The Power of Your Story: Why Your Experience Matters

Have you ever looked at your career as a story? Maybe you’ve thought your story is not interesting, not worth sharing. But you’d be wrong! Anyone who has been in a leadership position for any length of time has stories that are not only interesting, but actually have the power to inspire and guide others.

It seems stories have become fashionable! “We humans are wired for stories,” say the online gurus. It kind of makes me laugh, because they make it sound as if it’s something new—when in fact, humans have been telling stories since they lived in caves!

But it still rings true today. We love stories because they entertain us, but they also help us make sense of the world and where we fit into it. Your story may feel routine to you, but it won’t feel that way to others, because they will relate to and learn from your wins, losses and lessons learned.

Your book shouldn’t just recount events. It should offer your perspective, which could help readers deal with their own versions of leadership challenges. If you have led a family business, for example, at least some of your experience will suggest actions and solutions to a reader who is struggling to lead a growing multinational—and vice versa. Don’t discount the value of your story.

If your goal for your book is to inspire others to succeed, it can be a powerful tool for this purpose. Consider the following three questions:

1. What were the pivotal moments that shaped your leadership style?
2. What were your most valuable mistakes? In other words, what mistakes taught you the most valuable lessons?
3. Think of examples of how you have overcome adversity in your career, either on a business or personal level. How could telling these stories help readers who are forging their own leadership journeys? Even one such story can inspire change or give hope to someone who needs it.

Consider your legacy as a leader. Your book can be what ensures your contributions are remembered, which is, after all, what a legacy is. Remember, the book is not your legacy. What your have built during your career is your legacy—the book is what safeguards it.

Your legacy is more than your professional achievements. It’s the wisdom you’ve garnered from your experiences that will make your legacy live on. Your book needs to pass this wisdom along to readers. Here are some more questions to help you consider the content of your book.

• What have been the key moments, the most significant events, challenges and successes of your career? What lessons can you pass on in the pages of your book?
• Who do you want to reach with your story? Aspiring leaders coming after you? Industry professionals? Or even a broader audience—although I caution you against thinking everyone is your audience, as that can water down your message. Knowing this will determine the book’s approach.
• How can you make sure your book tells the authentic story? Being authentic makes you vulnerable, but it makes for a more powerful, memorable book. Is that payoff worth it for you personally?

If you’ve answered these questions fully and are still wondering how the answers can help shape your book, a no-obligation conversation with me can help. Message me here on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected] and let’s have a Zoom call to explore the possibilities.

Your story is a treasure trove of inspiration and insights that can not only enrich the lives of your readers, but as you write it you will find it enriches your own life. Don’t underestimate the power and value of your experience. Your story matters, and it deserves to be told.

Happy writing!

I have a few spots open to coach authors who want to write their book themselves but need some support as well as some poking and prodding. Or, if you would rather hand the writing over to an experienced ghostwriter, I am happy to do that too. Drop me a line at [email protected] and let’s have a no-obligation chat about how I might help. You CAN write your book in 2025—let me help you do it!