Speaking Human-First

Ep 17 - Piper Hendricks: Storytelling for Social Change

What makes a story powerful enough to inspire action or influence policy? Piper Hendricks, Founder of Stories Change Power, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to transforming advocacy through storytelling, dives into how personal narratives can become catalysts for activism and policy reform. She unpacks the importance of listening beyond words to the emotions and lived experiences they convey, and why words, when wielded with intention, are some of our most powerful tools for justice and systemic change. Piper also reveals how storytelling can illuminate the hidden forces of policy—making the invisible not just visible, but relatable. Listen to the full episode to hear: * How stories influence legislation and public opinion * The role of storytelling in translating abstract policies into clear, resonant experiences * The psychological power of language in shaping perceptions and inspiring action * Why truly impactful advocacy starts with listening to the emotions behind the words * Practical tips for crafting authentic, persuasive stories that inspire change Learn more about Piper Hendricks * Stories Change Power website [https://storieschangepower.org/] * "The Nine Rights" of effective advocacy [https://storieschangepower.org/the-eight-rights] * Advocacy training & courses [https://storieschangepower.org/services] * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/piperhendricks/] Learn more about Mary Knox Miller * Thought Leader Media [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/] * "Human Dispatches" Newsletter [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/#newsletter-signup] * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-knox-miller/]

Ep 16 - Jay Acunzo: Eat the Humble Pie, Tell Better Stories

What does it take to create content that truly stands out? Jay Acunzo, celebrated writer, speaker, and host of the "How Stories Happen" podcast, joins us to unpack the art of meaningful storytelling—in all its messy, frustrating, and euphoric parts. Jay shares why asking better questions can lead to more impactful content and explains how challenging assumptions opens the door to creative breakthroughs. He also introduces his concept of the IP Pyramid, a framework for developing and refining your intellectual property to create truly unique and resonant stories that serve your audience and yourself. Listen to the full episode to hear: * How to reach deeper truths that lead to more meaningful content * Why developing your IP is less about following templates and more about creative risk taking * The pitfalls of following best practices too closely—and how to trust your intuition instead * How to identify the gaps in your storytelling by identifying what truly matters to your audience * Why embracing constraints can spark creativity and lead to breakthroughs Learn more about Jay Acunzo * Website [https://jayacunzo.com/] * "How Stories Happen" Podcast [https://jayacunzo.com/how-stories-happen-storytelling-podcast] * "Playing Favorites" Newsletter [https://jayacunzo.com/blog] * Creator Kitchen (Coaching & Education) [https://creatorkitchen.com/] * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/] Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: * Thought Leader Media [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/] * "Human Dispatches" Newsletter [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/#newsletter-signup] * Follow on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-knox-miller/]

Ep 15 - Derrick Feldmann: Decoding Social Change

How do movements gain enough traction to get people to take concrete action? How does a movement even come to be? Understanding the nuances of what truly motivates human behavior – not just thoughts and opinions –  is crucial for driving meaningful change in our society. Derrick Feldman, an internationally recognized researcher and advisor on social issues, movements, and consumer public action, brings his expertise to our discussion. We delve into how to ask questions to uncover what people truly believe about social issues, the significance of interpreting intentions versus actions, and the importance of humanizing data when communicating our findings. Listen to the full episode to hear: * How Derrick’s early-career experience in state government galvanized him to dig deeper into what moves people to take action for social change * The challenges of designing research that accounts for biases from participants, researchers, and even funders.  * Why it’s vital to bring diverse voices and experiences into the room when designing and implementing research * The power of asking, “Why did you contact me?” when deciding what new projects to take on as a business owner * The importance of context and storytelling for making sense of data in ways that stick with your audiences or stakeholders   Learn more about Derrick Feldman: * Website [http://www.derrickfeldmann.com/] * Connect on LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/derrickfeldmann] Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: * Thought Leader Media [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/] * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-knox-miller/]

