The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy and Leadership

In July 2018, I attended the press conference for the winners of Sun Life Foundation’s Brighter World Program, a financial literacy grant project in partnership with The Spark Project.?

My team won! Yahoo!?

During the press conference, Mr. Alex Narciso, the President of Sun Life saw me and said, "I remember you! I remember the story you shared about that valedictorian.”?

“Wow! You remembered?” I asked.

“Of course!?

And I also remember your story about Mathew (Hamilton Gault).” He answered.?

Just to give you a background, my company joined Sun Life Foundation’s Brighter World Challenge, a financial literacy advocacy, last January 2018. From more than 50 entries, we were one of the 20 finalists.?

One member from each of the 20 finalists had to pitch for 7 minutes. From there, a panel of judges from Sun Life’s top management would choose the 10 winners.?

Imagine being one of the judges. By the 10th person, you're likely mentally tired. What more if you’re listening to the 20th person? By drawing lots, I was that 20th person to pitch!?

Weeks prior, I prepared really well, asking myself how I could engage the audience, make them laugh early on, present seamlessly, and convey all essential details within a mere 7 minutes.?

In my introduction, I acknowledged their possible fatigue after hearing 19 pitches. This made them laugh and relax. I thanked them for their resilience and dedication, especially to the cause of the children of sugarcane farmers in Bacolod.?

I emphasized our project's significance with two poignant and inspiring tales, followed by the essential details. Our authentic and relevant storytelling helped us secure a grant of P100,000!?

Flashback to October 2017

I was in Bacolod for the Toastmasters Convention. I expressed my desire to Clarice, our then-marketing manager, to give a pro bono talk at a local public school.?

Together with her husband, Val, an entire event was orchestrated for the children of sugarcane farmers. Clarice and her husband, Val, organized a whole-day event for the children of sugarcane farmers. Their stories touched me, but I also felt sad for them. Their stories touched me, but at the same time, I felt sad for them.

For instance, the valedictorian dreamt of becoming a helper in Manila. Others aspired to be janitors or baggers. So, I told Clarice, “Let’s think of more ways to support the students.”

Fast forward

We used 100% of the Php100,000 we won from the SunLife Foundation to return to Bacolod. Together with my team, we taught the students how to dream big and how to manage their finances.

Today, some of those students have become artists, call center managers, store supervisors, etc. They were likely the first in their community to assume those roles. Their younger siblings, cousins, and neighbors now have examples of what is also possible for them.

Dear corporate leaders, insurance professionals, and entrepreneurs: Effective communication is crucial. Whether motivating a team, introducing a proposal, or grooming future leaders, transmitting your passion and vision can stimulate profound transformation.?

Through my experiences as a speaker at Insurance Sales Kickoffs, Leading with CARE, and advancing Employee Engagement, I've observed the sweeping changes that potent storytelling can introduce.?

P.S. 1 Seeking to inspire your teams? Wishing to deeply resonate with your audience? Reach out. We can craft tales that not only resonate emotionally but also catalyze transformative actions.?

P.S. 2 Do nerves get the best of you during team meetings? Consider watching my recent TEDx talk titled "The Secret to Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking." You'll find the link in the comments.

#InspiringFearlessPossibilities #ThePowerofStorytelling #insurancesaleskickoff