In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan sit down with Dr. Anja Timmermann—historian, communication scientist, journalist, and founder of the Storytelling Symposium in Germany. With a background spanning academia, media, and neuroscience, Dr. Timmermann brings a rich, evidence-based perspective to how humans share knowledge, build connection, and lead through story.
She begins with a vivid moment of culture shock—standing in a Manhattan bus line, a stranger in a city of millions—only to be folded into community by a handful of New Yorkers offering quarters for her fare. That small act of generosity became a lifelong metaphor: storytelling as the bridge between isolation and belonging.
Anja traces her journey from her mother’s psychotherapy practice and narrative research on intergenerational trauma, through her own work with scientists and leaders, to the creation of her symposium—an “enlightenment circle” where professionals exchange methods and honor storytelling as a serious, human-centered discipline.
You’ll Hear:
- Belonging Through Story – How a simple New York bus encounter revealed storytelling’s power to create instant community.
- From Facts to Connection – Why storytelling doesn’t distort data—it contextualizes it, allowing truth to be felt as well as known.
- Building the Storytelling Symposium – A global gathering where researchers, educators, and practitioners bring narrative competence into serious professional practice.
- The START Framework – Anja’s adaptation of the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result + Transfer) to help experts translate complexity into clarity.
- Working with Scientists – How she helps data-driven minds see that story is not a compromise of accuracy, but an expansion of understanding.
- Listen Before You Tell – Why the most powerful storytellers are also great listeners—because connection starts with curiosity.
Whether you’re leading a team, teaching a concept, or communicating research, this episode reminds us that storytelling isn’t decoration—it’s the design of how humans learn, lead, and belong.
Resources
- Dr. Anja Timmermann on LinkedIn
- Storytelling Symposium: Find out more and register for the 2025 edition!
- Learn more about Dr. Timmermann’s work in storytelling, design thinking, and neurodidactics on her website.
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 HereLearn 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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