Leadership storytelling is increasingly important for today’s leaders.

People are surprised to hear how I entered the field.

From Fantasy Novelist to Leadership Storytelling Expert

How did an “escapist” fantasy novelist like me transition into training leaders in storytelling? It was not a gentle or gradual development, but rather a surprising journey that transformed my career and perspective on effective communication.

Discovering the Power of Storytelling in Geneva

In 2015, I had the unique opportunity to become a Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP). It was a topic I initially knew nothing about—security policy was far from the realm of fantasy novels! However, our far-sighted director ensured a very interdisciplinary Fellowship, encouraging diverse backgrounds and perspectives to enrich the learning environment.

Leadership: The Storytelling Gap Among Leaders

During the centre’s executive education courses, I met countless individuals with incredible experience and expertise. Yet, despite their deep knowledge, many were surprisingly ineffective at engaging their audience when speaking on stage. They came across as dry and uninspiring, often losing their listeners’ attention.

However, a different side of these leaders emerged during informal settings—over drinks or dinner, they were electrifying! This contrast puzzled me. Why were they so captivating in private but not in public?

The Lightbulb Moment: The Secret Ingredient is Storytelling

💡 The answer hit me like a lightbulb moment: it’s all about storytelling. When these leaders shared their personal experiences and stories, they became instantly more relatable and engaging. Storytelling allowed them to connect on a deeper level, making their messages memorable and impactful. This realization marked the beginning of my journey into leadership storytelling.

A New Partnership in Leadership Storytelling

Recently, I had the immense pleasure of catching up with Aapo Cederberg, a “fellow Fellow” from my time at the GCSP, during a visit to Helsinki. Aapo is doing remarkable work behind the scenes in cybersecurity, helping to keep the free world free. His commitment and expertise make him an invaluable ally in today’s digital landscape.

I am thrilled to announce a new partnership with Aapo. Together, we aim to leverage the power of storytelling to enhance leadership and communication strategies in the field of cybersecurity and beyond.

A Symbol of Friendship

In the spirit of our collaboration, Aapo and I visited the statue of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, a revered hero of Finland during World War II. Interestingly, Mannerheim has a unique connection to both Finland and Switzerland. When he fell ill, he chose to be treated in Switzerland, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship between these two nations.

This visit was a fitting reminder of the importance of alliances and shared narratives in building strong, resilient relationships.

Harnessing Storytelling for Leadership and Change

I am excited about what we can achieve together in this new partnership. Leadership storytelling is not just about telling tales; it’s about crafting narratives that inspire, motivate, and drive change. With Aapo’s expertise in cybersecurity and my passion for storytelling, we’re poised to make a significant impact.

Stay tuned for more updates on our journey and how we plan to use storytelling to shape the future of leadership in an increasingly complex world.