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 takeaway...
Latest episodes
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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 p…
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45 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 me…
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44 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…
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33 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…
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36 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 audi…
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37 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 an…
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34 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…
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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 be…
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34 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 c…
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40 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 storytell…
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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…
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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 busines…
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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…
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37 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…
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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 commu…
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37 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…
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32 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 wa…
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30 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, i…
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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…
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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 usu…