Ep 14 - Daisy Auger-Domínguez: Inspiring Change Through Human-First Leadership

When leaders wholeheartedly embrace our shared humanity and foster empathy, we unleash a transformative power that can reshape the workplace and beyond. Daisy Auger-Domínguez, a distinguished HR and DEI C-Suite leader, renowned speaker, and author, brings her unique perspectives to the table. She delves into the importance of a human-first approach to leadership, the need to challenge the status quo, and the significance of dismantling barriers and power dynamics to foster more inclusive workplaces.  Our conversation also explores practical strategies. We delve into the power of self-awareness and vulnerability to foster connection. We also discuss the importance of intentionally designing time and space for rest and recharge, crucial for navigating and shaping a future where inclusion is not just a goal but a fundamental reality. Listen to the full episode to hear: * How Daisy’s is driven by a vision of workplaces as sites of dignity, respect, value, and joy  * The impact of Daisy’s upbringing and education in both the Dominican Republic and the U.S. on how she views and experiences the tension, biases, and limitations around identity in U.S. culture * Why it’s necessary to interrogate our personal intersections of identity and authority when we seek to change the status quo of power dynamics in our worlds * How Daisy has used sharing her mistakes and experiences to build connection and an audience * Daisy’s long road to taking a “radical sabbatical” and giving herself the space and boundaries to actually rest, recover, and reclaim the joy in her work   Learn more about Daisy Auger-Domínguez: * Website [https://www.daisyauger-dominguez.com/] * Inclusion Revolution: The Essential Guide to Dismantling Racial Inequity in the Workplace [https://bookshop.org/p/books/inclusion-revolution-the-essential-guide-to-dismantling-racial-inequity-in-the-workplace-daisy-auger-dominguez/20900334?ean=9781394259151] * Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People [https://bookshop.org/p/books/burned-out-to-lit-up-how-to-rekindle-the-joy-of-leading-people-daisy-auger-dominguez/21059499?ean=9781394254293] * Inclusion Revolution TEDxPearlStreet [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-VMr51yiVc] * The Visibility Clinic Lab Pass [https://resources.nobiworks.com/speaking-human]  Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: * Thought Leader Media [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/] * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-knox-miller/]

Ep 13 - N. Chloé Nwangwu: Building a Brand & Ecosystem of Influence

In a world inundated with information and brands vying for our attention, how do you not only get seen and heard but also inspire others to take action? Brand scientist and director of NobiWorks, N. Chloé Nwangwu believes brands and visibility strategies must be built with power dynamics and biases in mind to break through cognitive biases, especially for underrecognized  people. Chloé’s Visibility Engineering process, a transformative approach that draws on her experience as an international conflict mediator and social and behavioral science, empowers social impact leaders to navigate past their stakeholders’ brain filters and ensure their ideas  are retained and spread long term, thereby shaping social change.  Today, Chloé underscores the urgency and importance of mastering the science of being noticed. This skill is not just a tool for personal branding, but a crucial element in shaping social change. Listen to the full episode to hear: * How Chloé’s experience in international mediation led her to create brands that help underrecognized  players get a seat at the table * The critical difference between being seen and being noticed amid the never-ending bids for our attention * Why it’s essential to shape messaging advocating for social change in a way that facilitates behavior change * How Chloé developed her Visibility Engineering process to get past the cognitive hurdles of getting ideas seen, remembered, and proliferated * And why it’s essential to have an understanding of the stakeholders and gatekeepers in your sphere Learn more about N. Chloé Nwangwu: * NobiWorks [http://www.nobiworks.com/] * Instagram: @nobiworks [https://www.instagram.com/nobiworks/] * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwangwu] * The Visibility Clinic [https://www.nobiworks.com/the-clinic] Learn more about Mary Knox Miller: * Thought Leader Media [https://www.thoughtleadermedia.co/] * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-knox-miller/]