Leadership through stories

Vulnerability & Storytelling in Leadership

Failure as a Storyteller

• The leader admitted she once dismissed her own story as “not important.”
• A story coach challenged her to share it — and it became her most powerful connection point with audiences.
• Lesson: Even leaders and storytellers forget the value of their own story.

Humility in Leadership

• Every leader needs accountability: writers need editors, athletes need coaches, leaders need reminders.
• Vulnerability and openness keep leaders effective and relatable.

Takeaways for Leaders

• Take Inventory – Identify the stories being told in your organisation right now.
• Personal Reflection – Ask: How am I telling my story? How is it shaping the organisation?
• Heart Check – Examine resistance: Am I avoiding vulnerability? Do I think I already know it all?
• Evaluate Role of Story – Reflect on how storytelling influences your leadership and culture.