In this debrief episode of Leadership Story Talks, hosts Julienne Ryan and Jerome Deroy reflect on their conversation with Sascha Schick, a former corporate executive turned startup leader. Sascha’s journey from a high-powered corporate role to launching Any Help Now was inspired by a deeply personal moment with his son—a turning point that led him to rethink his priorities and embrace a new entrepreneurial path.
This episode delves into the power of personal stories in leadership, the importance of feedback, and how origin stories shape company culture and individual career paths.
You’ll Hear:
- The Power of Honest Feedback – How Sascha’s young son’s simple yet profound request changed his career trajectory and reinforced the importance of listening.
- The Role of Personal Stories in Leadership – Why leaders should embrace and share their personal experiences to foster connection and drive change.
- Beyond the Founder Story – How employees at all levels can create and share their own narratives to align with and enhance a company’s mission.
- Building Stronger Teams through Storytelling – How organizations can move beyond ‘us vs. them’ mentalities by creating space for shared experiences and dialogue.
- Storytelling as a Tool for Career Growth – How finding and articulating your own story can help you gain clarity, build confidence, and navigate career transitions.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace Feedback as a Gift – Sometimes the most impactful insights come from unexpected sources, like Sascha’s son, who helped him see his work-life balance in a new light.
- Everyone Has an Origin Story – Whether you’re a founder, a new hire, or a seasoned employee, your personal connection to your work is just as valuable as a company’s founding story.
- Stories Create Stronger Teams – Sharing personal experiences builds understanding and fosters collaboration, breaking down barriers between departments and leadership levels.
- Storytelling Enhances Communication – A well-told story can provide context, shift assumptions, and make workplace conversations more effective and engaging.
- Take the Leap of Faith – Whether it's starting a new venture or rethinking your role within a company, stepping outside your comfort zone often leads to the most meaningful growth.
For those looking to harness the power of storytelling in leadership and career development, this episode offers rich insights and actionable ideas.
Narativ’s online course in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus:
Lead With Your Story (self-paced, on-demand course)
Podcast listeners get 25% off - Use code NARATIV → Register Here
Learn more about how to leverage Narativ’s storytelling method for your pitch and sales team: Download our free e-book, or you’re welcome to schedule a free 15-minute call with Jerome.
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EMAIL Jerome@narativ.com
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TWITTER @narativ
Buy Julienne’s book here
