Sequoia Versus Bonsai?

What Growth Really Looks Like in Leadership and Storytelling

What kind of growth are you pursuing?

In a recent Leadership Story Talks debrief, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan reflect on a powerful idea from their conversation with Nicolas Darveau-Garneau:

Be a sequoia, not a bonsai.

It’s a simple metaphor—but one that cuts straight to the heart of leadership, storytelling, and how we show up in our work.

The Sequoia vs. The Bonsai

A bonsai tree is beautiful, precise, and controlled.
It grows—but only within strict limits. Every branch is shaped. Every outcome is intentional.

A sequoia, on the other hand, grows wild.

It twists. It stretches. It adapts.
It doesn’t always look perfect—but it keeps growing anyway.

And that’s the point.

As Jerome explains, organizations (and people) that focus too much on appearances—on getting everything “right”—often limit their own growth.

But those who are willing to experiment, fail, learn, and try again?
They grow bigger, stronger, and more resilient over time.

Why Growth Requires Discomfort

Growth isn’t neat. It’s not always comfortable—and it’s rarely polished.

In fact, the most meaningful stories—the ones that build trust and connection—are often the ones that aren’t “pretty.”

They’re the stories about:

• What didn’t work
• What went wrong
• What we learned along the way

And yet, these are the stories many organizations hesitate to tell.

Why?

Because sharing them requires vulnerability. It means stepping outside of control—away from the “bonsai” mindset—and into something more real.

Experimentation Is the Work

At Narativ, this idea shows up every day.

As Jerome points out, even hiring a storytelling partner can feel like an experiment. It requires organizations to:

• Ask people to share personal stories
• Explore moments that may feel uncomfortable
• Let go of perfectly scripted narratives

That’s not easy work.

But it’s the kind of work that leads to transformation.

Because storytelling—real storytelling—isn’t about perfection.
It’s about discovery.

The Balance: Structure Meets Growth

Julienne offers an important counterpoint: while growth requires freedom, it also needs structure.

A bonsai may be controlled—but that control creates safety and intention.
A sequoia may grow freely—but it still depends on its environment to survive.

The same is true in storytelling.

At Narativ, workshops are designed to balance both:

• Space to explore and grow (the sequoia)
• Structure to support and guide (the bonsai)

This combination allows people to feel safe enough to share—and brave enough to go deeper.

It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Connection.

One of the most powerful insights from the conversation is this:

Storytelling isn’t about getting it right—it’s about being real.

When people feel connected—to themselves, to their stories, and to each other—something shifts.

They show up differently.
They communicate with more energy.
They lead with more authenticity.

And that’s where real growth happens.

A Question to Take With You

So as you reflect on your own leadership, your team, or your organization, consider this:

👉 Are you growing like a bonsai—carefully shaped, controlled, and limited?
👉 Or like a sequoia—expansive, imperfect, and constantly evolving?

Because the choice you make will shape not just how you grow…
but how far you’re willing to go.

Want to explore how storytelling can unlock growth in your organization?
Visit Narativ.com or listen to the full episode of Leadership Story Talks.

Check out the Listening Lab here ~ LISTENING LAB