Five stories that will change how you lead

Storytelling is more than just a captivating way to communicate; it’s a powerhouse for connecting emotionally with your audience.

Neuroscience tells us that decision-making starts in the amygdala, our brain’s emotional hub. By the time we’re consciously aware of our choices, we’ve already made them emotionally.

So, how does storytelling fit in?

A well-told story engages more areas of the brain than plain facts, creating a deeper emotional bond. If you want to spark action and engagement, storytelling is your secret weapon.

Let’s explore the five types of stories that can transform how you lead:

?1. Origin story

An origin story builds trust by sharing the journey behind your brand or mission. It’s about letting people in on your values, struggles, and motivations—showing where you’ve come from to build the future you're working toward.?

How Hollywood does it: Joy tells the inspiring origin story of Joy Mangano, a determined woman who invents the Miracle Mop and builds a business empire, all while overcoming personal and professional challenges. Her resilience and innovation resonate with anyone starting from humble beginnings.

How business leaders do it: Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, often shares her origin story of starting with just $5,000 in savings, hand-cutting her first product, and tirelessly pitching her idea. This authenticity built trust and a multi-billion-dollar brand.

2. Cautionary tale

Cautionary tales offer guidance through stories of challenges, missteps, and lessons learned. They not only humanise you as a leader but also show others how to avoid similar pitfalls by learning from your experiences.

How Hollywood does it: Erin Brockovich is a real-life cautionary tale of standing up to corporate greed, showcasing how determination and grit can bring justice but also the sacrifices it takes.

How business leaders do it: Sheryl Sandberg’s story of navigating work-life balance after personal loss serves as a cautionary tale for women leaders who struggle with perfectionism and burnout. She speaks openly about resilience and finding balance in the chaos.

3. Aspirational story

Aspirational stories ignite hope, showcasing what’s possible when a bold vision is pursued. They inspire others to dream bigger, take action, and rally around a shared vision of the future.

How Hollywood does it: Wonder Woman embodies the aspirational story of fighting for justice and believing in a better world, a story that inspires women to take the lead even in male-dominated spaces.

How business leaders do it: Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, built an empire by aspiring to change the dynamics of online dating, empowering women to make the first move. Her vision of female empowerment is a blueprint for many female leaders who seek to challenge norms.

4. Educational story

Educational stories break down complex ideas into memorable, digestible nuggets of information. These stories make learning accessible and provide valuable insights without overwhelming the audience.

How Hollywood does it: Hidden Figures is an educational story about three brilliant African American women whose mathematical genius was pivotal to NASA's success, making STEM subjects and diversity issues tangible and inspiring.

?How business leaders do it: Katharine Graham, former publisher of The Washington Post, used her story of navigating the male-dominated world of media to educate others on gender bias and the importance of perseverance, especially for women breaking into traditionally male spaces.

?5. Vision story

Vision stories paint a compelling picture of the future and align people with long-term objectives. These stories are about possibility, potential, and showing what can be achieved when people come together around a shared dream.

How Hollywood does it: The Hunger Games presents a vision of a revolution led by a determined young woman, Katniss Everdeen. Her story of survival and rebellion against a corrupt regime symbolises the power of individuals uniting for change, inspiring women to challenge the status quo.

How business leaders do it: Jacinda Ardern’s leadership in New Zealand, particularly around her vision for empathy-driven governance, created a narrative of compassion that resonated globally. Her vision of leadership—where kindness and strength coexist—became a model many aspire to follow.?

Not sure where to start?

Here’s how to weave these stories into your leadership toolkit:

1.??? Define your goal: Ask yourself what your story is meant to achieve—motivation, education, or connection?

2.??? Understand your audience: Tailor your story to resonate with the people you're speaking to. Different people will relate to different aspects, so adapt your message.

3.??? Be genuine: Authenticity builds trust. Share your real experiences, including the struggles and vulnerabilities.

4.??? Perfect your delivery: Practice makes perfect. The more you share your stories, the more you can refine and adjust your delivery for maximum impact.

5.??? Use stories strategically: Mix and match different story types for different situations. A vision story might be perfect for a team meeting, while a cautionary tale can help someone in a one-on-one mentoring session.

Mastering these five types of stories will not only enhance your leadership style but will also help you connect more deeply with your audience—whether it’s your team, investors, or clients. Storytelling enables you to lead with purpose, foster engagement, and inspire those around you to take action.

By blending the right mix of emotional connection, authenticity, and strategic thinking, storytelling can be your most powerful leadership tool. It’s not just about telling stories; it’s about using them to shape the future you want to create.