In today’s corporate environment, the ability to connect on a personal level is increasingly valued. Companies and individuals alike seek ways to share their journeys, experiences, and values in a way that resonates and connects with audiences. The challenge lies in crafting stories that are both authentic and impactful, capable of engaging and inspiring others.
Storytelling has always been a natural part of my life. From a young age, I developed my public speaking and presentation skills, participating in local competitions like the Mount Isa Eisteddfod.
My passion for storytelling was reignited when I attended sessions hosted by the fabulous Andrea Gibbs at Barefaced Stories in Perth. Barefaced’s motto, “Refreshingly honest. Bold and Brutally Frank,” resonated with my values. I trained with Andrea and soon found myself on stage with other storytellers, sharing deeply personal, raw, and vulnerable moments, as well as lighter, more humorous stories, in front of live audiences.
The experience with Barefaced Stories was transformative. I discovered the power of vulnerability in storytelling—how it can captivate an audience, hold them in silence, and guide them on an emotional journey. Drawing from my inner reservoir of stories, I learned how to balance the delicate line between public, private, and secret lives, a concept beautifully articulated by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: “Everyone has three lives: a public life, a private life, and a secret life.”
By embracing vulnerability and sharing stories that teeter on the edge of the private and secret, I was able to shift hearts and minds. This experience has strongly influenced my approach to storytelling in both corporate and personal contexts, helping me craft narratives that not only engage but also inspire and connect on a deeper level.
Corporate and personal storytelling is indeed “the new black,” with vulnerability as its most powerful accessory. By sharing our authentic selves, we can create connections that transcend words, driving deeper engagement and building meaningful relationships with our audiences. Whether in a boardroom or on a stage, the art of storytelling has the power to shift perspectives and leave a lasting and memorable impact.
