Chief Story Officer
Chief Story Officer is a business podcast that explores how storytelling can be used strategically in leadership and management. Hosted by Rob D. Willis, it features conversations with executives and thought leaders who share real-world examples of how stories have shifted strategy, aligned teams, and transformed businesses. Listeners gain practical frameworks and takeaways for using stories in meetings, pitches, and internal communications.
Episodes
When Being Yourself Becomes Your Superpower: Christian O'Connell’s Strategic Storytelling Secrets
Christian O'Connell, broadcaster, writer, and the first person in history to host the number one breakfast radio show in two different countries, joins the show to share why the messy, unscripted moments are the real gold in storytelling and connection.In this candid conversation, we dive into the messy magic of authentic storytelling, the dangers of performative connection in the age of AI, and w
Storyworthy Habits: Matthew Dicks on Slowing Down Time and Finding Meaning
Matthew Dicks, author of Storyworthy & Stories Sell, joins the show to share the origin of "Homework for Life" and why most people erase the best moments of their own lives without realising it.In this episode, we delve into the power of personal storytelling in business, why a single rehearsed narrative won't cut it, and how the right story can make time slow down, bring teams together, and t
Controlling Your Online Narrative: Jason Barnard on Storytelling for Google and AI
Jason Barnard, founder of Kalicube and inventor of the Kalicube Framework, joins the show to reveal why the story machines repeat about you online rarely matches the story you want to tell and how to fix it.In this episode, we dive into the little-known world of storytelling for machines, why the first audience for your personal brand is no longer a person, but AI. From entity homes and online amb
Why Your Story Isn’t What Your Audience Hears with Kendall Haven
Kendall Haven, narrative influence architect and author of StoryProof and StorySmart, joins the show to uncover why it’s not the story you tell that matters, it’s the one your audience creates for themselves.In this episode, we dive into the science behind why the only story that matters is the one your audience builds in their own mind, and how the best communicators shift from speaker-centric to
Shaping Storytelling as a Strategic Business Function with Elliott Rayner
Elliott Rayner, Fractional Head of Storytelling and creator of The Story Cohort, joins the podcast to explain why a truly strategic narrative is less about individual creativity and more about aligning every voice in the company around a core message.In this episode, we dig into why storytelling is moving from a personal skill to a vital company function, what “head of storytelling” roles actually
Why Simple Stories Win: Philipp Humm on Speaking for Impact
Philipp Humm, founder of StoryLab and bestselling author, joins the show to break down the art and science of connecting with an audience, whether you’re in the boardroom or on the open mic stage.In this episode, we break down what makes charismatic storytellers so compelling and why even the stories that “lead nowhere” can hook any audience. Rob and Philipp Humm dissect iconic moments from Matt D
Turning Stories Into Action: The Brain Chemistry Behind Influence With Paul Zak
Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist and founder of Immersion, joins the show to reveal how stories physically and emotionally move us and why crafting the right narrative can transform behaviour.In this episode, we go deep into the neuroscience of storytelling, what makes a story truly memorable, how to grab attention from the first seconds, and why emotion, not just information, is the real driver of be
Storytelling that Converts: Andy Raskin on Creating an Irresistible Strategic Narrative
Andy Raskin, strategic narrative expert and host of the Bigger Narrative Podcast, sits down with us to explore how shifting from bragging about features to championing a movement can align leadership, shift strategy, and help businesses thrive.In this episode, we dive into the power of strategic narrative, unpacking why today’s most influential leaders are shifting from boastful selling to champio
Why Your Company Story Needs More Conflict and Vulnerability with Rob Biesenbach
Rob Biesenbach, corporate communications veteran and Second City-trained actor, joins the show to share how trust and emotional resonance are the real engines of powerful storytelling, even in the boardroom.In this episode, we delve into why trust and reassurance consistently trump raw information, and how getting real about conflict and emotion makes your message land. Rob D. Willis and Rob Biese
From Brand Clarity to Team Buy-In: Park Howell on Narrative Leadership
Park Howell, EMMY Award-winning storyteller and host of the Business of Story podcast, joins the show to share why simplifying your message isn’t just good storytelling, it’s good leadership.In this episode, we explore the ABT (“And, But, Therefore”) framework and why the most compelling brand stories never start with you. Rob and Park delve into how the right narrative can shift team alignment, b
How Great Leaders Inspire with Stories, Not Slides, Featuring Paul Smith
