A recent study at Stanford University found that details when told in stories are retained x22 more than raw facts alone. Human beings are hard-wired for story.

Furthermore, advances in neurological investigation claim that 5x the amount of neural activity is activated when listening to a story because, when we hear a story, as well as the language processing areas of the brain being activated, the sensory and motor cortex engage as well. 

It is rare to find any aspect of a business that can’t be improved through increased use of story – whether it’s pitching for a new project, building relationships, debriefing a project, illustrating why expedience is of the essence: story fits into every element of our professional and personal life. 

As Brené Brown says: “Stories are data with a soul”, and yet in a world where we are almost exclusively busy, stretched, multitasking, distracted and otherwise engaged – in this world, where narrative is vital to bring conviction and soul to our work, we mostly prioritise “data” over “story”. 

Explore more courses

Giving feedback that sticks

Feedback is the foundation of learning. In this session we explore how you can create a culture of healthy feedback within your business, taking the sting out of difficult conversations and creating a better future as a result.

Privilege and power

Power dynamics are always present whether we are aware of them or not.

We can’t remove power dynamics but by being conscious of them, we can use some of our privilege and power to design work in a way that ensures that those with less power don’t have less of a voice.

Understanding Teamwork with Fleetwood Mac

‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac has sold 45 million copies (and rising) and is an archetypal story of a team overcoming personal & professional struggles to achieve a timeless end product.

This workshop looks at how they did it, what they did right along the way, what they did wrong along the way and, most importantly what modern teams can learn.​