The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers

Navigating Voice, Trust, and Advocacy in a Divided World

Navigating Voice, Trust, and Advocacy in a Divided World In this episode, Rod Berger sits down with Jim and Tiffany Drastic—creators of The Dangerous Ones & Eleven Films [https://www.elevenfilms.com/]—to explore the journey of finding and using their voices amid societal chaos, personal trauma, and the ongoing fight for justice. Discover how authenticity, modulation, and community-building shape their impactful work. Key topics: * The role of trauma in developing a resilient voice for activism * The importance of humility and admitting errors in public discourse * Strategies for modulating emotional responses to sustained activism * How comedy and brevity enhance engagement and understanding * The global impact and international audience of American political content * Navigating personal sacrifices and moments of doubt in advocacy * Building a community for shared experiences and collective resilience * The idea of the "expiration" of activism and the importance of continuous effort * How to organize and prioritize amidst overwhelming information * The value of re-entry and forgiveness in political division and family relationships Timestamps: * 00:31 - Embracing life's pivots and sharing diverse perspectives * 01:15 - The importance of including marginalized voices * 02:08 - Jim and Tiffany’s rise and viral success * 03:00 - Finding your voice through trauma and activism * 03:29 - Tiffany’s childhood experience with trauma * 04:17 - The drive for accountability and justice * 05:04 - Jim’s early influences and childhood activism * 06:10 - Growing up with a voice and lifelong influences * 07:23 - Reconnecting and launching impactful content * 08:02 - Building authority and parental influence in voice formation * 09:03 - The power of protest and boundary-testing as a youth * 10:02 - Managing emotional crashes in activism * 12:01 - The importance of realistic expectations in activism * 13:20 - The significance of compartmentalization * 14:12 - Celebrating small wins in political activism * 15:23 - Effectiveness and persistence in social change * 15:49 - Avoiding burnout through community and nature * 17:14 - Keeping pace with rapid technological and political changes * 17:53 - Organizing and organizing arguments in a fast-moving environment * 18:47 - The flood of information and managing mental load * 19:04 - Focusing on what matters most to sustain effort * 20:22 - Recognizing ideological distractions and maintaining clarity * 21:33 - The importance of hope and collective action * 22:25 - Acknowledging mistakes and embracing humility * 23:27 - The value of admitting errors and continuous learning * 25:50 - The origins of viral content and learning from mistakes * 26:46 - How leadership and humility can influence outcomes * 27:44 - The challenge and reward of public accountability * 30:17 - The personal cost of advocacy and moments of doubt * 32:50 - Evolving relationships with audiences over time * 33:42 - The power of community and shared struggles * 36:45 - The global interest in American politics * 37:00 - The interconnectedness of world issues and you. S. influence * 39:23 - Bridging divides among friends, family, and communities * 40:37 - The importance of grace and patience in reconciliation * 44:47 - The possibility of societal awakening and collective healing * 46:15 - The ongoing mission beyond political wins * 47:38 - The humor and humanity in advocacy * 49:19 - The value of storytelling in shaping societal narratives * 50:11 - Connecting, collaborating, and community from grassroots to global * 51:11 - A message of gratitude and hope for continued activism Resources & Links: * The Dangerous Ones [https://www.youtube.com/@DangerousOnes] on YouTube Connect with Jim and Tiffany Drastic: * Twitter [https://x.com/DangerousOnesUS] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dangerousones/] * Substack Articles [https://thedangerousones.substack.com/] Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations

"From the Classroom to the C-Suite: Greta Jackson on Culture, Storytelling, and the Human Hum of Organizations" In this episode of the CultureCon Catalyst podcast, Dr. Rod Berger sits down with Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement and Culture Enrichment Director at Tegria, and a CultureCon Culture Catalyst. Greta's journey — from third-grade dreamer to middle school English teacher, high school AP Lit instructor, principal, recruiter, and now culture strategist — is a masterclass in following your instincts and letting storytelling lead the way. What we cover: * The origin story: How Greta fought her calling to teach, found her way through retail and substitute teaching, and ultimately fell in love with "big toddlers" (aka high schoolers) * Storytelling as leadership: Why Greta taught American Literature through the lives of authors — and how that same instinct for origin stories now drives her culture work at Tegria * Climate vs. culture: The critical difference between the two, and why listening to the "hum" of an organization is essential for any culture leader * The soft skills myth: Why Greta reframes "soft skills" as core skills — and how she's been teaching them since her students' desks were their first "offices" * Cascading communication: