storytelling, is the foundation for culture change in business [00:01:56] The genius of group “anecdote circles” for unlocking reluctant stories in teams [00:04:33] How co-creating the strategy story forces leaders to clarify real choices and avoid business-as-usual clichés [00:09:18] Scaling strategy through progress stories and “overwhelming the system” with examples at every level [00:17:12] The pitfalls of story banks and why oral, not written, stories drive authenticity and connection [00:23:01] GUEST BIO & LINKS Shawn Callahan is the founder of Anecdote International, author of Putting Stories to Work, and one of the world’s leading experts in story-based communication for business. With over 20 years helping Fortune 500 companies across 22 countries and 11 languages make their strategies stick, Shawn is known for his practical approach, starting with story listening and small, real-world anecdotes. From his days at IBM’s Centre for Organisational Complexity to building Anecdote into a global consultancy, Shawn has worked with executives to co-create strategic narratives, drive culture change, and scale storytelling across entire organisations. His work empowers leaders to move beyond slides and scripts, fostering genuine buy-in with stories people actually remember. Connect with Shawn Callahan: Website: https://anecdote.thinkific.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawncallahan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawndcallahan/?hl=en ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #6
    March 13 · 31 min

    The Red Thread of Relevance: Strategic Storytelling Lessons from Kendra Valentine

    Kendra Valentine, story strategist and author of How to Pitch (Almost) Anything, joins the show to unpack how leading with your value rather than your credentials transforms the way you communicate, pitch, and build confidence in any room. In this episode, we dig into the real difference between good storytelling and truly strategic storytelling and why most professionals trip up when pitching themselves, their work, or their ideas. Kendra Valentine uncovers the invisible traps of over explaining, jargon, and focusing on deliverables instead of the outcomes audiences really crave. Kendra Valentine shares her journey from being called a “mercenary” in the boardroom to developing her Strategic Story Design framework. She breaks down the “Pocket Pitch,” explains why confidence is often a structural, not psychological problem, and reveals how leading with “how you help” cuts through complexity, whether you're in a sauna or a boardroom. You’ll walk away with a simple framework for clarifying your value, a quick exercise to make your message instantly more compelling, and the one communication shift that unlocks better buy-in no matter who’s listening. KEY TOPICS How to explain what you do (even to your mum) with story strategy [00:01:15] The difference between strategic storytelling and just telling stories [00:02:09] Why most people focus on features, not outcomes and why that’s a problem [00:03:34] Imposter syndrome versus structural gaps in pitching [00:05:11] The “mercenary in Stockholm” story and learning to articulate your value [00:08:42] The Pocket Pitch: a modern, simple framework for introducing yourself [00:13:49] Why leading with transformation gets more buy-in than describing tasks [00:15:48] Having multiple “pocket pitches” and why you might need more than one [00:17:38] The one exercise you can do tomorrow: lead with how you help [00:28:24] GUEST BIO & LINKS Kendra Valentine is an internationally renowned story strategist, author, and creator of the Strategic Story Design approach. With nearly 20 years’ experience spanning film production at Warner Brothers and Universal to branding and business communications for clients like Boston Consulting Group, Nickelodeon, and Techstars, Kendra helps businesses and creatives articulate the value they provide clearly and confidently. She’s passionate about making strategic storytelling accessible, whether you’re pitching on stage, at a bar, or in a boardroom. Her framework, Pocket Pitch, turns even the most complex roles into powerful, service-led stories. Kendra is the author of How to Pitch (Almost) Anything, now available worldwide. Connect with Kendra Valentine: Website: https://www.kendravalentine.com/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-valentine/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskendrav/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #5
    February 27 · 29 min

    Clear Communication Drives Change: Matt Armstrong-Barnes on Leadership, Stories, and AI

    Matt Armstrong-Barnes, Group AI Practice Director at Servita and keynote speaker, joins the show to uncover why the real challenge of AI transformation isn’t just the technology, it’s the story leaders tell about it. In this episode, we dive into the art of translating complex technical ideas into clear, actionable strategies, exploring how jargon can alienate teams and how the right story brings everyone onto the same page. Matt Armstrong-Barnes, Group AI Practice Director at Servita, reveals the moments that changed his approach to communication and why leaders must own their message to drive transformation. Matt shares practical lessons from his 25-year career, from deciphering AI hype to empowering teams to ask “obvious” questions. He unpacks the real reasons people hesitate to speak up, the value of writing things down, and his signature “coffee machine test” for strategy clarity. You’ll walk away with a toolkit for breaking through jargon, building genuine team alignment, and turning abstract strategy into bite-sized, memorable stories, even if you think you’re “not a storyteller.” KEY TOPICS The meeting where only two out of thirty technologists understood the technical problem and what happened next [01:07] Imposter syndrome and why tech leaders are afraid to ask “obvious” questions in meetings [04:04] How leadership behaviour around jargon shapes organisational culture and communication habits [05:07] The hidden ambiguity of terms like “artificial intelligence” across academics, technologists, and business leaders [06:15] The exercise of having multiple leaders articulate strategy and why it always reveals misalignment [07:37] Using stories, metaphors, and writing to structure and clarify your message as a leader [08:43] Why ownership of your message and regularly testing team understanding makes strategies stick [11:08] The real stories companies tell themselves about AI and how these myths either paralyse or mislead [17:14] The “coffee machine test”: how to check if your team can explain your vision in 30 seconds or less [27:12] GUEST BIO & LINKS Matt Armstrong-Barnes is the Group AI Practice Director at Servita, a published thought leader, keynote speaker, and technical reviewer for the British Computer Society's International Conference on AI. With over 25 years’ experience guiding organisations through complex technology transformations, Matt specialises in making the intricacies of AI accessible and actionable for business leaders. His approach combines deep technical expertise with a passion for clear, jargon-free communication empowering teams to ask better questions, demystify strategy, and unlock AI's real value. Matt is a regular contributor on LinkedIn and a champion for mentorship, helping the next generation navigate the evolving landscape of technology with confidence and clarity. Connect with Matt Armstrong-Barnes: Website: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/home.html LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattarmstrongbarnes/ ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #4
    January 9 · 29 min

