398: Storytelling for Leaders: Crafting Narratives that Inspire and Persuade [Executive Speaking Series]

We’re continuing our new podcast series around Executive Speaking!

Today we’re diving into storytelling for leaders, especially in a business, corporate, or academic environment.

We’ve been led to believe that stories aren’t appropriate in “professional” business or academic environments.

But, that’s when stories can be the most impactful!

This episode is truly value-packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership and executive presence through the art of storytelling, as I’m joined by Diane Diaz and Joy Spencer, two of our speaking coaches.

Whether you're preparing for a corporate presentation, a keynote, or a TEDx talk, this episode provides the tools you need to captivate your audience and drive action.

We talk about:

• Why storytelling is not just an add-on but a core component of effective leadership communication
• How leaders can build trust and credibility by being vulnerable and authentic in their storytelling
• Using structured frameworks like Public Narrative and Challenge-Choice-Outcome to craft inspiring and persuasive stories
• Applying our I.D.E.A.L. storytelling ingredients to bring your stories to life
• Tips for turning personal experiences into compelling metaphors
• Lots of examples of using stories in business, academic, and political contexts

Links:

Show notes at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/398/

Joy’s podcast “Reframe to Create”: https://reframetocreate.com/

Public Narrative: https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/30760283/Public-Narrative-Worksheet-Fall-2013-.pdf

Discover your Speaker Archetype by taking our free quiz at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/quiz/

Enroll in our Thought Leader Academy: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/academy/

Check out our trainings for companies and organizations: https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/trainings/

Connect on LinkedIn:

• Carol Cox = https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolcox
• Diane Diaz = https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianediaz
• Joy Spencer = https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-spencer/

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Episode 397: Speak to Lead: Elevating Your Executive Presence
• Episode 339: Creating Compelling TED-Style Talks Based on Academic Research with Tanya Golash-Boza, PhD
• Episode 297: Integrating Your Story Into Your Talks
• Episode 194: How to Structure a Movement-Making Speech Using Your Story with Joy Spencer

Become Bookable Live Online Workshop - April 15, 2026
If you want to speak more but you’re not sure where to start or your efforts haven’t produced the results you want, I’m hosting a live online workshop called “Become Bookable: How to Get Speaking Invitations” on Wednesday, April 15th.

A lot of brilliant women assume they just need to pitch themselves more. But the real reason speakers get invited isn’t because they pitch harder — it’s because they’re positioned as bookable.

In this 3-hour interactive workshop live on Zoom, I’ll show you how speakers actually get invited — and help you clarify the positioning that makes event organizers say yes.

As a podcast listener, use the coupon code “Podcast100” to save $100 on your registration.

Learn more and register at https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/bookable