“We can change our story at any time, and we have control over it.” — Jerome Deroy
In this debrief episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan look back on their conversation with John Graham: former diplomat, adventurer, and author of Quest: Risk, Adventure, and the Search for Meaning. John’s life reads like an adventure novel. As Julienne admits, with every chapter she wondered how he was still alive. The turning point came in a boat, when he believed he was about to die and promised himself that if he survived, he would stop living only for himself and go looking for meaning.He kept that promise. Today, through the Giraffe Heroes Project, John and his wife, Ann Medlock, champion people who stick their necks out to solve problems in the world, often at great risk to themselves.Together, Jerome and Julienne explore what John’s journey teaches us about the power of story. Looking back at the story we’ve lived so far shows us the choices we made along the way, and that lets us decide what story we want to live next. No near-death experience required.
You’ll Hear
- What makes John Graham’s life story so gripping, and what it shows about the power of story.
- The moment that turned a life of adventure into a life of service.
- How the Giraffe Heroes Project shines a light on people who take risks to help others.
- Why looking back at your own story can help you choose where it goes next.
- How anyone can change their story, without a dramatic breakthrough.
Resources
- Leadership Story Talks: Listen to the full interview with John Graham HERE
- John Graham’s book: Quest: Risk, Adventure, and the Search for Meaning
- Giraffe Heroes Project: giraffe.org
Experience The Listening Lab
Is there something hard to communicate right now: a presentation, a difficult conversation, a big change?
The Listening Lab is a small, confidential group that meets once a month on Zoom to practice really listening, to each other and to ourselves. Members bring what they’re working through, and the group listens and asks questions before anyone jumps to advice. Your first month is free after a short application and a 15-minute call:
Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus: Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
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