The Stories We Need Right Now: Leadership, Kindness, and the Courage to Let Others Shine

In a world that often feels divided, noisy, and increasingly disconnected, what if one of the most powerful leadership tools isn’t strategy, influence, or even communication?

What if it’s story?

In this Leadership Story Talks debrief, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on the powerful stories shared during the latest Leadership Story Talks Live event featuring Kelly Skwarcan, Christy Pretzinger, and Jen Mueller. What emerged from those stories wasn’t just inspiration—it was a deeper understanding of leadership, human connection, and what it truly means to win.

Rethinking What Winning Looks Like

One theme surfaced across all three stories: winning.

But not in the way we usually define it.

Kelly Skwarkan shared a story about facing a professional challenge that threatened both her business and her integrity. At some point, she realized that “winning” wasn’t about defeating the opposing force—it was about choosing where to invest her energy and walking away with her values intact.

Jen Mueller’s story offered a different perspective. Rather than seeking the spotlight herself, she intentionally stepped aside and used her platform to help someone else experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Her victory came from creating space for another person to shine.

And for Christy Pretzinger, winning wasn’t measured by revenue or recognition. It was reflected in the culture she built—a thriving business rooted in kindness, community, and care for others.

Three stories. Three different outcomes. One shared lesson: leadership is often less about personal achievement and more about the impact we have on others.

Leadership Starts with Us—But Can’t Stay There

As Jerome points out, many leadership journeys begin with a personal need.

Christy’s story is a perfect example. Before she built a company centered on kindness, she first had to extend kindness to herself. What began as a personal transformation eventually became a leadership philosophy that shaped an entire organization.

This progression is familiar to many leaders. In the beginning, the business, project, or mission may revolve around the founder’s vision. But as teams grow and communities form, leadership shifts.

It’s no longer about being the star of the story.

It’s about helping others become the stars of theirs.

That same principle showed up in Jen’s story, where she leveraged her skills, influence, and access to create a meaningful experience for someone else. Leadership, in that moment, became an act of generosity.

The Power of Specific Stories

One of the most fascinating observations from the debrief is how deeply personal stories can reveal universal truths.

None of the storytellers explicitly set out to teach lessons about leadership, kindness, or human connection. They simply shared specific moments from their lives.

Yet listeners found themselves reflecting on themes far larger than the stories themselves.

This is the magic of storytelling.

The more specific we are about our experiences, the more room we create for others to find themselves in our stories.

A difficult business decision becomes a lesson in integrity.

A small act of generosity becomes a model for leadership.

A personal struggle becomes a source of hope.

Stories don’t need to be grand to be meaningful. They simply need to be true.

What We’re Really Hungry For

As the conversation continues, Jerome and Julienne arrive at a powerful realization: people are hungry for connection.

Despite our differences—backgrounds, professions, generations, and perspectives—the stories shared during the live event revealed surprising common ground.

This wasn’t the first Stories That Shaped Us event. It was the third. Across nine storytellers with vastly different life experiences, similar themes have continued to emerge: resilience, belonging, kindness, courage, and the desire to matter.

In a culture dominated by headlines, hot takes, and constant distraction, stories offer something different.

They slow us down.

They invite us to listen.

They remind us that we’re not alone.

Curiosity Over Division

Julienne offers another important reflection.

Much of modern culture is built around comparison and division—”us versus them,” scarcity versus abundance, achievement versus inadequacy. But storytelling creates an alternative path. Instead of judging differences, stories invite curiosity.

What if, rather than assuming we understand someone else’s perspective, we became curious about it?

What if we asked more questions?

What if we listened longer?

Those simple shifts can transform relationships, workplaces, and communities.

The Invitation

The takeaway from this debrief is surprisingly simple.

Seek out stories. Ask people where they come from. Ask what shaped them.

Ask what they’ve learned.

Whether it’s a colleague, a family member, a friend, or even a stranger, every story creates an opportunity for connection. And in a world where so many people feel isolated or unheard, that connection matters more than ever.

As Jerome reminds us, storytelling doesn’t start with speaking.

It starts with listening.

And perhaps that’s the leadership skill we need most right now.

Here’s a link to the LISTENING LAB

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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