    Why Executives Lose Deals: The Left Brain Trap

    Jeremy Connell-Waite, Global Communications Designer at IBM and author of "The 109 Rules of Storytelling," joins the show to reveal why smart executives fail at persuasion. In this conversation, we explore the data behind failed pitches. Jeremy shares how he coached an executive who was losing 4 out of 5 deals to competitors—despite being eloquent, experienced, and well-paid. By mapping every word they used, Jeremy discovered they were trapped in left-brain communication: logic, ROI, and technical specs. Missing entirely? The emotional connection that drives decisions. You'll walk away with Jeremy's 6-part framework that balances left-brain content (inform, educate, solve) with right-brain storytelling (inspire, excite, challenge), the Jane Goodall principle of "one sermon, 52 ways to preach it," and how to structure 90-minute business presentations like blockbuster movies using Blake Snyder's Save the Cat method. GUEST BIO & LINKS Jeremy Connell-Waite is a Global Communications Designer at IBM, speechwriter for executives, and author of "The 109 Rules of Storytelling." He's trained with Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader and created IBM's Communications Thinking™ system—using AI and neuroscience to help leaders tell better stories. Connect with Jeremy: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeremypaulwaite Website: betterstories.org (400+ free storytelling resources) Book: "The 109 Rules of Storytelling" Podcast: "The Truth in Ten" Blog: jeremy.earth BOOKS MENTIONED: "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman "Neuroscience for Leadership" by Tara Swart "Emotional Ignorance" by Dr. Dean Burnett Harvard Business Review Emotional Intelligence Box Set "Save the Cat" by Blake Snyde "The Creative Act" by Rick Rubin ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

  • #3
    Dec 26, 2025 · 33 min

    Why Personal Stories Sell Better Than Features

    Lauren V. Davis, personal branding consultant and host of The Real Personal Branding Podcast, joins the show to reveal why the executives who say "I don't have any stories" are usually the ones holding everyone else's. In this conversation, we explore why connection beats credentials in building trust, how a financial advisor turned his mother's death into his most powerful client story, and why a real estate coach's "naked in the closet moment" converted more leads than any feature list ever could. Lauren shares her three-part framework for extracting stories from reluctant leaders (moment → shift → meaning), the dinner party test for finding your best material, and why you should Google yourself right now with the keyword you want to own. You'll walk away with a simple journaling practice that captures stories before they disappear, the empathy exercise that reveals gaps in your narrative, and one question that helps people overcome both imposter syndrome and storytelling paralysis: "What do people thank you for most often?" KEY TOPICS Why "I don't have any stories" usually means you're the keeper of everyone else's stories [00:07] The financial advisor who turned family tragedy into his opening pitch [11:00] How a "naked in the closet moment" became a real estate coach's signature story [18:00] The three-part framework: Moment → Shift → Meaning [15:00] The dinner party test: which stories make everyone stop scrolling? [24:00] Why starting with a story beats starting with your resume [15:25] The Justin Timberlake letter: how embarrassment creates connection [22:00] From journal to Instagram to podcast: repurposing one story across platforms [27:00] The Google test: does your online presence match who you want to be? [31:00] GUEST BIO & LINKS Lauren V. Davis is a personal branding consultant, speaker, podcast host, and former record store owner. She helps business owners, speakers, and entrepreneurs establish visibility through masterminds, retreats, and 1:1 consulting. Her work has been featured in Reader's Digest and Huffington Post, and she hosts The Real Personal Branding Podcast (top 2% worldwide). Connect with Lauren: Website: laurendaviscreative.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ldaviscreative Instagram: @ldaviscreative Podcast: The Real Personal Branding Podcast ABOUT THE SHOW Chief Story Officer is a podcast about how stories drive strategy, not just communication. Host Rob D. Willis talks with executives and thought leaders about the moments where the right message changed everything. Real stories. Real impact. Every two weeks. CONNECT WITH ROB Want frameworks for strategic storytelling? Download the free guide: "5 Ways to Make People Care About Your Strategy" → subscribepage.io/robdwillis Connect with Rob: Website: robdwillis.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robdwillis Instagram: @robdwillis TikTok: @robdwillis Subscribe to Chief Story Officer wherever you listen to podcasts.

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