Paul Smith, bestselling author and business storytelling consultant, joins the show to share how surprise turns stories into unforgettable leadership tools and why the best business lessons don’t always fit on a slide.In this episode, we unpack why adrenaline-fuelled surprises make stories unforgettable, how dialogue trumps data in executive communications, and the simple shift from presenting sli
Why Every Leader Needs Story Discovery Not Just Storytelling with Esther Choy
Esther Choy, CEO and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, joins the show to challenge the idea that the leader must always be the "sage on stage" and explains why real power lies in helping others uncover and share their own stories.In this episode, we dive into the art of story discovery and why the best leaders are both sage on the stage and guide on the side. Rob D. Willis and Esthe
Rethinking Storytelling: Folklore, Collaboration, and Decolonising the Business Narrative with Annette Simmons
Annette Simmons, author of The Story Factor and Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins, joins the show to challenge the idea that business storytelling is just about heroes and conflict. She reveals why real influence comes from sharing subjective, emotionally resonant stories, and how rituals of story-sharing can repair trust, build collaboration, and shape organisational culture.In this episode, we d
The Magic of Metaphors: Simon Lancaster’s Guide to Transforming Boring Corporate Speeches
Simon Lancaster, leading speechwriter and author of Connect! How to Inspire, Influence and Energise Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime, joins the show to break down why most corporate communication fails and what leaders can do to finally make their words stick.In this episode, we dive into why most corporate communication misses the mark, what truly captures audiences’ attention, and how leaders can trans
Turning Small Stories into Big Strategy: Insights from Shawn Callahan
Shawn Callahan, founder of Anecdote International and author of the award-winning book Putting Stories to Work, joins the show to reveal how story listening, not just storytelling can transform corporate culture and strategy, and why the best stories in business aren’t heroic sagas but small, authentic moments that drive change.In this episode, we dig into how storytelling drives strategy and cult
The Red Thread of Relevance: Strategic Storytelling Lessons from Kendra Valentine
Kendra Valentine, story strategist and author of How to Pitch (Almost) Anything, joins the show to unpack how leading with your value rather than your credentials transforms the way you communicate, pitch, and build confidence in any room.In this episode, we dig into the real difference between good storytelling and truly strategic storytelling and why most professionals trip up when pitching them
Clear Communication Drives Change: Matt Armstrong-Barnes on Leadership, Stories, and AI
Matt Armstrong-Barnes, Group AI Practice Director at Servita and keynote speaker, joins the show to uncover why the real challenge of AI transformation isn’t just the technology, it’s the story leaders tell about it.In this episode, we dive into the art of translating complex technical ideas into clear, actionable strategies, exploring how jargon can alienate teams and how the right story brings e
Why Executives Lose Deals: The Left Brain Trap
Jeremy Connell-Waite, Global Communications Designer at IBM and author of "The 109 Rules of Storytelling," joins the show to reveal why smart executives fail at persuasion.In this conversation, we explore the data behind failed pitches. Jeremy shares how he coached an executive who was losing 4 out of 5 deals to competitors—despite being eloquent, experienced, and well-paid. By mapping every word
Why Personal Stories Sell Better Than Features
Lauren V. Davis, personal branding consultant and host of The Real Personal Branding Podcast, joins the show to reveal why the executives who say "I don't have any stories" are usually the ones holding everyone else's.In this conversation, we explore why connection beats credentials in building trust, how a financial advisor turned his mother's death into his most powerful client story, and why a
What "Be More Strategic" Actually Means (And How to Do It)
Charlie Curson, strategist and leadership coach with 25+ years advising companies like VISA, McDonald's, and Unilever, joins the show to break down what "being strategic" actually means.In this conversation, we explore why executives can't define the very thing they demand from their teams. Charlie shares the story of a 20-year operational veteran told he needed to "be more strategic"—but when Cha
The Chief Storytelling Officer: Why Every Company Needs a Story Guardian
Rain Bennett, award-winning filmmaker and fractional Chief Storytelling Officer, joins the show to discuss why storytelling isn't just marketing—it's strategy.In this conversation, we explore what a Chief Storytelling Officer actually does, how Nike used story listening to beat Adidas in the 1970s, and why misalignment kills trust faster than bad products. Rain shares his framework for building a
Trailer: Welcome to Chief Story Officer
Welcome to Chief Story Officer. In this quick trailer, host Rob D. Willis introduces the show: conversations with executives and thought leaders about how storytelling shifts strategy, wins buy-in, and drives results.Every episode delivers tactical frameworks, real examples, and specific moves you can apply immediately in your leadership communication.New episodes drop every two weeks. Subscribe n
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