The Future Belongs to Storytellers
Last week, I attended a female founders conference where I had the pleasure of meeting amazing female entrepreneurs and business owners rocking it in their respective spaces.
Of course, the future was on the tip of everyone’s tongue – what should my next move be? How do we weather the economic season we’re facing now? Where is the next opportunity?
And we were fortunate to have some of the leading voices in business today share their perspectives on what they see as the way forward.
Google’s Christina Hatziioannou recommended we “hire for curiosity” and build “a technology test budget” so we can keep up with the times.
Angel investor Sarah Jordan shared her advice for staying ahead: “Sprint to start. Run YOUR race. Empty the tank.”
But PARO Centre For Women's Enterprise Canada founder Rosalind Lockyer resonated the most with me, by sharing this tidbit: "Don't worry about what's ahead. You have everything you need inside you. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and keep walking with others."
So many people right now are waiting for a green light…
Waiting for permission to start. Waiting for that perfect moment to move forward with those big goals and bigger dreams.
But that’s not how faith, courage, manifestation or the greatest stories ever told work. And it’s certainly not how these leaders or female founders got to where they are today.
Instead, it happens when you take that first step. And the next step after that. And like Rosalind says, keep walking the walk with others. Just like I did last week alongside my fellow female founders.
So many people right now are waiting for a green light…
And they don't realize – you are the green light.
So go get it.
Cat
Future-Proofing with Story
Recently I was invited to speak on the power of story in business.
The talk was organized for purpose-driven organizations, associations and non-profits to help them attract sponsors and partners using story.
But what we shared serves any founder, entrepreneur, startup or organization – regardless of whether you’re attracting customers and clients, or investors. (Needless to say, these storytelling fundamentals will level up any author’s book, in any genre.)
So what are some elements of storytelling that will set yours apart?
People connect with people. A story can feature many different kinds of heroes. In fiction, it’s the protagonist. In memoirs, it’s the author. For business books and stories, the hero can be the expert or founder, the reader they’re trying to help, their past clients/case studies, and even their team/employees. Regardless of your message or audience, give your story a face.
Surprise us. Thriller and suspense readers like a nice plot twist, but don’t we all? Just like music listeners, readers like the predictable, but want it with a side of something different. How are you building your story for curiosity, surprise and wonder even? (PS: Doing so keeps audiences more engaged, holds their attention and improves “stickiness” and recollection.)
Make it interactive. Passive consumption is so yesterday. Today’s audiences want to be part of the story—and better yet, community. From having their say in how the story ends, to tipping their favourite streamers (Twitch), to becoming part of an entire movement (Swifties, anyone?). So ask yourself: Is there a way that you can allow your audience to participate in your story?
Catch the replay of our chat here.
PS: Need a proven framework to help you write, finish and publish your book?
Schedule a call with me and let’s explore how I can help you position your voice, leadership and story for impact and growth.
👉 Click here to book your discovery call.
“If you're looking for a coach who brings empathy, expertise, and a genuine belief in your story, Cat is it. Working with Cat has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my writing journey, and I recommend her without reservation.”
Joe Lyons-Rising, Pain Remixed