Why pushing messages down the org chart is a game of telephone, and how "job alike" practice sessions help managers truly connect with their teams * AI as a thought partner: How Greta uses AI (including Claude) to process ideas out loud, analyze her blind spots, and build backwards-design frameworks for culture initiatives * Proactive culture diagnosis: How to tune into an organization's energy before problems surface — and what to do when the vibration feels off * Feedback and values in action: Why values aren't posters on a wall, and how honest, real-time conversations are the only way to make them live Connect with Greta Jackson: * LinkedIn: Search Greta Jackson, Employee Engagement & Culture Enrichment Director at Tegria * CultureCon: culturecon.com [https://culturecon.com/] About the Host: Dr. Rod Berger is a storyteller, author of The Narrative Edge, and Storyteller in Residence at CultureCon. Are you the author of your story — or a character in someone else's? Find out together. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership: Insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers Discover how storytelling shapes leadership and innovation. Learn key insights from Dr. Marcus Conyers, founder of BrainSmart, on enhancing organizational effectiveness. In today’s fast-paced world, understanding the power of storytelling in leadership is crucial. How can narratives shape our leadership styles and foster innovation within organizations? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the insights shared by Dr. Marcus Conyers [https://brainsmart.org/] during his conversation with Dr. Rod Berger on "The Narrative Edge. [https://www.amazon.com/Narrative-Edge-Authentic-Storytelling-Moment/dp/1394331290/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8]" You’ll discover how to leverage storytelling to create impactful connections and drive change in your organization. About Dr. Marcus Conyers Dr. Marcus Conyers is the founder and CEO of BrainSmart, a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing innovation and productivity in various sectors through brain research. With over 30 years of experience, he has authored 20 books, including the bestseller "Positively Smarter," and has shared his expertise across 30 countries. His journey emphasizes the significance of applying brain science in practical settings, making him a credible voice in the field of leadership and education. The Role of Storytelling in Leadership Storytelling is not just a tool for entertainment; it’s a vital aspect of effective leadership. Here’s why it matters: * Building Connections: Stories create emotional connections that facts alone cannot achieve. They help leaders resonate with their teams on a personal level. * Fostering Innovation: Sharing stories of past successes and failures encourages a culture of learning and innovation. Leaders can inspire their teams to think creatively by illustrating how challenges were overcome through innovative thinking. * Enhancing Communication: A well-told story can simplify complex ideas, making them more accessible to team members. This clarity can drive better understanding and alignment within teams. Key Insights from Dr. Conyers During the conversation, Dr. Conyers shared several key insights that illuminate the relationship between storytelling and leadership effectiveness: 1. The Kaleidoscope of Human Experience: Dr. Conyers highlighted that the human experience is rich and varied. By embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, leaders can craft more compelling narratives that reflect the complexity of their teams and the challenges they face. 2. Learning from the Past: He emphasized the importance of reflecting on past narratives to understand what drives success. Leaders should analyze previous experiences to identify patterns and insights that inform future strategies. 3. Creating a Culture of Exploration. Dr. Conyers encourages leaders to foster an environment where exploration and curiosity are valued. This involves encouraging team members to share their stories, insights, and lessons learned, which can lead to collective growth and innovation. Practical Strategies for Leaders To effectively harness the power of storytelling in your leadership approach, consider the following strategies: * Share Personal Stories: Open up about your own experiences, including challenges and triumphs. This vulnerability can help build trust and rapport with your team. * -Encourage Team Storytelling: Create opportunities for team members to share their own stories. This not only builds connections but also encourages a sense of belonging and collaboration. * Use Stories to Communicate Vision: When articulating your organizational vision, frame it within a story. This makes the vision more relatable and inspires your team to work towards a common goal. Conclusion The power of storytelling in leadership cannot be overstated. By integrating narratives into your leadership style, you can foster deeper connections, drive innovation, and create a culture of exploration within your organization. As Dr. Conyers illustrates, every leader has the potential to shape their narrative and inspire others by sharing their story. So, what’s your story? Consider how you can leverage it to enhance your leadership effectiveness   Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If You're Going To Be A Bear Be A Grizzly - An Intimate Conversation with Author Tom Junod

