“It doesn’t have to be… the one moment that really shaped me. It’s really up to you to choose which moment you want to talk about as something that shaped you.”
Overview ~ In this debrief episode, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on their latest Leadership Story Talks LIVE event, exploring what made the stories so powerful—and what they reveal about how we make meaning from our experiences.
From a childhood ballet recital… to a summer job at the zoo… to waking up in a hospital after a coma… the stories shared in this live event remind us that transformation doesn’t always come from the biggest moments.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest, most ordinary experiences—revisited through a new lens—that shape how we lead, connect, and show up in the world.
This conversation unpacks how storytelling helps us reframe our past, connect the dots, and communicate what truly matters—not through polished bios, but through lived experience.
You’ll Hear
- Why powerful leadership stories often come from small, specific moments
- How the same experience can take on new meaning over time
- The difference between a transformational moment and a chosen story
- How storytelling reveals what a bio can’t: values, motivations, and identity
- The role of listening, safety, and structure in helping stories emerge
- Why courage and vulnerability are essential to sharing stories that resonate
- How live storytelling creates unexpected connections and shared meaning
Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off – Use code NARATIV → Register Here
Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.
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