Storytelling in Business

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture for thousands of years. Before the advent of written languages, stories were passed down orally from generation to generation, serving as a means of preserving traditions, sharing knowledge, and conveying moral lessons. Storytelling in business isn’t new, but most people don’t understand why and how to use it.

Why should you use storytelling in your business?

Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. The middle is where the hero/protagonist is at their lowest point – the bit where disaster looms and everything is up to the hero to make it right. The bit before the protagonist in the story has found the key to unlocking the path to triumph.

Most businesses exist in that messy middle.

When you hit a bump, how can you springboard out of that as a leader to look at the future? How can you use storytelling in business to create stories that makes sense of what you do, where you want to go and how do you want to get there? What separates the best leaders from the rest is positive processing.

From the Epic of Gilgamesh, to the amphitheaters of Euripides and the boards of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, storytelling is a part of human culture. Pixar is known for its mastery of storytelling and has a tried and trusted formula that has contributed to the success of its films. While not a rigid template, the formula encompasses key principles and elements that help create engaging and emotionally resonant stories including:

1. High Stakes and Conflict: high-stakes situations and conflicts drive the story forward; whether it’s a race against time to save a friend or overcoming personal fears and limitations, the characters face obstacles that create tension and suspense, keeping the audience invested in their journey.
2. Visual Storytelling: Pixar is renowned for its stunning animation and attention to detail, driven by a a narrative structure that engages viscerally, emotionally, with the viewer. 
3. Humour and Heart: Even in the midst of intense situations, the films incorporate humour to provide relief and allows for a well-rounded and emotionally satisfying experience.

Stories move hearts and minds. Stories are memorable and emotive. Storytelling is as powerful in business as it is in our culture.

How can you make the story turn the tables for the hero and their team so they can march to victory How do you create stories that help you, your team and the world connect with what you do?

How can you create compelling stories about your business?

At BoS USA 2023, Raleigh NC, 2-4 October we’re honored to be joined by Pixar’s director of culture and learning for over a decade, Jamie Woolf, who will help us understand why stories are powerful and how to start telling stories that connect with your people, your company, and your customers.

Jamie and Dr Chris Bell will discuss the Pixar approach to storytelling, why it is so powerful, and how you can create stories that help you, your team and the world connect with what you do.

It will be an epic and interactive session that will change the way you think about your company and your approach to leadership.