A powerful conversation with the incomparable Tom Junod brought to you by Dr. Rod Berger. In the world of memoir writing, the question of identity often looms large. How we define ourselves, the names we carry, and the stories we tell shape our experiences and the narratives we create. In this post, we dive into the profound discussions that emerged from my recent conversation with Tom Junod, a celebrated writer whose memoir, *In the Days of My Youth, I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man [https://www.amazon.com/Days-Youth-Told-What-Means/dp/0375400397]', uncovers the complexities of identity through the lens of family, legacy, and storytelling. About Tom Junod Tom Junod is a senior writer for ESPN and has received numerous accolades, including an Emmy and the Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sports Writing. His previous work has appeared in esteemed publications such as GQ and Esquire, where his profile of Fred Rogers inspired the film *A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood*. In his memoir, Junod reflects on his upbringing and his father's influence, exploring how these experiences have shaped his voice as a writer. The Significance of Names and Identity One of the central themes we discussed was the power of names in shaping our identities. Junod shared his own journey with his name, transitioning from *Lou Genard* to *Tom Junod*. This change was not merely a matter of pronunciation but a reflection of his desire to carve out his own identity separate from his father's legacy. Junod explained how his father's strong presence at the family dinner table often left him feeling overshadowed. He recounts moments of internal struggle where he grappled with his father's expectations and the need to assert his individuality. It wasn't until Junod began writing about his childhood experiences that he found his narrative voice. A pivotal moment for him was recalling the sound of his father's ankles cracking as he got out of bed, a memory filled with love and fear that encapsulated their complex relationship. This moment of clarity allowed Junod to embrace his unique voice in his writing. The Writing Process: From Drafts to Final Product Junod's memoir was not without its challenges. He revealed that the initial draft of the book was a staggering 200,000 words—an overwhelming amount that ultimately led him to reevaluate his approach to storytelling. The process of cutting down his manuscript was painful, as it involved discarding many cherished words that did not serve the narrative's purpose. However, by focusing on the essence of his story, Junod distilled his experiences into a cohesive, impactful memoir. In discussing the importance of voice in memoir writing, Junod emphasized that it is the rhythm and music of one's narrative that resonates with readers. Many memoirs succeed because they convey a distinct voice that carries the emotional weight of the story. The Last Word: A Father's Influence A particularly poignant moment in our discussion revolved around the theme of "the last word" in the context of father-son dynamics. Junod reflected on how his father's dominant personality often left him feeling voiceless at the dinner table. This struggle for agency fueled Junod's desire to become a writer. The need to assert his voice and explore the secrets of his father's life became a driving force in his literary career. He explained that the memoir is not just about recounting memories but also about investigating his father's complexities and the impact on his own identity. Junod's writing captures the duality of his father's influence—both the admiration and the struggle for independence. His memoir becomes a space for exploring these emotions, allowing readers to connect with their own experiences of familial relationships. Tom Junod's memoir serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in navigating our identities. By reflecting on his experiences, he invites us all to examine our own stories and the names we carry. For more insights on memoir writing and identity, consider exploring Junod's work and the profound lessons woven throughout his narrative.   Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Understanding Culture By Understanding Ourselves with Todd Wuestenberg

Building a Thriving Workplace Culture: Insights from Todd Wuestenberg Learn how to cultivate a vibrant workplace culture from Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Group. Discover strategies for fostering connection and development in organizations. Creating a thriving workplace culture is essential for any organization aiming for long-term success. In this blog post, we delve into insights shared by Todd Wuestenberg, Chief Culture Officer at Haverkamp Group, who believes that culture is not just a side project but a crucial component of any successful business strategy. Understanding Culture: The Kitchen Table Perspective Culture is often shaped by our early experiences, and Todd's upbringing in a small Iowa town exemplifies this. Growing up in a close-knit community of just 1,500 people, Todd experienced a deep sense of connection with others. Conversations around the dinner table were not just about sharing food; they were rich discussions that fostered relationships and a sense of belonging. The Importance of Connection In Todd’s words, "there’s always a sense of being connected, whether it would be with family or community." This connection has greatly influenced his worldview and his approach to creating a culture in the workplace. As organizations grow, the challenge often lies in maintaining that connection, especially when teams scale rapidly. The Concept of Culture Farming Todd introduces the concept of "culture farming," which involves understanding the dynamics of organizational culture as one would understand the intricacies of farming. Just as farmers must consider soil, weather, and seasons, leaders must be aware of the environment in which they cultivate their organizational culture.   