Take Action

Think of one story—big or small—that has shaped your perspective. Share it with someone today, whether in person, in a journal, or on a platform. Your story could inspire someone else.

The Story

In their article Why Your Brain Needs Stories Kirk Cheyfitz and Liz Manne (October 2024) highlight what neuroscientists have discovered about the brain’s response to stories:

• Stories trigger dopamine release, a neurotransmitter tied to pleasure and reward, which enhances focus, motivation, and memory retention.
• Narratives activate prediction mechanisms, allowing the brain to simulate experiences and understand complex situations without direct exposure. This supports learning and better decision-making.
• Stories foster emotional intelligence by helping us process emotions and build empathy, strengthening social connections and understanding.

Storytelling is a powerful leadership tool to connect with others, inspire change, and drive meaningful action.

The disconnect

So why aren’t more people doing intentional reflection on their own stories and the stories of others?

I believe there is a disconnect in us understanding our own power.

Here is how I came to that conclusion:

I started my career with a simple, powerful goal: to help people find jobs where they could thrive. Workforce development was my first love.

Along the way, I met hundreds of individuals who felt stuck in unfulfilling jobs. I also stayed in jobs way longer than I should have. These interactions taught me a crucial lesson: finding meaning is just as important as finding a job. My work in nonprofits, federal contracting, economic and business development confirmed this. I worked with many leaders and saw how they created different environments. At the same time, I saw many of them struggling to find purpose themselves. Their lack of personal meaning had a deep impact on everyone around them.

It became clear: when businesses and leaders thrive, they empower others to do the same. And since small businesses are the cornerstone of our society, if these businesses aren’t thriving, there are no jobs.

This realization fueled my desire to help leaders and entrepreneurs. At first, I believed that access to resources was the only key to success. But I soon realized that growth needs more than tools. It starts with understanding how to use our unique strengths by reflecting on our experiences. Then, we must use them to fuel transformation. It also means learning from the stories of others. This means more of us need to be open to sharing our experiences.

However, many people feel they have nothing to share. Some feel that others don’t value their stories and block access. Others feel like they’re building with blinders on. They haven’t seen examples of success in areas that matter to them. Many lack the courage and direction to even start. Without a sense of purpose and clarity, progress stalls. Information fills the world, but that’s not enough if you don’t know how to harness it.

Your story matters.

Stories connect and teach. They build communities where real growth happens. They help people not feel alone in a world that is both connected and lonely. They give purpose and direction, for your future self or others. Without a clear goal, any path will do, and growth is impossible. However, you never know how your story can not only shine a light on your right path but also change someone’s life for the better.

With these insights, I set out to connect people to resources to help them thrive and platforms to amplify their voices. I firmly believe in the power of community to connect. But my primary goal is to inspire others to innovate and transform. I care about this because I wish I had found that courage earlier in my own journey. Now I firmly believe we all have an innovator inside us.

I currently lead business incubators and consult owners to help them create opportunities. I work with amazing community leaders who tirelessly drive change and enable growth for others. By combining resources with the power of storytelling and community, I’ve helped countless individuals and businesses unlock their potential. I typically did these things very quietly or in small groups because that felt authentic. I now realize I was ignoring my own advice to others – that there is power in sharing your story.

This is why I am challenging myself to share more about my own experiences.

It is also why I will share lessons from the stories of the amazing people I engage with.

💡And – this is why I am encouraging you to do the same.

Call to Action: If you want to grow, share your story and take the time to really learn from others.

Someone needs to hear your story and experience your vision.

That dream that kept you up at night that you still haven’t started?

The world needs to hear it and see it.

Together, by sharing our stories and collaborating, we can turn the possibility of thriving into a shared reality.

And “together” is the key word!