Description

In this Leadership Story Talks debrief, Jerome and Julienne reflect on what they learned from their very first Leadership Story Talks LIVE.

What begins as a conversation about a technical glitch quickly becomes a deeper exploration of trust, vulnerability, leadership, and what it really means to “show up” when things don’t go according to plan. A brief moment of on-air chaos—barely two minutes in real time—felt enormous in the moment, yet invisible to much of the audience. That contrast becomes a powerful lesson in perception, presence, and resilience.

Rather than stopping the show or striving for perfection, Jerome and Julienne chose to move forward—relying on preparation, partnership, and mutual trust. Listening first, staying human, and allowing imperfection to become part of the story.

This moment of vulnerability unexpectedly created safety for the storytellers themselves. When something went “wrong,” it gave everyone else permission to relax, let go of scripts, and trust their own voices.

You’ll Hear:

• What "Live" Really Means — Julienne shares the internal experience of being suddenly alone on screen, and how slowing down, grounding herself, and trusting the process made all the difference.
• Two Minutes That Felt Like Forever — Jerome reflects on how time distorts under stress, and how rewatching the episode revealed how little the audience actually perceived.
• Trust as a Leadership Decision — A pivotal moment where Jerome chooses not to stop the livestream, but instead trusts Julienne to carry the moment—illustrating what real leadership looks like under pressure.
• Preparation vs. Perfection — Why deep preparation allows for flexibility, presence, and grace when plans inevitably fall apart.
• What Imperfection Makes Possible — How the glitch reassured storytellers that they didn’t need to be flawless to be powerful—and that being real matters more than being polished.
• The Power of Not Explaining Everything — A reflection on how a personal story can communicate trust, credibility, and professional identity without spelling it out.
• “You’re Not Alone” — A reminder that while telling a story can feel solitary, the right listening space ensures no one carries it alone.

This debrief is a living example of the core belief behind Leadership Story Talks: meaningful connection doesn’t come from getting it right—it comes from staying present when things go wrong. When leaders model trust, vulnerability, and responsiveness in real time, they don’t lose credibility. They build it.

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
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/company/narativ-inc
TWITTER @narativ

Buy Julienne’s book here