Patience in Development According to Todd, cultivating culture takes time and requires a patient approach. "Farmers understand that there's a rhythm and there's a process to things," he explains. This philosophy applies to onboarding new employees as well, emphasizing the need for them to understand the organizational values from the outset. The Role of a Chief Culture Officer In a world where titles can often feel redundant, Todd’s role as Chief Culture Officer signifies a commitment to prioritizing culture within the organization. He believes that "words do matter," and having a dedicated position for culture reinforces its importance.   Culture as a Blend of People and Processes Todd defines culture as a blend of people and processes. "You could have the best people in the world, but without the right processes, you’re going to lose them," he notes. This duality is essential for creating an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. The Shift in Perception of Soft Skills Todd emphasizes the importance of soft skills in today’s workplace, arguing that they are not merely an added bonus but rather essential skills for survival in a competitive environment. He highlights how organizations that fail to recognize the value of soft skills may struggle with retention and overall success. Culture as a Strategy Rather than viewing culture as a soft skill, Todd encourages leaders to see it as a strategic necessity. "Culture is integral to the double bottom line," he asserts, indicating that a positive culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also directly impacts profitability. Addressing Productive Discomfort Todd acknowledges that creating a vibrant culture involves navigating uncomfortable situations. He refers to this as "productive discomfort," where leadership sets the tone for open dialogue and encourages participation from all employees. Everyone's Role in Culture Culture is not solely the responsibility of leadership; every employee contributes to the organizational culture. Todd believes that by fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to participate, organizations can create a thriving culture that adapts to change. Conclusion Cultivating a strong workplace culture is a journey that requires intention, patience, and a focus on connection. By understanding the dynamics of culture and recognizing its importance, leaders can create an environment where employees feel valued and engaged. As Todd Wuestenberg illustrates, culture is not just a task; it is a continuous process that shapes the future of an organization. Dr. Rod Berger is a keynote speaker, moderator, producer, author, and expert in strategic storytelling. Berger’s book, The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling That Meets The Moment (Wiley), hits bookstores in late 2025. He draws on more than 4,000 interviews conducted worldwide for Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, and Fair Observer, including a cover story about former Virgin Entertainment co-founder Jason Felts, for Los Angeles Magazine, as well as various podcasts. He has captured the narratives of investors, CEOs, renowned entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, scholars, and cultural icons such as NBA legends Magic Johnson and Charles Barkley, as well as United Nations officials and Van Halen’s Sammy Hagar, while also exploring the behind-the-scenes world of Formula 1. Berger has met with the Crown Princess of Sweden, Pope Francis, United Nations officials, and NGO leaders, covering stories of water insecurity with WaterAid, the intergenerational refugee crisis faced by displaced Sudanese in Uganda, and the impacts of child marriage in Western Africa with the Le Korsa Foundation. Berger served as a guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management for nearly two decades, focusing on the power of storytelling in business. He has partnered with The Jim Henson Company to create a television show, The Ultimate GOAT, that combines his passion for distant lands and storytelling with culture, sports, and puppetry for family programming. Berger conducts moderated keynote events that blend storytelling with live, on-stage narratives featuring cultural icons such as Opal Lee, the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and recognized as the “Grandmother” of Juneteenth. In 2023, Berger received the inaugural Pangea International Literacy Prize and delivered his TEDx Talk, “Story is Our Currency.” He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and two children. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.